cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Segregation at Coherent and Semicoherent Heterophase Interfaces

By employing a combination of three-dimensional atom-probe tomography and first-principles calculations, significant qualitative and quantitative differences in solute segregation at coherent and semicoherent interfaces bounding a single θ^{'} precipitate in an Al-Cu-based alloy are found. Qualitatively, localized segregation is observed at the semicoherent interface, whereas delocalized behavior is present at the coherent facets. Quantitatively, segregation at the semicoherent interface is a factor of 2 greater than at the coherent interface, resulting in a decrease in interfacial energy that is more than 5 times greater than that observed at the coherent facet. These observations illustrate unambiguously the strong couplings among interface structure, chemical composition, and energetics.
Quantum chaos in a two-level system in a semiclassical radiation field.

The semiclassical Bloch-Maxwell system is studied for chaos. Diagnostic criteria for chaos such as continuous power spectra and rapidly decaying correlations are shown not to be definitive. They may occur simultaneously with a vanishing maximum Liapunov exponent. The presence of a feedback effect on the radiation field is shown to lead to the possibility of bona fide chaos with a continuous spectrum and a positive Liapunov exponent. Whether or not chaos is exhibited in this system depends upon initial conditions as well, and cannot be deduced from the Hamiltonian alone.
Generalized canonical analysis for time series

Abstract Canonical correlation analysis is shown to be equivalent to the problem of estimating a linear regression matrix, B 0 , of less than full rank. After reparameterizing B 0 some estimates of the new parameters, obtained by solving an eigenvalue problem and closely related to canonical correlations and vectors, are found to be consistent and efficient when the residuals are mutually independent. When the residuals are generated by an autocorrelated, stationary time series these estimates are still consistent and obey a central limit theorem, but they are no longer efficient. Alternative, more general estimates are suggested which are efficient in the presence of serial correlation. Asymptotic theory and iterative computational procedures for these estimates are given. A likelihoodratio test for the rank of B 0 is seen to be an extension of a familiar test for canonical correlations.
Relationship between FKBP5 polymorphisms and depression symptoms among kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Several polymorphisms in FK506 Binding Protein gene (FKBP5) and a history of child abuse have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also been demonstrated that the same polymorphisms of FKBP5 are associated with increased recurrence of depressive episodes and rapid response to antidepressant treatment. However, there are only limited numbers of studies replicating the polymorphisms as vulnerability factors for the development of mental illnesses, such as PTSD and depression after stressful life event, especially with a specific incidence, such as kidney transplant surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the electronic medical records of 131 adult kidney transplant recipients. Depression severity after kidney transplantation was measured by PHQ-9, and stored blood was genotyped for variants in the Serotonin Transporter (SLC6A4), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Catecholamine-O-Methyltransferase, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor, and FKBP5 genes. Spearman correlations were used to test for association between genetic variants and depression severity. Results: The rare alleles at three out of four SNPs in FKBP5 (rs1360780, rs9296158, and rs9470080) were associated with increased PHQ-9 scores (Po.05), whereas the last FKBP5 SNP (rs3800373) showed a trend of association (Po.10). All four FKBP5 SNPs are in strong linkage disequilibrium. Although in a subgroup of Caucasian non-Hispanic subjects the association was not statistically significant, the direction of association was consistent with that observed in the entire sample as well as in previous studies. Polymorphisms in genes other than FKBP5 were not associated with PHQ-9 scores. Conclusions: Polymorphisms in FKBP5 may be associated with higher depression scores in kidney transplant recipients. Depression and Anxiety 28:1111–1118, 2011. r 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating Linear Size and Scale: Body rulers

The National Science Education Standards emphasise the use of concepts and skills that cut across the science domains. One of these cross‐cutting areas is measurement. Students should know measurement systems, units of measurement, tools and error in measurement as well as the importance of measurement to scientific endeavours. Even though measurement is an essential skill, little is known about how students estimate and use measurement in different contexts. This study examines the impact of teaching students to use their bodies as rough measurement tools (body rulers) on their ability to estimate linear measurements. Nineteen middle school students participated in metric intervention tasks and completed a pre‐instruction and a post‐instruction Linear Measurement Assessment. Results showed that teaching students to use rough body measures as tools (a body ruler) for estimation had a significant influence on their estimation accuracy. After instruction, students were better able to estimate the sizes of o...
The hegemony of English in science and technology

Abstract It is clear that English exercises a powerful hegemony in certain transnational domains, including (but not limited to) the international register of science and technology. There are a number of complex issues created by that hegemony of English. Both proximate and distal causes underlying the hegemony of English are briefly explored. A research project (conducted with the cooperation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) based on a questionnaire survey of all the members of the relatively small Hungarian Academy of Sciences and of a random sample of ‘Doctors of Science’ in Hungary is reported. Dr. Peter Medgyes collected and analysed the Hungarian data, which has been reported in detail in Kaplan & Medgyes (1992); only a cursory summary is presented here. The data show that the ability of Hungarian scientists to be heard beyond Hungary can be differentiated on the basis of their relative English proficiency. The data also show, incidentally, that 40 years of required Russian study in Hungarian ...
Female gender and other factors predictive of a limited screening flexible sigmoidoscopy examination for colorectal cancer.

Female gender and other factors predictive of a limited screening flexible sigmoidoscopy examination for colorectal cancer
Volatile loss from melt inclusions in pyroclasts of differing sizes

We have investigated the loss of H2O from olivine-hosted melt inclusions (MIs) by designing an experiment using tephra samples that cooled at different rates owing to their different sizes: ash, lapilli, and bomb samples that were deposited on the same day (10/17/74) of the sub-Plinian eruption of Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala. Ion microprobe, laser ablation-ICPMS, and electron probe analyses show that MIs from ash and lapilli record the highest H2O contents, up to 4.4 wt%. On the other hand, MIs from bombs indicate up to 30 % lower H2O contents (loss of ~1 wt% H2O) and 10 % post-entrapment crystallization of olivine. This evidence is consistent with the longer cooling time available for a bomb-sized clast, up to 10 min for a 3–4-cm radius bomb, assuming conductive cooling and the fastest H diffusivities measured in olivine (D~10−9 to 10−10 m2/s). On the other hand, several lines of evidence point to some water loss prior to eruption, during magma ascent and degassing in the conduit. Thus, results point to both slower post-eruptive cooling and slower magma ascent affecting MIs from bombs, leading to H2O loss over the timescale of minutes to hours. The important implication of this study is that a significant portion of the published data on H2O concentrations in olivine-hosted MIs may reflect unrecognized H2O loss via diffusion. This work highlights the importance of reporting clast and MI sizes in order to assess diffusive effects and the potential benefit of using water loss as a chronometer of magma ascent.
Attempts to demonstrate magnetic discrimination by homing pigeons in flight

Eight homing pigeons, trained to fly between two elevated feeders within a flight tunnel, were tested for their ability to discriminate between two magnetic field stimuli and two acoustic stimuli, using a unitary discrete-trials procedure with successive presentation of stimuli. Magnetic stimuli consisted of the ambient magnetic field and a reduced magnetic field in which the vertical component of the field was reduced to 50% of its ambient value. Acoustic stimuli consisted of an ambient white noise and the white noise plus a tone. Stimuli were paired with food reward and either a time penalty (Experiment 1) or electric shock (Experiment 2). Although subjects could discriminate sounds with our procedures, none of the subjects demonstrated discrimination of magnetic fields. The failure of pigeons to discriminate magnetic stimuli is discussed as a consequence of either the failure to provide conditions sufficient for such discrimination or the absence of a magnetic sense in these animals.
Lead based supernova neutrino detectors

Information on the process of core collapse in supernovae can potentially be found in the neutrinos emitted from such an event. Lead, due to its relatively large cross section for high energy neutrinos, is an ideal detector for supernova neutrinos. Computer simulations are being used to help design various lead based supernova neutrino detectors.
On the nonlinear diffusion equation of Kolmogorov, Petrovsky, and Piscounov

Abstract Recently, Bramson proved a theorem that classifies the initial data under which solutions of the K-P-P equation converge to the appropriate travelling waves. In this paper, a simplified proof is given by using maximal principles instead of his Brownian motion approach. The regularity condition on the forcing term is also weakened.
Interactions of Porphyromonas gingivalis with host cells: implications for cardiovascular diseases

Background: Recent epidemiological studies have suggested a contribution of periodontitis in atherosclerotic diseases. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain such a connection involving general inflammatory responses and/or specific effects of periodontal bacteria on host tissues. Methods: The role of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis as a potential contributor to atherosclerosis has been investigated in model systems using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and murine J774 macrophage cell cultures. Results: P. gingivalis 381 was demonstrated to induce foam cell formation in J774 macrophage cell cultures in the presence of low-density lipoproteins. The active bacterial component involved in this process appears to be lipopolysaccharide. This effect was not limited to these organisms as several other Gram-positive and Gram-negative oral bacteria exhibited the same property. In addition, in a more specific manner, P. gingivalis induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion in HUVEC cultures. Conclusions: The fimbriae of strain 381 are important, but are not required, for this inductive effect. Taken together, these results suggest a potential role for P. gingivalis in several steps involved in atherosclerotic lesion formation. J Periodontol 2003; 74:85-89.
Color-Full before Color Blind: The Emergence of Multiracial Neighborhood Politics in Queens, New York City

The United States is undergoing a "majority minority" transition, with the historic European-ancestry white majority projected to fall beneath 50% of the population in the second half of the current century. Elmhurst-Corona, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City, was 98% white in 1960 but by 1990 had become intensely multiracial, multiethnic, and multilingual, with neither African Americans, Asians, Latin Americans, nor the remaining whites constituting a majority of the local population. Based on ethnographic fieldwork between 1983 and 1996, in this article I trace the growth of cross-racial political interaction in Elmhurst-Corona, highlighting initial resistance by white residents, entry of newcomers into civic politics, innovation by female civic activists, and acceptance of shared local "quality of life" concerns as representation at the central political arena, the neighborhood's appointed community board, became more inclusive, [political anthropology, race, immigration, New York City, United States]
Co-robotic ultrasound tomography: dual arm setup and error analysis

Ultrasound (US) tomography enables quantitative measurement of acoustic properties. Robot assisted ultrasound tomography system enables alignment of two US probes. The alignment is done automatically by the robotic arm so that tomographic reconstruction of more anatomies becomes possible. In this study, we propose a new system setup for robot assistance in US tomographic imaging. This setup includes two robotic arms holding two US probes. One of the robotic arms is operated by the sonographer to determine the desired location for the tomographic imaging; this probe can also provide the B-mode US image during the search. The other robotic arm can then move automatically to align the two probes. One of the probes will act as transmitter and the other one as receiver to enable tomographic imaging. We provide an overview of the system setup and components together with the calibration procedures. In an attempt to provide a complete framework for the tomography system, we also provide a sample tomographic reconstruction method that can reconstruct speed of sound image using two aligned linear US probes. The reconstruction algorithm is however very prone to alignment inaccuracies. We provide an error propagation analysis to provide an estimation of the overall alignment error and then show the effect of the in-plane translational error in the tomographic reconstruction.
Dual-fuel versus single-fuel propulsion systems for AMLS applications

The results of using a computerized preliminary design system to integrate propulsion systems examined as a part of the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) and Space Transportation Booster Engine (STBE) studies with reference vehicle concepts from the Advanced Manned Launch System (AMLS) study are presented. The major trade study presented is an analysis of the effect of using a single fuel for both stages of two-stage AMLS reference vehicles as opposed to using a separate fuel for the boosters. Other trade studies presented examine the effect of varying relevant engine parameters in an attempt to optimize the reference engines for use with the AMLS launch vehicles. In each propulsion trade discussed, special attention is given to the major vehicle performance and operational issues involved.
Hemi-Hamate Arthroplasty Provides Functional Reconstruction of Acute and Chronic Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture–Dislocations

Purpose Hemi-hamate resurfacing arthroplasty is a treatment alternative for the management of severe acute and chronic dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) fracture–dislocations. This study was designed to determine whether this procedure would successfully restore function after such injuries. Methods Hemi-hamate reconstructions were performed on 33 patients (mean age, 34 years) who presented to 1 hand surgery practice with dorsal PIP fracture–dislocations. Eligible patients experienced unstable dislocations with comminuted metaphyseal fractures involving at least 50% of the volar middle phalangeal surface that was not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. We evaluated 22 patients with 14 acute ( Results After hemi-hamate reconstruction, active PIP motion averaged 70° (acute 71°, chronic 69°) with a mean flexion contracture of 19° (range, 0° to 80°). Active distal interphalangeal motion averaged 54° (acute 56°, chronic 51°). The mean VAS score for digit pain was 1.4 (acute 0.7, chronic 2.5). The mean DASH score of 5 (acute 2, chronic 9) and VAS functional score of 1.9 (acute 1.4, chronic 2.6) indicated little functional impairment (acute 2, chronic 9). Grip strength averaged 95% of the opposite hand. Mean coronal plane angulation at the PIP joint was 3°. Ten patients reported aching with cold temperatures. One dissatisfied patient underwent revision surgery. Chronic reconstructions were associated with increased VAS pain ratings (p = .02) and higher DASH scores (p = .06). Conclusions Hemi-hamate reconstruction represents a valuable surgical procedure to address severe PIP joint fracture–dislocations. Reconstruction of chronic injuries by this method restores PIP function, albeit with more modest outcome performance. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Limits of urban transition models in understanding South African urbanisation

The author's research experience gives rise to a sense that the social character of urbanisation in South Africa is poorly understood. Furthermore, the emergence of a substantial International scholarly literature on circular migration raises significant questions concerning present dominant views of urbanisation processes in South Africa. Those questions concern the direction and rates of change affecting urbanisation as well as household behaviour and preferences, all of which, unless correctly understood, might hold upsetting consequences for positive urbanisation policies in both short and long term futures. This paper briefly reviews the recent international literature with a view to defining the initial research questions which might follow.
Molecular masking and unmasking of the paramagnetic effect of iron on the proton spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time in blood and blood clots.

The contribution of hemolysis, proteolysis and the paramagnetic effect of iron on the proton spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time in blood was examined. Hemolysis induced by sonication resulted in a significant (10%) increase in the T1 relaxation time of whole blood. Proteolysis in both sonicated and unsonicated whole blood samples eventually yielded T1 values which correlated well with the relaxation times of free iron in plasma or water at concentrations comparable to the concentration of iron in whole blood. It is concluded that proteolysis allows the iron atom to express its paramagnetic effect on water relaxation by gradually destroying the hydrophobic nature of the pocket in which iron resides on the hemoglobin molecule. The contribution of various blood components to the T1 relaxation of whole blood was also studied. The T1 values for packed erythrocytes, intact whole blood, sonicated whole blood, plasma and serum proved to be significantly different from each other. Serum was found to have a significantly (12%) longer T1 relaxation time than plasma. Packed clotted blood in vitro showed no change in the T1 time for at least 13 days while packed erythrocytes showed a shortening of T1 time after 6–8 days.
UNSTEADY CRYSTAL GROWTH DUE TO STEP-BUNCH CASCADING

Based on our experimental findings of growth rate fluctuations during the crystallization of the protein lysozym, we have developed a numerical model that combines diffusion in the bulk of a solution with diffusive transport to microscopic growth steps that propagate on a finite crystal facet. Nonlinearities in layer growth kinetics arising from step interaction by bulk and surface diffusion, and from step generation by surface nucleation, are taken into account. On evaluation of the model with properties characteristic for the solute transport, and the generation and propagation of steps in the lysozyme system, growth rate fluctuations of the same magnitude and characteristic time, as in the experiments, are obtained. The fluctuation time scale is large compared to that of step generation. Variations of the governing parameters of the model reveal that both the nonlinearity in step kinetics and mixed transport-kinetics control of the crystallization process are necessary conditions for the fluctuations. On a microscopic scale, the fluctuations are associated with a morphological instability of the vicinal face, in which a step bunch triggers a cascade of new step bunches through the microscopic interfacial supersaturation distribution.
Seasonal variations in cytokine expression and cell-mediated immunity in male rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Our objectives in this study were to examine seasonal changes in immune responses including cytokine profiles of male rhesus monkeys housed under natural lighting conditions. We also monitored circannual changes in the secretion of several immunomodulatory hormones as potential mediators of the seasonal shifts in immune status. Retrospectively, the medical records of a large group of rhesus monkeys were examined to determine whether a common disease (campylobacteriosis) in this species shows a seasonal pattern of prevalence. Results of the study showed that there was a seasonal shift in the frequency of cells expressing TH1 cytokines (interleukin-2 and interferon-γ) versus the TH2 prototype cytokine (interleukin-4) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected during the winter and summer. The frequency of TH1-type cytokine synthesis in the summer was markedly greater than in the winter whereas TH2-type cytokine expression did not vary between the two seasons. The proliferative response of PBMC to mitogens and natural killer cell activity of PBMC also varied with the season. Several hormones (testosterone, leptin, and prolactin) that modulate immune function exhibited circannual patterns of secretion. The prevalence of Campylobacter infections was higher in the spring than during the summer, fall, or winter. The data suggest that seasonal fluctuations in immune system status may alter the ability of primates to successfully respond to pathogens, and this may be related to circannual patterns of secretion of immunomodulatory hormones.
Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in alcoholics: An intriguing finding in a retrospective study of megaloblastic anemic patients

Abstract Background Measurement of serum cobalamin levels is the standard investigation for assessing Vitamin B12 deficiency. However some patients with clinical evidence of cobalamin deficiency may have serum levels within the normal range. Since falsely increased values of cobalamin can be caused by alcoholic liver disease, we evaluated the impact of this disease on the diagnosis of cobalamin and folic acid deficiency. Methods We reviewed data of 101 adult patients with megaloblastic anemia assessed by measuring in parallel serum cobalamin, serum folate and red blood cell folate levels. Further tests were performed in order to find the cause of megaloblastosis. All patients were treated with cobalamin and/or folic acid therapy. Results Vitamin B12, folate and both deficiency were found in 86, 5 and 6 cases respectively. Normal cobalamin serum levels, normal serum and erythrocyte folate levels were found only in 3 patients, all alcohol-dependent, while in another alcoholic borderline vitamin B12 serum levels were found. All the four patients responded to cobalamin treatment. Conclusion Some alcohol-dependent patients with megaloblastic anemia may respond to vitamin B12 treatment despite normal cobalamin serum levels; therefore in alcoholics caution is urged in the interpretation of these vitamin assays, because of possible functional vitamin B12 deficiency.
A Simplified Method for the Preparation of Transcriptionally Active Liver Nuclear Extracts

ABSTRACT We have developed a simplified method for the preparation of liver nuclear extracts to study gene regulation and protein-DNA interactions. This protocol uses conventional laboratory equipment and standard reagents. The liver tissue is homogenized in a low-salt solution at physiological molarity with subsequent adjustment of the molarity and purification of nuclei by density sedimentation. The nuclear extracts are transcriptionally active in a validated cell-free transcription assay and contain functional DNA-binding proteins. This protocol results in the rapid preparation of highly reproducible and active liver nuclear extracts.
Ibotenic acid lesions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata ipsilateral to a visual cortical lesion fail to restore visual orienting responses in the cat.

Unilateral removal of all known visual cortical areas in the cat renders the animal hemianopic in the contralateral visual field as measured by visual perimetry and other behavioral tests. We have shown that visual orientation behavior can be restored to the previously blind hemifield by destruction of a critical zone in the substantia nigra pars reticulata contralateral to a cortical lesion (Wallace et al., J. Comp. Neurol. 296:222‐252, 1990). The model proposed to explain this recovery postulates that damage to the crossed nigrotectal projection disinhibits the superior colliculus ipsilateral to the cortical lesion and this leads to recovery. If disinhibition can account for recovery, then destruction of the uncrossed nigrotectal projection, which is known to exert a tonic inhibition on the superior colliculus, should also result in recovery. We made unilateral visual cortical ablations and ipsilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Visual orienting behavior was assessed in animals for a period of 4 to 31 weeks. Contrary to the prediction of the model, we failed to observe a recovery of visual orienting behavior in the blind hemifield in any of 23 animals. J Comp Neurol 377:596‐610, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: basal ganglia; hemianopia; superior colliculus
Computed tomography of cerebral infarction: Hemorrhagic, contrast enhancement, and time of appearance☆

Large confluent petechial hemorrhages and/or hemorrhage within infarct may be seen on CT scan. Small petechial hemorrhages are not resolved by current equipment and techniques. Elevation of absorption values of an infarct following contrast media primarily occurs in the first month after onset, and may be occasionally confused with a tumor. Sequential CT changes in infarcts correlate well with established pathologic changes. Cerebral infarction may be seen on CT scan in some cases as early as 24--48 hr after its onset.
THE INSURABILITY OF CREDIT RISKS

s of Doctoral Dissertations 307 Certain groups of credit risks have been able to meet the test that the criterion of self-support implies. They include risks insured by private commercial credit insurers, those insured by Federal Housing Administrator, and some of those insured by the Federal Reserve Banks. Judgment must be suspended in the case of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and in the cases of some groups covered under the Federal Reserve program. (6) Appraisal of the results achieved and the methods followed in the cases studied supports the presumption that efforts to extend the principles of insurance to groups of credit risks on which experience data are limited can be conducted in such a way as to maximize the prospect of meeting the basic pre-conditions for success. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.43 on Wed, 05 Jul 2017 18:12:34 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
An Application of a Geostationary Satellite Rain Estimation Technique to an Extratropical Area

Previous studies in which geostationary-satellite images were used for estimating precipitations dealt primarily with tropical clouds. In the present study, an attempt is made to evaluate the applicability of geostationary images and techniques in the Montreal area, characterized by a variety of weather situations and variables (different types of cloud, moisture and temperature profiles, and rain rates). The large differences between the Montreal and tropical studies are shown to be reflected by Simpson and Wiggert's (1969) cloud model.
Enhanced ferroelectric phase content of polyvinylidene difluoride fibers with the addition of magnetic nanoparticles.

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) fibers with continuously dispersed ferrite (Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by electrospinning from dimethyl formamide (DMF) solutions. The effects of the electrospinning processing conditions and nanoparticle loading on the formation of the α, β, and γ phases of PVDF were studied using infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The amount of the ferroelectric β and γ phases present in the fibers was found to increase with increased nanoparticle loading. We have shown that the formation of PVDF phases with extended chain conformations can be enhanced by the addition of a well-dispersed nanoparticle phase. At increased nanoparticle loadings, the α phase is completely converted to the more extended β and γ phases.
Repeated testing sessions and scholastic aptitude in college students’ metacognitive accuracy

We performed three experiments to examine the effects of repeated study–judgement–test sessions on metacognitive monitoring, and to see if better students (those with higher Scholastic Aptitude Test or SAT scores) outperform low SAT students. In all experiments, mean metacognitive accuracy (bias scores and Gamma correlations) did improve with practice. Most improvement involved students’ ability to predict which items would not be recalled later. In addition, students with high SAT scores recalled more items, were less overconfident, and adjusted their predictions more effectively. Thus, high SAT students may be able to adjust their metacognitive monitoring effectively without feedback, but low SAT students appear unlikely to do so. Educators may need to devise more explicit techniques to help low SAT students improve their metacognitive monitoring during the course of a semester.
A comparative molecular field analysis study of obtusifoliol 14α-methyl demethylase inhibitors †

This report describes the development of a Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) model from a set of obtusifoliol 14α-methyl demethylase (DM) inhibitors to aid in the design of herbicides targeting sterol biosynthesis. CoMFA is a three-dimensional (3-D) quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) method that is useful in the probing of receptor binding sites when experimental structure data are unavailable. Conformational analysis and SAR of some rigid and active analogs were used to build the initial model using the active analog hypothesis. The model was subsequently used to design compounds that retain the active site shape requirements, but incorporate physical properties that favor soil-applied herbicidal action. In addition, a second-generation CoMFA model incorporating the newly designed inhibitors was developed and represents the current understanding of the DM binding site. This model was derived from a pharmacophore developed from two methods, the active analog approach as well as from the Catalyst program. The fact that two independent methods produced a similar pharmacophore strengthens the validity of the model. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Attenuates Regional Neuronal Cell Death and Cognitive Dysfunction After Experimental Brain Injury

The effect of systemic administration of human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) on behavioral outcome and histopathologic damage after lateral fluid-percussion brain injury of moderate severity was evaluated. In study 1, brain-injured Sprague Dawley rats received timed subcutaneous injections beginning 15 minutes after injury of either 100 mg/kg rhIL-1ra (high dose, total dose = 1900 mg/kg), 10 mg/kg rhIL-1ra (low dose, total dose = 190 mg/kg), or vehicle over 7 days. No effect of low-dose rhIL-1ra was observed in study 1. High-dose rhIL-1ra significantly attenuated posttraumatic neuronal loss in the injured hippocampal CA3 region (P < 0.05), dentate hilus (P < 0.05), and cortex (P < 0.05) but impaired recovery of motor function at 7 days after trauma (P < 0.05). In study 2, rats were pretrained to learn a visuospatial task in a Morris water maze, subjected to fluid-percussion brain injury or sham treatment, and randomly assigned to receive multiple subcutaneous injections at timed intervals of 100 mg/kg rhIL-1ra (total dose = 900 mg/kg) or vehicle over 42 hours, followed by continuous infusion of a lower concentration of rhIL-1ra (20 mg/kg/day, total dose = 100 mg/kg), or vehicle for 5 days using subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. Postinjury administration of rhIL-1ra significantly attenuated cognitive deficits compared with vehicle-treated animals at 42 hours (P < 0.05) but did not affect motor function at 48 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks. These results suggest that inhibitors of cytokine pathways may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of brain trauma.
Correlates and Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening among Male Automotive Workers

Background: Most studies examining factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (CRCS) are cross-sectional and thus temporal relationships cannot be determined. Furthermore, less attention has been paid to psychosocial predictors of CRCS. We examined both cross-sectional correlates of prior CRCS and predictors of prospective CRCS initiation and maintenance during The Next Step Trial, a 2-year worksite behavioral intervention to promote regular CRCS and dietary change. Method: The sample included 2,693 White male automotive workers at increased occupational risk for, but no history of, CRC who completed a baseline survey. Stratified analyses were conducted for three dependent variables (prior CRCS, CRCS initiation, and CRCS maintenance). We also assessed prior CRCS as a moderator in prospective analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with generalized linear mixed models were used to adjust for cluster sampling. Results: Except for education, cross-sectional correlates of prior CRCS including older age, family history of CRC or polyps, personal history of polyps, self-efficacy, family support, and intention were also significant prospective predictors of increased CRCS during the trial. Despite differences in the patterns of association for CRCS initiation and maintenance in stratified analyses, the only associations with prospective CRCS that were significantly moderated by prior CRCS were family history and CRCS availability. Conclusions: Correlates of prior CRCS that also were prospective predictors of CRCS may be suitable targets for intervention. Additionally, intervention messages addressing psychosocial constructs may be relevant for both CRCS initiation and maintenance. However, studies with more diverse samples are needed to replicate the results reported here. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(3):500–9)
Prolonged Survival of Cock Spermatozoa In Vitro with Fluid Removed from Tissue Cultured Oviducal Cells

Abstract When cock spermatozoa were incubated at 41 C with fluid removed from tissue cultured oviducal cells, their motility, assessed at room temperature, was maintained for 4 or 5 days. Fertilizing ability was retained for one week after culture for two days at 41 C. These results were comparable to the duration of motility and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa incubated in the presence of cultured oviducal cells. The results indicated that the fluid removed from the tissue cultured cells contains a secretory product(s) capable of prolonging in vitro the motility and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa.
A Cauchy estimator test for autocorrelation

This article presents a new test for serial correlation in an observed stationary time series. Rather than using the traditional portmanteau tests based on the sample autocorrelation function, we propose a test based on the Cauchy estimator of correlation. A goodness-of-fit statistic for fitted autoregressive moving average models is also derived and the asymptotic distribution of this statistic is quantified. The test can be employed using either this asymptotic distribution or by using Monte-Carlo quantiles. The small sample behaviour is studied via simulation and the Monte-Carlo-based test seems to be more precise. The method is demonstrated on monthly asset returns for Facebook, Incorporated.
History Repeats Itself: Child Labor in Latin America

Child labor occurs on almost every continent in the world. Very few countries seem to escape this exploitative phase as they develop into fully industrialized countries. Child labor began during the eighteenth century in Great Britain and it continues in the twenty-first century in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras. This paper offers an explanation for the persistence of child labor through history. The increase in the employment of children during industrialization is caused by an increase in the supply of children from poor and working-class families and an increase in the demand for child labor by the factory owners. Parents trapped in poverty have no other choice but to send their children off to work to contribute to the family income. Children’s wages, moreover, often make the difference between starvation and survival. Employers are happy to oblige the parents because children are more productive than adults in the new industrial regimen. As the principle of the division of labor has been applied to the production process, unskilled children replace skilled adults in factories, mills, and mines. Children are preferred to adults because they are cheap, submissive, uneducated and nimble. These economic forces are so strong that neither child labor laws nor mandatory schooling legislation are an effective deterrent against employers or families. Since history is repeating itself in the developing world by industrializing on the backs of children, alternative policies are recommend to cut this stage short so that the future generations of Latin America will become educated instead of exploited.
Ribosomal DNA clusters in pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis of human acrocentric chromosomes.

For determination of the extent to which ribosomal DNA (rDNA0 is organized in tandemly repeated arrays, cellular DNA was digested with a restriction enzyme (EcoRV) that does not cut within the single 44-kb rDNA unit, and fragments separated by PFGE were hybridized to specific rDNA probes. A series of bands large enough to contain 15 to more than 30 rDNA repeat units was observed. In YACs containing cloned rDNA, however, such clusters were not observed, presumably because, as shown here for a clone starting with 1.5 tandem repeat units, there is a tendency for repeat units to delete out of the insert. By comparative gel electrophoretic analyses of DNAs from rodent hybrid cells containing singly isolated human chromosomes, most of the bands seen in total human DNA were assigned to at least one of the acrocentric chromosomes. Thus, large characteristic assemblies of DNA containing rDNA and lacking EcoRV sites were stable enough to be conserved in some human/rodent hybrid lines. When further digested with HindIII, which cuts rDNA at several points, the rDNA in each band yielded the expected fragments. If the large species consist completely of clusters of tandemly repeated rDNA units, they account for about half of the total cellular rDNA content estimated by saturation hybridization measurements.
A computer study of borohydride reduction kinetics and stereochemistry

Abstract A computer simulation of the sodium borohydride reduction of an alkyl-substituted cyclohexanone in isopropanol has shown the following two apparently contradictory experimental observations to be compatible: (1) The kinetics are experimentally indistinguishable from second-order, with the first hydride transfer rate determining. (2) The cis : trans product ratio changes significantly during the course of reduction. The calculations suggest that the fourth hydride transfer is the second-slowest, with a rate constant approximately eight times that of the first.
Liquid phase epitaxy of hexagonal ferrites and spinel ferrites on non-magnetic spinel substrates

Using a PbOBaOB2O3 fluxed melt which had been employed previously to grow hexagonal ferrite Zn2Y films on hexagonal ferrite M substrates, isothermal dipping liquid phase epitaxy produced epitaxial films on non-magnetic spinel substrates. The substrates studied were single crystals of three different compositions: MgAl2O4, MgGa2O4 and Mg(In,Ga)2O4. Two different film phases were identified: a lightly Zn-substituted M-type hexagonal ferrite and a heavily Zn-substituted magnetite.
Improving Alignments for Better Confusion Networks for Combining Machine Translation Systems

The state-of-the-art system combination method for machine translation (MT) is the word-based combination using confusion networks. One of the crucial steps in confusion network decoding is the alignment of different hypotheses to each other when building a network. In this paper, we present new methods to improve alignment of hypotheses using word synonyms and a two-pass alignment strategy. We demonstrate that combination with the new alignment technique yields up to 2.9 BLEU point improvement over the best input system and up to 1.3 BLEU point improvement over a state-of-the-art combination method on two different language pairs.
Alternative dosing strategies for liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose Alternative dosing strategies for liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are described. Summary Nausea is the most common adverse effect of liraglutide, affecting upward of 40% of patients depending on the dose of liraglutide and concomitant medications. The frequency of nausea is dose dependent, with a lower rate of nausea reported with 0.6 mg (5.2–10.7%) compared with 1.2 mg (10.5–29.2%) or 1.8 mg (6.8–40%). Due to dose-related adverse effects, it is reasonable to assume that smaller or slower dosage adjustments may improve tolerability and increase the likelihood that the patient will be able to continue therapy long term. Depending on the degree of nausea and the necessary reduction in blood glucose levels, it is reasonable to consider a smaller or slower increase in liraglutide dosage than what is currently recommended by the manufacturer. For instance, increasing the dose of liraglutide by 0.3 mg weekly instead of 0.6 mg weekly may help prevent or decrease the severity of nausea. Alternative dosing strategies may also include increasing the dosage every two weeks or even monthly rather than weekly. Depending on the degree of nausea and glycemic control, providers may recommend patients stop increasing the dosage. It is important to proactively assess each patient’s ability to comply with special instructions to ensure safe use of the product. Conclusion Alternative dosing strategies that allow for slower dosage adjustments or smaller dosages may offer improved tolerability and increase the likelihood that patients will be able to continue long-term therapy with liraglutide.
Characterizing DNA photo-oxidation reactions by high-resolution mass measurements with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

High-resolution mass measurements by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry were employed to characterize laser-induced oxidation of guanine in a small synthetic deoxyoligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide was exposed to high-intensity UV radiation at 266 nm to produce modifications on the guanine base. The primary product showed a +16 Da mass shift relative to the original strand, whereas secondary products showed mass shifts of +32 and +34 Da. The mass shift of the primary product is consistent with an 8-oxoguanine modification. However, the reactivity of the primary product with hot piperidine and other secondary oxidizing agents was different from that of a synthetic oligonucleotide containing 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanine (8-oxoG). Based upon the results, a new reaction scheme involving the formation of an epoxide ring across the C-4 and C-5 positions by UV laser-induced oxidation is suggested. The results also illustrate the ability of MALDI to characterize chemical reactivity rapidly at the a low picomolar level.
A long-term culture system for the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells from embryonic yolk sac with the capacity to seed erythroid and lymphoid development in vitro and to reconstitute the lymphoid compartment in severe combined immunodeficient mice.

: We have established a long-term culture system under which hematopoietic stem cells derived from the embryonic yolk sac may be maintained for long periods. Evidence for the persistence of stem cells in this culture is provided by three experimental observations. First, erythroid progenitors, as evidenced by morphological, functional, and phenotypical analysis, may be generated from these yolk sac cultures after more than 7 months in culture. The yolk sac derived erythroid progenitors are distinct from those of bone marrow derived cells both qualitatively and quantitatively. This is evidenced by the high colony plating efficiency, large colony size, different growth factor requirements, increased sensitivity to Epo and other cytokines, as well as significant and prolonged expansion capability, suggesting that the yolk sac derived progenitors are both more proliferative and more primitive than their bone marrow derived analogs. Second, under different conditions, lymphoid progenitors may also be derived from these long term yolk sac cultures in the presence of the appropriate cytokines. Third, preliminary data suggest the engraftment of these yolk sac cells and reconstitution of at least some compartments of the hematopoietic system of host animals. This long-term culture system will provide a useful model for the study of early embryonic hematopoiesis, and the cells derived from this culture system may also have the potential of serving as donor cells for hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Response to Shafer’s comments

I have to admit to being mystified as to what contradiction Shafer sees between his dictionary definition of ‘‘plausibility,’’ and my use of that term, as I can find none. More to the point, the charge of appropriating terminology could with more justice be leveled against the theory of belief functions, as Jaynes use of ‘‘plausibility’’ in the context of Cox s Theorem goes back at least as far as 1958 [1], which predates Dempster s seminal work on belief functions [2] by 10 years, and Shafer s work [3,4] by 15 years. From a pragmatic standpoint, though, I concur that it would be worthwhile to avoid using the term ‘‘plausibility’’ in future discussions of Cox s Theorem, due to that term s prominence in the theory of belief functions. The suggested replacement, ‘‘likeliness,’’ is too closely tied to the notion of probability: my dictionary explicitly defines it as the probability of an outcome. Looking for
Intakes of vitamin C, vegetables and fruits: which schoolchildren are at risk?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine vitamin C intakes among American schoolchildren. We investigated the leading sources of vitamin C in children’s diets, the leading vegetables and fruits consumed by children and differences in dietary intake associated with vitamin C consumption.Methods: Data from 1,350 7- to 12-year-old and 908 13- to 18-year-old schoolchildren were obtained from the 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). The children were stratified by age and gender and then split into three vitamin C consumption groups based upon two 24-hour recalls: low (0 to 30.0 mg), marginal (30.1 to 59.9 mg), and desirable (>60.0 mg). Data were analyzed by tabulation and by ANOVA followed by post hoc Scheffe’s test. Outcome measures included food groups and energy-adjusted intakes of micro- and macronutrients.Results: Among the 7- to 12-year-olds, 12% of boys and 13% of girls had mean vitamin C intakes that were less than 30 mg/day, and, among 13- to 18-year-olds, ...