cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A gel probe equilibrium sampler for measuring arsenic porewater profiles and sorption gradients in sediments: I. Laboratory development.

A gel probe equilibrium sampler has been developed to study arsenic (As) geochemistry and sorption behavior in sediment porewater. The gels consist of a hydrated polyacrylamide polymer, which has a 92% water content. Two types of gels were used in this study. Undoped (clear) gels were used to measure concentrations of As and other elements in sediment porewater. The polyacrylamide gel was also doped with hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), an amorphous iron (Fe) oxyhydroxide. When deployed in the field, HFO-doped gels introduce a fresh sorbent into the subsurface thus allowing assessment of in situ sorption. In this study, clear and HFO-doped gels were tested under laboratory conditions to constrain the gel behavior prior to field deployment. Both types of gels were allowed to equilibrate with solutions of varying composition and re-equilibrated in acid for analysis. Clear gels accurately measured solution concentrations (±1%), and As was completely recovered from HFO-doped gels (±4%). Arsenic speciation was determined in clear gels through chromatographic separation of the re-equilibrated solution. For comparison to speciation in solution, mixtures of As(III) and As(V) adsorbed on HFO embedded in gel were measured in situ using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Sorption densities for As(III) and As(V) on HFO embedded in gel were obtained from sorption isotherms at pH 7.1. When As and phosphate were simultaneously equilibrated (in up to 50-fold excess of As) with HFO-doped gels, phosphate inhibited As sorption by up to 85% and had a stronger inhibitory effect on As(V) than As(III). Natural organic matter (>200 ppm) decreased As adsorption by up to 50%, and had similar effects on As(V) and As(III). The laboratory results provide a basis for interpreting results obtained by deploying the gel probe in the field and elucidating the mechanisms controlling As partitioning between solid and dissolved phases in the environment.
Elemental analyses of chars isolated from a biomass gasifier fly ash

Processing of pine wood chips in a pilot-scale downdraft gasifier generated a carbon-rich fly ash as a byproduct. Studies on biomass-derived fly ashes have generally focused on their direct characterisation, as generated, to develop options for utilisation or disposal. Analogous to studies on coal-derived fly ashes, strategies were applied here to assess the feasibility of isolating chars for value-added applications and to determine their elemental compositions relative to that for the feedstock. The inorganic ash content of the biomass-derived fly ash was 48.4%. Sieving followed by washing with deionized water afforded large char particles (>10 mesh) with an ash content of only 3.59%. A subsequent acid treatment reduced the ash content to 1.55%; further demineralization treatments to obtain lower ash contents were deemed impractical. Elemental analyses showed calcium was the most abundant inorganic element in the feedstock, fly ash, and water-washed char. The apparent removal of calcium carbonate by the acid treatment afforded a char in which potassium was the most abundant element. Results suggested that the chars surviving gasification may function as adsorbents in situ for elements that are volatile under the conditions of gasification.
Interaction between Nef and INI1/SMARCB1 augments replicability of HIV-1 in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

A central feature of HIV-1 infection is the inability of entering virus to integrate into chromosomes of resting T lymphocytes unless they are mitogenically activated. In contrast, SIVpbj1.9 replicates in initially resting T lymphocytes by activating infected cells. Previous reports have shown that a difference in Nef-mediated T cell activation between HIV-1 and SIVpbj1.9 plays a critical role in the differing abilities of these viruses to replicate in resting lymphocytes. However, the molecular details of these differences are still unclear. Here, we show that infection with a chimeric virus, HSIVnef, which harbors the 5′ 308 nucleotides of SIVpbj1.9 nef in place of the 5′ 221 nucleotides of HIV-1 nef in the HIV-1 proviral backbone, resulted in integration of the provirus into host chromosomes without mitogenic activation and thereby replication in resting human PBMCs (hPBMCs). These results indicate that Nef is an essential viral determinant for the integration of provirus into host chromosomes in resting T cells. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified integrase interactor-1 (INI1/SMARCB1) as a cellular factor that is involved in the integration process via interaction with Nef. Although INI1 interacted with both SIVpbj1.9 and HIV-1 Nefs, SIVpbj1.9 Nef, but not HIV-1 Nef, enhanced proviral integration into host DNA. Furthermore, mutational analysis revealed that the basic-amino-acid-rich amino-terminal domain in SIVpbj1.9 Nef is crucial for interaction with INI1 and virus replication in resting hPBMCs. Taken together, these data indicate that Nef is a critical viral protein for incorporating nascent proviral DNA into host chromosomes in resting PBMCs and that this occurs through interaction with INI1. This elucidates the basis for replication of the integrated provirus when the host cell is in a resting state.
Workshop - Industrial Robotics

The robotics workshop consists of a tutorial and a discussion. The workshop objectives are to provide both the comprehensive fundamentals of robot technology and the WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and HOW of its applications and limitations.Industrial robots are considered to be a principal tool to improve manufacturing productivity and product quality during the 80's and beyond. They are one of the key ingredients in revitalization of the manufacturing operations throughout the U.S. The fundamentals of the technology must be understood, the technical features evaluated and properly planned to achieve maximum productivity gains. The application of robots to new and more challenging tasks is increasing as robots are getting smarter with increased computer control and advances in the tactile and visual senses. During this decade the robot industry is projected to grow from a level of approximately $100 million to $2 billion. The robot technology is expected to impact all aspects of our business - management, engineering, manufacturing, finance, and educational needs.
Acceptance of the Mineralogical Society of America Roebling Medal for 2008

Mr. President, Members and Guests: When I received President Barbara Dutrow’s telephone call in Rome, my first reaction was to wonder what on earth were the Selection Committee thinking? I can name dozens of my contemporaries whose scientific accomplishments easily match mine. Certainly, Barb’s call quite took my mind off the business at hand, which was, of all things, amphibole nomenclature. I can only conclude that my supporters must have written extraordinarily eloquent letters on my behalf, and of course I thank them very much for doing so. I humbly and gratefully accept this award. The list of previous recipients of the Roebling Medal is awesome; one finds oneself in illustrious company. What most impressed a non-scientific friend when she checked the MSA web site was seeing the name Linus Pauling on the list of past recipients. Fortunately, she did not notice that only one of the sixty-nine recipients was a woman. Clearly, it’s time for change. I think all of us here really enjoy the science that we do, and wouldn’t have chosen any other vocation. It affords us tremendous satisfaction, lots of travel, is only occasionally tedious, and in practical terms it earns us a living. Not so many other professions offer all this. Most important is the opportunity our science provides to exercise one’s curiosity, and I suppose doing …
Open strings in background gauge fields

Some properties of open bosonic strings in a background abelian gauge field are investigated. We derive the equations of motion and effective action for the electromagnetic field, and discuss the effect of the field on the string spectrum and partition function.
Teaching Hebrew with the Aid of Computers: The Illinois Program

The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the pedagogical research on the teaching of Modern Hebrew conducted through the Department of Linguistics at the University of Illinois. The opportunity arose in 1973 to develop on the PLATO computer, perhaps the most advanced system of its type in the world (Hart, 1981), an extensive program of individualized computer-based instruction in modern Hebrew. It was obvious from the outset that
Changes in heparan sulfate correlate with increased glomerular permeability.

Changes in heparan sulfate correlate with increased glomerular permeability. The glomerular capillary wall functions as both a size-selective and charge-selective barrier. Heparan sulfate is known to be an important component of the charge-selective barrier to filtration of polyanions. We studied the alterations in both the charge and size selectivity barriers in a model of experimental membranous nephropathy in the rabbit. The fractional clearance of both charged and uncharged dextrans compared to inulin was measured. Sulfate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans was measured and the glomerular heparan sulfate was isolated and biochemically characterized. Membranous nephropathy in the rabbit was induced with daily injections of cationic bovine serum albumin. After three weeks of injection animals had 735 ± 196 mg/24 hours of protein excretion. There was no change in [ 35 S] incorporation in 24 hours by experimental animals, 440 ± 91 DPM/mg dry weight of glomeruli, N=9 versus 410 ± 98, N=11 in controls. The percentage of [ 35 S] incorporated into heparan sulfate versus chondroitin sulfate was decreased, 60% ± 3 versus 79% ± 2, P
The search for H-2 complementation affecting the anti-Thy-1 response in mice: a progress report.

It has been postulated that combinatorial la molecules of IAb/LAd hetero-zygotes are involved in the recognition of the Thy-1 alloantigens. These molecules could be considered the products of the complementary Ir-Thy-1 genes. In present studies, no complementation was found among 37 different H-2 heterozygous F1 hybrids except those carrying Iab/IAd haplotypes. However, in two instances involving hybrids carrying IAr alleles anti-Thy-1 responses were found to be better than expected. The possible mechanism(s) of such responses is currently under investigation.
Purification of α5β1 integrin by ligand affinity chromatography

This manuscript describes a detailed method for purification human of placental α5β1 integrin using ligand affinity chromatography. The method is a modification of that described by Pytela et al. (Meth Enzymol 1987 144: 474–489) but substitutes a 110 kD thermolysin fragment of fibronectin as the affinity ligand as well as including managanese in chromatography buffers to increase the affinity of α5β1 for the Arg-Gly-Asp site in fibronectin. Routinely, 250 µg of receptor can be isolated from the detergent extract of one placenta using this method. An optional Mono Q ion exchange chromatography purification step is also described.
Decreased Dislocation After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Larger Femoral Head Size and Posterior Capsular Repair

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of both a larger femoral head size and a posterior capsular repair would lead to a decreased incidence of dislocation following revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Two hundred forty-two consecutive revision THAs with posterolateral approach were performed between 2000 and 2005. Group 1 had 132 revision THAs with posterolateral approach and 28-mm head size without posterior capsule repair. Group 2 had 100 revision THAs with a 32-mm head size and repair of the remaining hip capsule. There were no statistically significant differences in the two groups. Group 1 had 14 dislocations (10.6%). Group 2 had 3 dislocations (2.7%) (P < .05). Based on the results of this retrospective review, the authors recommend the use of both larger femoral head sizes and repair of any posterior capsular tissue available in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty.
Elementary Particle Theory of Composite Particles

Any nonrelativistic theory may be rewritten by introducing fictitious elementary particles with arbitrary properties. No physical predictions are affected, provided that the interaction part of the Hamiltonian is correspondingly modified. The fictitious elementary particle provides a good representation of a real composite particle if the modified interaction is sufficiently weakened for perturbation theory to work. It corresponds to a truly elementary particle with infinite bare mass, and hence with $Z=0$. We show how the latter condition yields a sum rule for the coupling of a composite particle to its constituents as a function of energy. The sum rule can be used to evaluate such coupling constants as that for the proton-electron-hydrogen vertex. The mathematical method used is that developed by Schmidt for the study of the Fredholm equation, and corresponds to the extraction of a single factor from the full Fredholm determinant.
On Invariant Measures and Ergodic Theorems for Positive Operators

Abstract Ergodic theorems and the existence of a finite invariant measure are investigated for a positive linear operator T on L1 of a σ-finite measure satisfying supN ⩾ 1∥N−1 Σn = 0N − 1 Tn∥
High‐Latitude Measurements of Ionospheric Scintillation Using the NSTB

: Recent analysis of GPS data collected by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) National Satellite Test Bed (NSTB) indicates that several occurrences of ionospheric scintillation were observed over Alaska on August 6 and 27, 1998. These events coincided with magnetic storms documented by the National Geophysical Data Center. During this period, a specialized L1 GPS receiver designed to monitor scintillation was colocated with the NSTB reference station at Fairbanks, Alaska. This configuration provides data from two different types of receivers: codeless dual-frequency reference measurements (survey grade) and high-bandwidth scintillation monitoring. The primary goal of this investigation was to determine the effect of scintillation on both single- and dual-frequency users in the auroral zone. The work included estimating the correlation between measured scintillation events and GPS receiver performance. Additionally, the worst-case spatial extent of the scintillation phenomenon was estimated by analyzing the distribution of highly active ionospheric pierce points at the F-layer (≅ 350 km altitude).
Lack of decreased contractility in hearts from atherosclerotic rabbits

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that the contractility of isolated heart muscle removed from rabbits made hypercholesterolemic is decreased. As part of a study evaluating the effects of high-lipid diets on aortic atherosclerosis, we evaluated the contractility of perfused rabbit hearts. Six rabbits were placed on a high-lipid diet for 3 months with cholesterol levels rising to 1700 ± 400 mg %. After they were killed, their hearts were studied in an isolated, perfused, working heart apparatus at 37° C. Control animals included six rabbits matched for age, six rabbits matched for weight, and six young rabbits. Measurements were made of developed pressure, maximum dP/dt, oxygen extraction, oxygen consumption, and coronary blood flow. There were no significant differences between the contractile parameters of hearts from any group. Since previous studies were conducted with isolated heart muscle at a lower temperature, it may be that hypercholesterolemic effects on membranes may have led to the previous findings of reduced contractility. Our results suggest that hypercholesterolemia, per se, does not decrease cardiac contractility in the rabbit fed a high-lipid diet.
Design of transitions for cylindrical reactor fuel element end caps

Abstract End closure design for reactor fuel elements must account for the transition in materials, geometry, and thermal conditions. In this paper, a method of analysis and numerical results are presented which apply to the designing of closures of cylindrical fuel elements. The significance and application to end cap design of the results of a series of parametric studies for bending and shear stresses in transitions having various heights, lengths, shapes, and thickness-to-radius ratios are discussed.
Preparation and Molecular Structure of the Unconventional Tantalum Chloride Complex [(eta(5)-C(9)H(7))(2)TaCl(2)][TaCl(6)].

The addition of 1-(Bu3Sn)C9H7 to a dichloromethane suspension of TaCl5 results in the red crystalline species [(η5-C9H7)2TaCl2][TaCl6]. This unique compound represents a rare example of a Ta(V) ind...
Urolithiasis in Pediatric Patients: A Single Center Study of Incidence, Clinical Presentation and Outcome

Purpose: The incidence of kidney stones in adults has increased in the last 30 years. This retrospective, single site review was done to test the hypotheses that the incidence of urolithiasis in pediatric patients increased from 1994 to 2005, and that metabolic abnormalities were more common in patients with renal stones in the final 3 years of the study period.Materials and Methods: Charts from 2 time periods were reviewed, 1994 to 1996 (period 1) and 2003 to 2005 (period 2). Clinical and laboratory data, including demographics, presenting complaints, laboratory assessment, treatment and outcome, were tabulated in patients with confirmed urolithiasis.Results: The number of patients with urolithiasis increased from 7 in period 1 to 61 in period 2. When expressed as cases per 100 new patients the incidence increased 4.6 times (p = 0.014). Focusing on period 2, 28% of patients were younger than 10 years. While blood tests were generally normal, 76% of patients had at least 1 abnormality in the 24-hour urine...
Influence of the State of Molecular Aggregation on the Enzymic Hydrolysis of Arylsulfate Esters

While the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of potassium dichloronaphthyl sulfate is considerably enhanced when the substrate is bound to the surface of a micelle-forming surfactant, the enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of this substrate exhibits a marked overall inhibition when the substrate is bound to the same surfactant. A plot of the rate of enzymic hydrolysis of that fraction of the substrate bound to the surfactant micelle versus surfactant concentration exhibits a sharp maximum. It is postulated that this maximum can be attributed to a gross change in the composition or structure of the surfactant-substrate micelle, such that the required “fit” of the bound substrate on the enzyme surface is sterically blocked. This “critical” surfactant concentration is also evidenced by an abrupt change in the extent of substrate-surfactant interaction under similar conditions. The rate of hydronium ion-catalyzed hydrolysis of potassium dichloronaphthyl sulfate bound to the same surfactant exhibits no such maximum.
Generation and fate of nondecarboxylating acyloxy radicals derived from the photolysis of acyl derivatives of N-hydroxy-2-thiopyridone

Abstract The acyl derivatives of 1 with the acyl group linked to aryl, vinyl etc. give on photolysis carboxy radicals. These radicals, by attack on the thiopyridone function, afford thio-peresters which are the real precursors of the anhydrides observed before. The benzoyloxy radical from 2 can be trapped by ethylvinyl ether to give adduct 14 in promising yield.
The Effect of Religious Service Attendance on Race Differences in Depression: Findings from the EHDIC-SWB Study

In the EHDIC-SWB study, African-Americans are less likely to have depression than non-Hispanic whites. Religious service attendance is one possible explanation because studies have shown an inverse relationship between religious service attendance and depression. We examined the relationship between race, religious service attendance, and depression in 835 African-American and 573 non-Hispanic white adults aged 18 and older in the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities-Southwest Baltimore (EHDIC-SWB) study. Religious service attendance was measured according to participants’ response to “how often do you attend religious services?” Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. African-Americans attended religious services more frequently than non-Hispanic whites, and had a lower percentage of depression (10.1% vs. 15.4%; p-value <0.05). After adjusting for the demographic variables and health-related characteristics, African-Americans displayed lower odds of having depression (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47–0.97) compared to non-Hispanic whites. However, when including religious service attendance in the model, we found race differences in depression (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.52–1.11) were no longer significant. We concluded that among individuals living in a low-income, integrated urban environment, race disparities in depression were eliminated after accounting for race differences in religious service attendance. This suggests religious service attendance may serve as a protective factor against depression for African-Americans.
DIVORCED PARENTS AND ADOLESCENT GIRLS: THE BOUNCING BALL

In clinical work with divorced families and children, the continuing unfolding of developmental and familial issues has been observed over the spectrum of many years. While custody disputes soon after a divorce often reflect a playing out of control battles and ambivalence between the parents, changes in residence that occur during adolescence, years after a divorce, are seen as reflecting ongoing parental conflicts as well as phase specific adolescent developmental and divorce-related factors. Theoretical issues that deal with the resolution of adolescent developmental tasks in divorced families are explored and clinical experiences with these adolescent girls whose parents divorced during their earlier years are presented.
Acquisition of leverpressing without assistance by rats maintained on interval and ratio schedules

Rats can acquire a leverpressing response reinforced with food according to continuous or differential reinforcement of low rate schedules without experimenter assistance. In the present study, acquisition of responding without assistance on fixed- and variable-interval and fixed-and variable-ratio schedules was examined. The intervals employed were 30 and 180 sec, and the ratio requirement was 10 responses per reinforcer. Fourteen of 15 rats on the interval schedules acquired and maintained leverpressing, while only 2 of 8 rats on the ratio schedules did so.
Perfluorocycloalkyl(aryl) diazenes from heptafluoronitrosocyclobutane and nonafluoronitrosocyclopentane

Abstract The perfluoronitrosocycloalkanes, heptafluoronitrosocyclobutane and nonafluoronitrosocyclopentane, are convenient precursors to a family of new perfluorocycloalkyl(aryl) diazenes. With aniline and o -aminobenzamide, CF 2 (CF 2 ) x C FNN C(CH) 4 C H and CF 2 (CF 2 ) x C FNN C(CH) 4 C C(O)NH 2 (x = 2,3) are formed. Additionally, heptafluoronitrosocyclobutane gives CF 2 (CF 2 ) 2 C FNN CCFCFCHCFC F and CF 2 (CF 2 ) 2 C FNN C(CH) 4 C NH 2 with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroaniline and o -phenylenediamine
The Hispanic HIV Epidemic

The Hispanic population in the U.S. has been dramatically affected by the HIV epidemic. The impact not only is related to the infection itself and its complications, but also is driven by social factors that lead to increased disparity in health-care access and cultural modeling and to increased social stigma, which leads to marginalization and exacerbates the existing gaps in medical care. Hispanics infected with HIV more frequently receive delayed diagnoses and more often present with AIDS, concomitant opportunistic infections, or coinfections related to their country of origin. The unique characteristics that define the HIV epidemic in Hispanics need further analysis in order to identify new opportunities to improve linkage to health care, increase efficacy in health-care provision, and decrease social disparities related to the Hispanic population.
Managing high potentials in Europe: Some cross-cultural findings

How do European firms define high-potential employees, how do they identify and select them, how do they develop them, what problems arise in managing them, and are there differences in different European countries? In 1985, the author put these five questions to 60 companies in France, Germany, Britain, Sweden and Switzerland, and in this article he reports on the methods of assessment and evaluation, training and development practices on and off the job, and offers some insights into the corporate skulduggery employed by supervisors trying to retain high performing subordinates, or create the impression that non-high performers should be promoted as if they were high performers'. If managing high performers is not without problems, these do vary from one country to another in relation to cultural factors. These aspects are analysed in detail, with the conclusion that they are the dominant influence on differences in practice in managing high performance.
Probabilistic radiative transfer: Mean number of scatterings

Abstract Integral relations are formulated for the mean numbers of scatterings for escaping and for non-escaping photons. Numerical solutions are obtained and discussed for cases of transfer through finite and semi-infinite atmospheres. The association between these functions and the source function is also discussed.
Tensin1 Requires Protein Phosphatase-1α in Addition to RhoGAP DLC-1 to Control Cell Polarization, Migration, and Invasion

Tensin is a family of multidomain scaffold proteins that bind the cytoplasmic tail of β-integrins and localize to adhesions that anchor stress fibers in cells. Tensin expression is suppressed in cancer, especially metastatic cancer. The N-terminal domain of tensin1 associates with protein phosphatase-1α (PP1α) and mediates PP1α localization to adhesions. Here, we show F302A mutation in a KVXF motif of tensin1 abrogates binding to PP1α. The SH2 domain in tensin family member c-ten requires R474 to bind a RhoGAP called DLC-1 (deleted in liver cancer). We mutated the corresponding residue in tensin1, R1488A, and showed this reduces association with DLC-1. Unexpectedly, tensin1 F302A also had reduced association with DLC-1. Expression of tensin1 F302A or R1488A showed similar dominant phenotypes, with reduced cell polarization, lowered MLC20 phosphorylation and reduced levels of RhoA(GTP) compared with cells expressing tensin1 WT. However, migration and invasion of metastatic MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells were differentially affected by tensin1 mutated at F302A or R1488A. Cancer cells stably expressing F302A tensin1 showed increased migration and invasion compared with cells stably expressing either R1488A tensin1 or WT tensin1. This suggests that PP1α bound to tensin1 has additional effects in reducing migration and invasion that are not mediated through DLC-1. Our results show the importance of PP1α binding to tensin1 for the regulation of cell polarization, migration, and invasion.
Software Considerations for Microprocessors

For computers of all sizes, software has become a critical element in systems design and implementation. As dramatically as the costs of hardware have dropped, the labor-intensive costs of software have risen. In addition, there are no widely accepted and practiced techniques for controlling and estimating software development and manufacturing (size) costs, or forecasting software capability and reliability. To be sure, these problems are being addressed by software engineering, but today that is still a very primitive discipline in comparison with other computer engineering fields.
A note on fuzzy conditional expectation

In this note we use the Extension Theorem to define conditional probability for fuzzy sets of probability measures and variables. Although the measures themselves are not fuzzy, we define conditional expectation with respect to a fuzzy set of probability measures defined on the same σ-algebra. Likewise, the variable whose conditional expectation is taken constitutes a fuzzy set of random varianbles measurable with respect to the σ-algebra on which the probability measures are defined. The values of the variables upon which we condition are fuzzy sets of real numbers. The procedure is illustrated with an example using the Gaussian distribution.
Host behavior : its influence on the feeding success of mosquitoes.

Evidence is presented that the defensive (antimosquito) behavior of certain vertebrates successfully prevents attracted mosquitoes from feeding. Although patterns of feeding have generally been ascribed to the preferences of mosquitoes, our findings suggest that host behavior plays an important role in determining the blood sources of mosquitoes in nature, and thereby, in the epidemiology of mosquito-borne disease.
A “Sample-and-Hold” Pulse-Counting Integrator as a Mechanism for Graded Memory Underlying Sensorimotor Adaptation

The mechanisms behind the induction of cellular correlates of memory by sensory input and their contribution to meaningful behavioral changes are largely unknown. We previously reported a graded memory in the form of sensorimotor adaptation in the electromotor output of electric fish. Here we show that the mechanism for this adaptation is a synaptically induced long-lasting shift in intrinsic neuronal excitability. This mechanism rapidly integrates hundreds of spikes in a second, or gradually integrates the same number of spikes delivered over tens of minutes. Thus, this mechanism appears immune to frequency-dependent fluctuations in input and operates as a simple pulse counter over a wide range of time scales, enabling it to transduce graded sensory information into a graded memory and a corresponding change in the behavioral output. This adaptation is based on an NMDA receptor-mediated change in intrinsic excitability of the postsynaptic neurons involving the Ca2+-dependent activation of TRP channels.
Kinetics and self-ordering of excitations in low dimensions

Abstract Diffusion-limited reaction kinetics becomes anomalous not only for fractals, with their anomalous diffusion, but also for low-dimensional (one and two) and disperse media, where the random walk is compact. We focus on annihilation, recombination and trapping reactions under non-equilibrium steady state (steady source) or batch (big bang) conditions. The typical reactions are: A + A → Products, A + B → Products and A + T → T + Products. We are interested in the global rate laws, and their relation to particle-particle distributions (e.g., pair-correlation and nearest-neighbor distribution functions) and in local rate laws (if definable). Anomalous reaction kinetics (more than classical kinetics) is particularly sensitive to initial conditions, source term structure, conservation laws (e.g., equal densities for A and B), excluded volume effects, and medium size, dimensionality and anisotropy. Analytical formalisms, scaling arguments, computer (and supercomputer) simulations and experiments (on chemical and physical reactions) all play an important role in the newly emerging picture.
Polyketone Synthesis Involving Nucleophilic Substitution via Carbanions Derived from Bis(α-amino nitrile)s. 2.1 Wholly Aromatic Polyketones without Ether Linkages

To address the insolubility problem of polyketones, we used a new approach to high molecular weight wholly aromatic polyketones without ether linkages via soluble precursors derived from isophthaldehyde-based amino nitriles.1 High molecular weight, soluble poly(amino nitrile)s 2 were synthesized from the anions of these bis(amino nitrile)s 1 and 4,4‘-difluorobenzophenone using sodium hydride as base under mild reaction conditions. Hydrolysis of the poly(amino nitrile)s under acidic conditions yielded the corresponding polyketone, poly(p-phenylenecarbonyl-p-phenylenecarbonyl-m-phenylenecarbonyl) (3). This all aromatic polyketone, with an absence of ether linkages in the polymer backbone, displays excellent thermal properties and solvent resistivity. It is infusible and insoluble in most common organic solvents.
Local recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ after skin-sparing mastectomy.

Background The incidence of local recurrence (LR) after conventional total mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ranges from 1% to 3%. Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) preserves the native skin envelope to facilitate immediate breast reconstruction. Because DCIS is generally not clinically apparent, there is a potential for inadequate excision when SSM is performed. Risk factors for local recurrence after SSM for DCIS are examined. Study Design A retrospective review of 223 consecutive patients with DCIS treated by SSM and immediate reconstruction was performed. Age younger than 50 years, tumor size > 40 mm, high tumor grade, tumor necrosis, surgical margins Results Mean followup was 82.3 months (range 4.9 to 123.2 months). Recurrences developed in 11 patients (5.1%), including: local (n = 7; 3.3%), regional (n = 2; 0.9%), and distant (n = 2; 0.9%). All seven local recurrences were detected by physical examination. No patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. Two of 19 patients with surgical margins Conclusions The incidence of local recurrence of DCIS after SSM is similar to conventional total mastectomy. Reexcision of close margins should be performed if possible and adjuvant radiation therapy should be considered.
844 SUCCESSFUL TUMOR IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH CIMETIDINE BY AB-ROGATION OF SUPPRESSOR CELLS

Immunotherapy has generally been aimed at stimulation of the patient's anti-tumor immune response. Since tumor growth may be associated with development of suppressor cells which could undermine an otherwise effective anti-tumor immune response, we have reasoned that an alternative immunotherapeutic strategy is the inactivation of suppressor cells by pharmacologic means, thereby allowing a more effective host anti-tumor immune response. Suppressor cells have a histamine H2 receptor on their surface which can be blocked by the H2 antagonist cimetidine (C). We therefore studied the effect of C on 3LL tumor in C57B1/6 mice. Tumors were allowed to grow until 7.5 mm at which time they were surgically removed, and mice were randomized to control or C groups. The latter received C in their drinking water at 0.2, 2.0 or 10.0 mg/ml. The mice receiving 10 mg/ml C had a significant decrease in metastatic development (25 and 54 surface pulmonary metastases in control mice at 5 and 12 days after surgery; 6 and 16 in the C group, p<.01). C at all three dosages produced a significant prolongation in survival (p<.01 for 0.2 and 2.0 mg/ml groups; p<.001 for 10.0 mg/ml C group). These effects were associated with suppressor cell inactivation (47% suppression in control; 21% in 10 mg/ml C group). We conclude that C slows metastatic development and prolongs survival by abrogation of suppressor cells. This suggests that a similar immunotherapeutic approach in human neoplasia is appropriate.
Gamification of software engineering curriculum

Advances in computer gaming technology, digital game design, game engine development, mobile computing, and mobile software engineering, stimulated active research on gamification of processes and activities in "serious" areas such as education, learning, corporate training, management, administration, marketing, simulations of complex physical objects and phenomena, engineering, project management, Wellness, healthcare, chemistry, and other areas. The performed analysis of the current status of serious games' applications in industry clearly shows that it will soon need a significant number of well educated and highly skilled specialists in gamification of main business processes, including serious games' software engineers, analysts, designers, developers, testers, etc. The findings and outcomes of performed analysis motivated the authors — faculty and graduate student at Bradley University (Peoria, IL, U.S.A.) — to work collaboratively, propose a new approach and ways of gamification of software engineering curriculum.
Effect of a high-protein meal on gabapentin pharmacokinetics

The anticonvulsant gabapentin is transported across biological membranes via the L-amino acid transport system (System-L). Absorption of gabapentin is saturable, and in-vitro data have previously demonstrated that both L-leucine and L-phenylalanine may compete with the intestinal transport of gabapentin. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine whether a high-protein meal would interfere with gabapentin absorption. Ten healthy volunteers received in a randomized, cross-over design, a single 600-mg dose of gabapentin in the fasting state and after a high-protein meal consisting of 80 gm total protein (4.1 g phenylalanine, 8.2 g leucine and 4.2 g isoleucine), 52 g carbohydrate, and 9 g fat. Plasma gabapentin concentrations were measured by HPLC at baseline, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 30 h. Calculated pharmacokinetic parameters included Cmax' Tmax' AUC and T1/2. In addition, a pharmacodynamic assessment (using visual analog scales) of gabapentin-related adverse effects was performed at 2 h post drug ingestion and was compared between study phases. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test for paired data, with significance assigned at P < 0.05. Cmax was significantly increased by 36% (3.87 +/- 1.15 vs 5.28 +/- .97 micrograms/ml, P = 0.002), and Tmax tended to be shorter (3.9 +/- 1.8 vs 2.8 +/- .35 h, P = 0.10), after the high-protein meal. Although AUC was increased by 11%, this did not achieve statistical significance. Despite significantly higher plasma concentrations at 2 h, subjects reported significantly fewer adverse effects after the high-protein meal. Potential mechanisms to explain these unexpected findings may be that the large amino acid load delivered with the high-protein meal enhanced gabapentin absorption via trans-stimulation, the process by which acutely increased intestinal luminal amino acid concentrations result in an acute up regulation in System-L activity. Conversely, the decrease in perceived adverse CNS effects of gabapentin following the high-protein meal may reflect CNS competition for System-L transport.
Retention and changes of soy isoflavones and carotenoids in immature soybean seeds (Edamame) during processing.

Isoflavones and carotenoids in four experimental genotypes and Hutcheson cultivar soybeans were evaluated as a function of processing treatments and maturity. Total isoflavone and carotenoid contents were affected by genotypes and maturity stages (p < 0.0001). Total isoflavones ranged from 472 μg/g (in NTCPR93-40) to 2280 μg/g (in Hutcheson). Lutein contents ranged from 895 (in NTCPR93-286) to 2119 (in Honey Brown), and β-carotene ranged from 291 (in Hutcheson) to 491 (in NICPR92-40) μg/100 g. Mean total isoflavone retention percentages in immature Hutcheson soybeans were 46% (boiling), 53% (freezing), and 40% (freeze-drying). Mean retentions of lutein and β-carotene, respectively, were 92 and 73% in frozen, 62 and 62% in boiled, and 34 and 27% in freeze-dried soybeans. Boiling caused a substantial increase in daidzin, genistin, and genistein. The results show that post-harvest changes in total isoflavones and carotenoids in soybeans are influenced by processing methods, but genotype has an effect on isof...
Crystallization study of a thermoplastic polyimide (new‐TPI)

Crystallization, melting, and morphology of a thermoplastic polyimide (New-TPI) containing pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 3,3'-bis(4-aminophenoxy) biphenyl diamine (33BAPB) moieties have been studied. This material showed a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 250°C, an equilibrium melting temperature (T°m) of 406°C and a heat of fusion (ΔH) for 100% crystallinity of 6.38 kJ/mol. Measurements of the crystallization bulk rate (by DSC) and spherulite growth rate (by optical microscopy) indicated that the maximum crystallization temperature was about 320°C and the crystallization growth process was three-dimensional under thermal nucleation (the Avrami exponent n ca. 4). The rate of nucleation density was estimated to decrease with increasing temperature, and the product of two crystal surface free energies σeσo was calculated to be 1176 erg2/cm4. The meltgrown spherulite consistently showed a Maltese cross pattern with negative birefringence under cross-polars. The calculation of polarizability along the three unit cell axes suggested that the crystal b axis may be along the spherulite growth (radial) direction. Two scattering maxima were seen in small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) profiles. The dominant peak indicated a long period of ca. 20 nm which varied as a function of crystallization temperature. The weak peak at a d-spacing of 2.5 nm was independent of temperature and has been attributed to the chemical repeat distance determined by Okuyama et al. (indexed as 001). The lamellar thickness lc, estimated by the correlation function analysis of the SAXS data, was found to be similar to that determined by the Scherrer analysis of the 001 reflection peak. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Acquired long QT syndrome from stress cardiomyopathy is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes.

Background Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a syndrome of transient ventricular dysfunction triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, likely resulting from catecholamine-mediated myocardial toxicity. Repolarization abnormalities associated with other hyperadrenergic states can cause QT prolongation and lethal arrhythmia including torsades de pointes (TdP). Despite the development of repolarization abnormalities and QT prolongation in SCM, little is known about the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and TdP. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical predictors of ventricular arrhythmias in a cohort of patients with SCM. Methods Data from a registry of consecutive patients with SCM from 2 institutions were reviewed. Patients who developed VF or TdP were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed and compared with a control group of patients with SCM without VF/TdP. Results Of 93 patients with SCM, 8 (8.6%) experienced VF/TdP. Of these 8 patients, 2 presented with VF and were subsequently diagnosed with SCM. Six other patients experienced pause-dependent TdP or VF after SCM diagnosis in the setting of substantial QT prolongation. Prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) was significantly associated with the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (odds ratio 1.28 for each 10 ms increase in QTc, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 1.50). Conclusion SCM can be associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia in over 8% of cases. SCM should be recognized among the causes of acquired long QT syndrome and can be associated with a risk of TdP.
Dynamics of dysprosium silicide nanostructures on Si(001) and (111) surfaces

The growth and coarsening dynamics of dysprosium silicide nanostructures are observed in real-time using photoelectron emission microscopy. The annealing of a thin Dy film to temperatures in the range of 700–1050 °C results in the formation of epitaxial rectangular silicide islands and nanowires on Si(001) and triangular and hexagonal silicide islands on Si(111). During continuous annealing, individual islands are observed to coarsen via Ostwald ripening at different rates as a consequence of local variations in the size and relative location of the surrounding islands on the surface. A subsequent deposition of Dy onto the Si(001) surface at 1050 °C leads to the growth of the preexisting islands and to the formation of silicide nanowires at temperatures above where nanowire growth typically occurs. Immediately after the deposition is terminated, the nanowires begin to decay from the ends, apparently transferring atoms to the more stable rectangular islands. On Si(111), a low continuous flux of Dy at 1050 °C leads to the growth of kinked and jagged island structures, which ultimately form into nearly equilateral triangular shapes.
Ethnicity, sense of coherence, and tobacco use among adolescents.

Background: Prevention of youth smoking has great potential to improve the health of Americans. There is limited information about correlates of tobacco use among adolescents from ethnic minority groups, especially Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians.Purpose: This article examines the relationships among ethnicity, sense of coherence (SOC), and tobacco use.Methods: We conducted a baseline survey of a cluster randomized tobacco prevention trial in public middle schools in Hawaii with a multiethnic sample of 3,438 seventh-grade students.Results: Ethnic differences in smoking prevalence were very large, with high smoking rates among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, and Filipino students and with low rates among Japanese and Chinese students. Higher SOC scores predicted significantly lower risk of having ever smoked and of smoking in the past 30 days, SOC was most strongly related to ever smoking among Filipino, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and While students; Japanese students experienced the strongest protective effect from SOC for past-month smoking.Conclusions: The results suggest that SOC is strongly associated with tobacco use among this age group. It will be important to examine whether SOC can be improved by an intervention program and whether increases in SOC are associated with reduced smoking.
High-temperature electrochemical study of Na2O–MoO3 melts

Abstract Physical chemistry of the Na2O–MoO3 system was investigated using a high-temperature electrochemical cell with Na, β-alumina as the solid electrolyte. The reference electrode was a solid mixture of tungsten, tungsten sulfide and sodium sulfide. The cell may be expressed as the following: W(s) , WS 2 (s) ∣ Na + ∣ O 2 ( g ), Pt(s) Na 2 S(s) ∣ β-alumina ∣ Na 2 O–MoO 3 melt The activity of Na2O in the Na2O–MoO3 melt in the composition range from 50.87 to 92.18 mol% MoO3 and temperatures from 890 to 1230 K was determined using this cell. Partial molar enthalpies of mixing for Na2O in the melt were evaluated from the temperature dependence of the activity data using the Gibbs–Helmhotz equation. The values agree with those reported in the literature from calorimetric measurements. The activity of MoO3 in the melt as a function of the melt composition at various temperatures was also determined using the Gibbs–Duhem equation and the Na2O–MoO3 phase diagram.
Temperament of pre‐term infants at 9 months of age

Objective To compare temperament of pre-term infants without severe neurologic problems born at 34 weeks gestation or earlier with that of healthy, term infants at 9 months of age by maternal ratings and perceptions. We also compared temperament ratings at 9 months of age with ratings performed at 4 months of age to examine stability of temperament from 4 to 9 months of age. Sample When their infants were 9 months old, mothers of 34 pre-term and 40 term infants completed the Infant Temperament Questionnaire (ITQ). Methods The ITQ assesses temperament by maternal ratings of specific infant behavior and by mothers' more subjective perceptions of temperament. Results Mothers rated pre-term infants as having more negative mood (p = 0.003), being less adaptable (p = 0.01), more intense (p = 0.04) and as having a lower sensory threshold (p = 0.04). By maternal perceptions, 73% of term infants, compared with only 38% of pre-term infants, were described as ‘easier than average’ (p = 0.006). By comparing the ITQ ratings at 9 months with temperament ratings of the same children at 4 months of age, we found significant stability in all dimensions of temperament among term infants, but not among pre-term infants. Conclusions Pre-term infants without severe neurologic problems have a more difficult temperament at 9 months of age than term infants. Implications for practice Health care providers need to be aware that many pre-term children have difficult temperament, so that they may counsel parents about behavior issues more effectively.