cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Migration and work: the cohesive role of vocational training policies

Migration and work are truly connected notions in the European social model. Work is a pillar of active citizenship and a fundamental step in individuals’ self-construction. In such framework, vocational education and training (Vet) represent a twofold integration channel, combining both education and work paths. In Italy, the role of Vet is particularly important for first- and second-generation migrants, who are more likely to attend Vet courses than other education paths. However, Vet is commonly perceived like a segregation path, rather than like a port of entry to active citizenship and integration. The present work discusses the hypothesis of "subordinate integration"of migrants into the Italian Vet system. In particular, it examines the effectiveness of VT policies in fostering migrants’ employability. The results of a Cati survey on a representative sample of Piedmont VT students suggest no specific discrimination to the detriment of the immigrants. Moreover, Vet net impact proves to be significantly positive on migrants. Hence, immigrants’ participation to VT seems to denote a sort of "normalization strategy", rather than a subordinate integration scheme. Immigrazione e lavoro sono concetti intimamente interconnessi nel modello sociale europeo. Il lavoro e un pilastro della cittadinanza attiva e un passaggio fondamentale nel consolidamento della personalita individuale. In questa cornice, il sistema di istruzione e formazione professionale (IeFP) rappresenta un duplice canale di integrazione, combinando istruzione e lavoro. In Italia il sistema IeFP assume un’importanza particolare per gli stranieri di prima e seconda generazione, che vi accedono piu frequentemente rispetto ad altri percorsi educativi. Il sistema, pero, e percepito come un percorso di segregazione, invece di un canale per la cittadinanza attiva e l’integrazione. Il presente lavoro discute l’ipotesi di "Integrazione subordinata" degli immigrati nell’IeFP. In particolare, si esamina l’efficacia delle politiche FP sull’occupabilita dei migranti. Il risultati di un’indagine Cati su un campione rappresentativo di studenti della FP non evidenzia particolari discriminazioni ad danni degli stranieri. Inoltre, l’analisi di impatto netto ravvisa un effetto positivo e significativo della formazione sui migranti. Pertanto, la partecipazione degli immigrati all’IeFP rappresenta una "strategia di normalizzazione", piuttosto che un modello di "integrazione subordinata".
Pre-diagnostic plasma unmetabolized folic acid and the risk of colorectal cancer (136.5)

Objective: To investigate the association between pre-diagnostic plasma unmetabolized folic acid levels and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We evaluated pre-diagnostic plasma levels of un...
A snow-tracking protocol used to delineate local lynx, Lynx canadensis, distributions

Determining Canada Lynx ( Lynx canadensis ) distribution is an important management need, especially at the southern extent of the species range where it is listed as threatened under the U. S. Endangered Species Act. We describe a systematic snowtrack based sampling framework that provides reliable distribution data for Canada Lynx. We used computer simulations to evaluate protocol efficacy. Based on these simulations, the probability of detecting lynx tracks during a single visit (8 km transect) to a survey unit ranged from approximately 0.23 for surveys conducted only one day after snowfall, to 0.78 for surveys conducted 7 days after a snowfall. If the survey effort was increased to three visits, then detection probabilities increased substantially from 0.58 for one day after snowfall to about 0.95 for surveys conducted 7 days after a snowfall. We tested the protocol in the Garnet Range, Montana, where most lynx were radio-collared. We documented a total of 189 lynx tracks during two winters (2001-2003). Lynx distribution based on snow-track surveys was coincident with the area defined through radio telemetry. Additionally, we conducted snow-track surveys in areas of western Wyoming where lynx were believed present but scarce. We detected a total of six lynx tracks during three winters (1999-2002). In Wyoming , where lynx presence was inferred from a few tracks, we verified species identification by securing genetic samples (hairs from daybeds) along track-lines.
GLACIAL HAZARDS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA

The spatial and temporal aspects of glacial hazards in the Lewis and Livington Ranges of Glacier National Park, Montana are examined. Ice avalanches have historically been a hazard in the Park, and continue to be so from glaciers in cirques. Ice avalanches were more common and more widely distributed during and immediately after the Little Ice Age. As glaciers and the threat of ice avalanching have receded in the twentieth century, the potential for debris flows from moraine-dammed lakes has risen. Glacial calving, slope instability, rapid snowmelt, and intense thunderstorms provide potential triggers for debris flows in the Park, some of which could produce catastrophic maximum discharges. [Key words: Glacial hazards, ice avalanche, debris flow, Glacier National Park, Montana.]
Ultracold neutron upscattering rates in a molecular deuterium crystal

A calculation of ultracold neutron (UCN) upscattering rates in molecular deuterium solids has been carried out, taking into account intramolecular excitations and phonons. The different molecular species ortho-${D}_{2}$ (with even rotational quantum number J) and para-${D}_{2}$ (with odd J) exhibit significantly different UCN-phonon annihilation cross sections. Para- to ortho-${D}_{2}$ conversion, furthermore, couples UCN to an energy bath of excited rotational states without mediating phonons. This anomalous upscattering mechanism restricts the UCN lifetime to 4.6 msec in a normal-${D}_{2}$ solid with 33% para content.
Measurement of renal function during drug development

A large number of drugs are eliminated to a clinically important degree by the kidney. For many drugs, this means that in patients with decreased renal function, doses need to be decreased to avoid exposure of the patient to excessive drug concentrations that may cause toxicity. In general, if 30% or more of a drug's total clearance is dependent on the kidney, dose reduction should be considered in patients with decreased renal function. Thus, it is important early in drug development to quantify the renal contribution to overall drug elimination. If a drug is eliminated by the kidney, it is necessary to determine the pathways of elimination; for example, glomerular filtration, as opposed to active secretion. If the latter process operates, in addition to the need to decrease doses in patients with diminished renal function, there is also a likelihood of drug interactions that must be considered in labelling and clinical use. During development of a drug, there occasionally will be a change in renal function raising the question of nephrotoxicity. Sometimes such effects are indeed adverse renal effects; sometimes it is a functional effect such as inhibition of the secretion of creatinine [1, 2] or it may cause a false positive renal screening test. In the former case, development may cease; the latter simply dictates a need to inform clinicians of the risk of a false positive renal test. A host of methods, both in vivo and in vitro, have been employed to determine renal function accurately and to assess mechanisms of renal elimination of drugs.
Formal Speech-Language Screening Not Shown to Help Children.

Confirming its first report from 2006, in this issue of Pediatrics , the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) continues to find no evidence to suggest that speech-language screening improves speech and language outcomes.1,2 This persistent lack of evidence accumulated across nearly a decade reveals that unlike simple laboratory screening for lead toxicity or dyslipidemia, child development represents a drastically more complex phenomenon that may present insurmountable obstacles to the process of simple screening. Child development and screening have conflicting definitions. Child development is defined as the basic science of pediatrics3; it fundamentally distinguishes pediatrics from all other areas of medicine, and developmental disorders are among the most prevalent chronic medical conditions in daily pediatric practice.4 Screening, in contrast, is defined as a process to be carried out by parents (rather than trained professionals), briefly and rapidly, for the purpose of separating children into those probably not in need of further evaluation from those who would probably benefit from more in-depth assessment.5 Different screening tests that have … Address correspondence to Robert G. Voigt, MD, FAAP, Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, 8080 North Stadium Dr, Houston, TX 77054. E-mail: rgvoigt{at}bcm.edu
Effect of adjunctive systemic azithromycin with periodontal surgery in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers: a pilot study.

Background: Along with conventional surgical therapy, systemic antibiotics may provide more effective treatment in smokers by targeting tissue-invasive bacteria. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effects of systemic azithromycin (AZM) in combination with periodontal pocket reduction surgery in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers. Methods: Thirty patients with a greater than one pack/day smoking habit and generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were randomized to the test (surgery plus 3 days of AZM, 500 mg) or control group (surgery plus 3 days of placebo). Full-mouth probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), plaque index, and wound healing indices (WHI) were assessed at baseline and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months following surgical intervention. Plaque and gingival crevicular fluid were collected for trypsin-like enzyme activity (benzoyl-dl-arginine naphthylamine) and bone biomarker (cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP]) analyses, respectively, at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Surgical treatment of moderate (PD = 4 to 6 mm) and deep (PD >6 mm) pockets significantly improved clinical parameters of treated and untreated teeth (CAL gain, PD reduction, and reduction of BOP). The additional use of AZM did not enhance this improvement nor did it promote reduction of ICTP levels. Compared to the control group, the test group had significantly better WHI scores at 1 month, significantly less GI at 2 weeks, and sustained reductions of red-complex bacteria with trypsin-like enzyme activity at 3 months. For non-surgery teeth, only the test group showed significant gains in overall CAL compared to baseline. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study demonstrated that in heavy smokers, adjunctive systemic AZM in combination with pocket reduction surgery did not significantly enhance PD reduction or CAL gain. However, the clinical value of adjunctive AZM may be appreciated by more rapid wound healing, less short-term gingival inflammation, and sustained reductions of periopathogenic bacteria. More expanded studies are recommended to better determine the clinical effects of adjunctive AZM in patients who smoke.
A Review of Factors Affecting Emulsifying Characteristics of Poultry Meat

Abstract This paper reviews factors known to influence emulsifying characteristics of poultry meat. Sources of poultry meat (turkey and chicken) may possess varied emulsifying ability. Generally, muscle tissue having a higher concentration of salt soluble protein has better emulsifying ability than meat containing a lower amount of salt soluble protein and more collagen. Mechanically deboned poultry meat sources have been found to have acceptable emulsifying capabilities especially when mixed with other hand-deboned sources. Improved emulsifying characteristics have also generally been observed with increasing pH and higher salt concentration. Salt preblending and pH adjustment may be feasible for some mechanically deboned meat sources. Processing variables such as chopping time and temperature are an important consideration in achieving acceptable emulsified products. Endpoint chopping temperatures in excess of 7.2° to 12.8°C. may be especially detrimental to mechanically deboned meat. Mechanically deboned meat has less of a protein matrix available for stabilizing the emulsion and processing temperatures may become quite critical. Poultry meat has a good future in emulsified products. Mechanically deboned and hand-deboned poultry meat offers an economical protein source which cannot be ignored in the future. The advent of mechanically deboned meat also should allow greater utilization of less demanded parts or poultry classes (backs, necks, turkey frames, wings, spent fowl). Todays hungry world needs this important food source.
Characterization of β-cyclodextrin for direct compression tableting

Abstract A physically modified β-cyclodextrin (BCD-DC) sample was characterized for direct compression tableting. The compactibility of BCD-DC was compared to a commercial β-cyclodextrin product (Kleptose®) and other commonly used direct compression fillers. Heckel analysis and mercury porosimetry were used to elucidate the primary deformation mechanism of both β-cyclodextrin (BCD) samples. BCD-DC showed superior compactibility compared to Kleptose® and excellent dilution potential. Compactibility and dilution potential of BCD-DC were comparable to microcrystalline cellulose. Lubricant sensitivity of BCD-DC was similar to that of microcrystallline cellulose. Tablet strength was found to increase with decrease in particle size. Heckel analysis and mercury porosimetry revealed that BCD-DC and Kleptose® deform primarily by plastic flow but failed to distinguish between the two samples. Scanning electron photomicrographs and surface area data show that BCD-DC has more irregular and laminated particles than Kleptose®. These differences in the external particle characteristics rather than internal crystal structure are primarily responsible for the greater compactibility of BCD-DC.
Evaluation of an adaptive directional system in a DSP hearing aid.

The effectiveness of an adaptive directional microphone design, as implemented in the Phonak Claro behind-the-ear hearing aid, is evaluated. Participants were fit bilaterally and tested in 2 enviro...
Methylated Polyl(L-lysine): Conformational Effects and Interactions with Polynucleotides

Abstract Methylated lysine, arginine and histidine residues are found in a number of proteins (for example, histones, non-histone chromosomal proteins, ribosomal proteins, calmodulin, cytochrome C, etc.). We are studying the effects of methylation on the conformations of poly(lysine) and of the effects of methylation of poly(lysine) and poly(arginine) on interactions with polynucleotides. The conformational properties of e-amino-methylated poly(lysine) differ from those of unmodified poly(lysine). Methylation increases resistance to thermally- induced and NaCl-induced changes in the CD spectrum. Guanidinium chloride increases (proportional to the degree of methylation) the extent of approach to the conformation in dispute as to its being a random coil or an extended helix. Methylation enhances aggregation in the helix-inducing solvent 0.5 M Ca(ClO4)2. With increasing methylation of poly(lysine), the conformation in dodecyl sulfate changes from β, to 50% α, to random coil at the maximum methylation. Increa...
Mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry of citrus limonoids.

Methods for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS/MS) of citrus limonoid aglycones and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) of limonoid glucosides are reported. The fragmentation patterns of four citrus limonoid aglycones (limonin, nomilin, obacunone, and deacetylnomilin) and six limonoid glucosides, that is, limonin 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (LG), nomilin 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (NG), nomilinic acid 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (NAG), deacetyl nomilinic acid 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (DNAG), obacunone 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (OG), and obacunoic acid 17-β-d-glucopyranoside (OAG) were investigated using a quadruple mass spectrometer in low-energy collisionally activated dissociation (CAD). The four limonoid aglycones and four limonoid glucosides (LG, OG, NAG, and DNAG) were purified from citrus seeds; the other two limonoid glucosides (NG and OAG) were tentatively identified in the crude extract of grapefruit seeds by ESI mass spectrometry in both positive and...
Total annualized cost optimality properties of state space models for mass and heat exchanger networks

In this work, we employ a state space representation of a heat/mass exchanger network to derive a mathematical formulation of the minimum total annualized cost (TAC) problem. Mathematical properties of the resulting nonlinear program's global optimum are then derived, using a variation induced minimization (VIM) technique and control theoretic concepts. This technique successfully identifies variables which are zero at the global optimum, thus reducing the size of the optimization problem. It is established that, under certain conditions, all self-recycle and total network bypass flow rates can be chosen to be zero at the TAC minimum. Two heat exchange network (HEN) TAC synthesis problems are employed to illustrate the validity of these properties, as well as the importance of the conditions under which the properties are derived. A hybrid algorithm, which consists of branch and bound underestimation with imbedded interval analysis, is employed in identifying numerically the optimum of these HEN TAC problems.
The central nervous system in childhood leukemia. II. Subacute leukoencephalopathy

A study was performed to evaluate the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of a distinctive degenerative lesion within the central nervous system (CNS) of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Of the 231 patients in this study, 13 were found to have specific degenerative changes in telencephalic white matter. Morphologically, the principal changes consisted of diffuse reactive astrocytosis and multiple, noninflammatory necrotic foci, often containing varying amounts of mineralized cellular debris. Clinical features common to all patients with this leukoencephalopathy were: 1) cranial irradiation of 2000 rads or more and 2) methotrexate administered systemically after irradiation. Comparison of selected clinical features of patients with and without leukoencephalopathy showed that methotrexate administered intravenously after a cumulative dose of CNS irradiation of 2000 rads or more can result in degeneration of CNS white matter in patients with ALL. Age at time of irradiation, bacterial infections, nutrition, and CNS leukemia were not causally related to the development of this disease. This study suggests that chemotherapeutic agents may diffuse through the blood-brain barrier following CNS irradiation of 2000 rads or more.
Extending mobile device's battery life by offloading computation to cloud

The need for increased performance of mobile device directly conflicts with the desire for longer battery life. Offloading computation to resourceful servers is an effective method to reduce energy consumption and enhance performance for mobile applications. Android provides mechanisms for creating mobile applications but lacks a native scheduling system for determining where code should be executed. This paper presents Jade, a system that adds sophisticated energy-aware computation offloading capabilities to Android applications. Jade monitors device and application status and automatically decides where code should be executed. Jade dynamically adjusts offloading strategy by adapting to workload variation, communication costs, and device status.
Morphology of the Head and Thorax of the Adult Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). 1. Skeleton and Muscles

The thoracic musculature of the adult Manduca sexta (Johansson) is described and compared with that of Sphinx comvolvuli (L.) and Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer). Those muscles which were described from S. convolvuli could be homologized with muscles of M. sexto . This was not always the case with A. polyphemus . In M. sexta more muscles were observed in the prothorax than were described from A. polyphemus . Since these muscles would provide additional mobility for the head, it is suggested that they may be important for feeding in M. sexta . Additional differences were observed in the mesothorax where the dorsolongitudinal muscles of each side were observed to consist of 10 distinct fasciculi rather than 5 as in A. polyphemus . Minor differences also were observed in the musculature of the 1st abdominal segment of the 3 moths.
Time Course Study of Liver Lipid, Mixed-Function Oxidase, and Estradiol Metabolism in Laying Hens Fed Different Diets

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine if hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activity, plasma estradiol, and estradiol metabolism changed in concert with liver lipid content when laying hens were fed two diets of different composition. White Leghorn laying hens were fed either a corn-soybean meal (CS) diet or CS plus fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY) for 24 days. Hens were sampled at the start of the experiment and at 4, 24, 10, 17, and 24 days after the dietary changes. By Day 17, liver weight per unit of body weight and liver lipid content were significantly lower for hens fed the FAY diet compared to those fed the CS diet. Plasma estradiol concentration was significantly higher for hens fed the FAY diet at 4 days, but a reversal occurred at later times and estradiol concentration tended to be higher for birds fed the CS diet for the remainder of the experiment. An in vitro estimate of the estradiol metabolism in the liver showed that by Day 17 the quantity of radioactive estradiol converted to water soluble metabolites was significantly increased in samples from hens fed the FAY diet. Feeding the FAY diet also significantly increased hepatic aminopyrine demethylation and aniline hydroxylation at Day 24.
Fluoromica coated Nicalon fiber reinforced glass-ceramic composites

Abstract High temperature structural behavior was demonstrated in Nicalon fiber reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composites by means of a functional weak fluoromica interface. Sheet silicate interfaces were evaluated from both the mica matrix and sol-gel derived fluoromica fiber coatings in a calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) Matirx. The Nicalon fiber reinforced mica matrix composites were found to fail early in shear owing to the cleavage dominated mica matrix, whereas the potassium-phlogopite mica coated composite provided much higher strength with tensile failure mode. The oxidative stability inherent in the fluoromica interface led to the enhanced oxidation enbrittlement resistance of the composites at high temperatures in an aerobic environment, in contrast to the severe embrittlement seen in uncoated Nicalon fiber reinforced composites with the in situ carbon-rich interface. Microstructural and mechanical studies of potassium-phlogopite coated N/CAS II composites are presented, along with the synthesis and characterization of potassium-phlogopite precursor sol.
Interleukin-27 inhibition of HIV-1 involves an intermediate induction of type I interferon

Infection of CD4+ chemokine coreceptor+ targets by HIV is aided and abetted by the proficiency of HIV in eliminating or neutralizing host cell–derived defensive molecules. Among these innate protective molecules, a family of intracellular apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) cytidine deaminases, is constitutively expressed but inactivated by HIV viral infectivity factor. The ability of interferon-α (IFN-α) to augment cytidine deaminases offered the possibility that the balance between virus and target cell might be altered in favor of the host. Further characterization of transcriptional profiles induced by IFN-α using microarrays, with the intention to identify and dissociate retroviral countermaneuvers from associated toxicities, revealed multiple molecules with suspected antiviral activity, including IL-27. To establish whether IFN-α toxicity might be sidestepped through the use of downstream IL-27 against HIV, we examined whether IL-27 directly regulated cytidine deaminases. Although IL-27 inducesAPOBECs, it does so in a delayed fashion. Dissecting the underlying regulatory events uncovered an initial IL-27–dependent induction of IFN-α and/or IFN-β, which in turn, induces APOBEC3, inhibited by IFN-α/β receptor blockade. In addition to macrophages, the IL-27–IFN-α connection is operative in CD4+ T cells, consistent with an IFN-α–dependent pathway underlying host cell defense to HIV.
Testing reducibility of linear differential operators: A group theoretic perspective

Let k[D] be the ring of differential operators with coefficients in a differential fieldk. We say that an elementL ofk[D] isreducible ifL=L 1·L 2 forL 1,L 2gEk[D],L 1,L 2∉k. We show that for a certain class of differential operators (completely reducible operators) there exists a Berlekamp-style algorithm for factorization. Furthermore, we show that operators outside this class can never be irreducible and give an algorithm to test if an operator belongs to the above class. This yields a new reducibility test for linear differential operators. We also give applications of our algorithm to the question of determining Galois groups of linear differential equations.
The NMR spectra of some epoxides

The high resolution NMR spectra of a series of eight epoxides has been studied. Five of these, with the epoxide group axially affixed to a saturated ring, show ABX spectra and the analysis provides accurate values for the NMR parameters of the three-spin system. These are then compared with the data in the literature. Three of the epoxides, with the epoxide group equatorial to the ring, show, however, AA'B or AA'K spectra and cannot be interpreted explicitly without extensive fitting with machine calculations.
Cervical adenoid cystic carcinoma associated with ascites

Two new cases of cervical adenoid cystic carcinoma are reported. The addition of these two cases brings the total number of reported cases in the literature to 88 making this the most common gynecologic site of occurrence for this unusual tumor. Ascites developed in both of these cases after primary radiation therapy. The significance of this unique association is discussed.
The metal tolerance profile of Thlaspi goesingense is mimicked in Arabidopsis thaliana heterologously expressing serine acetyl-transferase

Background The Ni hyperaccumulator Thlaspi goesingense is tolerant to Ni ≅ Zn, ≅ Co and slightly resistant to > Cd. We previously observed that elevated glutathione, driven by constitutive activation of serine acetyltransferase (SAT), plays a role in the Ni tolerance of T. goesingense.
Synaptic connectivity of a local circuit neurone in lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat.

Although receptive fields of relay cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat nearly match those of their retinal afferents1,2, only 10–20% of the synapses on these cells derive from the retina and are excitatory3,4. Many more (30–40%) are inhibitory and largely control the gating of retinogeniculate transmission3–7. These inhibitory synapses derive chiefly from two cell types: intrinsic local circuit neurones and cells in the adjacent perigeniculate nucleus5–7. It has been difficult to study the functional organization of these inhibitory pathways; most efforts have relied on indirect approaches6–12. Here we describe the use of direct techniques to study a local circuit neurone by iontophoresing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into it, which completely labels the soma and processes of cells for subsequent light- and electron microscopic analysis. Although the response properties of the labelled cell are virtually indistinguishable from those of many relay cells6, its morphology is typical of ‘class 3’ neurones13 (see Fig. 1 legend), which are widely believed to be inter neu rones8–11 (but see ref. 12). Here, we refer to the cell as a ‘local circuit neurone’, which allows for the possibility of a projection axon, rather than as an ‘inter-neurone’, a term that commonly excludes a projection axon. We find that the labelled cell has a myelinated axon, but that the axon loses its myelin within 50 µm of the soma and has not yet been traced further. The dendrites of the labelled cell possess presynaptic terminals that act as intrinsic sources of inhibition on geniculate relay cells. We also characterize other morphological aspects of this inhibitory circuitry.
Exercise Effects on Bone Mineral Density in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Purpose/Objectives: To test the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in women newly diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Two National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers in metropolitan areas. Sample: 66 women with stage I–III breast cancer beginning adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Participants were randomized to aerobic or resistance exercise and usual care. At the beginning of chemotherapy and at six months, patients completed exercise testing and BMD assessment of the lumbar spine by dual energy x-ray absorptionetry. Main Research Variables: BMD, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength. Findings: The average decline in BMD was –6.23% for usual care, –4.92% for resistance exercise, and –0.76% for aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise preserved BMD signifi cantly better compared to usual care. Premenopausal women demonstrated signifi cantly greater declines in BMD than postmenopausal women. Aerobic capacity increased by almost 25% for women in the aerobic exercise group and 4% for resistance exercise. Participants in the usual care group showed a 10% decline in aerobic capacity. Conclusions: The data suggest that weight-bearing aerobic exercise attenuates declines in BMD and that aerobic and resistance exercise improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength at a time when women generally show marked declines in functional ability. Implications for Nursing: Exercise may prevent or at least minimize bone loss observed during chemotherapy and may prevent or delay the long-term effects of osteoporosis. Key Points . . .
Patterns of Terrestrial and Limnologic Development in the Northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (USA) during the Late-Glacial/Early-Holocene Transition

Abstract A high-resolution record of pollen, charcoal, diatom, and lithologic data from Dailey Lake in southwestern Montana describes postglacial terrestrial and limnologic development from ice retreat ca. 16,000 cal yr BP through the early Holocene. Following deglaciation, the landscape surrounding Dailey Lake was sparsely vegetated, and erosional input into the lake was high. As summer insolation increased and ice recessional processes subsided, Picea parkland developed and diatoms established in the lake at 13,300 cal yr BP. Closed subalpine forests of Picea , Abies , and Pinus established at 12,300 cal yr BP followed by the development of open Pinus and Pseudotsuga forests at 10,200 cal yr BP. Increased planktic diatom abundance indicates a step-like warming at 13,100 cal yr BP, and alternations between planktic and tychoplankic taxa suggest changes in lake thermal structure between 12,400 and 11,400 cal yr BP. An increasingly open forest, in combination with increased benthic diatoms, indicates warm dry summers during the early Holocene after 11,400 cal yr BP, in contrast to nearby records in northern Yellowstone that register prolonged summer-wet conditions until ca. 8000 cal yr BP. Because of its low elevation, Dailey Lake was apparently sensitive to the direct effects of increased summer insolation on temperature and effective moisture, registering dry summers. In contrast, higher elevations in northern Yellowstone responded to the indirect effects of an amplified seasonal insolation cycle on atmospheric circulation, including elevated winter snowpack and/or increased summer convective storms as a result of enhanced monsoonal circulation.
Polygon decomposition and switching function minimization

It is shown that Pavlidis's method for decomposing a polygon into (possibly overlapping) convex pieces can be viewed as simplifying a Boolean switching function expressed in disjunctive normal form. This analogy suggests that the search for a minimal polygon decomposition can be organized along the same lines used to find a minimal prime implicant cover for a Boolean expression.
Detection and characterization of altered conformations of protein pharmaceuticals using complementary mass spectrometry-based approaches

Unlike small-molecule drugs, the conformational properties of protein biopharmaceuticals in solution are influenced by a variety of factors that are not solely defined by their covalent chemical structure. Since the conformation (or higher order structure) of a protein is a major modulator of its biological activity, the ability to detect changes in both the higher order structure and conformational dynamics of a protein, induced by an array of extrinsic factors, is of central importance in producing, purifying, and formulating a commercial biopharmaceutical with consistent therapeutic properties. In this study we demonstrate that two complementary mass spectrometry-based approaches (analysis of ionic charge-state distribution and hydrogen/deuterium exchange) can be a potent tool in monitoring conformational changes in protein biopharmaceuticals. The utility of these approaches is demonstrated by detecting and characterizing conformational changes in the biopharmaceutical product interferon beta-1a (IFN-beta-1a). The protein degradation process was modeled by inducing a single chemical modification of IFN-beta1a (alkylation of its only free cysteine residue with N-ethylmaleimide), which causes significant reduction in its antiviral activity. Analysis of IFN-beta1a ionic charge-state distributions unequivocally reveals a significant decrease of conformational stability in the degraded protein, while hydrogen/deuterium exchange measurements provide a clear indication that the higher order structure is affected well beyond the covalent modification site. Importantly, neither technique required that the location or indeed the nature of the chemical modification be known prior to or elucidated in the process of the analysis. In contrast, application of the standard armamentarium of biophysical tools, which are commonly employed for quality control of protein pharmaceuticals, met with very limited success in detection and characterization of conformational changes in the modified IFN-beta1a. This work highlights the role mass spectrometry can and should play in the biopharmaceutical industry beyond the presently assigned task of primary structure analysis.
Premature rupture of the membranes: The enigma of the obstetrician

Decisions in regard to the management of patients with premature rupture of the membranes depend on the relative risks of prematurity, infection, and hypoxia for the fetus or neonate and infection and cesarean section for the mother. These risks vary primarily with gestational age. Because of the many variables and new technologies involved, the management of these patients is extremely controversial. In this article, the controversies are reviewed and management plans are presented for several different gestational age groups.
Culture of epithelial cells from the rat pleura.

Cells obtained by tryptic digestion of the surface of intact adult and fetal Fischer 344 lungs were plated on glass fragments. Epithelial cell lines were readily established by selecting fragments with 2 to 10 cells 2 days after plating and growing them in F12 K media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). These cell lines and new lines that can be easily obtained provide a reliable source of diploid, density-inhibited epithelial cells. These cells of mesothelial origin may serve as models for the study of mesothelial cells in situ.
Alcohol Complexes of Tungsten Prepared by Ionic Hydrogenations of Ketones

Ionic hydrogenation of acetone by Cp(CO)3WH and HOTf (OTf = OSO2CF3) gives the 2-propanol complex [Cp(CO)3W(HOiPr)]+OTf-. 1H NMR data suggest O−H···O hydrogen bonding between the alcohol OH and an oxygen of the triflate anion in solution, and a crystal structure of this complex shows that hydrogen bonding also exists in the solid state. The short O···O distance of 2.63(1) A indicates a strong hydrogen bond. Hydrogenation of other ketones and aldehydes gives related [Cp(CO)3W(alcohol)]+OTf- complexes. Aldehydes are selectively hydrogenated over ketones, and alkyl ketones are selectively hydrogenated over aromatic ketones. Hydrogenation of acetophenone gives ethylbenzene, with no intermediate tungsten complexes being observed. Reaction of 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione with Cp(CO)3WH and HOTf gave {Cp(CO)3W[CH3CH(OH)CH2C(O)Ph]}+OTf -, the structure of which was determined by X-ray diffraction. The alcohol complexes [Cp(CO)3W(alcohol)]+OTf- decompose in solution to give free alcohols and Cp(CO)3WOTf. The cationic ...
Genome Sequence of Weissella ceti NC36, an Emerging Pathogen of Farmed Rainbow Trout in the United States.

ABSTRACT Novel Weissella sp. bacteria have recently been reported to be associated with disease outbreaks in cultured rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) at commercial farms in China, Brazil, and the United States. Here we present the first genome sequence of this novel Weissella species, isolated from the southeastern United States.
Effect of metal combining globulin (fraction IV-7) in severe Mediterranean anemia.

ConclusionThe administration of Fraction IV-7 of plasma to 4 patients with severe Mediterranean anemia resulted in a consistent rise in serum iron values in all, and in a transitory appearance of a latent capacity to further bind iron in 3 of the 4 subjects. These observations suggest the release of iron from the tissues to the blood when additional metal-combining globulin is supplied in this disease. Further studies are in progress to explore the clinical value of Fraction IV-7 both in Mediterranean anemia and exogenous hemochromatosis associated with multiple transfusions.
Infrared spectra of C2H4 adsorption and CO insertion reactions on an Fe surface

Abstract Infrared spectra indicate that ethylene and hydrogen coadsorb on iron to produce ethyl groups. Unless the iron surface is first pretreated with hydrogen, very little ethylene adsorbs. In direct analogy to insertion reactions of coordination complexes, the reaction of carbon monoxide with a surface alkyl has been shown to occur on an evaporated iron surface to produce an isopropoxide species. Using infrared spectroscopy the reaction was followed from known surface reactants to known surface products.
No requirement for p56lck in the antigen-stimulated clonal deletion of thymocytes

Activation of protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) is required for signal transduction during T cell activation, although the pathway used during thymic selection is unknown. An in vitro system was established in which T cell receptor transgenic thymocytes underwent clonal deletion in response to peptide antigen. The effects of two PTK-specific inhibitors, herbimycin A and genistein, on the clonal deletion of immature thymocytes and the activation of mature thymocytes were examined. Clonal deletion occurred while T cell activation was inhibited and when no p56lck activity was evident. Thus, p56lck is not required for the antigen-stimulated step of clonal deletion of immature thymocytes, and negative selection proceeds via a distinct pathway.
Deformation mechanisms of constrained polymer chains. II. Deformation energetics of tie molecules

Energy-deformation characteristics for the primary T, S, and U conformational units of tie molecules were obtained from the analysis of data generated from a constrained minimization algorithm. Energy-deformation profiles (covering the range from compact equilibrium defect structures to the fully extended chain) are reported for the S0 and S1 members of the Sλ family and for the U00 member of the Umn family. Estimates of the energy content V0 and the elastic modulus E were obtained from the computed energy-deformation data in the vicinity of the equilibrium Structure—S0 → {60°, 180°, −60°}, V = 1.7 kcal/mole, E = 60 kcal/cm3 [250 × 1010 dyn/cm2];S1 → {60°, 180°, 180°, 180°, −60°}: V = 1.7 kcal/mole, E = 25 kcal/cm3 [100 × 1010 dyn/cm2]; and U00 → {60°, 180°, 60°, 180°, 60°}: V = 2.7 kcal/mole, E = 80 kcal/cm3 [340 × 1010 dyn/cm2]. Although the elastic modulus of the U00 unit is comparable to the elastic modulus of the fully extended chain, the highenergy content of this unit (V0 = 2.7 Kcal/mole) prohibits a significant population and thereby mitigates an appreciable reinforcing effect from this rigid unit. A model for a surrogate force constant is introduced to generalize the results from this study to any member of the Sλ or Umn family as well as any combination of Sλ and Umn units. This generalization provides a basis for estimating the deformation characteristics of tie molecules comprised of various populations of these primary conformational building blocks.
Bringing Narrative In: Race–Gender Storytelling, Political Ambition, and Women's Paths to Public Office

Gender and politics scholars have yet to recognize political leaders' “deciding to run” accounts as storytelling performances that draw from and contest dominant cultural discourses. In this article, I present findings from interviews I conducted with 33 women candidates in Texas, analyzing my subjects' “deciding to run” accounts as narratives that illuminate much about women's attempts to negotiate contradictions between dominant race–gender values and their drive for public office. I find that women tell quite different narratives about their decisions to run for office, with Black women and Latinas expressing more confidence and self-direction in their stories than white women. I also reveal that many of these stories contain complexities and contradictions that are not illuminated in survey research on candidate emergence.
Investigation of turbulent thermal convection between horizontal plates

Properties of turbulent thermal convection were measured in air between horizontal plates maintained at constant temperatures. Rayleigh numbers of 6·3 × 105, 2·5 × 106 and 1·0 × 107 were studied with a convection chamber designed to allow measurements to be taken along a horizontal path. Vertical profiles are presented of horizontally averaged temperature; r.m.s. fluctuations of temperature, horizontal velocity and vertical velocity; total heat flux; the correlation coefficient between vertical velocity and temperature; all terms in the thermal variance equation; and of terms in the turbulent kinetic energy balance.One-dimensional spectra of temperature, horizontal velocity and vertical velocity at two different heights all disclose large intensity for waves of length 5 to 15 times the plate separation. Secondary peaks occur for scales of from 0·7 to 1·7 times the separation height.Many of the observations are consistent with a thermal structure dominated by plumes extending most or all of the distance between plates.
Does V. Equal L

Does V = L? Is the Axiom of Constructibility true? Most people with an opinion would answer no. But on what grounds? Despite the near unanimity with which V = L is declared false, the literature reveals no clear consensus on what counts as evidence against the hypothesis and no detailed analysis of why the facts of the sort cited constitute evidence one way or another. Unable to produce a well-developed argument one way or the other, some observers despair, retreating to unattractive fall-back positions, e.g., that the decision on whether or not V = L is a matter of personal aesthetics. I would prefer to avoid such conclusions, if possible. If we are to believe that L is not V, as so many would urge, then there ought to be good reasons for this belief, reasons that can be stated clearly and subjected to rational evaluation. Though no complete argument has been presented, the literature does contain a number of varied argument fragments, and it is worth asking whether some of these might be developed into a persuasive case. One particularly simple approach would be to note that the existence of a measurable cardinal (MC) implies that V ≠ L, 1 and to argue that there is a measurable cardinal. The drawback to this approach is that its implying V ≠ L cannot then be counted as evidence in favor of MC, as it often is. Indeed, there seems to have been considerable sentiment against V = L even before the proof of its negation from MC, 2 and this sentiment must either be accounted for as reasonable or explained away as an aberration of some kind.
Necessary Conditions in Nonsmooth Minimization Via Lower and Upper Subgradients

The paper concerns first-order necessary optimality conditions for problems of minimizing nonsmooth functions under various constraints in infinite-dimensional spaces. Based on advanced tools of variational analysis and generalized differential calculus, we derive general results of two independent types called lower subdifferential and upper subdifferential optimality conditions. The former ones involve basic/limiting subgradients of cost functions, while the latter conditions are expressed via Frechet/regular upper subgradients in fairly general settings. All the upper subdifferential and major lower subdifferential optimality conditions obtained in the paper are new even in finite dimensions. We give applications of general optimality conditions to mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints deriving new results for this important class of intrinsically nonsmooth optimization problems.
Effects of Radiation on the Developing Dentition and Supporting Bone

Two cases are reported in which children with developing dentitions were treated with radiation; the effects of radiation, such as partial or arrested development of roots and under development of bone, are clearly apparent.
A high-speed integrated circuit scratchpad memory

Computer systems are presently being designed and fabricated using one- to two-nanosecond current-mode logic gates. High-speed scratchpad memories are required in order to utilize this circuit speed effectively.
Long Time Coming: Why Health Reform Finally Passed

Health reformers have an established record of losing. Going into 2009, there were plenty of reasons to believe that they would fail again. A polarized political environment, soaring budget deficits, and myriad other obstacles stood in the way. Yet the Obama administration and congressional Democrats defied the odds. Democrats won the 2009–10 health reform battle by successfully applying lessons learned from past failures, including the importance of neutralizing interest-group opposition. The result is historic legislation that, given the constraints imposed by both the U.S. political and health systems, is probably as good as it gets.
Alteration of hydrogen bonding in the vicinity of histidine 48 disrupts millisecond motions in RNase A.

The motion of amino acid residues on the millisecond (ms) time scale is involved in the tight regulation of catalytic function in numerous enzyme systems. Using a combination of mutational, enzymological, and relaxation-compensated 15N Carr−Purcell−Meiboom−Gill (CPMG) methods, we have previously established the conformational significance of the distant His48 residue and the neighboring loop 1 in RNase A function. These studies suggested that RNase A relies on an intricate network of hydrogen bonding interactions involved in propagating functionally relevant, long-range ms motions to the catalytic site of the enzyme. To further investigate the dynamic importance of this H-bonding network, this study focuses on the individual replacement of Thr17 and Thr82 with alanine, effectively altering the key H-bonding interactions that connect loop 1 and His48 to the rest of the protein. 15N CPMG dispersion studies, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift analysis, and NMR line shape analysis of point mutant...