cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in rates of salivary estriol increases before parturition at term.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the increases of salivary estriol concentrations before the onset of labor at term. Study Design: Salivary estriol concentrations were measured in weekly patient-collected samples by means of a sensitive (mean ± SD threshold, 0.025 ± 0.001 ng/mL; coefficient of variation, 3.8%) direct enzyme immunoassay in a microtiter plate format. The salivary estriol concentrations in 16 healthy pregnant women were characterized from 30 weeks' gestation until the time of parturition and delivery. Samples were stored frozen at collection and analyzed in batches after delivery. Results: The median salivary estriol concentration profile revealed a nonlinear rise beginning from 30 weeks' gestation (0.89 ng/mL) until term (2.70 ng/mL, an increase of 201%). At 35 weeks' gestation the salivary estriol concentration median value increased sharply (positive inflection point, 50%-93% increase) at a demarcation between a slower increase during early pregnancy and a more rapid increase during late pregnancy. This positive inflection point associated with a late pregnancy increase characterized subgroups of pregnancies according to the lengths of gestation as follows: early term (delivered at 40 weeks' gestation). Five weeks before delivery the mean (±SEM) rate of rise in salivary estriol concentration was 0.50 ± 0.13 ng/mL per week to 0.84 ± 0.26 ng/mL per week in the early term group. The increase in rate for the middle term group was 0.32 ± 0.06 ng/mL per week to 0.37 ± 0.26 ng/mL per week, whereas in the late term group the rate of salivary estriol concentration rise was 0.37 ± 0.03 ng/mL per week to –0.03 ± 0.25 ng/mL per week. Conclusion: These data demonstrate in normal pregnancies (1) that a direct, nonradiometric measure of salivary estriol concentration can be used to monitor the late pregnancy increase in estriol production, (2) that 35 weeks' gestation marks a positive inflection point of the onset of increased estriol production, and (3) that the late pregnancy rise in salivary estriol concentration shows distinct patterns that tend to be characteristic of the length of pregnancy. These data support the concept that the rate of increase of estriol production is related to the timing of the onset of labor. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:123-30.)
SIM Interferometer Testbed (SCDU) Status and Recent Results

SIM Lite is a space-borne stellar interferometer capable of searching for Earth-size planets in the habitable zones of nearby stars. This search will require measurement of astrometric angles with sub micro-arcsecond accuracy and optical pathlength differences to 1 picometer by the end of the five-year mission. One of the most significant technical risks in achieving this level of accuracy is from systematic errors that arise from spectral differences between candidate stars and nearby reference stars. The Spectral Calibration Development Unit (SCDU), in operation since 2007, has been used to explore this effect and demonstrate performance meeting SIM goals. In this paper we present the status of this testbed and recent results.
Irradiation exacerbates cortical cytopathology in the Eker rat model of tuberous sclerosis complex, but does not induce hyperexcitability.

Summary Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multi-organ pathologies. Most TSC patients exhibit seizures, usually starting in early childhood. The neuropathological hallmarks of the disease – cortical tubers, containing cytopathological neuronal and glial cell types – appear to be the source of seizure initiation. However, the contribution of these aberrant cell populations to TSC-associated epilepsies is not fully understood. To gain further insight, investigators have attempted to generate animal models with TSC-like brain abnormalities. In the current study, we focused on the Eker rat, in which there is a spontaneous mutation of the TSC2 gene (TSC2+/−). We attempted to exacerbate TSC-like brain pathologies with a “second-hit” strategy—exposing young pups to ionizing irradiation of different intensities, and at different developmental timepoints (between E18 and P6). We found that the frequency of occurrence of dysmorphic neurons and giant astrocytes was strongly dependent on irradiation dose, and weakly dependent on timing of irradiation in Eker rats, but not in irradiated normal controls. The frequency of TSC-like pathology was progressive; there were many more abnormal cells at 3 months compared to 1 month post-irradiation. Measures of seizure propensity (flurothyl seizure latency) and brain excitability (paired-pulse and post-tetanic stimulation studies in vitro), however, showed no functional changes associated with the appearance of TSC-like cellular abnormalities in irradiated Eker rats.
Palladium-103 radiation therapy for small choroidal melanoma.

Purpose To evaluate outcomes after ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy for small choroidal melanomas. Design Retrospective study, case series. Participants Seventy-two patients with choroidal melanomas ≥1.5 and ≤2.4 mm apical height and ≤10 mm width treated between 2002 and 2012, with a minimum follow-up of 8 months. Methods All patients were treated with palladium-103 plaque brachytherapy. Mean radiation dose to the tumor apex was 82.4 Gy (range, 70.0–102 Gy). Main Outcome Measures Local control, radiation complications, visual acuity, and metastatic rate. Results Plaque radiotherapy provided 100% local tumor control and eye retention at a mean 54 months of observation (95% confidence interval, 46–63 months). The most common long-term brachytherapy-related complications were radiation maculopathy (43.1%) and radiation optic neuropathy (20.8%) developing at a mean of 27 months (range, 9–72 months) after irradiation. In this series, 94.4% of patients maintained 20/200 or better vision. There has been no small choroidal melanoma–related metastasis. Conclusions Palladium-103 plaque radiation therapy offered excellent local control and visual acuity outcomes for patients with small choroidal melanoma. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint

Intrinsic finger metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint locking is infrequent, although not rare. Our experience and the recent literature suggest that metacarpophalangeal locking is being recognized with increasing frequency. The various mechanisms responsible for intrinsic finger MP locking, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, are reviewed. Four additional cases of the condition are presented.
Cytoplasmic alteration of an established pattern of Rana pipiens chromosomal DNA replication.

Abstract Cells from Rana pipiens embryos were incubated in 3 H-thymidine for the duration of the last quarter of the S period plus the G 2 period of the cell cycle. Chromosomes of animal hemisphere cells of stage 9 embryos showed uniform labeling, whereas chromosomes of endodermal cells of stage 17 embryos showed terminal labeling. We tested whether egg cytoplasm would alter an established temporal pattern of chromosomal DNA replication. Nuclei from disaggregated endodermal cells of stage 17 embryos were transplanted into activated and enucleated eggs. The eggs were then allowed to develop to the blastula stage. Animal hemisphere explants of these blastulae were incubated in 3 H-thymidine. Radioautographic localization of silver halide grains demonstrated a chromosomal DNA replication pattern that was uniform over the the metaphase chromosomes. The egg cytoplasm had evidently altered an established temporal pattern of chromosomal DNA replication.
Experimental and Modeling Studies for Understanding Shoe-Floor-Contaminant Friction and Designing for Slip-Resistance

Insufficient friction at the shoe-floor interface causes a large number of slip and falling accidents each year. Developing solutions for enhancing shoe-floor-contaminant friction requires understanding the mechanisms that contribute to slippery surfaces. Over the past several years, our research group has conducted several experimental and modeling studies to reveal the critical tribological mechanisms contributing to shoe-floor-contaminant friction. This extended abstract will discuss the findings of these studies to: 1) determine the lubrication regime(s) that is/are most relevant to under-shoe conditions during slipping; 2) quantify how under-shoe conditions, shoes and flooring affect the two main contributions to boundary lubrication: adhesion and hysteresis; and 3) describe how this information can be used to design slip-resistant shoes and flooring. To identify the lubrication regime, interfacial pressures at the shoe-floor-contaminant interface were measured and coefficient of friction was monitored. Low viscous fluids and shoes with at least 2mm of tread were found to have negligible interfacial pressures and moderate friction coefficients (0.07–0.40). Untreaded shoes combined with high viscous fluids led to high interfacial pressures that supported up to 40% of the normal load and low friction coefficients (<0.01). These results suggest that mixed/elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication is relevant in some untreaded conditions but that boundary lubrication is relevant for most other conditions. In boundary lubrication, the primary factors contributing to friction are adhesion and hysteresis. Experimental data and finite element models demonstrate that hysteresis friction increases with floor roughness and the ratio of shoe to floor hardness. Adhesion friction is dependent on real area of contact and the shear stress required to break junctions. Experimental data suggests that adhesion is dependent on the fluid lubricant, sliding speed, floor roughness and shoe material. Finite element models confirm that a reduction in the real area of contact occurs with increasing floor roughness and sliding speed, consistent with the experimental adhesion effects. Ensuring that the shoe-floor-fluid interface is operating in the boundary lubrication regime requires establishing minimum tread threshold for fluid lubricants that are likely to be found in a given environment. Designing a high hysteresis shoe-floor combination is preferred because it is relatively unaffected by fluid contaminants or under-shoe conditions (i.e. sliding speed). Therefore, ensuring a minimum tread depth is used along with increasing floor roughness and shoe to floor hardness may be effective in addition to minimum tread thresholds.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
DNA Diagnosis in Monogenic Diseases

Several routine procedures are available for diagnosis of diseases caused by an alteration in a single gene. These techniques include Southern analysis, the polymerase chain reaction, allele-specific oligonucleotide screening, automated DNA nucleotide sequencing, and linkage analysis. DNA testing procedures can be used for diagnosis of disease, determination of carrier status in affected families, or general screening of the population. Some of the more commonly used techniques and their applications are described in this article.
Validation of Helioseismology through Forward Modeling: Realization Noise Subtraction and Kernels

Through a series of numerical simulations of the near-surface acoustic wavefield of the Sun, we show the utility of the forward approach in local helioseismology. We demonstrate and apply a method to subtract a large fraction of the realization noise from the simulated data. The ability to attain high signal-to-noise ratios from brief forward calculations implies that computational resources are less of a bottleneck, making this alternate method for investigations of the solar interior very feasible. We put this method to use by deriving sensitivity kernels for sound-speed perturbations and source suppression for the background state in our computations using techniques of time-distance helioseismology, all from merely 48 hr of artificial data.
Some possible effects of consolidation on growth fault geometry

Abstract An analytic solution to the one-dimensional consolidation equation is used to simulate changes in growth fault geometry through time by tracing the evolution of passive markers. The main effect of consolidation is calculated to be a uniform reduction in dip with the addition of very little curvature. Excess pore fluid pressure distributions calculated from the one-dimensional consolidation equation show that there is little variation in the degree of consolidation with depth except for near-surface boundary effects, which agrees with empirical depth-porosity curves from the literature. Although some curvature is added to the markers due to differential consolidation in the short term, the curvature is minor. Furthermore, this curvature disappears as consolidation progresses in the long term. Thus it appears that original geometry contributes more to the listric profile of growth faults than does differential consolidation.
Acute mitochondrial toxicity of caffeine in cultured heart cells

The cytotoxic effect of caffeine on heart cells was evaluated in primary cultures of rat heart muscle (M) and endothelioid (E) cells. The cultures were exposed to 5, 10, or 20 mM caffeine for 6, 12, or 24 hours. As an index of cytotoxicity produced by the treatments, in situ changes in mitochondrial membrane fragility were measured by a sensitive cytochemical technique. The 24 hr treatment with 20 mM caffeine was lethal to both E and M cell cultures; only the 12 hr treatment of M cell cultures with 20 mM caffeine produced significant labilization of mitochondrial membranes. The results of tests with other concentrations and durations of treatment were not statistically significant.
Insects captured in light traps in the gulf of Mexico

Information obtained through insect migration research is an absolute necessity for the development of mathematical models to describe insect populations and the development of wide-area pest management programs. Data delineating the distance that insect species can traverse, nonstop, are limited. Thus, insect traps were placed on unmanned oil platforms located at four locations in the Gulf of Mexico up to 160 km from shore. A total of 177 species representing 9 orders and 69 families of insects was captured from all locations between 11 September 1973 and 21 October 1973. Synoptic weather patterns were analyzed to help understand the mechanism of insect transport.
First-Principles Study of the Switching Mechanism of [2]Catenane Molecular Electronic Devices

We present a first-principles study of the coherent charge transport properties of bistable [2]catenane molecular monolayers sandwiched between Au(111) electrodes. We find that conduction channels around the Fermi level are dominated by the two highest occupied molecular orbital levels from tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and the two lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels from tetracationic cyclophane (CBPQT 4� ), and the OFF to ON switching results from the energetic shifts of these orbitals as CBPQT 4� moves from TTF to DNP. We show that the superposition principle can be adopted for predicting the function of the composite device.
Polychlorinated biphenyls: Distribution and storage in body fluids and tissues of Sherman rats

Abstract An analytical method for determination of PCB (Aroclor 1254) in blood, urine, feces, and tissues of Sherman strain rats after prolonged dietary intake (100, 500, and 1000 ppm) is presented. The method involves homogenization and extraction with hexane, cleanup on a silica gel microcolumn and analysis by electron-capture gasliquid chromatography. Recovery data are shown at 0.1, 5, 14, and 100 ppm. Mass spectroscopic characteristics of PCB in tissues are given. Distribution, storage, and excretion rates during feeding and after discontinuance of PCB in the diet are presented.
Effect of thermal treatment on failure modes in tungsten wire

The modes of failure, from microvoid coalescence to transgranular cleavage, are documented in tungsten wire as a function of thermal history. The failure is primarily ductile at room temperature due to an initial highly elongated fine grain structure. When heat treated at temperatures of approximately 1350 K, strong evidence of transverse grain boundary formation is evident on the primarily intergranular failure surfaces. However, when subjected to heat treatments at 1630 K for 5 min, transgranular cleavage dominates both at temperature and after cooling to room temperature. It is suggested that this change is indicative of strengthening grain boundaries at the higher temperature heat treatments. In all of the cases examined, the fractography of tungsten wire allows the thermal history of the specimen to be determined.
A Zernike Moment based methodology for heart disease detection

This paper details a Zernike Moments and Fuzzy-C-Means clustering based technique to identify the nature of an ECG image. The proposed method can detect whether the ECG image belongs to a normal heart or a diseased heart. In the second case it can indicate the disease of the heart also. The method has been tested on four databases- congestive heart failure database, ventricular tachyarrhythmia database, atrial fibrillation database and normal sinus rhythm database. The experiment shows that the proposed technique is successful in 98.7% cases.
Towards architecture independent metrics for multicore performance analysis

The prevalence of multicore architectures has made the performance analysis of multithreaded applications an intriguing area of inquiry. An understanding of locality effects and communication behavior can provide programmers with valuable information about performance bottlenecks and opportunities for optimization. Unfortunately, most performance analyses are architecture dependent, and hence insights gleaned from an application's behavior on one platform may not apply when the application is run on another. In this position paper, we argue that what is needed are architecture independent metrics that characterize the behavior of an application in a system-agnostic manner. Such metrics will allow a program's performance to be analyzed across a range of architectures without incurring the overhead of repeated profiling and analysis. We propose two specific analyses: multicore-aware reuse distance, which captures the locality properties of an application and communication analysis, which exposes the structure of communication in an application. We also discuss a number of applications of these analyses, in the domains of optimization, code restructuring and performance modeling.
What the Jews Do

Jewishness is neither a set of beliefs nor the participation in a community, but rather recognition of one's self in response to a force in the world. While we are “always already Jewish,” waiting to be hailed, our sense of identity remains phantasmic. It is this sense of longing, rather than any kind of belonging, that may be most helpful in elaborating an ethical diasporic identity.
Nocturnal tube feedings

Nutritional management of severely ill patients can be approached in several ways. Tube feeding may be the only way to ensure adequate nutrition, or it may be used to supplement inadequate oral intake. In many hospitals, tube feedings are administered only during daytime or evening hours. The potential uses of nocturnal administration are reviewed. Experience of 200 patients with and without cancer using this technique are presented.
Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a polyarylate before and after transesterification

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and a copolyester of bisphenol A–terephthaloylisophthaloyl (PAr) (2:1:1) have been studied both before and after transesterification. The physical blends exhibit phase separation in their amorphous states: a pure PET phase and a mixed PAr-rich phase. In spite of this phase separation, PET crystallinity in blends, normalized to PET fraction, surprisingly goes through a maximum at 25% PAr content. The transesterfied copolymers are noncrystallizable and exhibit a single Tg between those of starting polymers, PET and PAr.
Absolute partial cross sections for electron-impact ionization of H2, N2, and O2 from threshold to 1000 eV

Absolute partial cross sections from threshold to 1000 eV are reported for electron-impact ionization of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. Data are presented for the production of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{\mathrm{}+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$; the production of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{\mathrm{}+}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{+}$+${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{\mathrm{}2+}$, and ${\mathrm{N}}^{2+}$ from ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$; and the production of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\mathrm{}+}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$+${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\mathrm{}2+}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}^{2+}$ from ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. The product ions are mass analyzed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and detected with a position-sensitive detector whose output provides clear evidence that all energetic fragment ions are collected. The overall uncertainty in the absolute cross-section values for singly charged parent ions is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.5% and is marginally higher for fragment ions. Previous cross-section measurements are compared to the present results. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Thermally induced excited-state coherent raman spectra of solids

Abstract A difference frequency resonance has been observed for the 747 cm−1 vibration in the first excited singlet state of pentacene in benzoic acid. The resonance is absent at low temperature (4.5 K) and its appearance is exponentially activated with an activation energy of 13.8 cm−1. These observations are compared to theoretical expectations.
Pipeline Diplomacy: The Geopolitics of the Caspian Sea Region

The Caspian Sea region is important to world energy markets because it holds large reserves of undeveloped oil and natural gas. In order to fully utilize these resources several challenges need to be addressed. These include an accurate assessment of the region’s hydrocarbon resources; rivalries between regional and international powers; domestic ethnic conflicts; and lack of appropriate export routes. This study examines these four obstacles. It argues that the region could help increase world energy security by diversifying global sources of supply; however, the notion that the Caspian’s oil and gas can be the panacea to long-term global energy security is misguided.
Polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis on biodiesel wastewater using mixed microbial consortia.

Abstract Crude glycerol (CG), a by-product of biodiesel production, is an organic carbon-rich substrate with potential as feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. PHA is a biodegradable thermoplastic synthesized by microorganisms as an intracellular granule. In this study we investigated PHA production on CG using mixed microbial consortia (MMC) and determined that the enriched MMC produced exclusively polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) utilizing the methanol fraction. PHB synthesis appeared to be stimulated by a macronutrient deficiency. Intracellular concentrations remained relatively constant over an operational cycle, with microbial growth occurring concurrent with polymer synthesis. PHB average molecular weights ranged from 200–380 kDa, while thermal properties compared well with commercial PHB. The resulting PHB material properties and characteristics would be suitable for many commercial uses. Considering full-scale process application, it was estimated that a 38 million L (10 million gallon) per year biodiesel operation could potentially produce up to 19 metric ton (20.9 ton) of PHB per year.
Comparison of the Glucosyltransferases of Streptococcus mutans GS-5 to a Non-cariogenic Mutant

The extracellular glucosyltransferase (GTF) enzymes of Streptococcus mutans GS-5 and avirulent mutant GS-511 were fractionated using agarose and DEAE-cellulose columns. GTF of GS-5 produced both water-soluble and -insoluble glucans, while those of GS-511 made soluble products almost exclusively. Nearly all (98%) of the small amount of insoluble GTF enzyme made by GS-511 was bound to the cell wall.
Nilpotent Hopf Bifurcations in Coupled Cell Systems

Network architecture can lead to robust synchrony in coupled systems and, surprisingly, to codimen- sion one bifurcations from synchronous equilibria at which the associated Jacobian is nilpotent. We prove three theorems concerning nilpotent Hopf bifurcations from synchronous equilibria to periodic solutions, where the critical eigenvalues have algebraic multiplicity two and geometric multiplicity one, and discuss these results in the context of three different networks in which the bifurcations occur generically. Phenomena stemming from these bifurcations include multiple periodic solutions, solutions that grow at a rate faster than the standard λ 1 2 , and solutions that grow slower than the standard λ 1 2 . These different bifurcations depend on the network architecture and, in particular, on the flow-invariant subspaces that are forced to exist by the architecture.
A new approach for joint estimation of local magnitude, decay, and frequency from single-shot MRI

By omitting local decay and phase evolution, traditional MRI models each datum as a sample from k -space so that reconstruction can be implemented by FFTs. Single-shot parameter assessment by retrieval from signal encoding (SS-PARSE) acknowledges local decay and phase evolution, so it models each datum as a sample from (k , t )-space rather than k -space. Local decay and frequency vary continuously in space. Because of this, discrete models in space can cause artifacts in the reconstructed parameters. Increasing the resolution of the reconstructed parameters can more accurately capture the spatial variations, but the resolution is limited not only by computational complexity but also by the size of the acquired data. For a limited data set used for reconstruction, simply increasing the resolution may cause the reconstruction to become an underdetermined problem. This paper presents a solution to this problem based on cubic convolution interpolation.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Recombination-Facilitated RAPD Marker-Assisted Selection for Disease Resistance in Common Bean

The use of RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNA) for indirect selection of disease resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is often limited by the amplification in susceptible germplasm of DNA fragments equal in size to the resistance-linked markers. We investigated whether a recombinant individual, with recessive resistance (bc-3bc-3) to bean common mosaic virus, but lacking the RAPD OAD19 690 originally linked in repulsion, would enable indirect selection when crossed to a susceptible cv. C-20 with an amplified fragment equal in size to OAD19 690 . Similar use of a recombinant for the marker OS13 660 , originally linked in coupling but now in repulsion with bc-3, was investigated. Each marker segregated in reverse orientation with bc-3 in a single population as the resistant parent was recombinant for both RAPDs. In the resulting F 2 population of 81 individuals, OAD19 690 , originally in repulsion, now cosegregated in coupling with the bc-3 allele, and could be used to obtain resistant progeny by selecting against it. Conversely, OS13 660 , originally in coupling, now cosegregated in repulsion. The strategy of recombination-facilitated marker-assisted selection has the potential to : (i) overcome limited use of dominant RAPD markers by broadening their range of application across all susceptible genotypes, (ii) change linkage orientation of a dominant RAPD marker to that with the greatest selection efficiency for a particular breeding program, and (iii) indicate whether a RAPD marker and same-sized fragment assort independently or are amplified from the same or nearby genomic region.
Modified ultra wideband hybrid dielectric resonator antenna

An ultra wideband hybrid dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented in this paper. The aim from the design process is to get an ultra wide impedance bandwidth with stable radiation pattern through the operating frequency. CST simulation software is used to obtain the entire simulation results. The results illustrate that the proposed DRA has a 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 148.4 % from 6.2 GHz to more than 42 GHz.
Non-calcified coronary plaque volume inversely related to CD4(+) T-cell count in HIV infection.

BackgroundNon-calcified coronary artery plaque (NCAP) might be an important predictor of cardiovascular events; however, few studies have directly measured NCAP in HIV-infected individuals.MethodsW...
Family Support in Nursing Homes Serving Residents with a Mental Health History

Using 2003 nursing home data from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) database, this study investigated the role of family support among nursing homes serving residents with a mental health history. Exploratory factor analysis was used to create and test a conceptual model of family support using indicators located within the MDS database. Families were found to be in regular contact with their relatives and supportive of their care. In nursing homes, daily contact, an ongoing relationship, involvement in assessment, and being responsible for the resident constitute the model family support. This study advances the understanding of family support in nursing homes and conveys information to guide practice through proposing ways to enhance family support and involvement in nursing homes.
Seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition of three botanical sources of ω‐3 fatty acid planted in the Yungas ecosystem of tropical Argentina

Studies have shown that the fatty acid composition of oils consumed can affect the risk of cardiovascular heart disease, and many consumers are therefore looking for sources of ω-3 fatty acids. Three herbs of the family Lamiaceae, chia (Salvia hispanica L.), golden chia (Salvia columbariae Benth.) and winter savory (Satureja montana L.), all of which produce seeds rich in ω-3 fatty acid, were planted in northwestern Argentina to determine their production potential in terms of seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. Chia seed had the highest oil content (29.9%), followed by golden chia (21.0%) and winter savory (8.0%). All three crops exhibited similar fatty acid profiles, with α-linolenic ω-3 fatty acid being the largest component. Golden chia had the highest α-linolenic fatty acid content: 17% and 11% more than chia and winter savory, respectively. Golden chia's shattering, however, is a major disadvantage for commercial production, making this the least attractive crop of the three. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A Highly Sensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Circulating Anti-BP180 Autoantibodies in Patients with Bullous Pemphigoid

The BP180 antigen, a component of the epidermal anchoring complex, has been identified as one of the major antigenic targets of autoantibodies associated with the blistering skin disease, bullous pemphigoid. Our research group has recently demonstrated that reactivity of bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies to the BP180 ectodomain is almost entirely restricted to a set of four antigenic sites clustered within the membrane-proximal noncollagenous stretch (NC16A). Using a passive transfer mouse model, antibodies to the corresponding noncollagenous region of murine BPI80 were shown to trigger an inflammatory subepidermal blistering disease that closely mimics bullous pemphigoid. We now report the development of an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay system that is extremely sensitive in detecting disease-specific autoantibodies in the sera of bullous pemphigoid patients. The target antigen in this assay is a recombinant form of the BP180 NC16A domain that contains all four of the well-defined bullous pemphigoid-associated antigenic sites. Of 50 randomly selected bullous pemphigoid sera tested, 47 (94%) were positive in this assay, whereas no specific reactivity was detected in any of the 107 controls. Interestingly, all three of the bullous pemphigoid sera that were negative in this assay had been obtained from patients who were already undergoing treatment. The NC16A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is more sensitive than any of the standard techniques for detecting circulating bullous pemphigoid autoantibodies, including other enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunoblotting, and indirect immunofluorescence. Finally, the NC16A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provides immunologic information that cannot be obtained from direct immunofluorescence studies of skin biopsies, and that may well be relevant in the diagnosis and treatment of bullous pemphigoid.
SU‐GG‐T‐512: Causes and Prevention of MR‐Induced Skin Heating for Patients with Attached Headframes for Gamma Radiosurgery

Purpose: We have investigated the potential for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) induced skin heating for gamma radiosurgery patients with attached rigid headframes. MRI‐induced heating through three mechanisms may be possible where the four headframe screws contact the skin surface of the patient's head. Method and Materials: Using melons as head phantoms, optical thermometers were inserted sub‐surface at selected points to measure the temperature profile of the melon‐headframe composite as a function of the applied 3T MR pulse sequence. Multiple headframe post and screw combinations, representing possible clinical scenarios, were evaluated for MRI‐induced heating.Results: The potential exists for a range of MRI‐induced skin heating from 2–10 C or more at the attachment sites of the radiosurgical headframe. This localized heating originates with the RF fields inducing current in a loop formed by the headframe, mounting screws and the region of the patient's head located between any of the two screws, with the loop in a position perpendicular to the RF field. This current is then resistively dissipated, with the regions of highest resistance, the screw‐patient interface, experiencing the most heating. Thus skin heating, including burns, is a potential hazard for gamma radiosurgery patients during MRI scans. However, this hazard is easily prevented by replacing the metallic threads holding the screws with electrically insulated nuts that prevent the formation of current loops. This method has been confirmed and is a recommendation of the gamma unit's manufacturer. Conclusion: MRI‐induced heating of the skin has been investigated for patients with rigidly attached headframes. Using a melon‐phantom system the cause of heating and potential burns has been determined for selected 3T MR imaging sequences and headframe‐screw combinations. The recommended method for prevention of MRI‐induced skin heating with an attached gamma radiosurgery headframe has been verified. Disclosure: Supported in part by NIH T32‐CA113267.
The Concept Of Effective Exposure Time For Three Phase Diagnostic Radiologic Equipment

Performance evaluations of three phase diagnostic radiologic equipment indicate the need for a reassessment of the concept of exposure time. Measurements of exposure time as defined by the equipment manufacturer (kV pulse width at 75% of peak value) demonstrates a lack of proportionality between exposure time and radiation intensity. In this paper, a method of determining an effective exposure time is presented. This effective time is defined as teff = tind + ▵t, where tind is the time indicated at the control and At is the correction required to achieve proportionality. Measurements show a wide variation in the value of At among different manufacturers and for different operating conditions, ranging from 0 to 6 ms.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Where There Is No Company: Indigenous Peoples, Sustainability, and the Challenges of Mid-Stream Mining Reforms in Guyana's Small-Scale Gold Sector

Much of the hype behind ‘sustainable mining’ elaborates ‘best practices’ using a spatial and temporal framework primarily applicable to large-scale, company-driven mines unfolding in the future. This approach confines already producing fields to peripheral concerns and obscures artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) production from mainstream debates on sustainable mining and indigenous rights. The article provides an overview of mining reforms on multiple scales and a case study of Guyana's gold sector. Looking closely at ASM processes in the Upper Mazaruni river basin, the traditional homeland of the indigenous Akawaio and Arekuna, the evidence reveals a compelling case for denying the hype of sustainable mining. Oddly enough, indigenous involvement with mining presents a unique opportunity to rethink progressive ASM designs for two key reasons. First, vested interests in long-term survival on the same land are a qualitative advantage for overcoming the limits of short-term, fragmented engagements with ...
Internet resources for the Kosovo crisis

The Internet has had an unprecedented impact on the ready availability of information to the public. The conflict in Yugoslavia and Kosovo is an excellent example of how information sources can proliferate around a current, hot topic. However, as is true with any controversial topic, although much of the information available on the Internet is reliable, much of it is propaganda or disinformation. The user must be wary when weighing up the relative merits of these sources. This essay presents a very small, select set of Internet sources devoted to the Kosovo crisis. The author has attempted to present selections that span a range of ideological perspectives reflecting the views of all the major players in the crisis.
TGF‐β induces p65 acetylation to enhance bacteria‐induced NF‐κB activation

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members are multifunctional growth factors involved in regulating diverse biological processes. Despite the critical role for TGF-β in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and development, its role in regulating NF-κB-dependent inflammatory response still remains unclear. Here, we show that TGF-β1 induces acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit to synergistically enhance bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The TGF-β1-induced acetylation of p65 is mediated via a Smad3/4-PKA-p300-dependent signaling pathway. Acetylation of p65 at lysine 221 by TGF-β1 is critical for synergistic enhancement of bacteria-induced DNA-binding activity, NF-κB activation, NF-κB-dependent transcription of TNF-α and IL-1β and interstitial polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the novel regulation of NF-κB by TGF-β signaling.
C implantation and surface degradation of InGaP

C ions were implanted alone, or with either N, AI, Ar, or P co-implants, into In0.51Ga0.49P at doses between 5 × 1012–5 × 1014 cm−2 and the electrical activation was measured for annealing temperatures between 650–1000°C. Capless proximity annealing preserves the surface to ≤900°C, as measured by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The acceptor activation percentages are low (≤20%) in all cases. This is consistent with a model in which C has a strong tendency for self-compensation in InGaP.
Orthographic analysis of geological structures—II. Practical applications

Abstract The deformation suffered by an object is directly related to the angle of inclination required to interpret its outline as an oblique view of an undeformed object. This relationship is the basis of orthographic strain analysis, the continuum mechanical theory of which was discussed in Part I. Part II comprises step-by-step instructions for determining strain from a wide variety of markers, for restoring the three-dimensional strain configuration from two-dimensional data and for incorporating strain data in structural sections.
Direct effects of pH and inorganic carbon on macroalgal photosynthesis and growth

Abstract The maximum final pHs reached during extended photosynthesis were 8.83 for the red algae Delesseria sanguinea and 10.19 for the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus, as long as the concentrations of exceeded 1 mmol l−1, suggesting the existence of an upper pH limit for macroalgal photosynthesis. In experiments initiated with low concentrations of inorganic carbon, the final pH decreased with reduced initial pH, indicating that inorganic carbon became limiting. Effects of high O2 concentrations could be ruled out as a contributing factor in pH drift experiments initiated at or above pH 7.5. The growth rates of both species decreased when pH exceeded 8.5. However, although the growth of D. sanguinea stopped at pH 9.1–9.3, depending on acclimation, F. vesiculosus could maintain its growth up to a pH of 9.8 in these experiments. Additional experiments carried out on F. vesiculosus at two pH levels, 8 and 9.3, and a range of dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations revealed that the growth of F. vesiculosus...
An Effective Day Treatment Model for Young Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Abstract A day treatment program was provided for 31 children (ages 2 through 6) with DSM-III diagnoses of infantile autism or pervasive developmental disorder. The main intervention strategies were use of positively charged affective experiences to aid the development of close interpersonal relationships, use of play in all its interpersonal, cognitive, and structural variety, and a pragmatics-based language therapy model delivered within a highly predictable and carefully structured milieu. Over a 6-month intervention period, subjects demonstrated significant treatment effects in cognition, perceptual/fine motor, social/emotional, and language skills, which were maintained or increased over a 12- to 18-month treatment period. Play skills increased significantly in symbolic complexity, symbolic agency, and symbolic substitutions. Additionally, there was significant reduction of autistic symptomology.
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Accountability : special issue introduction

Anyone associated with education—teachers, researchers, parents, and students, themselves—recognizes that the core of education is teaching and learning, and the teaching–learning connection works best when we have effective teachers working with every student every day.While effectiveness can be defined in myriad ways (Cruickshank and Haefele 2001), the essential issue is that we have the most effective teachers possible guiding the learning of students. And, “without high quality evaluation systems, we cannot know if we have high quality teachers” (Stronge and Tucker 2003, p. 3). Teacher evaluation is, first, about documenting the quality of teacher performance; then, its focus shifts to helping teachers improve their performance as well as holding them accountability for their work (adapted from Stronge 2006). How do we evaluate teachers for effectiveness? Does performance evaluation play a role in teacher development and school improvement? What are international trends and issues regarding teacher evaluation? And what is the nexus between teacher Educ Asse Eval Acc (2013) 25:155–158 DOI 10.1007/s11092-013-9172-z
Vaccine therapy for cancer.

Background: Tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) can be isolated from the solid tumors, draining lymph nodes, metastatic effusions, and peripheral blood of cancer patients. Despite this evidence for a cell-mediated immune response to cancer, attempts at active specific immunotherapy using cancer vaccines have met with little success in clinical trials. Methods: We have reviewed the immunobiology of the cell-mediated immune response to cancer by focusing on what is known about the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted interaction between tumor cells and CD8+ or CD4+ T-cells. In addition, we review the recent advances in the identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are recognized by tumor-specific CTLs in melanoma and other cancers. In discussing these antigens, we highlight the recent identification of several MHC-restricted antigenic peptides that are recognized by CTLs from patients with melanoma and those with ovarian and breast cancer. We examine the implications that the discovery of these TAAs and peptides will have on the development of new anticancer vaccines. We review the most recent vaccine trials in melanoma and other cancers and focus on current concepts aimed at improving the therapeutic efficacy of future vaccines, including genetically engineered tumor cell vaccines. Conclusions: With the recent identification of several TAAs and antigenic peptide epitopes in melanoma and other cancers, immunotherapy researchers are now focusing on new strategies for the development of anticancer vaccines. As the repertoire of known TAAs increases and our understanding of the immunobiology of cell-mediated immunity to cancer improves, immunotherapists remain cautiously optimistic in their quest for effective cancer vaccines.
The Relationship of Physical Fitness, Self-Beliefs, and Social Support to the Academic Performance of Middle School Boys and Girls

We examined the influence of physical and psychosocial variables on math and reading achievement test scores. Between 1 and 5 months prior to taking annual standardized reading and math tests, a sample of (N = 1,211) sixth through eight graders (53.7% girls; 57.2% White) self-reported levels of physical activity, academic self-beliefs, general self-esteem, and social support and participated in objective testing to obtain measures of body composition (body mass index [BMI]) and cardiorespiratory fitness. Socioeconomic status (SES) and state-based reading and math achievement test scores were provided by the school district. Regression analyses revealed that SES, academic self-beliefs, and cardiorespiratory fitness were the consistent predictors of the students’ performance in reading and math; perceived social support from family and friends and higher levels of self-esteem were related to higher reading scores for the boys only. Our findings support schools re-examining policies that have limited student...
Density dependent selection incorporating intraspecific competition 1. A haploid model

Abstract A haploid model is introduced and analyzed in which intraspecific competition is incorporated within a density dependent framework. It is assumed that each genotype has a unique carrying capacity corresponding to the equilibrium population size when fixed for that type. Each genotypic fitness at a single multi-allelic locus is a function of a distinctive effective population size formed by adding the numbers of each genotype present, weighted by an intraspecific competition coefficient. As a result, the fitnesses depend upon the relative frequencies of the various genotypes as well as the total population size. Intergenotypic interactions can have a profound effect upon the outcome of the population. In particular, when the density effect of one individual upon another depends upon their respective genotypes, a unique stable interior equilibrium is possible in which all alleles are present. This stands in contrast to the purely density dependent haploid system in which the only possible stable state corresponds to fixation for the type with the highest carrying capacity. In the present model selective advantage is determined by a balance between carrying capacity and sensitivity to density pressures from other genotypes. Fixation for the genotype with the highest carrying capacity, for instance, will not be stable if it exerts a sufficiently weak competitive effect upon the other genotypes. In the diallelic case, maintenance of both alleles at a stable equilibrium requires that the net intragenotypic competition between individuals of like genotype be stronger than that between unlike types. As for purely density regulated systems, there may be no stable equilibria and/or regular and chaotic cycling may occur. The results may also be interpreted in terms of a discrete time model of interspecific competition with each haplotype representing a different species.