cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) protects cultured mouse embryonic stem cells from H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA), a member of the Msr gene family, can reduce methionine sulfoxide residues in proteins formed by oxidation of methionine by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Msr is an important protein repair system which can also function to scavenge ROS. Our studies have confirmed the expression of MsrA in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in culture conditions. A cytosol-located and mitochondria-enriched expression pattern has been observed in these cells. To confirm the protective function of MsrA in ESCs against oxidative stress, a siRNA approach has been used to knockdown MsrA expression in ES cells which showed less resistance than control cells to hydrogen peroxide treatment. Overexpression of MsrA gene products in ES cells showed improved survivability of these cells to hydrogen peroxide treatment. Our results indicate that MsrA plays an important role in cellular defenses against oxidative stress in ESCs. Msr genes may provide a new target in stem cells to increase their survivability during the therapeutic applications.
Monoclonal antibody blocking the recognition of an insulin peptide-MHC complex modulates type 1 diabetes.

The primary autoantigen triggering spontaneous type 1 diabetes mellitus in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice is insulin. The major T-cell insulin epitope lies within the amino acid 9–23 peptide of the β-chain (B:9–23). This peptide can bind within the peptide binding groove of the NOD MHC class II molecule (MHCII), IAg7, in multiple positions or “registers.” However, the majority of pathogenic CD4 T cells recognize this complex only when the insulin peptide is bound in register 3 (R3). We hypothesized that antibodies reacting specifically with R3 insulin–IAg7 complexes would inhibit autoimmune diabetes specifically without interfering with recognition of other IAg7-presented antigens. To test this hypothesis, we generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb287), which selectively binds to B:9–23 and related variants when presented by IAg7 in R3, but not other registers. The monoclonal antibody blocks binding of IAg7-B:10–23 R3 tetramers to cognate T cells and inhibits T-cell responses to soluble B:9–23 peptides and NOD islets. However, mAb287 has no effect on recognition of other peptides bound to IAg7 or other MHCII molecules. Intervention with mAb287, but not irrelevant isotype matched antibody, at either early or late stages of disease development, significantly delayed diabetes onset by inhibiting infiltration by not only insulin-specific CD4 T cells, but also by CD4 and CD8 T cells of other specificities. We propose that peptide–MHC-specific monoclonal antibodies can modulate autoimmune disease without the pleiotropic effects of nonselective reagents and, thus, could be applicable to the treatment of multiple T-cell mediated autoimmune disorders.
Individual particle analysis of Antarctic aerosols

Aerosol samples were collected on Nucleopore filters at the South Pole Station. The particles were analyzed with an electron microscope for their morphology, size distribution, and concentration. The chemical composition of individual particles was determined with an X-ray energy spectrometer. The results provide basic information on the physical and chemical properties of Antarctic aerosols as well as their source and journey. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1979.tb00934.x
Dip‐moveout error in transversely isotropic media with linear velocity

Levin (1990) modeled the moveout, within CMP gathers, of reflections from plane-dipping reflectors beneath homogeneous, transversely isotropic media. For some media, when the axis of symmetry for the anisotropy was vertical, he found departures in stacking velocity from predictions baaed upon the familiar cosine-of-dip correction for isotropic media. Here, we do similar tests, again with transversely isotropic models with vertical axis of symmetry, but now allowing the medium velocity to vary linearly with depth.
Evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony as determined by phase analysis of ECG-gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and conduction disturbances

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is approved for the treatment of patients with advanced systolic heart failure and evidence of dyssynchrony on electrocardiograms. However, a significant percentage of patients do not demonstrate improvement with CRT. Echocardiographic techniques have been used for more accurate determination of dyssynchrony. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging has not previously been used to evaluate cardiac dyssynchrony. The objective of this study is to evaluate mechanical dyssynchrony as described by phase analysis of gated SPECT images in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, conduction delays, and ventricular paced rhythms. A novel count-based method is used to extract regional systolic wall thickening amplitude and phase from gated SPECT images. Five indices describing the phase dispersion of the onset of mechanical contraction are determined: peak phase, phase SD, bandwidth, skewness, and kurtosis. These indices were determined in consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction (n=120), left bundle branch block (n=33), right bundle branch block (n=19), and ventricular paced rhythms (n=23) and were compared with normal control subjects (n=157). Phase SD, bandwidth, skewness, and kurtosis were significantly different between patients with left ventricular dysfunction, left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, and ventricular paced rhythms and normal control subjects (all P<.001) Peak phase was significantly different between patients with right ventricular paced rhythms and normal control subjects (P=.001). A novel SPECT technique for describing left ventricular mechanical dyssyn-chrony has been developed and may prove useful in the evaluation of patients for CRT.
Fragment rotational distributions from the dissociation of NeBr2: Experimental and classical trajectory studies

The Br2 fragment rotational distributions that result from the vibrational predissociation of NeBr2 in the B electronic state have been measured for several initial vibrational levels. In each case, the rotational distributions extend to the effective energetic limit determined by the amount of energy available (Eavl) for disposal into the fragment rotational and translational degrees of freedom. Analysis of the data allows refinement of the NeBr2 dissociation energy; we find that D0=70.0±1.1 cm−1 for the X electronic state, v=0. Both Δv=−1 and −2 dissociation events have been examined. For dissociation pathways with approximately the same value of Eavl the Δv=−2 pathways are observed to have a higher fraction of the fragment energy in rotational excitation. The overall shape of the Δv=−1 distributions are insensitive to the value of Eavl, suggesting that a Franck–Condon model for the dissociation may have some validity, though quantitative quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate that this model does ...
How Fathers Care for The Next Generation: A Four-Decade Study

Even in this age of working mothers, the role of fathering is often overlooked. This book illuminates the realities of fathering by presenting the results of an empirical study conducted over four decades and covering four generations of fathers and children. Through case studies and data analysis, Snarey demonstrates that men's care for their families reaps immense and long-lasting benefits - for themselves, for their offspring and for future generations. In striking contrast to research that considers fathers to be obscure or peripheral figures, Snarey reveals their position as central caregivers and characterizes their most effective nurturing behaviours. He examines fathers' involvement in three vital realms of their children's development: social-emotional, intellectual-academic, and physical-athletic. Looking specifically at fathers' relationships with their oldest children during the first two decades of their lives, Snarey addresses issues of fathering in both childhood and adolescence. He presents portraits of individual father-son and father-daughter relationships, and measures and defines the ways in which "good" fathers are constructively engaged in and supportive of children's growth. Snarey also focuses on the fathers themselves. He explores how men's boyhood experiences with their own fathers affect their subsequent parenting styles. Then, Snarey observes how various fathering experiences affect men at mid-life, in their marriages, and throughout their careers. His study also considers how the threat of infertility affects fathers' ability to care for the next generation. Within the current wave of scholarly interest in fathering, this study is grounded in Erik H. Erikson's model of psycho-social generativity, aiming to add a significant dimension to Erikson's theory by applying it to empirical research. Snarey makes a contribution to male, child, family, and developmental psychology, and addresses issues of ongoing concern in the fields of sociology and education.
Uterine vein prostaglandin levels in late pregnant dogs

Abstract We studied the uterine venous plasma concentrations of prostaglandins E2, F2α, 15 keto 13,14 dihydro E2 and 15 keto 13,14 dihydro F2α in late pregnant dogs in order to evaluate the rates of production and metabolism of prostaglandin E2 and F2α in pregnancy in vivo . We used a very specific and sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay to measure these prostaglandins. The uterine venous concentrations of prostaglandin E2 and 15 keto 13,14 dihydro E2 were 1.35±.27 ng/ml and 1.89±.37 ng/ml, respectively; however, we could not find any prostaglandin F2α and very little of its plasma metabolite in uterine venous plasma. Since uterine microsomes can generate prostaglandin F2α and E2 from endoperoxides, prostaglandin F2α production in vivo must be regulated through an enzymatic step after endoperoxide formation. Prostaglandin E2 is produced by pregnant canine uterus in quantities high enough to have a biological effect in late pregnancy; however, prostaglandin F2α does not appear to play a role at this stage of pregnancy.
A parameter plane method for the PID control of a multirate, sampled-data chemical reactor system with a transportation lag

Abstract The control of a multirate sampled-data, stirred-tank chemical reactor system using a parameter plane method is considered. Due to wide acceptance of proportional-plus-integral-plus-derivative (PID) control in the chemical process industries, a PID controller with a “slow-fast”multirate scheme is used for the chemical reactor system. Based on two related stability equations and using the PID gains as the adjustable parameters, the set of all possible PID gains to maintain the chemical reactor system's stability, and at the same time, to make the system having a specified gain margin, phase margin, damping ratio, and damping factor is determined. The effects of changing the integer N (which is the ratio of the sampling rates between a slow- and a fasl-samplcr)and (he basic sampling period Ton the set of PID gains satisfying the specifications are examined. The results for single-rate and multirate cases are also studied.
Structural Basis for Phosphopantetheinyl Carrier Domain Interactions in the Terminal Module of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases

Phosphopantetheine-modified carrier domains play a central role in the template-directed, biosynthesis of several classes of primary and secondary metabolites. Fatty acids, polyketides, and nonribosomal peptides are constructed on multidomain enzyme assemblies using phosphopantetheinyl thioester-linked carrier domains to traffic and activate building blocks. The carrier domain is a dynamic component of the process, shuttling pathway intermediates to sequential enzyme active sites. Here, we report an approach to structurally fix carrier domain/enzyme constructs suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of a two-domain construct of Escherichia coli EntF was determined with a conjugated phosphopantetheinyl-based inhibitor. The didomain structure is locked in an active orientation relevant to the chemistry of nonribosomal peptide biosynthesis. This structure provides details into the interaction of phosphopantetheine arm with the carrier domain and the active site of the thioesterase domain.
Acute Blockade of α-1-Adrenoreceptors has Similar Effects in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Rats

Objective: To determine whether the level of activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is altered during pregnancy, specifically whether blood pressure (BP) control and control of renal hemodynamics are under greater tonic SNS control in pregnancy, indicative of an “underfilled” state.Methods: Studies were conducted on 6 nonpregnant and 14 pregnant female rats and 9 males, measuring BP, renal hemodynamics, and electrolyte excretion in the conscious, unstressed state. Rats were studied in an initial baseline state and then following acute blockade of the α-1-adrenoceptor with prazosin.Main Outcome Measures: Preplanned measurements were of systemic blood pressure and renal function in virgin rats and in mid- and late pregnancy. In view of the unexpected observations that α-1-adrenoceptor blockade caused renal vasoconstriction in conscious females, additional experiments were conducted on male rats.Results: The usual midgestational rises in GFR and renal plasma flow were seen and BP fell in late pregn...
In Vitro synthesis and properties of a φX DNA-RNA hybrid

When the single-stranded DNA of bacteriophage φX174 is the primer for E. coli RNA polymerase, a DNA-RNA hybrid is formed. This hybrid, which has been isolated from a CsCl density gradient, melts over a relatively narrow temperature range. The hybrid is infective to bacterial protoplasts and the u.v. sensitivity of this infectivity is distinct from that of the free DNA. If the hybrid is denatured with formamide, the RNA may be recovered as fragments with a broad range of sedimentation coefficient from 6 to 14 s.
Rapid determination of free proline for water-stress studies

Proline, which increases proportionately faster than other amino acids in plants under water stress, has been suggested as an evaluating parameter for irrigation scheduling and for selecting drought-resistant varieties. The necessity to analyze numerous samples from multiple replications of field grown materials prompted the development of a simple, rapid colorimetric determination of proline. The method detected proline in the 0.1 to 36.0 μmoles/g range of fresh weight leaf material.
Acceleration and torque feedback for robotic control: Experimental results

Gross motion control of robotic manipulators typically requires significant on-line computations to compensate for nonlinear dynamics due to gravity, Coriolis, centripetal, and friction nonlinearities. One controller proposed by Luo and Saridis avoids these computations by feeding back joint acceleration and torque. This study implements the controller on a Puma 600 robotic manipulator. Joint acceleration measurement is obtained by measuring linear accelerations of each joint, and deriving a computationally efficient transformation from the linear measurements to the angular accelerations. Torque feedback is obtained by using the previous torque sent to the joints. The implementation has stability problems on the Puma 600 due to the extremely high gains inherent in the feedback structure. Since these high gains excite frequency modes in the Puma 600, the algorithm is modified to decrease the gain inherent in the feedback structure. The resulting compensator is stable and insensitive to high frequency unmodeled dynamics. Moreover, a second compensator is proposed which uses acceleration and torque feedback, but still allows nonlinear terms to be fed forward. Thus, by feeding the increment in the easily calculated gravity terms forward, improved responses are obtained. Both proposed compensators are implemented, and the real time results are compared to those obtained with the computed torque algorithm.
Composition of gestational weight gain impacts maternal fat retention and infant birth weight.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate how changes in gestational weight and body composition affect infant birth weight and maternal fat retention after delivery in underweight, normal-weight and overweight women. Study design We assessed the body composition of 63 women (low body mass index, 17 women; normal body mass index, 34 women; and high body mass index, 12 women) on the basis of measurements of total body nitrogen by prompt-gamma activation analysis, total body potassium by whole body counting, and a multicomponent model based on total body water by deuterium dilution, body volume by densitometry, and bone mineral content by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before pregnancy, at 9, 22, and 36 weeks of gestation, and at 2, 6, and 27 weeks after delivery. Infant weight and length were recorded at birth; infant anthropometry and body composition by DXA were assessed at 2 and 27 weeks of age. Results Gestational weight gain was correlated significantly with gains in total body water, total body potassium, protein, fat-free mass, and fat mass ( P =.001-.003). Gains in total body water, total body potassium, protein and fat-free mass did not differ among body mass index groups; however, fat mass gain was higher in the high body mass index group ( P =.03). Birth weight was correlated positively with gain in total body water, total body potassium, and fat-free mass ( P P =.001) and fat mass gain ( P =.001) but not with total body water, total body potassium, or fat-free mass gain. Conclusion Appropriate, but not excessive, gestational weight gain is needed to optimize infant birth weight and minimize maternal postpartum fat retention.
Highly mesoporous carbons obtained using a dynamic template method

Abstract New nanoporous carbons with extremely high mesopore volumes and surface areas were obtained using mesoporous silica with a 3-D wormhole porous framework as templates. Mesoporous silica was synthesized following the literature described methods. Polystyrene sulfonic acid-based organic salts were used as carbon precursors. To evaluate the effect of sodium on porosity development silica matrices with various thicknesses of pore walls were synthesized. Prior to carbonization, in order to increase surface heterogeneity, the precursor chemistry was modified by cation exchange with catalytically active metals (i.e., copper, nickel, cobalt). Carbonization followed by HF etching of silica templates generated mesoporous carbons with large surface areas and high pore volumes, which is accompanied by high dispersion of catalytically active metals on the carbon surface. Sodium present in the carbonaceous precursor causes in the dynamic template effect via its reactions with a silica matrix during carbonization. This, along with reactive gases evolved during heating lead to the expansion of the carbonaceous structure, and thus to the unique wide mesopore size distributions of the templated carbons with pore sizes between 10 and 50 nm and their volume exceeding 2.5 cm 3 g −1 .
Forecasting Housing Investment in Developing Countries

In this paper we estimate alternative models of the growth rate of real housing investment for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S. Pure time series models generally provide superior fit to these growth rate data both within and out of the sample period. These time series models are then used to forecast investment growth rates in other countries. The results indicate that such time series models can be used to provide reasonable accurate forecasts for other countries.
Nanocomposite Edible Films from Mango Puree Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibers

Cellulose nanoreinforcements have been used to improve mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers, whose performance is usually poor when compared to those of synthetic polymers. Nanocomposite edible films have been developed by adding cellulose nanofibers (CNF) in different concentrations (up to 36 g/100 g) as nanoreinforcement to mango puree based edible films. The effect of CNF was studied in terms of tensile properties, water vapor permeability, and glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the nanocomposite films. CNF were effective in increasing tensile strength, and its effect on Young's modulus was even more noticeable, especially at higher concentrations, suggesting the formation of a fibrillar network within the matrix. The addition of CNF was also effective to improve water vapor barrier of the films. Its influence on T(g) was small but significant. The study demonstrated that the properties of mango puree edible films can be significantly improved through CNF reinforcement.
Optical properties and band structure of Ge1−yCy and Ge-rich Si1−x−yGexCy alloys

Abstract We measured the dielectric function of Ge1−yCy and Ge-rich Si1−x−yGexCy alloys from 1.6 to 5.2 eV using spectroscopic ellipsometry. These alloys were grown by molecular beam epitaxy at 600°C on (001) Si substrates. Analytic lineshapes fitted to numerically calculated derivatives of their dielectric functions determined the critical-point parameters of the E1, E1+Δ1, E0′, and E2 transitions. The critical-point energies of the Ge1−yCy alloys were found to be indistinguishable from those of bulk Ge. This indicates that the presence of C in these alloys has no detectable influence on the band structure. The amplitude of the ellipsometric spectra is much lower than for bulk Ge, which can be attributed to surface roughness and explained within the framework of the Kirchhoff theory of diffraction or using effective medium theory. The degree of surface roughness indicated by optical measurements was verified by atomic force microscopy.
Implied superheavy element decay lifetime from meteorites.

Schramm and Fowler1 demonstrated that superheavy elements could be synthesized in the r-process. In the light of these calculations it is interesting to look at the anomalous heavy Xe isotopic composition of carbonaceous chondrites. Rowe2 has shown that these isotopic anomalies could be caused by the fission of some unknown nucleus. The Xe isotopic composition for this carbonaceous chondrite fission (CCF) spectrum is very different from the 244Pu fission spectrum measured by Alexander et al.3 and observed in other types of meteorites4–6. A reasonable candidate for this unknown fissioning nucleus would be a long lived element7–10.
Apparent Co‐Sequestration of Immunoreactive Corticotropin, α‐Melanot opin, and γ‐Lipotropin in Hypothalamic Granules

: In the present study, the question of whether immunoreactive α-melanotropin (α-MSH1), corticotropin (ACTH1), and β-melanotropin (β-MSH1) are co-sequestered in hypothalamic granules of adult male rats was addressed. When a 900 ×g supernatant fluid prepared from a hypothalamic homogenate was fractionated on continuous sucrose density gradients under non-equilibrium Conditions, two populations of particles containing α-MSH1, ACTH1, or β-MSH1 Were observed. However, when fractionated under equilibrium conditions, the two populations of particles containing α-MSH1 ACTH1, or β-MSH1 were recovered as a single band. This sedimentation characteristic indicates that the particles containing a given peptide differ in size but are similar in density. In their sedimentation, the small particles containing α-MSH1, ACTH1, and β-MSH1 are indistinguishable from granules containing α-MSH1, whereas the large particles containing α-MSH1 (ACTH1, and β-MSH1 are indistinguishable from synaptosomes containing α-MSH1, β-MSH1 had an apparent molecular weight (M.W.) of about 5,000, which is similar to that of γ-lipotropin. ACTH1 was comprised of three species of molecules: big (M.W. ≥ 10,000), 5.7K (M.W. ≌ 5,700), and 4.5K (M.W. ≌ 4,500). Big ACTH was the predominant and 5.7K ACTH the minor component of ACTH1 present in granules as well as in synaptosomes. These results are suggestive that α-MSH, ACTH and its precursors, and γ-lipotropin are co-sequestered in hypothalamic granules.
The ultraviolet‐light theory of aurora and magnetic storms

The ultra-violet light theory of aurora and magnetic storms suggests: (1) That because of winds and unusual production of ions the ionized region of the high atmosphere may be in violent agitation during the day of a magnetic storm that it grows calmer at night and becomes agitated the next day if the storm continues; (2) that there may be auroral displays in polar regions with no magnetic storms in temperate latitudes; (3) that auroral displays in temperate latitudes should as a rule be accompanied by magnetic storms; and (4) that polar aurora should follow several hours or a day after strong magnetic disturbances observed in temperate latitudes. These inferences are shown to be in agreement with the data from magnetic observatories and observations of aurora in temperate and polar latitudes. (The complete paper is published in Phys. Rev., v. 34, 344–351, 1929.)
Using Indigenous Forces in Counterinsurgency Operations: The French in Algeria, 1954–1962

Abstract While the importance of indigenous forces for successful counterinsurgency operations has long been recognized by great powers fighting local insurgencies, the factors that determine the performance of such forces have attracted relatively little scholarly attention. This paper aims to contribute to our understanding of those determinants through an examination of the role and performance of auxiliary indigenous units in French counterinsurgency operations during the Algerian War (1954–62). The findings presented here suggest some important lessons for those seeking to recruit and deploy effective indigenous forces in counterinsurgency operations.
Seeking an Expanding Competitor: How Product Line Expansion Can Increase All Firms' Profits

Abstract The author examines conditions under which one firm's product line expansion can cause all firms to be more profitable in horizontally differentiated markets. Although a firm's profits might be expected to decrease when a competitor expands its product line because the firm loses some sales to the new product, this intuition is incomplete because a competitor's product line expansion can also soften price competition. The author first provides an example using the Hotelling model that demonstrates the possibility and mechanism of profit-increasing competitor entry. He then presents conditions under which a competitor's product line expansion increases profits under the mixed-logit model. The study demonstrates that firms benefit from a rival's entry most when a moderate number of customers are unserved before the new-product introduction and when the new product is positioned such that both the rivals' products appeal to similar sets of customers. With regard to extensions, this study demonstrate...
Removal of Cerumen

To the Editor.— The QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS section includes reference to a water-pick external otitis and perforation of the tympanic membrane. 1 I would very much appreciate knowing the basis for this statement. In my hospital, a water-pick instrument and other forms of water irrigation are frequently used. My personal impression is that there has been less damage to the external canal with a water-pick instrument than with the curet. I have seen no data discussing the efficacy and complications of various methods used to remove wax from the external ear. I would very much appreciate having access to the information on which the statements are based.
Effect of a non-ionic surfactant added to the soil surface on the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons within the soil

A study was conducted to determine whether a non-ionic surfactant (Novel II 1412-56) added to the surface of Lima silt loam would enhance the biodegradation of phenanthrene and biphenyl present within the soil. Water containing the surfactant at concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/ml was pumped through the soil. At 10 μg/ml, Novel II 1412-56 markedly enhanced the rate and extent of phenathrene mineralization and the extent but not the initial rate of biphenyl mineralization. The stimulation was less if the water added to the soil surface contained 100 μg surfactant/ml. Addition of the surfactant at the two concentrations did not result in leaching of either phenanthrene or biphenyl, but products of the degradation were found in the soil leachate with or without the surfactant. We suggest that surfactants at low concentrations may be useful for in-situ bioremediation of sites contaminated with hydrophobic pollutants without causing movement of the parent compounds to ground-waters.
Studies on the Biology of Elachertus ceramidiae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Parasite of the Banana Pest Ceramidia butleri (Lepidoptera: Syntomidae)

Elachertus ceramidiae (Boucek), first described as a parasite of Ceramidia viridis Druce in Ecuador, is an important parasite of C. butleri Moschler in Central America. In Costa Rica the complete life cycle took about 13 days in the insectary. The 8–28 eggs deposited per female were attached externally on or near the host's mid-dorsal line and hatched in 2 days, larvae pupated on the seventh posthatch day, and adults emerged about 4 days later. Host caterpillars usually died on the parasites' fifth posthatch day, having fed but little on the 2 preceding days. The parasite larvae were not observed to molt. As they matured, they moved to ventrolateral positions on the host for pupation. Commonly more eggs were deposited on a host than would survive to adulthood, and often several females oviposited on the same host. Maximum egg counts were 118 on a field-collected host, 123 on one parasitized in the laboratory. The sex ratio of E. ceramidiae reared in the insectary was 1 ♂ to 9 ♀.
Meromorphic zeta functions for analytic flows

We extend to hyperbolic flows in all dimensions Rugh's results on the meromorphic continuation of dynamical zeta functions. In particular we show that the Ruelle zeta function of a negatively curved real analytic manifold extends to a meromorphic function on the complex plane.
Evaluation of the interferon-γ assay on blood collected at exsanguination of cattle under field conditions for surveillance of bovine tuberculosis.

Summary Development of point of concentration (POC) surveillance strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) would facilitate global efforts to eradicate bTB. The interferon-gamma (IFNγ) assay can detect IFNγ responses to Mycobacterium bovis in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination (COE) of experimentally challenged cattle but has not been evaluated under field conditions. The current study was aimed at determining (i) whether blood collected at COE of cattle at slaughter, under field conditions, is practical to obtain and useful for identifying cattle as IFNγ positive for bTB, (ii) whether the results of the IFNγ assay obtained at COE reliably compare with results obtained from live animals in the field, and (iii) whether the identified animal(s) originated from bTB-infected or bTB-exposed herds. Cattle from three risk groups were used: the highest risk group consisted of 49 cattle from 3 bTB-infected herds; the medium risk group consisted of 24 cattle from a potentially exposed herd; and the lowest risk group consisted of 60 cattle from herds with no known history of bTB exposure. The IFNγ assay was performed on blood collected both before stunning and at COE of cattle at slaughter. An enhanced slaughter inspection for gross lesions consistent with bTB was performed on all cattle. In addition, lymph nodes were cultured for M. bovis for cattle that tested positive for bTB via the IFNγ assay and for most cattle that tested negative for bTB. Cattle, both with and without lesions consistent with bTB, were identified as positive for bTB by the IFNγ assay using blood collected at COE, but none of the positive cattle originated from the lowest risk group. The current study demonstrates that blood collected at COE of cattle is both a practical and moderately reliable sample for accessing bTB infection using the IFNγ assay.
T=1, spin-dipole strength in 40 Ca

Spin-dipole strength in40Ca has been studied by inelastic scattering of 500-MeV protons and the dipole response in40Ca is compared with the spin-dipole data from the40Ca(p, n) reaction and nonspin-dipole data from photonuclear studies.
Sampling errors create bias in Markov models for community dynamics: the problem and a method for its solution

Repeated, spatially explicit sampling is widely used to characterize the dynamics of sessile communities in both terrestrial and aquatic systems, yet our understanding of the consequences of errors made in such sampling is limited. In particular, when Markov transition probabilities are calculated by tracking individual points over time, misidentification of the same spatial locations will result in biased estimates of transition probabilities, successional rates, and community trajectories. Nonetheless, to date, all published studies that use such data have implicitly assumed that resampling occurs without error when making estimates of transition rates. Here, we develop and test a straightforward maximum likelihood approach, based on simple field estimates of resampling errors, to arrive at corrected estimates of transition rates between species in a rocky intertidal community. We compare community Markov models based on raw and corrected transition estimates using data from Endocladia muricata-dominated plots in a California intertidal assemblage, finding that uncorrected predictions of succession consistently overestimate recovery time. We tested the precision and accuracy of the approach using simulated datasets and found good performance of our estimation method over a range of realistic sample sizes and error rates.
How do risk factors for mortality and overall complication rates following laparoscopic and open colectomy differ between inpatient and post-discharge phases of care? A retrospective cohort study from NSQIP

Risk factors for complications differ between laparoscopic (LC) and open colectomy (OC) patients, given the selection bias between these groups. How risk factors for these outcomes differ between inpatient and post-discharge phases of care requires further study. A retrospective cohort study (2005–2010) using NSQIP data was performed comparing OC and LC patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare covariates associated with mortality and overall complication rates both before and after hospital discharge. Patients in the LC cohort were younger (64.2 vs. 62.5 years; P < 0.0001) with a lower incidence of comorbidities. OC was associated with a higher incidence of mortality compared to LC among inpatients (3.3 vs. 0.61 %, P < 0.0001) and following discharge (0.88 vs. 0.29 %, P < 0.0001). OC also demonstrated a higher incidence of overall complication rates for both inpatients (22.32 vs. 9.36 %, P < 0.0001) and following discharge (8.83 vs. 7.24 %, P < 0.0001). Risk factors (P < 0.05) for mortality following LC included age and emergency procedures for inpatients; pre-operative SIRS was associated with mortality occurring after discharge. For the OC cohort, risk for mortality was increased with smoking and contaminated/dirty wounds for inpatients; pre-operative weight loss was associated with death following discharge. Factors associated with increased risk of morbidity following LC included smoking history for inpatients and pre-operative steroid therapy following discharge. Following OC, morbidity was strongly associated with ASA scores for inpatients; pre-operative steroid therapy was a risk factor following discharge. Obesity was strongly associated with non-mortal complications in both cohorts following discharge. (1) LC is associated with a lower incidence of post-operative mortality and complications. (2) Risk factors associated with adverse post-operative outcomes change during the post-operative period; surveillance for these outcomes should be tailored by operative technique and phase of post-operative care (3) Obesity is an underappreciated risk for complications following discharge for both LC and OC.
Fiscal expansion and political instability in the iberic-latin region

Recent research by public choice-oriented economists and political scientists points to a negative relation between fiscal expansion and voter support for the incumbents. Real per capita federal spending is negatively associated with the vote for the incumbent party's candidate in American presidential elections (Niskanen, 1979). There is a negative relation between increases in the percent of Gross National Product spent by the central government and incumbent party reelection to the White House and the British parliament (Cuzain and Heggen, 1984, 1985). Furthermore, the incumbent party's vote in American gubernatorial elections varies inversely with increases in the ratio of state general revenues to state personal income between elections (Peltzman, 1987). Fiscal expansion is also associated with the overthrow of Latin American governments (Cuzin, 1986). Fiscally expansionist Latin American regimes whether civilian governments or military juntas tend to be overthrown, while democracies and dictatorships practicing fiscal restraint usually survive. Together, these findings suggest that fiscal expansion costs the incumbent party a loss of political support, resulting in its being voted out or forced out of office. Since the stability of any government depends partly on support for the incumbents, it is hypothesized that, ceteris paribus, fiscal expansion is a cause of political instability. According to this hypothesis, fiscal expansion has a boomerang effect on the incumbents, increasing the likelihood that the party will lose executive office either by election or coup. The purpose of this paper is twofold. One is to bring additional empirical
Analgesia after lesions of nucleus reticularis magnocellularis: differential effect on supraspinal versus spinal pain reflexes

Abstract The present studies examine the effect of bilateral electrolytic lesions of descending fibers arising from nucleus reticularis magnocellularis (NMC) on responding to noxious peripheral thermal or mechanical stimulation and on spinal cord mono-amine levels. The lesion effects were quantified by examining two supraspinally organized pain responses, the hot plate latency and vocalization threshold and two spinally organized nociceptive reflexes, tail flick latency and hind limb flexion threshold. Following interruption of descending NMC fibers, a profound analgesia was observed on supraspinally organized pain responses. Assay of spinal cord serotonin (5-HT) indicated that the NMC lesions also destroyed appreciable numbers of descending 5-HT fibers of passage originating in nucleus raphe magnus (RM). A modest hypersensitivity to pain occurred after control lesions in RM suggesting that the analgesia observed after NMC lesions would have been even more pronounced if RM fibers of passage had not been concomitantly destroyed. To assess whether the analgesia observed after NMC lesions was due to non-specific destruction of a given volume of reticular tissue, control lesions were placed in nucleus subcoeruleus (NSC). NSC lesions resulted in a hypersensitivity to pain and significant depletion of spinal cord noradrenaline (NA). These data suggest both that the analgesia observed after NMC lesions was not due to non-specific destruction of the reticular formation, and that descending NSC NA fibers tonically suppress pain. The above analgesic effects were observed exclusively on supraspinally organized pain responses, not spinally organized nociceptive reflexes. This supports previous studies demonstrating differential descending control of nociception in the spinal versus intact preparations. In summary, the present data suggest that descending NMC fibers tonically suppress ascending pain transmission.
Food falls in the deep sea: occurrence, quality, and significance

Abstract Evidence from photographic and visual surveys suggests that large food falls are rare events. However, even if rare, food falls in the deep sea represent an extremely large local energy enrichment, given the low respiration rates and low input rates of other organic matter to the deep sea. It is possible that food falls are environmental perturbations that significantly affect the faunal diversity, composition, biomass levels, and ecology of the deep-sea benthos. Food falls may affect areas of the benthos for long periods of time.
Dynamic Factor Process Convolution Models for Multivariate Space-Time Data with Application to Air Quality Assessment

We propose a Bayesian dynamic factor process convolution model for multivariate spatial temporal processes and illustrate the utility of this approach in modeling large air quality monitoring data. Key advantages of this modeling framework are a descriptive parametrization of the cross-covariance structure of the space-time processes and dimension reduction features that allow full Bayesian inference procedures to remain computationally tractable for large data sets. These features result from modeling space-time data as realizations of linear combinations of underlying space-time fields. The underlying latent components are constructed by convolving temporally-evolving processes defined on a grid covering the spatial domain and include both trend and cyclical components. We argue that mixtures of such components can realistically describe a variety of space-time environmental processes and are especially applicable to air pollution processes that have complex space–time dependencies. In addition to the computational benefits that arise from the dimension reduction features of the model, the process convolution structure permits misaligned and missing data without the need for imputation when fitting the model. This advantage is especially useful when constructing models for data collected at monitoring stations that have misaligned sampling schedules and that are frequently out of service for long stretches of time. We illustrate the modeling approach using a multivariate pollution dataset taken from the EPA’s CASTNet database.
An evaluation of the short-term impact of a media-based substance abuse prevention programme

A state-wide substance abuse prevention programme, entitled KidsInTouch, incorporated a multifaceted approach involving: (a) media-based interventions; and (b) parent training workshops. KidsInTouch was targeted at parents and their children, ages five to 12 years. The media-based interventions attempted to increase children's and parents' awareness and knowledge about substance abuse and prevention. In addition, the intervention advertised and solicited audience participation in parent training workshops. Parents participating in the parent training workshops, in comparison to the control parents, evidenced significant improvement in both alcohol and other drug knowledge and parenting skills. The implications of using the media and involving children and their parents in substance abuse prevention programmes are discussed.
Targeted antimicrobial activity of a specific IgG-SMAP28 conjugate against Porphyromonas gingivalis in a mixed culture.

Antimicrobial peptides coupled to a ligand, receptor or antibody for a specific pathogenic bacteria could be used to develop narrow-spectrum pharmaceuticals with ‘targeted’ antimicrobial activity void of adverse reactions often associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. To assess the feasibility of this approach, in this study sheep myeloid antimicrobial peptide (SMAP) 28 was linked to affinity- and protein G-purified rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to the outer surface of Porphyromonas gingivalis strain 381. The selective activity of the P. gingivalis IgG–SMAP28 conjugate was then assessed by adding it to an artificially generated microbial community containing P. gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Peptostreptococcus micros. The specificity of the P. gingivalis IgG–SMAP28 conjugate in this mixed culture was concentration-dependent. The conjugate at 50 μg protein/mL lacked specificity and killed P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. micros. The conjugate at 20 μg protein/mL was more specific and killed P. gingivalis. This is an initial step to develop a selective antimicrobial agent that can eliminate a specific periodontal pathogen, such as P. gingivalis, from patients with periodontal disease without harming the normal commensal flora.
Reliability in long-life missions

Long life spacecraft design and reliability based on marine practices and advanced system technology project, considering grand tour outer planets mission
Development of a peptide mapping procedure to identify and quantify methionine oxidation in recombinant human α1-antitrypsin

A peptide mapping procedure was developed to identify and quantify methionine oxidation in recombinant human alpha1-antitrypsin. Due to the protein's complex structural biochemistry, chromatographic analysis of methionine containing digest peptides was a significant challenge. However, by using a combination of mass spectrometry, protein engineering, and high-temperature reversed-phase liquid chromatography, we were able to identify methionine residues that are susceptible to oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. and quantify their reactivity. Our results show that five of the protein's 10 methionine residues are susceptible to oxidation at neutral pH, four of which are localized to the active site region.
Significant increase of succinylacetone within the first 12 h of life in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1

Introduction In most countries, hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 is not included in routine newborn screening. Discussion We present the case of a female newborn with prenatal diagnosis of hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 and clear identification of this disorder by succinylacetone measurement in cord blood and peripheral blood immediately after birth. Succinylacetone was 44 μmol/L (norm <5 μmol/L) and increased within 12 h to 87.5 μmol/L. Conclusion With the high toxic potential of downstream metabolites, these data clearly point out the necessity of early nitisinone treatment to prevent symptomatic disease.
Using microcomputers to teach computer science

This paper reports the author's progress toward developing a microcomputer laboratory suitable for teaching some of the basic concepts of computer science. The rationale for this approach is presented, followed by a description of the hardware and software environment thus far developed. Finally we present two course outlines: one for an undergraduate laboratory course in computer systems and another for a graduate course in microcomputer systems design for engineers.
Hematology: Curing CML with imatinib—a dream come true?

Imatinib was discontinued in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who gained a complete molecular response (CMR). Of those patients with at least 12 months follow-up, 61% experienced recurrence, all of whom responded to rechallenge. The remaining patients maintained CMR, suggesting that imatinib may 'cure' a small proportion of patients with CML.
Performance of shrimp futures markets as price discovery and hedging mechanisms

Abstract Granger causality tests revealed leading indicators of shrimp futures prices, implying that futures prices do not reflect all available market information and potentially fail to be an exemplary price discovery mechanism. Trading simulations confirmed that the use of some leading indicators allowed profitable arbitrage in shrimp futures trading. Shrimp futures were deficient as a hedging tool, as well. Correlations between futures and wholesale cash prices were often low, and basis risk rivaled price risk. Lack of liquidity is a likely explanation for shrimp futures’ shortcomings as a hedging tool and price discovery mechanism.