cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organic chloramine analysis and free chlorine quantification by electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), together with tandem mass spectrometry (MSn), are used to study the mechanism of chlorination of amines and to develop a method for qualitative and quantitative determination of organic chloramines. Cyclohexylamine and 1,4-butanediamine (putrescine) are used as model compounds to investigate the mechanisms of the reactions between primary aliphatic amines and hypochlorous acid (aqueous Cl2). The chlorination products are identified and characterized by collision-induced dissociation (CID) and H/D exchange. Chlorination occurs by electrophilic addition of Cl+ and may be followed by HCl elimination, hydrolysis, or, in the case of diamines, amine elimination by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution. The relative rates of chlorination at amine and chloramine nitrogens are a function of pH and depend on the basicity of the amine. A novel method for active chlorine quantification using ESI or APCI mass spectrometry is suggeste...
Assessment of C:N Ratios and Water Potential for Nitrogen Optimization in Diesel Bioremediation

ABSTRACT Sandy clay loam soil contaminated with 5000, 10,000 or 20,000 mg/kg of diesel fuel no. 2 was amended with 0 (ambient nitrogen only), 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg nitrogen (NH4Cl) to evaluate the role of C:N ratios and soil water potential on diesel biodegradation efficacy. The soil was incubated at 25°C for 41 days and microbial O2 consumption measured respirometrically. Highest microbial respiration was observed in the 250 mg N/kg soil treatments regardless of diesel concentration. Higher levels of nitrogen fertilization decreased soil water potential and resulted in an extended lag phase and reduced respiration. Application of 1000 mg/kg nitrogen reduced maximum respiration by 20% to 52% depending on contaminant levels. Optimal C:N ratios among those tested were 17:1, 34:1, and 68:1 for the three diesel concentrations, respectively, and were dependent on contaminant concentration. Nitrogen fertilization on the basis of soil pore water nitrogen (mg N/kg soil H2O) is independent of hydrocarbon concent...
EMBEDDED COLLAGEN DEFORMATION MODELS FOR COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF HEALTHY, KERATOCONIC, AND CROSSLINKED CORNEAS

Collagen plays an extremely important role in carrying forces and maintaining the shape of the cornea. In keratoconus, the cornea shape can become distorted to the extent that normal vision is impossible, and the amount crosslinking between collagen fibrils are generally lower than in healthy eyes. In contrast, riboflavin-induced crosslinks can strengthen and stiffen the cornea. This article examined quantitatively how the extent of crosslinking in collagen fibrils influences the overall mechanical behavior of corneal tissue. Three models for the stress–strain behavior of the fibrils were examined, which is a function of the crosslink density within the fibrils. These models were then embedded in a matrix model, and tensile tests of cornea strips were examined using a finite element program. Results were compared with experiments from the literature for both normal and crosslinked corneas.
Application of the Potts model to simulation of Ostwald ripening

Many models have been developed to simulate microstructural evolution in recent years. Among these is the Monte Carlo Potts model used to simulate microstructural evolution under a wide range of conditions for a variety of microstructural evolution processes. An advantage of the Potts model is that the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics are inherent to the technique. In this paper, grain growth by Ostwald ripening will be used as an example to demonstrate how a well-designed Potts model need not explicitly specify the thermodynamics of the process; rather, it should rely on the statistical-mechanical nature of the model to simulate the physics of the process. Simulation of Ostwald ripening requires two components forming two-phase, solid grains in a liquid matrix with solubility of the components forming the solid phase in the liquid phase. Another requirement is Gibbs-Thomson's behavior for the solid grains where solubility is inversely proportional to size. The incorporation of these characteristics into the Potts model using the statistical-mechanical nature of the system will be demonstrated in this paper.
Transient spectral and kinetic behaviors of carbonyl ylide photogenerated from 2,2-dicyano-3-(2-naphthyl)-oxirane

Abstract On laser flash photolysis, by direct light absorption as well as under energy transfer sensitization by aromatic ketone triplets, 2,2-dicyano-3-(2-naphthyl)oxirane in fluid solutions forms an ylide characterized by broad and intense absorption spectra (λmax = 610 nm, ϵmax = 2.0 × 104 M−1 cm−1 in benzene) and unusually long lifetimes in aprotic solvents (τY = 130 μs in benzene). The ylide reacts with water, alcohols and dipolarophiles with rate constants that are atypically low (103 – 106 M−1 s−1). The reactivity follows a trend parallel to that of acidity of alcohols and opposite to that of electron-rich character of dipolarophiles.
Mechanisms of immune regulation by IVIG.

Purpose of review In the past few years there have been many advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) modulates immune function in autoimmune disorders. Recent findings Previous investigations have focused on the Fc domain of the IgG molecule, and the role of the FcγRIIB receptor and the sialylated Fc domain that have been show to mediate the anti-inflammatory effects in certain murine models of autoantibody-mediated diseases. More recent findings have implicated the F(ab')₂ domain in IVIG-induced immune modulation in T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease models in which upregulation of T-regulatory cells and downregulation of the Th17 pathways are important components of this mechanism. The prostaglandin E pathway may be playing a role in the IVIG-induced changes in the T-regulatory pathway. Summary Many of the mechanisms proposed for the immune-modulating effects of IVIG demonstrate the complexity of immune effector functions in disease processes. Although controversy exists on the role of the FcγRIIB receptor and the importance of the sialylated Fc domain in human autoimmune disorders, probably no one single mechanism is responsible for the effects of IVIG in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The potential role of the prostaglandin E pathway may offer alternative treatments.
Letter-recognition and reading speed in peripheral vision benefit from perceptual learning

Visual-span profiles are plots of letter-recognition accuracy as a function of letter position left or right of the midline. Previously, we have shown that contraction of these profiles in peripheral vision can account for slow reading speed in peripheral vision. In this study, we asked two questions: (1) can we modify visual-span profiles through training on letter-recognition, and if so, (2) are these changes accompanied by changes in reading speed? Eighteen normally sighted observers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: training at 10° in the upper visual field, training at 10° in the lower visual field and a no-training control group. We compared observers’ characteristics of reading (maximum reading speed and critical print size) and visual-span profiles (peak amplitude and bits of information transmitted) before and after training, and at trained and untrained retinal locations (10° upper and lower visual fields). Reading speeds were measured for six print sizes at each retinal location, using the rapid serial visual presentation paradigm. Visual-span profiles were measured using a trigram letter-recognition task, for a letter size equivalent to 1.4 × the critical print size for reading. Training consisted of the repeated measurement of 20 visual-span profiles (over four consecutive days) in either the upper or lower visual field. We also tracked the changes in performance in a sub-group of observers for up to three months following training. We found that the visual-span profiles can be expanded (bits of information transmitted increased by 6 bits) through training with a letter-recognition task, and that there is an accompanying increase (41%) in the maximum reading speed. These improvements transferred, to a large extent, from the trained to an untrained retinal location, and were retained, to a large extent, for at least three months following training. Our results are consistent with the view that the visual span is a bottleneck on reading speed, but a bottleneck that can be increased with practice.
Adjoint network sensitivity based performance index evaluation for large-scale contingency events

Abstract This paper addresses the determination of power system performance indices based on the concept of adjoint networks and Tellegen's theorem. First-order sensitivities, as well as extensions to include expeditiously determinable higher order contributions, are dealt with. Derivations, algorithms, practical considerations, and numerical examples are presented. The relationship with state variable determination by adjoint network means is emphasized.
After Khomeini: Iran under his Successor

After Khomeini: Iran under his Successor, Said Amir Arjomand, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-19-539179-4, 268pp. Clifford Geertz was arguably America's most astute, acute and inf...
Pneumococcus peritonitis in nephrotic and non-nephrotic children

Summary A study of twenty-nine children with pneumococcus peritonitis observed in the last nineteen years is presented. The cases are divided into two groups, seventeen with nephrosis, and twelve without nephrosis. The clinical features of the disease are briefly described. The bacteriologic findings in the two groups differ. Pneumococcus Type I prevails in non-nephrotic cases, and Type VI, in patients with nephrosis. Various factors affecting the prognosis are considered, the mortality in the cases with nephrosis being 76 per cent, as compared with 41 per cent in the non-nephrotic group. From a discussion of surgical and conservative measures of treatment, one reaches the conclusion that at the present time most of the patients without nephrosis are operated upon and that little evidence can be found to show the efficacy of serotherapy alone. Sulfapyridine offers brighter therapeutic prospects. Operative and post-mortem examination of the pelvic and abdominal organs casts no light upon the role of these organs in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Rapid fractionation of cell suspensions with the use of brominated hydrocarbons.

Isolated hepatocytes can be rapidly separated from the suspending medium using an inexpensive, easily constructed centrifuge tube and a water immiscible liquid which has a density high enough to preclude the medium but low enough to permit sedimentation of cells. For that purpose, mixtures of either bromododecane or bromodecane with dodecane work well and have viscosities that are 30 to 50 times lower than that for the widely used silicon oils. As tests of the method, ATP, urea, and chloride were determined in suspensions and in cell and medium fractions. All of the ATP in cell suspensions was recovered in the cell fraction while most of the urea was in the medium. Chloride was about 10 mm in fresh hepatocytes, but, after 10 min at 38°C, the intracellular level of this ion returned to that found for the liver in vivo, 40–50 mm.
The Cation H13O6+: A Short, Symmetric Hydrogen Bond

The H_(13)O_6+ ion has been found to exist as a discrete entity, forming when the cage compound [(C_9H_(18)_3(NH)_2Cl]+Cl is crystallized from hydrochloric acid solution. The aquo-cation H_(13)O_6 has crystallographic symmetry 2/m (C_(2h)). The central bond O••H••O is symmetric, with a length of 2.39 ± 0.02 angstroms; the four outer hydrogen bonds are asymmetric, with a length of 2.52 ± 0.01 angstroms. The cage compound consists of a chloride ion encapsulated within a triply bridged diammonium species, with hydrogen bond distances N(H)••Cl of 3.10 ± 0.01 angstroms.
Neural basis of orexigenic effects of ghrelin acting within lateral hypothalamus.

Ghrelin stimulates feeding when administered centrally and peripherally. The lateral hypothalamus (LH) is thought to mediate ghrelin-induced hyperphagia. Thus, we examined central mechanisms underlying feeding generated by LH ghrelin. We determined that 0.3 nmol of LH-injected ghrelin was the lowest dose increasing food consumption and it induced Fos immunoreactivity (IR; a marker of neuronal activation) in feeding-related brain areas, including the hypothalamic paraventricular, arcuate, and dorsomedial nuclei, amygdala, and nucleus of the solitary tract. Also, LH ghrelin induced Fos IR in LH orexin neurons. We conclude that the LH, as part of larger central circuitry, integrates orexigenic properties of ghrelin.
Effect of Phytate on Solubility, Activity and Conformation of Trypsin and Chymotrypsin

Phytate:proteinase interactions and their effects on the solubility, activity, and conformation of trypsin and chymotrypsin were investigated in model systems. At pH 3.0, phytate at 0.167-0.250 (w/w) ratios formed insoluble complexes with both the enzymes, while at pH 7.8, Ca++ was required for the complex formation. At pH 7.8, phytate increased trypsin and chymotrypsin activity by 5-7%. The mean chymotrypsin activity was increased by about 18% when interactions were carried out at pH 3.0, whereas under similar conditions, trypsin activity was strongly inhibited. Circular dichroism spectroscopic studies revealed conformational changes in the enzyme secondary structure that seemed to have influenced their activity. The role of phytate in protein metabolism and the possible ramifications of present findings in human nutrition were addressed.
The Accounting Office Interface: Syracuse University

This presentation will discuss Syracuse University Library’s invoice interface with our university’s fund accounting system. Interfacing is the way two independent, automated systems meet and communicate with each other. Our Library is on the NOTIS system, and our acquisitions subsystem has been in place since July, 1991. Our accounting office uses a vendored system from Walker Interactive Products, which handles the accounts payable component of that system. Our acronym for the system is CAPPS, which stands for Computerized Accounts Payable Purchasing System. Prior to July, 1991, we had a locally developed system, which did, indeed, interface with the accounting office as well. We therefore had some previous experience in this area that could be applied to the NOTIS environment, but of course much needed to be modified. We interface with our accounting office on a weekly basis in the areas of invoice payment and vendor input and update. Many of the NOTIS reports that we run, are fairly standard, and as a result it is not necessary to discuss many of them in detail. However, many reports are special to Syracuse University in terms of our interface, and it is on those which we intend to concentrate.
Investigation of solubility of microcrystalline cellulose in aqueous NaOH

A cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to dissolve microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been utilized. A detailed investigation of the effects of cellulose amount and solvent (aqueous NaOH) concentration on MCC solubility has been presented. In the experiments, NaOH solutions with concentrations ranging from 3.7 to 18.6 wt% have been employed to dissolve MCC with various weights. The results show that an optimal NaOH concentration range can always be found to give the best solubility of MCC having a certain weight. The solubility monotonically decreases with either the decreasing or increasing of NaOH concentration away from the optimal concentration range. In addition, the optimal concentration range of NaOH for dissolving cellulose has been shown to shrink as the amount of MCC increases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing in reflection mode: demonstrations in tissue mimicking phantoms and ex vivo tissue

The problem of how to effectively deliver light dynamically to a small volume inside turbid media has been intensively investigated for imaging and therapeutic purposes. Most recently, a new modality termed Time-Reversed Ultrasonically Encoded (TRUE) optical focusing was proposed by integrating the concepts of ultrasound modulation of diffused light with optical phase conjugation. In this work, the diffused photons that travel through the ultrasound focal region are "tagged" with a frequency shift due to the ultrasound modulation. Part of the tagged light is collected in reflection mode and transmitted to a photorefractive crystal, forming there a stationary hologram through interference with a coherent reference optical beam. The hologram is later read by a conjugated optical beam, generating a phase conjugated wavefront of the tagged light. It is conveyed back to the turbid medium in reflection mode, and eventually converges to the ultrasound focal zone. Optical focusing effects from this system are demonstrated experimentally in tissue-mimicking phantoms and ex vivo chicken breast tissue, achieving effective round-trip optical penetration pathlength (extinction coefficient multiplied by round-trip focusing depth) exceeding 160 and 100, respectively. Examples of imaging optical inclusions with this system are also reported.
Instrumentation of a deep-UV microscope resolving less than 0.15 μm

Remarkable improvement in resolution when observing critical dimensions in semiconductor inspection by using a newly- developed deep-UV optical microscope is presented. At present, while scanning electron microscope (SEM) is the only imaging tool for less than 0.20-micron geometry, improvement in resolution of optical microscope has strongly been desired because of its easier operations and less damage including feature. Simulation of resolution to be achieve indicated that deep-UV wavelength only clearly resolve less than 0.15-micron geometry and images acquired at 266nm in the following experiment well agreed with the simulation. An objective lens especially for deep-UV, laser light source, illumination and imaging optics, and image detection device were built on a conventional microscope stand. This high-resolution microscope may extend the field of optical inspection and even open up new inspection applications.
Canine platelet transfusions

Objective – To review potential platelet storage options, guidelines for administration of platelets, and adverse events associated with platelet transfusions. Data Sources – Data sources included original research publications and scientific reviews. Human Data Synthesis – Transfusion of platelet concentrates (PCs) plays a key role in the management of patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Currently PCs are stored at 22°C under continuous gentle agitation for up to 5 days. Chilling of platelets is associated with rapid clearance of transfused platelets, and galactosylation of platelets has proven unsuccessful in prolonging platelet survival. Although approved by the American Association of Blood Banks, cryopreservation of human platelets in 6% DMSO largely remains a research technique. Pre-storage leukoreduction of PCs has reduced but not eliminated acute inflammatory transfusion reactions, with platelet inflammatory mediators contributing to such reactions. Veterinary Data Synthesis – Canine plateletpheresis allows collection of a concentrate with a high platelet yield, typically 3–4.5 × 1011 versus <1 × 1011 for whole blood-derived platelets, improving the ability to provide sufficient platelets to meet the recipient's transfusion needs. Cryopreservation of canine platelets in 6% DMSO offers immediate availability of platelets, with an acceptable posttransfusion in vivo platelet recovery and half-life of 50% and 2 days, respectively. While data on administration of rehydrated lyophilized platelets in bleeding animal models are encouraging, due to a short lifespan (min) posttransfusion, their use will be limited to control of active bleeding, without a sustained increase in platelet count. Conclusions – Fresh PC remains the product of choice for control of bleeding due to severe thrombocytopenia or thrombopathia. While cryopreservation and lyophilization of canine platelets offer the benefits of immediate availability and long-term storage, the compromise is decreased in vivo recovery and survival of platelets and some degree of impaired function, though such products could still be life saving.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is a nuclear enzyme in rats and chickens

Abstract 1. 1. The presence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the nuclei of chicken liver cells was confirmed using two experimental designs. 2. 2. PEPCK was found to be enriched in the nuclear fraction of rat liver, a species whose hepatic PEPCK is reported to be predominantly cytosolic. 3. 3. We suggest that PEPCK plays a role in nuclear synthesis of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid.
Field studies of aerodynamic roughness length

Abstract The aerodynamic roughness length (z 0 ) is governed by surface roughness and is an important parameter in many surface and climate related processes. The transport of windblown particles is affected substantially by variations in surface roughness; yet, not much attention has been devoted to improving knowledge of this parameter. In this paper, it is demonstrated that radar backscatter can be used as an indication of variations in z 0 on a regional scale and, therefore, can improve the ability to assess the susceptibility of a given surface to aeolian processes. Field studies were conducted in the south-western desert of the United States, in which z 0 values were obtained by in situ measurements of the boundary layer wind profile. Those sites were also assessed by airborne radar. Correlation coefficients between the radar data and z 0 are between 0·74 and 0·81.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoT Acts In Vivo as a GTPase-Activating Protein for RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa protein ExoT is a bacterial GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that has in vitro activity toward Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 GTPases. Expression of ExoT both inhibits the internalization of strain PA103 by macrophages and epithelial cells and is associated with morphological changes (cell rounding and detachment) of infected cells. We find that expression of ExoT leads to the loss of GTP-bound RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 in transfected HeLa cells, demonstrating that ExoT has GAP activity in vivo toward all three GTPases. GAP activity is absolutely dependent on the presence of arginine at position 149 but is not affected by whether ExoT is expressed in the absence or presence of other P. aeruginosa type III secreted proteins. We also demonstrate that expression of ExoT in epithelial cells is sufficient to cause stress fiber disassembly by means of ExoT's GAP activity toward RhoA.
Abstract 4641: IL-16 in association with VEGFR-2 detect early tumor associated changes in the ovary.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is a lethal malignancy of women with high rate of death among gynecological cancers. Due to the lack of an effective early detection test, OVCA in most cases are detected at late stage. Interleukin (IL)-16 is a cytokine involved in multiple immunopathobiological processes including inflammatory responses and production of proangiogenic cytokines. IL-16 is expressed by malignant epithelium and secreted in serum. Ovarian malignant transformation is followed by neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) is a marker of tumor associated neovascularization (TAN). Thus, IL-16 and VEGFR-2 represent markers of OVCA at early stage may constitute an early detection test for OVCA. Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine whether IL-16 expression is associated with ovarian malignant transformation and to examine association between serum IL-16 levels and VEGFR-2 expression by TAN vessels during ovarian tumor development. Materials and methods: Normal (n =15) White Leghorn laying hens (3-4 years old) or hens with ovarian tumors (n=32) were selected by contrast enhanced transvaginal ultrasound scanning. Following serum collection, hens were euthanized, tissues were processed for routine histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), protein and gene expression studies. Ovarian tumors were confirmed by gross morphology and microscopy. Expression of IL-16 by ovarian malignant epithelium and VEGFR-2 by ovarian TAN vessels were determined by IHC, immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. Serum IL-16 levels were determined by immunoassay. Correlation between serum IL-16 levels and frequencies of VEGFR-2 expressing microvessels were examined. Results: The intensity of IL-16 expression by normal ovarian epithelium was very weak (n=15). In contrast, the staining intensity of IL-16 by malignant epithelium increased significantly (p Conclusion: IL-16 expression by ovarian malignant epithelium and its serum levels are associated with ovarian malignant transformation and correlated with VEGFR-2 expression. Thus IL-16 may be a useful serum marker and in combination with VEGFR-2 may detect OVCA at early stage. These findings will facilitate clinical studies to establish a non-invasive early OVCA detection test. Support: DOD Award # W81XWH-12-1-0460. Citation Format: Aparna Yellapa, Pincas Bitterman, Jacques S. Abramowicz, Janice M. Bahr, Sanjib Basu, Sameer Sharma, Animesh Barua. IL-16 in association with VEGFR-2 detect early tumor associated changes in the ovary. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4641. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4641
Limited proteolysis of gap junction protein is intrinsic in mammlian lens fiber-cell plasma membranes

We demonstrate that the limited proteolysis of the lens fiber-cell gap junction protein, MP26, is intrinsic in mammalian lens fiber plasma membranes. Incubations of isolated intact bovine lens fiber plasma membranes in buffer alone did not elicit proteolysis of MP26. Incubations in the buffer with detergent, however, resulted in the limited proteolysis of MP26 which was totally inhibited by calcium chelators, thiol-alkylating agents, and protease inhibitors. As the limited proteolysis required the presence of detergent, it must depend on an enzymatic activity intrinsic in the lens fiber plasma membranes or in MP26 itself.
MSX: remotely sensed observations of atmospheric infrared radiance and spatial structure

The MSX SPIRIT III infrared radiometer and interferometer/spectrometer completed 233 episodic data collection events of remotely sensed atmospheric limb and terrestrial scenes from April 1996 to February 1997. The below the horizon (BTH) or terrestrial scenes were recorded in two mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) radiometer bands centered near 4.3 microns. The above the horizon (ATH) measurements were measured simultaneously in the MWIR bands and four long wavelength infrared (LWIR) bands extending over the wavelength range from 6.8 to 25.1 microns. MSX results included the initial space based MWIR observations of gravity waves in the stratosphere. This source of atmospheric structure was detected in approximately 30 percent of the BTH and low limb MWIR measurements. As anticipated the MSX MWIR BTH results also included structure produced by clouds with large contrast ratios produced by high altitude clouds in the equatorial region. The MSX MWIR and LWIR measurements include observations of the radiance and structure associated with a range of atmospheric phenomena including clouds, gravity waves, airglow, day- night terminator transitions and aurora. Representative samples of these and other significant finding in the MSX measurements of infrared terrestrial and earth limb backgrounds are presented.
Real Options Valuation of Phased Investments in Commercial Energy Retrofits under Building Performance Risks

AbstractAlthough the importance of energy efficiency investments has grown substantially in recent years, there has been very little about reliable valuation methods specifically aimed for commercial building energy retrofits under building performance risks. To fill this gap, the key objective of this study is to develop and exemplify a real options valuation framework that can be used to evaluate the financial impact of phased investments in a building portfolio. This study proposes a rigorous theoretical decision-support framework: Phased Investment for Energy Retrofits (PIER). PIER blends real options and net present value (NPV) analysis techniques together to valuate managerial flexibility associated with the phased investment strategy. The research results revealed that use of PIER would lead to a favorable NPV while performance risks could serve as a crucial factor that determines the level of government subsidy. The valuation framework of this study will help project owners and decision-makers bet...
The lipin family: mutations and metabolism.

Purpose of reviewThe family of three lipin proteins act as phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) enzymes required for glycerolipid biosynthesis, and also as transcriptional coactivators that regulate expression of lipid metabolism genes. The genes for lipin-1, lipin-2 and lipin-3 are expressed in key meta
Glucocorticoids alter the ratio of type III type I collagen synthesis by mouse dermal fibroblasts.

Abstract The type of collagen synthesized by primary cultures of dermal fibroblasts from two different strains of mice (A/J and C57BL6/J) was investigated. Confluent cultures were grown for four days with or without 10 −6 and 10 −7 M corticosterone or 10 −6 M dexamethasone. Glucocorticoid treatment results in a lower type III/type I procollagen ratio in both strains. While the amount of type I procollagen remains unchanged, type III is reduced to about 25 per cent of control values in the cells from both mouse strains. Thus, glucocorticoids can modulate the types of collagen synthesized by cultured cells.
A vision for a national global operational environmental satellite system (NGOESS)

The NOAA/NESDIS has been conducting studies to see if user requirements can be met by a single constellation of satellites that would provide high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution data every 15 minutes every where in post GOES-R and NPOESS time frame. The current Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) at an altitude of 35,000 km provide observations up to local zenith angles of 75 degrees for monitoring severe weather in real time. The Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) at an altitude of 833 km complement monitoring in the polar region at a regular time interval. The POES and DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) satellites will be merged into a new satellite system referred to as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) which is under development. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been supporting this study by analyzing characteristics of Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) as an observation venue to meet user requirements. An optimal altitude of 10,400 km has been selected based on the manageable radiation impacts on the electronics. This paper presents the initial encouraging results in several areas such as: orbit selection, constellation, coverage, revisit time analyses, communications options, scan mechanisms, and instrument concepts.
Filth Fly Resistance to Pyrethrins Associated with Automated Spray Equipment in Poultry Houses

Abstract Resistance to pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide (PB) in a population of Fannia canicularis (L.) (BR strain) at a broiler-breeder facility was determined (in F2 laboratory generation) to be 109.1-fold the median lethal dose (LD50), apparently having been influenced by twice-daily treatments with automatic spray equipment during the previous 2 years. By contrast, resistance was only 12-fold the normal LD50 in a population of Musca domestica L. (DH strain) at an egg-production facility that was subjected during a comparable period to treatments twice per week with synergized pyrethrins with the identical automatic pyrethrin-spray system. The automated application of a nonpersistent chemical at frequent intervals, obviously, provides continuity of selection pressure leading to high levels of resistance. Other factors such as enclosed poultry housing and the elimination of refugia have also contributed to the enhancement of resistance. The resistance level in Strain BR regressed to 31.7-fold after remaining unselected for an additional generation in the laboratory. Other bioassays on the F2 generation revealed limited resistance toward permethrin of 3.7-fold the normal LD50.
Ethics and the Prescription Pad

This article reviews the considerations that inform ethical psychotropic medication prescription processes at the clinical level with child and adolescent patients and their families or guardians. Physician attributes, cultural and religious factors, and the psychodynamic aspects of psychopharmacology are reviewed, in addition to the applications of basic ethical principles and concepts to the act of dispensing psychotropic medications. Attention is given to the processes of informed consent, assent, and challenges encountered to ethical prescribing for special populations such as children in foster care and juvenile justice systems. Ramifications of black box warnings and off label prescribing are discussed. Finally, the authors offer practical tips to guide clinicians in ethical psychopharmacologic management of their child and adolescent patients.
Renal uric acid clearance in human neonates

Renal clearance of uric acid was examined in 40 premature and term infants during the first 24 hours of life. Creatinine clearance and uric acid clearance increased with increasing gestational age. Serum uric acid concentration (r=−0.31, P
Putting social capital to work

In arguing for social capital's relevance to business activities, I once set aside day trading – along with outright gambling – as an exception. Day trading's practitioners operate independently of...
Soils and Decomposition

Soils are dynamic, complex systems of inorganic, organic and biotic components that have the capacity to support plant life. Soils are classified on the basis of their chemical and physical properties. These properties include texture, structure, colour and the nature and properties of soil horizons. Soils are an important component of natural capital, providing for food and fibre production and physical support of cultural infrastructure, but soils are degrading. Soils are the major site for plant nutrient regeneration through the process of decomposition. Decomposition processes also generate long-term soil organic matter and play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Decomposition of organic matter in soils is accomplished largely by microorganisms, often in association with animals. The rate and course of decomposition is influenced by climate, organic matter composition and nutrient availability from the environment. Key Concepts: Soils are dynamic systems composed of organic, inorganic and living components. Soils are classified according to measurable and observable properties, but there are many different classification schemes around the world. Key physical characteristics of soils are texture, bulk density and porosity all of which influence nutrient and water dynamics in the soil. Key chemical properties of soils include acidity (pH), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, organic matter content and nutrient availability. Soils are a slowly renewable natural resource that is being degraded worldwide due to erosion, desertification, salinisation and overuse. Decomposition of organic matter is regulated by climate and the nature and chemical composition of the organic matter. Soil organisms, particularly microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) and animals, play a major role in the decomposition process. Decomposition is important in regulating soil nutrient availability to plants. Soils are an important reservoir for carbon in the global carbon cycle and sequester significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Keywords: soil taxonomy; paedogenesis; soil formation; soil degradation; organic matter; biogeochemistry; organic matter decomposition; humus; carbon sequestration; global carbon cycle
Present and future of bioleaching in developing countries

Nowadays bioleaching occupies an increasingly important place among the available mining technologies. Today bioleaching is no longer a promising technology but an actual economical alternative for treating specific mineral ores. An important number of the current large-scale bioleaching operations are located in developing countries. This situation is determined by the fact that several developing countries have significant mineral reserves and by the characteristics of bioleaching that makes this technique especially suitable for developing countries because of its simplicity and low capital cost requirement. The current situation of commercial-size bioleaching operations and ongoing projects in developing countries is presented and discussed with especial reference to copper and gold mining. It is concluded that this technology can significantly contribute to the economic and social development of these countries.
Adjunctive use of the superficial femoral vein for vascular reconstructions

Objective Although the superficial femoral vein (SFV) is an accepted treatment for aortic graft infections, this conduit also has potential uses in other areas. Herein, we evaluate our experience using the SFV for arterial and venous bypasses and the arteriovenous (AV) fistula for dialysis access. Methods Between 1999 and 2011, 42 patients underwent a bypass or a thigh AV fistula using the SFV (31 arterial, four central venous, six AV fistulas, and one common carotid-to-vertebral bypass). Indications for arterial bypass included infected graft (20), critical limb ischemia (nine), and failed bypass (six). Indications for central venous bypass were: superior vena cava syndrome (two), vessel reconstruction due to tumor encasement (one), and central vein occlusion from thoracic outlet syndrome (one). All AV fistulas were created after patients sustained bilateral subclavian vein occlusions from failed upper extremity access. The common carotid-to-vertebral bypass was created due to an occluded vertebral artery with resultant stroke. Results Kaplan-Meier cumulative patency curves were used. The primary patency rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 97.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.41-100), 74.6% (95% CI, 57.89-96.23), and 66.4% (95% CI, 47.06-93.53), respectively. The assisted primary patency rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 100% (95% CI, 100-100), 97.1% (95% CI, 91.54-100), and 89% (95% CI, 74.29-100), respectively. Secondary patency rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 100% (95% CI, 100-100), 97.1% (95% CI, 91.54-100), and 89% (95% CI, 74.29-100), respectively. Limb salvage rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 97.3% (95% CI, 92.21-100), 93.6% (95% CI, 78.35-100), and 93.6% (95% CI, 78.35-100), respectively. Survival rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 97.6% (95% CI, 92.95-100), 86% (95% CI, 75.3-98.3), and 86% (95% CI, 75.3-98.3), respectively. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 8.7 years (mean time, 21 months). Complications occurred in 22 patients (52%) and included wound complications (n = 19; 45.2%); deep vein thrombosis (n = 1; 2.4%); anastomotic breakdown (n = 1; 2.4%); hematoma (n = 4; 9.5%); pulmonary embolism (n = 2; 4.8%); and compartment syndrome (n = 2; 4.8%). Conclusions The SFV is a durable conduit for uses beyond aortic reconstruction and should be considered when the great saphenous vein is not available or size match is a concern. However, wound complications remain a problem.
Empirical Evaluation of Factors Affecting Distinction between Failing and Passing Executions

Information captured in software execution profiles can benefit verification activities by supporting more cost-effective fault localization and execution classification. This paper proposes an experimental design which utilizes execution information to quantify the effect of factors such as different programs and fault inclusions on the distinction between passed and failed execution profiles. For this controlled experiment we use well-known, benchmark-like programs. In addition to experimentation, our empirical evaluation includes case studies of open source programs having more complex fault models. The results show that metrics reflecting distinction between failing and passing executions are affected more by program than by faults included.
Initiation of Oral Contraceptives : Start Now!

Abstract Purpose Conventional practice for initiating oral contraceptive (OC) pills involves waiting to start the pills with the next menstrual period. We investigated whether immediate initiation of OCs would lead to improved continuation rates and therefore decreased pregnancy rates in adolescents aged 12–17 years. Methods Study subjects were recruited from adolescent women presenting to 2 inner city clinics requesting OCs. A total of 539 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old were randomized to conventional initiation of the OC pill (Conventional Start [CS]) versus immediate, directly observed OC pill ingestion in the clinic (Quick Start [QS]). At 3 and 6 months the participants completed interviews that questioned them about their OC continuation and pregnancies. Results In all, 86% of our adolescents completed follow-up interviews at 3 months, and 77% at 6 months. There were 45 pregnancies during the study period. QS was associated with continuing OCs to a second pack (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.3). There was no difference in OC continuation rates at 3 or 6 months. Only 26% of adolescents continued OCs at 6 months and we identified 45 pregnancies during follow-up. Conclusion We conclude that directly observed, immediate initiation of oral contraceptives (QS) with adolescents briefly improves continuation although overall continuation rates are discouraging low. Health care providers could use this simple strategy to start adolescents on OCs at the initial visit. The low 6-month OC continuation rates highlight the need to seek novel ways to provide adolescents with the necessary tools to be successful at contraception.
Voice change as a new measure of male pubertal timing: a study among Bolivian adolescents.

Background: Age at menarche is often used to measure maturational tempo in girls. Unfortunately, no parallel marker exists for boys. It is suggested that voice change has a number of advantages as a marker of the timing and degree of male pubertal development. Aim: Traditional auxological methods are applied to voice change in order to compare differential development both between (males vs females; Tsimane vs North American; better vs worse condition) and within (voice vs height; fundamental frequency vs formant structure) populations. Subjects and methods: Fundamental and formant frequencies, as well as height and weight, were measured for 172 Tsimane males and females, aged 8–23. Participants were assigned to ‘better’ or ‘worse’ condition based on a median split of height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores. Results: Results support dramatic vocal changes in males. Peak voice change among Tsimane male adolescents occurs∼1 year later than in an age-matched North American sample. Achieved adult male voic...
University minority engineering programs

The agenda for a university minority program is examined. The purposes of the program are to recruit minority students into the engineering/science field, conduct a pre-college program for junior high students, and provide support for minority engineering students currently enrolled in the university. The focus will be on how a minority engineering program functions in a university setting. Programs such as the minority engineering have the potential of contributing significantly to the retention and eventual graduation of future engineers. It is hoped that this type of program designed to assist in the recruiting and motivating of minority students can, in the future, serve as a model to support all incoming freshman engineering/science students.
Research Findings in Developmental Psychology: Common Sense Revisited

A total of 415 high school and college students completed the Childhood and Adolescence Research Test (CART), a 90-item true-false exam concerning research findings reported in developmental psychology textbooks. The results suggest that many of the research findings presented in these textbooks, like many of those presented in personality textbooks (Barnett, 1986), may already be known to individuals with limited training in psychology. An important implication of these findings for teachers of developmental psychology is noted.
Reassessing Jewish Life in Medieval Europe: The European Middle Ages

The traditional tripartite view of christian history ruled supreme well into what has come to be called the European Middle Ages. Despite the vigor and vitality of the rapidly developing and highly innovative society of post-1000 western Christendom, members of this society continued to believe themselves in a middle period between Jesus’ First and Second Coming, with a far happier future in the offing. During the fourteenth century, the successes of medieval western Christendom began to unravel somewhat, with both natural and human catastrophes interrupting the continuous growth of the preceding three centuries, and new views began to emerge on major issues. Many of these innovative views challenged prior practical and theoretical assumptions regarding Christian life and society. Not the least of these new views focused on the traditional Christian sense of historical development. An innovative sense of tripartite European history emerged, with non-traditional perceptions of antiquity as the age of Greco-Roman freedom and creativity, a middle period of decline associated with Church-dominated Europe, and an anticipated modern period of return to the freedoms and values of Greece and Rome. This radically new tripartite history evolved from dissatisfaction with and criticism of the existing order. The notion of history divided into this new sequence of ancient, medieval, and modern periods quickly took hold in European and subsequently worldwide thinking, despite the obvious difficulties in applying this scheme to non-European societies. While the division was quickly accepted, assessments of the nature and quality of the three periods have elicited profound disagreement. For our purposes it is important to note the ongoing debate over the middle element in the sequence. For some, the “Middle Ages” constitute a period of abysmal decline, which modernity has attempted to reverse; for others, the “Middle Ages” bequeathed to modernity the noblest achievements of the human spirit.
High heat flux cooling for silicon hybrid multichip packaging

Recent projections have suggested that heat fluxes will reach or exceed 100 W/cm/sup 2/ in future integrated circuit chips. Research on the application of both liquid-jet impingement with boiling and direct liquid immersion to the cooling of silicon substrates used in hybrid multichip packaging is described. The authors report the first data on cooling of silicon substrates using direct immersion cooling in Freon-12 and compare the results to those of liquid-jet impingement cooling of the same substrates. Heater fluxes of 200 W/cm/sup 2/ at a maximum temperature rise of 50 K have been achieved using 16 jets impinging with a nozzle velocity of 1 m/s. Immersion cooling experiments have reached heater fluxes of 100 W/cm/sup 2/ with a 45-K temperature rise. Results from two-dimensional numerical simulations of the test wafer are in excellent agreement with the immersion cooling data. These results indicate that both modes of cooling will be highly useful in the cooling and packaging technology for the next generation of high-performance computer systems. >