cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free amino acids in developing larvae of the stone crab, Menippe mercenaria

Abstract 1. 1. Total free amino acid concentration is more than twice as high in larvae of the crab. Menippe mercenaria reared from hatching through the megalopa stage in a salinity of 40%. (parts per thousand) compared to larvae from a rearing salinity of 20%.. 2. 2. Most of the difference, however, is due to a few individual amino acids, most notably proline which was more than 8-fold higher at 40%. than at 20%.. Concentrations of alanine, glycine, and serine correlate positively with salinity of rearing. Differences of other amino acids were not statistically significant. 3. 3. Concentrations of taurine, a compound relatively high at Menippe larvae, did not show consistent variation correlated with differences in salinity of rearing. 4. 4. The pattern of free amino acid changes in Menippe larvae are consistent with those found in adult Crustacea (and many other invertebrate species) and appear to contribute to cellular protection against osmotic stress.
Biomechanics of metastatic spine cancer

Abstract The spine is the most common site of skeletal metastases. Most of these occur within the vertebral body, thereby predisposing patients to pathologic fracture. The risk of fracture is related to the extent of bony destruction, location of the lesion, and inherent bone quality. The regional variation in spine anatomy exposes the cervical,thoracic, and lumbar spines to different forces,resulting in varying fracture types.
The association between early minor motor difficulties in extreme low birth weight infants and school age attentional difficulties

Introduction: Extremely premature infants of normal intellectual ability have an increased prevalence of motor and attentional difficulties. Knowledge of the relationship between early motor difficulties and measures of attention at school age would enhance understanding of these developmental pathways, their interrelationship and opportunities for intervention. Objective: This study examines whether an association exists between early findings of minor motor difficulties and school age clinical and psychometric measures of attention. Methodology: 45/60 eligible ELBW(1000 g) or preterm (< 27/40 gestation) infants born at the Mater Mother's Hospital were assessed at 12 and 24 months for minor motor deficits (using NSMDA) and at 7-9 years for attention, using clinical (Conners and Du Paul Rating Scales) and psychometric (assessing attention span, selective and divided attention) measures. Results: NSMDA at 12 months was only associated with the psychometric measures of verbal attention span. It was not associated with later clinical measures of attention. NSMDA at 24months was strongly associated with specific clinical measures of attention at school age, independent of biological and social factors. It was not associated with psychometric measures of attention. Conclusion: The major finding of this study is that motor difficulties in ELBW infants at 2 years are associated with later clinical measures of attention. Possible mechanisms underlying this relationship are considered. Crown Copyright (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Magdalena Pilot Project: motivational outreach to substance abusing women street sex workers

The Magdalena Pilot Project provided outreach to Albuquerque women sex workers who were also using illicit drugs, primarily cocaine and heroin. This initial uncontrolled trial evaluated the feasibility and potential impact of motivational interviewing (MI) on change in drug use and HIV risk behaviors. Twenty-seven women were enrolled and interviewed about their substance use, health risk behaviors, and plans for change, using the client-centered, directive method of MI. Four months later, 25 women (93%) were interviewed again to assess their drug use and health risk behaviors. Large reductions were reported in frequency (days) of drug use and sex work, with a corresponding increase in days of lawful employment. In identifying problems that most needed to be addressed in order to help them live healthier lives, the women prioritized (1) basic needs including decent housing, (2) mental health care, and (3) treatment for substance use disorders.
Dose of propofol required to insert the laryngeal mask airway in children

We have assessed the ease of insertion of the Brain Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) after induction of anaesthesia with propofol in 60 healthy unpremedicated children aged between four and nine years. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: group A = propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1; group B = propofol 3 mg.kg-1 and group C = propofol 3.5 mg.kg-1. Propofol was mixed with lignocaine 0.5 mg.kg-1. Insertion conditions were assessed subjectively as good, acceptable, unacceptable or impossible. Insertion of the LMA was possible in all patients. Good and acceptable conditions were obtained in 35%, 70% and 95% in groups A, B, and C respectively (P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant inter group variation in systolic and diastolic arterial pressure or in heart rate for five min after induction. All measured cardiovascular changes were considered to be clinically insignificant in healthy children. We conclude it is safe and effective to insert a LMA immediately after induction of anaesthesia with propofol 3.5 mg.kg-1.
Design of a multiplexed eight channel analog input 12-bit analog-to-digital converter interfaced to a commodore PET 8-bit microcomputer

Abstract The design and operation of an eight channel analog multiplexed 12-bit analog-to-digital converter interfaced to a Commodore 8-bit microcomputer is described. Data collection rates of up to 20 points per second are possible under BASIC control. The converter is interfaced to the parallel input-output port of the microcomputer and the bidirectional capability of the port is preserved.
Morphological Development in Children's Writing.

This study focused on the development of children's control of morphological markers in their writing. The authors examined inflectional and derivational morphological forms within narratives written by 247 3rd and 4th graders. The majority of 3rd and 4th graders used inflectional forms consistently and accurately in their writing. In contrast, fewer students used derived forms, and significantly more 4th than 3rd graders used them accurately. Results indicate that children's control of morphological structures in their writing mirrors that in their speech: Inflectional morphology is largely mastered by age 9 or 10, but skills with derivational morphology continue to develop in middle childhood. The relationships among written morphological accuracy, reading, and spelling were also examined. Written morphological accuracy predicted reading and spelling performance at both grade levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Subharmonically injected phase-locked IMPATT-oscillator experiments

Subharmonically injected phase locking of continuously operated IMPATT oscillators has been demonstrated with frequency ratios as high as 9 : 1. The measured locking-range/locking-gain slope for the 2 : 1 case is about 10 dB/ decade of locking range and that for the 9 : 1 case is about 5 dB/decade of locking range.
High resolution solution structure of a DNA duplex alkylated by the antitumor agent duocarmycin SA.

Abstract The three-dimensional solution structure of duocarmycin SA in complex with d-(G1ACTAATTGAC11)·d-(G12TCATT A GTC22) has been determined by restrained molecular dynamics and relaxation matrix calculations using experimental NOE distance and torsion angle constraints derived from 1H NMR spectroscopy. The final input data consisted of a total of 858 distance and 189 dihedral angle constraints, an average of 46 constraints per residue. In the ensemble of 20 final structures, there were no distance constraint violations >0.06 A or torsion angle violations >0.8°. The average pairwise root mean square deviation (RMSD) over all 20 structures for the binding site region is 0.57 A (average RMSD from the mean: 0.39 A). Although the DNA is very B -like, the sugar-phosphate backbone torsion angles β, ϵ, and ζ are distorted from standard values in the binding site region. The structure reveals site-specific bonding of duocarmycin SA at the N3 position of adenine 19 in the AT-rich minor groove of the duplex and binding stabilization via hydrophobic interactions. Comparisons have been made to the structure of a closely related complex of duocarmycin A bound to an AT-rich DNA duplex. These results provide insights into critical aspects of the alkylation site selectivity and source of catalysis of the DNA alkylating agents, and the unusual stability of the resulting adducts.
Bulimia: The secretive syndrome

Abstract Bulimia, a disorder most prevalent in teenage and young adult women, is characterized by binge-eating episodes followed by vomiting, abdominal pain, laxative use, or sleep. The condition is associated with food preoccupation and mild weight fluctuations. Physicians may have difficulty arriving at the diagnosis because patients may be secretive and shameful about their symptoms. The author reports on 30 cases of bulimia, contrasted with 30 cases of anorexia, and cites the possible physical consequences of bulimia. An association between bulimia and depressive illness is suggested.
Medicaid Managed Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Examining Legislative and Judicial Constraints on Privatization

Over the past decade, much has been written about the results of reinventing government. Most research has examined the effects of executive or managerial perspectives. Using David Rosenbloom's competing perspectives model, we examine Medicaid managed care programs for children with special health care needs to illustrate the influence of legislative and judicial institutional perspectives on the reinvention movement. Legislative and judicial responses to the reinvention of Medicaid managed care reveal the outer limits of what managed care and related executive reforms can accomplish in a Constitutional system that is based on checks and balances among competing institutional perspectives. Furthermore, relative to Medicaid managed care, legislative and judicial responses conserve public responsibility to society's most vulnerable populations. In the long run, the balance of institutional perspectives and values—not managerial innovation per se—will influence public administration.
Multi-Layer Encryption for Multi-Level Access Control in Wireless Sensor Networks

The purpose of Multi-Layer Encryption (MLE) is to have only one cipher text, but users with different keys (e.g., in different groups) will obtain different levels of data after they decrypt with their own key. This property is especially useful in surveillance applications, which requires an efficient mechanism for multi-level data access. In this paper, we first address specific requirements forWireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), and then propose a MLE scheme which has good properties of forward/backward secrecy, without the necessity of time synchronization. In this scheme, users only need to store a constant number of keys regardless of defined secret layers, and higher-level users are able to decrypt more data than lower-level users.
Coordinate expression of fibulin-5/DANCE and elastin during lung injury repair

Fibulin-5, previously known as DANCE and EVEC, is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that functions as a scaffold for elastin fiber assembly and as a ligand for integrins αvβ3, αvβ5, and α9β1....
Optimization of superovulation induction by human menopausal gonadotropin in guinea pigs based on follicular waves and FSH-receptor homologies.

The guinea pig represents an excellent animal model for the study of reproduction in humans and most domestic animals because unlike the mouse and rat, it undergoes a complete estrous cycle. In this study, we investigated the availability of ovarian oocytes during the estrous cycle, and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSH-R) homologies between guinea pigs and other species, in order to identify an effective gonadotropin and optimal time-of-application for the induction of superovulation in the guinea pig. The number of collectable ovarian oocytes showed biphasic changes with peaks at the midluteal and pre-ovulatory stages. On the other hand, the number of oocytes that matured in vitro remained constant (∼10 oocytes) until day 14 post-ovulation and increased thereafter. The deduced amino acid sequence of the guinea pig FSH-R showed greater similarity to the primate FSH-R than to the rodent FSH-R, which suggests that commercially available human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) may be a better inducer of superovulation in guinea pigs. Indeed, significantly more oocytes (5.4 ± 1.6, range 0–17, n = 10) were obtained from hMG-treated guinea pigs at the pre-ovulatory stage than during spontaneous ovulation (3.6 ± 0.1, n = 96; P < 0.05), whereas guinea pigs that received hMG at the midluteal stage (n = 3) did not ovulate. These results indicate that hMG is an effective, albeit stage-dependent, inducer of superovulation in the guinea pig, and that FSH-R homologies should be taken into account when choosing hormones for superovulation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 219–225, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Resistance of the size structure of the fish community to ecological perturbations in a large river ecosystem

Summary Frequency distributions of log-scaled abundance and body size for aquatic biota, including fish, yield size spectra that provide gross estimates of food-web capacity (number of individuals supported by the food web indexed by the midpoint height or y-intercept) and ecological efficiency (rate of decreasing organismal abundance with increasing body size as indicated by the size-spectra slope). Size spectra are known to respond in predictable fashion to exploitation by commercial (marine) fisheries, but there has been relatively little research of size spectra in freshwater systems and less evaluation of how community size-structure responds to the wider array of ecological perturbations prevalent in freshwater systems. We used a 29-year experimental gillnet data set to test the responses of food-web capacity and ecological efficiency (as indexed by size spectra) of a large river fish community to variations in predatory demand (population expansion of double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus) and perturbations affecting primary production (reductions in total phosphorus and warming summer water temperature). Fish community capacity (size-spectra elevation) and ecological efficiency (size-spectra slope) showed low interannual variation (coefficients of variation 5.6 and 15.4%, respectively). Though highly stable, food-web capacity decreased over time concurrent with declining total phosphorus concentrations and increasing cormorant abundance. Interannual variation in ecological efficiency was not related to the measured perturbations. Relative abundance of the core species that comprised 95% of the community remained relatively consistent over time. The fish community size-structure was also stable and resistant to ecological perturbation. However, we found measurable changes in the composition of secondary species, and these were associated with an increase in cormorant abundance and decrease in total phosphorus. The lack of change in core community species representation and in overall size structure suggest community-level compensatory mechanisms were operating.
Distribution of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and of Cytochrome P450 2C8, 2C9, and 2J2 in Human Tissues

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) hydrolyzes a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous epoxides. Many of these epoxides are believed to be formed by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases. Here we report the distribution of sEH and cytochrome P450 epoxygenases 2C8, 2C9, and 2J2 by immunohistochemistry. A large number of different tissues from different organs were evaluated using high-throughput tissue microarrays. sEH was found in the liver, kidney, and in many other organs, including adrenals, pancreatic islets, pituitary gland, lymphoid tissues, muscles, certain vascular smooth muscles, and epithelial cells in the skin, prostatic ducts, and the gastrointestinal tract. Immunolabeling for sEH was highly specific for particular tissues and individual cell types. CYP2C9 was also found in almost all of these organs and tissues, suggesting that 2C9 and sEH are very similar in their tissue-specific patterns of expression. CYP2C8 and 2J2 were also widely distributed in human tissues but were less frequently associated with sEH. The results suggest potentially distinct pathways of endogenous fatty acid epoxide production and hydrolysis in a variety of human tissues.
Healthier Geographies: Mediating the Gaps between the Needs of People Living with HIV and AIDS and Health Care in Chiang Mai, Thailand

In this article, I contribute to our understanding of the plurality of approaches that construct the geographies of health care through an examination of the distribution of health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. In particular, I focus on the development of a network of support groups for PLWHA in order to examine the differences in the sociospatial organization of these groups, the practices of social actors participating in the groups' activities, and how these activities are mediated through place-based social relations. The first section of the article analyzes the spatial distribution of PLWHA support groups in relation to the distribution of AIDS cases over two time periods, 1994 and 1997. The second section goes below the surface of the spatial distribution, examining similarities and differences in PLWHA support groups through an analysis of survey data collected on thirty-five groups in 1997. The final section deepens this examination throug...
Energy storage PV capacity firming with forecasted power reference and optimal error minimization

As the energy storage systems (ESS) are highly utilized in the micro-grids where renewable energy resources are interconnected with ESS in the distribution level, PV/wind power capacity firming application becomes very important issue to be achieved as it will further allow the renewable energy resources to be one hour dispatchable electric power resource. This paper proposes a PV power capacity firming algorithm using least squares minimization (LSM) technique taking into consideration of PV power reference and different objective functions. The main purpose of this approach is to try to minimize the error between the targeted smoothed Point of common coupling (PCC) power and the smoothed reference curves. An optimization algorithm using PV historical data for a typical 1 MW PV farm tied with 250 kW/750 kWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) is designed and evaluated. Results show that the proposed methods achieve acceptable firming levels including mostly cloudy days.
A Generalized Comparison of Quadtree and Bintree Storage Requirements

The quadtree and bintree data structures are two variants on the principle of hierarchical regular decomposition applied to image representation. A comparison of the storage requirements for images represented by these two methods is presented. The relative storage efficiency of quadtrees and bintrees is determined by two factors: the relative mode size for the two representations as determined by the data structure implementation, and the number of quadtree leaf node pairs that merge to form a single leaf node after conversion to the bintree representation. The merging probability is analyzed, and found to be close to 0.5 for most images. The resulting storage efficiency for a number for representative implementations is discussed. Each of the data structures has implementations (and associated applications) for which it is more space efficient.
Creating Opportunities? Bipartisanship in the Early Obama Presidency

Objective I investigate whether it was possible for President Obama to create an opportunity for change by obtaining bipartisan support for his initiatives. Methods I analyze the theoretical prospects for Republican support and then examine the president's level of success in obtaining it. Results I find the president rarely received bipartisan support and that his efforts to obtain it were costly. Conclusion The president, like all presidents, could not create opportunities for change. Instead, he was dependent on exploiting the opportunities presented by those disposed to support his initiatives.
Angiotensin II Enhances Baroreflex Control of Sympathetic Outflow in Heart Failure

Enhanced sympathetic outflow is seen in both patients with congestive heart failure and animals with experimental heart failure. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the baroreflex control of heart rate was impaired in conscious rabbits with pacing-induced heart failure and that this impairment was partially restored by blockade of angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptors. In the present study, we determined the interaction between the renin-angiotensin system and baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in normal conscious rabbits and conscious rabbits with pacing-induced heart failure before and after AT 1 receptor blockade. Heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing at a rate of 360 to 380 beats per minute for an average of 16.7±0.6 days. To generate baroreflex curves, we altered arterial pressure by administering phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside. A sigmoidal logistic function was fit to renal sympathetic nerve activity–mean arterial pressure relationships for analysis of several components of baroreflex function. AT 1 receptors were blocked by intravenous administration of the specific antagonist L-158,809. In normal rabbits, there was no significant difference in any parameter of baroreflex function before and after blockade of AT 1 receptors. In contrast, blockade of AT 1 receptors enhanced baroreflex sensitivity in heart failure rabbits. The maximal gain increased to 5.0±0.7% renal sympathetic nerve activity/mm Hg from 2.6±0.3 ( P
On the limitations of designing equally fault-tolerant configurations for kinematically redundant manipulators

In environments that are remote and hazardous, tasks such as repairing and maintaining a robot manipulator can be extremely difficult and costly. Under such conditions, the operational reliability of a robotic system is very important and motivates the problem of designing optimally fault-tolerant manipulators. One solution to increasing the fault tolerance of a robotic system is to use kinematically redundant manipulators, as their extra degree of redundancy could be used to compensate for the failure in joint actuators. However, simply adding kinematic redundancy does not guarantee fault tolerance, rather it should be strategically added to ensure optimally fault-tolerant system. In this article the authors design nominal manipulator Jacobians that are optimally fault-tolerant to multiple joint failures. The special case when the manipulator is equally fault-tolerant to any two simultaneous joint failures is considered. While it is possible to design a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot manipulator to be equally fault-tolerant to any two simultaneous joint failures for three-dimensional workspaces, it is shown that no manipulator operating in a 4 or 5 dimensional workspace can be equally fault-tolerant to two failures.
Maternal perception of their overweight children.

Objectives: To assess maternal perception of their preschool child's overweight at an urban Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serving primarily Hispanic families. To compare the mothers' perceptions with selected demographic variables of the sample and compare the results with a similar study conducted previously. Design: Replication descriptive survey. Sample: Mothers of overweight 2–5-year-old children enrolled in 2 Southern Nevada WIC programs (n=38). Measurements: Face-to-face interviews where 5 survey questions and 4 demographic questions were read to mothers by the investigator. Results: Sixty-one percent of mothers did not recognize their children as being overweight. The perception of their child's overweight was independent of age as well as educational level of the mother. Half of the mothers (50%) had taken no steps to control what their child ate. Conclusions: Hispanic mothers of overweight children may not perceive their children as being overweight. Nursing intervention is not likely to be effective if it is assumed that a mother recognizes her child's weight as a problem. Nurses must be aware of the impact of social and cultural beliefs on childhood overweight and make adjustments in their educational approaches based on the client's belief system and cultural background.
The Relationships among Vigilant Coping Style, Race, and Depression

Although Black-white differences in depression are well documented, vigilant coping style as an explanation for the observed inequalities in depression is less understood. Using data from 718 adults in the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities (EHDIC) Study, we estimated logistic regression models to examine the cross sectional relationship between race, vigilant coping style, and depression. After controlling for demographic variables, white adults were more likely to report depression than Black adults. Moreover, when accounting for coping style, the Black-white difference in depression widened. This association persisted even with the addition of the covariates. While high rates of depression among whites compared with Blacks are well documented, the degree of the differences appears to be greater than previously reported once vigilance is accounted for. This finding suggests that if it were not for the high prevalence of vigilant coping in blacks, the well-documented black advantage regarding depression compared to whites would likely be even greater.
Effects of physiological leptin administration on markers of inflammation, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation during caloric deprivation

Context: Leptin is a nutritionally regulated adipocyte-derived cytokine. Previous studies in obese patients have demonstrated increased inflammatory markers and increased platelet aggregation in association with leptin. However, the effects of leptin administration on markers of inflammation and platelet aggregation in a human model of undernutrition have not previously been studied. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate markers of inflammation, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation in a model of caloric deprivation and increased leptin sensitivity. Design: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted between November 2002 and November 2003. Setting: The study was conducted at an inpatient care setting at the General Clinical Research Center. Participants: Twenty healthy, young (18–35 yr old), normal-weight (body mass index, 20–26 kg/m2) women were recruited from local advertisements. No subjects withdrew due to adverse effects. Intervention: The effects of ph...
In Vivo and In Vitro Manifestations of Adrenergic Blockade in Bordetella pertussis-vaccinated Mice

The in vivo metabolic events which follow the administration of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or isoproterenol were examined in normal, Bordetella pertussis-vaccinated, and α and β adrenergically blocked mice. The normal hyperglycemic response to epinephrine was suppressed in all experimental groups. The pertussis-sensitized and β-blocked animals produced similar split patterns of altered response not duplicated by the α-blocking compounds. Those catecholamines that normally increase free fatty acids and lactic acid in the circulation failed to do so in the pertussis-sensitized and β-blocked animals; the inhibition of free fatty acid mobilization was also demonstrated with adipose tissue incubated in vitro. An extract of the pertussis organism added to incubation media prevented the catecholamine-induced free fatty acid response. The epinephrine-stabilizing effect of bovine serum albumin (Cohn-fraction V) was observed. The results of these studies further emphasize a correlation between pertussis-sensitized and β-adrenergically blocked mice.
Isotopic provenance of sandstones from the Eocene Tyee Formation, Oregon Coast Range

The Tyee Formation of Eocene age in the Oregon Coast Range has been studied by a variety of isotopic techniques in order to determine its provenance. Traditional basin analyses including paleocurrent measurements, lithofacies mapping, and study of sandstone compositions made previously suggest derivation from the Klamath Mountains, which lie to the south. In contrast, the isotopic compositions of whole-rock sandstone samples, white mica, and potassium feldspar separates preclude derivation solely from this local source area. Nd-Sm, Rb-Sr, K-Ar, 18 O/ 16 O, and D/H analyses of sandstones from the Tyee and related formations yield the following information about their source areas. (1) Whole-rock ϵ Nd values between −7.1 and −7.3 at the time of deposition indicate that an old crustal component (∼700 Ma) was incorporated in the source rocks. (2) Whole-rock Rb-Sr systematics implies an older age than those of sandstones clearly derived from the Klamath Mountains. These Rb-Sr values are similar to those of modern sands of the Columbia River that were derived from eastern source areas. (3) Either apparent Rb-Sr ages of potassium feldspars are too old or their initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios are too high to have been derived from plutonic rocks of the Klamath Mountains or Sierra Nevada. (4) White micas have a fairly consistent Late Jurassic Rb-Sr isochron but have K-Ar ages of 68 Ma, an overprint not recognized in the Klamath terranes. (5) White micas have δ 18 O values of ∼9.5, a value typical of S-type granges such as are found in the Idaho batholith, but too high for normal I-type granites such as in the northern Sierra Nevada and too low for metamorphic rocks in the Klamath Mountains. (6) White micas have δD values consistent with those observed for plutonic white mica in the Idaho batholith, but markedly lower than those of white mica from schist in the Klamath Mountains. (7) Potassium feldspars have δ 18 O values that vary widely and that mainly are not in oxygen-isotope equilibrium with coexisting white mica, suggesting that these minerals were not derived from the same source area. These results indicate that the provenance of these sandstones included S-type (two-mica) granites that formed in Late Jurassic time from sources that included an old crustal component. Minerals in the granites underwent subsequent thermotectonic age resetting in Late Cretaceous time. Rocks in the Klamath Mountains and northern Sierra Nevada do not possess these features and consequently are precluded from being major source areas for the Tyee Formation. The sandstones most likely were derived from the Idaho batholith. Abundant detritus from that source area is consistent with a model in which the Oregon Coast Range basin lay much farther east, closer to Idaho, during deposition and subsequently moved westward to its present position. Such major displacement is compatible with the tectonic-rotation history documented for the Oregon Coast Range that began during the time of deposition of the Tyee Formation.
Parasites of Pink Bollworm in Southern California

Three previously unreported parasites of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), were collected from the Coachella Valley of Southern California during late summer and fall of 1968. The parasites were found attacking pink bollworm larvae which were in diapause in cocoons in litter and surface trash in a small, isolated cotton field. The cotton was not treated with insecticides during the 1968 season.
Implications of phase variation of a gene (pgtA) encoding a pilin galactosyl transferase in gonococcal pathogenesis.

The pilin glycoprotein (PilE) is the main building block of the pilus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus [GC]). GC pilin is known to carry a disaccharide O-glycan, which has an αGal attached to the O-linked GlcNAc by a 1–3 glycosidic bond. In this report, we describe the cloning and characterization of the GC gene, pilus glycosyl transferase A (pgtA), which encodes the galactosyl transferase that catalyzes the synthesis of this Gal–GlcNAc bond of pilin glycan. A homopolymeric tract of Gs (poly-G) is present in the pgtA gene of many GC strains, and this pgtA with poly-G can undergo phase variation (Pv). However, in many other GC, pgtA lacks the poly-G and is expressed constitutively without Pv. Furthermore, by screening a large number of clinical isolates, a significant correlation was observed between the presence of poly-G in pgtA and the dissemination of GC infection. Poly-G was found in pgtA in all (24 out of 24) of the isolates from patients with disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). In contrast, for the vast majority (20 out of 28) of GC isolated from uncomplicated gonorrhea (UG) patients, pgtA lacked the poly-G. These results indicate that Pv of pgtA is likely to be involved in the conversion of UG to DGI.
Herbivory by introduced insects reduces growth and survival of Melaleuca quinquenervia seedlings

Abstract We studied the influence of herbivory by two introduced insect herbivores on the survival and performance of seedlings of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake (Myrtaceae), an invasive tree that threatens the Florida Everglades ecosystem. Boreioglycaspis melaleucae (Moore) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) nymphs and Oxyops vitiosa (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae were transferred onto Melaleuca seedlings within replicated 0.25-m2 caged plots in Palm Beach County, FL. The treatments included three densities of Boreioglycaspis first instars at 1, 15, and 50 nymphs per seedling, one treatment of a single first Oxyops larval instar per seedling, another treatment of both one Oxyops larva and one Boreioglycaspis nymph per seedling, and caged and uncaged controls. Herbivory by Oxyops did not affect Melaleuca seedling height, leaf number, or survival. Feeding by Boreioglycaspis decreased survival, height, and leaf number, with these measures of plant performance ≈50% lower in the high and medium densiti...
Genetic Variation in Oviposition between and within Populations of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) collected in Morelos, Mexico, and Rhode Island, United States, differed in oviposition ability and oviposition preference. Adult Morelos beetles laid no eggs without first feeding on Solanum angustifolium Miller. When given both potato and S. angustifolium , Morelos beetles preferred to lay eggs on the latter. They ceased oviposition when confined on potato and resumed oviposition when returned to S. angustifolium . No significant genetic variation in either oviposition ability or oviposition preference for potato within the Morelos population was discovered by full-sib and parent–offspring analyses. There was no significant genetic covariance between feeding acceptance and oviposition preference of Morelos beetles. Variation in oviposition preference for potato existed among individual females within the Rhode Island population. These results suggest major genetic changes might have been involved in the original host-range expansion of L. decemlineata to include potato.
Roentogenographic Evaluation of Cementless Total knee Arthroplasty for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cementless total knee arthroplasty (MG II) was performed on 94 knees affected by rheumatoid arthritis. 42 knees were available for follow up. The mean age was 59.2 years old and the mean follow-up period was 59.1 months. Loosening occurred in 5 knees and none had patellar dislocation. Revision surgery was performed in 1 knee. The setting position of all components did not show any marked changes in roentogenogram in the follow-up period. Femoro-tibial angle was the most impotant factor in the further loosening of the components.
Comparison of complications between pediatric peripherally inserted central catheter placement techniques

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is among the most common procedures performed in children in the hospital setting. PICC insertion can be simplified with the use of a sheathed needle as an alternative to the modified Seldinger technique. To retrospectively evaluate PICC placement for the technique used and the incidence of complications at a large pediatric tertiary care center. We retrospectively reviewed all PICC placements at a single institution over a 4-year period. We reviewed patient records for demographic data, PICC placement technique, catheter size and number of lumens, and the incidence of complications (i.e. multiple attempted puncture sites, phlebitis and vessel thrombosis). We analyzed complication rates between two placement techniques using a chi-square test. We identified 8,816 successful PICC placements, 4,749 (53.9%) in males and 4,067 (46.1%) in females. The average age of the patients for which a line was placed was 5.6 years (range 1 day to 45 years). A direct sheathed needle puncture technique was used in 8,362 (94.9%) placements and a modified Seldinger technique was used in 454 (5.1%). Complications occurred in 312 (3.7%) of direct sheathed needle puncture placements versus 17 (3.7%) of modified Seldinger placements (P = 0.99). Multiple puncture sites were required in 175 (2.1%) attempted direct sheathed needle puncture placements compared with 8 (1.7%) attempted modified Seldinger placements (P = 0.63). Phlebitis occurred in 94 (1.1%) direct sheathed needle puncture lines versus 5 (1.1%) modified Seldinger placed lines (P = 0.96). Vessel thrombosis occurred in 43 (0.5%) direct sheathed needle puncture lines versus 4 (0.9%) modified Seldinger placed lines (P = 0.30). The direct peel-away sheathed needle vessel puncture technique and the modified Seldinger technique used to place PICC lines in children have similar complication rates.
From Nurturing the Nation to Purifying the Volk: Weimar and Nazi Family Policy, 1918–1945

Michelle Mouton, From Nurturing the Nation to Purifying the Volk: Weimar and Nazi Family Policy, 1918–1945 (2007), xvi + 310 (German Historical Institute and Cambridge University Press, Washington,...
"Challenge" and "Response" ——Taking the Prosperity and Decline of the Mayan Civilization as an Example

According to Toynbee 's "Challenge and Response" Theory,the creation and development of one civilization due to the people(who created it) implemented the correct response measures to the outside "challenges",while the decline of a civilization is usually attributed to the incorrect "response".In the Central America,in the face of nature's "challenge",the Maya properly cultivated corn,created the od of water,lapped the astronomical calendar,and thus created the marvelous ancient civilization in the world.However,at the final stage of classical period,owing to a series of wrong"response" measures such as blind expansion of cultivated land,crazy worship,and frequent civil wars,they put the end to theirbrillant civilization.The Mayan's lesson will have a profound and enlightened significance for the twenty-first century,in which "the problem of globalization " has becoming more and more serious.
Unphysical consequences of negative absorbed power in linear passive scattering: Implications for radiation force and torque

Contrary to some claims, the absorbed power associated with linear scattering of sound by passive objects in ideal fluids must be non-negative. Such unphysical claims suggest analytical or computational error, or use of an unphysical constitutive relation for material properties. The close connection with the evaluation of acoustic radiation force on targets according to Westervelt's formulation [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 29, 26–29 (1957)], recently generalized to certain acoustic beams, is briefly reviewed along with the theory of acoustic radiation torque on axisymmetric targets with power absorption. Applications to viscous dissipation and to issues pertaining to active targets are also examined.
Between reason and will: On Christopher Meckstroth’s The Struggle for Democracy

Christopher Meckstroth’s book The Struggle for Democracy poses and attempts to solve a central problem of democratic theory: what he calls the ‘paradox of authorization’, whereby the very activity ...
Characterization of the DNA-Mediated Oxidation of Dps, A Bacterial Ferritin

Dps proteins are bacterial ferritins that protect DNA from oxidative stress and have been implicated in bacterial survival and virulence. In addition to direct oxidation of the Dps iron sites by diffusing oxidants, oxidation from a distance via DNA charge transport (CT), where electrons and electron holes are rapidly transported through the base-pair π-stack, could represent an efficient DNA protection mechanism utilized by Dps. Here, we spectroscopically characterize the DNA-mediated oxidation of ferrous iron-loaded Dps. X-band EPR was used to monitor the oxidation of DNA-bound Dps after DNA photooxidation using an intercalating ruthenium photooxidant and the flash-quench technique. Upon irradiation with poly(dGdC)2, a signal arises with g = 4.3, consistent with the formation of mononuclear high-spin Fe(III) sites of low symmetry, the expected oxidation product of Dps with one iron bound at each ferroxidase site. When poly(dGdC)2 is substituted with poly(dAdT)2, the yield of Dps oxidation is decreased si...
Pruning high-value Douglas-fir can reduce dwarf mistletoe severity and increase longevity in Central Oregon

Abstract Mid- to very large-sized Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menzieseii var. menziesii) that were lightly- to moderately-infected by dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium douglasii ) were analyzed over a 14-year period to evaluate whether mechanical pruning could eradicate mistletoe (or at least delay the onset of severe infection) without significantly affecting tree vitality and by inference, longevity. Immediate and long-term pruning effects on mistletoe infection severity were assessed by comparing pruned trees ( n = 173) to unpruned trees ( n = 55) with respect to: (1) percentage of trees with no visible infections 14 years post-pruning, (2) Broom Volume Rating (BVR), and (3) rate of BVR increase 14 years post-pruning. Vitality/longevity (compared with unpruned trees) was assessed using six indicators: (1) tree survival, (2) the development of severe infections, (3) the development of dead tops, (4) tree-ring width indices, (5) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from high-resolution multi-spectral imagery, and (6) live-crown ratio (LCR) and increment. Twenty-four percent of the pruned trees remained free of mistletoe 14 years post-pruning. Pruning is most likely to successfully eradicate mistletoe in lightly infected trees (BVR 1 or 2) without infected neighbors. Pruning significantly decreased mean BVR in the pruned versus the unpruned trees. However, the subsequent average rate of intensification (1.3–1.5 BVR per decade) was not affected, implying that a single pruning provides ∼14 years respite in the progression of infection levels. Post-pruning infection intensification was slower on dominant and co-dominants than on intermediate or suppressed trees. The success of mistletoe eradication via pruning and need for follow-up pruning should be evaluated no sooner than 14 years after pruning to allow for the development of detectable brooms. Based on six indicators, foliage from witches brooms contribute little to long-term tree vitality since removal appears to have little effect on resources available for tree growth and maintenance. In the severely pruned trees, tree-ring width was reduced for several years post-pruning, but then compensated with larger ring width in later years. Both NDVI and LCR increment were significantly higher for the pruned trees than the control trees, while the development of severe infections and/or dead tops was significantly (5× and 3×) higher for the controls. If possible, multiple indicators of tree vitality should be evaluated. Pruning can be worthwhile even if all the mistletoe is not removed, because mistletoe intensification is delayed. The impact of removing the brooms seems to be minimal, and post-pruning crowns had greater NDVI values.
SIGNIFICANT FIXATION FAILURE IN INTERNAL FIXATION OF UNDISPLACED INTRACAPSULAR HIP FRACTURE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the failure rate among different fixation devices for undisplaced fracture neck of femur. All 52 patients with Garden I and II hip fractures who underwent surgery in a teaching hospital in London from January 2007 to June 2012 were included. Electronic patient records were accessed to collect the patient data. There were 52% females and the mean age of patients was 70 years. Thirty patients had cannulated screws, 18 – dynamic hip screw (DHS) with de-rotation screw and 4 had DHS alone. Initial results showed that 36% patients had re-operation. 7(77%) had total hip replacement and 1(11%) had metal work removal. The reason for revision was failure of fixation in 8 (88%) and avascular necrosis in 1 (11%). There was significantly higher failure rate in the DHS with derotation screw group (50%) compared to the cannulated screw group (35%) and the DHS alone group (0%). Average time to planned revision was 11.1 months. Traditionally undisplaced intra capsular hip fractures are treated by in-situ fixation using different devices. Biomechanically DHS with de-rotation screw achieves better rotational and axial stability compared to other fixation devices. However, our study showed a higher failure rate in this group. Inability to achieve a perfectly parallel screw position seems to be a significant factor responsible for high failure. Higher failure rates with fixation may boost the role of replacement arthroplasty as one off surgical treatment in elderly patients.
Abstract 3666: Synthesis and evaluation of itraconazole analogues for hedgehog pathway inhibition

The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a developmental signaling pathway that plays a key role in embryonic development. While the pathway is generally quiescent during adult life, dysregulation of the Hh pathway can lead to cell proliferation and tumor growth. This abnormal Hh signaling is typically responsible for tumors associated with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma (MB) and inhibiting the Hh pathway is a valid target to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents. Most Hh inhibitors identified to date target the protein smoothened (SMO), a crucial component of the Hh pathway. Vismodegib is a SMO inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced BCC. However, there has been an emergence of resistance to Vismodegib; this resistance is a result of a point mutation in SMO. This occurrence of Vismodegib-resistant SMO mutations highlights the therapeutic need for new Hh pathway inhibitors. Itraconazole (ITZ), a well-known antifungal agent, was recently determined to be a potent inhibitor of the Hh pathway in vitro and in vivo; ITZ was also found to be a potent inhibitor of wild type SMO and Vismodegib-resistant SMO. ITZ is well-characterized and there is a good understanding of its potential side effects. This well-known safety profile makes ITZ a desirable drug candidate. Our ongoing studies on the ITZ scaffold are focused on exploring the regions of ITZ that are required for potent Hh pathway inhibition. The design, synthesis, and preliminary in vitro evaluation of these ITZ analogues will be reported herein. Citation Format: Jennifer Pace, M. Kyle Hadden. Synthesis and evaluation of itraconazole analogues for hedgehog pathway inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3666. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3666
Single-shot characterization of picosecond optical pulses by spectral phase diversity

A spectral phase-diversity technique is demonstrated for optical pulse characterization. Processing of the waveforms photodetected after various amounts of chromatic dispersion leads to precise characterization of picosecond pulses shorter than the photodetection impulse response.