cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Polymorphism and Natural Selection in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum

We have studied the genetic polymorphism at 10 Plasmodium falciparum loci that are considered potential targets for specific antimalarial vaccines. The polymorphism is unevenly distributed among the loci; loci encoding proteins expressed on the surface of the sporozoite or the merozoite (AMA-1, CSP, LSA-1, MSP-1, MSP-2, and MSP-3) are more polymorphic than those expressed during the sexual stages or inside the parasite (EBA-175, Pfs25, PF48/45, and RAP-1). Comparison of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions indicates that natural selection may account for the polymorphism observed at seven of the 10 loci studied. This inference depends on the assumption that synonymous substitutions are neutral, which we test by analyzing codon bias and G+C content in a set of 92 gene loci. We find evidence for an overall trend towards increasing A+T richness, but no evidence for mutation bias. Although the neutrality of synonymous substitutions is not definitely established, this trend towards an A+T rich genome cannot explain the accumulation of substitutions at least in the case of four genes (AMA-1, CSP, LSA-1, and PF48/45) because the Gleft and right arrow C transversions are more frequent than expected. Moreover, the Tajima test manifests positive natural selection for the MSP-1 and, less strongly, MSP-3 polymorphisms; the McDonald-Kreitman test manifests natural selection at LSA-1 and PF48/45. We conclude that there is definite evidence for positive natural selection in the genes encoding AMA-1, CSP, LSA-1, MSP-1, and Pfs48/45. For four other loci, EBA-175, MSP-2, MSP-3, and RAP-1, the evidence is limited. No evidence for natural selection is found for Pfs25.
Design and control of a full-wave, quasi-resonant flyback converter

A full-wave zero-voltage switching quasiresonant converter flyback converter with a novel multiloop control was built which operates over the range of input voltage and load of a typical distributed-system power supply. The maximum converter frequency of 880 kHz is shown to be close to the practical limit for this specific application. Reasonable full-load efficiency is achieved, and the predicted losses agree with actual circuit measurements. The multiloop control scheme provides noise-immune and stable control over the full operating range of the converter. Design guidelines for the control are given, and it is shown theoretical and measured small-signal performance are in agreement. Performance and stress predictions are also very close to measurements. >
Photochemical Reactivity of RuII(η6-p-cymene) Flavonolato Compounds

Photoactivation is a promising approach for modulating the biological activity of RuII compounds. In this work, RuII flavonolato compounds, [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(L)(3-Hfl)]OTf (8; 3-Hfl = monoanion of 3-hydroxyflavone; L = solvent) and [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl(3-Hfl-X)] (3a–3c; 3-Hfl-X = p-H, -Cl, or -F on the flavonolato phenyl substituent), have been evaluated for photoinduced reactivity within the flavonolato unit upon irradiation with UV (300 nm) or visible (419 nm) light under aerobic conditions. For each compound, irradiation in CH3CN was found to result in the loss of the p-cymene ligand and the formation of products resulting from oxidative ring opening of the flavonolato ligand in a dioxygenase-type reaction. This reaction also results in the release of carbon monoxide. The RuII products generated in these reactions are [RuII(solvent)(carboxylato)]+ and [Ru(CO)(solvent)(carboxylato)]+ (carboxylato = O-benzoylsalicylato or benzoato) species, as determined by ESI-MS. The amount of free CO generated depends on...
THE SUGAR UTILIZATION OFHYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RABBITS

THE TENDENCY to hypoglycemia of a fasted hypophysectomized animal has been abundantly demonstrated (1 – 2). In the rat the cause of this hypoglycemia has been shown to be extremely high glucose utilisation rate. This does not seem to be the case for the dog (i,i3'i6) or for the cat (17). In these animals hypophysectomy seems to cause an incapacity to free body protein which can supply glucose by glyconeogenesis (1). This is not so for all animals (18). The hypophysectomised rabbit very quickly develops a severe hypoglycemia on fasting (5, 19) and must be given glucose injections in order to prevent death. Our first work in the study of this problem was to determine the rate at which glucose had to be administered to such animals to keep them out of hypoglycemia.
Investigation of the 208Pb(12C, 11B)209Bi and 208Pb(12C, 13C)207Pb reactions at high bombarding energies☆

Abstract States in 207 Pb and 209 Bi were populated in interactions of 208 Pb with 77, 98 and 116 MeV 12 C ions. Angular distributions indicated that the neutron-pickup and proton-stripping reactions were compatible, respectively, with mechanisms dependent on final and initial systems alone.
Neutralisationsfähigkeit der Schlangengift-Antitoxine gegen homologe und heterologe Gifte

Aus den Versuchsergebnissen der mitgeteilten Tabellen 1–3 geht hervor, das Viperidenantisera eine strenge Spezifitat nur gegen homologe Gifte aufweisen, aber gegen heterologe Viperngifte grose Unregelmasigkeiten zeigen.
DySER: Unifying Functionality and Parallelism Specialization for Energy-Efficient Computing

The DySER (Dynamically Specializing Execution Resources) architecture supports both functionality specialization and parallelism specialization. By dynamically specializing frequently executing regions and applying parallelism mechanisms, DySER provides efficient functionality and parallelism specialization. It outperforms an out-of-order CPU, Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE) acceleration, and GPU acceleration while consuming less energy. The full-system field-programmable gate array (FPGA) prototype of DySER integrated into OpenSparc demonstrates a practical implementation.
Women's Advantage at Remembering Others' Appearance: A Systematic Look at the Why and When of a Gender Difference

Women recall the appearance of others better than men. The goal of the present research was to shed light on the explanations and boundary conditions of this gender difference. In three studies (592 participants), the authors tested potential mediators and moderators of the gender difference. Results corroborated the robustness of the gender difference. General task motivation, general memory ability, importance of appearance, appearance knowledge, attention paid to target, gazing at target, and communal or agentic orientation could not explain why women were better at recalling others' appearance than men were. Except for importance of appearance and appearance knowledge, which both decreased the magnitude of the gender difference, general task motivation, attention paid to target, length of exposure to target, delay in responding, cognitive load, and response format (verbal vs. nonverbal) had no effect on the gender difference. Results are discussed in relation to gender differences found in the nonverbal sensitivity literature.
An outcome comparison between primary liver transplantation and retransplantation based on the pretransplant MELD score.

Summary Survival after liver retransplantation (RLTX) is worse than after primary liver transplantation (LTX). We studied retrospectively the 2-year outcome in 44 patients who received RLTX more than 30 days after the primary transplant and in 669 after LTX performed between December 1993 and October 1999, focusing on the relation between the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score immediately pretransplant and post-transplant survival. A 2-year survival for RLTX was inferior to LTX (65.9% vs. 82.9%, P ≤ 0.01). This difference was greatest with MELD scores 2 years (P < 0.05). MELD scores were similar in 2-year survivors and nonsurvivors after late RLTX (P = 0.82). Late RLTX is marked by poor survival regardless of the pretransplant MELD score. The MELD-based allocation system may not benefit patients who undergo retransplantation.
Radiation-Induced Vesicosacral Fistula: Treatment with Continent Urinary Diversion

This is the first Case Report of a vesicosacral fistula related to prior radiation therapy. This patient developed recurrent adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix 1 year after radical hysterectomy. She received 5000 cGy to the whole pelvis and a 1500-cGy boost to the area of recurrence in the right pelvic sidewall. The patient had significant toxicity with recurrent pelvic fistula formation ultimately requiring an end sigmoid colostomy. In addition, the patient required urethral catheterization due to urinary incontinence secondary to a hypertonic bladder. Approximately 14 years after radiation therapy the patient developed a vesicosacral fistula. With a nonfunctional bladder, the decision was made to proceed with a continent urinary diversion procedure. Despite a prior ileocecal resection due to radiation injury, a Miami pouch reservoir was created. Postoperatively, the patient remained continent using intermittent catheterization of the pouch.
2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase gene expression in revertants of ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts

Abstract Persistent revertant (PR) cells of Ha-ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts, isolated after prolonged treatment with interferon (IFN), have been previously described. PR cells remain nontumorigenic even after IFN withdrawal. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the stable phenotypic reversion, we have now examined the potential involvement of an endogenous IFN and the 2′,5′-oligoadenylate (2–5A) synthetase pathway. Northern blot analysis revealed an increased level of 2–5A synthetase transcripts in PR cells compared to parental Ha-ras-transformed cultures. Although inducible on treatment with exogenous IFN α β , this mRNA was not detectable in untreated NIH3T3 cells. 2–5A synthetase expression following IFN treatment was also significantly higher in PRs than in the normal or ras-transformed NIH3T3. The increased levels of synthetase mRNA correlated with a similarly elevated enzymatic activity in cell extracts from PR cells. This increased expression was biologically functional, since the revertant cells were more resistant to the cytolytic action of mengovirus than normal or ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Another class of IFN-induced genes, H-2 class I antigens, showed enhanced expression in PRs. Antibodies directed against mouse IFN α β did not reduce the constitutive expression of 2–5A synthetase in PR cells. Furthermore, conditioned medium from PR cultures or cocultivation with PRs failed to induce the enzyme message in NIH3T3 cells. Finally, there was no detectable elevation in the mRNA specific for IFN β in the PR cultures, as determined using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction amplification protocol. These results show that the Ha-ras revertants constitutively produce a functional 2–5A synthetase, which appears to be independent of the production of an endogenous interferon α or β.
Probability of Self-Nonself Discrimination

The binding of antibody or T-cell receptors to antigen occurs by a generalized lock and key fit of portions of the two structures. The question that we address here is: how large should the complementary regions on the two structures be? In order to estimate the size of an optimal receptor combining region, we assume that the mammalian immune system over evolutionary time has been presented with a large random set of foreign antigens that occur on common pathogens, which it must recognize, and a smaller random set of self-antigens which a mature organism must not recognize. Evolution is imagined to have coevolved the receptors in a fashion such as to maximize the probability that this task is performed. The probability of a random receptor-antigen match is estimated from this condition. For protein antigens, the genesis of the probability is traced to the complementarity of sufficiently long sequences of amino acids on the two molecules involved, and computed accordingly. The result is quite insensitive to the population sizes inserted, and results in an estimated 13-site binding region, in agreement with experimental information.
A novel real-time PCR system for simultaneous detection of human viruses in clinical samples from patients with uncertain diagnoses

A novel simultaneous detection system for human viruses was developed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system to identify causes of infection in clinical samples from patients with uncertain diagnoses. This system, designated as the "multivirus real-time PCR," has the potential to detect 163 human viruses (47 DNA viruses and 116 RNA viruses) in a 96-well plate simultaneously. The specificity and sensitivity of each probe-primer set were confirmed with cells or tissues infected with specific viruses. The multivirus real-time PCR system showed profiles of virus infection in 20 autopsies of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, and detected frequently TT virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, and Epstein-Barr virus in various organs; however, RNA viruses were detected rarely except for human immunodeficiency virus-1. Pathology samples from 40 patients with uncertain diagnoses were examined, including cases of encephalitis, hepatitis, and myocarditis. Herpes simplex virus 1, human herpesvirus 6, and parechovirus 3 were identified as causes of diseases in four cases of encephalitis, while no viruses were identified in other cases as causing disease. This multivirus real-time PCR system can be useful for detecting virus in specimens from patients with uncertain diagnoses.
Hypergraphia in the age of computers

In 1974 Waxman and Geschwind1 described hypergraphia, a tendency toward extensive and compulsive writing, in seven patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The excessive writings were also described as meticulous and pedantic, at times containing moral and religious overtones. The authors attributed this interictal phenomenon to a “deepening of the emotional response in the presence of preserved intellectual function.”1 We describe a case of hypergraphia in a patient with temporal lobe dysfunction whereby handwritten text is augmented by the use of computer technology to generate excessive and extraneous graphs, tables, and typewritten text and publication of a comprehensive Web site. We propose that the era is a determining factor in the hypergraphia phenotype observed in patients with nondominant temporal lobe dysfunction. A previously healthy right-handed man aged 31 years was hospitalized on three occasions during a 4-month period for complaints of headache, focal weakness, sensory complaints, and transient language …
Studies on the role of organophosphites in polyester blends: I. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The utility of 31 P magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the identification of organophosphite polymer additives, their hydrolysis products, and for the determination of their concentration is demonstrated for bis-(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (BTBP) in polycarbonate. This additive undergoes a complex process of hydrolysis that leads to the formation of at least three new phosphorus species. High-resolution solution 31 P NMR is used to help in the identification of the products of the stabilizer chemistry
Polypeptides synthesized and released by rat ectopic uterine implants differ from those of the uterus in culture.

Unique endometriosis-specific secretory proteins would be of paramount importance as noninvasive markers for diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic approaches for endometriosis. Furthermore, identification of endometriosis-specific secretory proteins may be an important step towards understanding the pathophysiology of endometriosis-associated pain and infertility. Therefore this study was designed to assess protein synthesis and secretion by ectopic uterine implants from steroid-treated and reproductively cyclic rats with surgically induced endometriosis. Uteri, ectopic uterine implants, and control tissues were incubated in L-[ 5 S]methionine or D-[6-H]glucosamine for 0-24 h and 24-48 h. De novo-synthesized proteins released into the culture media were identified using two-dimensional SDS-PAGE, fluorography, and computer-assisted image analysis. Two distinct groups of ectopic uterine implant proteins were identified: ENDO I (M, 40 000-50 000; pl 4.0-5.2) and ENDO 11 (M, 28 000-32 000; pl 7.5-9.0) were produced by ectopic uterine implants and not the uteri. A third group of proteins, previously identified in culture media of the uteri from progesterone-treated rats and called PUP-1 (M, 70 000; pI 5.7) [1], was synthesized and secreted by ectopic uterine implants 24-48 h later than in parallel uterine cultures. The detection of ectopic uterine implant proteins suggests biochemical characteristics of the ectopic tissue that may be used to develop unique markers for endometriosis. Furthermore, the delayed synthesis and secretion of the uterine protein PUP- 1 by the ectopic uterine implants illustrates yet another example of the asynchronous behavior of these two tissues, which may be related to the etiology or pathophysiology of the disease.
Covering space with simple robots: From chains to random trees

Inspired by the Rapidly-exploring random tree data-structure and algorithm for path planning, we introduce an approach for spanning physical space with a group of simple mobile robots. Emphasizing minimalism and using only InfraRed and contact sensors for communication, our position unaware robots physically embody elements of the tree. Although robots are fundamentally constrained in the spatial operations they may perform, we show that the approach-implemented on physical robots- remains consistent with the original data-structure idea. In particular, we show that a generalized form of Voronoi bias is present in the construction of the tree, and that such trees have an approximate space-filling property. We present an analysis of the physical system via sets of coupled stochastic equations: the first being the rate-equation for the transitions made by the robot controllers, and the second to capture the spatial process describing tree formation. We are able to provide an understanding of the control parameters in terms of a process mixing-time and show the dependence of the Voronoi bias on an interference parameter which grows as O(√N).
Hedonic shopping motivations

Abstract Given the increasing importance of entertainment as a retailing strategy, this study identifies a comprehensive inventory of consumers’ hedonic shopping motivations. Based on exploratory qualitative and quantitative studies, a six-factor scale is developed that consists of adventure, gratification, role, value, social, and idea shopping motivations. Using the six-factor hedonic shopping motivation profiles, a cluster analysis of adult consumers reveals five shopper segments, called here the Minimalists, the Gatherers, the Providers, the Enthusiasts, and the Traditionalists. The utility of the proposed scale is discussed both for future research and retail strategy.
Stool carriage, clinical isolation, and mortality during an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in hospitalized medical and/or surgical patients.

During a nosocomial outbreak of infection due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), rectal swabs that were collected weekly were used to identify and isolate VRE carriers. Over 6 months, 1,458 stool specimens from 724 high-risk patients were cultured, and 187 VRE isolates were recovered from 61 patients; 96% of the isolates were Enterococcus faecium. VRE tended to be isolated from clinical specimens from patients identified as VRE carriers by stool surveillance (P < .01). However, isolation of VRE from surveillance cultures preceded clinical isolation for only approximately 50% of the patients from whom a clinical VRE isolate was recovered. Mortality was greater (P < .05) among patients from whom a clinical VRE isolate was recovered than among patients from whom VRE was isolated only by stool surveillance. The mortality (1[17%] of 6) among patients for whom VRE was isolated from blood was similar to that (10 [27%] of 37) among patients for whom vancomycin-susceptible enterococcus was isolated from blood (P = .97). Despite prompt initiation of contact precautions for VRE carriers, the incidence of fecal carriage of VRE remained approximately 8% among this patient population for the 6-month period of the study.
The Neurological Complications of Nutritional Deficiency following Bariatric Surgery.

Neurologic complications of bariatric surgery have become increasingly recognized with the rising numbers of procedures and the increasing prevalence of obesity in the US. Deficits are most commonly seen with thiamine, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, vitamin E, and copper deficiencies. The neurological findings observed with these nutritional deficiencies are variable and include encephalopathy, optic neuropathy, myelopathy, polyradiculoneuropathy, and polyneuropathy. We review the neurological complications of bariatric surgery and emphasize that these findings may vary based on the specific type of bariatric surgery and time elapsed from the procedure.
Performance of automated slidemakers and stainers in a working laboratory environment – routine operation and quality control

The automated slidemaker/stainers of the four Beckman Coulter LH755 hematology systems in our laboratory are operated as analyzers, with similar requirements for setup, maintenance and quality control. A study was performed to confirm that these slide maker/stainers in routine use produce peripheral blood films that are completely satisfactory for microscopy and without cells, particularly abnormal cells, being pulled to the edges or sides of the film outside the usual working area. One hundred and thirty-nine automated blood films that had been produced during routine operation were compared with well-prepared manual films from the same patients. None of the films was unacceptable for microscopy. The distributions of normal white cell types within the counting areas of automated films compared with manual films, for all 139 samples for WBC from 1.0 to 352.8 × 109/l; for blasts and promyelocytes in the 65 samples in which they occurred and for nucleated red blood cells in the 58 samples in which they occurred all fell within the expected limits of 200 cell differential counts of CLSI H20-A. Red cell morphology and the occurrence of WBC clumps, platelet clumps and smudge cells were comparable between the automated and manual films of all samples. We conclude that automated slidemaker/stainers, as typified by those of the Beckman Coulter LH755 system, are capable of producing blood films comparable with well-prepared manual films in routine laboratory use; and that the maintenance and quality control procedures used in our laboratory ensure consistent high quality performance from these systems.
Laser photoirradiation of the canine ureteral orifice: comparison between contact and noncontact techniques.

Abstract We studied the long-term effects of Nd:YAG laser photoirradiation in 17 canine ureteral orifices, comparing results of the contact and noncontact (free-fiber) techniques. The noncontact technique damaged four of eight ureters, causing ureteral obstruction with significant hydronephrosis in three and reflux in one. The amount of energy used correlated with the subsequent appearance of ureteral obstruction; obstruction developed in both cases when 3,000 and 3,300 joules were used but in only one of five cases when less than 2,300 joules were used. In contrast, the contact technique, using 350-800 joules, caused no hydronephrosis and only one case of reflux. Since these animal studies clearly document that the Nd:YAG laser may significantly damage the ureter, particularly when the noncontact technique is used, we recommend that the surgeon consider the contact technique to reduce the risk of ureteral damage and use the smallest amount of energy required for adequate tumor eradication when treating tumors in or near the ureteral orifice.
The dysfunctional endothelium in heart failure

Abstract Through release of paracrine and autocrine substances, the vascular endothelium exerts a profound influence on the contractile and growth state of underlying vascular muscle. In heart failure, there is now compelling evidence that endothelium-mediated relaxation is attenuated in response to muscarinic stimulation in both the coronary and peripheral circulation of humans. This impaired response is present regardless of the etiology of heart failure. The mechanisms, significance and etiologic importance of this endothelial defect are not yet understood. Possibilities include 1) alterations in endothelial cell surface receptors or abnormalities of postreceptor signal transduction; 2) abnormalities of endothelium-derived relaxing factor production or release; 3) rapid inactivation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor; and 4) an increase in endothelium-derived contracting factor production and activity in heart failure. We currently have little understanding of the mechanisms accounting for this dysfunctional state of the endothelium. Future research efforts should be directed toward an understanding of these mechanisms.
Analysis of the Formose Reaction System

A kinetic analysis of the formose reaction, a calcium hydroxide-catalyzed condensation of formaldehyde to carbohydrates in aqueous homogeneous media, was carried out and the performance of the reaction was studied on the basis of a dynamic treatment of the complex reaction system taking into consideration all the species expected to be formed from formaldehyde. The analytical results were compared with the kinetic characteristics experimentally observed. It was found that the carbonyl rearrangement and retro-aldol reaction steps played a substantial role in the autocatalytic nature of the formose reaction. The rates of these reactions were found to be large and the product distribution stayed nearly in equilibrium. The calculated results showed good agreement with the experimental ones, assuming that the species which can afford the foranose or pyranose ring become much less reactive in the subsequent reactions.
Oxygen diffusion and internal oxidation of Mg in Ag/1.12at.%Mg

Abstract Internal oxidation of Mg in Ag/1.12at.%Mg was studied at 450–825 °C in various oxygen partial pressures. Measurements of O weight gain and oxidation-front velocity showed that at 450 °C the rate of O penetration into the alloy was ≈400 times slower than O diffusion in pure Ag. At 825 °C, this factor decreased to ≈60 times slower. A comparison of these results with a calculation based on a model of internal oxidation indicated that O diffusivity in pure Ag was nearly identical to O diffusivity in the alloy. The decreased O penetration rate in the alloy was attributed to O uptake by the Mg species, which are able to capture superstoichiometric amounts of O. O fixation proceeded according to predictions of the model; oxidation rate increased with partial pressure due to an increased O activity gradient. However, below ≈600 °C and at 0.08 atm partial pressure, O fixation progressed at a rate notably faster than that predicted by the model. This result was attributed to a change in Mg–O fixation stoichiometry, such that smaller amounts of O were absorbed, allowing the oxidation front to proceed more rapidly.
Chinese Policing in a Time of Transition, 1978-2008:

This article examines the development of policing in China over several historical periods. It consists of three major parts. The first section provides a brief historical review of Chinese policin...
Effect of temperature and pressure in the photocatalytic oxidation of n-octanol on partially desilanized hydrophobic TiO2 suspended in aerated supercritical CO2

Reaction temperature and CO 2 pressure affect the rate of reaction in photocatalytic oxidations in supercritical (sc) CO 2 on partially silanized TiO 2 . In supercritical CO 2 , the photocatalytic oxidation of octanol appeared to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics, with octanal being produced as the initial product. At 309 K, the pseudo-first-order rate constant k d i s decreased upon increasing CO 2 pressure from 8 to 20 MPa, giving rise to an increased yield of octanal. When the temperature was raised within the range from 299 to 319 K at constant CO 2 pressure (10 MPa), k d i s increased while the net yield of octanal decreased. These changes are rationalized as being caused by changes in near-surface CO 2 density and, hence, in efficiency of mass transport of octanal to and from the catalytically active site. The observed dependence of the photoactivity of hydrophobic T805 TiO 2 in scCO 2 on temperature and pressure likely varies with surface conditions promoted by irradiation, which effects partial desilanization photocatalytically active sites. When scCO 2 density was very low, T805 TiO 2 did not suspend well into the scCO 2 fluid; that is, almost all of the T805 TiO 2 precipitated on a window or inner wall of the cell. At scCO 2 densities between 8 and 20 MPa, T805 TiO 2 was efficiently dispersed under stirring. At very low pressures near the critical point, the kinetic analysis was complicated by incident light scattering caused by suspended particles which act as inhibitory inner filters.
Evolution of human influenza a viruses in nature: Sequential mutations in the genomes of new H1N1 isolates

The genetic variation of the new pandemic H1N1 influenza A viruses isolated in 1977 was analyzed by two-dimensional oligonucleotide fingerprinting and RNA sequencing. Differences were observed in the fingerprints of the RNAs of these viruses, and analysis of the changes suggested that sequential mutations occurred in their genomes. Based on these data, a scheme is presented which proposes divergent evolution of strains from a common ancestry. Furthermore, it was found that mutations were not restricted to the genes coding for the hemagglutinin and the neuraminidase, but were scattered throughout the genome, suggesting that selective antibody pressure is not solely responsible for the emergence of genetic variants. Our data also strengthen the hypothesis that the new H1N1 influenza virus strains are derived from strains circulating in 1950.
The potential for market timing abuse for mutual funds investing in the United Kingdom

The current and ongoing controversy that has come to be known as the “Mutual Fund Scandal of 2003” was based in large part on abusive market timing activities that were allowed to occur in select mutual funds. There are many ways in which amarket timer can steal profits through short‐term trading activities but the primary opportunity arises in those mutual funds that invest in foreign shares of stock. This 2004 article looks at a sampling of those mutual funds that invest in companies based in the United Kingdom and evaluates the potential for abusive market‐timing activities.
Results of directional atherectomy of primary atheromatous and restenosis lesions in coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts

Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) was performed in 158 patients over a 2-year period at the Mayo Clinic. Primary atheromatous lesions were treated in 92 patients (group 1) and restenosis lesions were treated in 66 (group 2). Technical success (recovery of tissue and greater than or equal to 40% luminal enlargement with a residual stenosis of less than 50%) was achieved in 152 lesions (92%); clinical success (technical success and no in-hospital death, Q-wave myocardial infarction or coronary bypass surgery) was achieved in 143 patients (91%). Adjunctive balloon angioplasty was used in 41 patients. DCA was successful less often in group 1 than in group 2 (86 vs 97%; p = 0.038). A major complication occurred in 7% of patients; in-hospital death, Q-wave myocardial infarction and emergency coronary bypass surgery occurred in 3, 1 and 4% of patients, respectively. Major complications were more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (10 vs 1; p = 0.02). During a follow-up period of 14 +/- 8 months, no difference between the groups was found in the incidence of late death (4%), Q-wave myocardial infarction (1%), recurrent severe angina (29%), bypass surgery (15%) or repeat interventional procedure of the same vascular segment (24%). Vein graft and restenosis lesions tended to have greater success and fewer complications. Angiographic restenosis (increase of greater than or equal to 30% in stenosis severity by visual assessment) occurred in 62% of patients and 58% of lesions with successful DCA, and was similar in the 2 groups; a tendency toward higher restenosis rates was seen in patients with vein graft DCA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of electrochemically characterized interfaces; potential dependence of Raman spectra for thiocyanate at silver electrodes

Abstract Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectra have been obtained for thiocyanate anions at silver electrodes following an oxidation-reduction cycle (ORC) as a function of electrode potential and electrolyte composition and compared with the extent of thiocyanate adsorption determined under the same conditions from differential capacitance-potential data. A spectrograph equipped with an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA) detector and a scanning spectrometer were used to make the Raman measurements. Spectra were obtained over the frequency range 100–2200 cm −1 , where all three normal vibrations, CN stretching ( v CN , 2090–2120 cm −1 ), CS stretching ( v CN , 735 cm −1 ), NCS angle bending (δ NCS , 450 cm −1 ) occur, along with a low frequency vibration attributed to a metal-ligand stretching mode ( v ml , 200–215 cm −1 ) arising from a silver-sulfur surface bond. Both v CN and v ML decreased in frequency as well as intensity as the potential was made more negative in the region −100 to −700 mV versus Ag/AgCl for bulk thiocyanate concentrations of one millimolar and above, even though the thiocyanate surface concentration remained close to a monolayer throughout. By means of rapid time-resolved spectral measurements following potential steps using the OMA, the decrease of the intensity and frequency of the v CN mode with increasing negative electrode potential was separated into a rapid “reversible” component and a slower “irreversible” decay. The latter component is attributed to the decay of Raman-active sites associated with the dissipation of metastable silver clusters formed during the ORC, that are prevented from rearranging at more positive potentials due to the presence of surrounding anionic adsorbate.
Quantitative electrophysiological studies of regenerating visuotopic maps in goldfish—I. Early recovery of dimming sensitivity in tectum and torus longitudinals

Abstract Refinement and connectivity in the regenerating retinotectal system of goldfish were studied quantitatively by electrophysiological methods. One optic nerve was crushed intraorbitally in fish kept at 25°C. At different postcrush times, visually-evoked multiunit activity was recorded from the superficial layers of tectum, and from the torus longitudinalis. Responses in torus longitudinalis were used as a test of retinotectal connectivity because torus longitudinalis derives a visuotopic map from a tectal projection. The stimulus, effective for both the early retinotectal projection and torus longitudinalis, was a 10° wide vertical black stripe rotated horizontally at 25°/s through both visual fields. Activity from repeated sweeps was averaged to yield receptive field profiles in the horizontal dimension. Normally, profiles from tectum were dual-peaked and 20° wide at half maximum amplitude; torus longitudinalis profiles were bell-shaped and 41° wide. Between 20 and 40 days postcrush, tectum gave broad low-amplitude (25% normal) profiles that were roughly visuotopic. Over the same period, torus longitudinalis gave profiles of relatively high amplitude (69% of normal) that were also broadened but normally visuotopic. The widths of both tectal and torus longitudinalis profiles declined with the same exponential timecourse, reaching normal values by 80–100 days. Torus longitudinalis profiles were on average 21.6° wider than tectal profiles at all stages of regeneration. The results agree with previous anatomical observations showing that optic fibers initially form much enlarged arbors that shrink over time, and suggest that arbors engage in widespread synaptic connections, at least with tecto-torus longitudinalis cells. Around 40 days, tectal profiles started to grow in amplitude and recover the dual-peaked shape, indicating a second phase in retinotectal regeneration.
3D Visualization and Manipulation of Geometry and Surface Meshes

This paper discusses an approach for interacting with geometry models in a true threedimensional environment using an independent console to facilitate the computational analysis and design process. In the past, the viewing of three-dimensional models was restricted to a flat two-dimensional display. Using a new type of display, Actuality System’s Perspecta, three-dimensional geometry can be viewed and interacted with in a new way, allowing one to physically walk around and view the model as a volume. A brief discussion of three-dimensional viewing techniques is presented, followed by a discussion of the viewing hardware, the model generation process, the mesh creation process, and finally a discussion of the interface developed to interact with the model.
Methods for advanced hepatocyte cell culture in microwells utilizing air bubbles

Flat, two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates are simple to use but offer little control over cell morphologies and behavior. In this article, we present a number of novel and unique methods for advanced cell culture in microwells utilizing air bubbles as a way to seed cells in order to provide substantial control over cellular microenvironments and organization to achieve specific cell-based applications. These cell culture methods enable controlled formation of stable air bubbles in the microwells that spontaneously formed when polar solvents such as cell culture media are loaded. The presence of air bubbles (air bubble masking) enables highly controllable cell patterning and organization of seeded cells as well as cell co-culture in microwells. In addition, these cell culture methods are simple to use and implement, yet versatile, and have the potential to provide a wide range of microenvironments to improve in vivo-like behavior for a number of cell types and applications. The air bubble masking technique can also be used to produce a micron thick layer of collagen film suspended on top of the microwells. These collagen film enclosed microwells could provide an easy way for high throughput drug screening and cytotoxicity assays as different drug compounds could be pre-loaded and dried in selected microwells and then released during cell culture.
Erythrocytes: Pits and Vacuoles as Seen with Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Vacuoles containing inclusions were observed by transmission electron microscopy in erythrocytes of a splenectomized patient with hemoglobin Ann Arbor. The membranes of these vacuoles became fused with the surface membrane of the red cell, thus opening the vacuoles and exposing their contents to the outside. These vacuoles when they have become thus attached to the cell membrane of the erythrocyte are responsible for the pits observed with scanning electron microscopy.
Container materials in environments of corroded spent nuclear fuel

Abstract Efforts to remove corroded uranium metal fuel from the K Basins wet storage to long-term dry storage are underway. The multi-canister overpack (MCO) is used to load spent nuclear fuel for vacuum drying, staging, and hot conditioning; it will be used for interim dry storage until final disposition options are developed. Drying and conditioning of the corroded fuel will minimize the possibility of gas pressurization and runaway oxidation. During all phases of operations the MCO is subjected to radiation, temperature and pressure excursions, hydrogen, potential pyrophoric hazard, and corrosive environments. Material selection for the MCO applications is clearly vital for safe and efficient long-term interim storage. Austenitic stainless steels (SS) such as 304L SS or 316L SS appear to be suitable for the MCO. Of the two, Type 304L SS is recommended because it possesses good resistance to chemical corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, and radiation-induced corrosive species. In addition, the material has adequate strength and ductility to withstand pressure and impact loading so that the containment boundary of the container is maintained under accident conditions without releasing radioactive materials.
A two-phase model account of aversive classical conditioning performance in humans and rabbits☆

Abstract A two-phase model was applied to classical conditioning performance in man and rabbits. During phase 1, response probability remained constant. During phase 2, response probability generally increased, although one operator was sufficient for a majority of Ss and two operators were required for a minority of Ss. The latter Ss exhibited increases in responding after a CR trial and decreases in responding after a non-CR trial. The pattern of parameters was similar for man and rabbits. In man, increases in UCS intensity resulted in a decrease in the duration of phase 1 and an increase in the limit of the operators for those Ss requiring more than a single operator to describe performance during phase 2. The value of employing a model to describe the data and understand the effects of independent variable manipulation was discussed.
Glucocorticoid facilitation of cholinergic development in the rat hippocampus

Abstract The role of endogenous glucocorticoids in facilitating the postnatal innervation of septohippocampal cholinergic projections was examined. Septohippocampal cholinergic innervation was determined using two methods. One method involved measuring the optical density of acetylcholinesterase, a marker of cholinergic fibres in the hippocampus. In the other method, acetylcholinesterase-positive fibre counts were made in the hippocampus. Both methods revealed that 14-day-old rats adrenalectomized at 10 days of age have significantly lower densities of acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampal dentate gyrus molecular layer and in the regio inferior when compared to sham-operated control rats. This reduction in hippocampal acetylcholinesterase did not occur when 10-day-old adrenalectomized rats were either injected daily with exogenous corticosterone (0.3 mg/100 g body weight) or when adrenalectomy was conducted at later postnatal ages. In addition, unlike the developing hippocampus, the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, which is also highly innervated by cholinergic fibres, showed no significant changes in acetylcholinesterase density after adrenalectomy. These observations suggest that glucocorticoids play an important role in supporting the development of cholinergic projections to the hippocampus. Cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus appears especially sensitive to the action of glucocorticoids occurring before the conclusion of the second postnatal week. Furthermore, this glucocorticoid influence is directed rather specifically to the hippocampus in comparison to the basolateral amygdala.
Still Desperately Seeking Citations: Undergraduate Research in the Age of Web-Scale Discovery

ABSTRACT Web-scale discovery services promise fast, easy searching from a single Google-like box, pleasing users and making library resources more discoverable. Some librarians embrace the concept of giving users what they have come to expect from Google, while others are concerned that this will “dumb down” searching and undermine information literacy. In this article we explore the potential impact of Web-scale discovery tools on information literacy, focusing particularly on undergraduate research skills. We review the existing literature and present findings and experiences from two mid-sized academic libraries that have adopted EBSCO Discovery Service as their library home page portal.
Are parents learning fire safety from their children

In a nation that consistently ranks high in fire losses, South Carolina has an unusually high number of fires and fire deaths. In 1986, there were about 170 fires per 10 000 populat ion in South Carolina, while the rate was about 160 in 1985 [1]. For 1986, the state was third in the nation in fire deaths per capita [2]. A new in-school educational program, "Get Fired Up", is working to reduce fire losses in South Carolina. The principal objective of this program is to educate all fifth-grade students about fire basics including fire prevention, fire detection, how to put out fires, and the local fire department. Initial planning for "Ge t Fired Up" began in the fall of 1983. The program was pilottested with 724 students in six counties during the spring of 1984. Extension Specialists in the Department of Agricultural Engineering and the 4-H and Youth Development Department at Clemson University developed the materials. The program continues to expand with 9704 students receiving the six-lesson program during the 1986 87 school year. The program begins at a local school when an Extension 4-H agent meets with the principal and fifth-grade teachers to explain its content. These teachers can then use the lessons provided in the Leader's Manual in their instructional planning. These are well suited to the state's requirements for safety and health instruction. The program includes a pre-test, six lessons, and a post-test. Upon satisfactory completion of the Record Book, the student receives a certificate from the teacher or a County Extension 4-H agent. Program development was done in cooperation with professionals in the fire service, insurance industry, medical profession, and other state fire authorities. Cooperation and support by the South Carolina Fire Commission, SC State Firemen's Association, SC Division of Fire Marshal, insurance executives and others have been excellent. A second objective of this program was to transfer fire-safety information to other family members. The following study evaluated whether this objective was met. It evaluated transfer of fire-safety knowledge and practices from students participating in the program to parents or guardians at home. This s tudy used questionnaires to evaluate studentto-parent knowledge transfer. Knowledge transfer from child to parent has received no research at tention to date. There are many references on parent-to-child interaction [3]. However, none of those checked gave information on principles, processes, skills required, or significance of knowledge transfer from child to adult.
Collagen gel culture system and analysis of estrogen effects on mammary carcinogenesis

The results obtained to date from studies dealing with the role of hormones, including estrogen, on growth of mammary epithelial cells inside the collagen gel are described. The collagen gel matrix culture system appears to be a suitable system to obtain in vivo-like effects of hormones on mammary cell in vitro. The results thus far indicate that prolactin along with progesterone or cortisol can stimulate mammary cell proliferation. Thus far, estrogen has not been found to be mitogenic in our in vitro system.
The physical sacrifice of thinking: Investigating the relationship between thinking and physical activity in everyday life

Physical activity level is an important contributor to overall human health and obesity. Research has shown that humans possess a number of traits that influence their physical activity level including social cognition. We examined whether the trait of "need for cognition" was associated with daily physical activity levels. We recruited individuals who were high or low in need for cognition and measured their physical activity level in 30-second epochs over a 1-week period. The overall findings showed that low-need-for-cognition individuals were more physically active, but this difference was most pronounced during the 5-day work week and lessened during the weekend.
Limb Preservation in Dogs with Primary Bone Tumors

This article presents methods currently used for limb preservation in dogs with primary bone sarcomas. Emphasis is placed on diagnosis, proper patient selection, and perioperative management.