cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A life-supporting technique of renal allotransplantation in Macaca fascicularis to evaluate novel immunosuppressive drugs in nonhuman primates.

Abstract Background. The use of nonhuman primates in preclinical transplantation studies is becoming more common. This report details complete procedures developed for a successful life-supporting kidney allotransplantation program using the cynomolgus monkey ( Macaca fascicularis ). Materials and methods. All transplants were performed in wild-caught, ABO-matched, MLR-mismatched adult males. Transplant procedures were staggered: an animal first served as a donor, was allowed to recover for 4 weeks, and was subsequently used as a recipient. The kidney was flushed in situ while the aorta was briefly cross-clamped. The graft was implanted heterotopically end-to-side in the right iliac fossa using microsurgical techniques. An ureteroneocystostomy was constructed; a telemetry probe was inserted into the aorta, and the remaining native kidney was removed. Results. Sixty-two transplants were performed in 6.9 ± 0.1 kg animals. Operating times in the donor and recipient were 126 ± 3 and 166 ± 5 min, respectively. The cold ischemia time was 55 ± 1 min. There were no intraoperative deaths. Postoperative complications were observed in six (9.7%) monkeys and consisted of one early renal arterial thrombosis and five ureteral complications (two of which were successfully repaired). Transplants were ultimately successful in 93.6% (58/62) of cases. Immediate kidney function was satisfactory, with a mean serum creatinine of 1.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL and a mean urine output of 140 ± 15 ml on postoperative day 7. Conclusion. Life-supporting kidney transplantation in cynomolgus macaques is a demanding operation that requires great attention to details. Precise surgical techniques, telemetric monitoring, ultrasound surveillance, and aggressive, early, postoperative fluid resuscitation produced a 94% success rate.
γ-Hydroxybutyrate: A health-food product producing coma and seizurelike activity

Abstract Sixteen cases of adverse effects due to a new health-food product, γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), were reported to the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Poison Control Center in the 5-month period from June to October 1990. Cases have also been reported in eight other states. Adverse effects included coma (four patients) and tonic-clonic seizurelike activity (two patients). Doses ranged from 1 4 teaspoon to 4 tablespoons. Acute symptoms resolved within 7 hours. GHB was investigated as an anesthetic agent during the 1960s until seizures and lack of analgesia precluded its use. It was recently introduced in the health-food market as a food supplement for body builders with claims of anabolic effects by stimulating growth hormone release. GHB remains under investigational new drug status with the Food and Drug Administration and is illegal for over the counter sale. The Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Health Services has prohibited further sale of this product in California as have health departments in Florida and South Carolina; however, new cases continue to be reported. Health professionals should be aware of the potential health hazards of GHB.
Reduction of the cell cycle length by decreasing G1 phase and cell cycle reentry expand neuronal progenitor cells in the subventricular zone of adult rat after stroke

A critical determinant of proliferation of progenitor cells is the duration of the cell division cycle. Stroke increases proliferation of progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ). Using cumulative and single S-phase labeling with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, we examined cell cycle kinetics of neural progenitor cells in the SVZ after stroke. In nonstroke rats, 20% of the SVZ cell population was proliferating. However, stroke significantly increased dividing cells up to 31% and these cells had a cell cycle length (T(C)) of 15.3 h, significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than the 19 h Tc in nonstroke SVZ cells. Few terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling-positive cells were detected in the SVZ cells of nonstroke and stroke groups, suggesting that the majority of dividing cells in the SVZ do not undergo apoptosis. Cell cycle phase analysis revealed that stroke substantially shortened the length of the G1 phase (9.6 h) compared with the G1 phase of 12.6 h in nonstroke SVZ cells (P < 0.03). This reduction in G1 contributes to stroke-induced reduction of T(C) because no significant changes were detected on the length of S, G2 and M phases between two groups. Furthermore, compared with progenitor cells in nonstroke SVZ (10%), a greater proportion (14%) of progenitor cells in stroke SVZ reentered the cell cycle after mitosis (P < 0.05). These results show that an increase in proliferating progenitor cells in the SVZ contributes to stroke-induced neurogenesis and this increase is regulated by shortening the length of the cell cycle, decreasing the G1 phase and increasing cell cycle reentry.
LC/MS analysis of brevetoxin metabolites in the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Brevetoxin (PbTx) metabolism was examined in the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) following exposure to a Karenia brevis red tide, by using LC/MS(/MS) and cytotoxicity assay. Metabolites observed in field-exposed oysters were confirmed in oysters exposed to K. brevis cultures in the laboratory. Previously, we identified a cysteine conjugate and its sulfoxide (MH+: m/z 1018 and 1034) as metabolites of the brevetoxin congener PbTx-2. In the present study, we found a cysteine conjugate and its sulfoxide with A-type brevetoxin backbone structure (MH+: m/z 990 and 1006), as probable derivatives of PbTx-1. We also found glycine-cysteine–PbTx (m/z 1047 and 1075), γ-glutamyl-cysteine–PbTx (m/z 1147), and glutathione–PbTx (m/z 1176 and 1204) conjugates with A- and B-type backbone structures. Amino acid–PbTx conjugates react with fatty acids through amide linkage to form a series of fatty acid–amino acid–PbTx conjugates. These fatty acid conjugates are major contributors to the composite cytototoxic responses obtained in extracts of brevetoxin-contaminated oysters. Other brevetoxin derivatives found in oysters are consistent with hydrolytic ring-opening and oxidation/reduction reactions.
Cognitive Readiness of Drug Injectors to Reduce AIDS Risks

The impact of motivational factors on AIDS high-risk behavior after participation in an AIDS intervention program was explored among 208 out-of-treatment injecting drug users (IDUs). It was hypothe...
WNT5A Regulates Chondrocyte Differentiation through Differential Use of the CaN/NFAT and IKK/NF-κB Pathways

Although genetic evidence demonstrated a requirement for Wnt5a during cartilage development, little is known about the mechanisms underlying Wnt5a-regulated chondrocyte growth and differentiation. We therefore investigated the signaling pathways by which Wnt5a influences chondrogenesis and differentiation to hypertrophy. Wnt5a treatment of chondroprogenitor cells increased chondrocyte hypertrophy and was associated with an increase in nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and a decrease in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. In contrast, Wnt5a inhibited chondrocyte hypertrophy. This inhibition of hypertrophy occurred with the reciprocal signaling activation, in that a decrease in NFAT and an increase in NF-kappaB activation was observed. Furthermore, the increase in chondroprogenitor cell differentiation with Wnt5a treatment was blocked by calmodulin kinase or NFAT loss of function. In addition, the repression of chondrocyte hypertrophy observed was abrogated by NF-kappaB loss of function. Activation of the NFAT pathway downstream of Wnt5a also negatively regulated NF-kappaB activity, providing evidence of antagonism between these two pathways. Mechanistically, Wnt5a acts to increase chondrocyte differentiation at an early stage through calmodulin kinase /NFAT-dependent induction of Sox9. Conversely, Wnt5a represses chondrocyte hypertrophy via NF-kappaB-dependent inhibition of Runx2 expression. These data indicate that Wnt5a regulates chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy in a stage-dependent manner through differential utilization of NFAT- and NF-kappaB-dependent signal transduction.
From executive control to self‐control: predicting problem drinking among college students

This study tested whether individual differences in executive control can be used to predict problem drinking among college students. Performance on tests of executive control functions was contrasted in two groups of students. The groups were defined by how often they experienced negative consequences of drinking. The executive control measures included both objective and self-report measures from neuropsychological batteries, and a novel measure of working memory scanning that allowed us to test performance on theoretically dissociable executive functions. The students who experienced high levels of negative consequences of drinking made fast decisions, but they displayed high levels of interference from prepotent responses. In addition, the self-report measure of executive function was a very strong predictor of group membership.
Metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma to the mandible: report of a case and review of the literature

Angiosarcoma and its epithelioid variant are vascular malignancies that rarely affect the facial skeleton. Epithelioid angiosarcoma resembles carcinoma and can be difficult to diagnose. A case is presented of metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma to the mandible from an angiosarcomatoid portion of renal carcinoma. The diagnostic challenge is outlined and the literature is reviewed.
Transcriptive expression during sea urchin embryogenesis.

Abstract Sucrose density gradient centrifugation and electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels have been employed to examine the physical properties of the RNA synthesized between fertilization and gastrulation in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus . The results obtained demonstrate that the transcription of a complex family of RNA species is initiated at or prior to the 4-cell stage. Subsequent development through blastulation is shown to be accompanied by an increase in both the number of physically distinct RNA species and their mean molecular weight. At gastrulation the number of such identifiable components is substantially reduced. Evidence is also presented indicating that a fraction of high-molecular-weight RNA synthesized between the 32-cell stage and blastulation is conserved through the onset of gastrulation.
Fifty Years Later: Did the War on Poverty Fail?

This year is the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s declaration of war on poverty in his 1964 State of the Union address. Critics argue that the War on Poverty was a failure and a colossal waste of money. Yet the facts show just the opposite. In five years, the War on Poverty reduced the U.S. poverty rate from 19.0% to 12.1%, with the rate falling to a record low of 11.1% in 1973. Now the poverty rate stands at 15.0%. When this country commits itself to eliminating poverty, great progress is made, while the opposite occurs when that commitment disappears.
Moment-tensor solutions estimated using optimal filter theory: global seismicity, 1994

Abstract Moment-tensor solutions, estimated using optimal filter theory, are listed for 177 moderate-to-large size earthquakes occurring during 1994.
Ultrasonic-Vibration Assisted Pelleting for Cellulosic Ethanol Manufacturing: Effects of Particle Size and Moisture Content on Power Consumption

Ethanol produced from cellulosic materials is an alternative to petroleum-based transportation fuels. However, its manufacturing costs are too high to be competitive at present. Raw cellulosic biomass materials have low density, causing their transportation and handling expensive, contributing to high manufacturing costs of cellulosic ethanol. Pelleting can increase the density of cellulosic biomass and reduce their transportation and handling costs. Ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) pelleting is a new pelleting method. Earlier studies show that moisture content and particle size have significant effects on pellet quality and sugar yield. However, their effects on power consumption in UV-A pelleting have not been studied. Since power consumption directly affects ethanol manufacturing costs, it is desirable to understand how input variables affect power consumption. The objective of this paper is to study effects of moisture content and particle size on power consumption in UV-A pelleting of wheat straw. Results show that higher moisture content and larger particle size result in higher power consumption.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Integrating Grammar and Segmentation for Human Pose Estimation

In this paper we present a compositional and-or graph grammar model for human pose estimation. Our model has three distinguishing features: (i) large appearance differences between people are handled compositionally by allowing parts or collections of parts to be substituted with alternative variants, (ii) each variant is a sub-model that can define its own articulated geometry and context-sensitive compatibility with neighboring part variants, and (iii) background region segmentation is incorporated into the part appearance models to better estimate the contrast of a part region from its surroundings, and improve resilience to background clutter. The resulting integrated framework is trained discriminatively in a max-margin framework using an efficient and exact inference algorithm. We present experimental evaluation of our model on two popular datasets, and show performance improvements over the state-of-art on both benchmarks.
Outcome of patients with an indeterminate emergency department first-trimester pelvic ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy

Objectives: Pelvic ultrasound performed by emergency physicians can identify a definite diagnosis in the majority of symptomatic first-trimester pregnant patients on the initial emergency department (ED) visit. However, a significant minority of such patients are diagnosed as having an indeterminate pregnancy state requiring further testing and consultation. The authors investigated the final outcome of patients with an initial indeterminate ED first-trimester pelvic ultrasound examination in the setting of an interdepartmental protocol to rule out ectopic pregnancy. Methods:This was an observational prospective cohort study performed at a regional, urban ED with more than 100,000 patient visits over a 13-month period. Pelvic ultrasound for first-trimester patients was prospectively performed by emergency physicians with gynecologic consultation for lack of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) ultrasound findings. IUP was defined as a fundal gestational sac with either a yolk sac or a fetal pole. Pelvic ultrasounds were classified into diagnostic categories including definite IUP, embryonic demise, molar pregnancy, definite ectopic pregnancy, and indeterminate. For all patients with indeterminate pelvic ultrasound findings, final diagnostic categories and patient outcome were established by the use of patient records, obstetric ultrasound reports, laboratory studies, operative reports, and pathology reports. All patients with ectopic pregnancy were followed for mode of treatment. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: A total of 1,490 ED first-trimester pelvic ultrasound examinations were performed over 13 months establishing the following diagnostic rates for initial ED visit: IUP 1,037 (70%), demise 127 (8%), definite ectopic pregnancy 24 (2%), molar pregnancy 2 (< 1%), and indeterminate 300 (20%). The 300 indeterminate patients were classified using the above protocol into the following final diagnostic categories: embryonic demise 158 (53%), IUP 88 (29%), ectopic pregnancy 44 (15%), and unknown outcome 10 (3%). Indeterminate patients with ectopic pregnancy were treated with methotrexate in 25 of 44 cases (57%) and surgically in 16 of 44 cases (36%); there were no laparotomies. In contrast, ectopic pregnancy patients diagnosed on initial ED visit were treated surgically in 20 of 24 cases (83%), including four laparotomies. Conclusions: The outcome of symptomatic first-trimester patients with indeterminate ED pelvic ultrasounds is poor, with significantly high rates of embryonic demise and ectopic pregnancy. However, those indeterminate patients with the eventual diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy have a higher rate of medical methotrexate treatment and a reduced rate of invasive surgical treatment compared with ectopic pregnancy patients diagnosed at initial ED visit.
Cell-mediated immunity in rheumatic diseases

Lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were tested in normal patients and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma (PSS), other connective tissue disease, and other illnesses. The relationship of lymphocyte response to diagnosis, therapy, and T- and B-lymphocyte populations was analyzed. Additional studies included the determination of proliferative responses of various combinations of purified T and B lymphocytes cultured with plant mitogens. Lymphocytes from patients with RA and SLE incorporated significantly less thymidine in the presence of plant mitogens as compared to normal and comparably ill subjects. Treatment had no effect on mitogen response. Responses to all three mitogens correlated closely in patients with RA, SLE, or PSS; no correlation was noted between the response to mitogen of lymphocytes in culture and the number of T cells cultured.
Financial planning and forecasting models: an overview

Abstract This article reviews the past progress of financial planning models and takes a brief look into their future. Mathematical models that can be solved via computers to give financial managers insights into the future are the focus of the discussion.
Local shifts in position and polarized motility drive cell rearrangement during sea urchin gastrulation

This study examines the mechanisms of epithelial cell rearrangement during archenteron elongation in the sea urchin embryo using scanning electron microscopy, differential interference contrast videomicroscopy, cell marking, and fluorescently labeled chimaeric clones. Archenteron elongation involves two major processes: local shifts in position of cells in the archenteron wall and polarized motility of the cells as they rearrange. Fluorescently labeled chimaeric clones introduced into the archenteron of Lytechinus pictus are initially 4–5 cells wide; by the end of gastrulation the clones elongate and narrow, so that they are one cell wide in the narrowest region of the archenteron. The extent of clonal mixing indicates that cells in the archenteron change their relative positions by only 1–2 cell diameters during cell rearrangement. Cells at the blastopore rearrange concomitantly with cells in the archenteron, resulting in a 35% decrease in blastopore diameter. Endoderm cells undergo polarized, stage-specific changes in shape and motility as they rearrange: (1) they flatten markedly along their apical-basal axis throughout archenteron elongation; (2) just prior to the onset of cell rearrangement, basal surfaces of all cells in the archenteron extend long, polarized lamellipodial protrusions along the axis of extension of the archenteron; (3) as cell rearrangement begins, basal surfaces round up and the cells become isodiametric; (4) by the 34 gastrula stage the cells become stretched along the animal-vegetal axis, apparently due to filopodial traction, and finally (5) they continue to rearrange, returning to a less elongated shape by the end of gastrulation. Direct observation of gastrulation in the cidaroid Eucidaris tribuloides indicates that in this species cell rearrangement is accomplished by progressive circumferential intercalation of cells without upwardly directed filopodia. This intercalation is accompanied by explosive, apparently stochastic, cortical blebbing activity at the boundaries between cells, suggesting that in addition to whatever cell rearrangement may be generated by filopodial tension, such activity is an important component of the active rearrangement process.
Hormonal modulation of major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression involves an enhancer A-binding complex consisting of Fra-2 and the p50 subunit of NF-kappa B

Abstract Hydrocortisone decreases major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression in rat thyroid cells and counteracts increases induced by interferons. Using FRTL-5 cells transfected with class I promoter- reporter gene chimeras, we show that hydrocortisone action is transcriptional and mediated by an element located between 180 and 170 base pairs upstream of the start of transcription. Gel shift assays reveal that hydrocortisone causes the decrease of a specific protein- DNA complex; this same complex, referred to as Mod-1, is increased by interferon. Oligonucleotide competition assays reveal that the Mod-1 complex is associated with enhancer A of the class I gene, −180 to −170 base pairs (5′-GGGGAGTCCCC-3′), immediately upstream of the interferon response element. Antibodies to fra-2, a fos family member, and to the p50, but not the p65, subunit of NF-kappa B supershift the Mod-1 complex. We suggest that hydrocortisone decreases MHC class I gene expression by reducing the formation of Mod-1, which contains both p50 and fra-2; interferon reverses the hydrocortisone effect and increases Mod-1 formation. These observations are relevant to the molecular basis of hydrocortisone therapy in autoimmune thyroid disease and to the actions of interferon to exacerbate or induce autoimmune disease.
Telltale Signs of a Semitic Prototext for the Peshitta of Daniel

Earlier scholars concluded correctly that the Peshitta of Daniel was translated from a Semitic prototext, but their arguments were less than compelling. Basing the argument on vocabulary, to wit the consistent rendering of Hebrew as and Aramaic as, the use of Persian loanwords, and the preservation of a rare Semitic adverb, provides a more convincing case than offered in the past. Though not necessary to prove the point, the author suggests that what could be interpreted as a peal passive participle may in fact be an internal peal passive suffix conjugation form. This suggestion is presented for scholarly consideration and should not be considered fundamental to the major thesis.
Diurnal rhythm of α2-noradrenergic receptors in the paraventricular nucleus and other brain areas: relation to circulating corticosterone and feeding behavior

The paraventricular nucleus alpha 2-noradrenergic system and the glucocorticoid hormone, corticosterone, are known to modulate feeding behavior and exhibit a circadian pattern which may be related to the natural periodicity of feeding in the rat. The results of the present study indicate that the binding of [3H]p-aminoclonidine to alpha 2-noradrenergic receptors specifically in the paraventricular nucleus varies concomitantly with plasma corticosterone levels, as well as spontaneous feeding. A monophasic peak of paraventricular noradrenergic receptor binding is detected at the onset of the dark period, when corticosterone levels are highest and feeding is initiated. On the other hand, the supraoptic nucleus exhibits the reverse diurnal pattern, i.e., a significant decline of [3H]p-aminoclonidine binding at the onset of the dark period. Other hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic areas fail to show significant changes in alpha 2-noradrenergic receptors as a function of the diurnal cycle. This study supports other evidence indicating a close interaction between circulating corticosterone and alpha 2-noradrenergic receptors in specific hypothalamic areas. It also reveals a potential importance for this interaction in control of the natural feeding rhythm.
In vivo Intravascular Ultrasound-guided Photoacoustic Imaging of Lipid in Plaques Using an Animal Model of Atherosclerosis

We present a preliminary study demonstrating the capability of ultrasound-guided intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging to visualize the depth-resolved distribution of lipid deposits in atherosclerotic plaques in vivo. Based on the characteristic optical absorption of lipid in the near infrared wavelength range, IVPA imaging at a single, 1720 nm, wavelength was used to provide a spatially-resolved, direct measurement of lipid content in atherosclerotic arteries. By overlaying an IVPA image with a spatially co-registered intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image, the combined IVPA/IVUS image was used to visualize lipid distribution within the vessel wall. Ultrasound-guided IVPA imaging was performed in vivo in the abdominal aorta of a Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit. Subsequently, the excised rabbit aorta filled with a solution of red blood cells (RBC) was then imaged ex vivo, and histology was obtained in the section adjacent to the imaged cross-section. To demonstrate the potential for future clinical application of IVPA/IVUS imaging, a sample of diseased human right coronary artery (RCA) was also imaged. Both in vivo and ex vivo IVPA images clearly showed the distribution of lipid in the atherosclerotic vessels. In vivo IVPA imaging was able to identify diffuse, lipid-rich plaques in the WHHL rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, IVPA imaging at a single wavelength was able to identify the lipid core within the human RCA ex vivo. Our results demonstrate that ultrasound-guided IVPA imaging can identify lipid in atherosclerotic plaques in vivo. Importantly, the IVPA/IVUS images were obtained in presence of luminal blood and no saline flush or balloon occlusion was required. Overall, our studies suggest that ultrasound-guided IVPA imaging can potentially be used for depth-resolved visualization of lipid deposits within the anatomical context of the vessel wall and lumen. Therefore, IVUS/IVPA imaging may become an important tool for the detection of rupture-prone plaques.
Stimulated-picosecond-photon-echo studies of localized exciton relaxation and dephasing in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs multiple quantum wells.

We report measurements of the dynamics of localized excitons in GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As multiple-quantum-well structures at low temperature based on stimulated-picosecond-photon-echo measurements. The results show that at low temperature excitons relax by phonon-assisted migration between localization sites and at higher temperatures are thermally activated to delocalized states. The measurements confirm recent theoretical predictions, but show the unexpected presence of additional dephasing.
Asymmetric synthesis of 3′,4′-Di-O-(-)-camphanoyl-(+)-Cis-khellactone (DCK), a potent anti-HIV agent

Abstract An efficient asymmetric synthesis of 3′,4′-di- O -(−)-camphanoyl-(+)-cis-khellactone (DCK) (1) via catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation is reported. Among seven commercial ligands investigated, (DHQ) 2 -PYR is the most enantioselective ligand for the catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation of seselin (5), a synthetic intermediate of DCK, and affords up to 86% e.e.
Equilibrium cation binding constants of the dipeptide derived lariat ethers in methanol determined from circular dichroism measurements

Abstract Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimetry has proven to be a useful alternative for determining cation binding constants for Na + , K + , and Ca 2+ of the dipeptide derived lariat ethers in anhydrous methanol. The determination of log K S for Ca 2+ for derivatives of 2 involved using a new application of CD called ligand-ligand competitive CD.
An internal dimensional analysis of the least preferred co-worker measure.

Summary Prior dimensional analyses of the Least Preferred Co-Worker (LPC) scale identify underlying task and interpersonal dimensions. However, these studies factor analyze LPC scores for an entire group and ignore differences among low, moderate, and high categories. With the use of a multistage sample of 2083 work supervisors, LPC scores for these three groups were factor analyzed. Results illustrated interpersonal and task dimensions for the moderate category. However, the factorial dimensions for low and high LPC categories were, although similar, neither task nor interpersonal types but rather a combination of the two. These findings suggest (a) that low and high LPC groups may be more similar than prior research would suggest and (b) a need for continued research on the dimensional characteristics of the LPC.
Planar chlorinated hydrocarbons (PCHs) in colonial fish-eating waterbird eggs from the Great Lakes

Abstract Reproductive impairment of double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritis ) and Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia ) has recently been observed in the Great Lakes of North America. Planarchlorinated hydrocarbons (PCHs), which include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDS), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), are believed to be at least partially responsible for the increased incidence of teratogenesis and embryonic mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the potency of the PCH mixtures in egg extracts from these colonial waterbirds. The relative potency of the egg extracts was assessed by their ability to induce cytochrome P-450-dependent ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. The magnitude of the response was compared with EROD induction in cell cultures by a standard, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). The TCDD-equivalents derived by this bioassay concur with residue analysis and biological data, in that the highest TCDD-equivalents were found in waterbird egg composites from areas with greater PCH concentrations and more severe reproductive effects. Significant concentrations of PCHs were detected in all sites tested; the range of TCDD-equivalents in the waterbird eggs was 49–415 pg/g, uncorrected for extraction efficiencies. The evidence is strong for at least a partial role of PCHs as causal agents in the reproductive impairment of fish-eating waterbirds from the Great Lakes of North America.
Effect of soil properties and extractable lead levels on lead uptake by soybeans

Abstract Lead uptake by the above‐ground portion of soybean plants was found to be inversely related to soil cation exchange capacity and pH, while available soil phosphorus levels did not influence lead uptake. Lead extracted from the soil with the Bray P1 reagent was highly correlated with lead accumulation in both soybean and corn. Evidence is also presented that lead accumulation in soybeans is related to the degree to which the total sorptive capacity of the soil for Pb is satisfied.
Event processing: past, present and future

Analysts have marked Event Processing as the most growing segment in enterprise computing during years 2008 and 2009, furthermore, this trend is expected to continue. Many of the large and medium software companies (IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, Progress Software, Software AG and TIBCO) are now offering event processing products as well as a collection of smaller companies. Other indications for the emerging nature of this area are: extensive coverage by analysts as a separate area, the establishment of a dedicated research community with an annual conference (DEBS), and the establishment of a consortium that includes vendors and academic people as EPTS (Event Processing Technical Society) http://www.ep-ts.com/.The early event processing commercial products were mostly descendents of research projects rooted in multiple disciplines, some of them are data management disciplines (active databases, data stream management, temporal databases) and some are rooted in other areas (discrete event simulation, distributed computing, formal verification).The tutorial is intended for a technical audience that is interested in deep dive into understanding event processing. The audience will gain insights about event processing: What it really means? Where does it come from? How does it relate to research concepts (e.g. stream computing) as well as enterprise computing terms (e.g. Business Rules Management Systems)? The audience will also gain insights into the current state of the art, the leading architectures, the basic building blocks of event processing, and the various programming styles exemplified by code examples. Last but not least, the audience will gain insights about the current trends, and the research challenges that exist, this part will be based on the discussions in the Event Processing Dagstuhl seminar that was held in May 2010 http://www.dagstuhl.de/de/programm/kalender/semhp/?semnr=10201. The tutorial slides are available for public viewing on slideshare http://www.slideshare.net/search/slideshow?q=opher+etzion+%2B+vldb2010+tutorial The current generation of event processing products [14] has been preceded by several research projects in the 1990-ies: Rapide in Stanford [15], Infospheres in Cal Tech [2], Apama in Cambridge University [6] and Amit in IBM Haifa Research Lab [1]. In later phase there were some research project that have taken the stream oriented approach such as the Stanford Stream project [3] and Aurora [5].A collection of start-up companies, many of them descendents of these projects have emerged, some survived, and some did not. From those who survived some were acquired by bigger companies.Event processing as a research discipline has multiple ancestors. In the database area it is a descendent of work done in active databases [19], temporal databases [12], and data stream management systems [9]. Other ancestors are inference rules, discrete event simulation, and distributed computing (pub/sub).
The existence of Thom classes

Abstract In this paper we consider the category of unstable modules over the Steenrod algebra. We prove the existence of finite primary decompositions in this category. Moreover, we prove the existence of Thom classes in noetherian unstable modules, i.e., elements that generate cyclic unstable submodules that are closed under the action of the Steenrod algebra. This in turn leads to the proof of the prime filtration theorem in the category of noetherian unstable modules. As an application we present a proof of the Landweber–Stong conjecture (now a theorem by D. Bourguiba and S. Zarati) that does not make use of the classification of injectives.
Does Hangover Influence the Time to Next Drink? An Investigation Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

Background Measures of hangover are associated with current and future problematic alcohol use. At present, it is not known whether these associations reflect any direct influence of hangover events on near-term drinking behaviors. The current study aimed to determine whether hangover following a drinking episode influences time to next drink (TTND) and, if so, to determine the direction of this effect and identify any moderating personal or contextual factors. Methods Community-recruited, frequent drinkers oversampled for current smoking (N = 386) carried electronic diaries for 21 days, reporting on drinking behaviors and other experiences. Survival analysis was used to model data from 2,276 drinking episodes, including 463 episodes that were followed by self-reported hangover in morning diary entries. Results When tested as the sole predictor in a survival model, hangover was associated with increased TTND. The median survival time was approximately 6 hours longer after episodes with hangovers compared to those without. In a multivariate model, hangover was only significant in the presence of interaction effects involving craving at the end of the index drinking episode and the occurrence of financial stressors. Additional predictors of TTND in the final multivariate model included age, lifetime alcohol use disorder diagnosis, typical drinking frequency, day of the week, and morning reports of craving, negative affect, and stressors after the index episode. There was no association between morning reports of hangover and contemporaneous diary ratings of likelihood of drinking later the same day. Conclusions The findings suggest that hangover has, at best, a modest or inconsistent influence on the timing of subsequent alcohol use among frequent drinkers.
REVIVING AN ANCIENT FILIAL IDEAL: THE SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY PRACTICE OF LUMU 廬墓

Lumu, a private act of mourning ritual, grew into a cultural phenomenon with considerable appeal in the seventeenth century. The era saw a range of activities that placed lumu at the center of the neo-Confucian call for moral cultivation, and lumu was a focal point of acting out Confucian virtue. This paper details the cases that centered on three preeminent men—Feng Shaoxu, Sun Qifeng, and Fang Yizhi. It demonstrates that, whether by promoting it through public lectures, staging ceremonies by the hut, enacting it collectively and cross-generationally in the family, or commemorating it with poetry, essay, and painting, the staunch Confucian elite in the seventeenth century identified a common cause for action. Lumu was not just an act of mourning or filial piety; it was perceived as a preferable tool for perfecting moral cultivation and for exhibiting the moral strength of an individual or a family at a time of perceived moral decline. The extreme challenge represented by a relentless routine lay at the v...
The Diffusion of Stock Ownership in the United States

Growth in number of book stockholders in recent years, 561. — More rapid growth in immediate post-war period, 566. — Customer and employee sales important only after 1920, 567. — Examination of income-tax data for possible shift in ownership, 570. — Large shift in ownership from rich to less rich apparent between 1916 and 1921, none thereafter, 574. — Check on validity of figures by examination of methods of manipulation, 575; by examination of income-tax data, particularly for tax evasion, 576; by discussion of possible explanations of shift, 585; by the evidence of growth in number of book stockholders, 591. — Conclusion, 591. — Statistical Appendix, Tables I–VIII, 593.
Visual, tactile, and vibration-based terrain analysis for planetary rovers

Future planetary exploration missions can require rovers to perform difficult tasks in rough terrain, with limited human supervision. Knowledge of terrain physical characteristics would allow a rover to adapt its control and planning strategies to maximize its effectiveness. This paper describes recent and current work at MIT in the area of onboard terrain estimation and sensing utilizing visual, tactile, and vibrational feedback. A vision-based method for measuring wheel sinkage is described. A tactile method for on-line terrain parameter estimation is also presented. Finally, a method for terrain classification based on analysis of vibration in the rover suspension is described. It is shown through simulation and experimental results that these methods can lead to accurate and efficient understanding of a rover's physical surroundings.
A head-centered representation of 3D target location derived from opponent eye position commands

A neural network model of how the brain forms spatial representations with which to control sensory-guided and memory-guided eye and limb movements is introduced. These spatial representations are expressed in both head-centered coordinates and body-centered coordinates because the eyes move within the head, whereas the head, arms and legs move with respect to the body. A key process in the formation of spatial representations whereby humans and other mammals can skilfully act upon objects in 3D space despite the variable relative location of sensing and acting segments is analyzed. The resulting spatial representations are built up from the same types of computations that are used to control motor commands. The natural form of neural computations that are appropriate for representation and control of a bilaterally symmetric body is studied. Bilateral symmetry leads to the use of competitive and cooperative interactions among bilaterally symmetric body segments. These include opponent interactions between pairs of antagonistic neurons that measure spatial or motor offset with respect to an axis of symmetry. >
Registered Nurses Integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine Into the Triage Process

People in the United States often consult registered nurses (nurses) for advice when they want to explore alternatives to Western medicine, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Nurses find themselves confronting dilemmas when they are caught between these radically different worlds of medical cultures and thinking. Twenty Minnesota nurses were interviewed to learn how they integrate TCM into their triage process. Symbolic interactionism was the research framework used, and mixed coding methods facilitated data analysis. Several sociological theories explain the findings. The major finding is that nurses use a four-step triage process that begins from the Western medical perspective and includes consideration of TCM use. Nurses’ recommendations are influenced by their situational roles and relationships, and by the cues they read from the person who is asking their advice. The results point to nurses being natural disseminators of TCM information and education in their resource role for others makin...
Phenomenological Approach to Multilayer Growth and Stability

I review recent theoretical studies designed to examine the effect of strain, facetting and growth conditions on multilayer stability. A phenomenological approach is used to investigate both morphological and crystal structural phase stability.
Interpreting the Legacy by Interpreting the Relationship: The Creation of an American Epic by Engaging in Native‐American Kinship

Brian R. Holloway. Interpreting the Legacy: John Neihardt and Black Elk Speaks. Boulder: University Press of Colorado, 2003. xiv. 220 pp.
SEDIMENTATION IN CAYUGA LAKE, NEW YORK1

The sediments in the southern half of Cayuga Lake are generally banded, The couplets arc ca. 2 cm thick at a depth of 1.5 m in the sediment and contain finer laminae approximately 1 mm thick. Major bands can be correlated over a distance of I9 km and apparently correspond to recorded periods of unusually rapid runoff or high lake levels. It is concluded that the deposition of the couplets is controlled by annual variation in the supply of allochthonous organic detritus and elastic sediment. A total of 2 x 1O’l g dry weight of elastic sediment enters the lake annually through its tributaries. Turbidity currents apparently are responsible for the distribution of a large fraction of this material in the lake.
Late Endosomal Trafficking of Alternative Serotype Adenovirus Vaccine Vectors Augments Antiviral Innate Immunity

ABSTRACT Adenovirus (Ad) vaccine vectors have found widespread use as vaccine platforms against multiple infections and cancers, and multiple serotypes have been shown to differ significantly in their biological properties and immune phenotypes. Our laboratory and others have previously described differential innate immune stimulation elicited by various Ad serotypes. Here, we show that Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) traffics rapidly to the nucleus following infection, whereas Ad35 and Ad26 accumulate in late endosomes 2 to 8 h postinfection. Innate immune cytokine elicitation by all Ad serotypes was abrogated by blockade of endosomal acidification, cathepsin B, and caspase 1, suggesting that virus interactions with acid-dependent sensors, such as Toll-like receptor- and cathepsin-dependent inflammasome activation in late endosomes, may trigger innate immunity. These data suggest a mechanism by which Ad vectors from various serotypes differentially trigger innate antiviral pathways via distinct intracellular trafficking to late endosomes. IMPORTANCE Adenoviruses (Ad) are widely used for vaccination and gene therapy applications. Importantly, Ad vectors have been shown to differ significantly in their innate immune profiles both in vivo and in vitro . The molecular mechanism that underlies these observed differences has important implications for the development of improved vaccines. In this study, we propose a mechanism in which the degree of late endosomal trafficking of Ad vectors results in differential stimulation of late endosomal pattern recognition receptors.
Axial irradiance distribution throughout the whole space behind an annular aperture: reply to comments

Various points were raised in a comment [ Ferrari Dubra , Appl. Opt.42, 3754–3755 (2003)] in response to our original publication [ Harvey Kyrwonos , Appl. Opt.41, 3790–3795 (2002)]. We have reviewed these and present our reply.
The effect of social support on prenatal care

This article examines the effects of social support on the receipt of adequate prenatal care. A study was conducted to test the hypotheses that social support helps women overcome obstacles to obtaining such care, and that social support has greater effects on women facing the most obstacles. Survey data were gathered for more than 90% of the women who gave birth in Oklahoma hospitals during specific periods in the summer of 1986. The authors found only weak support for the first hypothesis, and for the second hypothesis found only support that must be qualified according to the measure of social support. Strong evidence indicates, however, that difficulty in paying for prenatal care, personal inconveniences, and unwanted pregnancies are obstacles to obtaining such care. The findings account for some of the frequently observed demographic differences associated with receipt of adequate prenatal care, although such differences persisted even after the obstacles were considered. The authors present implications for policy makers seeking to improve women's receipt of adequate prenatal care.
Dealing With Variation In Measurements & Processes: Experiments For An Undergraduate Laboratory

Being able to obtain and analyze quantitative data are an essential components of any undergraduate education in science or engineering. At the most basic level, this begins with characterizing the measurement system using proper statistical techniques. Although most undergraduates in the sciences and engineering are required to take a course in statistics, the knowledge gained in the statistics course does not always find its way into practice. In this paper we will present 4 experimental modules that will enable the student to: 1. Assess the precision of a measurement system; 2. Determine if the system is stable with respect to a number of variables; 3. Quantify the amount of variation that exists within a particular sample; 4. Quantify the amount of variation from sample to sample (i.e., process variation). Our modules were applied to the measurement of silicon dioxide thickness from an oxidation process. However, they generally apply to any process that involves measuring a physical quantity. Assessing these sources of variation in a process form the foundation for more advanced techniques such as process control and experimental design.