cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological and biochemical aspects of embryonic and larval development of the winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Eggs and larvae of the winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum were hatched and raised in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Biochemical composition was measured during development and found to be similar to that of other species: 65 to 80 percent protein, 15 to 30 percent fat, and 0 to 5 percent carbohydrate. Ash content was 7 to 10 percent of dry weight. The chorion comprised more than half of the weight of an egg and the data suggested that it was possibly a source of nutrition to the developing embryo. The sequence of utilization appeared to be carbohydrate and then protein to hatching, lipid, mixed lipid and protein, the predominantly protein until feeding began. Carbohydrate was accumulated at first feeding and depleted when growth began. Protein and lipid were deposited in approximately constant proportions. Respiration rates of eggs were low, 0.002–0.015 μl O2 egg-1 h-1, but rose gradually from fertilization to hatching. Respiration rates of early larvae were from two to eight times that of eggs (0.033–0.131 μl O2 larva-1 h-1). Variation in larval respiration rates indicated a three-fold difference in rate according to level of activity. Eggs excreted ammonia at an increasing rate from fertilization to hatching. Larvae excreted ammonia, primary amines, and other unidentified organic nitrogenous substances. Rates of excretion and proportions of excretory products varied with stage of development. Primary amine excretion was variable and a major component in early stages. Ammonia-N excreted was two to 20 times primary amine N excreted. Unidentified substances were the predominant form of N excretion during early feeding. Ammonia accounted for most of the N excreted in older larvae. Early specific growth rates were 2.1 and 5.5%. Net caloric conversion and net and gross nitrogen efficiencies were low in first feeding larvae compared to adult fishes (32.2, 27.7, and 10.7% respectively).
Pharmacological Approaches to Prevent Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Enlargement and Rupture

Current efforts to limit the mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are dependent on detection and elective repair. Even by conservative estimates, there are more than 300,000 undetected AAAs in the United States, most of which are small and would not require immediate intervention. Current practice following detection of a small AAA includes education, risk factor management, and serial observation. This approach, based on the statistical probability of death from rupture compared to the morbidity and mortality of repair, can be unsettling to patients and lead to a decline in perceived quality of life. While the pathophysiology of AAA is not completely understood, observations from human tissues and animal studies have identified a number of potential targets for inhibiting aneurysm expansion. It is clear that the prominent inflammatory response identified in aneurysm tissue has a role in promoting aortic expansion. This inflammatory response is thought to account for increased expression of proteolytic enzymes. Recent work has suggested a unifying hypothesis centered on the MAP kinase family affecting both the regulation of matrix synthesis and the expression of proteolytic enzymes. The tetracycline antibiotics and antihypertensive medications that affect the angiotensin-converting enzyme system can inhibit proteolysis. There are adequate preliminary data to support a large prospective randomized trial of doxycycline to prevent aneurysm expansion.
Homotopies of Central Quasigroups

The article analyzes homotopies between central quasigroups, and their groups of autotopies. In particular, the cycle types of autotopies of central quasigroups and other group isotopes of prime order are identified.
The Energetics of La2-xAxNiO4-y (A = Ba, Sr)

Abstract The enthalpy of formation of the solid solution series La2-xAxNiO4-y (A = Ba, Sr; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 and -0.18 ≤ y ≤ 0.04) has been measured using high-temperature reaction calorimetry. As barium or strontium is substituted for lanthanum, the enthalpy of formation from the oxides becomes more exothermic. The enthalpy of formation from the component oxides and the enthalpy of oxidation for the barium- and the strontium-doped material for a given value of x is the same within the experimental uncertainty. From the measurements of the enthalpy of oxidation for the oxygen interstitial regime (y 0), the oxygen Frenkel energy for the lanthanum nickelates has been found to be 43 ± 20 kJ/(mole O). Based on the oxidation enthalpy measurements, we argue that the excess holes in lanthanum nickelate are predominantly in Ni 3d-type bands.
Chiral spin torque at magnetic domain walls

Spin-polarized currents provide a powerful means of manipulating the magnetization of nanodevices, and give rise to spin transfer torques that can drive magnetic domain walls along nanowires. In ultrathin magnetic wires, domain walls are found to move in the opposite direction to that expected from bulk spin transfer torques, and also at much higher speeds. Here we show that this is due to two intertwined phenomena, both derived from spin–orbit interactions. By measuring the influence of magnetic fields on current-driven domain-wall motion in perpendicularly magnetized Co/Ni/Co trilayers, we find an internal effective magnetic field acting on each domain wall, the direction of which alternates between successive domain walls. This chiral effective field arises from a Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction at the Co/Pt interfaces and, in concert with spin Hall currents, drives the domain walls in lock-step along the nanowire. Elucidating the mechanism for the manipulation of domain walls in ultrathin magnetic films will enable the development of new families of spintronic devices. The influence of magnetic fields on the current-driven motion of domain walls in nanowires with perpendicular anisotropy shows that two spin–orbit-derived mechanisms are responsible for their motion.
On the modifying influence of six-membered carbocyclic rings in porphyrin cyclizations: synthesis of meso, β-propanoporphyrins

Abstract Porphyrins with six-membered exocyclic rings have been synthesised by the MacDonald condensation and the a,c-biladiene route.
Identification and structural characterization of a novel member of the vitamin D binding protein family.

Abstract The apparent high degree of homology of a blood protein with a unique dual binding affinity for two distinct hormones, thyroxin (T4) and vitamin D, isolated from a turtle, Trachemys scripta (Family Emydidae) and mammalian vitamin D binding protein (DBP) prompted further interspecific comparison to better understand the structure of functional binding sites. Using polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) with primers derived from the putative nucleotide sequences encoding peptides from the degradation of the T. scripta protein, we cloned the cDNA. The mature turtle protein contains 466 amino acids, about eight residues more than in mammalian DBP. The nucleotide sequence of the coding region showed 63% nucleotide and 73% amino acid homology (≈53% identity) to mammalian DBP (human, rat, mouse, and rabbit). However, there was no significant homology to mammalian T4-binding globulin (TBG) or transthyretin (TTR). Comparisons with mammals help define further the requirements for the vitamin D and actin binding sites. Northern blots of RNA isolated from turtle tissue probed with the 5′ portion of cDNA established expression of the transcript in liver, kidney, and brain (in order of abundance), in contrast to mammal sequences in which expression of DBP is largely confined to the liver.
CO hydrogenation over PdNix alloys encaged in NaY zeolite

Bimetallic (Pd + Ni)/NaY samples were studied and compared with monometallic Pd/NaY and Ni/NaY samples and their physical mixture. Samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, and CO hydrogenation. The formation of PdNi, alloy particles encaged in NaY zeolite was found for the bimetallic samples. Under conditions of CO hydrogenation, significant changes in sizes and distributions of Pd, Ni, and PdNi{sub x}, particles take place. Metal particle growth is accompanied by local collapse of the zeolite lattice. The selectivity of PdNi{sub x} alloys for methane formation was significantly higher than that of monometallic Pd or Ni particles or of their physical mixtures. On mixed PdNi{sub x} ensembles the rate of CO dissociation and/or CH{sub x} hydrogenation appears to be enhanced with respect to monometallic ensembles. Acid leaching of Ni by zeolite protons from alloy particles restores a metal surface rich in Pd, leading to an enhanced with respect to monometallic ensembles. Acid leaching of Ni by zeolite protons from alloy particles restores a metal surface rich in Pd, leading to an enhanced selectivity to methanol and its consecutive products, dimethyl ether and higher hydrocarbons.
Smoking and Neuroimaging: A Review

Cigarette smoking is a significant public health concern, often resulting in nicotine dependence, a chronic-relapsing psychiatric diagnosis that is responsible for up to 10% of the global cardiovascular disease burden. Due to its significantly deleterious effects on health, much research has been dedicated to elucidating the underlying neurobiology of smoking. This brief article is intended to provide a digestible synopsis of the considerable research being conducted on the underlying neural bases of cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence, especially for cardiologists who are often at the front lines of treating nicotine dependence. To this end, we first review some of the most common neuroimaging methodologies used in the study of smoking, as well as the most recent findings from this exciting area of research. Then, we focus on several fundamental topics including the acute pharmacologic effects, acute neurocognitive effects, and the long-term neurobiological effects associated with smoking. Lastly, we review recent findings regarding the neuropsychological processes associated with smoking cessation, including cue-induced craving and regulation of craving. Research in this field is beginning to uncover how some of these neuropsychological processes are similar across clinical disorders that cardiologists also encounter frequently, such as craving for food resulting in overeating. We conclude with recommendations for future neuroimaging work on these topics.
Auto-generation and auto-tuning of 3D stencil codes on GPU clusters

This paper develops and evaluates search and optimization techniques for auto-tuning 3D stencil (nearest-neighbor) computations on GPUs. Observations indicate that parameter tuning is necessary for heterogeneous GPUs to achieve optimal performance with respect to a search space. Our proposed framework takes a most concise specification of stencil behavior from the user as a single formula, auto-generates tunable code from it, systematically searches for the best configuration and generates the code with optimal parameter configurations for different GPUs. This auto-tuning approach guarantees adaptive performance for different generations of GPUs while greatly enhancing programmer productivity. Experimental results show that the delivered floating point performance is very close to previous handcrafted work and outperforms other auto-tuned stencil codes by a large margin.
Lipid monolayers: Ionic impurities and their influence on the surface potentials of neutral phospholipids

Abstract The ionic effects attributed to lecithin and sphingomyelin are due to ionic contaminants present in ordinary preparations of these lipids. Removal of acidic impurities by silic acid chromatography produces lecithins which are neutral and do not show interaction with Ca ++ by surface potential measurements. Similarly, improved preparations of sphingomyelin show a zero charge, whereas silicic acid chromatography removes cationic impurities which otherwise confer sphingomyelin a positive charge.
Book Review of Julia Gray. 2013. The Company States Keep: International Economic Organizations and Investor Perceptions (New York: Cambridge University Press).

This excellent book is about the impact of membership in international economic organizations (IEOs) on sovereign credit risk. Gray’s key intuition is that membership changes in organizations like the European Union (EU) and Mercosur are public events; therefore, when the professional investment community observes such changes, they reassess the creditworthiness of sovereign borrowers. When, for example, a high risk country joins an organization composed primarily of low risk members, the entrant will be viewed more favorably by the investment community. In Gray’s terms, the entrant has joined a more prestigious “peer group” and is rewarded for this status upgrade with a lower interest rate. By the same token, the existing members of the organization, having added a riskier member into their ranks, will see an increase in their costs of borrowing, as investors sense that the peer group has been “diluted” by the new member. Sovereign credit risk is thus affected by “The Company States Keep.”
A high security log-in procedure

The protection of time sharing systems from unauthorized users is often achieved by the use of passwords. By using one-way ciphers to code the passwords, the risks involved with storing the passwords in the computer can be avoided. We discuss the selection of a suitable one-way cipher and suggest that for this purpose polynomials over a prime modulus are superior to one-way ciphers derived from Shannon codes.
Developmental Competence of the Gut Endoderm: Genetic Potentiation by GATA and HNF3/Fork Head Proteins

A long-standing problem in developmental biology has been to understand how the embryonic germ layers gain the competence to differentiate into distinct cell types. Genetic studies have shown that members of the GATA and HNF3/fork head transcription factor families are essential for the formation and differentiation of gut endoderm tissues in worms, flies, and mammals. Recent in vivo footprinting studies have shown that GATA and HNF3 binding sites in chromatin are occupied on a silent gene in endoderm that has the potential to be activated solely in that germ layer. These and other data indicate that these evolutionarily conserved factors help impart the competence of a gene to be activated in development, a phenomenon called genetic potentiation. The mechanistic implications of genetic potentiation and its general significance are discussed.
Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors: regulators of Rho GTPase activity in development and disease

The aberrant activity of Ras homologous (Rho) family small GTPases (20 human members) has been implicated in cancer and other human diseases. However, in contrast to the direct mutational activation of Ras found in cancer and developmental disorders, Rho GTPases are activated most commonly in disease by indirect mechanisms. One prevalent mechanism involves aberrant Rho activation via the deregulated expression and/or activity of Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs). RhoGEFs promote formation of the active GTP-bound state of Rho GTPases. The largest family of RhoGEFs is comprised of the Dbl family RhoGEFs with 70 human members. The multitude of RhoGEFs that activate a single Rho GTPase reflects the very specific role of each RhoGEF in controlling distinct signaling mechanisms involved in Rho activation. In this review, we summarize the role of Dbl RhoGEFs in development and disease, with a focus on Ect2 (epithelial cell transforming squence 2), Tiam1 (T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1), Vav and P-Rex1/2 (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 (phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate)-dependent Rac exchanger).
Robotically assisted microsurgery for endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting.

Abstract Background . As minimally invasive approaches to cardiac surgery have expanded, a significant number of limitations have become apparent, particularly the lack of adequate precision with standard endoscopic instruments. We hypothesized that the use of robotics would eliminate some of these limitations. Methods . Twenty-five coronary anastomoses on an isolated porcine heart, using an arterial conduit to the left anterior descending artery, were performed endoscopically with a microsurgical robotic system. Sophisticated robotic engineering was used to control modified endoscopic instruments under direct surgeon control. Computer tremor elimination and motion scaling allowed for precise maneuvering. An arteriotomy was placed in the left anterior descending artery, and an arterial conduit was positioned for anastomosis. The camera and port sites were placed 90 degrees from the long axis of the arteriotomy. A 7-0 Prolene (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) suture was used to perform the anastomosis in a continuous fashion, begun at the 12 o'clock position and continued counterclockwise. After completion of half of the anastomosis, the conduits were pulled down and the final sutures were placed. The sutures were tied intracorporeally and the procedure was completed. Results . The 25 conduits were successfully completed and showed good probe patency. Average time for completion of the anastomosis was 31.7 ± 2.0 minutes. Appropriate port placement and orientation, and stabilization of the conduits were critical. The lack of tremor and motion scaling allowed for the precise movements needed to complete an endoscopic microvascular anastomosis. Conclusions . Coronary artery anastomoses are technically feasible with use of robotic instrumentation. This technology may enable the development of a truly endoscopic approach to bypass surgery.
CNS-directed gene therapy for lysosomal storage diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders usually caused by deficient activity of a single lysosomal enzyme. As most lysosomal enzymes are ubiquitously expressed, a deficiency in a single enzyme can affect multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). At least 75% of all LSDs have a significant CNS component. Approaches such as bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can effectively treat the systemic disease associated with LSDs in some patients. However, CNS disease remains a major challenge. Gene therapy represents a promising approach for the treatment of CNS disease as it has the potential to provide a permanent source of the deficient enzyme. Direct intracranial injection of viral gene transfer vectors has resulted in reduced lysosomal storage and functional improvement in certain small (rodent) and large (canine and feline) animal models of LSDs. The addition of protein transduction domains (PTDs) to the recombinant enzymes increased the distribution of enzyme and the extent of correction. Therapeutic levels of lysosomal enzymes can also be delivered to distant sites in the brain by anterograde and retrograde axonal transport. Finally, combining disparate approaches such as BMT and CNS-directed gene therapy can increase treatment efficacy in LSDs with severe CNS disease that are refractory to more conventional approaches. Conclusion: The development of gene transfer vectors that mediate persistent expression in vivo, the addition of PTDs, a better understanding of lysosomal enzyme trafficking and combining different therapies provide hope that the CNS component of LSDs can be effectively treated.
Galactolipid formation in chloroplast envelopes III. Some observations on galactose incorporation by envelopes with high and low content of diacylglycerol

Chloroplast envelopes from spinach, isolated at two different pH values, were incubated with UDP[14C]galactose at pH values of 6.0, 7.2 and 8.5 and rates and patterns of galactolipid synthesis were measured. Envelopes isolated at pH 8.5 and considered to be poor in initial diacylglycerol content were generally inhibited, especially at high pH. At this pH, where interlipid galactosyl transfer is very slow, incorporation rates reflect diacylglycerol content. At lower ph values in both types of envelope, interlipid galactosyl transferase is active. The highest rates of interlipid galactosyl transferase are seen at pH 6.0 in diacylglycerol-poor envelopes and at pH 7.2 in diacylglycerol-rich envelopes. The latter type of envelope shows considerable activity of monogalactolipid acylase at low pH 6.0, which seems to compete with interlipid galactosyl transferase for monogalactolipid. After removal of UDPGal and transfer of the envelopes to higher pH, acylmonogalactolipid can be transformed again into monogalactolipid and this regenerated lipid can again be transformed into digalactolipid and into higher-homologous galactolipids. Intact spinach chloroplast in similar experiments behave essentially as isolated envelopes. Results are compared with patterns of galactolipid synthesis in vivo and considered as an indication that interlipid galactosyl transferase may be regulated not only by pH but also by a factor originating in the cytoplasm. Results are also discussed in the light of recent suggestions that galactolipids are synthesized in a multi-enzyme complex in the envelope and also considered as a contribution towards understanding the regulation of the mono-/digalactolipid ratio. The observations on the behaviour of acyltransferase and the reversibility of its reaction may constitute a first step to an understanding of a physiological role for this enzyme.
Flow convergence flow rates from 3-dimensional reconstruction of color Doppler flow maps for computing transvalvular regurgitant flows without geometric assumptions : An in vitro quantitative flow study

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to develop and test a 3-dimensional method for direct measurement of flow convergence (FC) region surface area and for quantitating regurgitant flows with an in vitro flow system. Background: Quantitative methods for characterizing regurgitant flow events such as flow convergence with 2-dimensional color flow Doppler imaging systems have yielded variable results and may not be accurate enough to characterize those more complex spatial events. Method: Four differently shaped regurgitant orifices were studied: 3 flat orifices (circular, rectangular, triangular) and a nonflat one mimicking mitral valve prolapse (all 4 orifice areas=0.24 cm 2 ) in a pulsatile flow model at 8 to 9 different regurgitant flow rates (10 to 50 mL/beat). An ultrasonic flow probe and meter were connected to the flow model to provide reference flow data. Video composite data from the color Doppler flow images of the FC were reconstructed after computer-controlled 180° rotational acquisition was performed. FC surface area (S cm 2 ) was calculated directly without any geometric assumptions by measuring parallel sliced flow convergence arc lengths through the FC volume and multiplying each by the slice thickness (2.5 to 3.2 mm) over 5 to 8 slices and then adding them together. Peak regurgitant flow rate (milliliters per second) was calculated as the product of 3-dimensional determined S (cm 2 ) multiplied by the aliasing velocity (centimeters per second) used for color Doppler imaging. Results: For all of the 4 shaped orifices, there was an excellent relationship between actual peak flow rates and 3-dimensional FC-calculated flow rates with the direct measurement of the surface area of FC ( r = 0.99, mean difference=–7.2 to –0.81 mL/s, % difference=–5% to 0%), whereas a hemielliptic method implemented with 3 axial measurements of the flow convergence zone from 2-dimensional planes underestimated actual flow rate by mean difference=–39.8 to –18.2 mL/s, % difference=–32% to –17% for any given orifice. Conclusions: Three-dimensional reconstruction of flow based on 2-dimensional color Doppler may add quantitative spatial information, especially for complex flow events. Direct measurement of 3-dimensional flow convergence surface areas may improve accuracy for estimation of the severity of valvular regurgitation. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:1035-44.)
A Behavioral Decision Model Testing the Association of Marijuana Use and Sexual Risk in Young Adult Women

We created a model conceptualizing sexual risk as a series of discrete event-specific behavioral decisions and tested the hypothesis that marijuana use was associated with increased sexual risk-taking. Three hundred eight marijuana-using women aged 18–24 completed a 90-day time-line-follow-back to assess sexual behaviors and marijuana use. A sequential logit model estimated the effect of marijuana use on the likelihood of being sexually active, partner type when sexually active, and condom nonuse conditional on partner type. Participants had a mean age of 20.4 years, with 67% Caucasian. Marijuana use was associated with an increased likelihood of being sexually active (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.33, 1.93) and with condom nonuse when sexually active with casual partners (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.1, 6.09). This behavioral decision model identified where marijuana use affected sexual risk, and suggests where interventions designed to reduce risk may have an impact.
The rate constant for the reaction O3 + NO2 → O2 + NO3 over the temperature range 259–362 °K

Abstract The rate constant for the reaction of ozone with nitrogen dioxide has been measured over the temperature range 259 to 362°K, using a stopped-flow system coupled to a beam sampling mass spectrometer. A fit of the data to the Arrhenius equation gave: k = (9.44 ± 2.46) × 10 10 exp[(−2509 ± 76)/ T ] cm 3 mol −1 sec −1 .
Quantitative Measurement of Rates of 5S RNA and Transfer RNA Synthesis in Sea Urchin Embryos

Embryonic differentiation is believed to be due to a programmed expression of genes, which includes their time of activation, sequence of appearance, and amount transcribed into the immediate gene product, RNA. Differential synthesis of the major RNA classes, such as the ribosomal RNAs (28S, 18S, 5S) and transfer RNA (tRNA), characterizes many animal developing systems, including the sea urchin embryological system. Previous work has shown that the genes for 5S RNA and tRNA are active during early cleavage in sea urchin embryos. The present study focused on quantitatively measuring and comparing the rate of 5S RNA and tRNA synthesis in cleavage, early blastula, and early pluteus embryos of Arbacia punctulata. At each stage, embryos were labeled for 3 h with [8-3H]-guanosine. Total cellular RNA was extracted using the cold (4°C)-phenol-sodium dodecyl sulfate method and purified (LiCl-soluble) RNA preparations were fractionated by electrophoresis on 10% polyacrylamide gels. The amount of 5S RNA and tRNA synthesized at each stage was calculated from the radioactivity coincident with the 5S RNA and with the tRNA absorbance peaks (A260 nm) on each gel, from the known guanosine monophosphate (GMP) compositions of sea urchin 5S RNA and tRNA and from the average specific radioactivity of the GTP precursor pool during each 3 h labeling period. The results showed that on a per embryo basis the rates of 5S RNA and tRNA synthesis increased slightly (about 1.4-fold) from cleavage through pluteus stages, while on a per cell basis the rates declined severalfold (about 3-fold) during embryogenesis. The rates of 5S RNA and tRNA synthesis determined here parallel previously-reported levels of RNA polymerase III in sea urchin embryos, suggesting that cellular levels of RNA polymerase III may exert some positive control over 5S RNA and tRNA synthesis during sea urchin embryogenesis.
Size and age at first reproduction of the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) in relation to shore level in a New York salt marsh

Abstract The shell lengths and dry body weights of ribbed mussels ( Geukensia demissa ) at the onset of sexual maturation were determined at two shore levels within the tall Spartina alterniflora zone in a New York City salt marsh. Mussels grow faster at the lower level (marsh edge) than at the higher shore level (15 m upshore of the edge), and have higher length-specific body weights. Most edge mussels mature in their second growing season at shell lengths between 15 and 20 mm and at dry body weights ≥0.04 g DW. At the higher site, mussels mature in their third or fourth growing season at shell lengths of 20–25 mm and at body weights ≥0.057 g DW. At the marsh edge, the timing of maturation of mussels in their second growing season is related to the size at the beginning of that season (which depends largely on when larvae settled the previous year). Larger mussels initiate maturation earlier in their second season than smaller mussels, which must grow for a period to attain critical body mass. Thus, sexual maturity in Geukensia demissa is determined primarily by body size rather than age. At the higher shore level, body growth rates are depressed due to food limitations, and mussels become sexually mature a year or more later than edge mussels of the same age. This pattern is different from some populations of Mytilus edulis , in which depressed growth rates induce rather than delay sexual maturity.
Rhinitis and sleep

Allergic rhinitis is a very prevalent disease in developed nations and has been increasing throughout the world. Nasal congestion is one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of rhinitis in both children and adults. Congestion is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and is thought to be a key cause of sleep impairment in rhinitis. The end result is decrease in quality of life and productivity and increased daytime sleepiness. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has been shown to reduce nasal congestion. Data on sleep-related endpoints from clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids indicate that this reduction is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved quality of life. Other therapies, such as montelukast, also have a positive influence on congestion and sleep, while still other therapies for rhinitis do not affect either symptom. This review examines nasal congestion and the associated sleep impairment with allergic rhinitis. It explores the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on patients' quality of life and how these disturbances can be reduced by therapies that address nasal congestion.
Identification of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase hyperreactive sites in type I, II, and III collagens: lack of correlation with local triple helical stability.

The class I and IIClostridium histolyticum collagenases (CHC) have been used to identify hyperreactive sites in rat type I, bovine type II, and human type III collagens. The class I CHC attack both collagens at loci concentrated in the N-terminal half of these collagens starting with the site closest to the N-terminus. The class II CHC initiate collagenolysis by attacking both collagens in the interior to produce a mixture of C-terminal 62,000 and a N-terminal 36,000 fragments. Both fragments are next shortened by removal of a 3000 fragment. These results are very similar to those reported earlier for the hydrolysis of rat type I collagen by these CHC, indicating that the three collagens share many hyperreactive sites. Similar reactions carried out with the respective gelatins show that they are cleaved at many sites at approximately the same rate. Thus, the hyperreactivity of the sites identified must be attributed to their environment in the native collagens. N-terminal sequencing of the fragments produced in these reactions has allowed the identification of 16 cleavage sites in the α1(I), α2(I), α1(II), and α1(III) collagen chains. An analysis of the triple helical stabilities of these cleavage site regions as reflected by their imino acid contents fails to yield a correlation between reactivity and triple helical stability. The existence of these hyperreactive CHC cleavage sites suggests that type I, II, and III collagens contain regions that have specific nontriple helical conformations. The sequence of these sites presented here now makes it possible to investigate these conformations by computational and peptide mimetic techniques.
Percussive foraging in the aye-aye, Daubentonia madagascariensis

Abstract A series of studies is described in which some of the sensory and motor capabilities used by the aye-aye, Daubentonia madagascariensis , in foraging for insect larvae are delineated. Although visual and olfactory cues may be of some aid, they are not necessary for successful location of larvae within woody sources. Rather, the aye-aye gently taps on wood surfaces to determine the location of cavities. Although the aye-aye can accurately locate cavities that contain no larvae or those containing inactive prey, significantly more cavities are opened when they contain active larvae. These observations suggest that this primate uses echolocation or a cutaneous sense to find cavities and can also detect the movements of insect larvae within the cavities.
Identification and absolute configuration of dihydroxy-arachidonic acids formed by oxygenation of 5S-HETE by native and aspirin-acetylated COX-2

Biosynthesis of the prostaglandin endoperoxide by the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes is accompanied by formation of a small amount of 11R-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 15R-HETE, and 15S-HETE as by-products. Acetylation of COX-2 by aspirin abrogates prostaglandin synthesis and triggers formation of 15R-HETE as the sole product of oxygenation of arachidonic acid. Here, we investigated the formation of by-products of the transformation of 5S-HETE by native COX-2 and by aspirin-acetylated COX-2 using HPLC-ultraviolet, GC-MS, and LC-MS analysis. 5S,15S- dihydroxy (di)HETE, 5S,15R-diHETE, and 5S,11R-diHETE were identified as by-products of native COX-2, in addition to the previously described di-endoperoxide (5S,15S-dihydroxy-9S,11R,8S,12S-diperoxy-6E,13E-eicosadienoic acid) as the major oxygenation product. 5S,15R-diHETE was the only product formed by aspirin-acetylated COX-2. Both 5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE were detected in CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells as well as in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells incubated with 5S-HETE, and their formation was attenuated in the presence of the COX-2 specific inhibitor, NS-398. Aspirin-treated CT26 cells gave 5,15-diHETE as the most prominent product formed from 5S-HETE. 5S,15S-diHETE has been described as a product of the cross-over of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and 15-LOX activities in elicited rat mononuclear cells and human leukocytes, and our studies implicate cross-over of the 5-LOX and COX-2 pathways as an additional biosynthetic route.
THE EFFECT OF SALT CONCENTRATION OF THE MEDIUM ON THE RATE OF OSMOSIS OF WATER THROUGH THE MEMBRANE OF LIVING CELLS

1. Using the unfertilized egg of the sea urchin, Arbacia, as osmometer, it was found that the rate with which water enters or leaves the cell depends on the osmotic pressure of the medium: the velocity constant of the diffusion process is higher when the cell is in concentrated sea water, and lower when the sea water medium is diluted with distilled water. Differences of more than tenfold in the value of the velocity constant were obtained in this way. When velocity constants are plotted against concentration of medium, a sigmoid curve is obtained. 2. These results are believed to indicate that cells are more permeable to water when the osmotic pressure of the medium is high than when it is low. This relation would be accounted for if water should diffuse through pores in a partially hydrated gel, constituting the cell membrane. In a medium of high osmotic pressure, the gel is conceived to give up water, to shrink, and therefore to allow widening of its pores with more ready diffusion of water through them. Conversely, in solutions of lower osmotic pressure, the gel would take up water and its pores become narrow.
Choice processes in a newspaper ethics case

This study examines the choice processes of Midwestern newspaper staffers who participated in the professionally questionable decision to “kill” a photograph of a fatal wreck scene at the request of the victim's family. This case study illustrates organizational, cognitive, and professional factors that may influence ethical decision making in small groups. The analysis shows how organizational routines, professional norms and other factors entered into this decision through talk and how these factors then effected their influence on the final outcome by prescribing decision makers' argumentation and negotiation patterns. The theoretical framework used in this case study draws from a number of perspectives, including Allison's (1986) Bureaucratic Politics Model and Weick (1979), as well as theory and research in cognitive social psychology, organizational communication, organizational behavior, and mass media ethics.
Effect of Dietary Total Protein and Animal Protein on Growth and Feed Efficiency of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and Their Response to Edwardsiella ictaluri Challenge

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary total protein and animal protein source and concentration on growth and feed efficiency of juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctutus and their response to Edwardsiellu ictuluri challenge. Eight diets evaluated were: three diets containing either 28, 32, or 36% crude protein with 6% menhaden fish meal and 6% meat and bonehlood meal and five diets containing 32% crude protein with either no animal protein, 68 or 12% menhaden fish meal, or 6% or 12% meat and bonehlood meal, respectively. Twenty channel catfish with an average weight of 6.6 g/fish were stocked into each of forty 110-L flow-through aquaria (five aquaridtreatment). Fish were fed to approximate satiation twice daily for 9 wk. Fish in each tank were then exposed to E. ictaluri. There were no differences in feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival before and after challenge among fish fed diets containing 28, 32, or 36% protein with 6% menhaden fish meal and 6% meat and bone/ blood meal. Fish fed a 32% all-plant protein diet had weight gain and feed efficiency similar to fish fed diets containing 12% menhaden fish meal, but had a higher weight gain than fish fed a 32% protein diet containing 6% meat and bonehlood meal. No significant differences were observed in survival after E. ictuluri challenge among fish fed diets containing the various levels of animal proteins. Results indicate that dietary protein levels varying from 28% to 36% do not appear to affect growth, feed efficiency. and E. icraluri resistance or susceptibility in fingerling channel cattish fed to satiation and raised from approximately 7 to 56 g under laboratory conditions. Data also demonstrate that a 32% all-plant protein diet can be fed to small fingerling channel catfish without adversely affecting growth, feed efficiency, or resistance to E. ictuluri.
Grain boundary fracture in tungsten bi-crystals

Abstract The fracture of grain boundaries in electron beam zone refined bi-crystals of tungsten has been investigated by propagating a crystallographic crack towards twist boundaries of controlled misorientation. Intergranular failure is interpreted by means of a Griffith type criterion for the two competing processes of fracture on the grain boundary and on the crystallographic plane in the second grain. The effects of plastic deformation, impurity segregation and lattice defects on the misorientation dependence of the crack initiation and propagation processes are discussed. The use of the value of grain boundary free energy obtained under equilibrium thermodynamic conditions cannot explain the experimental data. It is suggested that the non-equilibrium structure of the grain boundaries controlled their fracture behavior.
Radiation loss calculations for corrugated dielectric waveguides. II. TM polarization

Perturbation analysis is applied to calculate the radiation loss from corrugated waveguides for TM polarized guided waves. It is shown that the radiated power is strongly dependent upon radiation angle. A significant drop in output radiation occurs for radiation normal to the waveguide. Numerical results for waveguide structures having rectangular and sinusoidal corrugation profiles are included.
Multicyclic polypeptide model compounds. 1. Synthesis of a tricyclic amphiphilic .alpha.-helical peptide using an oxime resin, segment-condensation approach

An idealized model amphiphilic α-helical peptide, cyclo(3-7,10-14,17-21)H-[LysLeuLysGluLeuLysGlu] 3 -OH (peptide 1-1-1), comprising three repeats of a Lys 3 -Glu 7 side-chain bridged heptapeptide, has been synthesized by a generally applicable segment-condensation approach that involves a novel solid-phase cyclization reaction. The linear heptapeptide, Boc-Lys-(2Cl-Z)LeuLys(Trt)Glu(OBzl)LeuLys(2Cl-Z)Glu(oxime resin)-OPac, was built on a p-nitrobenzophenone oxime derivatized polystyrene solid support by standard methods. Circular dichroism spectra indicated that peptide 1-1-1 adopted mostly disordered conformations in aqueous solution, but a high α-helix content was induced in 50% TFE and upon adsorption of peptide 1-1-1 from aqueous solution onto siliconized quartz slides
Single-Dose Immunization with Virus Replicon Particles Confers Rapid Robust Protection against Rift Valley Fever Virus Challenge

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes outbreaks of severe disease in people and livestock throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The potential for RVFV introduction outside the area of endemicity highlights the need for fast-acting, safe, and efficacious vaccines. Here, we demonstrate a robust system for the reverse genetics generation of a RVF virus replicon particle (VRP(RVF)) vaccine candidate. Using a mouse model, we show that VRP(RVF) immunization provides the optimal balance of safety and single-dose robust efficacy. VRP(RVF) can actively synthesize viral RNA and proteins but lacks structural glycoprotein genes, preventing spread within immunized individuals and reducing the risk of vaccine-induced pathogenicity. VRP(RVF) proved to be completely safe following intracranial inoculation of suckling mice, a stringent test of vaccine safety. Single-dose subcutaneous immunization with VRP(RVF), although it is highly attenuated, completely protected mice against a virulent RVFV challenge dose which was 100,000-fold greater than the 50% lethal dose (LD(50)). Robust protection from lethal challenge was observed by 24 h postvaccination, with 100% protection induced in as little as 96 h. We show that a single subcutaneous VRP(RVF) immunization initiated a systemic antiviral state followed by an enhanced adaptive response. These data contrast sharply with the much-reduced survivability and immune responses observed among animals immunized with nonreplicating viral particles, indicating that replication, even if confined to the initially infected cells, contributes substantially to protective efficacy at early and late time points postimmunization. These data demonstrate that replicon vaccines successfully bridge the gap between safety and efficacy and provide insights into the kinetics of antiviral protection from RVFV infection.
Multiperfect numbers with identical digits

Abstract Let g ⩾ 2 . A natural number N is called a repdigit in base g if all of the digits in its base g expansion are equal, i.e., if N = D ⋅ g m − 1 g − 1 for some m ⩾ 1 and some D ∈ { 1 , 2 , … , g − 1 } . We call N perfect if σ ( N ) = 2 N , where σ denotes the usual sum-of-divisors function. More generally, we call N multiperfect if σ ( N ) is a proper multiple of N. The second author recently showed that for each fixed g ⩾ 2 , there are finitely many repdigit perfect numbers in base g, and that when g = 10 , the only example is N = 6 . We prove the same results for repdigit multiperfect numbers.
Human herpesvirus 8 glycoprotein K8.1: expression, post-translational modification and localization analyzed by monoclonal antibody.

Abstract Background: The genome of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) contains at least 84 open reading frames, including the highly immunogenic K8.1. Other studies have determined that K8.1 gene generates at least two spliced transcripts in the HHV-8 infected BCBL-1 cells, termed as glycoprotein (gp)K8.1A and gpK8.1B. Objective: To analyze the expression, post-translational modification and localization of HHV-8 gpK8.1 by monoclonal antibody (mAb). Study design: Mabs to HHV-8 produced by conventional hybridization and several clones identified. A mAb was used by various immunological assays to analyze HHV-8 K8.1 proteins in BCBL-1- and Sf9 insect cells. Results: MAb clone 19B4 identified a 0.75-kb insert from the λZAP cDNA expression library of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced BCBL-1 cells. Sequence analysis revealed that the cDNA insert corresponds to the published spliced ORF K8.1 mRNA of HHV-8. By immunofluorescence assay, the mAb stained the cell membrane, cytoplasm and perinuclear region of TPA induced BCBL-1 cells and showed no cross-reactivity with other herpesviruses. By immunoblotting assay, mAb 19B4 reacted with two species polypeptides giving a diffuse band with rMW from 42 to 64 kDa (gpK8.1A) and two closely migrating polypeptides of rMW 35/37 kDa (gpK8.1B). Both species were labeled by [ 14 C]glucosamine, indicating that they are glycosylated and only gpK8.1A was detected in the virions. Expression of the full length K8.1 derived from cDNA in baculovirus system confirmed that these two glycoproteins are encoded by K8.1 gene. Enzymatic deglycosylation with endoF/peptide- N -glycosidase F, led to the reduction of rMW of both polypeptides whereas deglycosylation with O -glycosidase led only the reduction of rMW of K8.1A. Conclusion: The mAb 19B4 reacts specifically with BCBL-1 and Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus containing HHV-8 K8.1 gene. In several assays the mAb reacts with gpK8.1A and gpK8.1B. Only the mature spliced gpK8.1A is incorporated into virion. Enzymatic deglacosylation determined that gpK8.1A is N - and O -glycosylated, whereas gpK8.1B may lack O -glycosylation.
The Supply Chain Role of Third‐Party Logistics Providers

Outsourcing, the strategy in which organizations employ the services of external providers, has attracted growing interest. Academic and industrial attention has also focused on the role of seamless supply chain processes in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. This research is based on petrol retailers in the UK that have adopted logistics outsourcing strategies for implementing supply chain solutions to their convenience‐goods operations. Its aim is to identify the factors, which influence outsourcing decisions and the nature and supply chain implications of outsourcing strategies. Research findings indicate that the capability of service providers to facilitate supply chain solutions is largely influenced by four main factors, which in turn substantially determine their role in the supply chain: the strategic orientation of the outsourcing organization; its perception of service providers' role within the logistics strategy; the nature of the resultant client‐provider relationship; and, the extent to which the logistics process is outsourced.
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes in breast carcinoma, carcinoid tumor, and renal cell carcinoma

The presence of transcripts for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 was probed by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction in ribonucleic acid isolated from 46 malignant and 9 nonmalignant breast tissues, 15 carcinoid tumor tissues, and 13 renal cell carcinoma tissues. The transcripts for SSTR2 were amplified in all but 2 tissue samples, whereas transcripts for SSTR1, SSTR3, and SSTR4 were detected sporadically. In renal cell tumors, SSTR3 transcripts were completely absent. In breast cancer tissue, SSTR subtypes were transcribed independently of patient age, menstrual status, diagnosis, histological grade, and levels of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. The probability of finding transcripts for SSTR subtypes, P, was ranked differently for the three types of tumor tissues. For breast cancer, P2 > P3 = P1 > P4; for carcinoid tumors, P2 > P1 > P3 = P4; and for renal cell tumors, P2 > P1 > P4 > P3.