cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dramatic Increase of the RNA Editing for Glutamate Receptor Subunits During Terminal Differentiation of Clonal Human Neurons

RNA editing plays an important role in determining physiological characteristics of certain glutamate-gated receptor (GluR) channels such as Ca2+ permeability and desensitization kinetics. In one case, the editing changes a gene-encoded glutamine (Q) to an arginine (R) codon located in the channel-forming domain of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR-B and also the kainate receptor subunits GluR5 and GluR6. Another case of RNA editing alters an arginine (R) to a glycine (G) codon at a position termed the "R/G" site of AMPA subunits GluR-B, C, and D. Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases (DRADA) have been implicated as agents involved in the editing. By using a human teratocarcinoma cell line, NT2, we investigated the change of the RNA editing of GluR subunits in conjunction with the expression of two DRADA members, DRADA1 and DRADA2 genes, during neuronal differentiation. Whereas Q/R and R/G site RNA editing both become progressively activated in differentiating NT2 cells, the expression of the two DRADA genes can already be detected even in the undifferentiated NT2 cells. Development of the editing machinery appears to require, in addition to DRADA enzymes, a currently unidentified mechanism(s) that may become activated during neuronal differentiation.
Monitoring global land surface using Nimbus-7 37 GHz data - Theory and examples

Simplified radiative transfer models for 37 GHz brightness temperatures are developed and applied to observations taken with the Nimbus-7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer. It is found that, as the vegetation density increases, polarization difference decreases. The polarization difference also decreases with increasing surface roughness. Empirical relations are established between the satellite observations and annual rainfall over Africa and Australia, primary productivity, and actual evaporation. Color-coded maps of primary productivity and evaporation are presented.
An essential active-site histidine residue in human prostatic acid phosphatase Ethoxyformylation by diethyl pyrocarbonate and phosphorylation by a substrate

Human prostatic acid phosphatase (orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase (acid optimum), EC 3.1.3.2) is a dimeric (α2) protein that catalyses the hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters. Several reports suggest that a phosphoenzyme intermediate is involved in the mechanism of acid phosphatase. Chemical modification studies and trapping experiments were therefore undertaken in order to ascertain the identity of the amino acid residue(s) involved in the formation of this intermediate. Human prostatic acid phosphatase is inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate (second-order rate constant of 7 M−1 · min−1 at pH 6.2) with an accompanying increase in absorbance at 242 nm due to formation of ethoxyformylhistidyl derivatives. In the presence of competive inhibitors the the rate of inactivation is decreased. Inactivation can be partially reversed by hydroxylamine. The pH curve of inactivation indicates the involvement of a residue having a pKa of 6.5. Direct evidence for the involvement of a histidine residue in the mechanism was obtained by trapping a covalent phosphohistidylenzyme intermediate. Incubation of the enzyme with p-nitrophenyl[32P]phosphate leads to incorporation of 0.44 mol 32P/mol enzyme. The denatured phosphoenzyme, which was acid labile but base stable, was hydrolyzed in 3 M KOH and the radioactivity was found to cochromatograph with synthetic τ-phosphohistidine on Dowex-1 ion-exchange resin. These results are consistent with a catalytic mechanism involving histidine as a nucleophile in the formation of a covalent phosphoenzyme intermediate.
Eight-year evaluation of a combined fluoride program in a nonfluoride area

This study measures the long-term effects of the use of a combination of fluoride procedures. The self-applied combined fluoride methods used in this study produced a pronounced decline in caries. The findings in relation to recent reports of declining caries prevalence in the United States are discussed.
Robust detection and accommodation of incipient component and actuator faults in nonlinear distributed processes

A class of nonlinear distributed processes with component and actuator faults is presented. An adaptive detection observer with a time varying threshold is proposed that provides additional robustness with respect to false declarations of faults and minimizes the fault detection time. Additionally, an adaptive diagnostic observer is proposed that is subsequently utilized in an automated control reconfiguration scheme that accommodates the component and actuator faults. An integrated optimal actuator location and fault accommodation scheme is provided in which the actuator locations are chosen in order to provide additional robustness with respect to actuator and component faults. Simulation studies of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky nonlinear partial differential equation are included to demonstrate the proposed fault detection and accommodation scheme. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Hydrocarbon oxidation in the exhaust port and runner of a spark ignition engine

Abstract An exhaust gas quenching technique was used to study the relationship of the fuel type to both the evolution and the extent of oxidation of the HC species in the exhaust port/runner system of an SI engine at light load condition. The fuel set consisted of gasoline, several alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, butane, iso-octane), an alkene (ethene), and an aromatic (toluene). There are significant fuel-to-fuel differences in cylinder-out HC emissions, which ranged from ∼ 500 ppm C 1 (for ethene) to ∼ 3350 ppm C 1 (for toluene). There is no significant fuel dependence on the percentage of the cylinder-out HC oxidized in the exhaust port/runner system, which ranges from 35% to 45%. Most of the reduction in total HC during passage through the exhaust system occurs in the port, although the distribution of HC species changes throughout the port/runner system. A large portion of the runner-out HC emissions consists of the fuel species: the fuel fraction is ∼ 80%–95% in methane, ethene and toluene, and ∼ 40%–70% for the nonmethane alkanes. For the latter, the dominant nonfuel species are alkenes with a carbon number lower than or equal to the fuel carbon number. Because of the much higher specific ozone reactivity of the alkenes, the total HC reduction in the exhaust port/runner system is accompanied by an increase in reactivity which results in a smaller reduction in ozone reactivity for the alkane fuels than would be expected based on total HC emissions alone.
Contribution of marrow-derived progenitors to vascular and cardiac regeneration.

Adult bone marrow is a rich reservoir of tissue-specific pluripotent stem and progenitor cells. Accumulating evidence suggest that these cells have the potential of contributing to tissue revascularization and cardiac regeneration. Physiological stress results in the release of specific chemokines and cytokines that promote mobilization of stem cells to the peripheral circulation. Incorporation of these mobilized cells contributes to formation of functional vasculature and sets up stage for tissue regeneration. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) through interaction with its receptors VEGFR2 and VEGFR1 expressed on endothelial and hematopoietic stem cells promote recruitment of these cells into the sites of tissue injury accelerating vascular healing. Similarly, subset of CD34 + marrow derived cells are mobilized and recruited to the ischemic myocardium, differentiating into cardiac and vascular cells, restoring cardiac function. Identification of cellular mediators and tissue specific chemocytokines that facilitate selective recruitment of marrow-derived stem and progenitor cells to specific organs, will open up new avenues to accelerate cardiovascular regeneration and tissue revascularization.
Volumetric and derived thermal characteristics of liquid D2O at low temperatures and high pressures

Using a refinement of a capillary technique described earlier precise PVT data on D2O between 0.1 and 140 MPa and down to −30 °C have been obtained, and the pressure dependence of the volumetric behavior in the vicinity of the well‐known density maximum has been examined. The ’’sharpness’’ of the density maximum, defined by dα/dT at α=0 K−1, decreases with increasing pressure in a simple linear manner. Extrapolations suggest that at about 250 MPa the density maximum would have the same sharpness as that known for the tetrahedral network liquid SiO2, but would occur at temperatures too low to be observed. A relation between volumetric anomalies and bridge‐bond angles in liquids with tetrahedral network structures is suggested. The volumetric data are used to derive the effect of high pressure on the constant pressure heat capacities. From these it is argued that, on extended supercooling at 2 kbar, water could pass normally into the glassy state at about 140 K without encountering the entropy paradox which...
Normal functions and a class of associated boundary functions

Letμ′ be the family of non-empty closed subsets of the Riemann sphere and Λ the family of continuous curves λ with values in the unit disk and limt→1 |λ(t)|=1. A meromorphic functionf in |z|<1 induces a mapping\(\hat f\) from Λ intoμ′ by setting\(\hat f\left( \lambda \right)\) equal to the cluster set off on λ. The authors show that if\(\hat f\) is continuous then existence of an asymptotic value ateiθ implies the existence of an angular limit. Further if the spherical derivative off iso(1/(1−|z|)) then\(\hat f\) is constant on every open disk in the space Λ.
The asymmetric effects of demand shocks: international evidence on determinants and implications

The analysis focuses on the asymmetric effects of demand shocks. The evidence across a sample of 19 industrial countries differentiates the effects of expansionary and contractionary aggregate demand shocks on real output growth and nominal wage and price inflation. The difference appears consistent with a kinked supply curve that is dependent on the asymmetric flexibility of wages and/or prices across countries. Furthermore, the evidence does not support the endogeneity of asymmetric nominal flexibility with respect to demand variability or trend price inflation across countries. On average, across countries, demand variability increases nominal wage and price inflation relative to deflation, while exacerbating output contraction relative to expansion. The apparent trade-off between changes in real and nominal trends provides further support to the supply side explanation of asymmetry.
Body Image as a Mediator of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents.

Attitudes towards the body have been largely overlooked as a potential risk factor for adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) despite theorizing that a negative body image may play a critical role in the development of this behavior. The current study used structural equation modeling to evaluate the fit of a theoretical model specifying body image as a mediator between negative affect and NSSI in a combined clinical and non-clinical sample of 284 adolescents. The data supported the model, accounted for 21.6% of the variance in NSSI, and body image significantly mediated the relationship between negative affect and NSSI. These findings provide essential preliminary evidence that body image may represent a necessary but not sufficient risk factor for NSSI in adolescents and that treatment for NSSI should consider targeting body-related pathology in addition to emotion regulation. The findings also support including body image within developing etiological models of NSSI.
Programming with visual expressions

The lambda calculus is a formal symbolic term rewriting system that has been used for many years both as a mechanism for defining the semantics of programming languages and as the basis for functional programming languages. In this paper, we describe a completely visual representation for lambda expressions, VEX (Visual EXpressions), that has several advantages over traditional textual lambda calculus. Although VEX is designed as an expression-oriented component of VIPR (VIsual PRogramming language), it can also be used in teaching the concepts of the lambda calculus as a replacement for or augmentation to the teaching of traditional textual rewrite rules. Many semantic issues in the lambda calculus that are confusing to students, including substitution, free variables and binding, become apparent and explicit in VEX.
Posterior Necrotizing Scleritis Presenting as Sectoral Chorioretinitis.

Necrotizing scleritis is primarily considered an anterior segment disease, often (but not always) affecting patients with underlying autoimmune diagnoses such as rheumatoid arthritis.1 Histopatholo...
Trial for peptide bond formation using model molecules based on the interactions between the CCA sequence of tRNA and 23S rRNA

The peptidyl transfer reaction catalyzed by the ribosome is a sophisticated product of evolution. The molecular mechanism of peptide bond formation has not been fully elucidated although the essential involvement of 23S rRNA has been established. The universal CCA sequence at the 3'-end of tRNA plays an important role in this process, by interacting with specific nucleotides in 23S rRNA. However, reconstitution of peptidyl transferase activity by a naked 23S rRNA (without the help of any of the ribosomal proteins) has not been reported. To investigate the possible evolutionary development of the peptidyl transfer reaction, we tried to obtain peptide bond formation using a piece of tRNA--an aminoacyl-minihelix--mixed with sequence-specific oligonucleotides that contained puromycin. This system reproduced conceptually the equivalent interactions between the CCA trinucleotide of tRNA and 23S rRNA. Peptide bond formation was detected by gel electrophoresis, TLC and mass spectrometry. These results have implications for the evolution of the peptidyl transfer reaction in biological system.
Role of membrane lipids in regulation of vulnerability to oxidative stress in PC12 cells: implication for aging.

Previously, we reported that PC12 cells showed increased vulnerability to oxidative stress (OS) induced by H2O2 (as assessed by decrements in calcium recovery, i.e., the ability of cells to buffer Ca(2+) after a depolarization event) when the membrane levels of cholesterol (CHL) and sphingomyelin (SPH) were modified to approximate those seen in the neuronal membranes of old animals. The present study was designed to examine whether the enrichment of the membranes with SPH-CHL and increased cellular vulnerability to OS are mediated by neutral SPH-specific phospholipase C (N-Sase) and the intracellular antioxidant GSH. The results showed a significant up-regulation of N-Sase activity by both low (5 microM) and high (300 microM) doses of H2O2. However, under high doses of H2O2 the up-regulation of N-Sase is accompanied by a significant increase in reactive oxygen species and by a decrease in intracellular GSH. The enrichment of membranes with SPH-CHL significantly potentiated the effects of high doses of H2O2, by further reducing the intracellular GSH and further up-regulating the N-Sase activity. Furthermore, repleting intracellular GSH with 20 mM N-acetylcysteine treatment was sufficient to attenuate the effect of a low dose of H2O2 on Ca(2+) recovery in SPH-CHL-treated cells. Thus, these results suggested that age-related alterations in the membrane SPH-CHL levels could be important determinants of the susceptibility of neuronal cells to OS.
Precision of molecular time estimates

Abstract Molecular clocks are used to estimate the time of divergence of genes and species and have helped illuminate the evolutionary history of life. In a recent article, Graur and Martin raised concerns regarding confidence intervals of molecular time estimates and fossil calibrations. Although our past work was singled out, their concerns apply generally to the field, including their own previous studies. We believe that those concerns are unfounded. Graur and Martin use ad hoc methods for estimating confidence intervals and for the interpretation of fossil evidence, which led them to calculate overly wide confidence intervals and to make erroneous conclusions. In a separate article, Reisz and Muller propose that the bird–mammal fossil calibration used by us, and others, should be abandoned in favor of a bird–lizard calibration. However, other paleontologists disagree, and Reisz and Muller have failed to provide robust fossil evidence or to consider sequence availability. Molecular clocks have great potential but must be calibrated carefully.
Letter to the editor: Characterizing preclinical model of ischemic heart failure: difference between LAD and LCx infarctions

to the editor: We read with great interest the recently published article of Ishikawa and colleagues ([1][1]). The authors established heart failure (HF) models via left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCx) occlusion. We would like to address several issues that
Crystal Structures of Polymorphic Prion Protein β1 Peptides Reveal Variable Steric Zipper Conformations.

The pathogenesis of prion diseases is associated with the conformational conversion of normal, predominantly α-helical prion protein (PrP(C)) into a pathogenic form that is enriched with β-sheets (PrP(Sc)). Several PrP(C) crystal structures have revealed β1-mediated intermolecular sheets, suggesting that the β1 strand may contribute to a possible initiation site for β-sheet-mediated PrP(Sc) propagation. This β1 strand contains the polymorphic residue 129 that influences disease susceptibility and phenotype. To investigate the effect of the residue 129 polymorphism on the conformation of amyloid-like continuous β-sheets formed by β1, crystal structures of β1 peptides containing each of the polymorphic residues were determined. To probe the conformational influence of the peptide construct design, four different lengths of β1 peptides were studied. From the 12 peptides studied, 11 yielded crystal structures ranging in resolution from 0.9 to 1.4 A. This ensemble of β1 crystal structures reveals conformational differences that are influenced by both the nature of the polymorphic residue and the extent of the peptide construct, indicating that comprehensive studies in which peptide constructs vary are a more rigorous approach to surveying conformational possibilities.
Enhancing drop stability in protein crystallization by chemical patterning

The motion of protein drops on crystallization media during routine handling is a major factor affecting the reproducibility of crystallization conditions. Drop stability can be enhanced by chemical patterning to more effectively pin the drop's contact line. As an example, a hydrophilic area is patterned on an initially flat hydrophobic glass slide. The drop remains confined to the hydrophilic area and the maximum drop size that remains stable when the slide is rotated to the vertical position increases. This simple method is readily scalable and has the potential to significantly improve the outcomes of hanging-drop and sitting-drop crystallization.
Down-regulation of brush border efflux transporter expression in the kidneys of pregnant mice.

Pregnancy increases the urinary excretion of chemicals in women and rodents. It is unknown whether the enhanced clearance of drugs during pregnancy involves changes in the expression of transporters that mediate chemical secretion and reabsorption. The purpose of this study was to quantify the mRNA and protein expression of efflux transporters in kidneys from virgin and pregnant mice on gestational days 7, 11, 14, and 17 and postnatal days 1, 15, and 30 with use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Multidrug resistance protein (Mdr) 1b mRNA, multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 4 mRNA, and protein levels decreased significantly by 25–75% throughout pregnancy and lactation. Similarly, Mrp2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (Mate) 1 mRNA expression were down-regulated 20–40% during mid to late gestation but returned to control levels by postnatal day 15. In contrast, Mrp3 mRNA and protein increased 225% and 31%, respectively, at gestational day 14. Coordinated down-regulation of brush border transporters Mate1, Mrp2, and Mrp4 and up-regulation of the basolateral Mrp3 transporter would reduce chemical secretion into urine.
Mature survival results with preoperative cisplatin, protracted infusion 5-fluorouracil, and 44-Gy radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.

Abstract Purpose To assess the long-term survival results after cisplatin, protracted infusion 5-fluorouracil, and concurrent radiotherapy (RT) followed by surgical resection of esophageal cancer. Methods and materials Ninety-two patients with esophageal cancer (65 with adenocarcinoma and 27 with squamous cell carcinoma) were treated in two sequential protocols of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The patients had tumor confined to the esophagus and regional nodes, including celiac nodes for middle and distal lesions. In trial A (1989–1994), 50 patients were treated with 44 Gy RT (2 Gy/d) along with concurrent 5-fluorouracil 300 mg/m 2 /d given by protracted venous infusion on Days 1–30 and cisplatin 26 mg/m 2 on Days 1–5 and 26–30. In trial B (1995–1997, 42 patients), the chemotherapy dosages during RT were reduced to 5-fluorouracil 225 mg/m 2 /d protracted venous infusion and cisplatin 20 mg/m 2 /d on Days 1–5 and 16–30; three cycles of paclitaxel 135 mg/m 2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 were given postoperatively. Surgery generally occurred 4–6 weeks after completion of the planned preoperative therapy. Transhiatal resection was performed whenever possible. Results Of the 92 patients, 86 (93%) underwent surgery (1 refused, 2 died preoperatively, and 3 developed evidence of metastatic disease). Of the 92 patients, 80 (87%) had complete resections with negative margins (3 had positive margins and 3 had distant metastases discovered at surgery). The pathologic complete response rate was 33% (30 of 92). The median follow-up was 63.5 months. The median survival and disease-specific survival for all enrolled patients was 35 and 59 months, respectively. The 5-year survival and disease-specific survival rate was 40% and 49%, respectively. Patients with a pathologic complete response had a 67% survival rate at 5 years (median not reached), and the remainder of patients had a 5-year survival rate of 27% (median 21 months; p Conclusion The promising 5-year survival results and low rate of late cancer-related deaths suggest that these regimens of intensive neoadjuvant therapy may improve the overall cure rate. The pathologic stage after neoadjuvant therapy is an important predictor of survival and may be useful in selecting patients for novel adjuvant therapies. Isolated local failure is uncommon, indicating that efforts to improve the therapeutic outcome should focus on optimizing systemic therapy rather than intensifying the RT. Additional randomized data are needed to assess the benefits of this therapeutic approach fully.
Our electric automotive future: CO2 savings through a disruptive technology

The transition from oil to electricity for personal transportation is underway with virtually every automaker now seeking to produce an electrical automobile, of some form, under its brand. The pace of this transition, however, is dependent upon both technical and institutional changes. Electricity has the opportunity to play both a disruptive role in transportation and a transformational role in renewable energy, to the benefit of moderating climate change. In transportation, electricity can be both a cleaner and cheaper fuel than petroleum. Moreover, automobile batteries can play a pivotal role in enhancing the use of renewable energies in our daily lives. Development of the full potential of this transformation awaits the formulation of an innovative and clever business plan or value package that integrates the automobile industry with a changing electricity sector.
Engrailed-2 (En2) deletion produces multiple neurodevelopmental defects in monoamine systems, forebrain structures and neurogenesis, and behavior

Many genes involved in brain development have been associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain undefined. Human genetic and mouse behavioral analyses suggest that ENGRAILED-2 (EN2) contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. In mouse, En2 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression in embryonic mid-hindbrain regions where monoamine neurons emerge. Considering their importance in neuropsychiatric disorders, we characterized monoamine systems in relation to forebrain neurogenesis in En2-knockout (En2-KO) mice. Transmitter levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) were dysregulated from Postnatal day 7 (P7) to P21 in En2-KO, though NE exhibited the greatest abnormalities. While NE levels were reduced ∼35% in forebrain, they were increased 40 -: 75% in hindbrain and cerebellum, and these patterns paralleled changes in locus coeruleus (LC) fiber innervation, respectively. Although En2 promoter was active in Embryonic day 14.5 -: 15.5 LC neurons, expression diminished thereafter and gene deletion did not alter brainstem NE neuron numbers. Significantly, in parallel with reduced NE levels, En2-KO forebrain regions exhibited reduced growth, particularly hippocampus, where P21 dentate gyrus granule neurons were decreased 16%, suggesting abnormal neurogenesis. Indeed, hippocampal neurogenic regions showed increased cell death (+77%) and unexpectedly, increased proliferation. Excess proliferation was restricted to early Sox2/Tbr2 progenitors whereas increased apoptosis occurred in differentiating (Dcx) neuroblasts, accompanied by reduced newborn neuron survival. Abnormal neurogenesis may reflect NE deficits because intra-hippocampal injections of β-adrenergic agonists reversed cell death. These studies suggest that disruption of hindbrain patterning genes can alter monoamine system development and thereby produce forebrain defects that are relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
COUPLED TRANSVERSE AND AXIAL MOTION OF A COMPLIANT STRUCTURE IN RESPONSE TO VORTEX-SHEDDING LOADS

Abstract A compliant offshore tower is modelled as a structure having extensional and transverse degrees of freedom. McIver's extension of Hamilton's principle is applied to the system, resulting in coupled non-linear equations of motion, due to the assumption of small strain and moderate rotation. The equations of motion are discretized using finite differences and solved numerically. Several forms for the vortex-shedding load are tested, as well as experimental force data. To better understand the model response, Monte Carlo simulations are performed. The results show the feasibility of the present model for representing the response of a compliant structure subject to transverse loading.
Method for Crew-Escape Risk-Envelope Assessment During Ascent

Computational simulations and analyses may be used to quantify the risk envelope for crew escape resulting from an accidental detonation of explosive materials at a specified time during the ascent phase for crew exploration vehicles. Here, a methodology was developed and applied to assess the explosive risk potential, focusing on internal detonations or explosions. The approachwas to computationallymodel the geometry of a launch vehicle and the time evolution of an accident scenario with explosive detonation. A series of detailed detonation simulations were completed for three different crew exploration vehicle launch vehicle configurations. All simulations assumed the formation of an explosive mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Two different energy-release models were used in this study. One was based on programmed burn with a Jones–Wilkins–Lee analytical description of the reaction-product expansion isentrope, and the other used a volumetric energy source formulation. Based on this methodology and simulations, the predicted pressure field had significant magnitudes in the region of the service module and crew exploration vehicle. In fact, the overpressure is so severe that it would not be a survivable event for the crew.
Changes of Bureau Chiefs in the National Administration of the United States, 1926–29

It is the purpose of this note to bring down to date an analysis of the selection and tenure of bureau chiefs in the national administration offered by the writer in this Review in 1926. A complete enumeration of the changes that have taken place at this crucial level in the civil service during an interval of nearly three years has suggestive value, at least in indicating the trend of our bureaucracy. The mode of approach in the original study was primarily biographical. The bureaus were classified with reference to the manner of selection and the nature of the prior experience of the bureau chiefs then in office. The same method and arrangement are used in dealing with shifts since 1926. First to be considered are the new bureau chiefs whose positions are in the classified competitive service under the supervision of the Civil Service Commission. Replacements in this group since 1926 have involved the amalgamated Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, the Bureau of Dairy Industry, the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, the Bureau of Biological Survey, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Entomology, and indirectly the newly constituted Food, Drug, and Insecticide Administration and the Plant Quarantine and Control Administration—all in the Department of Agriculture; also the National Park Service in the Department of the Interior. In two instances competitive examinations have been employed; in another, one has been ordered; in the remaining cases the new chiefs have been chosen by promotion from within the competitive classified service.
On a relaxation of SPR condition in parallel MRAS-continuous-time case

It is shown that the strict positive realness (SPR) condition for asymptotic stability of the continuous-time parallel model reference adaptive system (MRAS) can be removed provided that the parameter adaption law includes a proportional term and the information matrix is made sufficiently large. The present result a continuous-time counterpart of an earlier result (M. Tomizuka, ibid., vol.27, no.4, p.505-6, 1982) on the discrete-time parallel MRAS. >
Effect of Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract (Amaferm®) on In Vitro Fiber Degradation

The influence of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (Amaferm) on in vitro fiber degradation was determined by incubating eight ground fibrous feed-stuffs with rumen fluid and buffer inoculum. Amaferm was added at 0, .4, .8, or 1.2 g/L of fermentation mixture. Both NDF and ADF degradabilities were determined after 96 h of incubation. Addition of extract had no effect on NDF or ADF degradability of pure cellulose, low endophyte fescue, wheat straw, corn silage, or prairie hay. Addition of Amaferm at .8 or 1.2 g/L increased NDF and ADF degradations of bromegrass hay and alfalfa hay; its addition at .4 or .8 g/L, but not at 1.2 g/L, increased NDF and ADF degradation of high endophyte fescue hay. In a second set of in vitro fermentations, selective antimicrobials (penicillin, streptomycin, and cycloheximide) were used to assess the influence of Amaferm on various microbial groups. The enhanced fiber degradation by Amaferm was attributed to its stimulation of bacterial activity because its addition to whole rumen fluid without or with cycloheximide increased fiber digestion. In contrast, addition of Amaferm to the whole rumen fluid plus penicillin and streptomycin treatment had no effect on fiber degradation, suggesting that fungal or protozoal activity was not affected by treatment. In conclusion, Amaferm increased fiber digestibility of certain feedstuffs, and the increase was mediated via stimulation of rumen bacterial, but not fungal or protozoal, activities.
Healthy eating in Ukraine: attitudes, barriers and information sources

Objective To identify the major perceived influences on food choice, to examine the use of and trust in information sources concerning healthy eating, and to assess attitudes towards and barriers to adopting healthy eating practices in a post-USSR country (Ukraine). Design A survey of an urban adult population. The questions were adopted from the Pan-European Union (EU) Survey of Consumer Attitudes to Food, Nutrition and Health (1995-1996). Setting Lviv city, Ukraine. Subjects The survey included 296 adults (84 males, 212 females) aged 18-55 years; they were primarily college students and subjects with tertiary education--the groups most likely to be both interested in healthy eating and affected by current socioeconomic downturns. Results The major factors in food choice were: 'quality/freshness' (cited by 80%), 'price' (58%) and 'taste' (47%); only 34% cited 'trying to eat healthily'. More older people cited 'price' than 'quality/freshness', and men were more likely than women to cite 'taste'. Sources of healthy eating information included: 'relatives/friends' (cited by 65%, trusted by 85%) and health professionals (trusted by 92%, but used by only 35%); while advertising was the least trusted source (cited by 28%). Fifty-three per cent of respondents considered their diet to be healthy enough without further changes; 50% thought of the nutritional aspects of the food they ate; fewer women than men considered their diet healthy, and more women than men thought about nutrition. Barriers to healthy eating included: 'cost' (cited by 65%), 'lack of time' (55%), 'self-control' (54%), 'selection influences' (41%), 'lack of knowledge' (32%), 'unpleasant foods' and 'resistance to change' (both 30%). Conclusions Strategies to encourage healthy eating in this population should involve word-of-mouth nutrition education concerning low-cost healthy alternatives.
Regression of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ After Treatment with Acupuncture

This report describes a case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that regressed after treatment with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The natural history of DCIS remains to be elucidated, and it is unclear whether all DCIS cases progress to invasive breast cancer. Surgery plus radiation therapy or mastectomy is recommended for women in whom this potentially nonprogressive cancer is detected. This case supports the developing trend toward active surveillance in lieu of breast-disfiguring surgery and offers evidence that CAM therapies may be of value in preventing progression of DCIS to invasive breast cancer.
Effect of the severity of maternal zinc deficiency on pregnancy outcome and infant zinc status in rhesus monkeys

ABSTRACT: To investigate the effects of the severity of maternal zinc deficiency on early development, rhesus monkeys were fed diets that were either moderately zinc-deficient (MZD) (2 μg Zn/g) or marginal in zinc (M) (4 μg Zn/g throughout pregnancy and lactation. Dams in the MZD group developed overt signs of zinc deficiency. Compared with control dams fed diets adequate in zinc (C) (50 or 100 μg Zn/g), both M and MZD dams showed low mitogen response. Pregnancy outcome was similar in all groups, and infants were considered healthy at delivery. From birth until d 30, infants were closely monitored for signs of zinc deficiency. On d 30, infants were killed and tissues were analyzed for several parameters reported to be affected by zinc status. MZD infants tended to have lower plasma zinc concentrations than C infants, although the difference was only significant at d 14. M infants tended to have lower plasma zinc concentrations than C infants. Mitogen response was lower in MZD and M infants than in C infants. However, mitogen responses were similar in MZD and M infants. Liver zinc concentrations were similar among the three groups of infants; however, zinc and metallothionein concentrations in (10 000 × g) liver supernatant fractions were lower in the MZD and M groups than in the C group. 65Zn absorption/retention was higher in MZD and M mothers and infants than in C mothers and infants; there were no marked differences between MZD and M mothers or infants. In contrast to whole-body absorption, 65Zn uptake/retention by isolated hepatocytes was similar among the three infant groups. Plasma metallothionein concentrations were higher in the MZD mothers during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester than in the M or C mothers and higher than C mothers on d 30 postpartum; plasma metallothionein concentrations were similar among the three groups of infants. These results demonstrate that feeding a diet containing 2 μg Zn/g to rhesus monkeys during pregnancy and lactation results in marked signs of zinc deficiency, whereas feeding a diet containing 4 μg Zn/g results in only subtle signs.
Perceptions of housing conditions among migrant farmworkers and their families: implications for health, safety and social policy.

Introduction In the USA, migrant farmworkers are a vulnerable group due to their low socioeconomic status, risk of occupational exposures and injury, lack of social mobility, lack of adequate access to health services and dependency on employer for provided housing. Previous reports have documented migrant farmworker housing conditions to be variable, but poor overall. This paper explores the perceptions of housing conditions among migrant farmworkers in rural North Carolina, and develops an understanding of potential impacts of their housing on health and safety. Methods This study used qualitative descriptive data and directed content analysis to analyse semi-structured interviews and photographs that were data elements of a larger community-based participatory research study designed to document housing quality and health among North Carolina farmworkers. Results Many of the study participants described poor housing conditions that were reflected in the photographic analysis of the houses and camps. Specific problems described by the participants include exposure to pesticides, safety issues, pests, water supply and air quality, temperature and moisture. Conclusions This study describes migrant farmworkers' perceptions of housing quality and numerous potential impacts on health and safety. Research, social policy and practice-based implications derived from this research could serve to improve the health status of these individuals and their families. This study suggests there is much room for sustained advocacy and action, given that many of the farmworkers' descriptions and photographs depicted housing conditions below accepted standards of living. Access to adequate and safe employer-provided housing for migrant farmworkers should be considered a basic human right.
Poisoning in Children and Adolescents

Definition A poisoning can be defined as the exposure of the victim to an agent that, by transference of chemical or radiant energy, can cause symptoms and signs of organ dysfunction leading to injury or death. Epidemiology Childhood poisonings continue to challenge the diagnostic and treatment skills of the pediatrician. Of more than 1.7 million poisoning exposures reported to 72 poison centers in the United States in 1990, 60.8% involved children less than 6 years of age (Table 1). Fortunately, young children account for fewer than 4% of poisoning-related fatalities. Generally, childhood poisonings involve products in use and occur when a parent is distracted. The profile of a toddler at high risk for repeated poisonings is one who is active, is inquisitive, and has oral behaviors. Frequently, these children are described as negativistic; a power struggle between parents and child over putting forbidden objects in the mouth may be evident. Parents of these children may be socially isolated, burdened with physical or psychiatric problems, and hampered by insecurities regarding their own competence as parents. Clinical Aspects TOXIN INFORMATION The history and physical examination are of paramount importance in reaching the correct diagnosis of the poisoned child. The pediatrician must find out what toxin(s) might be implicated in the poisoning: the exact ingredients and their concentrations.
Victims, Survivors and the Decisions to Seek and Impose Death

This paper examines the constitutional, legal, and ethical issues regarding the consideration of victim and survivor sentiments, and victim characteristics, in deciding to seek and impose the death penalty. While in theory prosecutorial decisions to seek death and judge or juror decisions to impose it are driven by the heinousness of the killing and the culpability of the killer, in practice a range of other considerations often influence such decisions. This is especially so in the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark 1991 decision in Payne v. Tennessee, where the Court sanctioned use of victim impact evidence in capital trials, allowing survivors of murder victims to testify of the social, emotional and economic losses resulting from the murder. The paper surveys the diverse range of victim impact evidence admitted in courts today and the rules governing its admission. In addition, it considers the propriety of consideration being given in death penalty decisions to (i) victim characteristics and (ii) the views of victims and survivors on the propriety of capital punishment itself.
Imaging and Quantification of Hepatobiliary Function

The liver is one of the most frequently imaged organs in the body, using ultrasound, CT, MRI, or scintigraphy. The first three imaging techniques depend upon morphological changes to detect disease, whereas scintigraphy uses both morphological and physiological changes to discover liver pathology. Since physiological changes usually precede morphological alterations by several weeks or months, there is great potential for early diagnosis by scintigraphy, well before irreversible functional changes take place. Once very popular, imaging with radiocolloids now has been almost completely replaced by quantitative hepatobiliary functional imaging with Tc-99m HIDA [1].
Source memory in rats is impaired by an NMDA receptor antagonist but not by PSD95-nNOS protein–protein interaction inhibitors

Limitations of preclinical models of human memory contribute to the pervasive view that rodent models do not adequately predict therapeutic efficacy in producing cognitive impairments or improvements in humans. We used a source-memory model (i.e., a representation of the origin of information) we developed for use in rats to evaluate possible drug-induced impairments of both spatial memory and higher order memory functions in the same task. Memory impairment represents a major barrier to use of NMDAR antagonists as pharmacotherapies. The scaffolding protein postsynaptic density 95kDa (PSD95) links NMDARs to the neuronal enzyme nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which catalyzes production of the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, interrupting PSD95-nNOS protein-protein interactions downstream of NMDARs represents a novel therapeutic strategy to interrupt NMDAR-dependent NO signaling while bypassing unwanted side effects of NMDAR antagonists. We hypothesized that the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 would impair source memory. We also hypothesized that PSD95-nNOS inhibitors (IC87201 and ZL006) would lack the profile of cognitive impairment associated with global NMDAR antagonists. IC87201 and ZL006 suppressed NMDA-stimulated formation of cGMP, a marker of NO production, in cultured hippocampal neurons. MK-801, at doses that did not impair motor function, impaired source memory under conditions in which spatial memory was spared. Thus, source memory was more vulnerable than spatial memory to impairment. By contrast, PSD95-nNOS inhibitors, IC87201 and ZL006, administered at doses that are behaviorally effective in rats, spared source memory, spatial memory, and motor function. Thus, PSD95-nNOS inhibitors are likely to exhibit favorable therapeutic ratios compared to NMDAR antagonists.
Traditionelle Synchronisationsverfahren in Nicht-Standard-Anwendungen

Die in Kapitel 3.0 vorgestellten speziellen Anforderungen von Nicht-Standard-Anwendungen machen es notig, die Verwendbarkeit der in Kapitel 2.2 skizzierten traditionellen Synchronisationsverfahren in solchen Anwendungen zu untersuchen. Dies ist Gegenstand des folgenden Kapitels 4.1, das den zentralen Teil der vorliegenden Arbeit einleitet. Es wird hier systematisch untersucht, welche Vor- und Nachteile traditionelle Synchronisationsverfahren im Hinblick auf Nicht-Standard-Anwendungen haben. Als Ergebnis ergibt sich, das in Nicht-Standard-Anwendungen granulatorientierte Sperrverfahren, die logische Sperrgranulate verwenden, am geeignetsten sind. Nichtsdestotrotz weisen die bekannten Sperrverfahren, die diese Voraussetzungen erfullen, im Hinblick auf Nicht-Standard-Anwendungen einige gravierende Nachteile auf. Diese Nachteile werden in Kapitel 4.2 detailliert aufgezeigt und erlautert.
Attenuation of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to cold in elderly men.

This study tested the hypothesis that the cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to cold is reduced in elderly individuals. We measured laser Doppler flux (LDF) in the fingertip and blood cell velocity (CBV), via videodensitometry, in individual capillaries of the finger nailfold both before and during submersion of the contralateral arm in a 15 degrees C water bath. Subjects were 10 young (M = 25 years) and 10 old (M = 71 years) male adults. During the first minute of cooling, both the young (Y) and old (O) groups experienced a significant (p .28). These results indicate that indirect cooling elicits a reflex decrease in cutaneous bloodflow, which is more pronounced in the deep vessels than in the superficial capillaries, and that these effects are attenuated with advancing age.
Serological surveillance of brucellosis in occupational populations in Zhuhai city

Objective To investigate the epidemiological features of brucella infection in occupational populations in Zhuhai city.Methods Serological surveillance was used to monitor populations who exposed to livestock and livestock products.Designed questionnaire was used for the epidemiological investigation.The rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) was employed in the detection of brucellosis.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factor of brucellosis in occupational populations.Results 23 positive samples were confirmed with the positive rate of 10.2% in 226 cases.Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors.The young animals midwives OR =6.00(1.11～32.46) and wash hands using antiseptic solution OR=0.32(0.12 ～0.90) was statistically significant.Conclusion It was high risk for young animals midwives to have brucellosis and wash hands using antiseptic was a protective factor.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening: New Recommendations and New Challenges

For 32 years, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has served the nation with analyses that are scientific, transparent, and untainted by conflict of interest and political influence. While the task force has been the acknowledged leader in developing preventive services guidelines, its work environment is evolving under intense scrutiny from many powerful interests, including patients, clinicians, insurers, and politicians. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 added to the challenges by mandating private insurance coverage for preventive services that the USPSTF strongly recommends (that is, preventive services that receive a grade of A or B).1,2