cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of 5-Iodouracil on the growth and biosynthetic processes of bacteriophage T4td8 in the absence of light

Abstract 5-Iodouracil (IUra)-substituted progeny bacteriophage T4td8 were grown under conditions such that, upon CsCl equilibrium isopycnic gradient centrifugation, progeny with density distributions about the median similar to that of unsubstituted phage are obtained. In the absence of light a monotonie relationship exists between decreasing progeny viability and increasing percent IUra substitution. IUra is equivalent to thymine as a growth factor on a molar basis, and at concentrations of IUra plus thymine above that required for maximum particle production, the percent IUra substitution in phage DNA is determined by the mole fraction of IUra in the medium. The lethal effects of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdUrd) and IUra are equivalent, and are not produced by a direct effect on the phage particles. At equivalent percent substitution in phage DNA the order of lethality is IUra > 5-bromouracil (BrUra) > 5-chlorouracil (ClUra). There is no interference with the transfer of thymine from host cell to progeny phage by the presence of IUra in the medium, and IUra affects neither the time of lysis nor the content of phage DNA in the infected cells.
Mechanism of Action of Metronidazole on Bacteroides fragilis

Metronidazole (10 micrograms/ml) was rapidly bactericidal when added to log-phase cultures of Bacteroides fragilis strain 2624. DNA synthesis stopped immediately after addition of metronidazole, whereas synthesis of RNA and protein continued at linear rates for at least 60 min. Gel electrophoresis of DNA extracted from metronidazole-treated cells revealed no nicking or strand breakage in either the 2.9- or 2.0-megadalton plasmid of strain 2624. Also, no degradation of chromosomal DNA was seen. DNA polymerase activity, measured in vitro, was not diminished by prior treatment of the cells with metronidazole. Thus, the primary action of metronidazole is a rapid inhibition of DNA replication. The DNA remains structurally intact, DNA polymerase activity is not directly affected, and cells retain metabolic activity, synthesizing RNA and protein at unaltered rates.
Inhibition of Telenomus sphingis an egg parasitoid of Manduca spp. by trichome/2-tridecanone-based host plant resistance in tomato

The resistance of accession PI 134417 of the wild tomato Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum C. H. Mull to Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Spingidae) and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is conditioned by the high densities of 2-tridecanone-containing, glandular trichomes associated with the foliage. In laboratory experiments, rates of parasitism of M. sexta eggs by Telenomus sphingis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) were lower among eggs on PI 134417 foliage than among eggs on foliage of the cultivated tomato L. esculentum Mill. (cv. Better Boy). The latter is characterized by a significantly lower density of type VI glandular trichomes than PI 134417 and an absence of 2-tridecanone. Parasitism by T. sphingis was also reduced among eggs on foliage of the F1 hybrid between PI 134417 and L. esculentum. The hybrid foliage lacks 2-tridecanone but has a density of type VI glandular trichomes that is intermediate between those of PI 134417 and L. esculentum, indicating that elevated densities of type VI glandular trichomes adversely affect T. sphingis. This conclusion was further substantiated by the finding that there were no differences among plant lines in the levels of parasitism of M. sexta eggs when the eggs were on foliage that had been divested of glandular trichomes. In bioassays in which T. sphingis adults or immatures in host eggs were exposed to filter paper treated with 2-tridecanone at rates comparable to those associated with PI 134417 foliage, 2-tridecanone was acutely toxic and caused high levels of mortality. In addition, at high concentrations, 2-tridecanone vapors were repellent to T. sphingis adults. However, when exposed to PI 134417 foliage, few T. sphingis adults were killed. Parasitism of M. sexta eggs was unaffected when the eggs were deposited by moths reared as fifth instar larvae on diet containing 2-tridecanone and/or 2-undecanone at levels comparable to those associated with PI 134417 foliage.
The role of CS-US contiguity in classical conditioning of the rabbit's nictitating membrane response to serial stimuli

Abstract The rabbit's nictitating membrane response was classically conditioned to a serial tone-light compound (CS1-CS2), in which the CS1-CS2 and CS2-US intervals were each manipulated over the values of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 msec in a between-groups, factorial design. In addition, at each level of the CS2-US interval, there was a control group that received CS2 and the US. Within the serial compound, the CS2 was found to be highly efficacious in that the CS2-US interval determined the rate of CR acquisition to the compound as a whole and to CS2 in particular. Moreover, CR probability during CS2 largely overlapped the performance of the corresponding single-stimulus controls. Outside the context of the compound, CR frequency on CS2 test trials fell below control levels at the 200- and 400-msec CS2-US intervals. The results can be interpreted as indicating that a generalization decrement or information loss occurred in transferring from compound training to CS2 testing. In addition, the theories of Rescorla and Wagner (In A. Black & W. F. Prokasy, Eds., Classical conditioning II , New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1972) and Mackintosh ( Psychological Review , 1975 , 82 , 276–298) may be extended to account for the present results.
Alterations in Phosphatidylcholine Metabolism of Stretch‐Injured Cultured Rat Astrocytes

The primary objective of this study was to determine the influence of stretch-induced cell injury on the metabolism of cellular phosphatidylcholine (PC). Neonatal rat astrocytes were grown to confluency in Silastic-bottomed tissue culture wells in medium that was usually supplemented with 10 microM unlabeled arachidonate. Cell injury was produced by stretching (5-10 mm) the Silastic membrane with a 50-ms pulse of compressed air. Stretch-induced cell injury increased the incorporation of [3H]choline into PC in an incubation time- and stretch magnitude-dependent manner. PC biosynthesis was increased three- to fourfold between 1.5 and 4.5 h after injury and returned to control levels by 24 h postinjury. Stretch-induced cell injury also increased the activity of several enzymes involved in the hydrolysis [phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) and C (PLC; EC 3.1.4.3)] and biosynthesis [phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (PCT; EC 2.7.7.15)] of PC. Stretch-induced increases in PC biosynthesis and PCT activity correlated well (r = 0.983) and were significantly reduced by pretreating (1 h) the cells with an iron chelator (deferoxamine) or scavengers of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The stretch-dependent increase in PC biosynthesis was also reduced by antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin E succinate, vitamin E phosphate, melatonin, and n-acetylcysteine). Arachidonate-enriched cells were more susceptible to stretch-induced injury because lactate dehydrogenase release and PC biosynthesis were significantly less in non-arachidonate-enriched cells. In summary, the data suggest that stretch-induced cell injury is (a) a result of an increase in the cellular level of hydroxyl radicals produced by an iron-catalyzed Haber-Weiss reaction, (b) due in part to the interaction of oxyradicals with the polyunsaturated fatty acids of cellular phospholipids such as PC, and (c) reversible as long as the cell's membrane repair functions (PC hydrolysis and biosynthesis) are sufficient to repair injured membranes. These results suggest that stretch-induced cell injury in vitro may mimic in part experimental traumatic brain injury in vivo because alterations in cellular PC biosynthesis and PLC activity are similar in both models. Therefore, this in vitro model of stretch-induced injury may supplement or be a reasonable alternative to some in vivo models of brain injury for determining the mechanisms by which traumatic cell injury results in cell dysfunction.
Variability in the sensitivity of nine enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) in the measurement of human interleukin 6

ELISAs employing several combinations of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-human IL-6 antibodies for the detection of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in cell culture supernatants were developed and compared. They were found to have differing sensitivities in the measurement of standard preparations of recombinant human (rh) IL-6 (WHO reference standard) as well as conventional preparations of IL-6 produced by stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, an ELISA that was optimal for detecting rhIL-6 standard was suboptimal for detecting IL-6 in cell culture supernatants. The presence of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) or the signal-transducing gp130 molecule or serum did not alter the levels of IL-6 detected by these ELISAs. Therefore, the observed variability in sensitivity of the assays may be due to differences in epitope specificity of the various monoclonal antibodies used and the heterogeneity of IL-6 secreted into culture supernatants.
Vibrational frequencies for N4

Abstract Vibrational frequencies for the nitrogen dimer cation N4+ have been calculated with ab initio self-consistent-field methods. The results are compared with infrared absorption results from the literature. The unrestricted Hartree-Fock method is found to give vibrational frequencies in very good agreement with the experimental results, producing for the first time a complete and reasonably reliable set of vibrational frequencies for N4+.
The effects of 15AU81, a chemically stable prostacyclin analog, on the cardiovascular and renin-angiotensis systems of anesthetized dogs

Abstract 15AU81 is a chemically stable tricyclic benzindene analog of prostacyclin. Prostaglandins, PGI 2 and PGE 2 , and their analogs have demonstrated acute hemodynamic benefit in congestive heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of 15AU81 in anesthetized dogs in order to assess this agent's potential for clinical study in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Four hour intravenous infusions of 15AU81 at 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 μg/kg/min produced dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial blood pressure of 10%, 43%, 55% and 68% respectively with associated decreases in total peripheral resistance of 20%, 32%, 56% and 73%, respectively. 15AU81 dilated the pulmonary circulation; however, the effects of 15AU81 on the pulmonary vascular bed were not dose dependent and not stable over time. Maximal decreases in mean pulmonary artery blood pressure achieved were 9%, 23%, 22% and 18% with an associated decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance of 9%, 33%, 30% and 23%, at doses of 15AU81 of 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 μg/kg/min respectively. The onset of vasodilator effects were rapid, reaching a maximum within 5–10 min with an equally rapid recovery when the infusion was discontinued. Cardiac and hormonal effects associated with 15AU81 treatment included decreases in inotropy, and lusitropy and increases in heart rate and plasma angiotensin II concentration. The increase in plasma angiotensin II concentrated correlated significantly with the decrease mean arterial blood pressure. These effects are interpreted to be generally secondary to the potent and profound vasodilator activity of 15AU81 and not likely due to direct cardiac or neurohumoral effects. The hemodynamic profile of 15AU81 suggests that, through its rapid onset and ability to reduce loading conditions of the right and left ventricles and its chemical stability over natural prostacyclin, this prostacyclin analog may have utility in the management of chronic congestive heart failure.
Myocarditis with endocardial elastomyofibrosis (EEMF).

Abstract An example of cardiac failure due to myocarditis associated with severe endocardial elastomyofibrosis, in a 23-year-old white man, is presented. The clinical course and anatomic features closely parallel those described in that form of heart disease most frequently, but not exclusively, observed in Africa and designated as endomyocardial fibrosis, Loffler's endocarditis fibroplastica parietalis, etc. In addition, severe atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries was present. This latter condition is considered pathogenetically but not etiologically related to the cardiac alterations encountered. The patient's clinical history, infestation with Ascaris, Ancylostoma, and possibly Trichinella, as well as the demonstration of blood eosinophilia and an eosinophilic myocarditis, are considered strongly suggestive of the parasitic nature of the myocarditis, despite the failure to demonstrate such organisms within the heart. A'though it is recognized that this type of heart disease may have various etiologies, it is proposed that parasitic myocarditis may be more frequent in this regard than was previously appreciated, particularly in those instances with eosinophilia. The primacy of myocardial damage in producing the endocardial alteration observed is emphasized and the latter is attributed to both reparative as well as mechanical phenomena. The relationship of this apparently singular group of rare cardiac disorders to some recorded instances of idiopathic cardiomegaly and adult forms of so-called congenital fibroelastosis remains to be demonstrated.
A 12 GHz low-jitter LC-VCO PLL in 130 nm CMOS

We present a wideband low-jitter LC-VCO phase-locked loop in 130 nm CMOS technology for high speed serial link applications. The PLL covers a 5.6 GHz to 13.4 GHz frequency range by using two LC-VCO cores with an RMS jitter of 370 fs. The single event effects testing is performed with a neutron beam at Los Alamos National Laboratory and no frequency disturbance is found over the test period. The PLL consumes 50.88 mW of power under a 1.2 V power supply.
Sensitivity studies with the North Atlantic sigma coordinate Princeton Ocean Model

The sigma coordinate, Princeton Ocean Model (POM) has been configured for the North Atlantic Ocean between 5°N and 50°N as part of data assimilation, model predictability and intercomparison studies. The model uses a curvilinear orthogonal grid with higher resolution in the western North Atlantic and lower resolution in the eastern North Atlantic. A series of experiments, each one of a 10-year duration, are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the ocean mean state and variability to model parameters and model configuration; these experiments include open vs. closed boundary conditions, low vs. high resolution grids, and different choices of diffusion and viscosity. The results show that the use of closed boundaries together with near-boundary buffer zones where temperature and salinity are relaxed towards the observed values give less realistic flows, weaker recirculation gyres and less realistic Gulf Stream separation than do open boundary conditions. The experiments show that the sensitivity of the ocean variability in the model to the choice of the Smagorinsky diffusion and viscosity coefficients significantly differs from one region to another and largely depends on other attributes such as the mean position of the Gulf Stream in each simulation. A 50% change in model resolution in the Gulf Stream region has a larger effect on ocean variability than a change of diffusivity by a factor of 10. In areas where either the high or the low resolution models have sufficient resolution, as in the Gulf of Mexico, they are able to produce variability comparable to that observed from altimeter data; elsewhere, model variability is underestimated.
Soybean Aphid Resistance in Soybean Germplasm Accessions of Maturity Group I

Soybean aphid (SA; Aphis glycines Matsumura) is a major pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in North America, particularly the north- ern United States. Identification of SA resis - tance in early-maturing soybeans will facilitate development of aphid-resistant cultivars for this region. In this study, 330 soybean germplasm accessions from Maturity Group (MG) I, along with 11 resistant or susceptible checks, were evaluated against SA in greenhouse by caged (no-choice) and noncaged tests. Germplasm accessions that showed resistance in these tests were then tested in the field under natural infestations supplemented by artificial inocu - lation. In the greenhouse tests, accessions PI 189946, PI 153214, and PI 437075 exhibited low SA levels (<50 aphids plant −1 in caged test and SA score of 1.3 or less in noncaged test) simi- lar to those on resistant checks. Six accessions (PI 378663, PI 603587A, PI 567250A, PI 603326, PI 603339A, and PI 603546A) showed moder- ate aphid resistance with <135 aphids plant −1 in caged and SA score of 2.3 or less in noncaged test. In the field, PI 567250A and PI 603339A performed similar to resistant checks, and PI 153214 and PI 437075 showed moderate aphid resistance. Across all three tests, PI 567250A and PI 603339A exhibited consistently low lev- els of aphid infestation and thus may be useful in soybean breeding as newly identified sources of SA resistance.
Conceptualizing the Organizational Role of Technical Communicators: A Systems Approach:

Little has been written about the organizational role of technical communica tors. Using a systems approach to organizational theory, we argue that techni cal communicators engage in tasks that permit them to function as "boundary spanners. "As boundary spanners, technical communicators both disseminate and make sense of information required for coordination between organiza tional groups and for effective responses to the environment. We discuss the implications of this position for managing and educating technical communi cators.
Optimal Moment Sets for Multivariate Direct Quadrature Method of Moments

The direct quadrature method of moments (DQMOM) can be employed to close population balance equations (PBEs) governing a wide class of multivariate number density functions (NDFs). Such equations occur over a vast range of scientific applications, including aerosol science, kinetic theory, multiphase flows, turbulence modeling, and control theory, to name just a few. As the name implies, DQMOM uses quadrature weights and abscissas to approximate the moments of the NDF, and the number of quadrature nodes determines the accuracy of the closure. For nondegenerate univariate cases (i.e., a sufficiently smooth NDF), the N weights and N abscissas are uniquely determined by the first 2N non-negative integer moments of the NDF. Moreover, an efficient product−difference algorithm exists to compute the weights and abscissas from the moments. In contrast, for a d-dimensional NDF, a total of (1 + d)N multivariate moments are required to determine the weights and abscissas, and poor choices for the moment set can lead...
Behavioral Regulation of Hypothalamic Temperature

Animals will work to produce changes in hypothalamic temperature. The two main inputs, skin and hypothalamic temperatures, combine to control this behavior. Specifically, the rate at which rats work for changes in hypothalamic temperature is proportional to the sum of the weighted displacements of skin and hypothalamic temperatures from their respective neutral values.
Vancouver Hybrid: Preliminary Experience in the Treatment of Hodgkin's Disease in Childhood and Adolescence

Objective To describe our preliminary experience with 19 young patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's disease who received the Vancouver hybrid chemotherapeutic regimen. Design We summarized the characteristics of our 19 study patients, the treatment administered (between June 1988 and June 1992), and the outcome. Results The Vancouver hybrid, which consists of mechlorethamine, vincristine sulfate (Oncovin), procarbazine hydrochloride, prednisone, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), bleomycin, and vinblastine sulfate (MOPP/ABV), was based on the hypothesis of preventing drug resistance by early introduction and alternation of all active agents and was aimed at decreasing the severity and frequency of treatment-related complications. Of our 19 patients with Hodgkin's disease (age range, 6 to 20 years) treated with this regimen, 2 had clinical stage I disease, 10 had stage II, 6 had stage III, and 1 had stage IV. Only two patients had systemic symptoms, and nodular sclerosis was the most common histologic feature. Patients were given four to eight cycles of chemotherapy, depending on the clinical stage of disease. In addition, 10 patients received irradiation, including 6 of 9 patients with bulky disease. In all patients, complete remission was achieved. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, only two patients had had a relapse; both underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation and were alive and well with no evidence of disease at last follow-up. The treatment was well tolerated, and delivery of treatment was excellent. The only severe toxicity was myelosuppression; 8 patients experienced a total of 15 episodes of fever and neutropenia that necessitated hospitalization and antibiotic therapy, but no systemic infections were confirmed during 104 cycles of therapy. Conclusion The MOPP/ABV hybrid is an effective and well-tolerated therapy in most young patients with Hodgkin's disease. Long-term monitoring is needed to evaluate late effects.
Density response of one-, two-, and three-dimensional fermion systems with repulsive δ -function interaction

A closed-form formula for the density-density response function of a system of fermions interacting via a repulsive $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential in one, two, and three dimensions is given in an approximation in which the particle-hole interaction in the polarization bubble is considered to all orders. The dynamic and static structure factors and the local-field factor have been calculated.
Public relations news releases and libel: Extending first amendment protections

Abstract This study presents an overview of both the common law and constitutional privileges protecting the expression of opinion in public relations news releases. Recent cases are reviewed and suggestions are offered to help public relations practitioners construct releases that are relatively “libelproof.” Emphasis is placed on following the guidelines suggested by the Ollman four-factor test for distinguishing statements of fact from statements of opinion. 1. (1) Examine the common usage to determine “core of meaning.” 2. (2) Determine how verifiable statements are. 3. (3) Examine the context (cautionary language) in which statements occur. 4. (4) Examine the broad social context/conventions associated with the statements.
Increased susceptibility of riboflavin deficient rats to galactose cataract.

Bei riboflavinarm ernahrten Albinoratten betragt die Aktivitat der Erythrocyten-Glutathionreduktase nur 40% und diejenige der Augenlinsen-Glutathionreduktase 75% der Aktivitat normaler Kontrolltiere und es kommt zu vorzeitigem Auftreten von Katarakten.
Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry of ex vivo HcB/Dem Mouse Long Bones: Left Are Denser Than Right

Dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) has become a popular analytical technique in mice and other small animals. Comparative study of bone properties at different anatomical sites is an active area of study in model organisms. Such investigations require that site-specific data be generated and interpreted. There are no published data addressing the degree to which contralateral mouse bones resemble each other in the absence of an experimental intervention, nor are there data addressing the correlation of bone densitometry measurements between anatomically distant sites. To address these gaps in our knowledge, we used DXA to compare excised mouse femora and humeri. At the population level, left bones were slightly but significantly denser than right bones, with an overall adjusted bone mineral density (BMD) difference of 0.7 ± 0.3 and 0.5 ± 0.2 mg/cm2 at the femur and humerus, respectively. At the level of bone pairs from a single animal, absolute adjusted BMD disparities between the right and left sides were 2.3 ± 1.9 mg/cm2 at the femur and 1.7 ± 1.4 mg/cm2 at the humerus. Correlation coefficients between left and right sides were 0.78 for adjusted BMD at both sites. The correlation coefficient between side-averaged femoral and humeral BMD was 0.81, but ranged between 0.70 and 0.75 when limited to ipsilateral or contralateral femur-humerus pairs. Our findings suggest the desirability of randomizing limbs for treatment in studies using contralateral limb controls. These observations may represent the densitometric manifestation of behavioral and neuroanatomical lateralization in laboratory mice.
Building a better ice scraper—a case in product platforms for the entrepreneur

Many entrepreneurs identify previously ignored consumer needs as an exciting opportunity for new product development. However, it is likely that very few recognize an opportunity for a platform-based approach to new product development to satisfy these needs. When partners Marion and Weinberger embarked on a morning flight out of Philadelphia, they discussed their frustration with cleaning the ice from their windshields. They discussed the problems with current ice scrapers, and by the time they landed in San Francisco, they had developed design criteria and preliminary sketches for an innovative ice scraper. Thus began their quest for building a better ice scraper and using a product platform strategy to target multiple market segments. This case study describes how the team identified market segments and price points along with the development of the principle blade platform and secondary handle platforms, its testing, manufacturing, and production. It also describes how they deliberately designed “hardpoints” for future customization to include as yet unconceived features that might be ascertained from customer feedback after product launch. Included is a description of the partnerships formed to build a virtual company that maximized resources and capabilities yet led to challenges in communication and documentation throughout the platform and product development.
On knowledge networks in science: collaboration among equals

Knowledge is produced from labor and existing knowledge as embodied in documents and persons. Through knowledge networks, researchers can utilize knowledge inputs from other scientists. This paper examines institutions for knowledge exchange and attempts a formal analysis of scientific exchange in passive and active collaboration.
Cramér-von Mises tests for independence

Abstract In this paper recent results of Gregory [(1977) Ann. Statist.5 110–123] are used to obtain the asymptotic null distribution of a weighted Cramer-von Mises type test for independence. We use approximate Bahadur slopes to find good weight functions for certain alternatives. Some percentage points of the asymptotic distribution are given.
Current quark masses and symmetry-breaking effects

The effect of nondegenerate current quark masses on the algebraic properties of operators is discussed. Matrix elements of pseudoscalar densities, the strong anomaly, and the Hamiltonian, are studied within the framework of the quark model quantized on the null plane.
An uncoupled approach Agents/Web Services to support uniform access to Resources in information systems

In this paper, we propose an uncoupled approach Agents/Web Services to support uniform access to distributed resources in a distributed company. Our approach is articulated around Resource Agents and Federator Agents. We use, as technological framework, the Web Services which make applications possible to expose their functionalities through standardized interfaces using agents (customer, suppliers, and directory). Indeed, a Web Services layer makes accessible the capacities of the Resources Agents through the Web. The interaction protocol is integrated into Federator Agents which implement the group directory.
Discovery of a Novel Class of Exquisitely Selective Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Factor (C-met) Protein Kinase Inhibitors and Identification of the Clinical Candidate 2-(4-(1-(Quinolin-6-Ylmethyl)-1H-[1,2, 3]Triazolo[4,5-B]Pyrazin-6-Yl)-1H-Pyrazol-1-Yl)Ethanol (Pf-04217903) for the Treatment of Cancer.

The c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase is an attractive oncology target because of its critical role in human oncogenesis and tumor progression. An oxindole hydrazide hit 6 was identified during a c-ME...
Atrazine residues in estuarine water and the aerial deposition of atrazine into Rhode River, Maryland

Water samples from the Rhode River, an estuary situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, were analyzed for atrazine residues twice a week for 2 yr. Precipitation samples; which included dryfall, rainfall, and snowfall were collected with wide-mouth stainless steel collection pans situated about 20 m above ground in an open space. A total of 68 precipitation samples was collected from December 1976 to February 1979. Atrazine residues were detectable in estuarine water and in rainwater year-round. Atrazine residues in estuarine water were generally 6 to 190 ng 1−1 atrazine residues in rainwater (bulk precipitation) were 3 to 2190 ng 1−1. Atrazine residues in rainwater samples collected during the winter season (January to April 1977) were unexpectedly high (e.g., 3 to 970 ng 1−1). The highest atrazine concentration of 2190 ng 1−1 was detected from a 0.76 cm rainfall event collected on May 19, 1977. Intermittent spraying operations of atrazine within the cornfields were generally done during May of each year. Rain samples collected during May of 1978 also showed higher atrazine residues than the rest of the 1978 growing season, but at levels much less than those detected in 1977 rainwater. Although high atrazine concentrations were detected in winter rainfall, these did not result in similarly higher atrazine concentrations in estuarine receiving waters. Our data showed a decline of atrazine concentrations in estuarine water in October and November which continued until a rainfall following Spring herbicide applications. Atrazine is enriched at the microsurface layer of estuarine water, but direct atmospheric input of atrazine did not seem to contribute significantly to the enrichment mechanism. Atrazine is believed to be transported long distances in polluted air masses. The estuarine microsurface layer could be a source of atmospheric atrazine, but the importance of the source is yet to be determined. Atrazine was quantitatively determined by GC using a nitrogen specific electrolytic detector and was confirmed by GC/Mass.
A note on position analysis of manipulators

Abstract The notion of zero position of a manipulator is introduced and used in conjunction with the principle of similarity to derive analysis equations. The usual link coordinate systems are not defined and the base coordinate system is the only one used in analysis.
A morphological review of the Cuora flavomarginata complex (Testudines: Geoemydidae)

ABSTRACT A reevaluation of the morphometric and color pattern differences within the Asiatic box turtle, Cuora flavomarginata sensu latu, was conducted in view of determining the taxonomic position of the three currently recognized subspecies: C. f. flavomarginata (Taiwan), C. f. sinensis (southern mainland China), and C. f. evelynae (Ryukyu Islands, Japan). Recent analyses indicate that the allopatric population of C. f. evelynae is the most divergent of the three taxa and shares little possibility for gene exchange with the other two populations. In contrast, the populations of C. f. flavomarginata and C. f. sinensis share many characters. We recommend the recognition of the Ryukyu population as a full species, C. evelynae.
Automated perimetry in retinitis pigmentosa using the Octopus program N1

The use of automated perimetry in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has not become widespread. This is due to what is considered as a relative lack of automated programs designed to evaluate in the entire visual field both discrete abnormalities and pronounced defects, using a reasonably short procedure.Three patients suffering from different forms of retinitis pigmentosa were evaluated by means of the new Octopus program N1. In two patients, visual fields were also evaluated by Goldmann kinetic perimetry. Automated perimetry demonstrated the characteristic pattern of the visual field defects of retinitis pigmentosa as satisfactorily as Goldmann perimetry. Moreover, it provided better analysis of the central visual field, revealing partially preserved areas which were missed by routine kinetic perimetry.Evaluation with the Octopus program N1 required much less time than with regular 4-2-2 programs for automated perimetry, because of a unique combination of screening and quantified strategies. The collected data a...
Same or Separate Classrooms: A Twin Bill; The Birth of the Asian Society for Twin Studies; Research Reviews; More Extraordinary Lives of Twins

New legislation giving parents a voice in deciding their twins' school placement situation (same or separate classrooms) was passed in Minnesota in spring 2005. Since then, parents in several other states have started petitions and lobbying efforts to persuade their senators and representatives to follow suit. A review and update of these exciting developments is presented, followed by a report from the recently established Asian Society for Twin Studies. Reviews of two new twin studies - bases of political attitudes and age effects on dizygotic twinning - are presented. The uniquely informative lives of several twin pairs are also documented.
Integration of Knowledge Management and Collaborative Design

Collaborative design is an important part of the networked manufacture. The development of knowledge interaction and sharing is a main problem for collaborative design. The separation of knowledge management and the design process is a critical problem to be solved. The integration of the knowledge management and collaborative design is present in the paper. Firstly, the concepts of knowledge management are introduced, which can assist to acknowledge the basic concepts. Then the knowledge management function is constructed for collaborative design. The structure of system consists of five parts, which can realize the information confusion. The process of knowledge management can be interacted by means of the information confusion. The implicit knowledge can be expressed by explanation tool. At last, a platform for integration is constructed to transmit the information among knowledge management and collaborative design. The platform can improve enterprise customization and application capabilities of intelligent resource services and promote service technology for product development on collaborative design style.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of Coagulation Dysfunction in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are at high risk for the development of life-threatening thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, particularly during induction chemotherapy. This propensity has been attributed to the release of tissue factor (TF)-like procoagulants from the leukemic cells leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, recent data suggest that the pathogenesis of the coagulopathy is more complicated and may involve activation of the generalized proteolytic cascade resulting in either clotting and/or excessive fibrinolysis. Furthermore, controversy exists regarding the mechanism(s) responsible for the activation of either clotting or fibrinolysis. The malignant promyelocyte may act directly to activate coagulation and/or fibrinolysis. Alternatively, reactive inflammatory cells, which express procoagulant and/or profibrinolytic activities may play an essential role. A third possibility may involve endothelial cell expression of mediators with procoagulant/profibrinolytic properties. Putative profibrinolytic mechanisms include the release of urokinase-type and tissue-type plasminogen activators, decreases in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and 2, and decreases in alpha-2 plasmin inhibitor. Putative procoagulant mechanisms include the release of tissue factor, Cancer Procoagulant, or cytokines such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor and vascular permeability factor. Putative anticoagulant mediators include annexins, a group of proteins in human tissue which bind phospholipids and have anticoagulant activity, which have been reported in patients with APL. The current treatment of APL is rapidly evolving because of the efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). All-trans retinoic acid promotes terminal differentiation of leukemic promyelocytes leading to complete remission in the majority of patients with APL with rapid resolution of the coagulopathy. Although the mechanism by which this occurs has not been established, preliminary data suggest that ATRA blocks the downregulation of the thrombomodulin gene and the up-regulation of the tissue factor gene induced by tumor necrosis factor. Since APL is a relatively uncommon disorder, the collaboration of cooperative oncology groups will be important to study patients receiving ATRA or conventional chemotherapy to further elucidate the mechanism(s) of the coagulopathy.
States With More Health Care Spending Have Better-Quality Health Care: Lessons About Medicare

Based on broad measures of health system quality and performance, states with more total health spending per capita have better-quality care. This fact contrasts with a previous finding that states with higher Medicare spending per enrollee have poorer-quality care. However, quality results from the total funds available and not from Medicare or any single payer. Moreover, Medicare payments are disproportionately high in states that have a disproportionately large social burden and low health care spending overall. These and other vagaries of Medicare spending pose critical challenges to research that depends on Medicare spending to define regional variation in health care.
Quantification of myocardial perfusion by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

The potential of contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for a quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion has been explored for more than a decade now, with encouraging results from comparisons with accepted "gold standards", such as microspheres used in the physiology laboratory. This has generated an increasing interest in the requirements and methodological approaches for the non-invasive quantification of myocardial blood flow by CMR. This review provides a synopsis of the current status of the field, and introduces the reader to the technical aspects of perfusion quantification by CMR. The field has reached a stage, where quantification of myocardial perfusion is no longer a claim exclusive to nuclear imaging techniques. CMR may in fact offer important advantages like the absence of ionizing radiation, high spatial resolution, and an unmatched versatility to combine the interrogation of the perfusion status with a comprehensive tissue characterization. Further progress will depend on successful dissemination of the techniques for perfusion quantification among the CMR community.
Surface-enhanced Raman effect

This paper presents a theory of the surface-enhanced Raman effect. Enhancement factors of >, 109 are shown to be possible through exchange dipole interactions between the molecule and disordered surface stales.
Immunomodulatory effects of the Lutzomyia longipalpis salivary gland protein maxadilan on mouse macrophages.

Infection with Leishmania major is enhanced when the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis salivary peptide maxadilan (MAX) is injected along with the parasite. Here we determined the effect that MAX has on the secretion of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) and on parasite survival in macrophages (MΦs). The cytokines produced by MΦs can enhance a type 1 response, which will increase NO and the killing of intracellular pathogens such as L. major, or a type 2 response, leading to antibody production that is ineffective against intracellular pathogens such as L. major. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) was stimulated with various concentrations of MAX and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the supernatants were collected after 1, 2, and 3 days. Supernatants were assayed for interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-10, IL-6, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), NO, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Our results indicate that the addition of MAX upregulates the cytokines associated with a type 2 response (IL-10, IL-6, and TGF-β) but downregulates type 1 cytokines (IL-12p70 and TNF-α) and NO. MAX was also added to L. major-infected mouse peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), and the parasite load increased significantly. The enhanced parasite load correlated with decreased NO production by PECs that were stimulated with LPS and gamma interferon in the presence of MAX. The ability of MAX to foster a type 2 response, to enhance parasite survival, and to decrease NO argues that MAX may be crucial for the early survival of Leishmania in the vertebrate host, and therefore, MAX holds considerable promise as an antigenic component for a vaccine against Leishmania.
Corrections to “Aggregation Using the Linguistic Weighted Average and Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets”

In the previous paper, we have proposed linguistic weighted average (LWA) algorithms that can be used in distributed and hierarchical decision making. The original LWA algorithms were completely based on the representation theorem for interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs). In later usage, we found that when the lower membership functions (LMFs) of the inputs and weights are of different heights, the LMF of the output IT2 FS may be nonconvex and discontinuous. In this letter, a correction to the original LWA algorithms is proposed. The new LWA algorithms are simpler and easier to understand; so, it should facilitate the applications of the LWAs.
Significance of Temperature Control in FT-NIR Spectrometers

Recent applications of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to process analysis based on principal component regression or other chemometric algorithms have shown that NIR spectrometers become unstable after extended use. In the present study, stability problems are reported to occur within a 24-hour period. The instability was found to be at a maximum when highly IR-absorbing materials were analyzed and was attributed to temperature fluctuations in both the cooling water to the source and the purge gas to the optical bench. The problem was alleviated by using a thermostated recirculator and liquid nitrogen boil-off. Ensuing discussions show the problem to be relevant to other instruments which perform Fourier transformations on interferograms.
An online energy-efficient routing protocol with traffic load prospects in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks, many routing algorithms are designed to implement energy-efficient mechanisms. Among those, some focus on maximising an important performance index called network lifetime, which is the number of messages successfully delivered in the network before a failure. In this paper, we propose a new online algorithm taking the goal of prolonging network lifetime. When making routing decisions, our algorithm, named Traffic-Aware Energy Efficient (TAEE) routing protocol, utilises prospective traffic load information for further load balance, in addition to power-related metrics used in an enhanced cost function in calculating least cost paths. An algorithm for automatic parameter adaption is also described. To better accommodate to large-scale sensor networks, we further introduce a random grouping scheme which enables hierarchical TAEE routing to run within and cross the dynamically formed groups to reduce computation and routing overhead, while maintaining global energy efficiency. Our simulation shows that compared with the leading power-aware Max-min Zp MIN protocol, the TAEE protocol generates better performance in terms of network lifetime without jeopardising network capacity.
Reconfigurable Computing for High Performance Computing Computational Science

Parallel computing systems with thousands of processors are now common and more affordable due to the focus on clustered commodity processors. However, both market and physical factors are converging that will limit the performance of these systems in the future. Hardware advances over the past several decades have been empirically observed with remarkable precision to obey Moore's law, predicting an increase in transistor density by about a factor of two every eighteen months. Maintaining these improvements has become problematic as power dissipation and other size-limiting factors become more pronounced at smaller feature size. Reconfigurable computing, or heterogeneous computing, is offering hope to the scientific computing community as a way to provide continued growth in computing capability. This paper discusses some of the hardware and software associated with this new technology. It also provides a discussion on the overall state of the technology for use by computational scientists. This is done by exploring a sample problem related to bit- and integer-based applications.
Pelvic Varices Embolization

Pelvic venous incompetence (PVI) or pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a disease entity that is characterized by a pain syndrome known as chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and is caused by varices. More broadly, CPP in women is defined as noncyclic pain originating in the lower abdomen or pelvis for more than 6 months in duration [1]. A potentially debilitating condition, CPP is estimated to affect as many as 39.1% of women at some point in their lives [2]. While the etiology of CPP is variable, pelvic venous incompetence (PVI) or pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) has been recognized as a cause of CPP since 1949 [3]. PVI or PCS is defined as venous incompetence in ovarian, internal iliac, or parauterine veins, resulting in increased venous filling (i.e., congestion or engorgement) and subsequent development of ovarian and internal iliac (i.e., pelvic) varicosities. The term PVI is preferred over the older name, PCS, because it more accurately reflects the pathophysiology associated with the condition.
Computational Study of Phosphate Vibrations as Reporters of DNA Hydration

The sensitivity of the phosphate asymmetric stretch vibrational frequency to DNA hydration was investigated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a spectroscopic map relating the vibrational frequency to the electrostatics of its environment. 95% of the phosphate vibrational frequency shift in fully hydrated DNA was due to water within two hydration layers. The phosphate vibration was relatively insensitive to water in the major and minor grooves and to the sodium counterions but was enormously sensitive to water interacting with the DNA backbone. Comparisons to experimental measurements on DNA as a function of relative humidity suggest that one water molecule per phosphate group likely persists at the lowest values of the relative humidity. Finally, the calculated spectral diffusion dynamics show that water in the vicinity of the DNA backbone is slowed by a factor of ∼5, in agreement with NMR and solvation dynamics experiments, as well as previous MD simulations.
End-Stage Renal Disease and Dialysis Care

This technical note introduces students to the treatment options available to patients with end-stage renal disease, the dialysis process, and the role of dialysis care facilities. Its purpose is to set the stage for the Springfield Dialysis Services (A), (B), and (C) cases
Congenital Immunodeficiency Diseases: Crossroad of Infection, Autoimmunity, and Hyperinflammation

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) are genetically predetermined conditions of innate or adaptive immune system dysregulation. Susceptibility toward infection has been a long-standing, often diagnosis-requiring, feature. More recently, autoimmunity as a central pathology in PIDs has been described. Our growing ability to link unique genetic defects with downstream mechanisms that drive hyperinflammation and loss of self-tolerance is extremely powerful. Ultimately, successful management of the PID patient requires not only prevention of infection, but early detection and treatment of autoimmune complications through the use of mechanism-based therapies, which will directly address the immune dysregulation at play.