cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleic acid oxidation in DNA damage repair and epigenetics.

Methylation is a widely occurring chemical modification in nucleic acids and proteins. Methylating agents, either extracellular or intracellular, can attack vulnerable sites in DNA, which can lead to cytotoxic and/or cancerogenic DNA damages. Methylation also plays critical signaling roles in biology. Using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the most common electrophilic source of methyl groups, various methyltransferases modify DNA, RNA, and proteins to generate different biological methylations that impact gene expression regulation.1,2 Whereas the significance of methylation is widely appreciated, the demethylation process, oxidative demethylation in particular, has received much recent attention due in large part to its cellular regulatory functions. Demethylation, together with methylation, continuously sculpts the methylomes of biomolecules. This review focuses on oxidative demethylation as mediated by a family of mononuclear iron(II)-containing enzymes. The members of this family of enzymes were first discovered as DNA-repair proteins that oxidatively reverse DNA methylation damage. Subsequent research in recent years has revealed much broader and significant roles of these demethylases in controlling gene expression through the demethylation of epigenetic methylations on DNA, RNA, and histones. DNA methylation damage caused by methylating agents can occur on different positions of bases or backbones. The location depends on the chemical reaction type (SN1 or SN2 nucleophilic substitution), as well as the susceptibility of the position. In general, the SN1 type of methylating agent (e.g., N-methyl-N′-nitrosourea, MNU) methylates both nitrogen and oxygen atoms in nucleic acids, whereas the SN2-type agents (e.g., methylmethane sulfonate, MMS) tend to attack the nucleophilic N-position of exposed bases (Figure ​(Figure11A).3−5 The resulting lesions exhibit different levels of cellular toxicity and mutagenic influence and can be promptly reversed by enzymes through either nucleophilic substitutions or oxidative demethylations (Figure ​(Figure11B).3,6 This review discusses the oxidative demethylation repair pathway only. Figure 1 Nucleic acid methylations. (A) Potential methylation sites in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) upon reaction with MNU and MMS. The blue arrow indicates the predominant methylation sites that can be introduced by MNU; red arrows, ...
Caveats and Boons of Multicriteria Optimization

There are many similarities and connections between the optimization of a single criterion and multicriteria optimization. Their exploitation does require care, and the paper explores some of the pitfalls. In general, it illustrates the ease with which one may apply multicriteria optimization while at the same time illustrating the possible pitfalls. The central optimality concept is Edgeworth-Pareto optimality ; however, the paper also discusses some other optimality concepts. It closes with a discussion of some boons and caveats in structural optimization.
Muscle is electrically inexcitable in acute quadriplegic myopathy

We directly stimulated muscle in three patients with acute quadriplegic myopathy to determine whether paralyzed muscle in this syndrome is electrically excitable. Two of the patients had been treated with neuromuscular blocking agents and corticosteroids, and one patient had been treated with corticosteroids alone. We found that paralyzed muscle is electrically inexcitable in affected patients. Muscle regained electrical excitability over weeks to months. The recovery of muscle excitability paralleled the clinical recovery of patients, suggesting that paralysis in this syndrome is secondary to electrical inexcitability of muscle membrane.
The impact of radioimmunoguided surgery (rigstm) on surgical decision-making in colorectal cancer

Radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS system) was performed in ten patients with rectal or low sigmoid colon carcinoma with the use of a hand-held gamma detector (NeoprobeTM 1000) intraoperatively and externally after injection of radiolabeled (125I) monoclonal antibody to detect pelvic and metastatic tumor. Fifteen procedures, including six exploratory laparotomies, four transperineal explorations, two transsacral explorations, one transvaginal biopsy, one brachytherapy, and one transanal polypectomy, were performed. Two patients had previous low anterior resection, seven abdominoperineal resection, and one a rectal polypectomy. Five patients had previous pelvic radiation therapy. Reoperation was indicated by elevated CEA levels in seven patients (70 percent), persistent pelvic pain in six (60 percent), and a suspicious radiologic study in seven (70 percent). RIGS system localized tumors verified by histopatholoy in all ten patients (100 percent); one patient with a positive CT scan and probe findings lacked histopathologic confirmation on frozen section, but had a tumor confirmed on permanent histology. Five major abdominal operations were avoided; in five patients major modifications were made in the surgical procedure based on probe findings. Six received chemotherapy or radiation therapy based on findings of the RIGS system. In six patients with negative or equivocal CT scans, the RIGS system localized histopathologically confirmed tumor. Major abdominal procedures can be avoided, the surgical approach modified, and other modes of therapy instituted earlier with the use of the RIGS system.
Modification of verbal behavior through variable interval reinforcement in a quasi-therapy situation.

Abstract Principles from the operant conditioning laboratory were applied to the verbal behavior of female college students. An experimental setting was designed to replicate a psychotherapist's office, and subjects were seen daily in a study using a functional research design. Variable interval reinforcement was employed to modify the rate of emission of positive self-reference statements. Results demonstrated that the verbal, scheduled reinforcement exerted a definite, marked effect on the verbal behavior of the subjects. All subjects conditioned to the schedules. Sequence of scheduling did not appear to be a significant variable. The feasibility of employing such techniques in actual psychotherapy is discussed.
Excited states of donor and acceptor substituted conjugated oligomers: A perspective from the exciton scattering approach

Quantum-chemical computations allow one to predict a variety of interesting electronic properties of donor and acceptor substituted conjugated molecules. However, the complexity of such systems often limits physical interpretation of the computations and makes them impossible in larger molecules. In this study, the exciton scattering (ES) methodology is extended to analyze the excited-state structure of donor and acceptor substituted conjugated oligomers. The extracted reflection phases, transition charge, and dipole parameters of the modified termini are used to quantify the influence of the substitution on the molecular electronic and optical spectra. In particular, intuitive relationships between the substituent’s electron withdrawing or donating ability and the ES parameters are discussed. A good agreement of the absorption spectra between the ES approach and the reference quantum-chemical computations demonstrates that the ES approach is qualified for such conjugated push−pull systems.
Wrinkle Ridges, Reverse Faulting, and the Depth Penetration of Lithospheric Strain in Lunae Planum, Mars

Abstract Wrinkle ridges in the Lunae Planum region of Mars formed in response to compressional stresses associated with the development of the Tharsis rise. In this study, we investigate the accomodation of lithospheric strain associated with wrinkle ridge development in order to constrain the depth penetration of deformation associated with the formation of Tharsis. Using observations that indicate that the shallow martian lithosphere in Lunae Planum consists of a surface plains unit underlain successively by an unconsolidated megaregolith and competent basement, we construct models of an elastic lithosphere in which a ridge nucleates along a single fault in either the surface plains unit or basement. We then calculate strain and displacement fields for a range of plausible lithosphere structures assuming uniform horizontal shortening of the lithosphere. Transmission of strain between the surface layer and basement is most effective for a thin megaregolith and small Young's modulus contrast between the surface layer, megaregolith, and basement. However, results under a broad range of conditions for both models show straining of both the surface layer and basement. If lithosphere structure information and strains estimated by kinematic studies of the wrinkle ridges are applicable, then Thatsis-related compressional deformation must have involved the lithosphere, rather than being restricted to the near-surface.
Effects of potassium azide on transformations of urea nitrogen in soils

Abstract Comparison of the effects of potassium azide (KN 3 ) and 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)-pyridine (N-Serve) on transformations of urea N in soils showed that, unlike N-Serve, KN 3 retards urea hydrolysis in soils, but does not prevent NO − 2 accumulation or appreciably retard nitrification of urea-N in soils that accumulate substantial amounts of NO − 2 when treated with urea. It is deduced that KN 3 added with urea to soils that accumulate NO − 2 on treatment with urea is decomposed by reaction with NO − 2 . The work reported, together with previous work, indicates that KN 3 has limited value compared with N-Serve as an inhibitor of nitrification in soils and that its effectiveness as a nitrification inhibitor depends to a large extent on the soil and the form of nitrifiable N applied.
Treatment of postfiltration bleb leaks with autologous blood.

Background: Managing filtration surgery bleb leaks can be difficult as well as frustrating. Treatment options traditionally have included aqueous suppressants, patching, and bleb compression devices. Previously, if conservative management failed, surgical revision was considered. Methods: Six patients with thin avascular blebs and discrete leaking holes (2 had had full-thickness procedures, 4 had had trabeculectomy with mitomycin C) underwent subconjunctival injection of approximately 1 ml of whole autologous blood. Injections were made just lateral and just medial to the domed cystic elevation of the blebs. Results: Five of six eyes were leak-free by the second day after the procedure. No complications occurred. After 4 to 12 months of follow-up, four eyes are currently leakfree. In these eyes, intraocular pressure is between 8 and 12 mmHg. Conclusion: Subconjunctival peribleb injection of autologous blood may be a safe and helpful adjunct in treating selected postfiltration surgery bleb leaks.
Interpretation of the Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectrum of [Ru(phen)3]2+*

In the time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectrum of [Ru(phen)3]2+* (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) in CH3CN at 298 K (shown here), ground-state bands dominate even at high laser irradiances. Howev...
Flatness control in grinding by depth of cut manipulation

A method for in-process manipulation of depth of cut to control the ground surface flatness is presented. In vertical spindle surface grinding, achievable single pass tolerances are often limited by the grinding wheel and machine compliance. The presented methodology consists of precisely adjusting the depth of cut during grinding to enhance the dimensional tolerance without the need of additional spark-out passes. In this methodology, the adjustment is based on the predicted deflection from the modeled compliance and the measured vertical force. A commercial 4-axis CNC controller is re-configured for the capability of processing dynamometer measurement, calculating controlling commands, and actuating servo loops in real-time. As the deflection of the system varies with part-tool contact area, a tracking controller follows the predicted deflection of the wheel via depth of cut manipulation, thus canceling out the part form errors. Experimental results over a range of process conditions are given which demonstrate the effectiveness of the compensation system in the context of ground part flatness.
On the Role of Human Development in the Arab Spring

This essay traces the effects of human development on political change, focusing on the events of the Arab Spring. Over the past generation, the Arab world experienced rapid progress in human development outcomes, including declining child mortality, extended schooling, and increasing status of women. These development gains penetrated most Arab states and subpopulations. The pathway from human development to political mobilization rests on three interlinked propositions. First, basic human development led to a significant increase in population needs and expectations, creating new policy challenges and reducing public dependency on regimes. Second, human development and new information technologies created new opportunities for political protest. Finally, the collective realization of human development gains resulted in new values conducive to regime change. Each proposition builds on theories of human capital accumulation over the life course that isolate the human dimension of national development. I provide provisional support for these pathways through cross-regional comparison and evidence from specific populations and sub-populations. I highlight the need for new study designs and datasets that further test this model.
The Amber system: parallel programming on a network of multiprocessors

This paper describes a programming system called Amber that permits a single application program to use a homogeneous network of computers in a uniform way, making the network appear to the application as an integrated multiprocessor. Amber is specifically designed for high performance in the case where each node in the network is a shared-memory multiprocessor.Amber shows that support for loosely-coupled multiprocessing can be efficiently realized using an object-based programming model. Amber programs execute in a uniform network-wide object space, with memory coherence maintained at the object level. Careful data placement and consistency control are essential for reducing communication overhead in a loosely-coupled system. Amber programmers use object migration primitives to control the location of data and processing.
A Web-Based Electronic Book (e-book) Library: The netLibrary Model.

Despite some skepticism about the adoption of electronic books (e‐books) in libraries, there has been substantial growth in e‐book acquisitions and usage. The e‐book task force for the University of California digital library identified eight elements that are important to the evaluation of academic e‐book usage. The elements are: content, software and hardware standards and protocols, digital rights management, access, archiving, privacy, the market and pricing, and enhancements and ideal e‐book features. There are currently several e‐book models available to libraries that can be assessed and described in relation to the above‐mentioned elements or criteria. Using these elements, the netLibrary e‐book model will be described.
Phased cell division in natural populations of marine dinoflagellates from shipboard cultures

Abstract In June 1975 samples were preserved every 2 h for 26 h from water collected from Santa Monica Bay, California and which was incubated on shipboard. The percentage of dividing dinoflagellate cells in the samples was determined by microscopic examination after applying a nuclear stain. The maximum proportion of dividing cells was at 03.30 h, 05.30 h, and 09.30 h for Ceratium dens Ostf. & Schmidt, C. furca (Ehrenb.) Claparede & Lachmann, and Dinophysis fortii Pavillard, respectively. Mean doubling times for these species, calculated from the percentage of dividing cells, were 3.3,4.6, and 1.4 days. Temporal stratification in the timing of cell division may reflect a selective process for minimizing interspecific competition.
THE EFFECT OF A TOKEN ECONOMY ON DIETARY COMPLIANCE FOR CHILDREN ON HEMODIALYSIS

Adherence to dietary restrictions is a recurring problem for children on hemodialysis. The effect of behavior modification in maintaining dietary control is reported for four patients aged 11 to 18 years. Weight gain, potassium level, and blood urea nitrogen were utilized as criteria measures. A token reinforcement program implemented by the hemodialysis team resulted in significant changes in the dietary pattern of the children. The average weight gain between dialysis sessions for the four subjects during treatment was reduced by 45% and the degree of weight fluctuation was lessened. Potassium levels and BUN were controlled to their appropriate level for subjects who initially exceeded the criterion level. With the withdrawal of weight gain from the contingency system, increase of weight gain between dialysis sessions was noted for all subjects.
Predictors of First-Year Retention in a Community College.

Retention is a complex issue of great importance to community colleges. Several retention models have been developed to help explain this phenomenon. However, these models typically have used four-year college and university environments to build their foundations. Several researchers have attempted to identify predictor variables using statistical analysis. This study attempts to replicate some of these previous studies and build on them by including additional variables and cross-sectional techniques to study the potential of shifting trends.
An expert system for searching in full-text

This dissertation explores techniques to improve full-text information retrieval by experienced computer users who are novice users of retrieval systems. An expert system which automatically reformulates Boolean user queries to improve search results is presented. The expert system differs from other intelligent database functions in two ways: it works with semantically and syntactically unprocessed text; and the expert system contains a knowledge base of domain independent search strategies. The passages retrieved are presented to the user in decreasing order of estimated relevancy. This combination of user interface features provides powerful, yet simple, access to full-text documents. Experimental results demonstrate that the expert system can improve the search efficiency of novice searchers without decreasing their search effectiveness. Further, an evaluation of the ranking algorithm confirms that, in general, the system presents potentially relevant passages to the user before irrelevant passages.
Acid-and base-stable esters : A new protecting group for carboxylic acids

An acid- and base-stable protecting group for carboxylic acids is described. The esters of (2,6-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methanol are stable to Bronsted and Lewis acids, Bronsted bases, and a wide variety of nucleophiles; however, the esters can be conveniently deprotected by a solvolytic displacement reaction with 20% trifluoroacetic acid.
DNA gelation in concentrated solutions.

Sonicated calf-thymus DNA (200 ± 30 base pairs) spontaneously forms viscoelastic gels over a wide range of concentration, temperature, and buffer conditions. Quasielastic light scattering (QLS) can be used to monitor this process, because the ratio of dynamic-to-static scattering intensity decreases dramatically as gelation occurs. Using QLS, we have explored the effects of DNA concentration and mono- and divalent cations on the thermal stability of DNA gels. We found that the gel–sol transition temperature (Tgel) varies linearly with [DNA] from 7.5 to 17 mg/mL. Both Na+ and Mg2+ strongly stabilize the gel state. The sharpness of the transition increases with increasing ionic and DNA concentrations. Analysis of the Na+-dependent gelation indicates that the process requires the association of one Na+ per 118 base pairs. Mg2+ effectively stabilizes the gel at concentrations 10-fold below those required for Na+. The unexpectedly large effect of Mg2+ suggests that ion-specific interactions may play an important role in determining gel stability.
Super-SOD: superoxide dismutase chimera fights off inflammation.

in greek mythology, the Chimera was a fearsome monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, which was slain by Bellerophon. In their paper (the current article in focus, Ref. [1][1], see p. L917 in this issue) on the construction of a chimeric superoxide dismutase
Static flange moment connections

Abstract A flange connection is one which connects a beam to the flange of the column such that bending about the strong axis of the column will result upon application of beam loads. This paper is primarily concerned with the discussion of the behavior and design of interior beam-to-column connections under static symmetrical loadings. The results of full scale tests carried out at Lehigh University on these types of connections are used as a benchmark check to provide the necessary confirmation of the validity of the current as well as the proposed design rules and procedures.
Women Faculty Post-50 Years of Age in Tenure Earning Positions: Opportunities and Challenges

A survey instrument was used to explore the opportunities and challenges of women post-50 in tenure earning positions in the academy. Findings suggest that significant personal life events were the primary impetus that propelled the post-50 women in this study to pursue tenure in middle to late adulthood. Interestingly, the majority of the women in the study did not consider age as a factor in their quest to earn tenure, but did cite the importance of mentoring relationships in pursuit of their tenure earning goal. Implications for addressing some of the needs of older women in tenure earning positions are discussed and recommendations for further research are offered.
Using Water-Distribution System Modeling to Assist Epidemiologic Investigations

An epidemiologic study of childhood leukemia and central nervous system cancers that occurred in the period 1979 through 1996 in Dover Township, N.J., is being conducted. Because groundwater contamination has been documented historically in public- and private-supply wells, there is the possibility of exposure through this pathway. The Dover Township area has been primarily served by a public water supply that relies solely on groundwater; therefore, a protocol has been developed for using a water-distribution model such as EPANET as a tool to assist the exposure assessment component of epidemiologic investigation. The model is being used to investigate the question of human exposure to groundwater contaminants. Because of the unavailability of historical data, the model was calibrated to the present-day (1998) water-distribution system characteristics. Pressure data were gathered simultaneously at 25 hydrants throughout the distribution system using continuous recording pressure data loggers during 48 h tests in March and August 1998. Data for storage tank water levels, system demand, and pump and well status (on/off) were also obtained. Field data gathering procedures, calibration results, and water-quality simulation using a naturally occurring element (barium), as well as an analysis indicating the percent of water originating from points of entry to the water-distribution system for 1998 conditions, are presented.
In situ hybridization and immunolocalization of lignan reductases in woody tissues: implications for heartwood formation and other forms of vascular tissue preservation.

Abstract Vascular plants have evolved with remarkable ways to form and protect the vasculature apparatus. In certain woody shrubs, the secondary xylem can have within its center a hollowed pith surrounded by secondary xylem, whereas in most trees there is a solid core of heartwood. Both types of woody systems have, however, the commonality of accumulating so-called ‘secondary’ metabolites, albeit to different extents, whose roles are to protect and preserve the vascular (lignified) tissues. This investigation had as its purpose establishing the nature of the cells involved in the biosynthesis of these specialized ‘secondary’ metabolites in plants forming heartwood and hollow piths, respectively. This was achieved by determining the tissue-specific expression of two lignan biosynthetic pathway enzymes: pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase (PLR) and phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase (PCBER), soluble enzymes which catalyze analogous benzylic ether reductions of 8–8′ and 8–5′ linked lignans, respectively. Using Forsythia intermedia, reverse transcription-PCR (RT–PCR) and northern blots revealed that PLR mRNA accumulated mainly in young stems, as well as in young roots and petioles. Furthermore, PLR-specific DIG-labeled riboprobes established that in the stems its mRNA accumulated in the radial parenchyma cells [and to a lesser extent in the developing vessels], as well as in the cambial cells of developing secondary xylem. In addition, immunocytochemical localization of PCBER in Pinus taeda established that it was in the axial and radial parenchyma cells of secondary xylem of stems. That is, irrespective of whether the woody plants formed hollowed piths or heartwood, the ‘secondary’ metabolite pathways leading to the protective lignans predominantly involved axial and radial parenchyma cells. This is in contrast to monolignol coupling (i.e. the entry point to both the lignans and lignins), which appears to be more restricted to the vascular cambial regions.
Managing chronic plantar fasciitis: when conservative strategies fail.

Additional options range from corticosteroid injection to plantar iontophoresis, botulinum toxin type A, ESWT, prolotherapy and autologous blood injections, and surgery.
Messenger RNA interactions in the decoding center control the rate of translocation

During protein synthesis, mRNA and tRNAs are iteratively translocated by the ribosome. Precisely what molecular event is rate limiting for translocation is not known. Here we show that disruption of the interactions between the A-site codon and the ribosome accelerates translocation, suggesting that the release of the mRNA from the decoding center of the ribosome is the rate-limiting step of translocation. These results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of translocation.
Dynamic Material Characterization Using Digital Image Correlation

Digital Image Correlation is a non-contact optical technique for measuring the full-field deformation on the surface of a deforming specimen. The technique was initially used in quasi-static experiments, but with the development of high speed digital cameras is used also in dynamic experiments. This use of the Digital Image Correlation technique in several dynamic experiments is presented. This includes the compression and tensile split Hopkinson bar tests, a shear test for specimens made of sheet metal, a dynamic punch test, tensile test of Kevlar cloth and Kevlar yarn, and an intermediate strain rate test in compression.
Perspectives on Labor History: The Wisconsin School and Beyond

ness formed in the Old World shaped behavior and action in the New. Other scholars, however, especially the French and U.S. labor historians, emphasized ethnicity's situational character and the extent to which individuals create ethnicity as one element of their working-class identity. These scholars were more interested in the interaction of workers of many ethnic backgrounds, especially in their new urban homelands. This disagreement never evolved?as it could have and some times has?into a simplistic disagreement over ethnicity versus class. But the tension between the approaches is far from resolution. Recent changes in Europe provide an interesting backdrop to historical debates like these. Although the official language of the conference was English, many East European participants were more comfortable with German?another reminder of the influence of imperial pasts. Political change in the East allowed at least one partici pant to travel to a foreign conference for the first time. It also fueled lively and sometimes passionately contentious and multilingual explorations of past and present. Overall, the wide-ranging and comparative aims of the conference brought suggestive, but not conclusive, results. By aiming so broadly, a number of important details remained vague. Many conference participants would have liked to hear more from the project researchers about the results of their research in Cleveland and Budapest. Even more, many wanted to learn more of the Bremen project's experi ence with collaborative research. For students of multiethnic working classes, collaborative research may be the only way to pursue comparison and synthesis without abandoning the full range of sources in many languages and countries. When queried, one project researcher noted, rather ruefully, that " 'Conflict and Cooperation' said it all." Were Bremen researchers influenced by earlier collabora tive efforts like the Philadelphia Social History Project? Did the Bremen research process replicate the tangled interethnic relations of workers in Cleveland and Budapest? Obviously, this was sensitive territory, where personality, ethnicity, and politics intertwined quite palpably with scholarship. If the Bremen group is to provide a model for others ?as I believe it could?the research process itself, with all its warts, needs further explication and perhaps some outright analysis.
A higher-order contract formula for plane curves

We drive an intersection-theoretic formula for the number of nth-order contacts between a given (n-1)-parameter family of plane curves and a gerenal specified curve. This is accomplished through the use of a tower of P 1-budles first introduced by Semple in [Se]. These bundles may be seen to parameterize nth-order curvilinear contact at a point in a natural way.
Plasmaspheric material at the reconnecting magnetopause

During geomagnetic storms, cold and dense plasmaspheric material is observed to drain toward the dayside magnetopause when the solar wind pressure is strong and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is southward. What is the fate of draining plasmaspheric material at the magnetopause? Does the plasmaspheric material participate in the dayside reconnection and then convect on open field lines through the polar cap? Or does the material become captured into the low-latitude boundary layer and then convect on closed field lines around the flanks of the magnetosphere? In this paper, we present observations from the Los Alamos magnetospheric plasma analyzers (MPA) onboard five satellites at geosynchronous orbit during 86 plasmaspheric drainage events. For a set of events where cold plasmaspheric material is observed immediately adjacent to the magnetopause/low-latitude boundary layer, we examine the detailed ion distributions, from ∼1 eV to ∼40 keV, for evidence that the draining plasmaspheric ions and the entering magnetosheath ions are simultaneously present on the same flux tube. Ten cases out of 57 are found where magnetosheath ions and plasmaspheric ions were unambiguously present simultaneously in the same flux tube, which is a signature that the plasmaspheric flux tubes do experience dayside reconnection. An additional ten cases strongly, but not as definitively, support this conclusion. Further, six of seven events with available IMF information have velocity space signatures that are consistent with expectations based on the reconnection process.
Some potentials and limits of the leucocrit test as a fish health assessment method

The sensitivity of the leucocrit as a stress tolerance and fish health assessment method was evaluated by subjecting juvenile coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, or steelhead trout, Salmo gairdneri, to standardized crowding, handling, temperature and disease challenges. The leucocrit was a sensitive indicator of the physiological stress resulting from crowding at population densities of 0·2–0·4 kg l−1, and to the stress of handling and to temperature changes. It was relatively insensitive to physiological sampling procedures which supports its continued development as a stress assessment method. In the case of fish diseases, subclinical or active Renibacterium salmoninarum and Yersinia ruckeri infections had essentially no effect on leucocrit values. In contrast, active Aeromonas salmonicida infections significantly depressed the leucocrit. However, no change was seen during the subclinical (incubation) phase prior to the development of an epizootic. Thus, the potential of the leucocrit as a fish health assessment method appears limited.
Evidence for a Potent Sex Attractant in the Introduced Pine Sawfly, Diprion Similis (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae)

In field investigations virgin females were found capable of attracting exceptionally large numbers of males. One caged female attracted well over 11,000 males. The chemical properties of the attractant are under investigation. Such an attractant in a stable form, and in combination with insecticides, might aid in reducing populations of this arrhenotokous pest.
Luteal function in the hysterectomized bitch following treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)

Estrus and ovulation were induced in ten mature, mixed-breed, anestrous bitches (10 to 20 kg) using exogenous gonadotropins. Bitches were bred once, on the second day of estrus. Between 11 and 13 days following estrus, bitches were bilaterally hysterectomized and randomly divided into two treatment groups of five bitches each. Four days following surgery, Group A (treated) was given a single subcutaneous injection of PGF2α (Prostin F2 alpha®) at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight and Group B (controls) similarly given an equal volume of .9% saline. Blood samples were collected daily by cephalic venipuncture prior to surgery and for 75 days thereafter. Plasma progesterone was monitored by a radioimmunoassay method. Although bitches were teased daily following PGF2α or saline treatments, estrual behavior was not exhibited. In both the PGF2α and saline treatment groups, plasma progesterone levels showed a transient decline by 12 hours following injection, although a more dramatic decrease was observed at this time in the prostaglandin-treated bitches. Subsequently, progesterone concentrations tended to increase in both groups at 6 days following treatment, however, not to pre-treatment levels. Within 20 to 32 days following treatment in both groups, plasma progesterone levels declined to <1 ng/ml and remained depressed at least 60 days post-injection. In this study, complete luteal regression was not induced following PGF2α treatment. Luteal function in both groups, as indicated by plasma progesterone concentrations, was shortened in the absence of the uterus.
Predictors of chronic groin discomfort after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Background Chronic groin discomfort is an undesired complication of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repairs. We examined whether perioperative factors may be associated with an increased risk of developing this problem and if their recognition could lead to preventive strategies. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of 1 surgeon's experience with 1,479 TEP repairs on 976 patients from 1995 to 2009. A mailed survey, which included a groin discomfort questionnaire (Carolinas Comfort Scale), was distributed to all patients. Symptom severity grading (range 0, none to 5, severe) was used to sort individual responses. Perioperative factors were compared between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with varying levels of discomfort. Results There were 691 patients (71%) who provided complete responses to the questionnaire. Median follow-up was 5.7 years (range 0 to 14.4 years). The majority (n = 543, 79%) denied any symptoms of mesh sensation, pain, or movement limitation. In the remaining 148 (21%) patients, symptoms were most often mild (n = 108), followed by mild but bothersome (n = 25), and 15 patients (2%) had moderate or severe symptoms. Symptomatic patients were younger (median age 52 vs 57 years, p = 0.002) and were more likely to have had the TEP repair for recurrent hernias (24% vs 17%, p = 0.035). Operative diagnosis, bilateral exploration, mesh fixation techniques, perioperative complications, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and length of hospital stay were not associated with chronic groin discomfort. Conclusions The majority of patients are asymptomatic after a laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair. Most of the symptomatic patients do not have any bothersome symptoms. Given that younger age and a repair for recurrent hernia were predictors of chronic groin discomfort, we counsel these patients about their increased risks.
Family Mapping: A Cumulative Measure of Family Structure and Instability

Family structure is an important area of study given the growing rates of family instability. The research, however, is limited due to broad definitions and measurement methods that only consider one time point. Using a sample of young adults (N = 398), our goal was to develop a user-friendly implementation procedure and coding system that efficiently captures a broad range of information. The coding system offered includes multiple levels of detail and hundreds of previously untapped variables. Examinations of standard methods versus the cumulative family mapping method revealed additional variance explained in measures of substance use, providing early indications of measurement utility.
Familial renal carcinoma

Renal carcinoma developed in two or more members of nine families. Multiple generations were affected in five kindreds, and siblings in four. The median age at cancer diagnosis was a decade earlier than usual, and individual patients had bilateral or multifocal lesions; these are features of hereditary forms of diverse cancers. No patient had von Hippel-Lindau disease or other predisposing genetic syndromes. Karyotypes of the peripheral blood of nine persons showed no instance of a 3;8 chromosome translocation as recently reported in association with renal carcinoma in ten members of one family. The findings show that familial renal cancer is more common than previously reported in the literature.
The nature of political services, legislative turnover, and television

We have considered the possibility that the number of new members in a state legislative session may be determined by some other things beside the seats up for election, district size and the presence of multimember districts. When we do this, we call into question Crain and Goff's conclusion that states with televised legislative sessions constitute a different population. But even controlling for other institutional details, our empirical work supports their hypotheses. Apparently television changes the nature of political services, makes them more like search goods and may even affect the nature of the returns from being a legislator.
Swelling, Deformation, and Retraction of Poly(4-methylpentene-1). II. Mechanical Properties in the Swollen State

In relation to our previous morphological observations of swollen poly(4-methylpentene-1) (P4MP1), the mechanical properties of swollen P4MP1 have been studied both as a function of degree of swelling and in the fully swollen state. In the former case extrapolation of the observed values of yield stress, elongation at yield and initial modulus to zero swelling, leads to the value of the unswollen specimen; almost no effect of the initial degree of “preswelling” was observed in these mechanical properties. Cyclic extension–relaxation experiments in the fully swollen state indicates that the stress recovery at a given maximum strain increases with increasing maximum strain although it decreases as the number of cycles is increased. In contrast to stress recovery, the strain recovery decreases as the applied maximum strain is increased with a gradual decrease as the number of cycles is increased. Both stress and strain recovery is a time dependent phenomenon, the recovery increasing with longer rest period. Electron micrographs show that it is the fibrils formed during the initial elongation which undergo repeated extension and relaxation.
Pharmacologic protection of perfused rat heart against global ischemia.

Abstract Using a Langendorff rat heart model, studies were performed on the effects of three drugs in protecting the heart against global ischemia. The drugs used were: (a) MR-256, a prostaglandin oligomeric derivative, which is a calcium chelating agent and at the same time, is an inhibitor of phospholipase A 2 activity, (b) chlorpromazine which is not a calcium chelator, but is a calmodulin antagonist and is an inhibitor of phospholipase A 2 activity, and (c) BAPTA AM , a calcium chelating agent, but which is not an inhibitor of phospholipase A 2 activity. The perfused heart was exposed to 15 minutes of global ischemia. In control experiments (no drug), the ventricular pressure recovered to 26.4 ± 6.7% (n = 22) of the original level. With pretreatment of (a) MR-256 (b) chlorpromazine, and (c) BAPTA AM , maximum recoveries were 0.5 ± 6.7% (n = 5), 88.7 ± 8.5% (n = 5), 45.3 ± 26.6% (n = 5), respectively. MR-256 and chlorpromazine were found to react with free radicals. The modes of action of these three different types of drugs are discussed.
Experimental Tests of the Post-Collision-Interaction Model for the He + -He Excitation Functions

He excitation by low energy He ions giving support for Rosenthal-Foley postcollision- interaction model, testing model predictions
The interaction of oxymyoglobin with hydrogen peroxide: a kinetic anomaly at large excesses of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract The reaction of oxymyoglobin (MbO 2 ) with H 2 O 2 has been examined at pH 7.2 and 20(±2) °C for reactant ratios of [H 2 O 2 ]:[MbO 2 ] > ∼15:1. Under the conditions of large excesses of H 2 O 2 , the reaction is characterized by an increase in the rate of loss of MbO 2 as [H 2 O 2 ]is increased, for which a value of k (MbO 2 + H 2 O 2 ) ∼ 3 M −1 s −1 is obtained. This kinetic behavior contrasts the saturation kinetics observed previously at lower values of [H 2 O 2 ]. The change in kinetics at increasing excesses of H 2 O 2 is accompanied by a progressive tendency toward the direct formation of ferrimyoglobin at the expense of ferrylmyoglobin formation. A mechanism is proposed in which an initially formed intermediate produces the ferryl derivative in competition with the formation of ferrimyoglobin through the interaction of further H 2 O 2 . Overall, the H 2 O 2 is catalytically decomposed by the MbO 2 . This mechanism is integrated with that determined previously at low excesses of H 2 O 2 into a complex general scheme that applies over the entire studied range of [H 2 O 2 ]:[MbO 2 ]. No evidence is obtained for the conversion of ferrylmyoglobin to oxymyoglobin by the large excesses of H 2 O 2 , regardless of whether the ferryl derivative is the product of the reaction of H 2 O 2 with the oxy or ferri derivative of myoglobin.
Evolution of peroxide species during the photooxidation of poly(vinyl butyral)

Photooxidizing films of poly(vinyl butyral) were investigated for the generation of solid-state and volatile peroxide species, acids, and changes in mass in order to gain insight into the factors that influence the levels of these peroxides during oxidation. Both the concentration of solid-state peroxides and the emission rate of volatile peroxides increased and subsequently declined, while acidic groups in the polymer accumulated without decreasing. After an initial increase, the mass of the films fell as volatile degradation products were released. It is suggested that the decline in the peroxide species, both in the polymer and volatiles, may be due to their reactions with other products of the polymer's oxidation, including aldehydes and acids. These results indicate that reactions besides the often-invoked homolytic cleavage of hydroperoxides may remove these species from the poly(vinyl butyral) and similar materials during advanced stages of photooxidation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39753.
The morin transition in small α-Fe2O3 particles

Magnetic properties of spherical hematite (α-Fe2O3) particles of narrow size distribution, having modal diameters ranging from 30 to 410 nm, are studied in the neighborhood of the Morin transition as a function of applied magnetic field with increasing and decreasing temperatures. It is found that this transition is of the first order and sensitive to the size of particles, their strain, and defects. An empirical result describing the influence of these contributions to the Morin temperature is obtained. The presented results strongly suggest that the magnetic “phases” proposed by Krupyanskii and Suzdalev do not exist. Die magnetischen Eigenschaften von kugelformigem Hamatit (α-Fe2O3)-Teilchen enger Verteilung (mit modalen Durchmessern zwischen 30 und 410 nm werden in der Nachbarschaft des Morin-Ubergangs in Abhangigkeit vom angelegten Magnetfeld bei steigenden und fallenden Temperaturen untersucht. Es wird gefunden, das dieser Ubergang von erster Ordnung ist und empfindlich gegenuber der Grose der Teilchen, ihrer Spannung und Defekte. Ein empirisches Ergebnis, das den Einflus dieser Beitrage zur Morintemperatur beschreibt, wird beobachtet. Das Ergebnis gibt einen starken Hinweis darauf, das die von Krupyanskii und Suzdalev vorgeschlagenen magnetischen „Phasen” nicht existieren.
On the welfare effects of tax limitation

Much recent literature has been devoted to providing theoretical and empirical analysis of the proposition that government is ‘too large’. Far less attention has been paid to the issue of whether tax and expenditure limitations, such as those in effect in many US. states, are an appropriate remedy to excessive government size. This paper uses conventional tools of welfare economics to analyze the welfare effects of tax limitations in an economy made up of many local governments. The conclusions are mixed: where government charges monopoly prices, tax limitation will reduce welfare; where government provides outputs that exceed those that would be competitively supplied, tax limitation may improve welfare.
Total Synthesis of Jadomycin A and a Carbasugar Analogue of Jadomycin B

The first syntheses of Jadomycin A and the carbosugar analogue of Jadomycin B have been achieved in 6 and 20 longest linear steps respectively. The key ring system of the aglycone was prepared by a 6π-electron electrocyclic ring closure and subsequent hemi-aminal ring closure. Acid sensitivity of the glycosidic bond in Jadomycin B precluded its synthesis but led to the synthesis of the carbasugar analogue.
The effects of respiratory muscle fatigue on swallowing physiology in healthy young adults: Preliminary results

Introduction: Fatigue of the respiratory muscles has been associated with swallowing disorders in many respiratory and neurological diseases, however, the mechanism with which fatigue affects the swallowing function remains unclear. Aims: The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle fatigue on swallowing physiology in healthy adults. Method: Participants included 10 healthy young adults randomly assigned in two groups: an expiratory and an inspiratory muscle group. Respiratory and electrophysiological measurements were obtained during the following tasks: three a)5ml water swallows, b)100ml continuous water swallows and c)solid swallows (cracker), at three time points: at baseline, immediately post exercise-induced fatigue, and finally, after a 15-min rest period. A loaded breathing device was used to induce fatigue. Surface electromyography was employed to capture muscle activity of the submental and the infrahyoid muscles during swallowing. Results: Electromyographical findings showed that, for the submental muscle group, the integral was found to be significantly higher during the immediate post- fatigue condition compared to both the baseline and post- rest conditions (p<0.05) in all tasks for both the inspiratory and expiratory groups. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that fatigue of the expiratory muscles has an effect on selective electrophysiological measures of swallowing. The greater impact of the submental muscles during swallowing compared to the infrahyoids could be a compensatory strategy, given the fatigue of the lower respiratory muscles.