cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Early Handling of Turkey Poults on Later Responses to a Dexamethasone-Escherichia Coli Challenge. 1. Production Values and Physiological Response

Abstract The stress responses of mice and rats has been shown to be permanently altered by brief, gentle handling during the first 10 d of life, resulting in increased BW and resistance to stress-induced immunosuppression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether early handling of turkey poults could permanently affect production values and physiology of adult turkeys. Turkey poults were handled 0, 1 (1x), or 2 (2x) times daily for the first 10 d after hatch. Handling consisted of gently catching each poult and holding it for 10 s. On Day 11 after hatch, half of the birds from each handling treatment were treated with three injections of 2 mg dexamethasone (DEX)/kg BW on alternating days. On the day of the third DEX injection, duplicate pens of birds were also inoculated in the airsac with 0 or 50 cfu of Escherichia coli. The same birds were treated with a second series of DEX injections at 5 wk of age. Two weeks later, all birds were weighed, and 3 wk later four birds per pen were bled and 10 birds per pen were necropsied; relative organ weights were then determined. Surviving birds were treated with a third series of DEX injections at 10 wk of age; 2 wk later, all surviving turkeys were bled, weighed, and necropsied. Feed consumption was determined weekly. There were no differences due to handling treatment on the body weights or on the relative organ weights of birds that died after the first DEX treatment. Birds treated with a second DEX injection at 5 wk of age and handled 1x daily had decreased BW. Those handled 1x or 2x daily had higher feed conversion ratios. Surviving birds that were given a third DEX treatment had higher BW and no difference in feed conversion when handled 1x or 2x daily. Relative liver, heart, and spleen weights were affected by handling of DEX-E. coli-treated birds, as were serum chemistry values for calcium, iron, glucose, total protein, blood urea nitogen, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Handling also affected the numbers of white blood cells of DEX-treated birds. These results indicate that brief and gentle handling of turkey poults during the first 10 d after hatch has lasting effects on production values and physiology of adult turkeys and that these effects can be positive or negative. These results suggest a genetic divergence in the response to stress and its effect on production values and physiology of commercial turkey populations.
Oxygen isotopes in the Martian atmosphere - Implications for the evolution of volatiles

Non-thermal escape of oxygen by recombination of exospheric O_2^+ combined with diffusive separation of gases at lower altitude provides a mechanism through which the Martian atmosphere may be enriched in ^(18)O relative to ^(16)O. Measurement of the abundance of ^(18)O relative to ^(16)O together with a determination of the turbopause may be used to develop important constraints on the history of Martian volatiles. Models for the interpretation of these data are developed and discussed in light of present information.
Uniform Anchoring of Nematic Liquid Crystals on Self-Assembled Monolayers Formed from Alkanethiols on Obliquely Deposited Films of Gold

This paper demonstrates that self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed by chemisorption of alkanethiols on the surface of obliquely deposited, 10 nm-thick, films of gold are useful in studies of the anchoring of liquid crystals (LCs) on surfaces. Self-assembled monolayers supported on obliquely deposited gold permit uniform anchoring of nematic LCs over centimeter-scales. In contrast, SAMs prepared on films of gold deposited with no preferred direction cause nematic phases to form 10−100 μm scale domains with optical axes having random azimuthal orientations. Self-assembled monolayers prepared from either CH3(CH2)15SH or CH3(CH2)9SH on films of gold deposited obliquely induce near-planar and azimuthally uniform anchoring of nematic phases of 4-cyano-4‘-pentylbiphenyl (5CB). Mixed SAMs formed by coadsorption of CH3(CH2)15SH and CH3(CH2)9SH cause homeotropic anchoring of nematic phases of 5CB on films of gold deposited without a preferred direction and produce a small tilt (3−5°) from the normal on gold depos...
Mobile measurement of methane and hydrogen sulfide at natural gas production site fence lines in the Texas Barnett Shale

Production of natural gas from shale formations is bringing drilling and production operations to regions of the United States that have seen little or no similar activity in the past, which has generated considerable interest in potential environmental impacts. This study focused on the Barnett Shale Fort Worth Basin in Texas, which saw the number of gas-producing wells grow from 726 in 2001 to 15,870 in 2011. This study aimed to measure fence line concentrations of methane and hydrogen sulfide at natural gas production sites (wells, liquid storage tanks, and associated equipment) in the four core counties of the Barnett Shale (Denton, Johnson, Tarrant, and Wise). A mobile measurement survey was conducted in the vicinity of 4788 wells near 401 lease sites, representing 35% of gas production volume, 31% of wells, and 38% of condensate production volume in the four-county core area. Methane and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were measured using a Picarro G2204 cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS). Since the research team did not have access to lease site interiors, measurements were made by driving on roads on the exterior of the lease sites. Over 150 hr of data were collected from March to July 2012. During two sets of drive-by measurements, it was found that 66 sites (16.5%) had methane concentrations > 3 parts per million (ppm) just beyond the fence line. Thirty-two lease sites (8.0%) had hydrogen sulfide concentrations > 4.7 parts per billion (ppb) (odor recognition threshold) just beyond the fence line. Measured concentrations generally did not correlate well with site characteristics (natural gas production volume, number of wells, or condensate production). t tests showed that for two counties, methane concentrations for dry sites were higher than those for wet sites. Follow-up study is recommended to provide more information at sites identified with high levels of methane and hydrogen sulfide. Implications: Information regarding air emissions from shale gas production is important given the recent increase in number of wells in various regions in the United States. Methane, the primary natural gas constituent, is a greenhouse gas; hydrogen sulfide, which can be present in gas condensate, is an odor-causing compound. This study surveyed wells representing one-third of the natural gas production volume in the Texas Barnett Shale and identified the percent of sites that warrant further study due to their fence line methane and hydrogen sulfide concentrations.
NXG01-1: Improving the Accuracy of EEAC-SV with Smart Packet Marking

Explicit endpoint admission control with service vector (EEAC-SV) is a solution that allows a multi-hop connection in a Diffserv network to utilize different service classes in different routers along the path, thus enabling the network to provide QoS with fine granularity and improved network utilization. EEAC-SV relies on the QoS information in the pre-marked probing packet to select the optimal service vector. However, owing to the overhead constraint, the QoS information in the probing packet can only be conveyed in a quantized manner. The mathematical model indicates that with the same amount of overhead, the performance of EEAC-SV can be optimized with the proper packet marking strategy. In this paper, we propose the smart packet marking strategy to improve the EEAC-SV performance in terms of reducing the false routing probability. Smart packet marking is a stochastic solution which, based on the knowledge of the history of network QoS performances and user behaviors, defines the boundaries of each quantization level in such a way to improve the routing accuracy. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that smart packet marking outperforms the packet marking strategy that does not take stochastic information into consideration.
A Prospective Comparison of Clinical, Radiographic, and Intraoperative Features of Hallux Rigidus: Long-Term Follow-Up and Analysis

Forty-seven patients (50 feet) underwent surgical intervention for symptomatic hallux rigidus from February 1998 to April 1999. Thirty-eight patients (41 feet) returned at 1 year for a follow-up evaluation. Of these 38 patients, 20 (21 feet) returned for the 15-year follow-up evaluation. Subjective evaluations were performed using the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal 100-point scale. Long-term postoperative objective physical examination and radiographic analysis were performed. These data were compared with the preoperative and short-term follow-up data. The subjective evaluation showed a statistically significant differing over the long term, with a mean increase of 27.6 points. The results of the physical examination and radiographic measurements were mixed. The long-term dorsal range of motion was not significant across surgery type. Radiographically, the procedure types resulted in similar changes, suggesting that neither joint preservation nor joint destructive procedures were more stable over time. Plantar transposition of the capital fragment, offsetting the longitudinal shortening of the first metatarsal, was not significant, confirming the short-term findings. For this patient population, the long-term results of surgical intervention for hallux rigidus, regardless of procedure type, provided subjective patient improvement but no statistically significant increase in first metatarsophalangeal joint function or dorsal range of motion.
Particulate Velocity And Size Measurements Using Holographic And Optical Processing Methods

Several methods of applying far-field holography to obtain particle size and velocity measurements are discussed. One method involves forming a double exposure hologram of a particle field whereby the reconstructed image is subsequently studied to yield velocity and size information. A similar technique which involves forming a multiple exposure hologram of a particle field is also evaluated. Finally, a method of measuring particle velocities from the optical Fourier transform of a double exposure hologram is analyzed and experimental results for all three cases are presented.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reinvestigation of the structure of Brucella O-antigens

O-Specific polysaccharides of Brucella contain two antigenic determinants, called A and M. Most of the strains express epitope A with a small amount of epitope M, whereas Brucella melitensis strain 16 M expresses longer polymer consisting mostly of M-type epitopes. Proposed explanation was that epitope A is defined by 1-2-linked homopolymer of N-formylperosamine (Rha4NFo), while epitope M is a pentasaccharide with four 2- and one 3-substituted Rha4NFo. We reinvestigated both types of structures by 2D NMR and showed that M-epitope is a tetrasaccharide, missing one of the 2-linked Rha4NFo as compared to the previously proposed structure. Polysaccharide from B. melitensis 16 M contains a fragment of 1-2-linked polymer, capped with M-type polymer. Other strains contain one or two M-type units at the non-reducing end of the 1-2-linked O-chain.
Immunolocalization of Rap1 in the Rat Parotid Gland: Detection on Secretory Granule Membranes

The objective of this study was to localize rap1 in the rat parotid gland. Rap1 is a small GTP-binding protein that has been linked to phagocytosis in neutrophils and various functions in platelets. In this study, we used [alpha-32P]-GTP-blot overlay analysis, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry to identify rap1 in rat parotid gland. The immunohistochemical techniques included immunoperoxidase and widefield microscopy with image deconvolution. Rap1 was identified in the secretory granule membrane (SGM), plasma membrane (PM), and cytosolic (CY) fractions, with the largest signal being in the SGM fraction. The tightly bound vs loosely adherent nature of SGM-associated rap1 was determined using sodium carbonate, and its orientation on whole granules was assessed by trypsin digestion. Rap1 was found to be a tightly bound protein rather than a loosely adherent contaminant protein of the SGM. Its orientation on the cytosolic face of the secretory granule (SG) is of significance in postulating a function for rap1 because exocytosis involves the fusion of the cytoplasmic face of the SG with the cytoplasmic face of the PM, with subsequent release of granule contents (CO). Therefore, the localization and high concentration of rap1 on the SGM and its cytosolic orientation suggest that it may play a role in the regulation of secretion.
‘Coxey's Army’ as a millennial movement

‘Coxey's Army’ was the popular name for a march of unemployed workers which left Massillon, Ohio, on Easter Sunday 1894, and arrived in Washington, D.C., on May Day. It was the first nationally reported protest march on Washington and as an example of protest against economic conditions is usually classified as a form of Populism. Careful analysis, however, reveals that it possessed important religious elements, specifically an idiosyncratic millennialism. Its millennialism was compounded of three elements: (1) a premillennial view of history; (2) Populist conspiracy theory, identifying Jewish bankers as the cause of economic problems; and (3) a vulgarized belief in reincarnation, according to which all souls were deemed to include a fraction of the reincarnated soul of Jesus. Notwithstanding its doctrinal peculiarities, ‘Coxey's Army’ resembles many of the syncretic millenarian movements of the 1970s and '80s, with its fusion of fundamentalist doctrine, political radicalism, and Asian-occult elements.
Human Rights Engagement and Exposure: New Scales to Challenge Social Work Education.

Objectives: Advancing human rights is a core competency of U.S. social work education; yet, human rights attitudes and behaviors have never been measured in the social work literature. Thus, this article describes the development and initial validation of two scales, Human Rights Engagement in Social Work (HRESW) and Human Rights Exposure in Social Work (HRXSW). Method: The scales were validated using a purposive sample of 287 social work students. Results: Factor analysis supported a 25-item HRESW and an independent 11-item HRXSW. Reliability was assessed: HRESW (α = .894) and HRXSW (α = .734). Conclusions: The HRESW and the HRXSW have direct applicability to social work education. Through measuring exposure and engagement, we can begin assessing the quality of human rights education in social work.
Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina) Consumption By The Larval Stages Of The American Lobster (Homarus Americanus) In Relation To Food Density And Water Temperature1

Culture of Homarus americanus larval stages commonly involves use of live or frozen adult Artemia salina as the standard food. Our previous studies demonstrated that live brine shrimp are taken more readily than the frozen product by lobster larvae, and that maintenance and feeding problems are reduced by using live Artemia. This study was conducted to determine optimum daily feeding level of live adult Artemia required by larval stages of Homarus at ambient and elevated temperatures. This was done by offering a series of standard rations to individually held larvae and observing the influence of these rations on growth and survival. Results indicate that feeding levels in excess of four brine shrimp per day at ambient San Diego ocean temperatures (15–16 C) and eight brine shrimp per day at an elevated temperature of 19 C are required for optimal production. Larvae fed at these levels achieved fourth stage in the shortest time, had the highest survival, grew to larger size and were most efficient in utilizing the available food.
Action spectrum for the formation of endonuclease-sensitive sites and (6-4) photoproducts induced in a DNA fragment by ultraviolet radiation.

SummaryUsing DNA sequencing techniques, action spectra were prepared for the site-specific induction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and hot-alkali sites (probably mostly 5-hydroxy-6-4-(5′-methylpyrimidine-2′-one)-dihydrothymine) in a DNA of defined sequence. The spectra for the formation of two different photoproducts were indistinguishable from each other. However, the absolute rates of induction of dimers and hot-alkali sites were different from each other, and varied from site to site. At 254, 270, and 290 nm, the spectra correlate with the action spectrum of DNA. At longer wavelengths (313 and 334 nm), the action spectra diverge from the DNA spectrum, with the efficiency of formation of both photoproducts being greater than the DNA spectrum.
The work function of kinked areas on clean, thermally rounded Pt and Rh crystallites: its dependence on the structure of terraces and edges

Abstract Field emission studies on clean, thermally rounded Pt and Rh crystallites show that the work function of a kinked area is determined by the terrace structure, the kink atom density and the surface dipole moment of the kink atom. The dipole moment decreases with decreasing terrace interlayer spacing. The work function of kinked areas with given terrace and edge structure shows a linear dependence on the kink atom density if m ⩾ 3 atoms ( m ¬ terrace depth). Areas belonging to the face groups ( Pt , Rh ) S -[ m {111} × {311}], ( Pt ) S -[ m {110} × {100}] and of Pt {110} are thermally roughened. Thermal roughening could not observed on ( Pt , Rh ) S -[ m {100} × {110}], ( Rh ) S -[ m {110} × {100}] or on Rh {110}. Formulae were derived that permit calcula the work function of any face within the above listed non-roughened face groups.
Redefining the Nonproliferation Norm? Australian Uranium, the Npt, and the Global Nuclear Revival

Optimists maintain that great powers oppose the proliferation of nuclear weapons and have a moral aversion to their use. The Eighth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in May 2010 produced a final declaration calling for steps toward complete disarmament. Yet recent optimism belies some contradictory, incremental foreign policy decisions taken by countries like Australia and the United States that could produce a change of meaning for the nuclear nonproliferation norm. Building on the “norm life-cycle” model developed by Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink, this article links a new constructivist model of normative change to decisions by developed states to expand the global nuclear fuel cycle and provide sensitive nuclear assistance to other countries. An exploratory case study of Australian government policies on nuclear energy and uranium exports (2006-present), including the possible sale of uranium to India, a non-NPT signatory, suggests an important role for elite agency in norm redefinition.
Factors contributing to increased infection rates in patients with implanted chest ports

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may contribute to increased infection rates in implanted chest ports (CP). Specifically, the aim of our study was to determine whether accessing a CP within 7 days of insertion affects the risk of infection. Materials and Methods A query of our QI database was performed to determine a cohort of patients that had undergone CP placement between 5/13/2008 and 4/4/2012. During this time period, 1,352 chest ports were implanted. Patients were evaluated for infections occurring both within and after 30 days of implantation. Infections are defined as positive blood cultures, positive tip cultures, or pus/cellulitis at the site of CP insertion. To assess risk factors for infection, we collected the following data: age, indication for procedure, diagnosis, inpatient vs. outpatient status at the time of CP insertion, site of CP placement, device inserted (single vs. double lumen), date of initial access, type of initial infusion and laboratory data including, WBC, ANC, platelet count and INR. Results Of the 1,352 CPs implanted, 15 infections were seen within 30 days of insertion (infection rate 0.01%) and 43 infections were observed after 30 days. Statistical comparisons of categorical variables were made in patients with infections occurring within 30 days using Fisher's Test or the Exact Pearson Chi-Square test. Of the variables examined, differences in age, indication for procedure, diagnosis, WBC, ANC, platelet count, INR, site of access and date of initial access were not found to be statistically significant. Single vs. double lumen CP approached statistical significance (p Conclusion Accessing a CP within 7 days of insertion did not result in a higher rate of infection. However, when CP were implanted in the inpatient setting, the odds of infection increased 18 fold.
Synthesis and structure of Ta4SI11: disorder and mixed valency in the first tantalum sulfide iodide.

The new compound Ta4SI11 has been prepared by direct reaction of the elements at 430 °C for 2 weeks in evacuated Pyrex ampules and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and semiempirical electronic structure calculations. Ta4SI11 crystallizes with orthorhombic symmetry in space group Pmmn; a = 16.135(3) A, b = 3.813(1) A, c = 8.131(2) A, and Z = 1. The disordered structure involves two crystallographically distinct sites for Ta atoms, both of which are 50% occupied as well as a bridging anion site that is 50% S and 50% I. Magnetic susceptibility above 100 K gives μeff = 1.53 μB to suggest one unpaired electron per formula unit. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended Huckel calculations suggest that the structure consists of Ta3 triangles and “isolated” Ta atoms, leading to the formulation (Ta3)9+(Ta4+)(S2-)(I-)11 and we hypothesize that each Ta3 is capped by a sulfur atom.
Coherent-states dynamics of the H+ + HF reaction at ELab = 30 eV: A complete electron nuclear dynamics investigation

Abstract Results of a complete investigation of the H+ + HF reaction at ELab = 30 eV with the electron nuclear dynamics (END) and the coherent-states dynamics (CSD) theories are herein presented. Current END–CSD methodology employs frozen Gaussian wave packet in the semiclassical limit of ℏ → 0 for the nuclei, and a single-determinantal Thouless coherent state (CS) for the electrons. The simulated 400 CS trajectories from five independent HF target orientations provide a complete description of the reactive processes in this system, including: non-charge-transfer scattering (NCTS), charge-transfer scattering (CTS), hydrogen fluoride dissociation (H–F D), and hydrogen rearrangement (HR). Several aspects of the reactions dynamics, such as mechanistic details and rainbow angles effects, are discussed. Differential and integral cross sections are evaluated via a novel CS formulation of those properties in conjunction with semiclassical techniques. The calculated total differential cross section shows an excellent agreement with available experimental results.
Influence of sprinklers, used to alleviate heat stress, on faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and Enterococcus in lactating dairy cattle*

Aims: To determine the effect of sprinklers on faecal shedding of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 and Salmonella in lactating dairy cattle. Methods and Results: Sprinklers were applied to lactating dairy cattle on two farms at either the feedbunk or in the holding pen prior to milking. Faecal samples were collected approx. 1 and 4 weeks following initiation of sprinkler treatments for culture of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Enterococcus. No treatment differences were observed for E. coli O157:H7. Salmonella was higher (P = 0·11) in the control treatment on day-7 whereas on day-28, the bunk sprinklers increased the number of Salmonella positive cows. Salmonella prevalence decreased (P = 0·0001) on day-5 and when examined across days in cows exposed to sprinklers prior to milking. Antimicrobial susceptibility screening found very few isolates that were multi-drug resistant. All Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant decrease in faecal prevalence of Salmonella in lactating cattle following exposure to sprinklers administered prior to milking. Significance and Impact of the Study: Identification of current dairy management techniques that are also effective in reducing on-farm prevalence of pathogenic bacteria could have significant food safety and environmental implications.
Slogans and mottos on commercial vehicles: a reflection of Liberian philosophy and culture

Liberia, like many other developing countries, follows the common custom of writing slogans and mottos on commercial vehicles. While studies have been conducted on such slogans and mottos in other countries, very little analysis of the ones in Liberia has been conducted. The purpose of this study therefore is to conduct such an analysis to determine what the slogans and mottos reveal about Liberian philosophy, culture, and history. A sample of 250 slogans and mottos were collected in 2005 and 2006. Overall, the slogans and mottos reveal a strong emphasis on God and religion in Liberia, indicating that Liberians believe in God or a Supreme Being. They also suggest that traditional culture is very important in Liberia. A part of this culture is the practice of giving advice. Liberians are fond of giving unsolicited advice, which may be a manifestation of the kindness and goodwill of Liberians and the belief in Africa that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Trends in Liberia's political and social develo...
Queuosine modification of tRNA: a case for convergent evolution.

Queuosine is a hypermodified nucleoside found in position 34, the anticodon wobble position, of four tRNA species. This modification is distributed with near uniformity across all life forms found on this planet. Yet the molecular mechanisms involved with accomplishing this ubiquitous posttranscriptional modification of tRNA are dramatically different between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, which suggests that these were formed by convergent evolution of a fundamental life process essential to nearly all life forms. This minireview describes the differences between these modification systems and points to a new direction for developing research on the molecular function queuosine-modified tRNA in diverse species.
Integrated Primary Care: Organizing the Evidence.

The evidence for bringing behavioral health services into primary care can be confusing. Studies are quite varied in the types of programs assessed, what impacts are assessed, what kind of therapy is offered, for what populations, and on how broad a scale. By organizing the evidence into categories: whether the program is coordinated, co-located or integrated, whether for a targeted or non-targeted patient population, offering specified or unspecified behavioral health services, in a small scale or extensive implementation, programs can be compared more easily. By noting what sorts of impacts are reportedimproved access to services, clinical outcome, maintained improvement^ improved compliance, patient satisfaction, provider satisfaction, cost effectiveness or medical cost offset-the most comprehensive overall assessment of this important approach to patients' needs can be encouraged.
Surplus-killing by endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is linked to a local population decline of endangered giant kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ingens)

Abstract We describe surplus-killing of endangered giant kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ingens) by endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) and consider the conditions that may have promoted such killing. We also use results of extensive mark-recapture surveys of rodents to document a decline in local density of the giant kangaroo rat that was likely caused by surplus-killing.
Contemporary justice research: A new look at familiar questions

Abstract Research on organizational justice has flourished in the last 30 years. During that time, researchers have generally sought to answer three questions: (1) Why do people care about justice? (2) What affects justice judgments? and (3) What outcomes are associated with justice judgments? The papers in this special issue of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes on organizational justice reflect how these three questions are explored in contemporary justice research. This introduction to the special issue considers how the papers represent trends and developments in current justice research. Several themes are identified: the role of justice in a broader model of group engagement, the empirical examination of justice as a moral virtue, the effect of social context on justice judgments, and the darker reactions to injustice. Thus, the special issue provides insight not only to familiar justice questions but also to the evolution of the field and its future direction.
Melville J. Herskovits and Caribbean Ethnography: Appraisal and Tribute

Melville J. Herskovits. Life in a Haitian Valley. New York: Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1971 [1937]. xviii + 371 pp. Appendices, references, and index. $2.50, paper. Melville J. Herskovits and Frances S. Herskovits. Trinidad Village. New York: Octagon Press, 1976 [1947]. viii + 351 pp. Illustrations, appendices, references, and index. $15.00.
Inhibition of spinal cytosolic phospholipase A2 expression by an antisense oligonucleotide attenuates tissue injury-induced hyperalgesia

Abstract Activation of the spinal phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) –cyclooxygenase (COX) –prostaglandin signaling pathway is widely implicated in nociceptive processing. Although the role of spinal COX isoforms in pain signal transmission has been extensively characterized, our knowledge of PLA 2 enzymes in this cascade is limited. Among all PLA 2 groups, cytosolic calcium-dependent PLA 2 group IVA (cPLA 2 IVA) appears to be the predominant PLA 2 enzyme in the spinal cord. In the present study we sought to (i) characterize anatomical and cellular distribution and localization of cPLA 2 IVA in dorsal horn of rat spinal cord, (ii) verify efficacy and selectivity of intrathecal (IT) delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide (AS) targeting rat cPLA 2 IVA mRNA on spinal expression of this enzyme, and (iii) examine the effect of down-regulation of spinal cPLA 2 IVA on peripheral tissue injury–induced pain behavior. Here we demonstrate that cPLA 2 IVA is constitutively expressed in rat spinal cord, predominantly in dorsal horn neurons and oligodendrocytes but not in astrocytes or microglia. Intrathecal injection of AS significantly down-regulated both protein and gene expression of cPLA 2 IVA in rat spinal cord, while control missense oligonucleotide (MS) had no effect. Immunocytochemistry confirmed that the reduction occurred in neurons and oligodendrocytes. cPLA 2 IVA AS did not alter expression of several other PLA 2 isoforms, such as secretory PLA 2 (groups IIA and V) and calcium-independent PLA 2 (group VI), indicating that the AS was specific for cPLA 2 IVA. This selective knockdown of spinal cPLA 2 IVA did not change acute nociception (i.e. paw withdrawal thresholds to acute thermal stimuli and intradermal formalin-induced first phase flinching), however, it significantly attenuated formalin-induced hyperalgesia (i.e. second phase flinching behavior), which reflects spinal sensitization. Thus the present findings suggest that cPLA 2 IVA may specifically participate in spinal nociceptive processing.
Apoptosis and bcl-2 oncogene expression in Wilms' tumor.

Wilms' tumor (WT) usually has a good outcome, although a poor prognosis is often related to more advanced stages and anaplastic features. Apoptosis occurs with variable frequency in malignant tumors, and may have a role in reducing their growth rate. The bcl-2 proto-oncogene inhibits apoptosis, and the consequent increase in the number of cells may play a role in the development of tumors. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of apoptosis and bcl-2 expression in WT. Twenty-six resected WT specimens were studied; 12 patients had stage I tumor, 4 stage II, 5 stage III, 3 stage IV, and 2 stage V. Twenty-three tumors were classified as favorable histology (FH) and 3 as unfavorable (UH). The mean follow-up was 34 months; 22 patients were alive and 4 were dead (2 with FH: 1 stage III and 1 stage IV, and 2 with UH stages 4). Apoptosis was detected by the in-situ end-labelling technique; bcl-2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. An apoptotic index (AI) was calculated as the ratio of apoptotic to normal cells in each specimen. The AI was lower in higher tumor stages, with a significant difference between stages I and IV (P < 0.05). In cases with UH, Al was lower than in tumors with FH (P < 0.01). The AI was also lower in patients who died than in those who survived (P < 0.01). In all specimens no correlation between AI and bcl-2 expression was observed. Progression to advanced stages of WT and a poor prognosis f anaplastic tumors may be linked with disruption of the mechanisms that control apoptosis. Bcl-2 does not play a role as a regulator of apoptosis in WT, other oncogenes and tumor-suppression genes may be more involved in inhibiting apoptosis in WT.
Linear trees and RNA secondary structure

The total number of RNA secondary structures of a given length with a fixed number of base pairs is computed, under the assumption that all base pairs can occur. This is done by establishing a one-to-one correspondence between secondary structures and trees. A duality operator on trees is presented, which explains a symmetry in the numbers counting secondary structures.
IMPROVED COMPETITIVE ALGORITHMS FOR TWO-PROCESSOR REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

The problem of competitive on-line scheduling in two-processor real-time environments is studied. The model of Koren and Shasha is followed: Every task has a deadline and a value that it obtains only if it completes by its deadline – the value being its computation time. The goal is to design on-line schedulers with worst-case guarantees compared with a clairvoyant scheduler. Koren and Shasha gave algorithms for the migration and no-migration models, with competitive multipliers of 2 and 3, respectively. In this article, we give an algorithm for the no-migration model with an improved competitive multiplier of . We also show that the competitive multiplier for the migration model can be lowered by using a fast processor and a slow processor, compared with using several parallel and identical processors with the same aggregate computing power.
Search for alkanes of 15 to 30 carbon atom length.

A 50-gram sample of lunar fines was subjected to stepwise extraction in a mixture of benzene and methanol while intact, after being pulverized, and after being digested in hydrofluoric acid. None of these three extracts contained detectable quantities of C15 to C30 alkanes. No C15 to C30 alkane was present in this lunar sample at a concentration exceeding I part per billion by weight.
Distribution and nesting success of ferruginous hawks and Swainson's hawks on an agricultural landscape in the Great Plains

We studied land-cover associations at nest sites and reproductive success of two Buteo species of conservation concern on the southern Great Plains, USA. The study area was in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, where land use is dominated by row-crop agriculture, livestock grazing, and grasslands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Ferruginous hawks (B. regalis) were uncommon and nested primarily in and around the Rita Blanca National Grassland. Swainson's hawks (B. swainsoni) were common and nested throughout the study area. Territories of ferruginous hawks contained more sandsage (Artemisia filifolia) habitat and less cropland and CRP lands than random sites, whereas territories of Swainson's hawks mirrored proportions of available landcover. Our results suggest that proportion of nearby sandsage habitat is an important factor in determining Swainson's hawk reproductive success. In addition, ferruginous hawk nest sites were located in areas that contained significantly more sandsage habitat than randomly selected sites in the study area. Nest-site availability may have constrained the distribution of buteos in our study area and is probably a major factor limiting nesting density of ferruginous hawks. Ferruginous hawks typically nest on man-made platforms (e.g., nest platforms and windmills) that in the study area were most common in and around the Rita Blanca National Grassland. Our results suggest that conversion of native grasslands to cropland may have negative consequences for ferruginous and Swainson's hawks. This relationship has been previously demonstrated in several studies of ferruginous hawks, but not for Swainson's hawks. In particular, loss of sandsage habitat on the southern Great Plains may have contributed to range declines in ferruginous hawks and decreased breeding success for Swainson's hawks.
Solute trapping in aluminum alloys

Abstract We report the first measurements of solute trapping in metallic alloys. The nonequilibrium solute partition coefficient k was measured in several dilute aluminum alloys (AlCu, AlGe, AlIn, AlSn). Pulsed laser melting was used to bring about rapid plane-front solidification at velocities of 0.6-5.1 m/s. Time-resolved melt depths and solidification velocities were determined using the transient electrical conductance and optical reflectance techniques. The solute trapping model with the fewest free parameters that accounts for the measured velocity dependence of k is the Continuous Growth Model of Aziz and Kaplan. We have also identified an inverse correlation between the diffusive speed (the only free parameter in that model) and the equilibrium partition coefficient; this correlation might be used to estimate diffusive speeds for systems in which it has not been measured. A possible origin of such a correlation is discussed.
Determinants of wound infection incidence after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery in patients randomized to receive prophylactic cefuroxime or cefazolin

In this open-label, randomized drug study, we compared two cephalosporin prophylactic regimens, one using cefazolin and one using cefuroxime, in 100 patients having coronary bypass surgery. Additional epidemiological data were collected to identify the patient at higher risk for acquiring an infection. Patients were categorized into four groups: (1) no infection; (2) clinically determined infection without a culture or prescription of additional antibiotics; (3) clinical infection with no or negative wound culture and prescription of additional antibiotics; and (4) clinical infection with positive culture and need for additional antibiotics. Seven cefuroxime patients (13.5%) and 9 cefazolin patients (18.8%; p = 0.471) had a wound that became clinically infected (Groups 2-4). In a univariate analysis, 11 variables were statistically associated with the development of a wound infection. A logistic regression model defined 3 variables at an alpha level of 0.05 and 3 at an alpha level of 0.10 that predicted a wound infection. Patients were identified at high risk of wound infection if they had postoperative weight gain, long operative hospitalization, prolonged use of a Foley catheter, postoperative use of blood products, and operation performed by two specific surgeons. Our results indicated that closer observation of the high-risk patients and a definition of the mechanism of the infections are needed.
In vivo imaging of cell behaviors and F-actin reveals LIM-HD transcription factor regulation of peripheral versus central sensory axon development

Development of specific neuronal morphology requires precise control over cell motility processes, including axon formation, outgrowth and branching. Dynamic remodeling of the filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton is critical for these processes; however, little is known about the mechanisms controlling motile axon behaviors and F-actin dynamics in vivo. Neuronal structure is specified in part by intrinsic transcription factor activity, yet the molecular and cellular steps between transcription and axon behavior are not well understood. Zebrafish Rohon-Beard (RB) sensory neurons have a unique morphology, with central axons that extend in the spinal cord and a peripheral axon that innervates the skin. LIM homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factor activity is required for formation of peripheral RB axons. To understand how neuronal morphogenesis is controlled in vivo and how LIM-HD transcription factor activity differentially regulates peripheral versus central axons, we used live imaging of axon behavior and F-actin distribution in vivo. We used an F-actin biosensor containing the actin-binding domain of utrophin to characterize actin rearrangements during specific developmental processes in vivo, including axon initiation, consolidation and branching. We found that peripheral axons initiate from a specific cellular compartment and that F-actin accumulation and protrusive activity precede peripheral axon initiation. Moreover, disruption of LIM-HD transcriptional activity has different effects on the motility of peripheral versus central axons; it inhibits peripheral axon initiation, growth and branching, while increasing the growth rate of central axons. Our imaging revealed that LIM-HD transcription factor activity is not required for F-actin based protrusive activity or F-actin accumulation during peripheral axon initiation, but can affect positioning of F-actin accumulation and axon formation. Our ability to image the dynamics of F-actin distribution during neuronal morphogenesis in vivo is unprecedented, and our experiments provide insight into the regulation of cell motility as neurons develop in the intact embryo. We identify specific motile cell behaviors affected by LIM-HD transcription factor activity and reveal how transcription factors differentially control the formation and growth of two axons from the same neuron.
Two Approaches to Estimation of Classification Accuracy Rate Under Item Response Theory

Within the framework of item response theory (IRT), there are two recent lines of work on the estimation of classification accuracy (CA) rate. One approach estimates CA when decisions are made base...
A new genus Acunasus and eight new species of Mexican leafhoppers Homoptera Cicadellidae

Collecting in Mexico has brought to light several closely related species for which the Genus Acunasus has been erected. Apparently none of these species have been described and all seem to occur at elevations of from 2000 to 3000 feet. Most of these have been collected in the state of Guerrero, but one specimen was taken in the state of San Luis Potosi. They all live apparently upon the larger types of annuals or the shrub type of perennial in the hot dry areas of the low mountain ranges.
Copyright law and multimedia- or Internet-based educational applications

Advances in computer technology, in combination with the resources of the Internet, afford the educator an unprecedented array of options for facilitating instruction. At the same time, this technology introduces numerous ways of inadvertently or intentionally violating federal copyright law and guidelines. Copyright law, the principles of fair use, and guidelines for reproduction of text and off-air broadcast media will be discussed, with specific reference to the development of multimedia programs and Internet-based applications.
Patient factors predictive of 24-h pH normalization following endoluminal gastroplication for GERD

Endoluminal full-thickness gastroplication has been documented to provide significant and long-lasting improvement of GERD symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQL) with very little patient morbidity. These treatments, however, are criticized for normalizing esophageal acid exposure in only 30–40% of patients treated. We hypothesize that there are objective criteria that will identify those patients who will have a normal DeMeester score (DMS) following endoluminal treatment. Data from a prospective multicenter trial using the NDO Plicator device to treat GERD were available for statistical analysis. All patients were treated with endoluminal full-thickness gastroplication. All patients had GERD symptoms and abnormal 24-h pH exposure preoperatively. Postoperative objective outcome was assessed by performing 24-h pH studies at 6 months. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine factors predictive of successful treatment (normalized 24-h pH). A total of 266 patients were included in the study. Mean preoperative DMS was 47.91 (±31.34). Postoperatively, mean DMS decreased significantly (37.11 ± 24.63, p < 0.001), and 31.67% of patients had a DMS within normal range (DMS < 22). Results of multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the following preoperative patient characteristics were predictive of postoperative success (normal DMS): DMS < 30 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73, 10.36, p < 0.001), heartburn score < 2 (OR = 3.37, CI = 1.44, 7.89, p = 0.005), and BMI < 30 (OR = 4.93, CI = 1.55, 15.61, p = 0.007). Data analysis from this prospective study indicates that the odds of objective success would be significantly greater if the treatment was restricted to thinner patients with mild reflux disease. This may help define the optimal place for endoluminal therapy in a comprehensive GERD treatment algorithm.
Maternal testosterone in tree swallow eggs varies with female aggression

Variation in the investment of maternal resources in eggs, such as proteins and lipids, can have a profound influence on the growth and development of young. Maternal resources transferred to eggs also include androgens found in the yolk. In several species of birds the concentration of testosterone in the yolk either increases or decreases with laying order. Yolk testosterone has been shown to have various effects on the young including enhanced growth and dominance as well as reduced survival. Previous work suggested that the concentration of testosterone in the yolk may be influenced by the female's social conditions, specifically the frequency of aggressive interactions. In tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor, we found that yolk testosterone was correlated with the aggressive interactions of the female before and during egg laying. In contrast to other species, yolk testosterone did not vary with laying order in tree swallows. Thus, patterns of yolk testosterone are more variable than thought previously and may be influenced by the social conditions experienced by the female during laying.
Caregiving for Elderly Parents: A Study From the Indian Perspective

Caregiving to elderly parents, in India, is primarily provided by adult children. This study aims at understanding the issues and concerns relating to elderly parental caregiving in the contemporar...