cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors contributing to chaos in population feedback systems

Abstract The primary ingredients for chaos are nonlinear interactions, particularly delayed nonlinear feedback, periodic forcing from the environment and high dimension. Effects of periodic forcing on one-dimensional maps are reviewed and compared with a similar model of lagging spatial density dependence using a ‘double’ logistic map. Periodic forcing and distributed flows are added to a continuous time version of the logistic map (a distributed delay with a nonlinear reproductive feedback). Instability and chaos are more likely when these external forces are added. Multiplicative periodic forcing and additive periodic forcing of a population feedback loop have the same ‘local’ dynamics. Increasing the dimension of a feedback system by including many loops (species) tends to decrease stability of the system by contracting the stable parameter space. It is suggested that ecological models be constructed which are potentially chaotic, i.e., that they include the relevant delays, nonlinear functions, external forcing and adequate dimension so that the system's potential for chaos can be assessed when parameters are measured.
Pair Spectra and Magnetic Properties of Ni 2 + in Double-Nitrate Crystals

The properties of isolated ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ ions in the two divalent sites ($X$ and $Y$) of the double-nitrate crystals have been determined at 77 and 4.2 K for ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{3}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{12}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}24${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Mg}}_{3}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{12}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}24${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. The spectra of nearest-neighbor $X\ensuremath{-}Y$ and $X\ensuremath{-}X$ pairs have been identified and interpreted to obtain the single-ion properties of the members of the pairs and the spin-spin interactions between them. To an accuracy of 1%, the interaction between all pairs is described by the dipolar interaction plus an isotropic bilinear exchange $J{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{1}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{2}$. For nearest-neighbor $X\ensuremath{-}Y$ pairs, we find $J(X,Y)=0.096\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (antiferromagnetic), and for nearest-neighbor $X\ensuremath{-}X$ pairs, $J(X,X)=\ensuremath{-}0.095\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (ferromagnetic). These results apply to both the zinc and magnesium compounds. The experimental value for $J(X,Y)$ agrees encouragingly well with the value 0.100 calculated from a model for the exchange developed earlier for ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ ions in these two sites. The measured spin-spin interaction constants for the pairs are used to predict the paramagnetic absorption spectrum of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{12}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} 24${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, which is found to agree with the experiment for only narrow ranges of zero-field splittings ($D$) for the $X$ and $Y$ ions. The spin-spin interactions and single-ion properties dictate an unambiguous choice for the ordered state of lanthanum-nickel double nitrate. It has proved possible to calculate the total ordering energy and the specific heat at temperatures well above and well below the ordering temperature 0.393 K. These detailed calculations are made possible by the fact that the zero-field splitting term for the $Y$ ion, $D(Y){[{S}_{z}(Y)]}^{2}$, is much larger than the spin-spin interactions, which leads to a strong suppression of the effects of the transverse part of the $X\ensuremath{-}Y$ interaction. We find that $D(Y)$ is near \char22{} 2.25 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at all temperatures and in all double nitrates that we have investigated. The results of these calculations are in good agreement with the experimental results obtained by other investigators. The results obtained for $J(X,X)$ provide additional, but not definitive, information on exchange mechanisms for the $X\ensuremath{-}X$ pairs.
Energy and Nutrient Intakes and Health Practices of Latinas and White Non-Latinas in the 3 Months Before Pregnancy

Abstract Objective To describe the health practices and energy and nutrient intakes from diet and supplements of foreign- and US-born Latinas and white non-Latinas in the 3 months before pregnancy. Design A descriptive study in which data were obtained retrospectively from 2 questionnaires: an interviewer-administered questionnaire on the subject's medical, reproductive, family, occupational, and lifestyle history and a subject-administered (and interviewer-assisted) 100-item food frequency questionnaire. Subjects/setting A population-based sample of California women (n=462) who gave birth between 1989 and 1991 to single, live-born infants. One third of women were Latinas, of whom 58.1% were foreign born. Statistical analyses Means, standard deviations, and percentiles were computed for energy and nutrient intakes of the total population and for white non-Latinas; US-born Latinas; and foreign-born Latinas. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare group means. Results Mean and median energy intake in all ethnic groups exceeded 2,000kcal/day, although less than half of the population consumed 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. For iron, half of the women were below the Recommended Dietary Allowance. In contrast to the dietary intake of white non-Latinas and US-born Latinas, foreign-born Latinas had the lowest contribution of fat to total energy intake and the highest dietary intake of carbohydrate, cholesterol, fiber, grain products, protein foods, folate, vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Conclusions A woman's ethnicity, as well as whether her place of birth was within or outside of the United States, may be predictors of her dietary and health practices before pregnancy. Vitamin, mineral, and food supplementation and consumption of cold breakfast cereal may be avenues for improving perinatal micronutrient intake. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:876–884.
A numerical method for discrete ordinate and moment equations in radiative transfer

Abstract A method is presented for the numerical solution of nonlinear, frequency-dependent radiative transfer problems with one-dimensional symmetry. The principal feature of the method is accuracy of the finite difference scheme in the limits of large and small cross sections. The method is illustrated in a number of sample calculations.
Fiscal decentralisation and IDC economic growth: An empirical investigation

The impact of fiscal decentralisation on LDC economic growth and development is widely debated in the development literature. Notwithstanding this, there has been little attempt to test systematically this relationship. Accordingly, in this note we present an empirical examination of the relationship between the level of fiscal decentralisation and economic growth rates across a sample of twenty‐three LDCsfrom 1974 to 1991. We fail to find, however, any strong, systematic relationship between the two among our sample of LDCs.
A new bioassay for terbinafine

A simple, sensitive and specific agar diffusion bioassay for the antifungal agent terbinafine is described. Using a strain ofAspergillus flavus as the test organism, terbinafine at concentrations ranging from 0.2 µg/ml to 6.4 µg/ml could be measured in serum.
Novel correlation of Schottky constants with lattice energies for II-VI and I-VII compounds

Abstract Correlations of computed Schottky constants ( K S = [ V ″ Zn ] [ V S · · ] ) with structural and thermodynamic properties showed linear dependences of log KS on the lattice energies for the Zn-, Cd-, Hg-, Mg-, and Sr-chalcogenides and for the Na- and K-halides. These findings suggest a basic relation between the Schottky constants and the lattice energies for these families of compounds from different parts of the Periodic Table, namely, Δ H T , L o =−(2.303nRT log KS)+2.303nRmb+2.303nRTib. Δ H T , L o is the experimental (Born–Haber) lattice energy (enthalpy), n is a constant approximately equal to the formal valence (charge) of the material, mb and ib are the slope and intercept, respectively, of the intercept b (of the log KS versus Δ H L o linear relation) versus the reciprocal temperature. The results of this work also provide an empirical correlation between the Gibbs free energy of vacancy formation and the lattice energy.
Rapid assessment of a novel series of selective CB2 agonists using parallel synthesis protocols: A Lipophilic Efficiency (LipE) analysis

Abstract A series of libraries were designed using the 1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2-alkyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H -imidazo[4,5- c ]pyridin-5-ium templates 2a – b , and Sulfonamide derivatives 11a – n proved to be potent agonists of the CB 2 receptor. Analysis of the Lipophilic Efficiency (LipE) of potent compounds provided new insight for the design of potent, metabolically stable CB2 agonists.
Capnography as a rapid assessment and triage tool for chemical terrorism

The assessment and triage of victims of chemical terrorism in the emergency department and the prehospital setting has become an important priority. This article proposes the use of capnography as a prehospital assessment and triage tool for monitoring victims of chemical terrorism and for critically ill patients. Capnography provides the ABCs in less than 15 seconds and identifies the common complications of chemical terrorism. Further, the reliability of capnography is not affected by motion artifact or low perfusion and it is accurate and reliable in actively seizing patients. Emergency departments and emergency medical services systems should consider adding capnography to their chemical terrorism education and training.
Diffusion‐controlled vinyl polymerization. II. Limitations on the gel effect

It is frequently observed that the gel effect in vinyl polymerizations decreases in intensity at about the 50-70% conversion level. This is apparent in both rate and molecular weight data. It is postulated that there should be a limitation on the decrease in the termination rate constant to explain this effect. As an extension of the general theory of chain length dependent termination behavior, a general treatment of the gel effect with a limiting value of the termination rate constant is presented. A specific model is proposed for this limited rate constant which is based on the simple consideration that as translational movement of macroradicals becomes increasingly difficult the contributions made by segmental motion derived solely from the propagation reaction will be the prevailing mechanism. The termination reaction changes from chain length dependent to chain length independent during this transition period.
Mechanism of action of 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-caboxamide in mammalian cells in culture☆☆☆

Abstract 5-(3,3-Dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-carboxamide (DIC) is more lethal to Chinese hamster ovary cells and human malignant melanoma cells in culture in the presence than in the absence of light. Incubation of either cell line with DIC labeled at the side chain methyl groups with 14 C resulted in the association of radioactivity with DNA only if light was absent. However, with ring-labeled DIC-2- 14 C, radioactivity was found in both DNA and RNA fractions regardless of the presence or absence of light during incubation. These results are essentially consistent with the current consensus regarding the mode of decomposition of DIC: on exposure to light, DIC undergoes decomposition to dimethylamine and 5-diazoimidazole-4-carboxamide which interacts with nucleic acids in an obscure manner. When light is excluded, however, an alternative pathway of decomposition is followed, with the ultimate formation of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide and a methyl carbonium ion, which then interacts with cell DNA.
A connection rule for -carbon coarse-grained elastic network models using chemical bond information

Abstract A sparser but more efficient connection rule (called a bond-cutoff method) for a simplified α -carbon coarse-grained elastic network model is presented. One of conventional connection rules for elastic network models is the distance-cutoff method, where virtual springs connect an α -carbon with all neighbor α -carbons within predefined distance-cutoff value. However, though the maximum interaction distance between α -carbons is reported as 7A, this cutoff value can make the elastic network unstable in many cases of protein structures. Thus, a larger cutoff value (>11A) is often used to establish a stable elastic network model in previous researches. To overcome this problem, a connection rule for backbone model is proposed, which satisfies the minimum condition to stabilize an elastic network. Based on the backbone connections, each type of chemical interactions is considered and added to the elastic network model: disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and salt-bridges. In addition, the van der Waals forces between α -carbons are modeled by using the distance-cutoff method. With the proposed connection rule, one can make an elastic network model with less than 7A distance cutoff, which can reveal protein flexibility more sharply. Moreover, the normal modes from the new elastic network model can reflect conformational changes of a given protein better than ones by the distance-cutoff method. This method can save the computational cost when calculating normal modes of a given protein structure, because it can reduce the total number of connections. As a validation, six example proteins are tested. Computational times and the overlap values between the conformational change and infinitesimal motion calculated by normal mode analysis are presented. Those animations are also available at UMass Morph Server ( http://biomechanics.ecs.umass.edu/umms.html ).
The method of coordinate averaging

Abstract In this paper a perturbation technique for nearly linear oscillatory systems is developed and a set of second order averaged equations is obtained. The standard form treated is dx dt = F ( x, t ; ϵ), |ϵ| ⪡ 1 , and a well known example is considered in detail so as to show how the asymptotic approximations of other methods can be obtained.
Clinical and molecular epidemiology of acinetobacter infections sensitive only to polymyxin B and sulbactam

A nosocomial outbreak of infections due to imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii occurred in a New York hospital after increased use of imipenem for cephalosporin-resistant klebsiella infections. We identified all A baumannii isolates over 12 months, reviewed corresponding patient records, and compared strains with different antibiotic susceptibility patterns by restriction endonuclease analysis. Environmental surveillance cultures were done before and after institution of control measures. 59 patients harboured imipenem-resistant A baumannii, and 18 were infected. Isolates from patients were resistant to all routinely tested antibiotics, including imipenem. Further studies showed susceptibility to polymyxin B and sulbactam. These isolates were identical by restriction endonuclease analysis to A baumannii isolates susceptible to imipenem alone, or to imipenem and amikacin, but differed from broadly susceptible isolates. Surveillance cultures showed hand and environmental colonisation by imipenem-resistant strains. Infection and colonisation were eliminated by intensive infection control measures, and irrigation of wounds with polymyxin B. Increased use of imipenem against cephalosporin-resistant klebsiella may lead to imipenem resistance among other species, particularly acinetobacter. Such resistance appears to derive from a prior multi-resistant clone, in contrast to one which retains susceptibility to several antibiotics.
The Birth of Baby Will: Supporting a Devout Catholic Couple Through the Birth and Death of Their Anencephalic Son

Professional Issues Poster Presentation Background Anencephaly is one of the most common neural tube defects. It occurs early in the development of the unborn infant when the neural tube fails to close, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may affect as many as one in 4,000 pregnancies per year. Because there is no treatment for these infants, and the condition is catastrophic and renders the child without the possibility of ever gaining consciousness, many women choose to terminate the pregnancy when they receive the diagnosis. There are women for whom this is not an option because of their religious beliefs. The Catholic Church is one faith group that does not endorse termination and supports carrying the fetus as close to term as possible without endangering the mother. Case K.P. came to us for care during her 4th pregnancy. She found out she was carrying an anencephalic child. Her previous children were all delivered via cesarean at our hospital, and her physician had urged her to terminate this pregnancy to spare her the possible dangers of another cesarean. She was unwilling to do this because of her faith and was praying for a miracle for this child or at least that his life would be honored no matter how short. She approached me about her wishes for Will's brief life, including having her priest present at the birth to perform extreme unction, recovery in her patient room with her other children and parents present to share Will's brief life, and for memories and mementos to be made of their time together. Conclusion Some staff were distressed by the additional danger they felt the mother was exposing herself to, but others were glad to help support this family at this difficult time. We worked with K.P. to arrange to fulfill her desires. K.P. has been able to move on from this experience with the help of counseling, her faith community, and the feeling that she did the right thing by Will. We learned so much and revitalized our Bereavement Committee after caring for the P family.
Signature of ergodicity in the dynamic response of amorphous systems.

We have analyzed dynamical measurements from materials near their liquid-glass transition. The primary response is accurately characterized by a model for dispersive excitations on specific distributions of independently relaxing domains. Liquids have an equilibrium (Gaussian) distribution of domain sizes, which changes abruptly to a locally random (Poisson-like) distribution in the glass. When quenched to a temperature initially in the glass phase, after a definite anneal time, the Poisson-like distribution changes abruptly back to the Gaussian distribution characteristic of a liquid.
Cesium effects on dual pacemaker mechanisms in guinea pig sinoatrial node

The aim of the present experiments was to study the effects of cesium (Cs) on dual pacemaker potentials and the underlying mechanisms in isolated sinoatrial (SA) node of the guinea pig superfused in vitro. Cs (1-20 mM) initially hyperpolarized the maximum diastolic potential (MDP) and then depolarized it in a concentration-dependent manner. In subsidiary pacemaker cells of the SA node, increasing [Cs]o abolished diastolic depolarization (DD), but then (by depolarizing the cells to less negative potentials) Cs allowed the appearance of a shallow DD that maintained spontaneous discharge even in 20 mM Cs. In 10 mM [K]o, the subsidiary pacemaker cells depolarized and exhibited action potentials similar to those in dominant pacemaker cells. In high [K]o, the Na/K pump activity is stimulated: adding Cs initially increased the MDP minimally, but the subsequent decrease in MDP persisted. In preparations quiescent in high [K]o, Cs only depolarized the membrane and could induce spontaneous discharge: the action potentials were followed by an undershoot and DD. In high [K]o plus norepinephrine, even 20 mM Cs did not suppress and might increase the rate of discharge. During quiescence in acetylcholine or carbachol (I(f) is blocked), Cs still transiently hyperpolarized the resting potential. In zero [K]o with or without carbachol (I(f) is absent or blocked), Cs hyperpolarized the quiescent membrane by stimulating the Na/K pump. Cs-induced hyperpolarization was reduced by 50-100 microM ouabain. We conclude that, in the SA node, dual pacemaker mechanisms are present in subsidiary cells. The pacemaker potential at more negative voltages is blocked by Cs, but the dominant type pacemaker potential is not blocked even by 20 mM Cs (which is known to completely block I(f). Cs initially hyperpolarizes apparently by stimulating the Na/K pump (not by blocking I(f)) and subsequently depolarizes the subsidiary pacemaker cells by blocking an outward current but not IK1 (absent in the SA node). Thus, in the SA node I(f) may play little role in pacemaker activity.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its association with sleep and mental disorders in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) participants, their association with psychiatric disorders and their impact on health care utilization and quality of life. METHOD: It is a cross-sectional telephone study using a representative sample consisting of 10,854 non-institutionalized individuals aged 15 or over living in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Interviews were managed by the Sleep-EVAL expert system. The questionnaire included questions on sleeping habits, life habits, health, DSM-IV mental disorders, DSM-IV and ICSD sleep disorders. COPD was defined as chronic bronchitis or emphysema (treated or not) diagnosed by a physician. RESULTS: A total of 2.5% [2.1%-2.8%] of the sample reported having been diagnosed with COPD. As many as 48.1% of COPD had insomnia symptoms, which was twice higher than the rate observed in non-COPD (OR: 2.4). Only 11.8% of COPD addressed their sleep difficulties to their physician. Mental disorders were higher in COPD compared to non-COPD participants: Major Depressive disorder (AOR: 2.8); Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AOR: 11.0); Panic Disorder (AOR: 7.1) and Specific Phobia (AOR: 3.7). As many as 84.4% of COPD with depression and 59.7% of those with an Anxiety Disorder had associated insomnia symptoms. The co-occurrence of both conditions increased by five times the likelihood of hospitalizations in the previous year among COPD. Both conditions were associated with a diminished Quality of Life in COPD. CONCLUSIONS: COPD is a debilitating disease accompanied with psychiatric disorders and sleep disturbances in the overwhelming majority of cases. This high comorbidity is associated with greater health care utilization and great deterioration of the quality of life. Language: en
American ginseng berry extract and ginsenoside Re attenuate cisplatin-induced kaolin intake in rats.

Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, causes significant nausea and vomiting. It is postulated that cisplatin-induced oxidant stress may be responsible for these symptoms. We tested whether pretreatment with American ginseng berry extract (AGBE), an herb with potent antioxidant capacity, and one of its active antioxidant constituents, ginsenoside Re, could counter cisplatin-induced emesis using a rat pica model. In rats, exposure to emetic stimuli such as cisplatin causes significant kaolin intake, a phenomenon called pica. We therefore measured cisplatin-induced kaolin intake as an indicator of the emetic response. Rats were pretreated with vehicle, AGBE (dose range 50–150 mg/kg, IP) or ginsenoside Re (2 and 5 mg/kg, IP). Rats were treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg, IP) 30 min later. Kaolin intake, food intake, and body weight were measured every 24 h for 120 h. Additionally, the free radical scavenging activity of AGBE was measured in vitro using ESR spectroscopy. A significant dose-response relationship was observed between increasing doses of pretreatment with AGBE and reduction in cisplatin-induced pica. Kaolin intake was maximally attenuated by AGBE at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Food intake also improved significantly at this dose (P<0.05). Pretreatment with ginsenoside Re (5 mg/kg) also decreased kaolin intake (P<0.05). In vitro studies demonstrated a concentration-response relationship between AGBE and its ability to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Pretreatment with AGBE and its major constituent, Re, attenuated cisplatin-induced pica, and demonstrated potential for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Significant recovery of food intake further strengthens the conclusion that AGBE may exert an antinausea/antiemetic effect.
Bowman–Birk inhibitor attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by delaying infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS

Bowman–Birk Inhibitor (BBI), a serine protease inhibitor derived from soybeans, has anti-inflammatory properties and is able to suppress the development of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity in animal models. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely used animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), is characterized by breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS, resulting in pathology. In this study, we observed that BBI-treated mice showed delayed onset of EAE and reduced disease severity compared to control mice. BBI-treated mice had fewer inflammatory cells in the CNS including significantly reduced numbers of Th1 and Th17 cells. In the periphery, BBI treatment suppressed the development of encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 responses early on [day 7 post-immunization (p.i.)], while after disease onset (day 14 p.i.) BBI-treated mice had stronger Th responses, as determined by antigen-specific proliferation and cytokine production. These results demonstrate that BBI treatment temporarily suppressed the development of encephalitogenic responses, but these responses eventually attained normal magnitude. Given that BBI-treated mice exhibited stronger encephalitogenic responses in the periphery during clinically manifesting EAE, delayed disease onset, and reduced numbers of CNS-infiltrating cells, it appears likely that BBI impedes the exit of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells from lymphoid organs, thereby delaying their migration into the CNS.
Implications of incretin-based therapies on cardiovascular disease.

Summary Background Incretin-based therapies offer another treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes. Agents that provide glycaemic control in addition to attenuating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are important for diabetes management. This review will focus on the off-target effects of incretin-based therapies on CVD risk factors [body weight, blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and albuminuria], major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), heart failure (HF) and beta-cell preservation. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify English-language publications for incretin-based therapies evaluating the following off-target end-points: body weight, BP, lipid profile, albuminuria, MACE, HF and beta-cell function. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were prioritised as the primary source of information. Results Overall, incretin-based therapies have shown beneficial effects on CVD risk factors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists appear to have a more pronounced effect compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. RCTs are being conducted to determine if these positive effects on CVD risk factors translate to a reduction in MACE. To date, these studies have not shown an increase in MACE. A signal of increased hospitalisations for HF was observed with saxagliptin, warranting continued evaluation and vigilance in high-risk patients. In addition, incretin-based therapies have shown positive effects on measures of beta-cell function supporting their durability in the management of diabetes. Conclusions Incretin-based therapies are an important treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, offering beneficial effects on CVD risk factors without increasing MACE.
An individual-oriented model of a wading bird nesting colony

Abstract An individual-oriented model for a colony of nesting wading birds during a breeding season is described. The birds in the colony are modeled as an assemblage of individuals. Their behaviors, such as foraging, bioenergetics, interactions with conspecifics, and reproduction, as well as spatial movements, are modeled separately for each bird. The individual behavior of each bird is described by decision rules which specify what particular action the bird performs at any given time. The paper gives an overview of the most important behavioral rules used in the model and also briefly describes how the physical and resource environments are taken into account. Simulations of a breeding colony of wood storks ( Mycteria americana ) in a heterogeneous landscape and under a variety of environmental conditions (e.g., changes in standing water level and prey concentration through the breeding season) illustrate their effect on reproductive success of individuals in the colony.
PATHOGENESIS OF AN ARBOVIRUS INFECTION IN FETAL, NEONATAL, AND ADULT SHEEP

In order to compare the mechanisms of resistance to viral infections present in fetal, neonatal, and adult animals, we developed a model infection in sheep utilizing Semliki Forest virus (SFV), a group A arbovirus. Following IV inoculation of adult sheep with 107.0 to 107.5 PFU of virus, initial viral replication as reflected in the serum occurred by 12-16 hrs, with peak titers of 102-104 PFU/ml present at 16-24 hrs. Virus was completely cleared from the blood by 2 days as antibody became detectable in the serum. Neutralizing antibody titers reached levels of 1/2000-1/8000 by 6 to 7 days. Serum interferon was apparent by 16-24 hrs, reached peak levels of 60 to 600 units/ml, and disappeared by 2 days. Although the pattern of SFV pathogenesis following IV inoculation was similar in both fetal and neonatal lambs to that in adult sheep, virus titers in the serum reached higher levels (103-105 PFU/ml) and lasted longer. Antibody did not become detectable until 5 days and titers were generally lower (1/100-1/600) than in the adult. Interferon levels, however, were higher (2000-6000 units/ml) in parallel with the higher virus titers. The results indicated that in the fetal and neonatal animals: 1) virus replication, as reflected in the serum, occurred to a greater degree, 2) the higher interferon levels appeared to reflect the amount of virus replication, and 3) antibody appeared later in the serum and reached lower levels.
KINETICS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STIMULATION OF THE mRNA FOR APOVLDL-II, A MAJOR YOLK PROTEIN, IN THE COCKEREL LIVER BY ESTROGEN

ApoVLDL-II, the major very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apoporotein, is also a major yolk protein in the chicken. The response of apoVLDL-II mRNA to estrogen treatment in 5-week-old cockerels was studied by hybridization to a nick-translated probe from cloned apoVLDL-II DNA. Following either primary or secondary stimulation (9 days after primary stimulation) of cockerels with 17 beta-estradiol (5 mg/kg), apoVLDL-II mRNA concentration increased from basal levels of 0.5 and 3.7 molecules/nuclear DNA equivalent respectively by 500- to 1000-fold within 3 h. The concentration of apoVLDL-II mRNA after 3 h during the secondary stimulation reached a level (1800 molecules/cell) 3.6-fold higher than that attained by primary stimulation (500 molecules/cell) at the same time point. Plasma 17 beta-estradiol concentrations following primary and secondary hormone treatment were similar during this time.
IHE: What Is It and What Does It Have To Do with Mammography?

As more and more breast imaging centers convert to full-field digital mammography, problems surrounding lack of system interoperability have come to light. Most medical facilities have a heterogeneous mix of different information systems that, if integrated properly, work together to provide practitioners with all the information necessary for patient care. In order for these systems to provide maximal operability and utility, the systems adhere to standards such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) and HL7 (Health Level 7) as well as conform to integration profiles developed by IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise). This paper is intended to introduce the reader to IHE and specifically how the problems of integrating full-field digital mammography are being solved using IHE.
Induction of heat shock proteins in lymphocytes increases with mitogen stimulation

Abstract The effect of the growth state of a cell on the ability of hyperthermia to induce the synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was studied in resting and concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated lymphocytes. Hyperthermia induced the synthesis of hsp 110, hsp 90, hsc 70, and hsp 70 in both resting and ConA-stimulated lymhocytes, and ConA-treatment induced the synthesis of the hsp 90 and hsc 70 at normal temperature. The induction of the synthesis of hsp 110 and hsp 70 by hyperthermia was 3- to 6-fold higher for lymphocytes cultured with ConA for 12 and 24 h than in non-stimulated lymphocytes. Thus, lymphocytes induced to undergo proliferation showed a greater response to hyperthermia than resting lymphocytes.
99 Photic Evoked Responses During Sleep in the Premature Infant

Photic evoked responses were measured during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in 13 premature infants (30–38 weeks gestation) using a LINC computer and correlated with gestational age. Twenty responses were averaged and displayed with an analysis time of 1024 msec. Clinical status, electroencephalogram, respiratory pattern, eye movement and electrocardiogram were utilized to evaluate sleep status. Photic evoked responses were detected in all cases and the most marked responses were localized in the occipital leads. Typical responses in parieto-occipital lead were composed of an initial, vertex positive, peak (P1) and an after discharge with 4–5 peaks. Phase reversal of P1 was observed between the parieto-occipital and occipito-inion leads. The latency and amplitude of the evoked potential did not decrease during rapid eye movement when compared to non-rapid eye movement sleep as in older children and adults. The latency of P1 decreases with increasing gestational age. There is no inverse relationship between the latency of P1 and the age after birth, skull circumference or body weight. The latency of P1 provides an additional parameter by which the maturation of the brain and the gestational age of the premature infant can be assessed. (SPR)
Recurrent refractory Kawasaki disease

Case report A 3 year old boy presented with 3 days of fever, rash, pharyngeal and gingival erythema, and swollen extremities. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis, C– reactive protein 25.8 mg/dl, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 100 mm/hr. Echocardiography disclosed diffuse dilatation of all proximal coronary arteries. The child received IVIG (2g/kg) and aspirin (100 mg/kg/d) with no response. IVIG was repeated, followed by methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg for 3 days, but the child remained febrile. Infliximab (5 mg/kg) was thereupon employed with prompt defervescence. Low-dose aspirin was continued, as well as clopidogrel. Echocardiographic findings remained stable. Six months after the initial episode, the child again presented with fever, irritability, sore throat and nuchal rigidity. Physical examination revealed cracked, swollen lips, oropharyngeal erythema, posterior cervical lymphadenopathy, and rash. Desquamation of the distal extremities was observed some days later. Aneurysms were detected, involving the left and right main coronary arteries, as well as the left anterior descending coronary. Magnetic resonance angiography of the chest and abdomen revealed no other involved vessels. The child again received IVIG, pulse methylprednisolone, and infliximab, but remained febrile and developed significant arthritis, requiring daily prednisolone. He is now asymptomatic.
Unconstrained separation of handwriting for form classification applications

Much advancement and understanding has been achieved in "form recognition" [1], a field of document analysis. There exist two general steps in the process of recognizing a form: namely, training and classifying. The training phase involves feature extraction techniques (whose details are beyond the scope of this paper) that provide a fingerprint of a blank, or empty, form. These features are stored as vectors in a training set. The training features, such as number of checkboxes, the number of vertical and horizontal lines and the number of words, all represent the invariant portions of the form. The second phase of classification is the process of extracting the invariant features from a sample form, and determining the form from the training set that is most closely related. The challenge presented in classification is that sample forms will most undoubtedly contain external contributions to a form, which represent the variant portions of a sample form. Since the purpose of a form is to be filled out by an individual, the most likely example of variant contributions exists in the form is handwriting. Thus, an important goal is to remove the handwriting, so that the invariant part of the form may be classified. Presented is a discussion of algorithms developed to separate the handwriting from the invariant portions of a form.
Unobservable Effects and Business Performance

While "unobservable" factors such as corporate culture, access to scarce resources, management skill, and luck can be postulated to be principal determinants of business success, their effects are all but ignored in studies of business performance. This study, making use of the PIMS data base, reports empirical evidence indicating that failure to control for unobservable factors influencing profitability both biases and exaggerates the effect of strategic factors. Indeed, the influence of unobservable factors is so pervasive as to invalidate many of the conclusions drawn from studies failing to control for their effects.
Sequence analysis of a chloroplast intergenic spacer for phylogenetic estimates in Allium section Cepa and a PCR-based polymorphism detecting mixtures of male-fertile and male-sterile cytoplasmic onion

Restriction-enzyme analysis of the chloroplast (cp) DNA yielded maternal phylogenies supporting a close phylogenetic relationship among normal (N) male-fertile and male-sterile (S) cytoplasmic bulb onion (Allium cepa), Allium altaicum, Allium fistulosum, Allium galanthum, Allium roylei, and Allium vavilovii. The S cytoplasm of onion is most likely an alien cytoplasm introduced in antiquity into onion populations. We previously showed that size differences in an intergenic spacer in the cp DNA distinguish N and S cytoplasms of onion. We cloned and sequenced this intergenic spacer from the N and S cytoplasms of onion, A. altaicum, A. fistulosum, A. galanthum, Allium pskemense, Allium oschaninii, A. roylei, and Allium ampeloprasm (outgroup) to identify the nature of previously described RFLPs and to develop a PCR-based marker revealing N-cytoplasmic contamination of S-cytoplasmic hybrid seed lots. Phylogenies based on restriction-enzyme analysis of the entire cp DNA were similar, but not identical, to those based on sequence divergence in this intergenic region.
Differential effects of HIV infected macrophages on dorsal root ganglia neurons and axons

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated distal-symmetric neuropathy (HIV-DSP) is the most common neurological complication of HIV infection. The pathophysiology of HIV-DSP is poorly understood and no treatment is available for this entity. The dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are the principal sites of neuronal damage and are associated with reactive mononuclear phagocytes as well as HIV-infected macrophages. To determine the role of HIV-infected macrophages in the pathogenesis of HIV-DSP, we developed a technique for culturing human DRG's. When the dissociated DRG neurons were exposed to supernatants from macrophages infected with CXCR4 or CCR5 tropic HIV-1 strains axonal retraction was observed without neuronal cell death but there was mitochondrial dysfunction in the neuronal cell body. Even though CXCR4 and CCR5 were expressed on the DRG neurons, the effects were independent of these receptors. Antioxidants rescued the neuronal cell body but not the axon from the toxic effects of the culture supernatants. Further, peripheral nerves of HIV-infected patients obtained at autopsy did not show evidence of increased oxidative stress. These observations suggest a differential effect on the axon and cell body. Different mechanisms of injury may be operative in these two structures.
Analysis of sera from breast cancer patients by radioimmunoassays

The antibody reactivity of human breast cancer sera was evaluated by means of radioimmunoassays and established breast cancer cell lines. When tested against the MDA-MB 231 cell line, 30 of 324 sera had detectable antibody reactivity. All the positive sera, however, reacted with other cell lines as well, generally including cultures initiated from sites other than breast cancers, and often including animal cell cultures. In competition radioimmunoassays the positive sera fell into various groups, indicating that a diversity of antigens was being detected. Two patients' sera identified antigens that were expressed on breast cancer cells but that were not expressed on an assortment of other cell types. Sera like these two, which identify potentially important tumor markers, could serve as valuable reagents for the analysis of the tumor-assiciated antigens of human breast cancer cells.
A Convergent Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Antitumor Depsipeptide, Stereocalpin A

The total synthesis of the proposed structure of anticancer agent stereocalpin A is described. The synthesis features a diastereoselective synthesis of a 5-hydroxy-2,4-dimethyl-3-oxooctanoic acid unit with asymmetric anti- and syn-aldol reactions as the key steps. Initial cycloamidation led to complete epimerization at the C-11 stereocenter due to unique steric constraints in the 12-membered depsipeptide ring. A late-stage methylation strategy led to the synthesis of the proposed structure of stereocalpin A.
WITHDRAWN: Protein sumoylation and human diseases

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Anomalous quenching of S=1 two-nucleon transfer

Examination of the ground-state transitions of the (p,t) and (p,/sup 3/He) reactions on all T/sub z/=1/2 nuclei from /sup 21/Ne through /sup 39/K reveals a systematic suppression of the S=1, T=0 component of the (p,/sup 3/He) transfer cross sections which is not explained in terms of current structure and reaction theories. (AIP)
Laparoscopic Internal Drainage of Lymphocele in Renal Transplant

Lymphoceles frequently develop following renal transplant surgery. The conventional methods used to drain lymphoceles are invasive and can be associated with complications. Laparoscopic drainage of posttransplant lymphoceles provides a safer alternative.
DiTON: Towards facilitating distributed transactions in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks (ONs) exploit mobility of wireless devices to route messages and distribute content independent of fixed network infrastructure. An inherent property of ONs is that the unpredictable mobility of devices results in brief and intermittent connections between networked nodes. This presents a challenge to implementing useful distributed system paradigms, such as distributed transactions. Transactions are a sequence of read and write operations that must be executed in a reliable and coherent fashion, even in the presence of multiple concurrent operations or process failures. Distributed transactions require the participation of multiple processes utilizing data available locally to collaborate with other processes. In this work in progress paper, we outline the requirements behind a novel cache-based mechanism for distributed transactions in ONs. The requirements are defined with the expectation that the proposed mechanism will be robust and energy efficient.
A computerized system for scoring primate behavior using standard keyboards

A scoring system has been developed for primate behavior which uses standard keyboards and minicomputers or microcomputers. The mnemonic, alphanumeric code used is easily learned, highly flexible, and can be recorded in longhand for later entry into a computer if a keyboard is not immediately available. The software consists of two programs, both of which can be written in BASIC. SCORE is used for data acquisition and appends the test time to each behavioral sequence. DATSUM decodes and summarizes the test data using table-driven logic. The minimum hardware required is a 16K microcomputer, an alphanumeric keyboard, a display, and cassette storage.
Trans-Pacific and Regional Atmospheric Transport of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Pesticides in Biomass Burning Emissions to Western North America

The trans-Pacific and regional North American atmospheric transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides in biomass burning emissions was measured in air masses from April to September 2003 at two remote sites in western North America. Mary‘s Peak Observatory (MPO) is located in Oregon’s Coast Range and Cheeka Peak Observatory (CPO) is located on the tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. During this time period, both remote sites were influenced by PAH and pesticide emissions from forest fires in Siberia and regional fires in Oregon and Washington State. Concurrent samples were taken at both sites on June 2 and August 4, 2003. On these dates, CPO had elevated gas phase PAH, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, and retene concentrations (p < 0.05) and MPO had elevated retene, particulate phase PAH, and levoglucosan concentrations due to trans-Pacific transport of emissions from fires in Siberia. In addition, during the April to September 2003 sampling period, CPO and MPO were influ...
Mechanism by which GnRH inhibits androgen synthesis directly in ovarian interstitial cells.

Abstract The mechanism by which GnRH acts on ovarian interstitial cells to inhibit androgen synthesis was studied in primary cultures of ovarian cells from hypophysectomized immature rats. Interstitial cells cultured in defined medium with LH showed a 200-fold increase in steroid production, of which androsterone was the principal metabolite (88% of the total steroid content). Treatment with GnRH (10−8M) inhibited LH-stimulated androsterone production by 92%. This inhibitory effect of GnRH was not due to changes in cell number, cell viability, or 125I-hCG binding capacity. Prostaglandin E2, cholera toxin and 8-Br-cyclic AMP mimicked the LH effect on androsterone synthesis and these increases were also inhibited by GnRH. Metabolic studies of GnRH-treated cultures revealed that LH-stimulated androsterone and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol were decreased by 90%; androstenedione, testosterone and DHEA were decreased by 70%; 17α-hydroxypregnenolone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were decreased by 50%; pregnenolone was unchanged; and progesterone was increased 40%. Collectively, these results suggest that GnRH directly inhibits androgen synthesis in ovarian interstitial cells by selectively inhibiting the 17α-hydroxylase and C17−20desmolase activities.
Report Calls for U.S. National Sustainability Policy

The White House should issue an executive order establishing a U.S. national sustainability policy, according to a new report by a committee of the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies. The 28 June report found that sustainability issues inherently involve connections among environmental, economic, and social issues and that the U.S. federal government “is generally not organized or operated to deal with this complexity.” The report calls for a sustainability policy to address intertwined environmental, economic, and societal issues that require interagency cooperation.