cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrification in soil treated with domestic and industrial sewage sludge

Abstract Dried sewage sludge from either predominantly domestic or industrial sources was incorporated into soil at rates of 0, 1, 4 or 16 mg/g and the soils were incubated with or without the addition of 100 μg/g NH 4 + - N and 30° C . Samples were taken at weekly intervals for six weeks and analysed for NH 4 + - N and ( NO 3 − + NO 2 − ) - N At the two highest rates, industrial sludge reduced nitrification during the first three to four weeks of the experiment, with the highest rate completely inhibiting nitrification for the first two weeks. At the highest rate, the domestic sludge reduced nitrification only slightly. Analyses showed that the industrial sludge contained higher levels of several metals, particularly Zn, Cd and Pb. It was concluded that reduced nitrification at the high rates of industrial sludge was caused by these metals. This conclusion was supported by the finding that nitrification was inhibited in soils treated with 16 mg/g of domestic sludge which had been treated with inorganic salts to give concentrations of metals comparable with those in the industrial sludge.
Hemodynamic Effects of Amiodarone

The hemodynamic effects of amiodarone vary according to many factors which include the method of administration and each patient's medical conditon and histroy. Adverse effects of amiodarone are serious but can be minimized by appropriate dosage adjustments. At this time, amiodarone does not appear to cause significant deterioration of myocardial function even though there are risks of other serious adverse reactions.
Induction, focused sampling and the law of small numbers

Hilary Kornblith (1993) has recently offered a reliabilist defense of the use of the Law of Small Numbers in inductive inference. In this paper I argue that Kornblith's defense of this inferential rule fails for a number of reasons. First, I argue that the sort of inferences that Kornblith seeks to justify are not really inductive inferences based on small samples. Instead, they are knowledge-based deductive inferences. Second, I address Kornblith's attempt to find support in the work of Dorrit Billman and I try to show that close attention to the workings of her computational model reveals that it does not support Kornblith's argument. While the knowledge required to ground the inferences in question is perhaps inductively derived, Billman's work does not support the notion that small samples provide a reliable basis for our generalizing inferences.
Developmental differences in children's understanding of marriage, divorce, and remarriage

One hundred and nineteen children in kindergarten, second, and fourth grades, living with never divorced biological parents or with divorced mothers, were interviewed with both open-and close-ended questions about their understanding of, and evaluative altitudes toward, marriage, divorce, remarriage, and stepfamilies. Results indicate clear developmental differences in children's understanding of these issues and in their opinions about marriage, divorce, and stepfamilies. No differences were found, however, between the understanding of children with divorced and nondivorced parents, or between boys and girls. Although children with divorced parents were more likely than children with nondivorced parents to expect themselves to divorce in the future, no other differences were found in their attitudes. Results are discussed within a constructivistic perspective of children's acquisition of social knowledge.
Mixture-model classification in DNA content analysis.

DNA abundance provides important information about cell physiology and proliferation activity. In a typical in vitro cellular assay, the distribution of the DNA content within a sample is comprised of cell debris, G0/G1-, S-, and G2/M-phase cells. In some circumstances, there may be a collection of cells that contain more than two copies of DNA. The primary focus of DNA content analysis is to deconvolute the overlapping mixtures of the cellular components, and subsequently to investigate whether a given treatment has perturbed the mixing proportions of the sample components. We propose a restricted mixture model that is parameterized to incorporate the available biological information. A likelihood ratio (LR) test is developed to test for changes in the mixing proportions between two cell populations. The proposed mixture model is applied to both simulated and real experimental data. The model fitting is compared with unrestricted models; the statistical inference on proportion change is compared between the proposed LR test and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, which is frequently used to test for differences in DNA content distribution. The proposed mixture model outperforms the existing approaches in the estimation of the mixing proportions and gives biologically interpretable results; the proposed LR test demonstrates improved sensitivity and specificity for detecting changes in the mixing proportions. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Dielectric Measurements of Package Materials in an Inhomogeneously Filled Rectangular Waveguide

A transmission technique for dielectric measurements in the microwave region is presented. Thin specimens are longitudinally positioned at the center of a rectangular waveguide. Expressions for the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity are considered with different approximations. The suitability of the technique is evaluated for dielectric measurements of packaging materials. Experimental results are presented for Teflon, porous Vycor, and alumina in the X-band frequency range.
The Source and identity of a regeneration‐inhibiting factor in hydroid polyps

It has been found that cell-free homogenates of tentacles and hydranths, but not of stems, are capable of inhibiting distal regeneration in Corymorpha palma. The results of several experiments on this species, and on Chlorohydra viridissima, Hydra littoralis, and H. pirardi have indicated that the observed inhibition was caused mainly by a nematocyst toxin, tetramethylammonium. This conclusion is supported by three independent lines of evidence: (1) direct counts of the nematocysts contained in tentacle, hydranth, and stem homogenates has shown that the amount of inhibitory activity is correlated with the number of nematocysts present; (2) tetramethylammonium was found to inhibit distal regeneration in transected polyps; and (3) paper chromatography of acetone extracts has demonstrated the presence of this quaternary ammonium compound in all species examined.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: FINDINGS AND PROBLEMS IN THE LITERATURE

Abstract Race-based conflict theory predicts substantial, institutionalized discrimination against minorities within criminal justice systems. This article examines the nature and extent of racial discrimination by police, courts, and correctional agencies in the United States. The body of research analyzed points to racial effects at certain points in the criminal justice system and in certain social contexts, but it also suggests that discrimination is less extensive than what is anticipated by conflict theory. In critically evaluating the literature, the article also points to a number of methodological and analytical deficiencies that require attention in future research—problems, which, if rectified, may lead to documentation of more subtle forms of discrimination and identification of important contextual factors.
There are no de bruijn sequences of span n with complexity 2n − 1 + n + 1

Abstract If s = ( s 0 , s 1 ,…, s 2 n −1 ) is a binary de Bruijn sequence of span n , then it has been shown that the least length of a linear recursion that generates s , called the complexity of s and denoted by c (s), is bounded for n ⩾ 3 by 2 n − 1 + n ⩽ c (s) ⩽ 2 n −1. A numerical study of the allowable values of c (s) for 3 ⩽ n ⩽ 6 found that all values in this range occurred except for 2 n −1 + n + 1. It is proven in this note that there are no de Bruijn sequences of complexity 2 n −1 + n + 1 for all n ⩾ 3.
Comparison of immune responses to extracellular domains of mouse and human thyrotropin receptor.

The mouse and human thyrotropin receptors show greater than 87% homology in their amino acid sequences. However, glycosylated extracellular domains of mouse (mET-gp) and human (hET-gp) thyrotropin receptors showed differences in their ability to react with patient autoantibodies to thyrotropin receptor (TSHR). To test for potential differences in their immunogenicity, we immunized BALB/c mice with either gel pure non-glycosylated ectodomain of human TSHR (ETSHR II), or hET-gp (hET-gp III), or mET-gp (mET-gp III). Alternatively, mice were primed with gel pure hET-gp or mET-gp and subsequently immunized with insect cells expressing hET-gp (hET-gp II) or mET-gp (mET-gp II) respectively. All groups of mice immunized with TSHR developed high titers of antibodies against the respective immunogens. As shown earlier, sera obtained from mice immunized with ETSHR showed strong reactivity to peptide 1 (aa 22-41) and weak reactivity to peptides 23 (aa 352-371), 24 (aa 367-386), 25 (aa 382-401), and 26 (aa 397-415). Mice immunized with hET-gp or mET-gp showed comparable titers to peptides 1 and 23 and lower reactivity to other peptides. Mice immunized with hET-gp showed higher TBII reactivity (52.2%) compared to mice immunized with either ETSHR (20.9%) or mET-gp (34.5%). Peptides from the C-terminal region of ETSHR could neutralize the TBII activities of sera from mice immunized with ETSHR or hET-gp but not mET-gp. Compared to corresponding control mice, T4 levels in mET-gp II mice were only marginally higher. These data suggested that outcome of immunization with mouse ETSHR is comparable to that seen after immunization with human ETSHR.
EWMA control charts for autoregressive processes

Many processes must be monitored by using observations that are correlated. An approach called algorithmic statistical process control can be employed in such situations. This involves fitting an autoregressive/moving average time series model to the data. Forecasts obtained from the model are used for active control, while the forecast errors are monitored by using a control chart. In this paper we consider using an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart for monitoring the residuals from an autoregressive model. We present a computational method for finding the out-of-control average run length (ARL) for such a control chart when the process mean shifts. As an application, we suggest a procedure and provide an example for finding the control limits of an EWMA chart for monitoring residuals from an autoregressive model that will provide an acceptable out-of-control ARL. A computer program for the needed calculations is provided via the World Wide Web.
Sleep states of infants monitored in the home: Individual differences, developmental trends, and origins of diurnal cyclicity

Abstract Using an automated procedure for sleep recording, the sleep of 20 healthy full-term infants was monitored for 24-hour periods in the home once a week during the 1st to 5th weeks of life. A pressure-sensitive mattress, placed in the infant's crib, was used for recording analog signals from respiration and body movements. The motility signals were recorded on a single channel of a small Oxford 24-hour recorder. In the laboratory, the recorded signals were processed and computer scored for states using a pattern recognition program which employs a template matching procedure. For each 30-s epoch, the state was scored as either active sleep (AS), quiet sleep (QS), active-quiet transitional sleep (AQ), sleep-wake transition (TR), or wakefulness (WA). Significant individual differences were found for each state parameter. Significant developmental trends over weeks were found: AS decreased and QS increased as a function of changing bout lengths in these states. The number of state changes per hour was constant over the 5 weeks. State patterns obtained by this automated recording procedure did not differ from those obtained by direct behavioral observations. Diurnal differences in the state distributions for 12-hour day and night periods were found, with more wakefulness occurring during the daytime. The infants showed a significant linear increase in wakefulness during the daytime, while wakefulness during the night remained relatively stable across weeks. Even during periods when they were in the crib, the infants spent significantly more time awake during the daytime. These highly organized characteristics of infants' states were apparent from the earliest postnatal age despite variations in activities that typically occur in the home. The findings confirm the validity and potential usefulness of the sensor mattress recording procedure.
Age-related alterations in expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins and heat shock proteins in rat skeletal muscle

Aging of skeletal muscle is often accompanied by muscle atrophy and it appears that apoptosis plays an important role in this process. The detailed mechanism(s) is not completely understood, however. In this study, we examined expression of the apoptosis regulatory proteins as well as the heat shock proteins, which have been shown to modulate the apoptotic process in certain cell types, in order to more completely elucidate apoptotic signaling in aged skeletal muscle. To more specifically identify alterations that are likely to be the result of aging, we compared 16-month-old middle-aged (MD) and 29-month-old senescent (SE) male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats in our study. Our results show that the degree of DNA laddering was higher in SE compared to MD rats. Using total tissue homogenates we examined the level of expression of several apoptosis-related proteins in two categories: mitochondria-associated proteins and caspases. Of the mitochondria-associated proteins, the levels of p53 showed a significant increase in SE compared to MD rats. There was also a significant increase in the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Apaf-1 in SE rats over that of MD rats; cytochrome c and AIF levels remained unchanged, however. Regarding the caspases, there were increases in the levels of pro-caspases-12 and -7 and cleaved caspase-9, although the levels of pro- and cleaved caspase-3 as well as cleaved caspase-12 remained unchanged. Furthermore, our results showed significant increases in HSP27, HSP60, and the inducible HSP70. These data show that in rat skeletal muscle increased apoptosis occurs between middle-age and senescence, indicating an aging-related increase in apoptosis in skeletal muscle. The involvement of different apoptotic pathways in the aging process is suggested by the selective alterations in the apoptosis regulatory proteins. The increased expression of the HSPs suggests a relationship between HSPs and the aging-related apoptotic process.
Fine structure of spermatogonia and intercellular bridges in Macaca nemestrina.

Spermatogonia of the monkey, Macaca nemestrina, were studied with the electron microscope. The spermatogonial nucleus is characterized by dense homogeneous chromatin and an eccentric nucleolus with a prominent surrounding clear zone. Cytoplasm consists chiefly of free ribosomes and vesicular endoplasmic reticulum. Scattered mitochondria with closely spaced transverse cristae are arranged singly and in pairs separated by thin electron-dense bands. Binucleated spermatogonia resemble other spermatogonia in their ultrastructural characteristics, but contain an increased number of lysosome-like structures and degenerating mitochondria. Spermatogonial interconnections are of two types: broad cytoplasmic connections and narrow intercellular bridges. Connected cells are always identical in appearance and stage of maturation. Multiple connections occur. Interconnection of spermatogonia provides a syncytial type of arrangement which allows synchronization of differentiation and results in similar apperance of adjoining cells. Similarity of regressive changes in adjacent degenerating cells is explained by the presence of intercellular bridges.
Community Syringe Collection and Disposal Policies in 16 States

Objective: To review laws, regulations, and guidelines that affect the collection and disposal of hypodermic needles, syringes, and lancets used outside of professional health care settings (hereafter referred to as “community syringes”). Design: Law and policy analysis. Setting: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. Intervention: Information on syringe collection and disposal in the community was gathered from federal and state records and state agency personnel. Main Outcome Measure: Legally permissible means of syringe collection and disposal available to persons in the community injecting medical treatments and injection drug users. Results: Laws, regulations, or guidelines in 13 states allowed community syringes to be legally discarded in household trash; guidelines for in-trash disposal varied among the states. Only 6 states had laws or regulations that specifically addressed community syringe collection. In 10 states, infectious waste laws and regulations that apply to medical facilities such as clinics would also apply to community syringe collection sites. Conclusion: In the 16 states studied, laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to community syringe collection and disposal were somewhat inconsistent and confusing and presented potential barriers to safe disposal. States should consider amending laws, regulations, and guidelines to promote community syringe collection programs. A national effort is needed to achieve consistent community syringe collection and disposal laws and guidelines for all states. Pharmacists can aid in safe syringe disposal by counseling their patients about safe disposal, providing or selling sharps containers, and accepting used syringes for safe disposal. Pharmacists can join other interested groups in advocating clarification of disposal laws and regulations that favor community programs designed to keep syringes out of the trash so that they can be disposed of as infectious waste.
A Safety Attitude Scale for the Seventh Grade

Abstract This study represents an attempt to construct an attitude scale which serves as an instrument to measure the attitudes of seventh grade students toward safety. A behavioristic-type question (situation-response) was adopted for this study as an expression of attitudes. The major steps followed were: selecting a measuring technique, developing a preliminary scale, refinement of preliminary scale, and establishment of final forms and norms. Validity was established and through the use of interform reliability method, a reliability coefficient of .897 resulted.
The rapid, quantitative determination of neutral sugars (as aldononitrile acetates) and amino sugars (as O-methyloxime acetates) in glycoproteins by gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract O -Methyloximes have been prepared from 2-amino-2-deoxy- d -glucose, - d -mannose, and - d -galactose. The acetates of these derivatives yield stable compounds which are readily separated quantitatively by gas-liquid chromatography on a number of polar phases. The above compounds along with the aldononitrile acetates of neutral sugars can be easily separated from one another on a single column in one chromatographic run. The procedures developed were tested on a number of glycoproteins of known composition as reported by other workers utilizing more classical methodologies, resulting in excellent agreement in terms of sugar composition. An improved method is also described for converting neutral sugars to oximes which can be either converted to the trimethylsilyl derivatives or, upon acetylation, derivatized to aldononitrile acetates.
Neuromuscular Organization for “Wing” Control in a Mollusc (Clione limacina) and a Bird (Columba livia): Parallels in Design

Flapping as a means of locomotion is shared by divergent groups ranging from pteropod molluscs to birds. The pteropod, Clione limacina , exhibits two modes of locomotion, slow and fast swimming. The motor units which control swimming consist of small motoneurons and relatively nonfatigable muscle fibers, while those involved in fast swimming consistof large motoneurons and relatively fatigable fibers (Satterlie et al., 1990).The pectoralis muscle of the pigeon, Columba livia , consists of two populations of muscle fibers distinguished by histochemistry and size. Cinematographic and electromyographic experiments suggest that the large fibers are used for takeoff and landing and the small fibers for level flight (Dial et al., 1988). We have employed a suite of experimental techniques similar to those used for studies of the neuromuscular system of Clione to analyze a limited sample of motor units from the pectoralis of Columba . The peak tetanic tension and contractile fatigue resistance during electrical stimulation of single alpha axons, functionally isolated from nerve filaments, was studied in 30 motor units. All units but one generated peak tetanic tensions which were less than 0.22% of whole muscle tension. A high proportion (75%) of units demonstrated fatigue resistance, reflective of the demands of sustained flapping flight. These preliminary data suggest that the peripheral neuromuscular systems of Clione and Columba share some common components for the execution of at least two distinct modes of flapping locomotion.
Long-lasting Transneuronal Changes in Rat Dentate Granule Cell Dendrites after Entorhinal Cortex Lesion. A Combined Intracellular Injection and Electron Microscopy Study

Following entorhinal cortex lesion, inhibitory hippocampal neurons show a persistent rarefication of those dendrites formally receiving entorhinal input. Physiological data indicate a long lasting disequilibrium of inhibition and excitation in the de-entorhinated hippocampus. We analyzed the intracellularly-stained dendritic tree of de-entorhinated excitatory rat granule cells. Granule cells of controls and animals surviving 2, 8, 60 and 270 days after unilateral entorhinal cortex lesion were impaled. Dendrites of control cells were of typical shape, traced to the hippocampal fissure and a complete dye filling of dendrites was ascertained by EM-analysis. Conversely, 60 and 270 days following lesioning, dendrites were only rarely seen to extend into the outer portions of the molecular layer and the dendritic architecture became significantly rarefied. Sixty days post-lesion, intracellularly filled dendrites extending to the middle molecular layer were surrounded by cell clusters resembling glia. Some of these contained the neuronally applied dye, suggesting a close association of the cytosolic compartments with the altered dendrites. These observed alterations exceed the process of sprouting and de novo synaptogenesis of remaining afference for long periods of time. The dendritic morphology of both inhibitory and excitatory neurons seems to require specific input from the entorhinal cortex. Moreover, sprouting of remaining afferents is apparently not sufficient to compensate for this loss of input.
On the composition of Asian central bank reserves: Will the euro replace the dollar?

Abstract Recent discussion in the financial markets has considered the possibility that Asian central banks might be shifting some of their international reserve holdings out of the dollar and into the euro. Prompted by this recent interest, we empirically examine the composition of central bank reserves in Japan, China, and Korea. The currency composition of reserves is a well-guarded secret for these central banks, so we offer statistical estimates of the quantity of euro reserves held based on the time series properties of total reserves and the value of the euro. We find that, over the period 1999–2004, euro reserves may average 1/3 of the total reserves of these countries. In contrast, in the pre-euro period 1993–1998, reserves in currencies that were replaced by the euro were generally insignificant. Because there has been a large build-up of foreign currency reserves in Asian central banks, the rise in the holdings of euros was likely accomplished without selling dollars and buying euros. However, euro acquisition must have amounted to nearly half of the large build-up in reserves. The main conclusion is that the euro is likely to be increasingly important in Asian central bank reserve portfolios, and may surpass dollar holdings if Asian central banks see the benefits of currency diversification or if Asian currencies reduce their traditional stability vis-a-vis the dollar in favor of a link to a currency basket.
Advances in Interferometric Surface Measurement

The addition of electronics, computers, and software to interferometry has provided tremendous improvements in the measurement of surface shape and roughness. This talk will describe three such improvements; use of computer generated holograms for testing aspheric surfaces, techniques for performing interferometric measurements more accurate than the reference surface, and two single-shot phase-shifting interferometric techniques for reducing the sensitivity of an optical test to vibration and measuring dynamically changing surface shapes.
Giant Carcinoid Tumor of the Lung

A case of a giant atypical carcinoid tumor is discussed. The tumor occurred in a 33-year-old man who presented with pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Details of his preoperative evaluation, metastatic work-up, and use of tumor embolization are described. The operative procedure and use of cardiopulmonary support to achieve appropriate margins are described as well. Review of the literature and pathologic characteristics of carcinoid tumors and atypical carcinoid tumors are discussed.
A new speculation on terrestrial helium loss

A new mechanism for the loss of terrestrial helium is proposed. The mechanism involves the reaction He(23S) + O → He + O+ + e This reaction is very likely the dominant helium metastable loss process in the atmosphere. It is speculated that the excess energy of the reaction, 6.2 eV, may go largely to the helium atom as kinetic energy, in view of recently reported experiments on similar reactions. The production rate of He(23S) metastables is about that of neutral helium in the Earth's atmosphere, ∼106 atoms/cm2 sec so that this mechanism could lead quantitatively to a steady state terrestrial helium atmosphere. No other satisfactory mechanism for this has yet been proposed.
Modeling acquisition of an advanced skill: The case of Morse code copying

To determine characteristics of those who pass, 21 soldiers were tracked through a course in Morse code copying. Passers differed from “attrites” in the form of functions relating reaction times to presentation speed (p < 0.05). We suggest this is due to differing rates of “copying behind” and offer a model in which an initially speeded task converts, at expert level, to one of delayed responding. We then show how the model explains otherwise puzzling data. This success demonstrates the need to understand the information-processing complexities of an advanced skill before an appropriate student model can be created for instructional purposes.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression is regulated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor in vivo.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression is regulated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor in vivo. Background The fibrinolytic system plays an important role in degrading fibrin-rich thrombi and in vascular and tissue remodeling. Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) can reduce the efficiency of the endogenous fibrinolytic system. Angiotensin (Ang) has been shown to regulate PAI-1 expression via the Ang type 1 (AT1) receptor in some tissues and via the AT4 receptor in cultured endothelium. The purpose of this study was to examine the tissue-specific pattern of PAI-1 expression in response to infusion of Ang II in vivo. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats ( N = 5 in each group) were treated with four hours of intravenous infusions of Ang II or vehicle control while mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored: group 1, 600 ng/kg/min Ang II; group 2, Ang II + 10 mg/kg of the AT1 receptor antagonist (AT1RA) L158-809 q2 hour; group 3, Ang II + 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg hydralazine as required to maintain normal blood pressure; and group 4, saline-infused controls. After infusion, tissue was harvested for Northern blotting, immunohistochemical analysis, and in situ hybridization. Results In group 1, Ang II infusion increased MAP from 105 ± 8 to 160 ± 9 mm Hg (mean ± SE, P P Conclusions We conclude that in the rat, PAI-1 is induced in a variety of tissues by Ang II directly through the AT1 receptor, independent of its effects on blood pressure.
Teacher characteristics and competencies related to substance abuse prevention.

Teacher characteristics and competencies perceived as beneficial for preventing substance use among students were identified through a literature search, review of existing prevention curricula, and consultation with state and local experts. These qualities were integrated into a questionnaire and administered to acknowledge professionals in the substance use and abuse arena who were affiliated with universities, public schools, and prevention/intervention agencies. A factor analysis yielded six constructs which were then scaled, examined for psychometric appropriateness, and subsequently employed to quantify perceptions of importance. Teacher-Student Relations emerged as the most important aspect of teacher comportment, followed by knowledge associated with Human Behavior, Substances, User Recognition and Referral, Prevention Curricula, and Legal Issues. These findings are encouraging in that the characteristics and skills perceived as important to prevention can be developed in both pre- and in-service ...
Three pieces of the populist puzzle

When I was a graduate student there was a story going around about a doctoral candidate who was thoroughly disenchanted with life in the university. After successfully defending an outstanding dissertation, he turned to his committee and asked, "Why do you do it?" As the story goes, the examiners were unable to respond, thereby reaffirming the candidate's commitment to pursue his research interests without seeking an academic appointment. His subsequent success in that endeavor underlines the importance of his question, "Why do we do it?" We must justify our work not only to resolve our existential dilemmas but in response to colleagues, who criticize our paltry efforts and offer advice to the editors of journals and publishing houses. In this regard, one might reasonably ask, "Why study populism?" My position, as a card-carrying member of the Social Science History Assocation, is simple. It is carved in stone above the library at the University of Colorado at Boulder: "Who Knows Not History Remains Always a Child."
Vitamin D Receptor Interactions with the Murine Osteopontin Response Element

The nature of the DNA binding interactions of the human vitamin D receptor (hVDR) with the murine osteopontin vitamin D response element (mOP VDRE) was examined. Both recombinant hVDR and human retinoid X receptor beta (hRXRbeta) proteins were obtained from baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells. Mixing extracts of the two recombinant proteins resulted in the strong, specific formation of a slower migrating complex in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Crude extracts of the expressed hVDR alone were also capable of binding with high affinity to the mOP sequence, and this binding was enhanced in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3). Competition experiments confirmed the specificity of this interaction and revealed that the human osteocalcin VDRE was a poor competitor for this binding. Ethylation interference footprint analyses of hVDR/hRXRbeta and hVDR complexes revealed only subtle differences in how these two different VDR-containing complexes interacted with the mOP VDRE. The footprints displayed contact points in both halves of the direct repeat format, confirming the dimeric and major groove interactions of both types of complexes. DNA affinity chromatography of labelled hVDR extracts revealed a peak eluting at ca. 290 mM KC1 that was capable of rebinding to the mOP sequence in gel shift experiments. Ultraviolet (UV) light-crosslinking experiments of hVDR extracts alone to radiolabelled DNA were consistent with the existence of a homodimeric hVDR interaction. Additionally, these experiments confirmed the direct interaction of a hVDR/hRXRbeta heterodimer when mixed extracts were utilized. From these results we infer that homodimers of the hVDR which respond with enhanced DNA binding to particular vitamin D response elements when exposed to 1,25-(OH)2D3 are possible. This may be of functional significance when RXR proteins are limiting or RXR ligand is present within a cell.
Elemental abundance anomalies in the late Cenomanian extinction interval: a search for the source(s)

Measurements of elemental abundances by neutron activation methods across the Cenomanian-Turonian extinction interval in samples collected from 16 sites in the Western Interior Basin of North America from 12 widely separated locations around the globe, including six ODP/DSDP sites, are reported. In most Western Interior Basin sites, in Colombia, and in Western Europe, two closely spaced elemental abundance peaks occur in the upper Cenomanian (about 92 m.y.), spanning the ammonite zones of Sciponoceras gracile through Neocardioceras juddii. Elements with anomalously high concentrations include Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Ir, Pt, and Au. The lower peak coincides with the disappearance (extinction) of the foraminifer Rotalipora cushmani. In North American sections R. greenhornensis also disappears at or just below this horizon, but in Europe it disappears considerably earlier than R. cushmani. Although the weak geochemical signal from comet impact(s) could be masked by the strong terrestrial-like overprint, these anomalies more likely resulted in the large late Cenomanian through early Turonian eustatic rise and deep-water opening of the South Atlantic.
The Fanconi anemia complementation group C gene product: structural evidence of multifunctionality

The Fanconi anemia (FA) group C gene product (FANCC) functions to protect cells from cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cross-linking agents. FANCC is also required for optimal activation of STAT1 in response to cytokine and growth factors and for suppressing cytokine-induced apoptosis by modulating the activity of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase. Because not all FANCC mutations affect STAT1 activation, the hypothesis was considered that cross-linker resistance function of FANCC depends on structural elements that differ from those required for the cytokine signaling functions of FANCC. Structure-function studies were designed to test this notion. Six separate alanine-substituted mutations were generated in 3 highly conserved motifs of FANCC. All mutants complemented mitomycin C (MMC) hypersensitive phenotype of FA-C cells and corrected aberrant posttranslational activation of FANCD2 in FA-C mutant cells. However, 2 of the mutants, S249A and E251A, failed to correct defective STAT1 activation. FA-C lymphoblasts carrying these 2 mutants demonstrated a defect in recruitment of STAT1 to the interferon γ (IFN-γ) receptor and GST-fusion proteins bearing S249A and E251A mutations were less efficient binding partners for STAT1 in stimulated lymphoblasts. These same mutations failed to complement the characteristic hypersensitive apoptotic responses of FA-C cells to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IFN-γ. Cells bearing a naturally occurring FANCC mutation (322delG) that preserves this conserved region showed normal STAT1 activation but remained hypersensitive to MMC. The conclusion is that a central highly conserved domain of FANCC is required for functional interaction with STAT1 and that structural elements required for STAT1-related functions differ from those required for genotoxic responses to cross-linking agents. Preservation of signaling capacity of cells bearing the del322G mutation may account for the reduced severity and later onset of bone marrow failure associated with this mutation.
The effect of transition-state bond angle on vibrational energy release in chemical reactions

Abstract We report quasiclassical trajectory calculations of the HBr product vibrational energy distribution in the reaction H + Br 2 → HBr + Br. We find a previously unsuspected systematic dependence of the product vibrational energy on the transition-state bond angle even when other features of the potential energy surface are held constant.
The demand for aviation gasoline and the impact of an increased tax on lead emissions

A poisonous and environmentally hazardous byproduct of aviation gasoline combustion is lead emissions. A proposed increase in the aviation gasoline tax from 19.4 to 70.1 cents per gallon has generated a heated debate between pilots and the Federal Aviation Administration. Given that general aviation produces approximately 50% (over 1200 tons) of all lead emissions in the US, understanding the sensitivity that aviation gasoline demand has to price changes is essential to better understanding the policy implications and the environmental impact from an increased tax. Few studies have examined aviation fuel elasticities and no known study has estimated aviation gasoline elasticities. This paper fills that gap and estimates the price elasticity of demand to range from −0.043 to −0.185 in the short-run and from −0.132 to −0.303 in the long-run. Consequently, the estimated impact of the proposed tax increase is a reduction of between 10.71 to 21.30 tons of lead in the short-run and between 15.12 to 34.78 tons o...
Cell-mediated "immunostimulation" induced by mammary tumour virus-free Balb-c mammary tumours.

PREHN has advanced the hypothesis that weakly antigenic tumours can lead to a cell-mediated response which stimulates, rather than inhibits, tumour growth1–3. His hypothesis was based on evidence which indicated that a low level immune reaction might enhance tumour growth. Much of this evidence came from experiments using mouse mammary tumours1,2, although the presence of enhancing or blocking antibodies could explain many of the data4,5. Prehn's demonstration that low doses, but not high doses, of specifically sensitized spleen cells could benefit tumour growth in thymectomized, X-irradiated mice provided the first substantial evidence for the immunostimulation theory3.
Laser Induced Fluorometry and Velocimetry

The characteristics of fuel atomizers have been studied by using a fluorescence optical patternator via establishing a laser sheet illumination of the spray and an image capturing system. Line laser Mie-scattering and fluorescence imaging technique is used to study the fuel mass distribution, geometrical properties, angle and symmetry in sprays. The proposed experimental setup employs Rhodamine 6G as the fluorophore. A set of filters have been used to reduce the signature from the combustion fire while being able to image the nanoparticles. Experimental results are obtained under the conditions of the fuel with and without being seeded with quantum dots and under both non-combusting and combusting spray conditions. The results from the study are validated against existing volume flux distribution measurements by conventional techniques. Owing to the high luminescence properties of quantum dots, the liquid volume distribution can accurately be determined in an evaporating as well as a non-evaporating spray using this technique. Quantum dots are semiconductor nanoparticles whose emission wavelength can be tuned by the choice of their size. Also their, high luminescence properties are advantageous in a spectrally "noisy" combustion environment.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
School social work and early childhood student's attitudes toward gay and lesbian families

The present study assessed the attitudes of school professionals in training at an American university toward homosexuality and their comfort, action-related disposition, and preparation to work with gay and lesbian (GL) families and their children. Fifty-nine students specializing in birth through kindergarten education and school social work participated in the study. Overall, participants held positive attitudes toward homosexuality, felt prepared to work with this population, and were willing to take action on the issue. Nevertheless, the overall comfort in working with GL parents on a personal basis was low. The implications of these findings for the fields of early childhood and school social work higher education and in research are discussed.
Angiotensin II inhibits interleukin-6 mRNA expression of LPS-stimulated macrophages through down-regulating calcium signaling.

Abstract Background The renin-angiotensin system plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure following hemorrhage and shock. Recent studies also suggest renin-angiotensin system regulates inflammatory mediator production although the amechanism is largely unknown. This purpose of the study was to examine the effect of angiotensin II on macrophage (MO) IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and on the alterations in the calcium influx. Methods J774A.1 cells, a mouse MO cell line, were exposed to E. coli LPS (1 or 10 μg/ml) in the presence of angiotensin II (10 nM to 1 μM). IL-6 mRNA expression was determined by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. IL-6 protein production was measured by ELISA. To examine the involvement of calcium signaling in IL-6 mRNA expression, MO were exposed to various calcium agonists and antagonists in the presence of LPS stimulation. Changes of intracellular [Ca 2+ ] by LPS stimulation and angiotensin II treatment were determined by a fura-2 fluorescence ratio method. Results LPS stimulation increased MO IL-6 mRNA expression, which was inhibited by Angiotensin II in a dose-dependent fashion. Both thapsigargin and A23187 augmented the IL-6 mRNA levels induced by LPS stimulation, but only thapsigargin was able to induce IL-6 mRNA directly. TMB-8 but not verapamil inhibited LPS-stimulated MO IL-6 mRNA. Finally, angiotensin II significantly altered the changes in intracellular [Ca 2+ ] levels induced by LPS stimulation by reducing both the peak and slope of calcium spikes. Conclusions Our data show that calcium signaling is closely related to IL-6 mRNA expression. Angiotensin II inhibits IL-6 mRNA expression of LPS-stimulated MO. The inhibitory effects of angiotensin II appear, at least in part, to be mediated through down regulating calcium dependent pathways.
A reliable technique for solving the weakly singular second-kind Volterra-type integral equations

Abstract In this paper, the Adomian decomposition method and the phenomenon of the self-canceling “noise” terms are used for solving the weakly singular Volterra-type, linear and nonlinear, integral equations. The solution obtained is in the form of a convergent power series with elegantly computable terms. Comparing this scheme with many collocation-type methods that use the nonpolynomial basis shows that the present approach is effective and powerful. Many test modeling problems from mathematical physics, linear and nonlinear, are discussed to illustrate the effectiveness and the performance of the decomposition method.
Magnetic and structural characteristics of ternary intermetallic systems containing lanthanides

Magnetic and structural characteristics of ternary intermetallic systems with lanthanides, considering Ln substitution by other rare earth elements
Computer analysis of art

Analysis of visual art is a highly complex cognitive task that depends on the very many aspects of the art as well as complex brain connectivity, and the examination of visual art and the analysis of influential links between artists and artistic movements require the trained eye of knowledgeable art historians. However, while the human eye and brain can perceive visual art and notice the differences, similarities, and influential links between painters, computers employing artificial intelligence find this task far more challenging. In this article we show that computers can automatically analyze paintings of different artists and different schools of art in an unsupervised fashion. Experimental results show that the automatic computer analysis can group artists by their artistic movements, and provide a map of similarities and influential links that is largely in agreement with the analysis of art historians. These results demonstrate that machine vision and pattern recognition algorithms are able to mimic the complex cognitive task of the human perception of visual art, and can be used to measure and quantify visual similarities between paintings, painters, and schools of art.
Extension of the JIMWLK equation in the low gluon density region

It has recently been realized that the Balitsky-JIMWLK equations have serious shortcomings as equations to be used in small-x evolution near the unitarity limit. A recent generalization of the Balitsky equations has been given which corrects these shortcomings. In this paper we present an equivalent discussion, but in terms of the JIMWLK equation where we show that a new (fourth order functional derivative) term should be included. We also present a stochastic version of the new equation which, however, has some unusual mathematical aspects which are not as yet well understood.
Inhibition of wound contraction with locally injected lathyrogenic drugs

Abstract Background Previous studies using systematically administered lathyrogens to inhibit wound contractures have produced inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lathyrogenic drugs on wound contraction when injected locally. Methods Two symmetrical full-thickness wounds were made on the dorsum of either side of hairless (hr/hr) mice; thus, each animal served as its own control. Animals were divided into groups receiving daily local injections of betaaminopropionitrile or D-penicillamine, or both beta-aminopropionitrile and D-penicillamine and normal saline vehicle (control side) for 5 or 10 days. The rate of contraction was determined by serial measurements of the surface area of each wound during the treatment period. At the end of the treatment period, the wounds were excised en bloc with the chest wall and prepared for blinded histological analysis. Granulation tissue thickness, number of fibroblasts in granulation tissue per unit area, number of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells) in subjacent muscle per unit area, and collagen deposition in subjacent muscle were determined. Results Wound contraction, granulation tissue thickness, and collagen deposition in subjacent muscle were decreased only in wounds treated with beta-aminopropionitrile plus D-penicillamine. Collagen deposition in subjacent muscle was also decreased in wounds treated with D-penicillamine alone. Neither drug alone nor the combination affected the number of inflammatory cells in subjacent muscle. Body weight was not affected by the experimental procedures. Conclusions The combination of beta-aminopropionitrile and D-penicillamine is potentially useful for inhibiting contracture formation when injected locally. Am J Surg. 1997;174:347-350.