cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vegetation changes in the Jornada Basin from 1858 to 1998

Abstract Notes made by land surveyors in 1858 were utilized to estimate cover of grasses and shrubs on the Jornada Experimental Range (JER) and the Chihuahuan Desert Range Research Center (CDRRC) in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, USA. Portions of these areas have been previously assessed for historical vegetation dynamics but the entire 84,271 ha assessed in the 19th century has not been examined in total. In 1858, fair to very good grass cover occurred on 98% and 67% of the JER and CDRRC, respectively. Shrubs were present throughout both properties but 45% of the JER and 18% of the CDRRC were shrub free. Reconnaissance surveys, made to determine carrying capacity for livestock were made in 1915–1916 and 1928–1929 on the JER and in 1938 on the CDRRC, show that shrubs had made large increases in area occupied at the time of the surveys. Vegetation type maps were made of both properties in 1998. Mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ) was the primary dominant on 59% of the JER in 1998 and creosotebush ( Larrea tridentata ) was the primary dominant on 27% of the area. On the CDRRC mesquite and creosotebush were primary dominants on 37% and 46% of the area, respectively. Grass cover has decreased greatly with the increase in shrubs and only shrub control efforts have maintained the once abundant black grama ( Bouteloua eriopoda ) as a primary dominant on 1% or less of the area on both properties.
Bis(μ2-η2:η2-2,4,6-trimethyl­benzonitrile)­bis­[(N-isopropyl-3,5-dimethyl­anilido)molybdenum(III)](Mo—Mo)

The title compound, [Mo2(C11H16N)4(C10H11N)2], is a dinuclear molybdenum complex with a formal metal–metal bond [Mo⋯Mo separation = 2.5946 (8) A], four anilide-type ligands and two bridging mesityl nitrile groups. There are two inversion symmetric mol­ecules in the unit cell (an inversion center is localized at the mid-point of the Mo—Mo bond), each with approximate non-crystallographic C2h symmetry. The mol­ecules contain disordered isopropyl and 3,5-C6H3Me2 groups on different anilido ligands; the major component having an occupancy of 0.683 (7). The complex was obtained in low yield as the product from the reaction between the bridging pyrazine adduct of molybdenum tris­-anilide ([μ2-(C4H4N2){Mo(C11H16N)3}2]) and mesityl nitrile with a loss of one anilido ligand.
Fast Hybrid Approach for Texturing Point Models

We present three methods for texturing point models from sample textures. The first method, the point parameterization method, uses a fast distortion-bounded parameterization algorithm to flatten the point model's surface into one or more 2D patches. The sample texture is mapped onto these patches and alpha blending is used to minimize the discontinuity in the gaps between the patches. The second method is based on neighborhood matching where a color is assigned to each point by searching the best match within an irregular neighborhood. The hybrid method combines the former two methods, capitalizing on the advantages of both. The point parameterization method is used first to color most of the points, and the point neighborhood-matching method is then applied to the points belonging to the gaps between the parameterized patches to minimize the discontinuity. We opt for fast texture generation, while some discontinuities may appear in the gaps of anisotropic textures.
SketchGraph: gestural data input for mobile tablet devices

As tablets become ever more powerful and popular, people want to use them broadly, including for business applications like spreadsheet data graphing. Tablets are better suited to informal exploration through sketching, however, than to inputting data into a spreadsheet. It would be much more appealing, and suitable to the medium, to sketch a graph as if you were drawing on a napkin. We describe an early prototype to support a gestural, graphical interface for inputting and updating graph data that is as easy as drawing a few strokes. With it, users can focus on exploring their domain, rather than on the mechanics of data entry.
Effect of nitrofurazone on the incorporation of L-lysine-U-14C into protein of rat testis.

Abstract The nitrofuran group of chemotherapeutic agents has long been known to exert specific histological changes in the testicular germinal epithelium of the rat, 1 mouse, 2 and dog. 3 These changes involve the arrest of spermatogenesis at the primary spermatocyte stage. 4 The histological architecture of the nitrofuran-treated testis of the rat therefore closely resembles that of the cryptorchid rat testis in being characterized by a virtual absence of all the spermatids and mature spermatozoa. Recent data from this laboratory have indicated that the induction of experimental cryptorchidism in the rat results in a marked increase in the incorporation of l -lysine-U- 14 C into protein of the remaining cells of the seminiferous germinal epithelium. 5,6 It appears that the loss of spermatids and spermatozoa from a nitrofuran-treated testis offers a unique opportunity to make a selective study of protein labeling of the remaining cells of the seminiferous epithelium as they exist in the natural environmental temperature of the scrotal sac rather than as they exist after exposure to the higher environmental temperature of the abdominal cavity as is necessarily the case in experimental cryptorchidism. The present studies were therefore designed to investigate the incorporation of radioactive lysine into protein of the remaining cells of the testis after the oral administration of nitrofurazone to adult rats.
The debonding of elastic inclusions and inhomogeneities

Abstract T his paper presents an anlytical study of the debonding of planar elastic inclusions and inhomogeneities. The standard inhomogeneity and inclusion (transformation) problems of Eshelby, which require a coherent interface, are reconsidered to allow for debonding. It is assumed that the inclusion or inhomogeneity interacts with the matrix through a prescribed interface force law which depends on the displacement jump at the interface. The solution procedure, which is not dependent on a particular inhomogeneity or inclusion geometry, force law or even planar elasticity, ultimately leads to a pair of integral equations governing the displacement jump at the interface. Detailed analytical solutions to the circular inclusion and inhomogeneity problems are obtained for the case where the interfacial traction varies linearly with displacement jump across the interface.
Gonadotropins of the pituitary gland and the urine of the adult human female.

IN A previous paper (Bahn et al., 1952), a study of the gonadotropins of the pituitary gland and the urine of the adult human male was made. The purpose of this paper is to present similar data on the pituitary gland and the urine of the adult human female. I. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. Animals. Male and female AVistar rats (30 to 40 days old) were hypophysec tomized; injected, some with pituitary homogenate and others with urine concentrate; and subsequently studied as described previously. B. Pituitary tissue. The pituitary gland of 2 adult human females was obtained within three to four hours following death. Neither of the patients presented any obvious endocrinopathy. Menstruation had occurred at regular monthly intervals. The ages of the patients were 38 and 46 years. There was no prolonged terminal illness. The combined wet weight of the anterior lobes of the pituitary glands was 1,219 mg.
The influence of alkyl substituents on the rates of hydrolysis of 2‐imidazolines

A number of 2-imidazolines have been hydrolyzed in basic 95% ethanol, and the activation energies and half-lives of these reactions have been determined. The reactions are base catalyzed and lead to the formation of amides through fission of the ring between positions one and two. The reaction rates are strongly influenced by various ring substituents.
Lattice Boltzmann simulations of contact line motion on uniform surfaces

Abstract Lattice Boltzmann simulations of three-dimensional drops spreading on a uniform solid surface will be discussed. It will be shown that, if the liquid–liquid interface is sufficiently thick, the contact line velocities obtained from the simulations agree well with theoretical predictions based on a solution of the Stokes equation.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: False-negative amniocentesis at 20 weeks' gestation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection. Recent studies show amniocentesis to be a 100 per cent sensitive and 100 per cent specific predictor of congenital infection, and recommend that it be offered in the at-risk pregnancy. However, these publications have focused on pregnancies at or beyond 22 weeks' gestation. Here, we report a case of maternal CMV hepatitis at 7-8 weeks' gestation, in which culture and polymerase chain reaction testing for CMV in amniotic fluid at 20 weeks' gestation were negative, but the infant had a positive CMV urine culture shortly after delivery. Implications for the prenatal diagnosis of CMV infection are discussed.
An Analysis of the Purposes for Engaging in Physical Activity Scale (PEPAS) as an Instrument for Curriculum Research.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and factorial validity of the Purposes for Engaging in Physical Activity Scale (PEPAS). The PEPAS is an instrument designed to assess purposes for engaging in physical activity. The instrument is based on a personal meaning curriculum model and contains 22 items representing the three key concepts (i.e., Individual Development, Environmental Coping, Social Interaction) of the Purpose Process Curriculum Framework (PPCF), a conceptual framework for curricular decision-making in physical education. The three key concepts of the PPCF served as the hypothesized structure for the PEPAS. The PEPAS was administered to fourth-grade (n = 259) and sixth-grade (n = 392) students participating in coeducational physical education classes. Stability coefficients over a 2-week period were. 74 and .75 for grades four and six, respectively. Principal components analysis and alpha factor analysis were utilized with two rotational schemes to test the hypothesized...
Work-related commitment and job performance: it's also the nature of the performance that counts

This study tested the proposition that relationships among the various types of work-related commitment and job performance are affected by both the form of commitment and the facet of performance under consideration. Results provided some support for this view. As hypothesized, job involvement was related only to performance tied to intrinsically rewarding elements of work, and career commitment was positively related to overall performance effectiveness. Unexpectedly, however, organizational commitment (both affective and continuance) was unrelated to job performance. The discussion is centered on practical implications of these findings and on directions for future research. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer biology: Extracellular proteinases in malignancy

Secreted, matrix-degrading proteinases have been viewed as contributing to tumor metastasis. A recent study indicates that the gene for one of these enzymes, the matrix metalloproteinase stromelysin-1, can actually cause cancer when expressed in transgenic mice.
Schistosomiasis: Nutritional Implications

Most studies on the interactions of nutrition and schistosomiasis have involved experimental animals. Generally, these studies show that schistosomiasis may be alleviated by severe malnutrition, especially calorie deprivation. However, nutritional modulation of schistosomiasis in experimental animals is observed only when severe deficiencies are induced during the acute disease. Except during overt famine, in humans such severe forms of malnutrition occur mainly in the young, who are not yet exposed to heavy burdens of schistosomal infection. Older individuals, who may be heavily infected, are usually not so severely malnourished. Therefore, the nutritional rehabilitation of severely malnourished children, which should improve immune function, is unlikely to exacerbate the immune-mediated pathogenesis of schistosomal disease. Nutritional interventions can be planned independently of the prevalence or intensity of schistosomiasis in the population. Heavy infection with Schistosoma mansoni can cause both direct nutritional losses and severe disease manifestations. These constitute two important reasons for the administration of mass chemotherapy to the heavily infected segment of a population. Both of these adverse effects can be corrected by a reduction in the intensity of infection; complete cure is not necessary.
Isotopically distinct modern carbonates in abandoned livestock corrals in northern Kenya

Abstract We report δ 18 O and δ 13 C data from modern carbonate in soils and dung samples from 3 recently abandoned livestock corrals in northern Kenya. Calcium carbonate content is higher within ∼5 cm depth that contains a mixture of dung and surface soils of corrals than in soils below 5 cm depth. We radiocarbon dated carbonates from 0.5 to 40 cm depths in two corrals and one control site. Surface carbonates (0.5 cm) from the two corrals were formed from modern carbon (>1955) when the corrals were active, while all other carbon is >16,000 years (BP) old. Shallow carbonate is also enriched in 18 O (δ 18 O up to 3.0‰) and depleted in 13 C (δ 13 C up to −12.0‰) with respect to carbonate at deeper levels and at two control sites. The δ 18 O and δ 13 C of soil carbonates (δ 18 O SC and δ 13 C SC respectively) in corrals are inversely correlated for depths up to about 15 cm where organic carbon is greater than 0.5%. Below that depth, there is a positive correlation between δ 18 O SC and δ 13 C SC values, similar to that observed in a control site. In concordance with the increase in δ 18 O SC and the decrease in δ 13 C SC values in corral surface soils, the δ 15 N of soil organic matter (SOM) (δ 15 N SOM ) decreases with depth in corral soils, but in a control site shows a slight increase within the first 5 cm and then becomes relatively constant with depth. Dung-laden organic matter at corral surfaces is enriched in 15 N by ∼5‰ relative to surface SOM of control sites. The δ 15 N SOM values imply that dung enriches the surface soils of livestock corrals in 15 N. The observed δ 15 N SOM and δ 18 O SC trends suggest microbially-mediated carbonate precipitation in the dung, a conclusion that is supported by δ 13 C SC and δ 18 O SC trends and the radiocarbon data. The calcium carbonate from the dung is released in the soil as dung mixes with the mineral phases of the soil. Changes in land use have resulted in more sedentary lifestyles among many pastoral communities, so corrals are likely to become increasingly important in conferring long-lasting transformations of the organic and inorganic components of soils that may lead to shifts in soil properties. The δ 13 C SC and δ 18 O SC therefore add to the toolbox for identifying former animal encampments in archaeological sites occupied by pastoral communities.
Zotero: information management software 2.0

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight how the open‐source bibliographic management program Zotero harnesses Web 2.0 features to make library resources more accessible to casual users without sacrificing advanced features. This reduces the barriers understanding library resources and provides additional functionality when organizing information resources.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews select aspects of the program to illustrate how it can be used by patrons and information professionals, and why information professionals should be aware of it.Findings – Zotero has some limitations, but succeeds in meeting the information management needs of a wide variety of users, particularly users who use online resources.Originality/value – This paper is of interest to information professionals seeking free software that can make managing bibliographic information easier for themselves and their patrons.
Wolves, dogs, rearing and reinforcement: complex interactions underlying species differences in training and problem-solving performance.

Frank and Frank et al. (1982-1987) administered a series of age-graded training and problem-solving tasks to samples of Eastern timber wolf (C. lupus lycaon) and Alaskan Malamute (C. familiaris) pups to test Frank's (Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie 53:389-399, 1980) model of the evolution of information processing under conditions of natural and artificial selection. Results confirmed the model's prediction that wolves should perform better than dogs on problem-solving tasks and that dogs should perform better than wolves on training tasks. Further data collected at the University of Connecticut in 1983 revealed a more complex and refined picture, indicating that species differences can be mediated by a number of factors influencing wolf performance, including socialization regimen (hand-rearing vs. mother-rearing), interactive effects of socialization on the efficacy of both rewards and punishments, and the flexibility to select learning strategies that experimenters might not anticipate.
Validity of self-report of infections in a longitudinal cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis differs by source of report and infection severity.

Abstract Objective We evaluated and compared the validity of patients' and rheumatologists' reports of infection with those confirmed by medical record review. Study Design and Setting Reports of infections in 961 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the Brigham and Women's Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) were included over a 2-year period. BRASS is a longitudinal prospective cohort that collects detailed questionnaire data from patients semiannually and their treating rheumatologists every year. Results Rheumatologist report of infection was more likely to be confirmed by medical record review than patient self-report (57.1% vs. 34.3% for definite or possible infections). Confirmation rates varied based on whether the participant received her primary care from the same network of health care providers. For participants with primary care “out of network,” between 7.0% and 23.1% of patient or rheumatologist reports were confirmed by medical record review vs. between 16.1% and 41.7% for those with primary care “in network.” Conclusion The present study shows that relying strictly on patient or rheumatologist report of infection for a confirmed endpoint is not ideal but useful in case finding. The confirmation rate is affected by a number of factors including severity and definition of the infection and limited by data availability.
Ecthyma gangrenosum in a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are a spectrum of disease characterized by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that involves the skin and mucous membranes and typically is associated with either recent upper respiratory infection or with certain medications. Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare necrotizing vasculitis that most commonly affects immunocompromised and burn patients and is often a sequela of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia. The cutaneous lesions of ecthyma gangrenosum are characterized by an erythematous halo surrounding a dark gray or black nodule. P. aeruginosa preferentially invades the venules, resulting in secondary thrombosis of the arterioles, tissue edema, and separation of the epidermis. Management of ecthyma gangrenosum includes systemic treatment with antipseudomonal antibiotics and debridment of the lesions, as well as improving the patient's immune status if possible. We present a case of a patient admitted to the burn unit for toxic epidermal necrolysis who developed pseudomonal bacteremia with ecthyma gangrenosum.
The algebra of fuzzy truth values

The purpose of this paper is to give a straightforward mathematical treatment of algebras of fuzzy truth values for type-2 fuzzy sets.
Phagocytosis of mycobacteria by U937 cells: a rapid method for monitoring uptake and separating phagocytosed and free bacteria by magnetic beads

A human-derived monocytic cell line (U937) was induced to phagocytose Mycobacterium phlei by the addition of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to the culture medium for 50-60 h. Cells not treated with PMA were unable to phagocytose M. phlei. Magnetic beads enabled a rapid and highly efficient separation of phagocytosed and free bacteria to be achieved, an approach which is particularly useful if colony plating is used to enumerate bacterial survival within phagocytic cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that 98% of U937 cells contained viable bacteria after 3 h.
Asymptomatic metachronous metastatic renal cell adenocarcinoma to the gallbladder. Report of a case and guidelines for evaluation of intraluminal polypoid gallbladder masses

A case of asymptomatic metachronous metastatic unilateral renal cell adenocarcinoma to the gallbladder detected five years after resection of the primary renal neoplasm is reported here. The lesion was diagnosed by contrast enhancement of a gallbladder mass on abdominal computerized tomography scan and by color Doppler sonographic study of the gallbladder, both of which demonstrated the vascular supply to the intraluminal gallbladder mass. The biological behavior of renal cell adenocarcinoma is reviewed. Guidelines for the evaluation of intraluminal gallbladder masses are suggested.
The four doctors.

W hen the Johns Hopkins Hospital opened in May 1889, its four pillars-William H. Welch in pathology, William S. Halsted in surgery, William Osler in medicine, and Howard A. Kelly in gynecology-were already in place. They had been recruited earlier with the promise of faculty positions in the medical school that was soon to be opened. However, inadequate endowment funds threatened to delay the opening. A women’s fund committee led by Miss Mary Elizabeth Garrett raised the necessary funds and presented them to the new school on Christmas Eve 1892 with the proviso that women should be admitted to the medical school on the same basis as men. In 1893, Hopkins’ first class included three women and 15 men. In 1905, Miss Garrett commissioned John Singer Sargent, the best known portrait painter of the day in both Europe and America, to paint a portrait of Hopkins’ four leaders. The four physicians traveled to London. The painting proved to be frustrating for the usually facile Sargent. He spent a great deal of time grouping and regrouping the four men, required numerous individual portrait sittings, disagreed about the color of Osler’s robes, and totally repainted Osler’s face after the work had been finished. Finally, to complete the pictare, he added a large venetian globe (even though he had to remove part of his studio docw to get it in) and an El Greco painting in the background. The prolonged effort, during which Sargent frequently became discouraged, resulted in a painting that Professor William Gerdts has considered the acme of formal and official medical portraiture in American art. A legend says that Halsted and Sargent disagreed about the use of certain colors in the painting and that Sargent thus deliberately painted Halsted’s face with pigments that would fade with time. The absence of change in the painting has proved this legend false. The portrait was unveiled by Miss Garrett on January 18, 1907. Today it hangs in the William H. Welch Medical Library at Johns Hopkins Medical School next to the Sargent portrait of Miss Garrett that was commissioned by the trustees of Johns Hopkins University and Hospital. John Singer Sargent was born in Florence, Italy, in 1856 during his American parents’ nomadic travels through Europe. By the age of 18, he was already studying in Paris. Eleven years later, he moved to England, where he would live for most of the rest of his life. However, when offered English knighthood, he refused to give up his American citizenship. He traveled frequently to America to satisfy the great demand for his paintings. Although Sargent was best known for portraiture, his landscapes and spontaneous watercolors, both mainly associated with trips to the continent, and his Boston Public Library murals represent other important facets of his legacy. Sargent died at the age of 69 on April 15, 1925, in his London studio.
Motivational assessment of non-treatment buprenorphine research participation in heroin dependent individuals.

Background Heroin abuse remains an important public health problem, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Insight into this problem is gained from interviewing addicted individuals. However, we lack systematic data on factors that motivate heroin users to participate in non-treatment research that offers both financial incentives (compensation) and non-financial incentives (e.g., short-term medication).
Ancestral Reconstruction of a Pre-LUCA Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Ancestor Supports the Late Addition of Trp to the Genetic Code

The genetic code was likely complete in its current form by the time of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Several scenarios have been proposed for explaining the code's pre-LUCA emergence and expansion, and the relative order of the appearance of amino acids used in translation. One co-evolutionary model of genetic code expansion proposes that at least some amino acids were added to the code by the ancient divergence of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) families. Of all the amino acids used within the genetic code, Trp is most frequently claimed as a relatively recent addition. We observe that, since TrpRS and TyrRS are paralogous protein families retaining significant sequence similarity, the inferred sequence composition of their ancestor can be used to evaluate this co-evolutionary model of genetic code expansion. We show that ancestral sequence reconstructions of the pre-LUCA paralog ancestor of TyrRS and TrpRS have several sites containing Tyr, yet a complete absence of sites containing Trp. This is consistent with the paralog ancestor being specific for the utilization of Tyr, with Trp being a subsequent addition to the genetic code facilitated by a process of aaRS divergence and neofunctionalization. Only after this divergence could Trp be specifically encoded and incorporated into proteins, including the TyrRS and TrpRS descendant lineages themselves. This early absence of Trp is observed under both homogeneous and non-homogeneous models of ancestral sequence reconstruction. Simulations support that this observed absence of Trp is unlikely to be due to chance or model bias. These results support that the final stages of genetic code evolution occurred well within the "protein world," and that the presence-absence of Trp within conserved sites of ancient protein domains is a likely measure of their relative antiquity, permitting the relative timing of extremely early events within protein evolution before LUCA.
On the cold‐drawing of plastics

The characteristics of the cold-drawing of Lexan polycarbonate are compared with the several proposed mechanisms of cold-drawing. It is concluded that the mechanism of Lazurkin and Fogel'son, involving biased segmental motion, is correct. It is indicated that this mechanism easily explains the neck formation, and it is suggested how the glass temperature enters into cold drawing.
The Origins of Cross-Bridges in Active and Rigor Insect Flight Muscle are not as Predicted from Acto-S1 and X-Ray Crystallography

In fast-frozen, actively contracting insect flight muscle (IFM) fibers we noted a surprising azimuthal slew in the myosin lever arms that was wholly unexpected from the currently available crystal structures of isolated myosin S1 and which indicates the crystal structures may not reflect the normal in situ constraints within the sarcomere where myosin cross-bridges are restricted to originate from a well defined zone on the thick filament [Wu et al., 2010, PLoS-ONE, 5(9): e12643]. However, previous studies did not reveal the S2 domains, which most accurately define the myosin head origin. Here, we have used electron tomography (ET) of Lethocerus IFM fibers in rigor in which the filament lattice has been swollen in low ionic strength buffer to view the S2 origins of rigor “lead bridges”. These rigor lead bridges bind to the same region of the thin filament as myosin heads of active muscle so their origins should reflect the same thick filament positions as active heads. We examined 80 nm thick transverse sections cut with a vibrating knife to minimize section compression and shearing artifacts, and imaged with < 60 e-/A2 total exposure during each tilt series to minimize radiation-induced section thinning. This analysis shows two different distributions of lead bridge origins depending on the presence of the rear bridges. However, the origins are consistent with target zone accessibility of strong binding myosin heads being limited to two successive 14.5 nm crowns. Subvolume averages of both thick filaments as well as actin filaments are being pursued with the goal of reassembling a region of the filament lattice using high S/N averages. Supported by NIGMS and NIAMSD.
An assay to screen bacterial adhesion to mucus biomolecules.

Aims To develop an assay for rapid screening of bacterial adhesion to various groups of biomolecules present in fish mucus. Methods and Results A novel assay was developed for investigation of bacterial adhesion to various groups of mucus biomolecules from fish. Lipid-, protein-, carbohydrate- and nucleic acid-rich constituents of mucus were separated using isopycnic density gradient centrifugation techniques. Separated mucus fractions were assayed for bacterial adhesion using a blotting apparatus. The assay was validated using Vibrio vulnificus and skin mucus from hybrid tilapia. Conclusions A novel assay was developed for the screening of bacterial adhesion to major groups of mucus biomolecules. Adhesion of V. vulnificus MLT403 positively correlated with lipid- and protein-rich mucus constituents and negatively correlated with carbohydrate-rich mucus constituents. Significance and Impact of the Study The assay can be used as an initial approach in a systematic identification of mucus constituent(s) exhibiting the most favourable adhesion properties for bacteria.
B-Side Electron Transfer in the HE(M182) Reaction Center Mutant from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The histidine (H) ligand of the bacteriochlorophyll monomer molecule on the B-side of the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter (Rb.) sphaeroides was replaced with a glutamic acid residue (E) (mutant HE(M182)). The photochemical properties of this mutant are markedly different from those of wild-type RCs. The excited state of the initial electron donor (P*) decays with a lifetime of 2.8 ± 0.1 ps, which is about 10% faster than in wild-type RCs. The faster decay of the excited state is due to an additional electron-transfer pathway in the mutant from P to the monomer bacteriochlorophyll on the B-side (BB) of the RC, forming the state P+BB-. The initial yield of the B-side electron transfer is estimated at about 35%, whereas the remaining 65% of P* leads to electron transfer along the A-side pigments forming the charge-separated state P+HA-. The P+BB- state formed during initial charge separation decays with a lifetime of 45 ps. Of the 35% P+BB- initially formed, 10% decays to form P+HA- via ...
Renal L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase activity as affected by dietary ascorbic acid in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

Abstract Sturgeon can synthesize l -ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as they possess in their kidney l -gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase, the enzyme catalyzing the last step of AA biosynthesis. The effect of increasing dietary ascorbic acid on gulonolactone oxidase activity was studied in lake sturgeon. Two-year-old lake sturgeon (body weight 253±89 g) were fed in triplicate groups with casein-based semipurified diets supplemented with either 0, 50, 250 or 1250 mg ascorbic acid/kg in the form of ascorbyl-2-monophosphate Mg for 38 days at 19.8°C. At the end of the trial, there were no significant differences in growth rate and survival among groups. Tissue total ascorbic acid concentrations increased significantly with dietary ascorbic acid. Renal gulonolactone oxidase activity was inconsistently affected by dietary treatment. These results suggested that, in sturgeon kidney unlike in the livers of ascorbic acid-synthesizing mammals, dietary ascorbic acid did not exert a negative feedback control on gulonolactone oxidase activity and thus on ascorbic acid synthesized. Using in vitro kinetics data we estimated a theoretical biosynthetic rate of ascorbic acid of 17 μmol (or 3 mg) per kilogram body weight per day at 15°C in juvenile lake sturgeon.
Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2 and unsaturated somatomedin carrier proteins in children with chronic renal failure.

Past measurements of somatomedins in chronic renal failure have yielded conflicting results because compounds that accumulate in renal failure and interfere with the somatomedin assays were not removed from assay systems. After serum somatomedins were separated from inhibitory substances by acid chromatography, we measured levels of the major somatomedins, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2, in 16 prepubertal children with chronic renal insufficiency and in 16 age- and sex-matched normal children. Radioimmunoassayable IGF-1 levels were 220 ± 182 (mean ± SD) nglmL in children with renal disease, not significantly different from levels of 248 ± 155 ng/mL found in normal children. Levels of the less potent mitogen IGF-2, measured by radioreceptor assay, were 661 ± 213 ng/mL in children with renal disease and were significantly greater than those of 433 ± 139 ng/mL found in normal children ( P v 15 normal children (17 ± 3% v 12 ± 3% binding of [ 125 I]-IGF-1/50μL serum, P
Point -contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy of heavy-fermion-metal/superconductor junctions

Our previous point-contact Andreev reflection studies of the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5 using Au tips have shown two clear features: reduced Andreev signal and asymmetric background conductance. To explore their physical origins, we have extended our measurements to point-contact junctions between single crystalline heavy-fermion metals and superconducting Nb tips. Differential conductance spectra are taken on junctions with three heavy-fermion metals, CeCoIn5, CeRhIn5, and YbAl3, each with different electron mass. In contrast with Au/CeCoIn5 junctions, Andreev signal is not reduced and no dependence on effective mass is observed. A possible explanation based on a two-fluid picture for heavy fermions is proposed.
Outpatient triplet management: A contemporary review

Abstract The antepartum management of 198 women who were delivered of triplets between 1985 and 1988 is reviewed. Women were managed with the assistance of ambulatory perinatal nursing to provide outpatient surveillance. Modified bed rest, prophylactic tocolysis, and betamethasone were liberally used and patients were hospitalized only when obstetrically indicated. The most common antepartum complication was preterm labor (66.2%) and the success of therapy with tocolytic agents is described. The mean gestational age and birth weight at delivery were 33.6 ± 3 weeks (mean ± SD) and 1871 ± 555 gm, respectively. Comparison of the gestational age distribution at delivery with previous reviews demonstrates fewer deliveries
Role of protein phosphorylation in post-translational regulation of protein B23 during programmed cell death in the prostate gland.

Protein B23 is a nucleolar and nuclear matrix-associated phosphoprotein that is involved in ribosome synthesis. Its expression and phosphorylation in rat ventral prostate, an androgen target organ, are profoundly influenced by androgens. Induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the prostatic epithelium by androgen deprivation in the animal induces an early decline in protein B23 in the absence of a corresponding loss of protein B23 mRNA. We have now demonstrated that prostatic nuclei retain the ability to transcribe the B23 mRNA and that a significant amount of this mRNA persists even after 7 days of androgen deprivation when >80% of the prostatic epithelial cells have undergone apoptosis. The B23 mRNA from these nuclei is also translatable in vitro. However, the majority of the B23 mRNA is associated with free and short-stretch polysomes, which may account for the castration-induced decline in synthesis of protein B23 in vivo. In addition, the mechanism of down-regulation of protein B23 in apoptotic prostatic cells appears to relate to two coordinate signals, which include loss of phosphorylation of the protein as well as the expression of a protease active toward dephosphorylated protein B23, under these conditions.
Leukotoxic activity in different strains of the bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans isolated from juvenile periodontitis in man.

Abstract Type culture strains and dental isolates (from juvenile periodontitis) of Act. actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were tested for their ability to kill human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in vitro. The majority of Aa, as well as sonic extracts prepared from these organisms, rapidly destroyed PMNs, shown by the extracellular release of lactate dehydrogenase from PMNs and by degenerative ultrastructural alterations. The leukotoxic properties of Aa could be modulated by serum: normal human sera enhanced killing but juvenile periodontitis or various rabbit anti-Aa sera neutralized toxic activity. Whereas toxic and non-toxic strains of Aa shared common antigens, immunologic analyses revealed a unique antigen in sonic extracts of leukotoxic organisms. Thus Aa-derived leukotoxin may be an aetiologic vector in juvenile periodontitis.
An evaluation of a perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PMCH) permeation plug release vessel (PPRV) in a controlled turbulent environment

Abstract The use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) as a tracer gas for analyzing underground mine ventilation systems has been practiced for over 30 years. As a result, the methods used to release, sample, and analyze SF 6 are well accepted. As the complexity and size of underground mine ventilation networks increase, the ability of a SF 6 to function as a convenient and rapid means of analysis diminishes. The utilization of multiple tracer gases can mitigate this by removing the need to purge the background presence of a tracer before conducting another release and allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation using multi-zone techniques. Recent studies have identified perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PMCH) as a possible supplement for SF 6 in underground mine ventilation tracer studies. However, the deployment of PMCH remains a challenge because of this compounds physical properties. This paper evaluates a PMCH permeation plug release vessel (PPRV) under controlled turbulent conditions. The details of the experimental parameters used in the evaluation as well as a discussion regarding the performance of the PPRV are included.
Environmental damage from tracked vehicle operation

Abstract Soil surface forces resulting from traffic tracked vehicles can cause environmental damage by decreasing plant development and increasing erosion. This paper investigates the soil surface disturbance from tracked vehicle operation. Sharp turns (lower turning radius) from M113 operation produce increased disturbed widths and more severe vegetation damage. The pad-load ratio for the M113 track shoe was determined at various loads. The soil rut produced from tracked vehicle operation was determined at various driving models (straight, smooth turn, sharp turn). The width and depth of track rut and height of soil piled increased when the tracked vehicle negotiated a sharp turn. The results of this study indicate for the soil conditions tested, the width of disturbance is dependent on the operating characteristics of the vehicle. A vehicle conducting sharp turns will disturb a larger width of soil than a vehicle travelling straight or conducting smooth turns.
Examination of the Causes of Covariation Between Conduct Disorder Symptoms and Vulnerability to Drug Dependence

Conduct disorder (CD) symptoms and substance dependence commonly co-occur. Both phenotypes are highly heritable and a common genetic influence on the covariation has been suggested. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which genes and environment contribute to the covariance between CD and drug dependence using twins from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Sample and the Colorado Twin Registry. A total of 880 twin pairs (237 monozygotic [MZ] female, 195 MZ male, 116 dizygotic [DZ] female, 118 DZ male and 214 DZ opposite-sex) aged 13 to 18 (mean = 15.65) were included in the analysis. CD was assessed by lifetime Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) symptom count and a polysubstance dependence vulnerability index was developed from responses to the Composite International Diagnostic Interview - Substance Abuse Module. A bivariate Cholesky Decomposition model was used to partition the cause of variation and covariation of the two phenotypes. No sex-limitation was observed in our data, and male and female parameter estimates were constrained to be equal. Both CD symptoms and dependence vulnerability were significantly heritable, and genes, shared environment and nonshared environment all contributed to the covariation between them. Genes contributed 35% of the phenotypic covariance, shared environment contributed 46%, and nonshared environmental influences contributed the remaining 19% to the phenotypic covariance. Therefore, there appears to be pleiotropic genetic influence on CD symptoms and dependence vulnerability.
Comparison of palpation-guided versus ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules in an outpatient endocrinology practice.

Objective: To investigate the role of thyroid ultrasonography in our outpatient endocrine practice.Methods: We compared the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) of thyroid nodules with that of palpation-guided aspiration (P-FNAB) and determined the malignancy rates of palpable and nonpalpable nodules. All patients referred for assessment of thyroid nodular disease from October 1997 through August 2001 were included in the study. Fine-needle aspirations were performed by palpation guidance until October 1999, after which US-FNAB was exclusively performed. All thyroid examinations, ultrasound imaging, and aspiration biopsies were performed by the same endocrinologist in an office-based setting. Histopathologic and cytologic diagnoses were compared for patients who underwent thyroidectomy.Results: A total of 376 nodules in 276 patients were aspirated during a 47-month period. P-FNAB was used on 157 nodules, and US-FNAB was performed on 219 nodules (both procedures were done o...
Effect of acute uremia on pancreatic insulin stores in rats.

Abstract The effect of acute uremia on stores of pancreatic insulin was examined. Four groups of rats were studied: nephrectomized rats on a special low nitrogen diet, sham-nephrectomized rats on the same diet, sham-nephrectomized rats on a normal diet, and normal rats on a normal diet. Uremia created by nephrectomy was allowed to continue for 6 days at which time animals were sacrificed. A period of 10 days of diet equilibration was done prior to nephrectomy. Total body weight, pancreas and liver weights declined in sham-operated and nephrectomized rats mostly attributable to the diet. In uremic rats, however, heart weights increased. Insulin expressed as U/g pancreas, total insulin per animal, U/100 g body weight, or as per cent of protein was significantly depressed in the uremic rats compared to sham-operated special diet controls.
Differential Mechanisms of Retinoid Transfer from Cellular Retinol Binding Proteins Types I and II to Phospholipid Membranes

Abstract Cellular retinol-binding proteins types I and II (CRBP-I and CRBP-II) are known to differentially facilitate retinoid metabolism by several membrane-associated enzymes. The mechanism of ligand transfer to phospholipid small unilamellar vesicles was compared in order to determine whether differences in ligand trafficking properties could underlie these functional differences. Unidirectional transfer of retinol from the CRBPs to membranes was monitored by following the increase in intrinsic protein fluorescence that occurs upon ligand dissociation. The results showed that ligand transfer of retinol from CRBP-I was >5-fold faster than transfer from CRBP-II. For both proteins, transfer of the other naturally occurring retinoid, retinaldehyde, was 4–5-fold faster than transfer of retinol. Rates of ligand transfer from CRBP-I to small unilamellar vesicles increased with increasing concentration of acceptor membrane and with the incorporation of the anionic lipids cardiolipin or phosphatidylserine into membranes. In contrast, transfer from CRBP-II was unaffected by either membrane concentration or composition. Preincubation of anionic vesicles with CRBP-I was able to prevent cytochrome c, a peripheral membrane protein, from binding, whereas CRBP-II was ineffective. In addition, monolayer exclusion experiments demonstrated differences in the rate and magnitude of the CRBP interactions with phospholipid membranes. These results suggest that the mechanisms of ligand transfer from CRBP-I and CRBP-II to membranes are markedly different as follows: transfer from CRBP-I may involve and require effective collisional interactions with membranes, whereas a diffusional process primarily mediates transfer from CRBP-II. These differences may help account for their distinct functional roles in the modulation of intracellular retinoid metabolism.
Raphael Lemkin, Cultural Destruction, and the Armenian Genocide

Using an interdisciplinary, cultural studies approach, this article explores Raphael Lemkin's often overlooked concept of cultural destruction in the case of the Armenian Genocide. Lemkin's thinking was significantly shaped by the Armenian Genocide, as seen here in his newly published autobiography and other documents in the collection of his papers held at the American Jewish Archives. The author considers the Ottoman government's vandalism and destruction of Armenian cultural monuments, the mass killing of Armenian intellectuals, torture using crucifixes, and forced conversion to Islam. In deepening the idea of culture and its relationship to genocide, the author draws upon several models in the social sciences and humanities. The conclusion assesses the long-term impact of cultural destruction on Armenians in the diaspora and the Republic.
Water deficit effects on potato leaf growth and transpiration: Utilizing fraction extractable soil water for comparison with other crops

Numerous studies have demonstrated that physiological responses of many crops to the fraction of extractable soil water conforms to a generalizable pattern. This suggests that differences among crops in their drought tolerance are largely due to differences in the total amount of transpirable water the crop can extract. Potato is frequently assumed to be more drought sensitive than other agronomic crops due, at least in part, to a shallow root system. In the research reported here, potato leaf growth and transpiration response to water deficits were determined as a function of fraction transpirable soil water (FTSW). Transpiration was unaffected by water stress until a critical FTSW was achieved when 64% to 80% of the extractable soil water was depleted depending on the cultivar. This was similar to the response reported for 8 other agronomic crops. In terms of transpiration, potato hypersensitivity to drought stress appears to be due to less effective soil water extraction. Leaf growth, however, showed a unique response to soil water deficits. Leaf growth began to decline when 40% of the extractable soil water was depleted. The associated critical FTSW was higher than any previously reported for all other crops. These data indicate that in addition to extracting less soil water, an additional physiological process related to leaf expansion must be contributing to the potato’s hypersensitivity to drought.