cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glucose Concentration, Osmolality, and Sterilization Process of Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids on Cytokine Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Polymorphonuclear Cell Functions In Vitro

We sought to investigate the effects of high glucose concentration, osmolality, and heat sterilization of peritoneal dialysis fluids on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) functions. Blood samples were obtained from eight healthy volunteers. PBMCs and PMNs were harvested by centrifugation with Ficoll-Hypaque (Sigma, St Louis, MO). PBMC were incubated with an equal volume of test fluids and RPMI for 4 hours (pH equilibrated), followed by incubation for 20 hours in RPMI with or without endotoxin (10 ng/mL). Total TNF-alpha production was measured by radioimmunoassay. PMNs were incubated with pH-adjusted test fluids for 30 minutes. After incubation, phagocytosis was determined by the uptake of 14C-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, oxidative burst by reduction of ferricytochrome C to ferrouscytochrome C on stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, and enzyme release by measurement of endotoxin-stimulated bactericidal/permeability increasing factor. To study the effects of increasing glucose concentration and osmolality on PBMC and PMN functions, we compared conventional 1.5% Dianeal (1.5%D), (Baxter Healthcare Corp, Deerfield, IL) 2.5% Dianeal (2.5%D), 4.25% Dianeal (4.25%D), and control (RPMI for PBMCs and Hank's balanced salt solution for PMNs). PMNs exposed to 4.25%D exhibited an inhibition of phagocytosis, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated oxidative burst, and bactericidal/permeability increasing factor release compared with control, 1.5%D, or 2.5%D. To study the effects of increased osmolality when controlled for glucose concentration, we compared 1.5%D with 1.5%D in which osmolality was increased to that of 4.25%D with the addition of either sodium chloride (1.5%D+NaCl) or mannitol (1.5%D+M). High osmolality induced higher TNF-alpha production by unstimulated PBMCs and decreased TNF-alpha production by endotoxin-stimulated PBMCs. PMN functions were also inhibited by high osmolality. To study the effects of increased glucose concentration when controlled for osmolality, we compared 4.25%D with 1.5%D+NaCl and 1.5%D+M. High glucose concentration induced an increase in TNF-alpha production by unstimulated PBMCs, a decrease in TNF-alpha production by endotoxin-stimulated PBMCs, and an inhibition of PMN functions. Finally, to investigate the effects of heat sterilization, we compared 4.25%D (heat sterilized) to a filter-sterilized 4.25%D (4.25%D-F). The filter-sterilized fluid induced less changes in PBMC and PMN functions compared with the heat-sterilized fluid. These data suggest that the high glucose concentration, high osmolality, and heat sterilization of peritoneal dialysis fluids adversely affect PBMC and PMN functions. These effects could predispose continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients to peritonitis, compromise host defense during infection, and jeopardize long-term survival of the peritoneal membrane.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with aspartame

Background The binding of sweet-tasting compounds in a human (Mcg) Bence-Jones dimer has been characterized by x-ray crystallography. Aspartame binding in this immunoglobulin fragment is remarkable. Unexpected pain relief noted by A.B.E., a crystallographer with diagnosed osteoarthritis, suggested that the accommodation of aspartame in the active site of the dimer may represent surrogate binding by other proteins, with analgesia as the outcome. Methods X-ray analysis of the complex of aspartame and the Bence-Jones dimer was conducted with crystalline Mcg protein and pure aspartame. A single-blind (n = 1) study to confirm analgesia was completed by administration of aspartame to A.B.E. A controlled double-blind trial was performed in patients with x-ray-documented osteoarthritis. Pain and performance changes were evaluated with use of two doses of placebo and two doses of aspartame. Effects on bleeding time were then evaluated by determination of template bleeding times in 34 normal volunteers. Finally, antipyretic effects were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats given intramuscular turpentine injections. Results Aspartame binding in the Bence-Jones dimer was verified by x-ray crystallography. Improvements in performance and pain relief were observed in A.B.E. at p < 0.001. Decreased pain and improved performance were also observed in patients with osteoarthritis (p < 0.001). Mild antihemostatic responses were observed in bleeding times after aspartame treatment. Modified template bleeding times increased at p < 0.01. Aspartame blocked the turpentine-mediated febrile rsponses in the treated rats (p < 0.01). Conclusions L-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester is biologically active and appears to relieve pain, induce mild antithrombotic effects in humans, and decrease fever in animals. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1998) 63, 580–593; doi:
Subunit Arrangement in N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors *

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, the main mediators of excitatory synaptic transmission, are heterotetrameric receptors. Typically, glycine binding NR1 subunits co-assemble with glutamate binding NR2 subunits to form a functional receptor. Here we have used luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) investigations to establish the specific configuration in which these subunits assemble to form the functional tetramer and show that the dimer of dimers structure is formed by the NR1 subunits assembling diagonally to each other. The distances measured by LRET are consistent with the NMDA structure predicted based on cross-linking investigations and on the structure of the full-length α-amino-5-methyl-3-hydroxy-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor structure (1). Additionally, the LRET distances between the NR1 and NR2A subunits within a dimer measured in the desensitized state of the receptor are longer than the distances in the previously published crystal structure of the isolated ligand binding domain of NR1-NR2A. Because the dimer interface in the isolated ligand binding domain crystallizes in the open channel structure, the longer LRET distances would be consistent with the decoupling of the dimer interface in the desensitized state. This is similar to what has been previously observed for the AMPA subtype of the ionotropic glutamate receptors, suggesting a similar mechanism for desensitization in the two subtypes of the glutamate receptor.
Space-based direct detection wind mission design

There is an important need for accurate measurements of tropospheric wind altitude profiles. These wind systems have long been recognized as one of the primary unknowns limiting weather forecasting over timescales of several days. Typical measurement architectures have focused primarily on space-based approaches, using a high-powered and highly effective Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) system. This paper discusses architectures for low-altitude space missions. The architectures are analyzed in the context of a weather forecasting system for the Gulf of Mexico region during hurricane season. The architecture studies were developed by collaboration between a class of engineers who are part of the University of Michigan's new Space Engineering program and Michigan Aerospace Corporation, a University of Michigan spin-off company specializing, in part, in lidar systems.
Detection of Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibodies by an automated enzyme immunoassay: Performance evaluation and cost analysis

Detection of antibodies to specific antigens of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been conventionally performed by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The procedure is labor intensive and expensive, and interpretation of results is subjective. We evaluated an automated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (INC-STAR Corp., Stillwater, MN, USA) using 290 serum specimens submitted for the diagnosis of acute infection with EBV. Antibodies (IgG, IgM) to EBV capsid antigen and IgG class antibodies to the nuclear antigen of the virus were obtained using the LABOTECH Automated Microplate Analyzer (BioChem ImmunoSystems Inc., Allentown, PA, USA) and were compared to the antibody profile results obtained by IFA and Western blot as the "gold standard." For detection of acute infection with EBV (presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to the capsid antigen; absence of antibodies to the nuclear antigen), the EIA had 100% sensitivity (11 of 11) and 99% specificity (275 of 279) compared to IFA and Western blot results. A cost analysis of IFA and EIA procedures, based on an estimated annual volume of 12,000 procedures, indicated that $236,000 direct cost and 1,400 h technologist time could be saved with the automated compared with immunofluorescence procedure. The automated EIA for determination of antibodies provides cost-effective, accurate diagnosis of EBV infections in laboratories processing high numbers of specimens now processed by IFA.
The entropy of a continuous distribution.

C. Shannon's definition (Bell System Technical Journal,27, 379–423, 1948) of the entropy of a continuous distribution is dimensionally incorrect and does not have the same significance as the corresponding definition in the discrete case. A new definition is proposed: this modified entropy is more like the entropy of a discrete distribution in one way, in another more like Shannon's “transmission rate.” The ideas are illustrated by reference to Wright's study of the hereditary influence on the coat pattern of the guinea pig.
The importance of local processes to landscape patterns of grassland vegetation diversity

Abstract This study aimed to determine the importance of local processes to variation in plant species diversity by comparing soil fertility/diversity relationships across and within different environments. Vegetation diversity and soil fertility were measured in four different grassland communities in southern North Island, New Zealand. Vegetation species richness, Shannon diversity (H‘) and evenness (J‘) were significantly negatively related to the concentration of most plant nutrients in the soil, only phosphorus being not significantly related. Across‐environment diversity/fertility relationships generally agreed with within‐environment relationships. We suggest that local‐scale processes, influenced by the availability of nutrients, are the key determinants of landscape patterns of vegetation diversity in grassland communities.
Characterization of 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-d-glucose as a constituent of the lipopolysaccharide antigen of pseudomonas aeruginosa immunotype 4

The title lipopolysaccharide was freed from its lipid A component by mild, acid hydrolysis, to give a polysaccharide fraction that was subsequently hydrolyzed completely to afford a mixture of neutral sugars and amino sugars. The amino sugars were separated, and identified as 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-galactose, 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-galactose as a 2:1 mixture of the D and L enantiomers, and 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-D-glucose. A reference sample of 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-D-glucose was synthesized by an improved preparative route. Among the lipopolysaccharide antigens of the seven recognized immunotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2-amino-2,6-dideoxyglucose is also characterized as a constituent of two others, types 3 and 5.
Obesity in adolescence: Implications in orthodontic treatment

The incidence of obesity is increasing in the United States and around the world, and it is likely that obese patients will present for orthodontic therapy in greater numbers in the future. The implications of obesity for psychosocial well-being, bone metabolism, craniofacial growth, and pubertal growth must be assessed in treating obese orthodontic patients. This review article focuses on the relevant issues concerning obesity in regard to orthodontic therapy.
The use of Neurotrophin Therapy in the Inner Ear to Augment Cochlear Implantation Outcomes

Severe to profound deafness is most often secondary to a loss of or injury to cochlear mechanosensory cells, and there is often an associated loss of the peripheral auditory neural structures, specifically the spiral ganglion neurons and peripheral auditory fibers. Cochlear implantation is currently our best hearing rehabilitation strategy for severe to profound deafness. These implants work by directly electrically stimulating the remnant auditory neural structures within the deafened cochlea. When administered to the deafened cochlea in animal models, neurotrophins, specifically brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3, have been shown to dramatically improve spiral ganglion neuron survival and stimulate peripheral auditory fiber regrowth. In animal models, neurotrophins administered in combination with cochlear implantation has resulted in significant improvements in the electrophysiological and psychophysical measures of outcome. While further research must be done before these therapies can be applied clinically, neurotrophin therapies for the inner ear show great promise in enhancing CI outcomes and the treatment of hearing loss.
The preparatory behavior rhythm of the moth Manduca sexta: an ecdysteroid-triggered circadian rhythm that is independent of the brain

1. On the last day of adult development, individuals of the mothManduca sexta showed a 3 to 4 h bout of abdominal movements termed the preparatory behavior which was then followed a few hours later by the emergence (eclosion) of the moth from the old pupal cuticle. When the developing insects were exposed to daily cycles of light and temperature (2° C amplitude), both behaviors occurred at characteristic times of day. 2. When insects were exposed to light and temperature cycles at various phases to one another, the time of the preparatory behavior was phase-locked to the temperature step-up, whereas the timing of ecdysis was a function of both the light and the temperature cycles (Fig. 3). 3. Under conditions of constant light and temperature the preparatory behavior showed a clear free-running rhythm (Fig. 4) indicating that its onset is controlled by a circadian clock. 4. Removal of the brain from developing moths did not interfere with the entrainment of the preparatory behavior rhythm by day-night cycles of light and temperature (Fig. 5). 5. When the abdomen of the moth was separated from the head and thorax late in adult development, the abdomen was still capable of performing the preparatory behavior and in many cases the behavioral onset occurred earlier than in controls (Fig. 6). It was concluded that some factor from the anterior end of the insect normally inhibited the behavior. 6. This factor proved to be the ecdysteroids, the steroid molting hormones, which undergo a normal decline late in adult development. Injections of the ecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), delayed the onset of the preparatory behavior in both isolated abdomens and intact animals (Fig. 7). In the latter the delay was dosage dependent and caused by physiological concentrations of steroid. 7. It was concluded that the preparatory behavior is triggered by the declining titer of ecdysteroids late in adult development. The synchronization of the behavior with the day-night cycle results from the action of a temperature-sensitive, circadian clock that resides outside of the insect's brain. This clock presumably controls the phase of the ecdysteroid decay which, in turn, determines the time of the preparatory behavior.
Sex differences in the methods used for suicide.

The similarity in methods used for suicide by men and women in each state was associated with the increasing use of firearms for suicide.
Can an effect precede its cause? A model of a noncausal world

The world appears causal in the sense that the result of a measurement may depend on the past history of the observed system, but not on what the experimenter will do with the system after the measurement. This raises the question whether noncausality at a macroscopic level would necessarily lead to an “unreasonable” world. The study of a model world with axiomatically well-specified properties shows that noncausal systems can be discussed in a logically consistent manner so that noncausality might well exist in the real world as a weak, but so far overlooked, effect.
Manufacturing 3: a simulation study of an automotive foundry plant manufacturing engine blocks

This paper discusses the initial efforts to implement simulation modeling as a visual management and analysis tool at an automotive foundry plant manufacturing engine blocks. The foundry process was modeled using Pro Model to identify bottlenecks and evaluate machine performance, cycle times and production data (total parts, rejects, throughput, products/hr) essential for efficient production control. Results from the current system identified assembly machine work area as the bottleneck (although utilization was greater than 95% for two assembly machines) resulting in high work-in-process (WIP) inventory level, low resource and machine utilization. Based on these results, optimum numbers were identified through use of scenarios by varying the number of assembly machines and processing time of each machine. In addition to these scenarios, strategies for production control involving buffer sizes were also made.
Organic electro-optic materials and devices: Molecular engineering driving device performance and technology innovation

Electro-optic polymers have developed dramatically, with commercially available materials exhibiting EO coefficients > 250pm/V with excellent stability. This has resulted in low voltage (< 1V), ultrahigh bandwidth EO modulators and integration with silicon photonics is emerging.
Extension and critique: A response to Robert Young

In response to Robert Young's critical comments concerning Hermeneutics and Education I clarify two issues. First, I suggest that a more detailed account of interpretation and learning could be developed in a hermeneutically informed cognitive psychology. This would be an account that escapes the textual model of silent reading construed as private mental experience, and that acknowledges the social and communicative dimensions of understanding. Second, in contrast to Young's view, I contend that phronesis is not reducible to a set of inner thought processes and that it has a role to play even in a critical social theory of education.
The persistent enigma of percutaneous angioplasty.

Abstract In summary, while both the short-term and long-term success of PTCA is undeniable in most patients, the basis for this success remains an enigma. Admittedly, simply because "plaque fractures" and "dissection clefts" have been observed to occur as the result of artifact, one cannot exclude the possibility that the success of PTCA may be related to these lesions. Alternatively, the fact that improved vessel patency is frequently observed angiographically and pathologically in the absence of such lesions precludes firm assurance that such lesions are the basis for a successful dilatation. Identitication of the mechanism responsible for the success of PTCA is more than a matter of simple curiosity: improved understanding of the basis for successful TPCA might lead to technical refinements in the procedure and allow one to better tailor the technique to individual variations in lesion morphology. Perhaps the combined use of selective, intra-vascular angioscopy at the time of PTCA will enhance our understanding of the fundamental mechanism responsible for this highly effective therapy.
Laparoscopic and open retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ-cell testis tumors.

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) has been reported as efficacious for staging of the retroperitoneum in patients with stage I nonseminomatous germ-cell testis tumors (NSGCT). However, reports are limited to a few centers, and this procedure has yet to be widely accepted as an alternative to open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (O-RPLND). Thus, we compared our contemporary open and laparoscopic experience with RPLND. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 28 patients who underwent either open (N = 6) or laparoscopic (N = 22) RPLND for clinical stage I NSGCT since 2000. Each patient received the appropriate modified template dissection. Perioperative demographic data, histologic nodal status, and recurrence data were evaluated. The mean follow-up was similar in the two groups. Results: The mean operative time was not significantly different (313 minutes for L-RPLND v 284 minutes for O-RPLND). However, L-RPLND did have a signifi...
Regulation of Ras signaling by the cell cycle

Abstract It is well known that upregulation of Ras activity can promote cell-cycle progression. Now recent studies indicate that a reciprocal relationship also exists; that is, the consequences of Ras signaling are dependent upon cell-cycle position. In quiescent cells stimulated with growth factors, one Ras effector, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, is activated twiceas cells transition from G 0 into G 1 phase, and then later in G 1 phase. It is only during the later stages of G 1 phase that PI3K activity promotes entry into S-phase. In cycling cells, Ras activity is enhanced throughout the cell cycle, but is able to stimulate cyclin D1 elevation only during G 2 phase.
Family Research in Pediatric Oncology Nursing

This article reviews and critiques pediatric oncology family nursing research and suggests advancing the research basis of pediatric oncology family nursing practice. The article is organized around the conceptual issues that challenge family nurse researchers, the methods used in reviewing the literature, instrumentation that reflects conceptual issues, findings, and suggestions. Methodological issues abound in this literature and some shared findings across studies do exist: parenting is a concern of all family members; family communication problems have been identified from several perspectives; and increased stress at some points in treatment is reported by all members of the family. Coping is an area of limited agreement and adjustment is poorly articulated in this literature. Longitudinal studies, improved instrumentation, use of triangulation, and publication of more complicated data sets that include family measurement are recommended to advance the scientific basis of pediatric oncology family nursing.
Eolian ripples as examples of self-organization in geomorphological systems

Abstract Ripples arise spontaneoulsy from sandy beds subjected to winds sufficient to cause the saltation of surficial grains. While the initially fastest growing wavelengths are 4–6 times the mean hop length of grains impelled downwind by long-trajectory high-energy saltating grains, the ripple wavelengths developed over long periods can be several times this. Numerical simulations based upon techniques pioneered by P.K. Haff and coworkers reveal that a complex process of ripple coalescence is responsible for this evolution of the ripple field. Small, fast-moving ripples catch up with and are absorbed by larger, slower forms, each such merger resulting in a growth of the mean wavelength and a decline in the relative dispersion of the wavelengths. An heuristic argument is presented which accounts for the fast initial growth and subsequent slowing of growth of the mean wavelength as the ripple field evolves. Ripple cross-sectional shape appears to be controlled in large part by a distrianment function which represents the declining likelihood of a grain stopping on a surface as it slopes more steeply downwind. That the resulting asymptotic wavelength in the simulations depends strongly upon impact angle supports Sharp's (1963) suggestion that the length of the shadow zone plays an important role in controlling the final ripple wavelength.
A Contextual Analysis of Alienation among School Constituencies.

Public school teachers were less alienated than college students, who were in turn less alienated than high school students. School context seems an explanation.
DIETARY BILE ACIDS AND LIPID METABOLISM. III. EFFECTS OF LITHOCHOLIC ACID IN MAMMALIAN SPECIES.

SummaryLithocholic acid fed to rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats has been shown to elevate plasma and liver cholesterol in the rabbit, lower plasma lipid phosphorus and liver cholesterol in the mouse, and lower liver lipid phosphorus levels in the guinea pig, hamster and mouse. In all species this bile acid induced a proliferation of bile ducts (ductular cell reaction), being most severe in the rabbit and hamster. The mechanism by which these changes were produced was not determined.
Social learning and systems family therapy for childhood oppositional disorder: comparative treatment outcome.

Abstract Oppositional, noncompliant behavior is a frequent referral problem of children seen in child treatment facilities and is the defining characteristic of Oppositional Disorder. The present study evaluated the comparative efficacy of two treatment modalities. Nineteen families were randomly assigned to receive either social learning-based parent training (SLPT) or systems family therapy (SFT). Dependent variables included a reliable, valid coding system that measures noncompliant child behavior and other aspects of parent-child interactions, as well as several parent self-report inventories. Results showed that SLPT was more effective than SFT in reducing the primary symptoms of Oppositional Disorder. No differences were noted on measures of parent adjustment. Results are discussed in terms of the relatively greater efficacy of SLPT for treatment of the primary symptoms of Oppositional Disorder. The efficacy of SFT on other aspects of child and family function in Oppositional Disorder, and for other childhood disorders is not ruled out.
FOURIER ANALYSIS OF ANGULAR DISTRIBUTIONS FOR MOTILE MICROORGANISMS

The method of Fourier transformation is used to analyze histograms of the angular distribution of organisms moving with respect to a stimulus, in this case the light direction. In the Fourier spectra, the components with the highest amplitudes indicate the modality of orientation, i.e. the number of preferred directions, and the corresponding phase values indicate the deviation from the light direction. In the frequency domain, those components with high amplitude and/or those with low frequencies (low-pass filtering) can be selected and used to reconstruct a smoothed histogram by means of an inverse Fourier transform. This method reduces the noise level and reveals the prominent features of histograms. Examples of unimodal, bimodal and multimodal distributions are shown in their original and smoothed form for the flagellate Euglena gracilis, and for amoebae and pseudoplasmodia or the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.
Magnetic coupling through Cr: Study of spin polarization in Cr and film-growth effects.

The interlayer magnetic coupling of polycrystalline Fe/Cr/Fe and ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{80}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{20}$/Cr/${\mathrm{Ni}}_{80}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{20}$ trilayers has been studied with spin-polarized secondary-electron emission (SPSEE) and magneto-optic Kerr effect. The exchange coupling between the two magnetic layers is observed to oscillate between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic as a function of Cr spacer thickness. The sign of the coupling depends on the temperature at which the trilayer structures are grown but is not affected by further changes due to contamination or interdiffusion (\ensuremath{\sim}2 atomic layers) at the interface resulting from post deposition thermal cycling up to 450 K. A ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{80}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{20}$/(12 \AA{} Cr)/${\mathrm{Ni}}_{80}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{20}$ structure deposited at T=90 K is antiferromagnetically coupled for T=90\char21{}450 K, whereas the same structure deposited at 300 K shows a reversible transition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling as a function of temperature between 180 and 330 K. SPSEE measurements of Cr overlayers on both Ni-Fe and Fe set an upper limit to Cr polarization effects at 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$, which has important ramifications for theoretical attempts to understand the coupling mechanism.
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuepo) for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome

Sixteen patients (ages 53 to 85) with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to observe its effects on hematopoiesis. All were transfusion dependent and had Hb levels less than 9.0 g/dl and less than 10% marrow blasts. Eight patients had refractory anemia (RA), one had refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), and seven had refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS). A response was defined as an increase in Hb by greater than 2 g/dl and/or a decrease in transfusion requirement by greater than 50%. Patients were considered to be evaluable if on study greater than two months. Three of thirteen evaluable patients had a response. One patient with RA had a sustained trilineage hematologic response with no evidence of disease progression. None of the patients had trouble with hypertension or with thrombotic events. This suggests than an occasional patient with MDS will respond to rHuEPO. In some patients, this may be beneficial clinically.
Dermatoglyphics in phenylketonuria

Dermatoglyphics of 100 phenylketonurics and 200 controls matched for ethnic origin and sex were compared. The present study of dermatoglyphics in phenylketonurics is consistent with results showing that single gene disorders have fewer and less striking anomalies of ridge development than diseases with gross chromosomal defects. Analysis revealed a decreased frequency of whorl patterns on the finger tips and a wider mean summed atd angle among affected females as compared to normal females. The males showed no significant differences. Limited as they were to one sex, the differences seem unlikely to be attributable to the effect of the phenylketonuric gene.
Finite Burn Maneuver Modeling for a Generalized Spacecraft Trajectory Design and Optimization System

The modeling, design, and optimization of finite burn maneuvers for a generalized trajectory design and optimization system is presented. A generalized trajectory design and optimization system is a system that uses a single unified framework that facilitates the modeling and optimization of complex spacecraft trajectories that may operate in complex gravitational force fields, use multiple propulsion systems, and involve multiple spacecraft. The modeling and optimization issues associated with the use of controlled engine burn maneuvers of finite thrust magnitude and duration are presented in the context of designing and optimizing a wide class of finite thrust trajectories. Optimal control theory is used examine the optimization of these maneuvers in arbitrary force fields that are generally position, velocity, mass, and are time dependent. The associated numerical methods used to obtain these solutions involve either, the solution to a system of nonlinear equations, an explicit parameter optimization method, or a hybrid parameter optimization that combines certain aspects of both. The theoretical and numerical methods presented here have been implemented in copernicus, a prototype trajectory design and optimization system under development at the University of Texas at Austin.
Particles in the Lower Troposphere over the High Plains of the United States. Part II: Cloud Condensation Nuclei

Abstract Analyses are presented of 270 cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) spectra measured in the mixing layer over the High Plains of the United States during the springs and summers of 1975 and 1976. Frequency distributions of the concentrations (N) of CCN at supersaturations (S) of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% appear to be bimodal, with approximately lognormal modal distributions. At each supersaturation, the mode corresponding to the lower CCN concentrations is tentatively attributed to a “background” source of CCN (possibly gas-to-particle conversion), and the mode corresponding to the higher CCN concentrations is attributed to additional natural and/or anthropogenic sources of CCN. Composite CCN spectra were generated from permissible combinations of the two modal distributions at the various supersaturations, and were fitted to the expression, N = N0(S/S0)k where S0 = 1%. Three representative types of CCN spectra were identified by this process: maritime (N0 = 290 cm−3, k = 0.7); transitional (N0 = 1500 cm...
Effects of soil moisture aggregation on surface evaporative fluxes

Abstract The effects of small-scale heterogeneity in land surface characteristics on the large-scale fluxes of water and energy in the land-atmosphere system has become a central focus of many climatology research experiments. The acquisition of high resolution land surface data through remote sensing and intensive land-climatology field experiments (like HAPEX, FIFE, and BOREAS) has provided data to investigate the interactions between microscale land-atmosphere interactions and macroscale models. To determine the effect of small scale heterogeneities, the spatially averaged evaporative fraction is analytically derived for spatially variable soil moisture and soil-atmospheric controls on evaporation at low soil moisture. This average evaporative fraction is compared with the evaporative fraction determined using the spatially averaged soil moisture, as if from a lumped, or aggregated, land surface model. Results show that the lumped-model based evaporation will over estimate evaporation during periods of low atmospheric demands (early morning/late afternoon, Winter periods, etc.) and under estimate evaporation during periods of high demand (midday Summer periods.) The accuracy of using ‘effective’ parameters in lumped macroscale models depends on the variability of soil moisture and the sensitivity of the soil-vegetation system to low soil moisture.
Distribution of grain boundaries in magnesia as a function of five macroscopic parameters

Abstract A semi-automated method has been used to measure all five macroscopically observable parameters of 4.1×10 6 boundary plane segments making up 5.4 mm 2 of boundary area in a hot-pressed magnesia polycrystal. The observations allow a complete description of the distribution of crystal orientations, grain boundary misorientations, and the crystallographic orientations of grain boundary planes. Among the low misorientation angle grain boundaries, there is a preference for tilt boundaries, especially those with boundary plane normals in the direction. At all fixed misorientations, there is a preference for boundaries with a boundary plane normal in the direction. These boundaries are generally asymmetric and occur at least twice as frequently as the average boundary for each fixed misorientation.
A world turned upside down: Social hierarchies and a new history of egalitarianism

Elizabeth Anderson traces the history of egalitarian ideas as they have grown out of grassroots movements focused on overcoming entrenched social hierarchies. In reply, Ben Jackson and Anne Phillips engage with this relational account, particularly in a British context where distributional concerns are high on the political agenda.
High operating temperature interband cascade focal plane arrays

In this paper, we report the initial demonstration of mid-infrared interband cascade (IC) photodetector focal plane arrays with multiple-stage/junction design. The merits of IC photodetectors include low noise and efficient photocarrier extraction, even for zero-bias operation. By adopting enhanced electron barrier design and a total absorber thickness of 0.7 μm, the 5-stage IC detectors show very low dark current (1.10 × 10−7 A/cm2 at −5 mV and 150 K). Even with un-optimized fabrication and standard commercial (mis-matched) read-out circuit technology, infrared images are obtained by the 320 × 256 IC focal plane array up to 180 K with f/2.3 optics. The minimum noise equivalent temperature difference of 28 mK is obtained at 120 K. These initial results indicate great potential of IC photodetectors, particularly for high operating temperature applications.
RADIATION STUDIES FOR THE Mu2e EXPERIMENT: A REVIEW

The Mu2e experiment being designed at Fermilab will be searching for a rare event — conversion of muon into electron in the field of a nucleus without emission of neutrinos — observation of which would provide unambiguous evidence for physics beyond the Standard Model, making use of an 8 GeV 8 kW proton beam. As an experiment to be performed at the Intensity Frontier, taking advantage of high-intensity proton beams, the Mu2e experimental setup will be residing in a harsh radiation environment created by secondary particle fluxes. Radiation quantities in different parts of the Mu2e apparatus, such as neutron flux, peak power density, displacements per atom (DPA), absorbed dose, dynamic heat load simulated using the MARS15 code are reviewed in this work. Radiation levels and requirements for Heat and Radiation Shield (HRS), Transport Solenoid (TS), residual dose and decay heat from the Mu2e target, beam dump design, rates in Cosmic Ray Veto (CRV) counters as well as stopping target monitor (STM) are conside...
Improved solar efficiencies for doped polycrystalline TiO2 photoanodes

Ghosh and Maruska have recently reported a sunlight conversion efficiency for Al-doped single crystal TiO2 of 1.3%. In this work we report conversion efficiencies of 1% for A1 and Y-doped, polycrystalline TiO2 electrodes, and 1.1% for B-doped samples. We also discuss the effect of such doping on the electrical resistivity of the resulting oxides, and compare the efficiencies of homogeneous and differential cell configurations using the same photoanodes and counter electrodes.
Comparison of Scores for Intellectually Gifted Students on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised and the Stanford Binet:

Since the revision, of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (6) and the Sranford-Binet (5), a number of studies have been conducted to determine the merits of both tests for selected samples of normal and exceptional children (1, 2, 3, 4). There is a need to establish the similarity of the measures with .students of high ability. The present study provides information on the relationship of the WISC-R and the Stanford-Binet for intellectually gifted students. The sample of 76 gifted students (37 males, 39 females) were from Grades 3 m G in 3 southern school system of approximately 6500 students. The tests were administered by qualified examiners. The eligibility for programs for the gifted was based on the state guidelines of an IQ of 120 or above on either the WISC-R or the StanfordBinet. Following are the students' descriptive data for the two instrumens: Binet IQ, M = 131, SD = 10.2; WISGR Verbal IQ, M = 128, SD = 10.4; WISCR Performance IQ. M = 121, SD = 10.9; WISC-R Full Scale IQ, M = 127, SD = 9.0. Ages ranged from 6.7 to 16.4 yr. (M = 11.5, SD = 4.33). A significant small positive Pearson correlation was obtained between the Scanford
Adaptation of skull clamp for use in image-guided surgery of children in the first 2 years of life

Introduction We describe a simple but effective modification of the skull clamp, aimed at stabilising the head of very young children, while avoiding the risk of creating a depressed skull fracture, in order to enable the utilisation of image-guidance in such young patients.
Suppression of neuropeptide Y-elicited eating by adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy: reversal with corticosterone.

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) injected into the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN) stimulates a robust eating response in the satiated rat. To examine whether the NPY-feeding system interacts with the pituitary-adrenal axis, the eating response to PVN injections of NPY (78 pmol) was tested in adult male rats before and after sham surgery, adrenalectomy (ADX), hypophysectomy (HYPX), and/or corticosterone (CORT) replacement therapy. In unoperated or sham groups, NPY elicited 5.7–8.8 g of food intake in 1 h as compared to 0.4–1.1 g for vehicle-injected animals. In ADX groups, the NPY-elicited response was reduced by 60–71%, to between 2.4 and 2.8 g. Likewise, the average response of the HYPX group was reduced by 69%, to 1.7 g. Corticosterone replacement, via subcutaneous implant of a 100 mg CORT pellet, normalized the NPY-induced feeding response in both the ADX and HYPX groups. These findings suggest that the hypothalamic NPY-feeding system is largely dependent upon circulating CORT and that no other adrenal or pituitary hormone is essential.
Conformational analysis of the hydrophobic peptide αs1-casein(136–196)

Abstract Hydrophobic interactions are important in the self-association of milk proteins, including α s1 -casein. The extent to which casein interaction sites are influenced by local secondary structure is not widely known. Both primary amino acid sequence and local secondary structure are shown to affect the self-association of the hydrophobic peptide α s1 -casein(136–196). The peptide is aggregated at low concentrations (7 μM and above), as determined by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements at pH 6.0 in phosphate buffer. Increase in temperature is shown to induce side chain mobility (melting) as indicated by both 1 H NMR and near-UV circular dichroism (CD) measurements. As determined by far-UV CD, there is also a loss in the global amount of extended structure with increasing temperature, while β-turn structures and some aromatic dichroism are conserved at temperatures as high as 70°C. Similar retention of structure occurs at pH 2 and in 6 M guanidine HCl. The observed stability of β-turns and some side chains in α s1 -casein(136–196) supports previous assumptions that hydrophobic, proline-based turns are important interaction sites in the self-association of α s1 -casein, and possibly in the formation of the calcium transport complexes, the casein micelles. It may be speculated that these areas of the peptide represent a ‘molten globule-like’, heat stable, core structure for α s1 -casein.
Error Analysis of an Algorithm for Magnetic Compensation of Aircraft

The Tolles and Lawson equations were programmed on the IBM 370-65 computer. These equations predict the magnetic signals which are generated by the permanent moments, the induced moments and the eddy-current terms of an aircraft as it maneuvers in the Earth's magnetic field. The least mean squared (LMS) solution of these equations, which was developed for the microprocessor compensation program, was also simulated on the IBM 370 computer. By measuring the simulated figure of merit (FOM) before and after applying compensation, several types of error were studied. It was found that the error introduced by truncation effects on a 16-bit microprocessor limits the FOM to 50 milligammas. Since this figure is an order of magnitude smaller than the design goal, it is concluded that the algorithm is not limited by the microprocessor capacity. Other studies show that although the baseline model is insensitive to bearing separation, the bearing separation should be 900° ± 7.50° if 3 iterations are used in the post processor and 900° ± 15° if 5 iterations are used. Although the algorithm is robust and relatively insensitive to various types of noise, experimental evidence suggests that hysteresis can cause temporal variations in the Tolles and Lawson model. It is suggested that whitening and/or adaptive techniques could be used to minimize such variations.
Photochemical generation of ketenes. An ultra-violet and infrared spectroscopic study of 1− and 2-diazonaphthalenones at 77K.

Abstract Direct photolysis of 1− or 2-diazonaphthalenone and 2-diazonaphthalenone -5-sulfonyl chloride at 77K yields the respective indeno- ketenes which were identified by ultra-violet and infra-red spectroscopy.
Regulation of Pituitary Receptors for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone during the Rat Estrous Cycle

A radioiodinated superagonist analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH:[D-Ser(TBu)6]des-GLy10-GnRH N-ethylamide) was used to quantitate the GnRH receptor content of single pituitary glands. This ligand binds with high affinity (Ka = 4.9 X 10(9) M-1) to a single class of sites in pituitary homogenates, without significant tracer degradation, during equilibration for 80 min at 4 C. The GnRH receptor content of adult male rat pituitaries [112 +/- 6.4 (SE) fmol/gland; n = 9] was similar to that of adult female rat pituitaries obtained at estrus or metestrus (104.8 +/- 6.4 fmol/gland, n = 13). Between 1800 h on metestrus and 1800 h on diestrus, the pituitary content of GnRH receptors increased to 200 fmol/gland or greater in each of three separate experiments. The pituitary content of GnRH receptors remained elevated until the time of the serum LH surge, then consistently fell sharply to metesterus levels. These data imply a physiological relevance for the GgRH-binding sites measured by radioassay and demonstrate their relationship to the events of the estrous cycle. The increased GnRH receptor content from the evening of diestrus until late in the afternoon of proestrus may contribute to the enhanced sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH during proestrus. The close temporal relationship between rising blood estrogen levels and increasing pituitary GnRH receptors suggests that steroid-mediated receptor induction occurs before proestrus. Such an effect of estrogen could be exerted directly upon the pituitary gland or indirectly via the hypothalamus to increase the release of endogenous GnRH, which subsequently induces its own receptors in pituitary gonadotrophs.
Risk Perception and Buying Behavior: An Examination of Some Relationships in the Context of Cruise Tourism in Jamaica

Cruise tourism continues to grow substantially, even as many other forms of travel stagnate. In this era of increasing worldwide violence against tourists, safety, security, and risk abatement are becoming principal components in travelers' decision-making processes. This work examines the issue of perceived risk and safety and what impact these perceptions have on shopping behavior. The research takes place in Jamaica, a country with a reputation for aggressive vendors. Findings indicate that those visitors who traveled with others spent more time shopping and purchased more. Additionally, it was found that first time visitors express higher levels of discomfort with their surroundings than did repeat visitors, thus inhibiting purchase behavior. Finally, it was found that levels of perceived risk and security did have an impact on a traveler's intention to return to Jamaica.