cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturation of envelope‐specific antibody responses to linear determinants in monkeys inoculated with attenuated SIV

We have previously used a panel of quantitative and qualitative serological assays to define a lengthy and complex maturation of envelope-specific antibody responses in monkeys experimentally infected with attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that is closely associated with the temporal development of enduring and protective immunity to experimental virus challenge. To elucidate in more detail the changes in antibody specificity associated with this maturation, we describe here 'domain-specific' serological studies to characterize the evolution of antibody responses to defined linear determinants of the SIV envelope protein. The results of these studies reveal for the first time distinguishing differences in the evolution of antibody populations to distinct envelope peptide segments, as determined by measurements of antibody titer and avidity, indicating different patterns of antibody maturation to distinct linear envelope antigenic determinants. Thus, these data demonstrate the potential for domain-specific serology to produce a high-resolution characterization of SIV-specific antibody responses that can be used to evaluate experimental vaccine responses and to identify potential immune correlates of protection.
Ensuring the safety of botanical dietary supplements

Botanical dietary supplements with a history of safe human use may not require the same level of toxicity testing as synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. Most of the documented examples of acute toxicity caused by botanical dietary supplements have been caused by the substitution of toxic plants for the desired species, probably through misidentification or production errors, or by contamination with pharmaceutical agents, either as a result of poor manufacturing practices or adulteration. Although more difficult to document, chronic toxicities attributed to botanical dietary supplements may be caused by contamination by heavy metals, pesticides, or microbes or by inherent properties of constituents of the botanicals themselves. Like drug-drug interactions, botanical-drug interactions can also be a source of toxicity. Most of these toxicity problems may be prevented by implementing good agricultural practices and good manufacturing practices and applying existing toxicity testing similar to those used in drug development or new toxicity assays under development based on proteomics, genomics, or metabolomics.
Abstract 243: Tocopherols inhibit oxidative and nitrosative stress in estrogen-induced early mammary hyperplasia in ACI rats

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Tocopherols (T), members of the vitamin E family, exist in four different forms designated as α, β, δ and γ. Due to their antioxidant properties, tocopherols are suggested to reduce the risk of cancer. α-T is known as the classic vitamin E as it is the major tocopherol found in plasma and tissues. However, some large scale clinical trials with α-T have provided inconclusive results. Recent studies from our laboratory and others indicate that δ-T and γ-T have stronger anti-cancer activities than α-T in vitro and in vivo. γ-T is the most common form of vitamin E in the U.S. diet, present in vegetable oils such as soybean, corn and cottonseed. The naturally occurring γ-T-enriched mixture of tocopherols (γ-TmT) has been reported to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis in estrogen receptor positive models of breast cancer. Using ACI rats, we investigated the chemopreventive activity of γ-TmT in the early stages of estrogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis. ACI rats provide an established model of rodent mammary carcinogenesis due to their high sensitivity to estrogen. Rats were subcutaneously implanted with 9 mg of 17β-estradiol (E2) in silastic tubings and fed with 0.3% γ-TmT diet for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Administration of γ-TmT gradually increased the levels of tocopherols and their metabolites in the serum and mammary glands of the rats from day 1 to 14. Histological analysis showed that estrogen induced mammary hyperplasia starting at day 3. However, the induction of mammary hyperplasia was not altered by dietary γ-TmT. Interestingly, mRNA expression of PPARγ, a nuclear receptor which inhibits cell proliferation and survival, was significantly increased by γ-TmT administration at 14 days. The oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, 8-oxo-dG and nitrotyrosine, respectively, were induced in the mammary tissues of E2-treated rats as early as day 1. γ-TmT decreased the levels of these markers starting from day 7. Serum level of 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress, was also decreased by γ-TmT. Elevated mRNA levels of a transcription factor Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, were observed in the γ-TmT fed groups as early as day 1, indicating the induction of antioxidant response by γ-TmT. In conclusion, inhibition of oxidative, nitrosative stress and stimulation of antioxidant response are the primary effects of γ-TmT administration in the early stages of E2-induced mammary tumorigenesis in ACI rats. Citation Format: Soumyasri Das Gupta, Jae Young So, Joseph Wahler, Mao-Jung Lee, Chung S. Yang, Nanjoo Suh. Tocopherols inhibit oxidative and nitrosative stress in estrogen-induced early mammary hyperplasia in ACI rats. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 243. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-243
Spray and Flame Structure in Diesel Combustion

The diesel combustion process in direct-injection diesel engines consists of four distinct stages: an ignition delay, a premixed phase, a mixing-controlled phase, and a late combustion phase. This paper uses geometric information form high-speed direct and shadowgraph movies and corresponding combustion chamber pressure histories, taken in a rapid compression machine study of direct-injection diesel combustion, for a coupled analysis of the diesel flame geometry and energy or heat release to develop our understanding of the diesel spray and flame structure during the ignition delay period and premixed combustion phase. It is shown that each fuel spray from a multihole fuel-injector nozzle consists of a narrow liquid-containing core centered within a much larger fuel-vapor air region, which has a distinct boundary. The liquid core does not penetrate to the chamber periphery, while the vapor containing spray interacts strongly with the boundary. Ignition occurs part way along each growing spray. Once combustion starts, the outer boundary of the fuel-vapor-containing region expands more rapidly due to the combustion energy release. Very high initial spreading rates of the luminous region boundary are observed. A comparison of enflamed areas and volumes, and burned gas volumes, indicates that the luminous region during the early stages ofmore » combustion (assumed stoichiometric) is around 1 cm thick and does not fill the full height of the chamber.« less
Defensive responses of gastropods to the predatory flatworms Freemania litoricola (Heath and McGregor) and notoplana acticola (Boone)

Abstract Three species of gastropods were tested in the laboraory and in the field for responses to contact with the polyclad flatworms Freemania litoricola (Heath and McGregor) and Notoplana acticola (Boone). The three limpets differed considerably in their responses to Freemania litoricola All specimens of Notoacmea scutum (Rathke) responded in some way to this flatworm, mostly by running. Fewer than half of the Collisella digitalis (Rathke) responded to Freemania litoricola , and these responded by mushrooming - elevating the shell several millimeters off the substratum. Collisella scabra (Gould) did not respond any differently to contact with Freemania litoricola than to contact with a control probe. Differences in the responses of these limpets to Freemania litoricola are discussed in relation to the characteristic intertidal distributions of this flatworm and the limpets. In contrast to Freemania litoricola , the polyclad Notoplana acticola typically did not elicit defensive responses. This difference is related to the diets of the two flatworms. Freemania litoricola was found to be a predator on limpets, whereas no evidence was found that Notoplana acticola eats limpets.
Gender, Social Disorganization Theory, and the Locations of Sexually Oriented Businesses

Communities are increasingly developing zoning ordinances for sexually oriented businesses based on presumed negative “secondary effects.” Utilizing social disorganization theory, this study examines neighborhood differences among three types of sexually oriented businesses. Based on census-tract data from four urban Texas counties, findings show that census tracts with only adult sexuality boutiques, which primarily market to women consumers, are significantly more socially organized than census tracts with only adult entertainment clubs, only adult bookstores, and more than one type of adult business. This suggests that the gendered nature of sexual consumerism also has implications for the locations of these businesses.
Melittin inhibition and uncoupling of spinach thylakoids

Abstract Melittin has been found to inhibit a photosystem I reaction (diaminodurene to methylviologen) in much the same way that it inhibits sequential electron transport through both photosystems (water to methylviologen). At much lower concentrations melittin uncouples ATP synthesis. Melittin inhibition and uncoupling are found to be irreversible indicating very tight association between melittin and the membrane. Melittin inhibits the light-induced proton pump and the light-induced thylakoid Mg +2 -ATPase activity as well as the Ca +2 -ATPase activity of isolated coupling factor. The results are consistent with both a conventional model where the uncoupling by melittin is related to its lytic properties and a model wherein melittin interacts directly with coupling factor causing an uncoupling condition.
Regulation of the dual-function transcription factor Sp3 by SUMO.

In eukaryotes, gene expression is controlled by a relatively small number of regulators. Post-translational modifications dramatically increase the functional possibilities of those regulators. Modification of many transcription factors and cofactors by SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) correlates, in most cases, with inhibition of transcription. Recent studies suggest a model whereby SUMO conjugation to transcription factors promotes the recruitment of co-repressors through direct protein–protein interaction with the SUMO protein. HDACs (histone deacetylases) are important, but not exclusive, effectors of SUMO-mediated repression. Sp3 (specificity protein 3), a zinc-finger DNA-binding domain transcription factor, has the ability to both activate and repress transcription in a context-dependent manner. SUMOylation regulates the dual nature of Sp3 function. Current data suggest that Sp3 represses transcription in a SUMO-dependent manner but independent of HDACs. Recent studies to identify additional co-repressors associated with SUMO and further investigate regulated activity of Sp3 are providing a deeper understanding of SUMO-dependent mechanisms of transcriptional regulation.
Capability for aerothermal-structural tests of large-to-full-scale components of future space transportation systems

The design of viable, low-mass thermostructural concepts for future space transportation systems requires accurate definition of the localized heat flux, pressures, and flow-surface interaction parameters for complex flow regions of detailed areas of large vehicles, such as wing-elevon coves, thermal protection system tile gaps, and corrugated metallic surfaces. This paper discusses investigations recently conducted in and planned for two high-energy wind tunnels at the Langley Research Center - the 8-foot High-temperatures Tunnel and the Thermal Protection System Test Facility. The data obtained on large-to-full-scale vehicle components, comparisons of the experimental data with theory, and the large, reusable, generalized test apparatus available at or planned for these facilities are discussed.
Structure-Based Thermodynamic Analysis of HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors†

A structural parametrization of the binding and folding energetics previously developed in this laboratory accounts quantitatively for the binding of 13 HIV-1 protease inhibitors for which high-res...
Necessity and probability

C. I. Lewis held the view that logically necessary propositions, propositions not open to theoretical falsification, could be made more or less probable by an examination of relevant cases, in the same way that an empirical generalization might be rendered more or less probable. With regard to the statement that the class of cats is included in the class of animals he wrote: 'It is genuinely analytic and what it affirms can be assured by reference to the meaning of "cat" and "animal" without recourse to further and empirical evidence. But also it might be established-as well established as most laws of science, for example-by generalization from observed instances of cats." To many philosophers this position seems to be correct, and it is not to be doubted that it is natural to speak of confirmatory instances making probable a generalization which later is proved to be true by logical necessity. Fermat's theorem, for example, may eventually be demonstrated, but its demonstration would not have the effect of rendering improper talk of its being confirmed by cases. Nevertheless, I have in a number of places argued against the claim that a proposition could be both logically necessary and also open to being made probable-although doing this carries with it the requirement of placing a special construction on talk that is natural and appropriate in mathematics. Recently, Mr. Donald McQueen has presented a new defence of the claim that logically necessary propositions are capable of being rendered probable by cases,2 or, to put the matter in terms of language, that such expressions as 'made probable by evidence' and 'rendered improbable' have a correct application to quantified a priori statements. The defence is made with the help of a distinction between logical possibility and what is called 'epistemic possibility'. To say that a proposition p is epistemically possible is to saythat its denial, -p, is not known to be true, or what is the same thing, that p is not known to be false. On the other hand, to assert that p is logically possible is claimed to be equivalent to asserting that -p is not logically necessary (ibid. p. 65), in C. I. Lewis' notation,
Reliable measurement in urology: room for improvement.

Functional outcomes and health-related quality of life following prostatectomy have become important metrics in assessing the impact of different types of prostate cancer therapy. For many men treated for early-stage prostate cancer, issues surrounding the adverse effects following treatment approach or are equal to those related to cancer control [1]. Although the consequences of treatment have been subject to considerable research in the past, previous assessments have been hampered by limitations in methodology and unreliable measurement. As a result, detailed study of the magnitude of problems faced by prostate cancer survivors following treatment is relatively recent [2–4]. Consequently, for men treated with prostatectomy, problems such as urinary incontinence may be underestimated by surgeons, and the extent of existing functional problems compared to those which are measured may be discordant. Issues of reliable measurement exist in all areas of investigation. In this issue of European Urology, Porena and colleagues review an interesting and potentially important topic concerning urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction following radical prostatectomy [5]. Although the majority of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence is attributed to external urethral sphincter deficiency, changes in bladder function may also contribute to this troublesome complication. As indicated by the authors, little is currently known regarding the prevalence or clinical importance of this problem, and consequently the relationship between bladder dysfunction and postprostatectomy urinary incontinence has not yet been fully defined.
Form and Content: Dissociating Syntax and Semantics in Sentence Comprehension

The distinction between syntax (sentence form) and semantics (sentence meaning) is fundamental to our thinking about language. Whether and where this distinction is represented at the neural level is still a matter of considerable debate. In the present fMRI study, we examined the neural correlates of syntactic and semantic functions using an innovative activation paradigm specifically designed to unequivocally disentangle syntactic from lexicosemantic aspects of sentence processing. Our findings strongly indicate that a part of Broca's area (BA 44, pars opercularis) is critically implicated in processing syntactic information, whereas the lower portion of the left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 47, pars orbitalis) is selectively involved in processing the semantic aspects of a sentence.
Rainfall seasonality determines annual/perennial grass balance in vegetation of Mediterranean Iberian

Much recent attention has been focused on the invasion and dominance of annual grass species in areas thought to have been historically dominated by perennial life forms. Explanations of this phenomenon in the literature have focused on two mechanisms favoring annuals: ruderal strategy associated with disturbance, and stress escaping associated with dry sites or deserts. Here I present evidence from vegetation surveys at 50 sites across a 1,200 km band of the Iberian Peninsula—a source region for many invasive annuals—showing that relative annual versus perennial grass composition is not well correlated with degree of disturbance or average annual precipitation. However, annual dominance is strongly and significantly linked to the seasonality of precipitation, in particular the relative intensity of summer drought. Disturbance was significantly associated with annual grass dominance in Iberia, but with much less explanatory power than summer drought intensity. Slope, aspect, and soil parent material were not significantly correlated with annual versus perennial grass dominance. These results suggest that subtle differences in rainfall seasonality largely drive grass composition in herbaceous Mediterranean vegetation. Furthermore, the patterns of annual grass invasion observed in the world’s other Mediterranean climate regions may be associated with similar climatic drivers.
Radiative recombination in cesium

Abstract Cross sections for radiative recombination of slow electrons (≤1 eV) with singly charged cesium ions have been calculated, using an adjusted form of the Quantum Defect Method (QDM). The QDM has been empirically adjusted so that oscillator strengths for transitions to high bound states agree with carefully calculated ƒ values previously obtained for cesium. The adjustment of the QDM is discussed and the adjustment parameters for the twenty lowest states of cesium are presented. The resulting cross sections and radiative recombinition coefficients for electron temperatures from 1000 to 3400°K are tabulated. Deviations from experimental cross sections for recombination into the 6 S and 6 P levels are observed. Photoionization cross sections may also be obtained from the data presented.
Smoking-Specific Experiential Avoidance is Indirectly Associated with Trait Worry and Smoking Processes among Treatment-Seeking Smokers.

Limited work has examined worry, or apprehensive anticipation about future negative events, in terms of smoking. One potential explanatory factor is the tendency to respond inflexibly and with avoidance in the presence of smoking-related distress (smoking-specific experiential avoidance). Participants (n = 465) were treatment-seeking daily smokers. Cross-sectional (pre-treatment) self-report data were utilized to assess trait worry, smoking-specific experiential avoidance, and four smoking criterion variables: nicotine dependence, motivational aspects of quitting, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, and severity of problematic symptoms reported in past quit attempts. Trait worry was significantly associated with greater levels of nicotine dependence, motivation to quit smoking, perceived barriers for smoking cessation, and more severe problems while quitting in the past; associations occurred indirectly through higher levels of smoking-specific experiential avoidance. Findings provide initial support...
The electronic states around a dislocation

Abstract The propagation of an electron through a crystal is conceived as involving two qualitatively different mechanisms, a quasifree motion as in empty space and a jumping from one localized state attached to an atom to another. A Hamiltonian containing two terms corresponding to these mechanisms is examined, and its behavior in the presence of a dislocation is studied. In particular, the case of a screw dislocation is investigated, and all the eigenfunctions are found under the assumption that there is no screening. The electron density in the neighborhood of the screw dislocation is computed. It is shown that there is a net repulsion of the electrons from the dislocation axis which results in a well denned positive effective charge per unit length, even though there is no volume change.
Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling for Test Theory Without an Answer Key

Cultural Consensus Theory (CCT) models have been applied extensively across research domains in the social and behavioral sciences in order to explore shared knowledge and beliefs. CCT models operate on response data, in which the answer key is latent. The current paper develops methods to enhance the application of these models by developing the appropriate specifications for hierarchical Bayesian inference. A primary contribution is the methodology for integrating the use of covariates into CCT models. More specifically, both person- and item-related parameters are introduced as random effects that can respectively account for patterns of inter-individual and inter-item variability.
Prostatic basal cells in the peripheral and transitional zones: Zonal variation in morphology and in immunophenotype

BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic adenocarcinoma exhibit prominent zonal predilections. Basal cells from the transitional zone and from the peripheral zone are postulated to have different underlying biological properties. We studied basal cells in both prostatic zones. METHODS Tissue microarrays (TMA) were prepared from 65 whole-mounted prostatectomy specimens with prostatic adenocarcinoma. The transitional zone and peripheral zone were sampled from each prostate. TMA sections were stained with a basal cell cocktail (CK 34βE12 + p63). The immunostaining pattern and the morphology of basal cells were recorded. RESULTS Triangular-shaped basal cells were highlighted by CK 34βE12 cytoplasmic and p63 nuclear staining. These basal cells had their long axis oriented perpendicular to the basement membrane and their apex toward the lumen interdigited between secretory luminal cells. This morphology was seen in the majority of peripheral zone benign prostatic glands (92.0%) but only a minority of transitional zone benign prostatic glands (18.0%). Basal cells of the transitional zone showed weak or absent CK 34βE12 staining in 65.9% of glands while maintaining p63. All glands with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) contained the triangular basal cells. In addition, basal cell clusters were identified in 8.7% of peripheral zone glands and 5.2% of HGPIN glands. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the basal cell morphology and the basal cell immunophenotype have a zonal variation. The finding of a unique morphology of basal cells and the presence of basal cell clusters in the peripheral zone suggests that the peripheral zone might be the stem/progenitor cell-rich area in the human prostates. Prostate 67: 1686–1692, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Private practice experience with AMS 791/792 urinary sphincter in male incontinence.

Abstract The private practitioner of urology can transfer investigational technology to the practical application of patient care. The AMS 791 792 semiautomatic artificial urinary sphincter has been used in this context in the incontinent male since December, 1979. Significant success has been achieved with the device. These encouraging results depend on careful preoperative patient selection. Sixteen patients have received implants. The surgical technique and clinical experience is reviewed.
A Study of Tornadic Thunderstorm Interactions with Thermal Boundaries

A study of tornadic thunderstorm interactions with thermal boundaries using a model of subcloud wind profiles is presented. Within a hot, moist, and conditionally unstable air mass, warm thermal advection and surface friction cause the winds to veer and increase with height, while within a cool, moist air mass cool thermal advection and friction combine to produce a wind profile that has maximum speeds near the surface and veers little with height. The spatial distribution of different wind profiles and moisture contents within the boundary layer may act together to maximize mesoscale moisture contents, convergence, and cyclonic vorticity within a narrow mixing zone along the thermal boundary.
Isolation and assay of a human plasma factor affecting human thymus-derived lymphocytes

Abstract An amino acid-containing factor has been isolated from a dialysate of defibrinated human plasma using Sephadex G-25 and Sephadex CM-25 column chromatography. This factor is capable of enhancing “avid” E-rosette formation by normal human lymphocytes, where avid E-rosettes are defined as lymphocytes binding 10 or more sheep red cells. This factor is effective at concentrations as low as 10 −12 g/ml. It resembles the porcine and murine “facteur thymique serique” (e.g. J.-F. Bach, M. Dardenne, J.-M. Pleau, and J. Rosa, Nature (London) 266 , 55, 1977) in its elution characteristics, its capacity to enhance avid E-rosette formation and, tentatively, its amino acid composition.
Evaluation of the yeast DEL assay with 10 compounds selected by the International Program on Chemical Safety for the evaluation of short-term tests for carcinogens.

Abstract The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DEL assay detects a wide variety of nonmutagenic carcinogens (Schiestl et al. (1989) Carcinogenesis, 10, 1445–1455). This study shows the effect on DEL recombination of 8 carcinogenic compounds (o-toluidine, hexamethylphosphoramide, safrole, acrylonitrile, benzene, diethylhexylphthalate, phenobarbital and diethylstilbestrol) and 2 noncarcinogenic compounds (caprolactam and benzoin). These chemicals have been selected by the Program on Chemical Safety for the evaluation of short-term tests for carcinogens, because sufficient carcinogenicity data for these compounds exist, and because they are difficult to detect with the Salmonella assay. 5 of 8 carcinogens reproducibly gave a strong positive response and the noncarcinogen benzoin was negative. Thus, 60% of the chemicals tested in this study have been correctly identified with the DEL assay compared to only 20% with the Salmonella assay.
Molecular mechanism of preconditioning

During the last 20 years, since the appearance of the first publication on ischemic preconditioning (PC), our knowledge of this phenomenon has increased exponentially. PC is defined as an increased tolerance to ischemia and reperfusion induced by previous sublethal period ischemia. This is the most powerful mechanism known to date for limiting the infract size. This adaptation occurs in a biphasic pattern (i) early preconditioning (lasts for 2–3 h) and (ii) late preconditioning (starting at 24 h lasting until 72–96 h after initial ischemia). Early preconditioning is more potent than delayed preconditioning in reducing infract size. Late preconditioning attenuates myocardial stunning and requires genomic activation with de novo protein synthesis. Early preconditioning depends on adenosine, opioids and to a lesser degree, on bradykinin and prostaglandins, released during ischemia. These molecules activate G-protein-coupled receptor, initiate activation of KATP channel and generate oxygen-free radicals, and stimulate a series of protein kinases, which include protein kinase C, tyrosine kinase, and members of MAP kinase family. Late preconditioning is triggered by a similar sequence of events, but in addition essentially depends on newly synthesized proteins, which comprise iNOS, COX-2, manganese superoxide dismutase, and possibly heat shock proteins. The final mechanism of PC is still not very clear. The present review focuses on the possible role signaling molecules that regulate cardiomyocyte life and death during ischemia and reperfusion. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(4): 199–203, 2008
Scheduling optimization in multicore multithreaded microprocessors through dynamic modeling

Complexity in resource allocation grows dramatically as multiple cores and threads are implemented on Multicore Multi-threaded Microprocessors (MMMP). Such complexity is escalated with variations in workload behaviors. In an effort to support a dynamic, adaptive and scalable operating system (OS) scheduling policy for MMMP, architectural strategies are proposed to construct linear models to capture workload behaviors and then schedule threads according to their resource demands. This paper describes the design through three steps: in the first step we convert a static scheduling policy into a dynamic one, which evaluates the thread mapping pattern at runtime. In the second step we employ regression models to ensure that the scheduling policy is capable of responding to the changing behaviors of threads during execution. In the final step we limit the overhead of the proposed policy by adopting a heuristic approach, thus ensure the scalability with the exponential growth of core and thread counts. The experimental results validate our proposed model in terms of throughput, adaptability and scalability. Compared with the baseline static approach, our phase-triggered scheduling policy could achieve up to 29% speedup. We also provide detailed tradeoff study between performance and overhead that system architects can reference to when target systems and specific overheads are presented.
Freezing Injury in Potato Leaves

Time-temperature profiles of freezing leaves from frost-resistant (Solanum acaule Bitt.) and frost-susceptible (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. tuberosum Hawkes) types of potatoes did not reveal any major differences. The pattern of change in resistance of leaves to low voltage, low frequency current during freezing was different in the frost-resistant and susceptible leaves. In tissue sections from both types of leaves, cells freeze extracellularly at cooling velocities lower than 5 C per minute. Cells from leaves of resistant plants showed a higher osmotic pressure but not a higher water permeability than those from susceptible plants. The extent of injury caused by even very slow freezing was greater than that caused by equivalent isopiestic desiccation, particularly in susceptible leaves. The higher osmotic pressure in cells of leaves from resistant plants can account for the greater desiccation resistance but not for the frost resistance observed.
Fresnel-like behavior of guided waves

The reflection and transmission of thin-film guided waves incident at variable angles upon a variety of transverse discontinuities are analyzed. A thin film bounded by semi-infinite media is modeled by a thin film bounded by finite media, terminated at shorting planes situated parallel to and a long distance from the film surfaces. The results obtained with this model are checked against previous calculations for normal incidence onto a waveguide–air endface. For nonnormal incidence upon the interface between two waveguides, various interesting phenomena such as guided-wave equivalents of Brewster’s angle, multiple cutoff angles for both guided waves and radiation fields, and intermode conversion are investigated numerically.
Orale Verabreichung von Protein‐ und Peptidwirkstoffen entlang der Vitamin‐B12‐Route

Der oralen Verabreichung therapeutischer Peptide und Proteine stehen zwei grosere Hindernisse entgegen: der proteolytische Abbau im Magen und ein unzulanglicher Absorptionsmechanismus fur Polypeptide aus dem Darmlumen. Daher mussen Therapeutika auf Proteinbasis uber Injektionen verabreicht werden – ein schmerzhafter Vorgang, der auf geringere Zustimmung beim Patienten stost. Daher war es das Ziel umfangreicher Forschungsarbeiten, diese beiden Hindernisse zu uberwinden und die erfolgreiche orale Verabreichung von Peptidtherapeutika zu ermoglichen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz konzentriert sich auf die orale Peptid/Protein-Verabreichung uber den bestehenden Aufnahmeweg fur Vitamin B12 aus der Nahrung. Aktuelle Fortschritte auf diesem Gebiet schliesen die Verabreichung von Erythropoietin, des Granulocyten stimulierenden Faktors, des Luteinisierungshormon freisetzenden Hormons und von Insulin ein.
Turbulence spectra of CO2, water vapor, temperature and wind velocity fluctuations over a crop surface

A prototype rapid-response CO2 sensor was used in conjunction with a Lyman-alpha hygrometer, fine-wire thermocouples and a three-dimensional drag anemometer to measure CO2, humidity, temperature and wind velocity fluctuations. Measurements were made over a soybean crop grown on relatively flat terrain near Mead, Nebraska.
Conservative treatment of periodontal disease

In order to effect a cure of periodontal disease, all known causes that produce this disease and the effects of those causes must be removed and tissue re­ sistance must be raised.1 Conservative periodontal treatment should utilize all of the reparative processes of the body in eliminating the disease with a minimum of tissue loss. Once maximum oral health has been achieved, it should be main­ tained at that level. Pocket reduction and elimination are one of the aims of conservative treatment. If surgery is attempted first, one of the effects of the disease is eliminated—not the causes.-Afterward conservative meth­ ods, such as instrumentation, home-care and dietary correction, must be instituted to effect a fcure. Therefore, conservative treatment should be used first, as in many instances it obviates the necessity for surgical treatment. In attempting periodontal treatment, the following steps should be taken: the making of a diagnosis and a prognosis; the removal of such irritants as supragingival deposits, subgingival deposits, mechanical, chemical and atmospheric irritants, destructive habits and food im­ paction; the institution of proper home care methods; the correction and fortifi­ cation of nutrition; the equilibration of occlusion; temporary splinting, when in­ dicated; surgery when necessary and the polishing of all exposed tooth surfaces. The removal of common irritants and the best methods of home care to effect the desired goal should be discussed in more detail.
Evaluating Brassica species as an alternative control measure for root-knot nematode (M. incognita) in Georgia vegetable plasticulture

Abstract Multiple Brassica species commonly grown in Georgia were evaluated as a potential alternative to methyl bromide for management of root-knot nematode in vegetables. Brassica species produce general biocides called glucosinolates and were grown as cover crops and incorporated as green manures prior to transplanting of vegetable crop. Nematicidal activity of the Brassica species was based on net changes in nematode population and root damage caused by root-knot infection and feeding. Plant growth and crop yield was also evaluated to determine the response of the subsequent vegetable crop to the incorporated Brassica species. Incorporation of select Brassica species reduced root-knot populations and root damage caused by root-knot infection comparable to non- Brassica species cover crops with metam sodium in most years; however, the level and consistency of the nematicidal activity varied between and within Brassica species. Variations in plant growth and yield were also observed among and with Brassica and non- Brassica species. Generally, increased growth and yield corresponded with cover crop treatments that had the lowest levels of root-knot nematode populations at planting of the subsequent crop. Several cover crop treatments had a negative affect on the growth and yield potential of the vegetable crops. Therefore, a producer will need to choose a Brassica species cover crop that can significantly reduce nematode populations without adversely affecting the growth/yield of the subsequent vegetable crop.
Use of various ultrasonographic criteria to evaluate the efficacy of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether applying modern formulas for mean sac diameter and crown-rump length to data from the recently published US mifepristone-misoprostol abortion trial would result in differences in assigned gestational ages and a higher rate of complete abortion. Study Design: Data from the US mifepristone-misoprostol trial were reanalyzed. The ultrasonographic findings at baseline examination of the 2121 participants were used to estimate gestational age according to criteria established by Rossavik et al for mean sac diameter and by Robinson and Fleming, Hadlock et al, and Goldstein and Wolfson for embryonic pole. The gestational ages as assigned by the different criteria were then compared and the treatment outcomes at various gestational ages were calculated for each of the dating criteria. These findings were compared with those reported in the original study. Results: Fourteen percent of study subjects were assigned to the incorrect gestational age group according to the criteria used for the original report. Still, outcomes according to gestational age group were similar regardless of which ultrasonographic gestational age criteria were used and were comparable to those calculated in the original report. Overall efficacy for subjects at ≤42 days' gestation was 95% to 96%, compared with 91% for subjects at between 43 and 49 days' gestation, when the various criteria were used. Conclusions: The results from the United States mifepristone-misoprostol abortion study were not altered by applying modern and appropriate ultrasonographic dating formulas. The rate of complete abortion was highest among subjects at ≤42 days' gestation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1419-24.)
Discriminative stimulus effects of the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist SR 141716A in rhesus monkeys pretreated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Rationale Drug discrimination can be used to examine tolerance and dependence in agonist-treated animals by establishing an appropriate antagonist as a discriminative stimulus.
3D momentum imaging of molecular dissociation induced by fast, heavy-ion collisions in the strong interaction regime

Abstract A system for recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy (RIMS) of molecular dissociation was constructed and its detailed description is provided. The system was tested by measuring the spectra of kinetic energy release (KER) in the dissociations of doubly and triply charged ions of CO, N2, and O2 molecules produced by bombardment of neutral molecules with 2.5 MeV/u Xe34+ projectiles. Employed calibration procedures and methods of data analysis are described. The KER spectra are characterized by high counting statistics and their associated energy resolution is evaluated in detail. Each spectrum displays a multiple peak structure. A comparison is made with previously published KER spectra for the dissociation of doubly charged ions of CO and N2 molecules and triply charged ions of N2 molecules obtained under similar conditions (i.e., in the strong interaction regime using fast heavy-ion projectiles and measured by means of RIMS), as well as with those for the dissociation of doubly charged ions of CO, N2, and O2 molecules obtained by means of Doppler-free time-of-flight spectrometry using a beam of electrons.
Montmorillonite: a multifunctional mineral catalyst for the prebiological formation of phosphate esters.

Reaction of diiminosuccinonitrile (DISN) with 3′-AMP in the presence of alkali- and alkaline earth-montmorillonites results in the formation of 2′,3′-cAMP in aqueous solution. Little or no 2′,3′-cAMP is produced when metal ion concentrations equivalent to that of the metal ion associated with the homoionic clays are used instead of mobntmorillionite. Yields comparable to those obtained with DISN are obtained when diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) is used in place of DISN as the condensing agent. DAMN, a compound which is more stable than DISN in aqueous solution, is oxidized to DISN on the surface of the clay by Fe+3 in the clay lattice. DISN, the true condensing agent, is thus generated in the presence of the bound 3′-AMP on the montmorillonite surface. The montmorillonite catalyzes the DISN-mediated formation of 2′,3′-cAMP and this product, which binds much less strongly than does the 3′-AMP, is desorbed from the clay surface. This research established that the montmorillonite performs four different functions in its role as catalyst: (1) Binding one of the substrate molecules (3′-AMP) (2) Activating the second substrate (DAMN) (3) Catalyzing the formation of 2′,3′-cAMP (4) Releasing the reaction product so another substrate molecules can bind to the montmorillonite.
Porcine pancreas extract decreases blood-ionized calcium in mice and inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption in culture.

Patients with acute pancreatitis commonly manifest hypocalcemia for reasons which are unknown. We found that porcine pancreas extracts (PX) significantly decreased blood-ionized calcium in Balb/e mice. Partially-purified PX with a molecular mass of approximately 27 kDa decreased blood-ionized calcium in the mice. Partially-purified PX suppressed not only 41Ca release from fetal rat long bones which had been stimulated by parathyroid hormone, interleukin-1 α, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor-α, 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and prostaglandin E2, but tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cell formation in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in mouse marrow cultures. The results suggest that there is an as yet-unidentified bone metabolism-regulating substance in porcine pancreas which might be responsible for the hypocalcemia associated with acute pancreatitis.
Surgeons and their patients disagree regarding cosmetic and overall outcomes after surgery for high-energy lower extremity trauma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether surgeons' and patients' perceptions of outcomes after high-energy lower-extremity trauma are similar and to identify factors associated with disagreement. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Eight level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS: Four hundred sixty-three patients treated for limb-threatening lower extremity injuries and followed for 2 years. INTERVENTION: Information collected on patients and injuries, functional and clinical outcomes, and surgeons' and patients' assessments of satisfaction with cosmetic and overall recovery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Satisfaction ratings compared with weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: We observed very poor agreement between surgeons' and patients' perceptions of cosmetic and overall outcomes. Surgeons and patients agreed on overall outcomes at a rate only 25% higher than expected by chance (kappa = 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.34). The level of disagreement was even higher for cosmetic outcomes as surgeons and patients agreed at a rate only 17% higher than expected by chance (kappa = 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.26). Surgeons were less likely than patients to be satisfied with overall recovery if the patient had an Injury Severity Score >17, had a complication, or failed to return to work at 1 year. Patients were less satisfied than surgeons with overall recovery when the patient was dissatisfied with the quality of medical care. Surgeons were less likely than patients to be satisfied with cosmetic recovery if the patient sustained a traumatic amputation or experienced a complication. Patients were less likely than surgeons to be satisfied with cosmetic recovery if the patient was female or was dissatisfied with his or her medical care. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' perceptions of patients' cosmetic and overall outcomes differed significantly from those of patients. Agreement was significantly worse for certain subgroups of patients. Further study of this discordance might improve our understanding of patient dissatisfaction and allow development of a more patient-centered care process. Language: en
Mechanisms of action of topical therapies and the rationale for combination therapy

The advent of new topical agents such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, as well as the reformulations of older agents in new vehicles, has broadened the treatment approaches to psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The clinician must now consider additional novel physiologic pathways and mechanisms of action as well as expanding options for combination therapy. Combination therapy is especially beneficial when the selected agents possess differing mechanisms of action that provide additive or synergistic efficacy, reducing the required doses of the individual agents compared with monotherapy and potentially limiting side effects. Therapeutic approaches also can be rotated or used in various sequences for maintenance therapy. In psoriasis, a number of trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of combination therapy. Although combination therapy has not been extensively studied in atopic dermatitis, many practitioners combine topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors in their clinical practice because the two drug classes have different and possibly complementary mechanisms of action. For both diseases, the decision as to what agents are combined must also be tempered by patient type, disease presentation or severity, and patient preferences.
Applications of magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computed tomography in emergency medicine

Numerous technical advances have occurred in diagnostic imaging during the past decade, including digital subtraction angiography, ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scanning, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and availability of three-dimensional graphic representation of anatomy acquired through cross-sectional imaging methods. The potential applications of MRI and three-dimensional display CT scanning in the diagnosis of acute trauma are the focuses of this review.
Can good news be bad? The role of brand communication strategy and brand commitment in the announcement of product improvements

Although product improvements are usually good news, this research reveals that brands can be affected negatively depending on the level of brand commitment and on the type of communication strategy chosen by the brand. More specifically, this research examines how high-commitment consumers react to product improvements, and how these consumers respond to a communication strategy in which a brand admits that the new product version improves upon a previous inferior product (herein referred to as ‘honesty strategy’). Results of an online study reveal that product improvement is perceived more negatively by high- (compared to low-) commitment consumers, and that these consumers react more negatively and attribute manipulative intent when the brand uses an honesty strategy. This research shows that brands need to be cautious in communicating product improvements to consumers, particularly to its most committed ones. An admission that a product improvement significantly enhances the quality of a previous (inf...