cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of A/A'-dependencies on subject extraction with two types of infinitives in non-native Portuguese adult bilingualism:

Within generative L2 acquisition research there is a longstanding debate as to what underlies observable differences in L1/L2 knowledge/ performance. On the one hand, Full Accessibility approaches maintain that target L2 syntactic representations (new functional categories and features) are acquirable (e.g., Schwartz & Sprouse, 1996). Conversely, Partial Accessibility approaches claim that L2 variability and/or optionality, even at advanced levels, obtains as a result of inevitable deficits in L2 narrow syntax and is conditioned upon a maturational failure in adulthood to acquire (some) new functional features (e.g., Beck, 1998; Hawkins & Chan, 1997; Hawkins & Hattori, 2006; Tsimpli & Dimitrakopoulou, 2007). The present study tests the predictions of these two sets of approaches with advanced English learners of L2 Brazilian Portuguese (n = 21) in the domain of inflected infinitives. These advanced L2 learners reliably differentiate syntactically between finite verbs, uninflected and inflected infinitives, which, as argued, only supports Full Accessibility approaches. Moreover, we will discuss how testing the domain of inflected infinitives is especially interesting in light of recent proposals that Brazilian Portuguese colloquial dialects no longer actively instantiate them (Lightfoot, 1991; Pires, 2002, 2006; Pires & Rothman, 2009; Rothman, 2007).
Considerations of Noise for the Use of Compressed Speech in a Cockpit Environment

This research investigated the feasibility of using time compressed speech in a cockpit environment by examining the effect of cockpit noise on the intelligibility and comprehensibility of compressed speech. Research participants listened to cockpit-oriented verbal messages and were required to write them down afterwards. Results revealed a significant difference in compression levels between the environment without the ambient cockpit noise and the noise environment. The primary finding of this study was an interaction between noise and compression level. Implications of this research are made for the design of advanced crew systems.
An electrospray ion source for magnetic sector mass spectrometers

Electro spray mass spectra of carbonic anhydrase (MW ∼ 29000) and ovalbumin (MW ∼ 45000) were obtained on a double focusing magnetic secter mass spectrometer by using a single stage of mechanical pumping in the interface between atmospheric pressure and high vacuum. Full scan spectra of lysozyme were recorded on 15 fmoles consumed. In addition, accurate mass measurement was demonstrated for peptides and proteins, and resolution in excess of 10,000 (m /△m, 10% valley) was observed. These results clearly show that high performance magnetic sector mass spectrometers can be advantageously interfaced to an atmospheric pressure electrospray ion source.
Aging and enzyme induction: Effect on chemically-induced DNA repair in non-proliferating Fischer F344 rat hepatocytes

Several studies indicate that cancer and other diseases increase as an animal ages. The reasons for these observations are unclear and some have suggested that accumulation of DNA damage and the ability to remove that damage may be responsible. The purpose of this study has been to measure the effect of aging and enzyme induction on the genotoxicity of four carcinogens, representing four different classes of chemicals, in the in vitro rat hepatocyte/DNA repair assay. Hepatocyte cultures were isolated from untreated young male Fischer (F344) rats and old male F344 rats which were either untreated or Aroclor-induced (ARO). Cultures from the untreated old rats, exposed to 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), exhibited age-dependent decreases in DNA excision repair of 75%, 49%, 40% and 48%, respectively, when compared to untreated young rats. In contrast, cultures from ARO-induced old rats exhibited significant increases in DNA repair of 78%, 43%, 54% and 44% with 2-AAF, AFB1, DMBA and DMN, respectively, when compared to results from untreated old F344 rats. These data indicate that the observed age-dependent decrease in DNA excision repair in the untreated old F344 rats may not be directly related to the DNA repair process, but to the levels of hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes responsible for the conversion of potentially toxic chemicals to DNA damaging species.
A New Approach to Decomposition of Nitric Oxide Using Sorbent/Catalyst without Reducing Gas: Use of Heteropoly Compounds

Effective decomposition of NO to N[sub 2] in flue gas can be accomplished by a two-step approach using sorbent/catalyst. No reducing gas is needed. A heteropoly compound, H[sub 3]PW[sub 12]O[sub 40][center dot][sub 6]H[sub 2]O, is used as the sorbent/catalyst in this study. At a space velocity of 5,000 h[sup [minus]1], 70% of NO in a simulated flue gas is absorbed in the fixed bed at 150 C. Upon heating the NO-saturated bed to 450 C (at 150 C/min), 68.3% of the absorbed NO is decomposed into N[sub 2]. Based on the results of fixed-bed NO absorption and TGA and IR analyses, the absorption of NO is a bulk reaction where the six H[sub 2]O, linkages in the secondary structure are substituted by three NO linkages, and the Keggin structure (primary structure) is preserved. X-ray diffraction data show that the spatial arrangement in the secondary structure is also preserved with a 5% reduction in the lattice constant. O[sub 2] and H[sub 2]O are needed for NO absorption. SO[sub 2] and CO[sub 2] have no effects on either absorption or decomposition. The basic rationale for the two-step approach is to concentrate NO from flue gas concentrations (hundreds of ppm) into a bulkmore » solid phase (where the NO partial pressure is of the order of 1 atm) thereby taking advantage of the kinetic law of catalyzed NO decomposition (which is either first or second order with respect to NO partial pressure).« less
Faraday photorefractive effect in a diluted magnetic semiconductor.

The Faraday photorefractive effect is demonstrated by combining photorefractive two-beam coupling with Faraday rotation in Cd1–xMnxTe, a diluted magnetic semiconductor. Two-wave mixing is monitored as a function of incident-beam polarization and magnetic-field strength with the grating vector parallel to a 〈111〉 axis. The photorefractive gain is an oscillatory function of the magnetic field. The magnetic field controls the direction and magnitude of photorefractive energy transfer by rotating the polarization inside the crystal.
A review of personality factors in parents of gifted children and their families: Implications for research

The relationship between personality traits of parents of gifted children and their families to perceived personality development and adjustment was reviewed. Little research has been conducted on personality traits of the parents of the gifted and how these may relate to the personality development of the children themselves. An issue still left unanswered in the recent research is the origin of the unique personality characteristics of gifted children. Are these children learning these characteristics from the parents' approach to child rearing, or are they genetically endowed? More research is necessary to draw definite conclusions.
Cardiac Myosin Light Chain Kinase Is Necessary for Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation and Cardiac Performance in Vivo

In contrast to studies on skeletal and smooth muscles, the identity of kinases in the heart that are important physiologically for direct phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) is not known. A Ca2+/calmodulin-activated myosin light chain kinase is expressed only in cardiac muscle (cMLCK), similar to the tissue-specific expression of skeletal muscle MLCK and in contrast to the ubiquitous expression of smooth muscle MLCK. We have ablated cMLCK expression in male mice to provide insights into its role in RLC phosphorylation in normally contracting myocardium. The extent of RLC phosphorylation was dependent on the extent of cMLCK expression in both ventricular and atrial muscles. Attenuation of RLC phosphorylation led to ventricular myocyte hypertrophy with histological evidence of necrosis and fibrosis. Echocardiography showed increases in left ventricular mass as well as end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions. Cardiac performance measured as fractional shortening decreased proportionally with decreased cMLCK expression culminating in heart failure in the setting of no RLC phosphorylation. Hearts from female mice showed similar responses with loss of cMLCK associated with diminished RLC phosphorylation and cardiac hypertrophy. Isoproterenol infusion elicited hypertrophic cardiac responses in wild type mice. In mice lacking cMLCK, the hypertrophic hearts showed no additional increases in size with the isoproterenol treatment, suggesting a lack of RLC phosphorylation blunted the stress response. Thus, cMLCK appears to be the predominant protein kinase that maintains basal RLC phosphorylation that is required for normal physiological cardiac performance in vivo.
The development of probability logic from leibniz to maccoll

The introduction has a brief statement, sufficient for the purpose of this paper, which describes in general terms the notion of probability logic on which the paper is based. Contributions made in the eighteenth century by Leibniz, Jacob Bernoulli and Lambert, and in the nineteenth century by Bolzano, De Morgan, Boole, Peirce and MacColl are critically examined from a contemporary point of view. Historicity is maintained by liberal quotations from the original sources accompanied by interpretive explanation. Concluding the paper is a summary.
“Amide Resonance” Correlates with a Breadth of C−N Rotation Barriers

Complete basis set calculations (CBS-QB3) were used to compute the CN rotation barriers for acetamide and eight related compounds, including acetamide enolate and O-protonated acetamide. Natural resonance theory analysis was employed to quantify the “amide resonance” contribution to ground-state electronic structures. A range of rotation barriers, spanning nearly 50 kcal/mol, correlates well to the ground-state resonance weights without the need to account for transition-state effects. Use of appropriate model compounds is crucial to gain an understanding of the structural and electronic changes taking place during rotation of the CN bond in acetamide. The disparate changes in bond length (ΔrCO ≪ ΔrCN) are found to be consonant with the resonance model. Similarly, charge differences are consistent with donation from the nitrogen lone pair electrons into the carbonyl π* orbital. Despite recent attacks on the resonance model, these findings demonstrate it to be a sophisticated and highly predictive tool in ...
Food group intake and central obesity among children and adolescents in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

Objective To explore mean food group intakes associated with central obesity anthropometry among children and adolescents enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Representative sampling of the US population (1998-2002). Subjects Subjects were 3761 children (5-11 years) and 1803 adolescents (12-16 years) with single 24 h dietary recalls and anthropometric measures of central body fat (waist circumference and sum of subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses). Results Results were controlled for confounding by age, height, race/ethnicity, Tanner stage, television viewing and parental education. In younger children, there was no relationship between central adiposity and mean intakes of dairy, fruit, vegetables or grains, while a positive association with meat intake was found among boys. In adolescent boys and girls, central body fat measures were inversely associated with mean dairy and grain intakes. Adolescent boys in the highest quartile of central adiposity consumed less fruit and fewer vegetables; those in the lowest central adiposity quartile consumed less meat. Finally, adolescents who met the criteria for central obesity (waist circumference >or=85th percentile for age and sex) reported consuming significantly less total dairy (as well as milk and cheese separately), total grains (whole and refined) and total fruit and vegetables. There was no association with meat consumption. To test the stability of these findings, the final analysis was replicated in 2541 same-aged adolescents from NHANES 1999-2002; the results were very similar. Conclusions These cross-sectional analyses suggest that intakes of dairy, grains and total fruits and vegetables are inversely associated with central obesity among adolescents.
Pilot-Plant Preparation of an αvβ3 Integrin Antagonist: Process Development of a Carbonyldiimidazole Peptide Coupling

The process development of a peptide coupling with CDI is discussed. Various solvents, addition orders, stoichiometries, and reaction temperatures were investigated. A reliable crystallization procedure was also developed. The new process was piloted to provide 342 kg of product in two batches with an average 85% yield and 99% assay.
Use of Au Nanoparticle-Filled PTFE Films to Produce Low-Friction and Low-Wear Surface Coatings

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) possesses exceptional lubricating properties; however, its uses are limited due to its high susceptibility to wear. In an effort to overcome this shortcoming, a great deal of focus is placed on creating PTFE composites that exploit the strengths of PTFE and also reduce or eliminate its weaknesses. This investigation explores the use of Au nanoparticle-filled PTFE films to produce low-friction and low-wear surface coatings. PTFE + Au nanoparticle composite films were produced by dip coating stainless steel substrates into a mixture of colloidal PTFE and Au nanoparticles. Tribological tests showed that the composite film has a wear life that is twice that of pure PTFE and possesses an average coefficient of friction that is up to 50 % lower. PTFE suffers delamination as a result of poor adhesion of the film to the substrate and tearing resulting from a dominant adhesive wear mode. PTFE + Au, on the other hand, shows no sign of delamination or adhesive wear. This change in wear mode caused by the addition of Au nanoparticles significantly increases the wear resistance and durability of PTFE.
Science in industry

The industrial environment contains problems of practical importance. To exploit that environment, an industrial research group must accept the responsibility for forming strong and useful relationships with the rest of the company of which it is a part. Opportunities for contributing to both the industrial and academic worlds stem from the many product-related problems for which existing science offers no solution, but which suggest new scientific directions.
Computational analysis of microfluidic immunomagnetic rare cell separation from a particulate blood flow

We describe a computational analysis method to evaluate the efficacy of immunomagnetic rare cell separation from non-Newtonian particulate blood flow. The core procedure proposed here is calculation of local viscosity distributions induced by red blood cell (RBC) sedimentation. Numerical calculation methods have previously been introduced to simulate particulate behavior of individual RBCs. However, due to the limitation of the computational power, those studies are typically capable of calculating only a very small number (less than 100) of RBCs and are not suitable to analyze many practical separation methods for rare cells such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). We introduce a sedimentation and viscosity model based on our experimental measurements. The computational field is divided into small unit control volumes, where the local viscosity distribution is dynamically calculated based on the experimentally found sedimentation model. For analysis of rare cell separation, the local viscosity distributio...
Overview of chaos and communications research

Now that the theory of nonlinear and chaotic systems is maturing, many people are beginning to consider applications of these phenomena. One application field which has become prominent is communications. This article is an overview of some of the recent advances in linking chaotic behavior to communications systems and signal processing.
The impact of the total motile sperm count on the success of intrauterine insemination with husband's spermatozoa

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the total motile sperm count and the success of IUI treatment cycles with postwashed husband spermatozoa in couples with infertility in a large patient population. Patients: When 939 couples underwent 1375 cycles of IUI with varying etiologies of infertility which included male factor, endometriosis, tubal factor, ovulatory dysfunction, uterine factor, cervical factor, and unexplained infertility, the results were 207 pregnancies. Results: The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 15.1% (207/1375). The total motile sperm count were significantly increased in the pregnant group than the nonpregnant group (38.7×106 versus 28.6 × 106;P<0.001). There was a trend toward an increased success rate with increased total motile sperm count. Significance was reached when the total motile sperm count exceeded 5×106. Life table analysis was performed and the curve representing a cumulative chance of pregnancy calculated from our data reached 72%. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a final postwashed total motile sperm count used for IUI may be considered predictive of the success for pregnancy and allow couples to be informed of the chances of success.
Corrosion mechanisms and chemical durability of glass media proposed for the fixation of radioactive wastes

Results from leach tests conducted on simulated wastes fixated in borosilicate and high-silica glasses are presented. During the leaching period, the dissolution rates of several waste components were monitored. These components included alkali metals, alkaline earths, transition metals, rare earths, and an actinide, and it is shown how they differ and how the measurement of leach rates of some of these components can be misleading regarding long-term behavior. The problems of applying the results to the prediction of long-term dissolution behavior are discussed; models are presented for reliable long-term predictions, and the essential tests which must be conducted to allow the formation of these reliable predictions for long-term behavior are listed.
Speech monitoring skills in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and normal aging.

Abstract We examined the abilities of 15 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), 22 patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), and 141 healthy subjects (ranging in age from 30 to 79 years) to detect and correct their own speech errors. Each subject was shown the Cookie Theft picture of the BDAE (Goodglass & Kaplan, 1972. , The assessment of aphasia and related disorders. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.) and instructed to tell the examiner the “ … story of what's happening in the picture.” Self-monitoring performance was assessed by tabulating the number of uncorrected errors as well as repaired errors. We divided repairs into two types based on the psycholinguistics literature ( van Wijk & Kempen, 1987 . Cognitive Psychology, 19, 403–440). Speech corrections were judged to be lemma repairs when the reparandum was a single word, and reformulation repairs when a new syntactic constituent was added to the reparandum. Patients with DAT corrected only 24% of their total errors and patients with PD only 25%. Healthy subjects, by contrast, corrected from 72 to 92% of their total errors. Patients with DAT tended to rely on reformulation repairs while patients with PD used both repair types about equally often. While healthy elderly Ss (in the 70s group) utilized lemma repairs more often than the reformulation strategy, all other healthy Ss used both strategies about equally often. Across all groups naming performance correlated negatively with numbers of undetected errors. Results point to a previously unrecognized communication disorder associated with PD and DAT and manifested by an impairment in the ability to correct output errors. This impairment may be related to attentional and frontal dysfunction in the two patient groups.
Using the Colorado birth defects monitoring program to connect families with services for children with special needs.

Background and Methods: The Community Notification and Referral Program (CNRP), which operates from within the state's birth defects monitoring and prevention program, links children and their families with local public health and early childhood agencies, which then inform families of services and resources in their home communities. In Colorado, many communities have developed systems for identifying, screening, evaluating, and providing services to children with developmental delays or other special needs. CNRP uses the existing infrastructure of services for children with special needs by notifying local community programs of children reported to the birth defects program with birth defects, developmental disabilities, or risks for developmental delay. Children to be referred to local agencies are identified from the birth defects registry on the basis of diagnosis and residence. Minor or lethal conditions are excluded from referral. CNRP provides the child's name, date of birth, address, phone, guardian, diagnoses, date and source of diagnosis, and length of stay to the local agency. A parental consent process is used under some circumstances. Results CRCSN analyzed data from 1621 children referred to local agencies in 1998. The local agencies contacted 34.1% of the families and referred 46.9%. of those contacted to early intervention, developmental, evaluation, or other services. They determined that 29.5% could definitely or moderately benefit from developmental services. In a telephone survey of families, 65.4% said they had learned about services, resources, or developmental screening about which they had not been aware. Conclusion CRCSN has developed a notification and referral program to link families with services for children with special needs that could serve as a model for other birth defects registries. Teratology 64:S42–S46, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recent developments in analytical methodology for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and related compounds.

Abstract When biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and DNA are subjected to oxidative attack by free radicals or other reactive species, a number of measurable biomarkers may be produced. The study of oxidative DNA damage is valuable in research concerning cancer and aging. The current review includes methodology involving various separation science techniques for the analysis of DNA oxidation biomarkers, mainly 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine. This review will present recent analytical developments with respect to sample preparation and instrumental considerations, noting key outcomes and biological relevance where appropriate.
VideoTraces: rich media annotations for learning and teaching

This paper describes a computer-based video annotation environment with a variety of uses for learning and teaching. The VideoTraces system allows users to capture and annotate digital video, thus representing their ideas in a unique way. The system is based on research about the embodied nature of human knowledge and collaborative learning. In this paper, we report on two pilot uses of the system in very different settings (a science museum and a university dance course). We describe a range of ways in which people represent their ideas with VideoTraces, and argue that the system may be a general tool to support collaborative learning.
Activation of calcineurin by nickel ions

Abstract Calcineurin, a Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent phosphoprotein phosphatase, was dramatically activated by Ni2+ ions. Activation by Ni2+ was independent of calmodulin and was not reversed by high concentrations of chelators. With histone H1 as substrate, the Km's obtained with Ca2+ and Ni2+ were 2.2 and 4.2 μM, and the kcat's were 0.5 and 24.3 min−1, respectively. Similar to the Ca2+- and Mn2+- supported reactions, the presence of calmodulin caused a 20-fold activation of the Ni2+-activated calcineurin over the basal rate. Incubation of calcineurin with Ni2+ resulted in 30% quenching of its Trp-fluorescence. This effect also was independent of calmodulin and not reversed by chelators. The results suggest that the Ni2+ ions are tightly bound to calcineurin and the effects may be physiologically relevant.
The Effect of DNA and Sodium Cholate Dispersed Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Green Algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Increasing use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) will lead to their increased release into the environment. Previous work has shown negative effects of SWCNT on growth and survival of model organisms. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of SWCNT well-dispersed by either DNA or sodium cholate (SC) on the unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in stagnant water conditions. Growth measurements were taken up to ten days for algae treated with varied levels of DNA:SWCNT or SC:SWCNT or controls, and chlorophyll content after 10 days was determined. Results show no effect on either growth or chlorophyll content of algae at any concentration or duration. This is in contradiction to prior work showing toxicity of SWCNT to environmental model organisms.
Deteministic contour grinding of conformal optics

A COM developed 5-axis microgrinder that brings precise deterministic control to the manufacture of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric freeform optical shapes is discussed. Grinding test results are presented.
Catalytic mechanism of glyoxalase I : A theoretical study

Hybrid density functional theory is used to study the catalytic mechanism of human glyoxalase I (GlxI). This zinc enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the hemithioacetal of toxic methylglyoxal and glutathione to nontoxic (S)-d-lactoylglutathione. GlxI can process both diastereomeric forms of the substrate, yielding the same form of the product. As a starting point for the calculations, we use a recent crystal structure of the enzyme in complex with a transition-state analogue, where it was found that the inhibitor is bound directly to the zinc by its hydroxycarbamoyl functions. It is shown that the Zn ligand Glu172 can abstract the substrate C1 proton from the S enantiomer of the substrate, without being displaced from the Zn ion. The calculated activation barrier is in excellent agreement with experimental rates. Analogously, the Zn ligand Glu99 can abstract the proton from the R form of the substrate. To account for the stereochemical findings, it is argued that the S and R reactions cannot be fully symme...
Micellar enhanced spectrofluorometric determination of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in fresh waters

The enhancement of the fluorescence of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in a non-ionic micellar media is used for the establishment of a new analytical method for the determination of these pigments. After optimization of the variables, including concentration of surfactant, pH, temperature and percentage of organic solvent, the analytical figures of merit are determined. High recovery percentages are found when the method is applied to the simultaneous determination of chlorophyll a and b in synthetic mixtures. Finally, the method is used for the determination of both chlorophylls in local fresh waters, finding excellent agreement with the results obtained by an HPLC/fluorescence method.
Sintering behavior and PTCR properties of stoichiometric blend BaTiO3

Abstract Donor doped positive temperature coefficient of resistivity barium titanate is highly sensitive to minor changes in processing conditions, Ba/Ti ratio, and dopant concentration. This leads to a lack of reproducibility of properties and microstructure. This study was performed in an effort to obtain a more microstructurally stable PTCR material. Barium titanate ceramics were prepared by blending Ba-excess BaTiO 3 powder with Ti-excess powder, in different ratios. Such donor modified blended systems display uniform, medium grain size (4–6 μm), high-density microstructures which are more stable to changes in processing parameters. The microstructures are characterized by flat grain edges, large grain-to-grain contact area and high degree of domain coherence across grain boundaries. The PTCR effect was, however, measured to be nominal in these samples. This has been attributed to the presence of a smaller barrier potential, and such microstructural features as strong domain coherence across grain boundaries, large grain-to-grain contact area, and high density. It was found that the simple act of blending donor doped BaTiO 3 powders of different Ba/Ti ratios drastically changes both microstructure and electrical properties. Blending results in the suppression of liquid-phase induced anomalous grain growth, suppressing grain growth processes and allowing sintering processes to go to a greater degree of completion. The proposed mechanism whereby this happens is that the presence of the donor in blended systems either changes the kinetics of liquid-phase formation and/or the wettability of grains, affecting liquid-phase distribution.
Vegetative and edaphic characteristics on relic charcoal hearths in the Appalachian mountains

Relic charcoal hearths are prevalent throughout the Appalachian Mountains as reminders of the wood charcoal era and are evident today by the characteristics of forest stand structure, composition and understory vegetation. The importance of the soil resource to the stability and recovery of these anomalies in the plant community is not well understood. This study was conducted to compare forest floor and soil chemical properties, and vegetative characteristics on relic charcoal hearths to adjacent, non-hearth areas. Overstory tree cover and density was significantly lower on hearths than for adjacent areas. Overstory richness and diversity were consistently, but not significantly, lower on hearths, as were density and species richness of understory and ground vegetation. Little difference between hearth and adjacent forest floor properties was observed; however, soil calcium concentrations, pH. and percent carbon were higher on hearths, and phosphorus concentrations were generally lower. We discuss the effects of releasing large amounts of base-forming cations through repeated use of the hearths and the subsequent long-term effects on soil fertility and vegetative development.
The role of proteolysis during differentiation of Trypanosoma brucei from the bloodstream to the procyclic form

The in vitro differentiation of Trypanosoma brucei from bloodstream to procyclic (insect) forms is accompanied by diminishing variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) and increasing levels of procyclin and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). In this study, we examined the fate of several glycolytic enzymes of T. brucei during differentiation. We observed a down-regulation of glycosomal phosphoglycerate kinase (gPGK) during differentiation. In contrast, intracellular levels of glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), aldolase (ALD), and phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI) remained unchanged during differentiation and apparently continued to be synthesized in the procyclic form. To determine the potential role of proteasomes and other proteases during the differentiation process, we tested the effect of lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of proteasome activity, and morpholinourea-Phe-homoPhe-benz-alpha-pyrone (P27), a selective inhibitor of cysteine proteases, on the in vitro differentiation of T. brucei. Cells differentiated normally in the presence of 1 microM lactacystin, which confirmed our previous observation that this differentiation does not require crossing any phase boundaries in the cell cycle (Mutomba and Wang, Mol Biochem Parasitol 1996;80:89-102). But the cells thus differentiated did not increase in number and retained gPGK. Cells differentiated under 2 microM P27 also proceeded at a normal rate but failed to multiply and retained gPGK. However, most of the differentiated cells under 2 microM P27 also retained VSG on the cell membrane surface and expressed higher levels of procyclin suggesting that a cysteine protease(s) may be involved in releasing VSG and partially reducing procyclin during differentiation. This cysteine protease(s) has been tentatively identified in the procyclic cells as a 48 kDa protein through labeling of cysteine protease(s) with a biotinylated P27 homolog K02 (morpholinourea-Phe-homoPhe-vinylsulfone).
Inverse problem with constraints

In a recent letter of the same title by Ernst, Monahan, Shakin, and Thaler, a procedure is presented for constructing a solution to the inverse problem with a set of prescribed wave functions. It is pointed out here that their procedure had in fact already been described in three previous publications, under the name of the method of 'completely orthogonalized plane waves.'' (auth)
Purification and Characterization of Constituent Testosterone 2α-Hydroxylase (Cytochrome P4502α) from Mouse Liver

Abstract Hepatic microsomal testosterone/androstenedione 2α-hydroxylase (i.e., cytochrome P450 2α was purified from female CD-1 mice. Protein purification was monitored in eluates from Fractogel, DEAE-sephacel, and hydroxylapatite columns at heme absorbing 417 nm and by cytochrome P450 content, reactivity to a monoclonal antibody against female-specific rat cytochrome P450 2C12, and testosterone 2α-hydroxylase activity. The catalytic activity of the purified cytochrome P450 2α , exhibiting a high degree of regioselectivity and stereospecificity, was basically restricted to the 2α-hydroxylation of testosterone and androstenedione; representing >96% and >92% of these respective metabolites. Polyclonal antibodies against cytochrome P450 2α exhibited a dose-dependent and very selective inhibition of testosterone 2α-hydroxylation. The specific cytochrome P450 content of the purified cytochrome P450 2α fraction was 12.06 nmol/mg protein. The specific testosterone 2α-hydroxylase activity of the purified protein was 14 nmol/min/nmol cytochrome P450, which was about 60-fold higher than the respective microsomes. The apparent subunit molecular weight of cytochrome P450 2α was 51,000 and the protein appeared as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. The amino-terminal sequence analysis indicates that cytochrome P450 2α is a member of the murine cytochrome P450 2d family.
Radio interference of bundled conductors

IT is expected that extensive application of bundled conductors will be made to extra high voltage lines of the future when considered in terms of the successful operation of present lines which are so equipped. In particular, lines equipped with bundled conductors have been found to perform very favorably with regard to the production of corona and radio interference. Hence, an analysis of the radio interference characteristics of bundled conductors should be of considerable interest to those concerned with the design of the transmission lines of the future.
Medical management of the patient with cardiovascular disease

Cigarette smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and periodontal disease have been established as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Dentists and physicians should work aggressively to educate periodontitis patients about this relationship in an effort to improve the quality of health and contribute to their long-term survival. Blood pressure should be checked at the initial dental visit and at each subsequent visit in patients whose blood pressure is found to be high and/or has a history of hypertension. Dental and medical assistants should receive in-service training to assure competency in measuring blood pressures. All staff should be certified in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency protocol procedures should be in writing and rehearsed regularly. Patients should take their blood pressure medication as usual on the day of the dental procedure. It is helpful for the patients to bring all medications to the office for review at the time of the dental procedure. Good communication should be established between the dentist and physician to maximize good dental and physical health. Because the patient with periodontal disease is at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, a standardized form should be developed for the convenient exchange of vital information, including but not limited to: blood pressure, medications, allergies, medical conditions and pertinent highlights of dental procedures. Minimize stress in patients with coronary artery disease. This includes providing solid local anesthesia, avoidance of intravascular medication injections, and encouraging relaxation techniques. Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated in patients with valvular heart disease but does not guarantee the prevention of endocarditis. These patients should be alerted to monitor any symptoms such as fever, chills or shortness of breath. It has also been documented that toothbrushing, flossing and home plaque removers can cause transient bacteremia in periodontal patients. Epinephrine use should be avoided or utilized cautiously in patients with pacemakers or automatic defibrillator devices because of the possibility of refractory arrhythmia. Consultation with patient's cardiologist is advised. Anticoagulation with coumadin is not a contraindication to dental procedures. The prothrombin time or international normalized ratio laboratory values should be checked on the day of the procedure to assure that it is in an acceptable range. Aspirin therapy is not a problem unless the patient is on very high doses for severe arthritis. Continuing medical and dental education credits should emphasize cross-training in both areas to insure comprehensive treatment of the patient with periodontal disease. Smoking cessation, regular exercise, a low-fat diet and good dental hygiene contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system. Patients should understand as best we know the relationship between periodontal and cardiovascular disease to afford them an opportunity to improve their overall dental and physical health.
Temporal and spatial profiles of cell loss after spinal cord injury: Reduction by a metalloporphyrin.

This study presents quantitative temporal and spatial profiles of neuronal loss and apoptosis following a contusion spinal cord injury (50 g · cm). The profiles were evaluated by counting the cresol violet–stained surviving cells and the total number of TUNEL-positive cells and of TUNEL-positive neurons in sections 0– 4 mm from the epicenter and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr and 1 week postinjury. We demonstrated that neurons continue to disappear over 1 week postinjury and that neuronal loss shifts to areas longer distances from the epicenter over time. TUNEL-positive cells in both gray and white matter appeared after 6 hr, gradually increased to a peak level after 48 hr, and declined by 72 hr postinjury. TUNEL-positive neurons peaked earlier and were present for 1 week, although the total number of neurons was reduced significantly by the end of the week. The neuronal loss and apoptosis were partially prevented by a metalloporphyrin [Mn(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP)]. We demonstrated that MnTBAP (10 and 50 mg/kg, given intraperitoneally) significantly reduced neuronal death in the sections 1–2.5 mm rostral and 1 mm caudal from the epicenter compared with that in the vehicle-treated group, suggesting MnTBAP is more effective in the sections rostral than in those caudal to the epicenter. MnTBAP (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive neurons in the sections 1 mm caudal from the epicenter. Our profiles provide a database for pharmacological intervention, and our results on MnTBAP treatment support an important role for antioxidant therapy in spinal cord injury. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Re-evaluating the medical risks of late childbearing.

A critical review of the scientific literature linking advanced maternal age to eight adverse pregnancy outcomes commonly believed to increase with advancing age revealed little support for the pessimistic medical view that late childbearing is necessarily riskier. Most studies (61% of the 104 studies reviewed) were seriously flawed methodologically, primarily by confounding age with other factors; many reached conclusions without statistical verification (29% of the studies reviewed). Results concerning the advantages or disadvantages of late childbearing were inconsistent as well. Evidence from the sound research studies strongly suggests that many of the adverse outcomes found by some researchers to increase at an older maternal age may be reflecting the particular circumstances surrounding late childbearing (altered medical management. pre-existing diseases, subfertility , unplanned pregnancy, high parity birth) rather than a biological condition of aging. Further research must move away from looking ...
Bleeding complications with regional adaptation of a prolonged bivalirudin regimen for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

Bivalirudin (BIV) is superior to a heparin/glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor (GPI) strategy with respect to net adverse cardiovascular events for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), albeit with an increased risk of acute stent thrombosis. We hypothesized that a 2-hour BIV infusion after PCI (BIV + 2) could be used without increased bleeding risk as a potential method of mitigating early thrombotic risk. We analyzed a 6-center regional protocol involving routine therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel, and bolus heparin followed by primary PCI for STEMI using BIV. All consecutive patients presenting with STEMI requiring primary PCI were included (2009 to 2011). We compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of the University of Vermont Regional Registry to the historical groups of BIV (BIV terminated at end of PCI) or unfractionated heparin/GPI from the HORIZONS trial and determined independent predictors of bleeding. Of 346 patients undergoing PCI for STEMI, 98% received BIV; 82% of patients received BIV + 2, and 13.3% of all patients receiving BIV received GPI bailout. All-cause mortality was 3.1%. Overall bleeding rates were 50% less than in the HORIZONS GPI arm and similar to the HORIZONS BIV arm. Acute stent thrombosis occurred in
Criminal justice employee rights: An overview

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal rights of criminal justice employees. Among the issues discussed are: property interests in employment; due process and other rights in discipline and termination; First Amendment rights; privacy rights; and protections against discrimination and a hostile work environment. The affirmative obligation of the criminal justice agency to take a proactive stance in formulation, implementation, and enforcement of policies is also discussed.
DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species originating from a copper-dependent oxidation of the 2-hydroxy catechol of estradiol

It has previously been proposed that redox cycling between catechol estrogens and their quinones, mediated by cytochrome P450, could lead to the generation of free radicals that would subsequently cause oxidative damage to DNA and proteins that might have a role in hormonal carcinogenesis. Alternative, non-enzymatic mechanisms involving copper have been shown to participate in the oxidation of various chemicals through processes that also result in the appearance of reactive oxygen species and subsequent site-specific oxidative DNA damage. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the 2-hydroxy-catechol of estradiol (2-OH-E2) can be oxidized by copper through a process which generates reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative DNA damage as detected by the appearance of strand breaks in phi X-174 plasmid DNA. Our results show that both single- and double-strand breaks are formed in the presence of Cu(II) plus micromolar concentrations of 2-OH-E2, and 4-OH-E2, in a concentration/time-dependent process. No strand breaks were detected in the presence of Cu(II) or 2-OH-E2 alone. The reaction of 2-OH-E2 with Cu(II) was accompanied by the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I), the utilization of O2, and the generation of H2O2. The utilization of O2 and the formation of strand breaks was completely blocked by the Cu(I)-specific chelator bathocuproinedisulfonic acid (BCS) at a ratio of BCS to Cu(II) of 4:1. The appearance of strand breaks was also blocked by catalase and inhibited by the singlet oxygen scavengers sodium azide and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone. In contrast the free hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol and N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone were not effective inhibitors; superoxide dismutase had no inhibitory effect. These results are similar to what has been observed by others for the formation of oxidative DNA damage by the H2O2/Cu(II) system and by us for the induction of strand breaks by hydroquinone/Cu(II). Since copper is known to be present in the nucleus, particularly in association with guanines in DNA, our results with 2-OH-E2/Cu(II) together with those of others with H2O2/Cu(II), discussed below, suggest an alternate site-specific mechanism for the formation of oxidative DNA damage associated with estrogen treatment. Furthermore, the results suggest that the oxidative damage results from the localized generation of singlet oxygen or a similar bound reactive entity rather than free hydroxyl radical.
Spontaneous regression and disappearance of subclinical rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report spontaneous regression and disappearance of subclinical rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: Three separate areas of subclinical retinal detachment in two eyes of two patients were followed without treatment for 35 years (Case 1) and 28 years (Case 2). The three areas of subclinical retinal detachment spontaneously regressed and disappeared. There has been no recurrence of subclinical retinal detachment in Case 1 for 12 years and 14 years, and in Case 2 for 12 years. CONCLUSION: Subclinical retinal detachment can show spontaneous regression and disappearance as its natural outcome when observed without intervention.
Starburst Encapsulation of C60 by Multiple Hindered Two‐Photon Absorptive Diphenylaminodialkylfluorene Arms

The efficiency of nonlinear optical responses is highly influenced by the state of molecular assembly and aggregation. Introduction of bulky alkyl groups on an organic chromophore enhances its molecular dispersion in solution and, thus, simultaneous multiphoton absorptivity. Accordingly, sterically hindered fullerenyl chromophore triads C60(>DPAF‐C9)2 and pentads C60(>DPAF‐C9)4 were designed and synthesized for the use as optical limiting materials. Photoinduced molecular polarization is a crucial parameter for the enhancement of nonlinear optical responses. For this purpose, we synthesized these conjugates by attaching one or several diphenylaminofluorene moieties to methano[60]fullerene via a covalent keto linkage. The motif increases electronic interactions of DPAF‐Cn rings with the C60 cage in close vicinity. Synthesis of C60(>DPAF‐C9)n (n=1, 2, or 4) was carried out by a four‐step reaction procedure starting from 2‐bromofluorene via dialkylation at C9 position of fluorine ring and followed by attachm...