cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaempferol-induced nuclear DNA damage and lipid peroxidation

The extent of DNA damage and lipid peroxidation induced by kaempferol, a polyphenolic flavonoid with a molecular structure similar to quercetin, was studied under aerobic conditions in isolated rat-liver nuclei. Kaempferol induced significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent nuclear DNA degradation concurrent with lipid peroxidation; these effects were enhanced by iron(III) or copper(II). Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), mannitol, and sodium azide did not show any inhibitory effect on the kaempferol-induced nuclear DNA damage in the presence of iron(III) or copper(II). On the other hand, all stimulated the kaempferol-induced DNA damage in the presence of iron(III); in the presence of copper(II) only SOD and mannitol showed statistically significant stimulatory effects. The kaempferol induced lipid peroxidation was significantly stimulated by catalase and sodium azide in the presence of iron(III). These results demonstrate the pro-oxidant properties of polyphenolic flavonoids, which are generally considered as antioxidants and anticarcinogens, suggesting their possible dual role in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
Cell-free processing of the secreted globins of Chironomus thummi (Diptera)

Abstract Poly(A) + RNA from fourth instar larvae of the insect Chironomus thummi was efficiently translated in vitro . Up to 10% of the total cell-free translation products was immunoprecipitable with antiserum specific for chironomid haemoglobins. Six immunoreactive preglobin products were resolved on SDS-17.5% polyacrylamide gels, and were cotranslationally processed by dog pancreas microsomes to 2 major bands that comigrated with authentic secreted globins.
Exploring variability within and between corpora: some methodological considerations

The results usually reported in corpus-linguistic studies are quantitative: frequencies, percentages, model parameters, etc. However, given that no corpora are alike, and that sometimes different results are reported for very similar corpora (or even the same corpus), three central issues are: (i) how to identify and quantify the degree of variation coming with one's results; (ii) how to investigate the source of the observed variation in corpora; and, (iii) how homogeneous one's corpus is with respect to a particular phenomenon. In this paper, I shall present a methodology that addresses these issues, providing data from ICE-GB on the frequency of the English present perfect, the alternation of transitive phrasal verbs and the semantics of the English ditransitive. Specifically, I will show how applying resampling methods and exploratory data analysis to corpus data allows for, (i) providing interval estimates for one's findings that show how superficially different results may reflect similar underlying...
Physical activity, quality of life, and burnout among physician trainees: the effect of a team-based, incentivized exercise program.

Abstract Objective To prospectively study the effects of an incentivized exercise program on physical activity (PA), quality of life (QOL), and burnout among residents and fellows (RFs) in a large academic medical center. Participants and Methods In January 2011, all RFs at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (N=1060), were invited to participate in an elective, team-based, 12-week, incentivized exercise program. Both participants and nonparticipants had access to the same institutional exercise facilities. Regardless of participation, all RFs were invited to complete baseline and follow-up (3-month) assessments of PA, QOL, and burnout. Results Of the 628 RFs who completed the baseline survey (59%), only 194 (31%) met the US Department of Health and Human Services recommendations for PA. Median reported QOL was 70 on a scale of 1 to 100, and 182 (29%) reported at least weekly burnout symptoms. A total of 245 individuals (23%) enrolled in the exercise program. No significant differences were found between program participants and nonparticipants with regard to baseline demographic characteristics, medical training level, PA, QOL, or burnout. At study completion, program participants were more likely than nonparticipants to meet the Department of Health and Human Services recommendations for exercise (48% vs 23%; P Conclusion A team-based, incentivized exercise program engaged 23% of RFs at our institution. After the program, participants had higher PA and QOL than nonparticipants who had equal exercise facility access. Residents and fellows may be much more sedentary than previously reported.
Inferences about Effort and Ability

Perceivers received information about a target person’s level of athletic performance (e.g., kicking a soccer ball) and the situational forces surrounding that performance. Perceivers’ inferences about the effort and ability of the target depended on whether the situational forces involved psychological forces (a bribe offered for low performance) or physical forces (a wind that hindered performance). Replicating past research, psychological forces had a stronger impact on inferred ability given the presence of low performance, as opposed to high performance. Additional analyses indicated that this pattern was mediated by inferences about the effort of the target. In contrast, physical forces appeared to have a direct impact on inferences of ability and affected inferences based on both low and high performance. The results suggest that perceivers make inferences about multiple attributes within a target person and, in the process, attempt to reconcile those inferences.
Structure of a Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Late-Stage Fusion Intermediate

ABSTRACT The final stages of dengue virus fusion are thought to occur when the membrane-proximal stem drives the transmembrane anchor of the viral envelope protein (E) toward the fusion loop, buried in the target cell membrane. Crystal structures of E have lacked this essential stem region. We expressed and crystallized soluble mutant forms of the dengue virus envelope protein (sE) that include portions of the juxtamembrane stem. Their structures represent late-stage fusion intermediates. The proximal part of the stem has both intra- and intermolecular interactions, so the chain “zips up” along the trimer seam. The penultimate interaction we detected involves the conserved residue F402, which has hydrophobic contacts with a conserved surface on domain II. These interactions do not require any larger-scale changes in trimer packing. The techniques for expression and crystallization of sE containing stem reported here may allow further characterization of the final stages of flavivirus fusion.
Welfare reform and the spatial divide: a study in transporting recipients to jobs

A number of studies supports the ineffectiveness of public transportation to connect low‐income individuals with entry‐level employment. The transportation obstacles faced by welfare recipients to find and maintain employment continue to persist. Focussing on the example of two programs implemented in suburban Washington, D.C., this study explores the question of what type of transportation services best support the welfare‐to‐work goals and whether they instill a sense of self‐reliance and esteem among participants. In addition, this study used the data to develop spatio — temporal travel pattern diagrams, which suggest that transportation may change the psychology of transit for recipients. The authors recommend that service providers give greater attention to outreach services and ensure better coordination between transit, childcare and job training programs. The paper also includes a number of suggestions to improve both skill and spatial mismatch.
The Effect of Soil Temperature On the Survival of the Root-Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne Javanica and M. Hapla 1)

Plant roots infected with the root-knot nematode, M. javanica, were obtained from Southern Rhodesia, North Carolina and Georgia. These widely separated areas represent a diversity of soil temperature and soil moisture conditions. Stock cultures of each of the three populations, S.R., N.C. and Ga. were established from single egg-masses. Egg-masses of the three M. javanica populations and of M. hapla were exposed to various soil temperatures in the laboratory and to over-wintering in the field. Viability of eggs after treatment was measured by the bioassay method. At a soil temperature of -2° C eggs of M. hapla can survive for .a longer period than those of M. javanica. Of these populations S.R. has the least tolerance, N.C. has the greatest, and Ga. is intermediate. A longer period is required to kill eggs of all populations in dry soil than in damp soil. However, at 36° C and 40° C eggs are killed more rapidly in dry soil. The response of M. javanica and M. hapla to these high temperatures is the reverse of that found at -2° C, eggs of the latter are less tolerant than those of M. javanica. The N.C. eggs are least able to withstand high temperatures, those of S.R. are most tolerant and Ga. is intermediate. Individuals within each of the four populations exhibit increased tolerance to -2° C and others to 36° C. Tolerance to -2° C is not associated with response to high temperatures. The ability of M. hapla eggs to over-winter in the field is marked. Differences between the M. javanica populations are pronounced. Egg-viability of S.R. is greatly reduced after 98 days and none survived 139 days or longer. The N.C. eggs show only a moderate reduction in numbers after 98 days and some remain viable for 208 days. The Ga. population is intermediate, few eggs remaining viable after 139 days in the field. Differences of the degree of tolerance of the M. javanica populations may to some extent be due to conditions under which the three populations have evolved.
Leukocyte differentials predict short-term clinical outcome following antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia

Abstract Background: The majority of patients with schizophrenia and many of their unaffected siblings exhibit a relative granulocytosis and lymphopenia. To characterize these abnormalities better, we examined leukocyte differentials and organ nonspecific autoantibodies in relationship to intake phenomenology and short-term clinical outcome. Methods: We studied patients with schizophrenia ( n = 81) and their siblings ( n = 18). At intake assessment, about one-half of the probands ( n = 38) were neuroleptic-naive first-episode patients; the remainder were medication-free for at least 2 weeks. Hematologic indices were obtained at intake assessment, and psychiatric symptomatology was assessed at baseline and following 6 months of clinically determined treatment. Results: A relative granulocytosis and lymphopenia prospectively predicted poorer recovery in positive, but not negative, symptoms after 6 months of antipsychotic treatment. Abnormal leukocyte proportions were specific to patients who presented with clinically significant positive symptomatology at intake. In contrast, clinically significant negative symptoms were only evident in a small subgroup of patients who were positive for antinuclear autoantibodies and/or rheumatoid factor. Conclusions: Future research should further test the hypothesis that a relative granulocytosis and lymphopenia reflect genetic loading for the pathophysiologic determinants of positive symptoms. Future research also should determine the etiologic significance of organ nonspecific autoimmunity in predominantly negative symptom schizophrenia.
Nimravides, A New Genus of Felidae from the Pliocene of California, Texas and Oklahoma

The Arnett local fauna from Ellis County, Oklahoma (see Kitts, 1957) includes two remarkably well preserved and complete felid lower jaws. Investigation has revealed that these specimens are very similar to and probably conspecific with material from the Higgins local fauna which has been referred to Machairodus Kaup (see Hesse, 1940) and material from the Black Hawk Ranch local fauna which has been referred to Pseudaelurus Gervais (see Macdonald, 1948). A study of the Arnett, Black Hawk Ranch and Higgins specimens reveals that they are certainly not referable to Machairodus and that, although they bear a number of marked resemblances to the lower jaw of Pseudaelurus , their generic separation from this genus is almost certainly justified. I should like to express my gratitude to Dr. Donald E. Savage of the University of California who allowed me complete access to the specimens in his charge and to Dr. J. R. Macdonald who permitted me to reproduce two figures from his paper on the Black Hawk Ranch carnivores. The plate was prepared by Mr. Irwin Gold. This study was supported by a grant from the faculty research fund of the University of Oklahoma. The following abbreviations are used: O.U.S.M.—J. Willis Stovall Museum of Science and History, University of Oklahoma; U.C.M.P.—Museum of Paleontology, University of California. All measurements are in millimeters. > Family FELIDAE Gray, 1821 > > Subfamily Nimravinae Trouessart, 1885 > > Nimravides gen. nov. > > (Figs. 1, 2; Plate I) Fig. 1 Nimravides thinobates (Macdonald). Type, U.C.M.P. No. 34513, right lower jaw fragment with P3 and M1; a, crown view; b, lateral view; ×½. (After Macdonald). Fig. 2 Nimravides thinobates (Macdonald). U.C.M.P. No. 34512, skull; a, palatal view. b, lateral view. ×½. (After Macdonald). Plate I Nimravides thinobates (Macdonald). a and b , O.U.S.M. No. 36-4-S13, left lower jaw; a , crown view of cheek …
Anomalous Translational Diffusion: A New Constraint for Models of Molecular Motion Near the Glass Transition Temperature

A photobleaching technique has been used to measure the translational motion of tetracene in polystyrene near Tg. The intermediate scattering function S(q,t) was observed to become increasingly non-exponential with decreasing temperature. Thus a clear transition from Fickian diffusion to non-Fickian translational motion has been observed. These results support the view that dynamics are spatially heterogeneous in glass-forming materials. A model of translational motion on heterogeneous lattices indicates that the size of the heterogeneous regions is roughly 20 A. Thus the data presented here place a new constraint on models of molecular motion near Tg.
Utilization of iodide as a perchlorate-laden resin regenerating solution and isolation of perchlorate from simulated ground water samples

The selective ion exchange of perchlorate from simulated groundwater samples using the bifunctional Purolite A-530E resin was performed. Regeneration of the resin is difficult due to the relatively hydrophobic nature and high selectivity of perchlorate over the most common ions. Use of the tetrachloroiron(III) complex in 2M or higher hydrochloric acid solutions as a regenerant and displacer of perchlorate can be problematic if one wishes to recover the perchlorate and/or use stainless steel columns, fittings, and HPLC-type pumps. 0.1M sodium iodide was investigated as an alternative to FeCl4 − to circumvent these problems. Regeneration efficiencies in between those of FeCl4 − and Cl − were observed. During elution a peak fraction of 0.068M NaClO4 in 0.1M NaI was obtained. Pure KClO4 was then precipitated by addition of KCl and methanol to this fraction.
Using Social Learning Theory to Reduce Small Business Breakdown along the Internet Superhighway: An Exploratory Model.

As the speed of travel on the Information Superhighway accelerates, many small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) do not effectively keep pace. SME computer resistors include 1) the slow-plodding neophyte computer users in the far right hand lane, 2) the firms curious about computerization but who are yet to make a purchase decision, idling in neutral on the access ramps, and 3) the business that purchases improper equipment and/or software and ventures onto the road without proper training and support, being run over by the speeding industry. In the information high-tech world of the 1990s it seems amazing that an estimated quarter of all small businesses still do not have their first personal computer. This article calls upon the innovators of the communications field to look in the rear view mirror to see the businesses left behind in the information expansion race. A model utilizing social learning theory defines a framework for road service [1], getting the small business resister up to the information superhighway speed limit.
On the Connection between the Mediterranean Outflow and the Azores Current

As the salty and dense Mediteranean overflow exits the Strait of Gibraltar and descends rapidly in the Gulf of Cadiz, it entrains the fresher overlying subtropical Atlantic Water. A minimal model is put forth in this study to show that the entrainment process associated with the Mediterranean outflow in the Gulf of Cadiz can impact the upper-ocean circulation in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean and can be a fundamental factor in the establishment of the Azores Current. Two key simplifications are applied in the interest of producing an economical model that captures the dominant effects. The first is to recognize that in a vertically asymmetric twolayer system, a relatively shallow upper layer can be dynamically approximated as a single-layer reduced-gravity controlled barotropic system, and the second is to apply quasigeostrophic dynamics such that the volume flux divergence effect associated with the entrainment is represented as a source of potential vorticity. Two sets of computations are presented within the 1‰-layer framework. A primitive-equation-based computation, which includes the divergent flow effects, is first compared with the equivalent quasigeostrophic formulation. The upper-ocean cyclonic eddy generated by the loss of mass over a localized area elongates westward under the influence of the b effect until the flow encounters the western boundary. In the steady state, the circulation pattern consists of bidirectional zonal flows with a limited meridional extent: eastward to the south of the sink and westward to the north of the sink. The localized sink drives a horizontal circulation in the interior ocean whose strength is approximately an order of magnitude greater than the sink’s strength. It is demonstrated that the induced circulation in the far field from a localized sink is insensitive to the neglect of the divergent flow component. A set of parameter sensitivity experiments is then undertaken with the quasigeostrophic model for an idealized midlatitude circulation, driven both by wind forcing and ‘‘thermohaline’’ flow through the open southern and northern boundaries. When a sink near the eastern boundary is superimposed on the idealized midlatitude circulation, it is shown to alter significantly the upper-ocean flow and induce an eastward zonal current, which resembles the Azores Current in location and transport. This mechanism also generates a westward current to the north of the sink location, which could be associated with the Azores Countercurrent. An extensive series of sensitivity experiments is conducted to determine the response of this current system to changes in the boundary layer processes, sink strength, sink distribution, model resolution, and wind forcing. The magnitude of the current transports is found to be sensitive to the sink intensity and to its distance from the coastline.
Apatite Formation in the CaO–PbO–P2O5–H2O System at 23°± 1°C

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is commonly used to manufacture products such as storage batteries and electroceramics. In an effort to minimize the health risks to humans, the low-cost stabilization of lead via its incorporation into the apatite crystal structure has been explored. Therefore, apatite formation in the quaternary system CaO–PbO–P2O5–H2O at room temperature (23°± 1°C) and atmospheric pressure from PbO, CaHPO4, Ca4(PO4)2O, and H3PO4 was studied. Apatites were prepared via precipitation from aqueous-based mixtures with a constant (Ca + Pb):P molar ratio of 1.67. Aqueous mixtures that contained up to 1 mol of PbO (massicot) per mole of apatite (Ca10−xPbx(PO4)6(OH)2) resulted in the precipitation of weakly crystalline Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 as the predominant phase. Highly crystalline Pb10(PO4)6(OH)2 was formed from mixtures that contained 8–9 mol of PbO per mole of apatite. Intermediate proportions of lead oxide, which entailed 4.5–7 mol of PbO per mole of apatite, produced a stable quaternary apatite phase of moderate crystallinity, with an approximate composition of Ca5Pb5(PO4)6(OH)2. The lattice parameters of this quaternary apatite were calculated using a least-squares refinement program and other existing X-ray diffraction software. Experimental observation, along with computer modeling of the solution chemistry, enabled the mechanism of apatite formation to be established. Dissolution of lead oxide and calcium-bearing minerals, such as monetite (CaHPO4), with the aid of H3PO4, resulted in the precipitation of lead-rich apatites. This phenomenon was followed by their slow conversion to the stable quaternary apatite (Ca5Pb5(PO4)6(OH)2).
Non-parametric modelling of time-varying customer service times at a bank call centre

Call centres are becoming increasingly important in our modern commerce. We are interested in modelling the time‐varying pattern of average customer service times at a bank call centre. Understanding such a pattern is essential for efficient operation of a call centre. The call service times are shown to be lognormally distributed. Motivated by this observation and the important application, we propose a new method for inference about non‐parametric regression curves when the errors are lognormally distributed. Estimates and pointwise confidence bands are developed. The method builds upon the special relationship between the lognormal distribution and the normal distribution, and improves upon a naive estimation procedure that ignores this distributional structure. Our approach includes local non‐parametric estimation for both the mean function and the heteroscedastic variance function of the logged data, and uses local polynomial regression as a fitting tool. A simulation study is performed to illustrate the method. We then apply the method to model the time‐varying patterns of mean service times for different types of customer calls. Several operationally interesting findings are obtained and discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of inflammation in vascular diseases.

When the body responds to an infectious insult, it initiates an immune response to eliminate the pathogen. The hallmark of the immune response is an inflammatory cascade that can also do extensive damage to host tissues. Inflammation is a major contributing factor to many vascular events, including atherosclerotic plaque development and rupture, aortic aneurysm formation, angiogenesis, and ischemia/reperfusion damage. The immune response is mediated by both circulating and resident leukocytes and the cells with which they interact (e.g., vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells). The process is orchestrated by the activity of a changing series of released and displayed mediators. These include the expression of adhesion molecules on leukocytes and underlying vascular endothelium and the release of cytokines, chemokines, and tissue-destructive metalloproteases and reactive oxygen species. This review focuses on the causes, the inflammatory processes involved, and possible strategies for decreasing vascular disease through regulation of the inflammatory response.
A Felsic End to Bushveld Differentiation

The similarities in age (c. 2·06 Ga) and isotopic composition of the Bushveld Igneous Complex and the overlying Rooiberg Group felsic volcanic rocks suggest the possibility that the two are cogenetic.To investigate this possibility we derive a robust new estimate of the major and trace element bulk composition of the Bushveld Upper Zone and Upper Main Zone (UUMZ). Using MELTS thermodynamic modeling, we show that this composition fails to reproduce fundamental features of the cumulate sequence, such as the presence of primary orthopyroxene at the base of the magma column.We investigate the possibility that some amount of evolved magma escaped from the magma chamber and derive a new estimate of the UUMZ parent magma composition that reproduces generally the observed cumulate sequence. Our results constrain the amount and composition of the escaped magma and provide evidence of a genetic link between the UUMZ of the Bushveld layered series and the felsic volcanic rocks immediately overlying it. We conclude that between 15 and 25% of the original magma volume was expelled and is manifest either as part of the upper Rooiberg Group lava sequence or the Rashoop Granophyre (distinction is hindered by their almost identical major and trace element compositions). A parent magma in which 15^25% Rooiberg or Rashoop material is added back to the extant cumulate sequence is initially saturated in orthopyroxene and is in major and trace element equilibrium with the phases at the base of the UUMZ.
Bit-error-rate testing of high-power 30-GHz traveling-wave tubes for ground-terminal applications

Tests were conducted at NASA Lewis to measure the bit-error-rate performance of two 30-GHz 200-W coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes (TWT's). The transmission effects of each TWT on a band-limited 220-Mbit/s SMSK signal were investigated. The tests relied on the use of a recently developed digital simulation and evaluation system constructed at Lewis as part ot the 30/20-GHz technology development program. This paper describes the approach taken to test the 30-GHz tubes and discusses the test data. A description of the bit-error-rate measurement system and the adaptations needed to facilitate TWT testing are also presented. A more comprehensive discussion of this topic appears in NASA publication TP-2635 [1].
Platelet FcγRIIA binds and internalizes IgG-containing complexes

Objective The physiologic role of platelet FcγRIIA, the only Fc receptor for IgG on human platelets, is largely unknown. FcγRIIA is also expressed on phagocytes such as monocytes and neutrophils, where it mediates the binding and internalization of both soluble IgG-containing complexes and IgG-coated cells. We previously reported the creation and characterization of a transgenic mouse that expresses human FcγRIIA on platelets and macrophages at levels comparable to that seen in humans. Using the transgenic mouse model, we observed that FcγRIIA mediates the clearance of IgG-coated cells. With the hypothesis that FcγRIIA on platelets may serve to remove IgG complexes from the circulation, we studied the capacity of human platelet FcγRIIA to bind and internalize such complexes. Methods We demonstrated by flow cytometry and electron microscopy that human platelets at 37°C can bind and endocytose IgG complexes. We also utilized platelets from FcγRIIA transgenic mice to study endocytosis of IgG complexes by platelet FcγRIIA. Results Wild-type mouse platelets do not express Fcγ receptors. While platelets from wild-type mice did not bind or endocytose IgG complexes, the presence of transgenic FcγRIIA on mouse platelets allowed the platelets to bind and endocytose IgG complexes. Conclusion Our data indicate that platelet FcγRIIA binds and internalizes IgG complexes and suggest that human platelets may function to clear soluble IgG complexes from the circulation.
Effects of bed net use, female size, and plant abundance on the first meal choice (blood vs sugar) of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sugar-or-blood meal choice of Anopheles gambiae females one day after emergence is influenced by blood-host presence and accessibility, nectariferous plant abundance, and female size. This tested the hypothesis that the initial meal of female An. gambiae is sugar, even when a blood host is available throughout the night, and, if not, whether the use of a bed net diverts mosquitoes to sugar sources. Females and males <1-day post-emergence were released in a mesocosm. Overnight they had access to either one or six Senna didymobotrya plants. Simultaneously they had access to a human blood host, either for 8 h or for only 30 min at dusk and dawn (the remainder of the night being excluded by an untreated bed net). In a third situation, the blood host was not present. All mosquitoes were collected in the morning. Their wing lengths, an indicator of pre-meal energetic state, were measured, and their meal choice was determined by the presence of midgut blood and of fructose. Female sugar feeding after emergence was facultative. When a blood host was accessible for 8 h per night, 92% contained blood, and only 3.7% contained sugar. Even with the use of a bed net, 78% managed to obtain a blood meal during the 30 min of accessibility at dusk or dawn, but 14% of females were now fructose-positive. In the absence of a blood host, and when either one or six plants were available, a total of 21.7% and 23.6% of females and 30.8% and 43.5% of males contained fructose, respectively. Feeding on both sugar and blood was more likely with bed net use and with greater plant abundance. Further, mosquitoes that fed on both resources were more often small and had taken a sugar meal earlier than the blood meal. The abundance of sugar hosts also affected the probability of sugar feeding by males and the amount of fructose obtained by both males and females. Even in an abundance of potential sugar sources, female An. gambiae appear to prefer a nearby human source of blood. However, the decision to take sugar was more likely if energy reserves were low. Results probably would differ if sugar hosts were more attractive or yielded larger sugar meals. The diversion of energetically deprived mosquitoes to sugar sources suggests a possible synergy between bed nets and sugar-based control methods.
HIGH-DOSE DELAY OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE EFFECT OF ACTINOMYCIN D ON CONTINUATION OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN VITRO

The continuation of the primary and secondary antibody response to human serum albumin (HSA), induced in vivo, was followed in explanted chicken spleen fragments. The effect of actinomycin D (AMD) on the in vitro response was studied in spleens from chickens injected with various doses of HSA and removed at differing intervals after injection. The antibody response of "early spleen" cultures was AMD-sensitive, while cultures of spleens removed later were AMD-resistant. It was suggested that this shift represented the development of cells with in vivo preformed RNA involved in specific immunoglobulin synthesis. With increasing doses of HSA, the AMD-sensitive phase was prolonged, suggesting the delay of mRNA formation or some other AMD-inhibitable process in vivo. With large doses of HSA, the immune response in vitro was decreased, starting after a 1–2 day delay and not occurring in the presence of AMD. Massive doses of HSA completely inhibited the continuation of the response in vitro by spleen fragments removed between the 2nd and 5th day after injection. The results point to the controlling role of antigen dose in determining the onset of macromolecular synthesis during immunocyte maturation.
Modeling and analysis of hybrid control systems

A hybrid control system is a continuous-time system modeled by differential equations, and the controller is a discrete event system modeled by an automaton. A framework for modeling hybrid control systems, including the necessary interface between the plant and controller is presented. A method to represent the entire system as a discrete event system is shown. The concept of determinism is used to analyze hybrid control system behavior and guide in hybrid control system design. >
Relative proportions of hybrid fibres are unaffected by 6 weeks of running exercise in mouse skeletal muscles

Hybrid muscle fibres co-expressing two or more myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms represent a significant proportion of fibres in many muscles, but the prevalence and precise composition of these fibres varies significantly among muscles and animal species. In the present study, we used a forced running protocol for 6 weeks to determine the effects of running exercise on the relative proportion of hybrid muscle fibre types in mouse muscles. In the course of this experiment, we also determined the relative proportions of these fibres in several different skeletal muscles, since data about hybrid fibres in the mouse are sparse. We found that the proportions of hybrid fibres in mouse muscles varied significantly among specific muscles (2–25%), but these proportions were unaffected by 6 weeks of forced running exercise. In contrast, weight-bearing muscles significantly increased in mass in response to running. These data suggest that hybrid muscle fibres are relatively refractory to the effects of moderate exercise and represent a stable phenotype in normal mouse muscles. The precise nature and physiological function of these fibres remain incompletely understood, but it is clear that hybrid fibres represent a common phenotype in many muscles.
Persistence of the Bacterial Pathogen Granulibacter bethesdensis in Chronic Granulomatous Disease Monocytes and Macrophages Lacking a Functional NADPH Oxidase

Granulibacter bethesdensis is a Gram-negative pathogen in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a deficiency in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Repeated isolation of genetically identical strains from the same patient over years, and prolonged waxing and waning seropositivity in some subjects, raises the possibility of long-term persistence. G. bethesdensis resists killing by serum, CGD polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and antimicrobial peptides, indicating resistance to nonoxidative killing mechanisms. Although G. bethesdensis extends the survival of PMN, persistent intracellular bacterial survival might rely on longer-lived macrophages and their precursor monocytes. Therefore, we examined phagocytic killing by primary human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Cells from both normal and CGD subjects internalized G. bethesdensis similarly. G. bethesdensis stimulated superoxide production in normal monocytes, but to a lesser degree than in normal PMN. Normal but not CGD monocytes and MDM killed G. bethesdensis and required in vitro treatment with IFN-γ to maintain this killing effect. Although in vitro IFN-γ did not enhance G. bethesdensis killing in CGD monocytes, it restricted growth in proportion to CGD PMN residual superoxide production, providing a potential method to identify patients responsive to IFN-γ therapy. In IFN-γ-treated CGD MDM, G. bethesdensis persisted for the duration of the study (7 d) without decreasing viability of the host cells. These results indicate that G. bethesdensis is highly resistant to oxygen-independent microbicides of myeloid cells, requires an intact NADPH oxidase for clearance, and can persist long-term in CGD mononuclear phagocytes, most likely relating to the persistence of this microorganism in infected CGD patients.
AGE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN PLASMA AND BRAIN CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITIES OF EASTERN BLUEBIRDS AND EUROPEAN STARLINGS

Age-dependent changes in plasma and brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity were characterized in two altricial passerine species: eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity declined rapidly immediately after hatching, while plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity increased throughout the nestling period. These patterns continued after birds fledged, since the BChE : AChE ratio was higher in adult birds than fledglings. This is the first confirmation of age-dependent changes in plasma ChE activity in altricial species. Total plasma ChE activity increased with age in both species, which is the reverse of results previously reported for several precocial species. Brain ChE activity increased with age in both species, and did not reach asymptotic levels before young fledged. This corresponded with patterns previously documented in European starlings and three other altricial species. We propose that age and degree of precocity in ...
Hyperspectral Band Selection and Endmember Detection Using Sparsity Promoting Priors

This letter presents a simultaneous band selection and endmember detection algorithm for hyperspectral imagery. This algorithm is an extension of the sparsity promoting iterated constrained endmember (SPICE) algorithm. The extension adds spectral band weights and a sparsity promoting prior to the SPICE objective function to provide integrated band selection. In addition to solving for endmembers, the number of endmembers, and end- member fractional maps, this algorithm attempts to autonomously perform band selection and to determine the number of spectral bands required for a particular scene. Results are presented on a simulated data set and the AVIRIS Indian Pines data set. Experiments on the simulated data set show the ability to find the correct endmembers and abundance values. Experiments on the Indian Pines data set show strong classification accuracies in comparison to previously published results.
Childhood abuse, adult assault, and dissociation

Recent studies have suggested an association between childhood physical and sexual abuse and adult dissociative experiences. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of both childhood and adult-onset abuse and their characteristics for adult dissociative symptoms. One hundred forty-four psychiatric outpatients completed self-report questionnaires on measures of dissociation (Dissociative Experience Scale DES.) and histories of both past and current sexual and physical abuse (Traumatic Events Questionnaire TEQ.). Of 114 subjects (30 men and 84 women) who completed both forms, 35% and 43% reported childhood physical and sexual abuse, respectively. Dissociative symptoms were significantly related to ethnicity and multiple episodes or combined types of abuse in childhood and adulthood. In terms of the characteristics of childhood abuse, numerous episodes of physical abuse (P = .01) and father-perpetrated sexual abuse (P = .02) were significantly related to the degree of dissociation. These findings emphasize the role of repeated childhood trauma and the combination of both childhood and adult traumatic experiences in the development of dissociative phenomena. Language: en
A Field Emission Light Source Using a Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) Cathode and Cathodoluminescent Phosphors

A field emission light source using cathodoluminescent (CL) phosphors and a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) cathode is presented. The flat-format design requires no microfabrication technology and can be easily configured for light emission at different wavelengths, ranging from UV to visible, to infrared. The operation of a visible-spectrum light source was demonstrated by testing both unpackaged devices in a vacuum environment and proof-of-concept packaged lamps. The results exhibited excellent field emission properties with a minimum extraction field of 1.7 V/μm and good uniformity. Luminance characteristics were also excellent, with a white CL phosphor being excited up to approximately 12 000 Cd/m2. Lower levels of luminance are applicable to display backlights.
Molecular characterization of Glycine max squalene synthase genes in seed phytosterol biosynthesis

The reaction catalyzed by squalene synthase (EC.2.5.1.21) that converts two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate to squalene represents a crucial branch point of the isoprenoid pathway in diverting carbon flux towards the biosynthesis of sterols. In the present study two soybean squalene synthase genes, GmSQS1 and GmSQS2, were identified in the soybean genome and functionally characterized for their roles in sterol biosynthesis. Both genes encode a deduced protein of 413 amino acids. Complementation assays showed that the two genes were able to convert yeast sterol auxotrophy erg9 mutant to sterol prototrophy. Expression of GmSQS1 and GmSQS2 was ubiquitous in roots, stem, leaves, flower and young seeds of soybean, however GmSQS1 transcript was preferential in roots while GmSQS2 transcript was more in leaves. Their expression was lower in response to dehydration treatments suggesting they might be negative regulators of water stress adaptation. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing GmSQS1 driven by either constitutive or seed-specific promoters showed increases in the major end product sterols: campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol, which resulted in up to 50% increase in total sterol content in the seeds. The increase in the end product sterols by GmSQS1 overexpression was at the level achievable by previously reported overexpression of individual or combination of other key enzymes in the sterol pathway. Together the data demonstrate that soybean SQS genes play an important role in diverting carbon flux to the biosynthesis of the end product sterols in the seeds.
Generation of matrices for determining minimum distance and decoding of algebraic-geometric codes

Newton's identities have played a significant role in decoding and minimum distance determination of cyclic and BCH codes. The present paper carries the notion over from cyclic codes to algebraic-geometric (AG) codes and introduces Newton's identities for AG codes, also for the purpose of minimum distance determination and decoding.
A superconducting magnet mandrel with minimum symmetry laminations for proton therapy

The size and weight of ion-beam cancer therapy gantries are frequently determined by a large aperture, curved, ninety degree, dipole magnet. The higher fields achievable with superconducting technology promise to greatly reduce the size and weight of this magnet and therefore also the gantry as a whole. This paper reports advances in the design of winding mandrels for curved, canted cosine-theta (CCT) magnets in the context of a preliminary magnet design for a proton gantry. The winding mandrel is integral to the CCT design and significantly affects the construction cost, stress management, winding feasibility, eddy current power losses, and field quality of the magnet. A laminated mandrel design using a minimum symmetry in the winding path is introduced and its feasibility demonstrated by a rapid prototype model. Piecewise construction of the mandrel using this laminated approach allows for increased manufacturing techniques and material choices. Sectioning the mandrel also reduces eddy currents produced during field changes accommodating the scan of beam energies during treatment. This symmetry concept can also greatly reduce the computational resources needed for 3D finite element calculations. It is shown that the small region of symmetry forming the laminations combined with periodic boundary conditions can model the entire magnet geometry disregarding the ends.
Experiments in Fixed-Wing UAV Perching

High-precision maneuvers at high angles-of-attack are not properly addressed by even the most advanced aircraft control systems. Here we present our control design procedure and indoor experimental results with a small fixed-wing autonomous glider which is capable of executing an aggressive high angle-of-attack maneuver in order to land on a perch. We first acquire a surprisingly accurate aircraft model through unsteady flight regimes from real kinematic flight data taken in a motion-capture arena. This model is then used in a numerical nonlinear (approximate) optimal control procedure which designs a feedback control policy for the elevator deflection. Finally, we report our experimental data demonstrating that this simple glider can exploit pressure drag to achieve a high-speed perching maneuver.
Wound Infections After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Fongandcolleagues reporton the“DiscordanceBetweenPerioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Wound Infection Cultures inPatientsUndergoingPancreaticoduodenectomy.”1Their observational study1 is the largest, multi-institutional evaluation of perioperative antibioticuse that is correlatedwith postoperative wound infections after pancreatoduodenectomy. Interestingly, thewound infection rate is exactly the same despite different prophylactic antibiotic regimens. The authors are to be commended for their great effort in collecting and analyzing data from 1623 patients. It iswellknownthatpreoperativebiliarymanipulationleads to bactobilia, resulting in a greater risk of wound infection.2 There are several randomized trials3 that suggest that preoperativebiliarydrainage shouldbeavoided for this reason.Practically speaking, most patients undergo pancreatoduodenectomyafterhavingundergonemanipulationof thebiliary tree,4 andgiven the increased riskof infection,howshould thesepatients be managed? There is a rich body of literature suggesting that patientswhounderwent biliarymanipulationprior to pancreatoduodenectomy should receive special attention,5,6 with some centers continuing antibiotic treatment until intraoperative bile cultures are known to be negative.7 Despite the different practice patterns at the 3 institutionswhosepancreatic databaseswere queried byFong et al,1 theconsistent findingwas that intraoperativebile culturespredicted the spectrumofpostoperativewound infections. In addition, the therapeutic range of the prophylactic antibiotics used did not correspond to the spectrum of wound infection cultures found at each institution. Despite this, all 3 institutions combined had an acceptably low overall wound infection rate of 8.2%. This study1 does not demonstrate a correlation between any perioperative intervention and an actual reduction in the rate ofwound infections. Any suchproposed intervention would need to be evaluated from a cost and adverse-effectpointofviewin lightof the fact that it isnotneeded for the 91.8% of patients who do not get infections. It is not clear that obtaining intraoperative bile cultures will improve the outcomes of patients with wound infections. Unfortunately, this study1 focused only on wound infections, not deep space infections, which potentially can have much more of an impact on a patient’s clinical course. Fong et al1 advocate for routine bile cultures to direct antibiotic therapy in the event that awound infection subsequently occurs. This seems reasonable, although fewsurgeonsdo it, and local wound treatments rather than choice of systemic antibiotics likelyhas abigger impact onultimate resolution.There is an important universal message in this study1 that may apply to all fields of surgery: institution-specific internal reviews should be undertaken to ensure that the prophylactic antibiotic chosen actually covers the organisms identified in wound infections for that institution. It seems that infections, like politics, are local.
Agreeing to Agree: A Proponent and Opponent of Hate Crime Laws Reach for Common Ground

The debate over bias-crime laws is a continuing one. Proponents of bias crime laws have largely focused on the special harm to victims from bias crimes, believing that punishment of these harms is consonant with First Amendment principles, while opponents have been concerned that these laws punish not only conduct, but also bigoted thought and belief, in violation of the First Amendment. In this Essay, a longtime proponent and opponent of bias-crime laws clarify their differences and then proceed towards common ground. The end product is a proposed model bias-crime statute that adopts a thoughtful approach to the twin concerns of punishing the infliction of special harms and protecting freedom of thought. More generally, the essay offers a direction in which this and other debates might profitably proceed - after definition and distinction, toward compromise and conciliation. The authors do not intend to compromise that which cannot be compromised, but we do intend at the very least to clarify that which can be clarified. That is, after all, at least one model of the legislative process in a democratic society.