cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Getting there--working toward minimizing blood loss in scoliosis surgery.

COMMENTARY ON Ryan KM, O'Brien K, Reqan I, O'Byrne JM, Moore D, Kelly PM, et al. The prevalence of abnormal preoperative coagulation tests in pediatric patients undergoing spinal surgery for scoliosis. Spine J 2015;15:1217–22 ( in this issue ).
Anisotropic multi-resolution analysis in 2D, application to long-range correlations in cloud mm-radar fields

Because of Earth`s gravitational field, its atmosphere is strongly anisotropic with respect to the vertical; the effect of the Earth`s rotation on synoptic wind patterns also causes a more subtle form of anisotropy in the horizontal plane. The authors survey various approaches to statistically robust anisotropy from a wavelet perspective and present a new one adapted to strongly non-isotropic fields that are sampled on a rectangular grid with a large aspect ratio. This novel technique uses an anisotropic version of Multi-Resolution Analysis (MRA) in image analysis; the authors form a tensor product of the standard dyadic Haar basis, where the dividing ratio is {lambda}{sub z} = 2, and a nonstandard triadic counterpart, where the dividing ratio is {lambda}{sub x} = 3. The natural support of the field is therefore 2{sup n} pixels (vertically) by 3{sup n} pixels (horizontally) where n is the number of levels in the MRA. The natural triadic basis includes the French top-hat wavelet which resonates with bumps in the field whereas the Haar wavelet responds to ramps or steps. The complete 2D basis has one scaling function and five wavelets. The resulting anisotropic MRA is designed for application to the liquid water content (LWC) field inmore » boundary-layer clouds, as the prevailing wind advects them by a vertically pointing mm-radar system. Spatial correlations are notoriously long-range in cloud structure and the authors use the wavelet coefficients from the new MRA to characterize these correlations in a multifractal analysis scheme. In the present study, the MRA is used (in synthesis mode) to generate fields that mimic cloud structure quite realistically although only a few parameters are used to control the randomness of the LWC`s wavelet coefficients.« less
Communicative action and human rights in Colombia. When words fail

Para el siglo XXI, en la mayoria de Latinoamerica, una combinacion de presion internacional y de la sociedad civil ha producido una reforma notable, si bien incompleta, por los derechos humanos. Sin embargo, en Colombia, asesinatos continuos, secuestros, desplazamiento forzado y tortura han recibido atencion internacional limitada, y han tenido una respuesta Estatal mesclada. Este ensayo argumentara que la estructura simbolica de las violaciones, y el ambiente politico en Colombia, mas alla de limitaciones institucionales o materiales, disminuyen el impacto de la sociedad civil y la respuesta del Estado. La accion comunicativa y sus carencias son la clave a la persistencia del abuso y la demora en la respuesta internacional en Colombia. Especificamente, rastrearemos problemas en la definicion de derechos, identificacion de victimas, reclamos de legitimidad del Estado, discurso de atribucion causal, y las dinamicas de la comunicacion transnacional.
Two-person insurance negotiation

Abstract This paper considers a risk-neutral insurer and a risk-averse individual who bargain over the terms of an insurance contract. The Core and the Nash solution to this bargaining game are characterized. It is shown that the insurer's expected profit is higher when bargaining with a more risk-averse individual.
Temik contamination in a surface water system and its potential effect on a daphnid species in Florida

Abstract Preliminary sampling of the Caloosahatchee River, which serves as a source of drinking water for the city of Ft Myers, Florida, showed that aldicarb, aldicarb sulphoxide and aldicarb sulphone had contaminated the river. These toxicants are associated with the pesticide Temik. Concentrations of total residue were as high as 17·9 μg litre −1 at one site, but contaminants were never detected in final (treated) drinking water. Concentrations of only 10 μg litre −1 of aldicarb sulphoxide have significant impacts on the life history characteristics of a common Florida daphnid, Daphnia laevis . We suggest that Temik use in Florida, and perhaps elsewhere, may prove detrimental to the biota of surface water systems.
Pericytes and their role in microvasculature homeostasis.

Background The microvascular pericyte was first described in 1873, though it is a cell that has largely been ignored in the clinical literature. Pericytes are multifunctional, polymorphic, perivascular cells that lie within, and contribute to the production of the microvessel basil lamina. Materials The pericyte is the second cell that comprises the capillary wall, and is in a prime location to be involved with microvascular permeability. The exact sequence of events in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is unknown, though increased permeability (pulmonary edema) is the primary physiological abnormality seen in the early stages. Pericytes are crucial in the development of capillary leak and pulmonary edema seen in ARDS. Pericytes regulate permeability through contractility and apoptosis. Results Changes in pericyte contractility alter the physical capillary barrier by opening the endothelial junctional space, and are reversible. Pericyte apoptosis leads to a compromise of the barrier effect of the capillary wall, and is a more permanent change. Conclusions The purpose of this paper is to review publications of pericyte physiological and pathophysiologic interactions in regards to contractility, apoptosis, and permeability.
Exposure to dioxin and dioxin‐like compounds as a potential factor in developmental disabilities

The role of genetics in determining developmental disorders has been realized for many decades. But it is only relatively recently that a number of environmental chemicals have been recognized to affect developing tissues. One particular class of these, the dioxin-like compounds, are persistent environmental contaminants. Humans are exposed to these chemicals through a number of sources, and thus have a “background” body burden. Work in experimental animals indicates that these compounds affect cell proliferation and differentiation, are tumor promoters, and are potent immune, developmental, and reproductive toxicants. These studies also indicate that developing systems are sensitive targets for these chemicals. More recent studies examining children exposed to levels of these compounds that are within a range of background exposures are suggestive that subtle, yet significant, neuroendocrine and immune effects occur. All evidence to date indicates that these compounds produce their biological and toxicological effects by binding to a gene regulatory protein, the Ah receptor, the normal function and endogenous ligand of which have not been identified. Data on the biochemistry of this protein indicates well-regulated and conserved pathways for it to control the synthesis and activity of a number of hormones and growth factors. These and other data suggest that the Ah receptor may be necessary for the normal development of many tissues, including those in the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Further research is necessary to determine whether low-level exposure to these chemicals is related to neuroendocrine-related developmental disabilities. In particular, an exposure level that does or does not lead to functional developmental effects needs to be determined. The ability of these chemicals to act as co-factors in genetically related disabilities also needs to be assessed. In the absence of this information, avoidance of excess exposure to these chemicals is recommended. This should be guided by knowledge of sources and concentrations in foods and coupled with sound and nutritionally based public health advisories at both the state and local levels. MRDD Research Reviews 1997;3:230–238. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Physiological responses to known intake of ergot alkaloids by steers at environmental temperatures within or greater than their thermoneutral zone.

Two studies separated effects of dietary ergot alkaloids from effects of feed intake or ambient temperature on respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), surface temperature (ST), rectal temperature (RT), blood pressure (BP), serum hormone, and plasma metabolite concentrations in beef steers. The balanced, single reversal design for each experiment used 8 beef steers fed tall fescue seed (2.5 g/kg body weight, (BW)) with (E+) or without (E-) ergot alkaloids as part of a 60:40 switchgrass hay: supplement diet. Periods were 35 d with 21 d of preliminary phase and 14 d of feeding fescue seed once daily. Measures of dependent variables were collected on d 20, 25, 29 and 35 of each period at 0730 (before feeding), 1230 and 1530. In Expt 1 steers weighed 286 kg, gained 0.61 kg BW/d, E+ supplied 2.72 mg ergot alkaloids including 1.60 mg ergovaline per steer daily, and mean minimum and maximum daily ambient temperatures were 23.6 and 32.3°C. In Expt 2 steers weighed 348 kg, gained 1.03 kg BW/d, E+ supplied 3.06 mg ergot alkaloids including 2.00 mg ergovaline daily, and mean minimum and maximum daily ambient temperatures were 11.9 and 17.4°C. Dry matter intake was not affected by fescue seed treatment (P < 0.20) in either experiment. In both experiments, E+ reduced HR (P < 0.01) and increased insulin (P = 0.07). Systolic BP minus diastolic BP decreased (P< 0.05) for E+ in both experiments, due to increased diastolic BP in Expt 1 (P < 0.03) and decreased systolic BP in Expt 2 (P < 0.07). In Expt 1, above the thermoneutral zone, E+ increased (P< 0.05) RR, RT and left side ST in comparison to E-, but in Expt 2, within the thermoneutral zone, E+ and E- did not differ (P < 0.18). Ergot alkaloids from fescue seed affect the cardiovascular system of steers separately from effects of feed intake or environmental temperature. Ergot alkaloids interact with ambient temperatures above the steers’ thermoneutral zone to exacerbate the symptoms of hyperthermic stress.
On the offshore circulation and a convergence mechanism in the Red Tide region off the west coast of Florida

The offshore water is shown to move as a single column. The sloping bottom and the equation of continuity are then applied to show the existence of a horizontal convergence mechanism which, over a period of several weeks, may effect a several-fold increase in concentration of floating particles. The southbound current in the ‘loop’ is thought of as a Rossby jet which drives the cyclonic eddy offshore. Consideration of the abbreviated vorticity equation, together with the fact of sloping bottom, show that the southeastern quadrant of the cyclonic eddy possesses increasing negative vorticity and hence the organisms previously concentrated will tend to wash ashore. Some consideration of the effects of wind are also included.
Antitumorigenic and antipromoting activities of ellagic acid, ellagitannins and oligomeric anthocyanin and procyanidin

We previously showed that ellagic acid (EA) was inhibiting lung tumorigenesis induced by the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in A/J mice. In the present study, we observed that the inhibition of lung tumorigenesis was independent of the solvent used to purified EA. Pomegranate peels extract containing punicalagin (alpha and beta anomers) (10 g/kg diet) and oligomeric anthocyanins (6 g/kg diet) did not inhibit lung tumorigenesis. Raspberry extract (2x15 mg) containing sanguiin H6 and lambertianin D as well as oligomeric procyanidins (2x15 mg) inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity by about 30%. The same treatments inhibit TPA-stimulated hydroperoxide (HPx) production by about 30 and 70%. Raspberry ellagitannins and oligomeric procyanidins respectively inhibit TPA stimulated DNA synthesis by 42 and 26%. Our results su est that hydrolyzable and condensed tannins from various sources, which can inhibit the ODC, HPx, and DNA responses to TPA, might also inhibit the tumor-promoting activity of this agent. The results of this study show that EA and ellagitannins have different antitumorigenic and antipromoting activities.
Isotopic Paleoceanography of the Caribbean and East Pacific: Role of Panama Uplift in Late Neogene Time

Comparisons of carbon isotopic data on benthic foraminifera from Deep Sea Drilling Project sites 502 (western Caribbean) and 503 (eastern Pacific) indicate that the difference between the Atlantic and the Pacific in the per mil enrichment in carbon-13 of total dissolved carbon dioxide increased about 6 million years ago and again 3 million years ago, when the difference reached the modern level (1 per mil). Comparisons of planktonic foraminiferal oxygen isotopic data for the Caribbean and the Pacific suggest that the salinity of Caribbean surface waters began increasing 4 million years ago, possibly in response to shoaling of the Panama isthmus. These results suggest that modern circulation patterns in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific developed by 3 million years ago in concert with changing tectonic, climatic, and biogeographic patterns.
Nucleosome Positioning: Multiple Mechanisms toward a Unifying Goal

In this issue, Hughes et al. (2012) show that nucleosome positioning is determined not by any single mechanism, but by the coordinated action of multiple factors, including the underlying DNA sequence, species-specific DNA binding proteins, chromatin remodelers, and the transcription machinery.
Stochastic quantization of matrix and lattice gauge models

We introduce a stochastic diffusion equation and the Fokker-Planck equation for various matrix models including the $\mathrm{U}(N)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(N)$ chiral model and lattice gauge theories. It is shown how to calculate various $\mathrm{U}(N)$ integrals using the stochastic equation. In particular, in the external-field problem, the exact large-$N$ result (in the weak-coupling region) is reproduced and a $\frac{1}{{N}^{2}}$ correction is computed. Also, the order parameter $〈\mathrm{det}U〉$ is calculated up to order $\frac{1}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}}$. In the $\mathrm{U}(N)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(N)$ chiral model, the large-$N$ reduction and quenching is done in the context of stochastic quantization, and the semiclassical results of Bars, Gunaydin, and Yankielowicz for the free energy and the two-point correlation function are derived. In lattice gauge theory, a very simple way of deriving the complete Schwinger-Dyson equations from the Fokker-Planck equation is demonstrated and, as in the chiral model, a reduced, quenched stochastic equation is derived.
Mobile Phones: The Next Step towards Healthcare Delivery in Rural India?

Background Given the ubiquity of mobile phones, their use to support healthcare in the Indian context is inevitable. It is however necessary to assess end-user perceptions regarding mobile health interventions especially in the rural Indian context prior to its use in healthcare. This would contextualize the use of mobile phone communication for health to 70% of the country's population that resides in rural India. Objectives To explore the acceptability of delivering healthcare interventions through mobile phones among users in a village in rural Bangalore. Methods This was an exploratory study of 488 mobile phone users, residing in a village, near Bangalore city, Karnataka, South India. A pretested, translated, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on mobile phone usage patterns and acceptability of the mobile phone, as a tool for health-related communication. The data is described using basic statistical measures. Results The primary use of mobile phones was to make or receive phone calls (100%). Text messaging (SMS) was used by only 70 (14%) of the respondents. Most of the respondents, 484 (99%), were willing to receive health-related information on their mobile phones and did not consider receiving such information, an intrusion into their personal life. While receiving reminders for drug adherence was acceptable to most 479 (98%) of our respondents, 424 (89%) preferred voice calls alone to other forms of communication. Nearly all were willing to use their mobile phones to communicate with health personnel in emergencies and 367 (75%) were willing to consult a doctor via the phone in an acute illness. Factors such as sex, English literacy, employment status, and presence of chronic disease affected preferences regarding mode and content of communication. Conclusion The mobile phone, as a tool for receiving health information and supporting healthcare through mHealth interventions was acceptable in the rural Indian context.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Acidic Organic Species from Athabasca Bitumen Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil, Analyzed by Negative-Ion Electrospray Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) Mass Spectrometry

We examine suspected molecular transformations of thermally treated Athabasca bitumen heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) by ultrahigh-resolution negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Liquid products from HVGOs treated under an inert N2 atmosphere at temperatures of 300, 325, 350, and 400 °C were each characterized by class (heteroatom content), type (double-bond equivalents = number of rings plus double bonds to carbon), and carbon number distribution. In addition, the inert N2 sweep gas of the autoclave was collected, condensed, and analyzed. The total acid number (TAN) of the HVGO liquid products decreases with an increasing treatment temperature (from 4.13 at 300 °C to 1.46 at 400 °C), indicative of potential carboxylic acid decomposition. The highly abundant O2 class contains species with DBE = 3; however, no compositional changes occur with increased treatment temperature. A bimodal DBE distribution is observed for the S1O2 class, suggesting two po...
Dynamic observations and atomistic simulations of dislocation–defect interactions in rapidly quenched copper and gold

Dislocation interactions with quenched-in defects, which are either partial or complete stacking-fault tetrahedra, in copper and gold have been studied by combining static and dynamic transmission electron microscope studies with molecular dynamics computer simulations. The interaction of a dislocation with a stacking-fault tetrahedron can result in the tetrahedron being sheared into two defects, converted to another defect type, or annihilated. These observations provide insight into defect interaction and annihilation mechanisms that are responsible for creating the defect-free channels in deformed irradiated material.
Store-operated calcium channel inhibition attenuates neutrophil function and post-shock acute lung injury

Introduction: Neutrophil (PMN) functions are regulated by cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i). Calcium channel blockade could therefore limit the inflammatory response to shock, but current calcium channel blockers target L-type channels and thus can exacerbate shock. PMN Ca2+ mobilization however, occurs via store-operated calcium channels (SOCC) that can be targeted selectively. We hypothesized that SOCC blockade might suppress PMN function, lessening lung injury in shock while avoiding compromise of cardiovascular compensations. Methods: Human PMN chemotaxis (CTX) was studied in a modified Boyden chamber in the presence of N-propargyl-nitrendipine (MRS1845), an inhibitor of SOCC. Rats then underwent trauma and hemorrhagic shock (laparotomy plus hemorrhage to MAP 30–40mmHg × 90min [T/HS]) with 30 microM MRS or vehicle (DMSO) given IP at laparotomy. PMN CD11b expression (flow cytometry) and lung injury (% Evans Blue dye [EBD] leak) were studied 3h-post resuscitation. The volume of shed blood needed to achieve shock was measured. Results: In vitro, MRS1845 caused dose-dependent suppression of CTX (IC50 = 30 microM, P<0.01). In vivo, MRS1845 decreased post-shock PMN CD11b expression (397 ± 93 vs 268 ± 39 MFU, P<0.05) and decreased lung permeability to EBD (3.4 ± 0.1 vs. 8.1 ± 1.9%, P<0.05). MRS1845 had no effect on BP or on shed blood volume (26 ± 2 ml/kg vs. 27 ± 3 ml/kg, NS). Conclusions: Modulating PMN Ca2+ entry via selective SOCC inhibition suppressed PMN function in vitro and lung injury in vivo without hemodynamic side effects. The relative specificity of SOCC blockade for “non-excitable” immunocytes may make it a valuable form of chemoprophylaxis for controlling the inflammatory consequences of shock and trauma.
Infinite-layer (Ca1−xSrxCuO2) film growth by molecular beam epitaxy and effect of hole doping

We have grown infinite-layer (Ca1−xSrxCuO2) epitaxial films using ozone assisted molecular beam epitaxy. In situ reflective high energy electron diffraction analysis shows that two-dimensional defect-free films can be obtained for limited composition (0.15<x<0.8) with low temperature seed layer growth scheme. We have also studied various hole doping (oxygenation, vacancy, and Na substitution for Ca) effects on the resistivity of the films. Although we have observed substantial drops in the film resistivity for all three doping schemes, superconductivity is not observed for any of them.
Abstract 2242: The MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways in breast cancer: Crosstalk mechanisms and the effect on cell proliferation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The purpose of the current study is to assess crosstalk between the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways in breast cancer. More specifically, the goal is to investigate the interaction between the extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 and 5 (ERK1/2 and ERK5) and Akt and how these kinases act in concert to promote sustained proliferation in a breast cancer model. The MAPK and PI3K pathways mediate numerous cellular processes, including differentiation, growth, proliferation, and survival. To date, most related studies have focused on assessment of the crosstalk mechanisms between ERK1/2 and Akt, while the interplay of ERK5 has remained largely unstudied. Breast cancer patients with increased levels of ERK5 have been found to have a poorer prognosis than patients with lower levels, warranting further investigation of this kinase. The interaction between ERK5 and ERK1/2, as well as between ERK5 and Akt, and how these signaling mechanisms act in conjunction to promote cell proliferation in breast cancer cells remains to be elucidated. The BT-474 (ER+/PR+/HER2+) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) human breast cancer cell lines were utilized to examine ERK1/2, ERK5 and Akt activation following treatment with ERK and Akt inhibitors or siRNA for these kinases, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to determine expression and activation of the kinases. An MTT assay was used to assess changes in cell proliferation following kinase inhibition for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. In vivo studies utilizing the transgenic MMTV-neu mouse model were also performed. In the BT-474 cell line, inhibition of Akt resulted in increased ERK1/2 and ERK5 expression and activation. Interestingly, the increases in both total and phosphorylated ERK1/2 and ERK5 following Akt-inhibition were dose-dependent, meriting further study. Excised mammary tumors from our animal model demonstrated an age-dependent increase in both ERK1/2 and ERK5. Notably, an age-dependent decrease in Akt was also observed, supporting the hypothesis that crosstalk between these pathways may exist. Future studies involving dual kinase inhibition are planned to further assess crosstalk and proliferation. The data obtained from these studies indicate the presence of crosstalk between the ERK1/2, ERK5 and Akt pathways. A better understanding of this crosstalk may lead to patient-specific drug regimens to decrease the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics and improve patient mortality. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2242. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2242
Ascorbate oxidase. I. Oxidase activity, copper content and conformational changes.

Summary 1. Analyses of ascorbate oxidase ( L -ascorbate: O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.3.3) at pH 3.6 showed a loss of both oxidase activity and copper content. The losses occurred in a non-parallel fashion (activity loss faster than copper loss) and suggest that the enzymatic Cu(II) fraction may be lost at a faster rate than the non-enzymatic Cu(I). However, the non-parallel loss in activity and copper content is consistent with the view that the enzyme is only fully active when the prosthetic copper atoms exist and function in specifically oriented groups of two or more. Consequently, the loss of a single copper atom would cause loss in activity proportionately higher than the copper loss. The changes were temperature dependent and were accompanied by an irreversible unfolding (with subsequent aggregation) of the protein moiety of the enzyme. 2. At pH 10.4 or higher, an apparent dissociation of the enzyme occurred without change of copper content although the characteristic absorbance at 608 mμ was lost. Molecular weight data indicated the existence of at least two subunits in the enzyme. Evidence was also presented which suggested that partial renaturation of the pH 11 species had been achieved.
Prohibitive tariffs on used vehicles: Aid or obstacle to the development process?

One of the protective devices used by less developed nations to stimulate their automotive industries is a prohibitive tariff on used vehicles. The purpose of this note is to demonstrate that this restriction, via adjustments in the stock and age composition of vehicles, might reduce employment in the tariff levying nation's automotive industry, might increase that nation's demand for foreign exchange, and will violate stated (egalitarian) income distribution goals. The behaviour of the individual vehicle consumer will be analyzed first and market consumption adjustments brought about by various vehicle tariffs will be determined. Supply characteristics of the automotive industry are then presented, and the employment effects of a prohibitive tariff on used vehicles will be examined. Balance of payments and income redistribution effects are briefly considered.
Punishment levels and the response of black-capped chickadees (Parus atricapillus) to three kinds of artificial seeds

Abstract Groups of black-capped chickadees (Parus atricapillus) were presented with striped seeds which were empty (group A birds), or were filled with a mealworm to which salt had been added (group B birds), or contained mealworms adulterated with quinine sulphate (group C birds). Each bird was offered a total of ten seeds, eight over the first 3 days of the experiment and two more after a 6-day pause. During the first few presentations, the emetic quinine mealworm seed was avoided the most, the distasteful salted mealworm seed proved to be next most aversive, and the no-reward seed was not avoided. However, as the number of presentations increased, the empty seed proved to be as free from attack as the salted mealworm filled seed. In particular, following the 6-day pause, the emetic and empty seeds were rejected to the same degree as they had been after the initial eight presentations. But the birds given a salted mealworm seed attacked it at a significantly higher level than they had at the end of eight presentations. Thus, in the long run, the empty and emetic seeds were more effective in eliciting stable avoidance than was the salted mealworm seed. An attack on the latter yielded an ambiguous result; there was a food reward available to a bird willing to have contact with large amounts of salt. Thus rejection of the salted mealworm seeds was neither speedy nor well fixed compared to the empty seed despite the fact that there was a higher level of negative reinforcement associated with the salted mealworm seed. The rapid and stable avoidance of the empty and emetic seeds may be attributed to the absence of any sort of food reward in either kind of seed. The nutritive value of a prey, rather than its associated punishing qualities, will determine the degree of protection from predation enjoyed by that prey.
Effect of air shear on gas absorption by a liquid film

Rates of oxygen absorption from turbulent air by a concurrently flowing liquid film were measured in an enclosed 2.54 cm × 30.5 cm rectangular channel. The effect of liquid viscosity is varied by using water and a water-glycerine solution. The results are interpreted by arguing that flow fluctuations in the liquid that control mass transfer are associated with waves of small wavelength at the interface.
Unstable infectivity and sedimentable ds-RNA associated with lettuce speckles mottle virus

Infectivity associated with extracts of lettuce speckles mottle virus (LSMV)-infected tissues is unstable and is susceptible to short periods of aging in vitro or low concentrations of RNase. Infected leaves extracted using phenol yielded greater infectivity than comparable tissue extracted with buffer. No typical virus particles were observed in infected tissues or clarified preparations, but 50- to 70-nm spherical membranous particles were observed associated with the tonoplast in vacuoles of infected cells. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of nucleic acids from infected tissue and LSMV-clarified preparations revealed abundant double-stranded RNA (ds-RNA) in both preparations. A species of LSMV-specific single-stranded RNA (ss-RNA) was also present in LSMV bentonite-clarified preparations. Infectivity was associated only with the ss-RNA fraction. Quantitative isolation of ds-RNA from whole tissue and clarified preparations showed the majority of the ds-RNA was recovered from the bentonite-clarified fractions, and this RNA appeared to be associated with a relatively small structure of a low buoyant density. These data suggest that LSMV lacks a functional coat protein and the sedimentable dsRNA fraction from LSMV-infected tissues more likely contains a viral-specific replication site and not true virus particles.
Apparent diffusion coefficient quantification as an early imaging biomarker of response and predictor of survival following yttrium-90 radioembolization for unresectable infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis

To investigate early diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 30-days post-yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization as a predictor of treatment response and survival in unresectable infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In a prospective study, 18 consecutive patients with unresectable infiltrative HCC and PVT underwent Y-90 therapy. MR imaging was obtained pre Y-90, and at 1 and 3 months post-therapy with DWI fat-suppressed tri-directional diffusion gradient (b = 50, 400, 800 s/mm2). Response was evaluated using target mRECIST and EASL. Relative change in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of tumors was evaluated. Statistical analysis using receiver operator characteristic curves was performed. Paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used to assess intra- and inter-observer variability. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimation and log-rank test. Mean ADC values of all HCC’s at baseline and at 30-days post-Y90 therapy was 0.86 × 10−3 and 1.17×10−3 mm2/s, respectively (p 30% increase in ADC value at 30-days was found to be at least 90% sensitive in predicting response at 90 days. A >30% increase in ADC value at 30-days predicted significantly prolonged survival. A 30% increase in ADC value at 30-days measured post Y90 is a reproducible early imaging response biomarker predicting tumor response and prolonged survival following Y-90 therapy in infiltrative HCC with PVT.
Sex differences in Seoul virus infection are not related to adult sex steroid concentrations in Norway rats.

Field studies of hantavirus infection in rodents report that a higher percentage of infected individuals are males than females. To determine whether males were more susceptible to hantavirus infection than females, adult male and female Long Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) were inoculated with doses of Seoul virus ranging from 10−4 to 106 PFU. The 50% infective doses (ID50) were not significantly different for male and female rats (100.05 and 100.8 PFU, respectively). To determine whether sex differences in response to infection were related to circulating sex steroid hormones, sex steroid concentrations were manipulated and antibody responses and virus shedding were assessed following inoculation with the ID90. Regardless of hormone treatment, males had higher anti-Seoul virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG2a (i.e., Th1) responses than females and IgG1 (i.e., Th2) responses similar to those of females. Males also shed virus in saliva and feces longer than females. Manipulation of sex steroids in adulthood did not alter immune responses or virus shedding, suggesting that sex steroids may organize adult responses to hantavirus earlier during ontogeny.
Coronavirus avian infectious bronchitis virus.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), the coronavirus of the chicken (Gallus gallus), is one of the foremost causes of economic loss within the poultry industry, affecting the performance of both meat-type and egg-laying birds. The virus replicates not only in the epithelium of upper and lower respiratory tract tissues, but also in many tissues along the alimentary tract and elsewhere e.g. kidney, oviduct and testes. It can be detected in both respiratory and faecal material. There is increasing evidence that IBV can infect species of bird other than the chicken. Interestingly breeds of chicken vary with respect to the severity of infection with IBV, which may be related to the immune response. Probably the major reason for the high profile of IBV is the existence of a very large number of serotypes. Both live and inactivated IB vaccines are used extensively, the latter requiring priming by the former. Their effectiveness is diminished by poor cross-protection. The nature of the protective immune response to IBV is poorly understood. What is known is that the surface spike protein, indeed the amino-terminal S1 half, is sufficient to induce good protective immunity. There is increasing evidence that only a few amino acid differences amongst S proteins are sufficient to have a detrimental impact on cross-protection. Experimental vector IB vaccines and genetically manipulated IBVs - with heterologous spike protein genes - have produced promising results, including in the context of in ovo vaccination.
Performance of the polypropylene fiber tailstring on the Copper 7 intrauterine device.

New and used polypropylene tailstrings from the Copper 7 (CU-7) IUD were examined by a combination of analytical techniques. Optical microscopy scanning acoustic and electron microscopy x-ray diffraction energy dispersive x-ray analysis and chemical etching were used to elucidate both the surface and interior morphology of new CU-7 tailstrings. Tailstrings removed from women following varying periods of use were investigated with optical microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In addition a subset of the used tailstrings were cultured to identify the types of microorganisms associated with them. The authors findings show that unused Cu-7 tailstrings are in various stages of degradation owing to a combination of factors which include the high-draw ratio employed during manufacturing the method of packaging and the use of a particulate colorant. Furthermore it is evident that used Cu-7 tailstrings undergo major deterioration while in situ because of the unfavorable interactions between the highly drawn polypropylene and the physiological environment. These results indicate that the polypropylene tailstrings as manufactured for use with the CU-7 IUD fail to meet accepted design criteria for biomedical implants. (authors)
Longitudinal change in regional brain volumes in prodromal Huntington disease

Objective As therapeutics are being developed to target the underlying neuropathology of Huntington disease, interest is increasing in methodologies for conducting clinical trials in the prodromal phase. This study was designed to examine the potential utility of structural MRI measures as outcome measures for such trials. Methods Data are presented from 211 prodromal individuals and 60 controls, scanned both at baseline and at the 2-year follow-up. Prodromal participants were divided into groups based on proximity to estimated onset of diagnosable clinical disease: far (>15 years from estimated onset), mid (9–15 years) and near ( Results All prodromal groups showed a faster rate of atrophy than controls in striatum, total brain and cerebral white matter (especially in the frontal lobe). Neither prodromal participants nor controls showed any significant longitudinal change in cortex (either total cortical grey or within individual lobes). When normal age-related atrophy (ie, change observed in the control group) was taken into account, there was more statistically significant disease-related atrophy in white matter than in striatum. Conclusion Measures of volume change in striatum and white-matter volume, particularly in the frontal lobe, may serve as excellent outcome measures for future clinical trials in prodromal Huntington disease. Clinical trials using white matter or striatal volume change as an outcome measure will be most efficient if the sample is restricted to individuals who are within 15 years of estimated onset of diagnosable disease.
SPIN CORRELATION PHENOMENA IN THE REACTION /anti N/a + Nb $Yields$ /anti Y/ c + Yd

Reactions of the type ${\overline{N}}_{a}+{N}_{b}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\overline{Y}}_{c}+{Y}_{d}$, where ${N}_{a}$ and ${N}_{b}$ are nucleons, and ${Y}_{c}$ and ${Y}_{d}$ are hyperons, occur with significant probabilities in the interactions of energetic antinucleons. Particular examples which have been studied recently are the reactions $\overline{p}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}+\ensuremath{\Lambda}, \overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}+{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}, {\overline{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}^{0}+\ensuremath{\Lambda}, {\overline{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$. Pais has discussed some consequences for the reaction cross sections and the polarizations of the final particles of the presumed invariance of the relevant strong interactions under the parity and charge-conjugation operations. In the present paper, these considerations are extended to encompass two-particle spin correlations in the ${\overline{Y}}_{c}$, ${Y}_{d}$ system. Measurements of the correlation parameters would provide tests for charge conjugation, parity, and $\mathrm{CP}$ invariance in the strong interactions of strange particles, and could, in addition, be used to check the relation between antihyperon and hyperon decay asymmetry parameters predicted on $\mathrm{CPT}$ and $T$ invariance for the weak interactions, that ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\overline{Y}}=\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{Y}$. Moreover, measurements of the spin correlation parameters would provide valuable information about the spin dependence of the reactions, hence, some tests for the models have been proposed for the reaction mechanism. Calculations by Bessis, Itzykson, and Jacob, and by Sopkovich using specific models suggest that the correlation parameters may be measurably large. We consider finally in an Appendix the relation between the Wolfenstein-Ashkin spin transition matrix which is used in the body of the paper, and the relativistic parametrization of the transition amplitude in the helicity representation. The general partial-wave expansions of the coefficient functions in the transition matrix are derived.
Period and amplitude halving in mesoscopic rings with spin

Consideration de la variation des courants persistants avec le flux, dans les anneaux mesoscopiques traverses par le flux magnetique, et extension des arguments bien connus pour inclure les particules de spin 1/2. On trouve plusieurs consequences interessantes du spin telles que: la division de la periode et de l'amplitude par deux dans un seul anneau sous l'inclusion des interactions electron-electron, des canaux transverses, ou du desordre. Ces consequences dependent sensiblement du nombre fixe (modulo 4) des particules sur un anneau donne, et conduisent a de fortes fluctuations entre les echantillons contenant un petit nombre d'anneaux
Positron lifetime & X-ray particle size measurements during the high cycle fatigue of AISI 4340 steel

Experiments to study elastic fatigue of tempered AISI 4340 steel are described. The general conclusion is that 4340 steel, hardened and tempered to a low hardness level and fatigued at a maximum cyclic stress of two-thirds the yield stress, will initially cyclicly harden and then alternately soften and harden, especially if there are frequent rests in the fatigue history. (GHT)
Conformation of polyesters adsorbed on solid surfaces

The conformation of a polyester, poly(ethylene o-phthalate), of relatively low molecular weight was studied after adsorption. The extension of the adsorbed molecule in a poor solvent on several planar metal surfaces was studied by ellipsometry and the fraction p of attached groups on colloidal silica particles in a good solvent was determined by the shift in the infrared absorption frequency between free and adsorbed carbonyl groups. In contrast to previously reported results for polystyrene, the extension normal to the surface remained constant (∼70 A.) while the concentration of polymer in the adsorbed film increased during the adsorption period. The value of p (0.34 for MW = 5400) is relatively high and was independent of surface population for the range of solution concentrations measured. Differences between these results and those for polystyrene are interpreted as resulting from differences in interaction energy and chain stiffness.
Diterpene formamides from the tropical marine sponge Cymbastela hooperi and their antimalarial activity in vitro.

Further investigations of the VLC (vacuum-liquid chromatography) fractions obtained from the dichloromethane solubles of the tropical marine sponge Cymbastela hooperi led to the isolation and characterization of five new diterpene formamides, 1−5. Compound 1 is one of the very few examples of a natural product that contains both formamide and isonitrile functionalities within the same molecule. In in vitro antiplasmodial bioassays, 1 was found to have moderate activity (IC50 0.5 μg/mL), 2 had weak activity (IC50 14.8 μg/mL), and 3−5 were inactive. The pattern of activity found for the metabolites investigated in the current study is consistent with previous findings for these classes of molecules.
Antifungal copyrine alkaloids: crystal structure of 3-methylsampangine

3-Methylsampangine, C16H10N2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c witha=7.260(3),b=10.697(5),c=15.342(6) A, and β=102.69(4). All nonhydrogen atoms of this potent antifungal agent are planar to within 0.082 A. The title compound exhibits potentin vitro antifungal activity againstC. neoformans, C. albicans andA. fumigatus.
Examining the Unexpected: Outlier Analyses of Factors Affecting Student Achievement.

In this study, we predicted achievement based on a variety of school demographic and background variables and identified schools that had achievement profiles that exceeded or fell short of their e...
Mechanical properties of nanocrystalline Fe–Pb and Fe–Al2O3

Abstract Fe, Fe–Al 2 O 3 , and Fe–Pb nanocrystalline alloys were prepared using ball milling. Fe–Al 2 O 3 forms a nanocomposite and rule-of-mixtures hardening occurs with an additional contribution due to grain size reduction during milling. Fe–Pb forms a non-equilibrium solid solution where hardening appears to be modulated by Pb clustering and segregation to grain boundaries.
Pseudorandom generators and learning algorithms for AC 0

For anyAC 0 functionf ofn bits, there is a polynomialp such that anyp(logn)-wise decomposable distribution “fools”f. In other words,f cannot distinguish between the pseudorandom strings in the distribution and truly random strings. The polynomialp depends only on the size and depth of the circuit computingf. This subsumes and extends the class of distributions that were previously known to foolAC 0 functions, and partially answers an open question posed by Linial and Nisan in 1990, as to whether every polylog-wise independent distribution foolsAC 0 functions or not. Each polylog-wise decomposable distribution serves as a fixed training set of examples for learning (approximately interpolating) allAC 0 functions computed by circuits of some fixed depth and size. Furthermore, small, natural distributions (training sets) exist that yield deterministic learning algorithms that run in timeO (2polylogn ) forAC 0 functions, where the degree of the polylog depends on the size and depth of the circuit to be learnt. This improves on the randomized algorithms with the same time complexity given, for example, by Linialet al. in 1989, where the examples for the training set are picked randomly from specific distributions.
Incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis during 18 years of vaccine use: observational study using routine hospital data

Despite the spectacular success of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines in the developed world,1 failures have become more common in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where the incidence of invasive Hib diseases at age 0-4 years per 100 000 increased from 0.66 in 1998 to 2.96 in 2001.2 An immunological defect is not to blame. This increase in failure coincided with the change from whole cell pertussis to combined three component acellular vaccine (DTaP-Hib). This combination lowers Hib antibodies.3 The clinical significance is unclear. Acellular vaccine cannot be blamed in the Netherlands, where whole cell vaccine was still used.4 Both countries have been giving Hib vaccination at age 2, 3, and 4 months; a booster at 11 months is given in the Netherlands. Another characteristic in the United Kingdom is concomitant meningococcal group C conjugate. Replacement of serotypes other than Hib in severe diseases has also raised concern. Because H influenzae meningitis in the Greater …
Comparison of 2 estrous synchronization protocols for use with X-sorted semen in lactating beef cows

A study investigated whether prostaglandin injection on d 7 of a modified 14-d progesterone protocol improved estrous response in beef cows, and the effect of insemination timing on conception rate when using X-sorted semen. Treatment 1 (control; n = 132) cows received a CIDR progesterone insert from d 0 to 14, gonadorelin treatment on d 16, and prostaglandin F2α treatment on d 23. Treatment 2 (n = 132) cows received the same synchronization treatment, except an additional dose of prostaglandin F2α was given on d 7 of CIDR treatment. Cows were observed for estrus over an 84-h period and inseminated with X-sorted semen either 9 to 15 h or 16 to 24 h after detected estrus, followed 10 d later by exposure to fertile bulls for 45 d. Percentage of cows exhibiting estrus did not differ (P = 0.33) at 76.5 and 71.2% for treatments 1 and 2, respectively. Conception rates after AI with X-sorted semen were similar (P = 0.64) at 63.3 and 66.7% for treatments 1 and 2, respectively. Time of insemination had no effect (P = 0.72) on conception rate. At the end of the breeding season, overall pregnancy rates were also similar (P = 0.74) at 83.3 and 84.9% for cows in treatments 1 and 2, respectively. Results demonstrated no benefit to addition of prostaglandin F2α on d 7 to the estrous synchronization protocol and that acceptable conception rates can be achieved in lactating beef cows when using X-sorted semen over a range of insemination times.