cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of food on enteral absorption of quinidine

Eight healthy subjects took single 400-mg doses of quinidine sulfate in the fasting state, and immediately after a standard breakfast, in a crossover study with at least 1 wk intervening. No other food or liquid was taken for 3 hr after the quinidine. Total and unbound quinidine levels were determined in multiple serum samples and in all urine collected for 48 hr thereafter. Mean systemic availability of quinidine in fasting and postprandial states based on area under the serum concentration curve (19.0/19.1 μg/ml × hr), or on cumulative urinary excretion (85.3/90.8 mg), did not differ. Compared with the fasting state, postprandial doses led to lower peak total serum quinidine levels (1.96/1.73 μg/ml) reached later after the dose (1.47/2.41 hr) and longer absorption half-life (½) (31.6/37.7 min) but none of these differences was significant. Actual differences were, in fact, considerably greater because of lower protein binding in the fasting (27.5% unbound)/postprandial (23.2%/unbound) state (p < 0.05). Peak unbound quinidine levels averaged 34% lower (0.65/0.43 μg/ml, p < 0.1), and were reached later (1.26/2.75 hr after dose, p < 0.025) in the postprandial trial. Thus, administration of quinidine with a standard breakfast did not influence total systemic availability but slowed the appearance in serum of unbound quinidine, partly due to increased serum protein binding in the postprandial state. This may explain the lower frequency and severity of quinidine-attributed side effects (nausea, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and palpitations) in the postprandial trial. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 27, 188–193; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.29
Reduction of Testosterone to 5α-Dihydrotestosterone by Human and Rat Uterine Tissues*

Incubations of adult rat uterine tissue and human endometrial and myometrial homogenates with [l,2,6,7-3H]testosterone resulted in the formation of 5α-[3H]dihydrotestosterone. The rat uterine homogenates showed higher activity than the minced tissue. The activity in human tissue was found to be less than rat tissue on a per unit weight basis. The human endometrium has been found to possess significantly higher actvity than myometrium. These results support the hypothesis that androgens may exert their effect on uterus via 5α-reduced metabolities.
The effects of theophylline and papaverine in enhancing skin expansion in guinea pigs

The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of Papaverine and Theophylline for the enhancement of tissue expansion. Twentyfour guinea pigs were evenly assigned to three groups. One group served as control, the other two were experimental. In one group, Papaverine was used for enhancement of tissue expansion, in the other, Theophylline. It was assumed that by using anticontractile agents, formation of the fibrous capsule around the expander could be inhibited, thus enhancing tissue expansion. The study revealed that the rate of expansion was significantly increased with the use of either agent, but it appears that there is no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two agents.
The marine bacterium Leucothrix mucor as an algal epiphyte

Leucothrix mucor, a filamentous marine heterotrophic bacterium, is found in nature primarily as an algal epiphyte. Its distinctive characteristics make it easily recognizable by dir ect light-microscopic examination, and a method was develop ed to quantify natural populations of L. mucor on algae by direct microscopic counts. L. mucor was found to be widely distributed in the intertidal environment, especially in the mid-to-upper intertidal regions. Populations were most abundant on members of Rhodophyta, particularly on the alga Bangia juscopurpurea. The nature of the L. mucor-algal relationship was investigated by choosing an artificial plastic substrate to which L. mucor would attach. The use of the plastic substrate, both alone, and in conjunction with a natural algal host, gave results supporting the conclusion that L. mucor obtains its nutrients for growth from the alga rather than from seawater. Algae in the upper intertidal region may also protect attached L. mucor from desiccation.
Mechanisms for the adsorption of substituted nitrobenzenes by smectite clays.

To more fully understand the potential for transport of nitroaromatic compounds in soils and subsoils, the adsorption of a series of para- and meta-substituted nitrobenzenes (SNBs) by K-smectite clay was measured. Adsorption isotherms were fit to the Freundlich equation, and the resultant Freundlich adsorption coefficients (log(Kf)) were positively correlated with the Hammett substituent constant (r2 = 0.80). This relationship and a positive reaction constant (ρ = 1.15) indicate that the adsorption reaction is favored by electron-withdrawing substituents. These results are consistent with an electron donor (smectite)−acceptor (substituted nitrobenzene) mechanism offered previously. However, quantum calculations did not reveal any systematic relationship between the Hammett constant and the electron density on the aromatic ring, which would explain a donor−acceptor relationship. Rather, electron density donated by a second substituent on nitrobenzene appears to be appropriated by the nitro group leaving ri...
Chiffchaff: Observability and analytics to achieve high availability

`Anywhere, Anytime and Any Device' is often used to characterize the next generation Internet. Achieving the above in light of the increasing use of the Internet worldwide, especially fueled by mobile Internet usage, and the exponential growth in the number of connected devices is non-trivial. In particular, the three As require development of infrastructure which is highly available, performant and scalable. Additionally, from a corporate standpoint, high efficiency is of utmost importance. To facilitate high availability, deep observability of physical, system and application metrics and analytics support, say for systematic capacity planning, is needed. Although there exist many commercial services to assist observability in the data center, public/ private cloud, they lack analytics support. To this end, we developed a framework at Twitter, called Chiffchaff, to drive capacity planning in light of growing user base. Specifically, the framework provides support for automatic mining of application metrics and subsequent visualization of trends (for example, Week-over-Week (WoW), Month-over-Month (MoM)), data distribution et cetera. Further, the framework enables deep diving into traffic patterns, which can be used to guide load balancing in shared systems. We illustrate the use of Chiffchaff with production traffic.
Evaluation of a membrane sampling element for use in remote optical multivariate chemical analysis

Solution-cast membranes were incorporated into a renewable reagent, optical fiber-based chemical sensor for the determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Full spectra were collected over time to provide multivariate data. Some of the variables affecting the use of the sensor for multicomponent analysis are discussed.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ontogeny of the photosexual response in intact and castrated Coturnix.

Abstract This study examined the posthatch development of the photosexual response in intact and castrated coturnix. Two criteria were used to determine the onset of the effects of light: (1) the ability to distinguish between long and short photoperiods; and (2) the first increase in serum LH concentration. The results indicated that the onset of the photosexual reflex occurred between 3 and 4 weeks of age in females and between 17 and 21 days of age in males. The immature testes was shown to be involved in the developmental process of the photosexual reflex.
The effects of recent exposure on general-knowledge estimation.

Recent exposure to general-information facts creates a tendency to claim that the facts had been known prior to their exposure. In Experiment 1, this “illusory knowledge effect” occurred even when participants did not have to demonstrate their knowledge by recalling part of the fact. In Experiment 2, the effect was found for both true and false facts. These findings suggest that the tendency to claim tha recently presented facts had been previously known is caused by their enhanced familiarity. Accounts that would attribute this effect entirely to an underestimation of participants' knowledge of the new facts or to participants' intentional inflation of their prior knowledge states are not supported by these results.
Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of death from breast cancer: A systematic review

Abstract Objective: Recent studies have shown an increased relative risk of breast cancer with hormone replacement therapy for ≥5 years. However, tumors in hormone replacement therapy users are more likely to be localized and of a favorable histologic condition. Our objective was to determine the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the risk of death from breast cancer. Study Design: We searched the literature to identify studies that addressed hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer death among healthy hormone replacement therapy users compared with nonusers. We included randomized controlled trials and cohort and case-control studies with adequate controls and retrievable risk estimates. Results: Ten observational studies met the inclusion criteria; these studies varied widely with regard to population, choice of control group, ascertainment of exposure and outcome, and adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion: Most studies showed a reduced risk of death from breast cancer in hormone replacement therapy users compared with nonusers. In a few studies, this risk reduction was attenuated after prolonged use or prolonged duration of follow-up. Limited information on recency of use, dose, or use of combined hormone replacement therapy was available. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:325-34.)
Compact multiple output linear V to I converters using split differential pairs and applications in allpass OTAs

The compact implementation of multiple output linear V to I converters using split differential pairs is discussed. A first-order allpass/lowpass/highpass OTA is discussed as a simple application example. Experimental results of a test chip are reported that validate the proposed circuits.
Platinum bronzes: III. A reinvestigation of the composition of Adams' catalyst (1)

Abstract The platinum oxide, commonly known as Adams' catalyst and formulated as PtO2 · H2O, has been found to be a mixture of Pt, α-PtO2 (possibly hydrated) and NaxPt3O4, sodium platinum bronze. Both α-PtO2 and NaxPt3O4 are active as hydrogenating agents for cyclopentene and benzene, but α-PtO2 is converted completely to Pt metal, while only minor decomposition to the metal occurs for NaxPt3O4. It is suggested that the irreproducibility of the activity of Adams' oxide might be caused by a variation of the relative amounts of Pt metal and the oxides in the mixture. Methods for preparing a more consistent catalyst are discussed.
Impact of Genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on Public Health Practice in Massachusetts

Massachusetts was one of seven sentinel surveillance sites in the National Tuberculosis Genotyping and Surveillance Network. From 1996 through 2000, isolates from new patients with tuberculosis (TB) underwent genotyping. We describe the impact that genotyping had on public health practice in Massachusetts and some limitations of the technique. Through genotyping, we explored the dynamics of TB outbreaks, investigated laboratory cross-contamination, and identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, transmission sites, and accurate epidemiologic links. Genotyping should be used with epidemiologic follow-up to identify how resources can best be allocated to investigate genotypic findings.
The use of psychotropic drugs in elderly patients with chronic mental illness

Treatment of elderly patients with chronic mental illness requires an understanding of the physiological changes associated with aging and with age-related diseases. It also requires an understanding of some of the special problems arising from medication side effects in the elderly. Drug interactions are a major source of difficulty in elderly patients, and both prescribed and nonprescription drugs must always be considered potential contributors to the patient's mental illness as well as to medication side effects.
Eastphalia as the Perfection of Westphalia

For at least three decades, it has been quite common in the United States to talk of the coming of the Asian century. Americans have been fascinated with the rise of Japan and then China, and the corresponding reports of the decline of the United States. This psychology may have intensified with the 2008-09 financial crisis and the understanding that China is now playing a central role in assuring global financial, and thereby political, stability. Notwithstanding some Orientalist hyperbole, there is no doubt that Asia has been, and will continue to be, a region of rising power, responsible for an increasing share of world output, innovation, and power, even as the United States declines in relative terms. What will the rise of Asia mean for global governance? Oddly, I believe that any "Eastphalian" world order will mean a return to Westphalia, at least as modern international lawyers understand the term. Drawing its name from the 1648 treaties ending the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War, Westphalia stands for principles of mutual noninterference, an emphasis on sovereignty, and formal equality of states. Eastphalia, should it materialize, will emphasize similar structures, putting an end to the brief interlude of European universalism and global constitutionalism that intensified after the Second World War.
Task self-efficacy and task interest as a function of performance on a gender-neutral task

Abstract This study experimentally investigates several hypotheses about the relationships between performance on a gender-neutral task and gender, self-efficacy, performance attributions, and task interest. Ninety-two subjects were randomly assigned to a success or failure condition and attempted to solve a series of easy or difficult anagrams. Results indicated that changes in self-efficacy expectations as a result of task success or failure were in accordance with predictions from self-efficacy theory; 2 × 2 × 4 ANCOVAs, with the pretest as the covariate, were conducted on self-efficacy strength, level, and task interest. Subjects decreased their ratings of self-efficacy and task interest as a result of the failure experience, and the same ratings increased as a result of the success experience. Few gender differences were found, supporting the hypothesis that the sex linkage of the task significantly influences gender differences in self-efficacy. Analyses of global verbal and mathematical ability ratings resulted in the same trends. Finally, women in the success condition were significantly more likely than men in that condition to attribute their performance to luck; women in the failure condition were significantly more likely than men or women in any other group to attribute their failure to their lack of ability. Implications of these results for future research on career self-efficacy were discussed.
Claims-based algorithms for identifying Medicare beneficiaries at high estimated risk for coronary heart disease events: a cross-sectional study

Background Databases of medical claims can be valuable resources for cardiovascular research, such as comparative effectiveness and pharmacovigilance studies of cardiovascular medications. However, claims data do not include all of the factors used for risk stratification in clinical care. We sought to develop claims-based algorithms to identify individuals at high estimated risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and to identify uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol among statin users at high risk for CHD events.
Electrostatic coupling across a membrane with titratable surface groups

Abstract The potential drop across a membrane is calculated for the case of ionizable groups on both membrane surfaces. The presence of both acid and amine groups on the membrane surfaces is considered. The membrane surface potential is obtained from the non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation by treating the fraction of dissociated ionizable surface groups as a self-consistent functional of the electrostatic potential. A discussion of the error due to ignoring the electrostatic coupling of the potential across the membrane is presented. The error turns out to be quite small for most membrane problems of biological interest. Finally, the conductance data of Mozhayeva & Naumov (1970) for the frog node are reanalyzed within the context of the diffuse double layer theory. It is shown to be unnecessary to invoke a specific binding of divalent cations to the membrane.
Teacher Strategies and Interventions for Maltreated Children

Because of their daily interactions with their students, teachers have unique opportunities to assist the child victims of maltreatment who could be in their classrooms. This article describes a number of strategies and social‐emotional interventions that can be implemented by teachers. The strategies include: the use of structure and routines to increase the children's feelings of safety and security, reasonable rules and limits, appropriate methods of discipline, and other positive behavior management techniques. The social‐emotional interventions described are: the development of friendships, the appropriate expression of emotions, anger control, conflict management, and gaining an internal sense of control. It is hoped that teachers, through the use of these strategies and interventions, will foster the resiliency of the children and make positive differences in their lives.
A protocol for distributed simulation on a microcomputer network

Abstract The computer industry has evolved very rapidly from single-user computers to computer networks where users are able to share both local and remote files. Networks of microcomputers facilitate the integration of all information processing for distributed applications such as database processing and electronic mail. One management application of promising potential for computer networks is distributed simulation. Simulation analysis can be useful to essentially all problem-solving and decision-making on the job. To implement a particular distributed application, computer communication between processors must be considered. Unlike expensive multiprocessor computers, networks of less-expensive microcomputers do not have pre-established communication paths between processors. This paper addresses how this obstacle may be overcome by using communication protocols based on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. Protocol services needed to support a distributed simulation environment will be identified, and their implementation through a prototype will then be investigated and evaluated.
ILLUMINATING A CONVEX POLYGON WITH VERTEX LIGHTS

We prove that the interior of every convex polygon with n vertices (n ≥ 4) can be illuminated by four 45°-vertex lights. We restrict each vertex to anchoring at most one floodlight. This answers a question of O’Rourke, Shermer and Streinu [5].
Perturbation analysis applied to eye, head, and arm movement models

Four types of human movements are compared: eye saccades, horizontal head rotations, the twisting motion of the forearm about its long axis, and the horizontal rotation of the forearm about the axis of the elbow. Each is a rotation about a single axis of a load, driven by muscle-generated torques. In each case, earlier investigators have modeled the load as a second-order linear system and have identified the three parameters of the model. The authors' aim is to develop a hierarchy of descriptions of each kind of movement, by applying perturbation theory to the four second-order models. the amplitude, time, and maximum net torques are called to get a single-parameter equation for each movement system. Asymptotic series solutions are then developed for the response of each system to a step input, in terms of the single (small or large) parameter. The low-order terms of the expansions give the simplest approximations to the behavior of each system. These low-order approximate trajectories are used to compare the systems and to understand control strategies for different movements.
Security implications of implementing active network infrastructures using agent technology

Abstract Active networks (AN) are a rapid evolving area of research and in parallel an area of great industry interest. However, for this technology to make the step out of the labs and penetrate the market, the security problems have to be tackled effectively. This paper demonstrates why and how agent technology research, can and should be applied to active networks, in order to fulfill the new security challenges this infrastructure poses. First, we identify the key elements of AN, analyze the nature of active code, specify the role of agents in active networks and present a multi-execution environment active network architecture. Then, we target the security threats for active code and execution environment, and state the basic as well as the extended security requirements. Subsequently, we try to see how we can apply the security solutions and research done for agents to the context of active networks in order to satisfy their requirements.
Evidence for a serum factor that initiates the re-calcification of demineralized bone.

The present studies show for the first time that demineralized bone re-calcifies rapidly when incubated at 37 °C in rat serum: re-calcification can be demonstrated by Alizarin Red and von Kossa stains, by depletion of serum calcium, and by uptake of calcium and phosphate by bone matrix. Re-calcification is specific for the type I collagen matrix structures that were calcified in the original bone, with no evidence for calcification in periosteum or cartilage. Re-calcification ceases when the amount of calcium and phosphate introduced into the matrix is comparable to that present in the original bone prior to demineralization, and the re-calcified bone is palpably hard. Re-calcified bone mineral is comparable to the original bone mineral in calcium to phosphate ratio and in Fourier transform infrared and x-ray diffraction spectra. The serum activity responsible for re-calcification is sufficiently potent that the addition of only 1.5% serum to Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium causes bone re-calcification. This putative serum calcification factor has an apparent molecular mass of 55-150 kDa and is inactivated by trypsin or chymotrypsin. The serum calcification factor must act on bone for 12 h before re-calcification can be detected by Alizarin Red or von Kossa staining and before the subsequent growth of calcification will occur in the absence of serum. The speed, matrix-type specificity, and extent of the serum-induced re-calcification of demineralized bone suggest that the serum calcification factor identified in these studies may participate in the normal calcification of bone.
Introduction to Negotiation Support Systems Minitrack

Negotiation Support Systems (NSS) are designed to assist negotiators in reaching mutually satisfactory decisions by providing a means of communication and through analysis of available information. The purpose of this minitrack is to provide a forum for interchange of ideas, research results, development activities, and applications among academicians and practitioners in the NSS field. Since 1991, this minitrack has gathered a respectable collection of papers in this young but promising area of research. Collectively, the selected papers in this minitrack continue to offer innovative and thought-provoking research in computer-supported negotiation, mediation and bargaining.
Skilling and the Pursuit of Health Care Fraud

In the summer of 2010, the Supreme Court used the case of former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling to announce significant limits on the reach of the intangible rights/honest services theory of mail and wire fraud. In rejecting Skilling’s vagueness challenge to the honest services wire fraud theory underlying his conspiracy conviction, the Court read the statute in a very narrow way that focuses such prosecutions squarely on bribery and kickbacks - activities that turn out to have particular salience in health care. As a result, while Skilling is widely considered to have narrowed the scope of honest services fraud overall, it may turn out to have the paradoxical effect of inviting additional prosecutions of physicians and others in the health care industry.
Glutathione depletion induces heme oxygenase-1 (HSP32) mRNA and protein in rat brain.

: In mammalian systems, the heme oxygenase (HO) isozymes HO-1 (HSP32) and HO-2 oxidatively cleave the heme molecule to produce bile pigments and carbon monoxide. Although HO-1 is inducible by various chemicals in systemic organs and cell culture systems, this communication reports for the first time the induction of this stress protein and its transcript by a chemical in the brain. In addition, this study demonstrates expression of HO-1 in select populations of cells in the brain in response to GSH depletion. Specifically, treatment of adult rats with diethyl maleate (DEM; 4.7 mmol/kg) caused a pronounced decrease in brain GSH content within 1 h. GSH levels remained significantly depressed for at least 24 h postinjection. Northern blot analysis of brain poly(A)+ mRNA following DEM treatment revealed on the average a sixfold increase in the 1.8-kb HO-1 mRNA level compared with that of controls; concomitant with this change was a decrease in GSH levels. Total brain HO activity was not significantly altered along with the increase in HO-1 mRNA level. The increase in transcription of HO-1 was a direct response to GSH depletion, as judged by the observation that treatment of neonatal rats with L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) (3 mmol/kg, twice daily, for 2 days), a selective inhibitor of GSH synthesis, caused a marked depression in total brain GSH level and a concomitant increase in brain 1.8-kb HO-1 mRNA content. The magnitude of the increase was up to ∼ 11.5-fold that of the control level, as evidenced by northern blot analysis. In contrast, the level of two homologous HO-2 transcripts (1.3 and 1.9 kb) did not increase in response to either DEM or BSO treatment. Analysis of brain HO-1-immunoreactive protein following DEM treatment for 9 h indicated induction of HO-1 protein in only select nonneuronal cell populations. In particular, the ependymal cells lining ventricles throughout brain, Bergmann glia of cerebellum, and leptomeninges lining brain and glia throughout brain responded to treatment by increasing the level of HO-1-like protein. We suggest that when GSH is depleted, an increase in HO-1 protein content, resulting in increased capacity to form bile pigments, may be of significance to cells with compromised antioxidant capability. Bile pigments are potent antioxidants in biological systems.
Norovirus pathogenesis: mechanisms of persistence and immune evasion in human populations.

SUMMARY Noroviruses are important human pathogens known to cause epidemic outbreaks of severe gastroenteritis in communities, military barracks, cruise ships, hospitals, and assisted living communities, resulting in over 267,000,000 annual infections worldwide. Diversity within the norovirus genus allows this virus to persist in human populations, although a single genocluster, the GII.4 noroviruses, currently accounts for approximately 80% of all infections. Noroviruses bind to the polymorphic histoblood group antigens (HBGAs), which act as the putative cellular receptor, and strains from different genoclusters bind various HBGAs. Human challenge studies using viruses from different genoclusters have demonstrated that norovirus immunity is complicated and probably confounded by pre-existing exposure histories and variable immune responses. Evidence for both short-term and long-term immunity has been demonstrated, but the molecular mechanisms mediating differential immune responses in the face of infection remain unclear. Studies with virus-like particles from the GII.4 genocluster demonstrated that variation in and around the receptor-binding domain results in differential HBGA binding and altered antigenicity. These observations suggest that the norovirus capsid evolves to evade the memory immune response while retaining its ability to bind any of several HBGAs. In this review, we discuss how evolution within the capsid drives receptor switching and allows escape from herd immunity.
Tetrahedral Chalcogenide Clusters and Open Frameworks

By integrating porosity with electrical or optical properties, microporous chalcogenides may have unique applications. Here we review recent advances and discuss concepts in the synthesis and crystal structure of tetrahedral clusters and their frameworks. These chalcogenides can be viewed as trivalent metal chalcogenides doped with tetra-, di-, or monovalent metal cations. Low-valent cations help to increase the cluster size, while high-valent cations have the opposite effect.
Integer partitions and binary trees

We present observations and problems connected with a weighted binary tree representation of integer partitions.
Purification of uridine diphosphoglucose dehydrogenase from calf liver

Abstract An improved procedure for purifying UDP-glucose dehydrogenase from calf liver was developed. This procedure is more reproducible and provides a better yield of a product with three times the specific activity of the best preparation previously described (1). Although some contaminating proteins are present in the final product, their sedimentation properties are sufficiently similar to that of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase to allow an estimation of its molecular weight, which is 3 × 105.
Uncoupling of Immune Complex Formation and Kidney Damage in Autoimmune Glomerulonephritis

The generation of autoantibody and subsequent tissue deposition of immune complexes (IC) is thought to trigger the pathogenic consequences of systemic autoimmune disease. Modulation of the autoantibody response disrupts pathogenesis by preventing the formation of ICs; however, uncoupling IC formation from subsequent inflammatory responses seems unlikely because of the apparent complexity of the IC-triggered inflammatory cascade. However, the disruption of a single gene, which encodes the γ chain of the Fc receptor, was found to achieve this uncoupling in a spontaneous model of lupus nephritis, the New Zealand Black/New Zealand White (NZB/NZW) mouse. Gamma chain–deficient NZB/NZW mice generated and deposited IC and activated complement, but were protected from severe nephritis, thus defining another potential pathway for therapeutic intervention in autoimmune disease.
Genetic variation, inheritance, and quaternary structure of malic enzyme in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

Electrophoretic variation is described for malic enzyme (ME) for the first time in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Since the quaternary structure of ME was not clear from examination of banding patterns in brook trout alone, ME phenotypes in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) × brook trout hybrids as well as in esocid species demonstrated that ME is tetrameric. A model of two duplicated loci is proposed to account for the observed variation. One locus (ME-2) is fixed and one locus (ME-1) is variable with three electrophoretically distinct alleles; the protein products of ME-1 are reduced in activity relative to the protein products of ME-2. Joint segregation was examined between ME-1 and ten other biochemical loci in brook trout, and between ME-1, ME-2, and nine other biochemical loci in a splake—lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) × brook trout hybrid—backcross. All pairwise examinations showed random assortment except ME-2 with an isocitrate dehydrogenase locus (IDH-3), which showed complete linkage in the splake backcross. This may be due to a chromosomal aberration.
The values of pK1 + pK2 for the dissociation of carbonic acid in seawater

Abstract The values of pK1 + pK2 for the dissociation of carbonic acid have been determined in seawater as a function of temperature (0 to 45°C) and salinity (5 to 42). They were determined by the addition of NaHCO3 to seawater stripped of CO2 until the pH0 = 1/2(pK1 + pK2) was constant. The pH0 was measured using potentiometric and spectrophotometric techniques. The values of pH0 determined by the two methods are in good agreement (± 0.002). Our values of 1/2(pK1 + pK2) are in good agreement (0.005) with the results of Mehrbach et al. (1973) and the combined data have been fitted to the equation 1/2( pK 1 + pK 2 )=−247.8958+6.564628 S -3.322×10 −4 S 2 +12074.50/ T +37.764148 ln T +( − 290.721 S +0.12980 S 2 )/ T −0.983517 S ln T with a σ = 0.0052. Both studies indicate that the measurements of pK2 in artificial seawater are lower than the values in real seawater. Values of the pK1 in seawater were also determined from potentiometric titrations of seawater at a few temperatures (15 to 45°C). The results are in better agreement (0.01) with the results of Mehrbach et al. between 20 to 30°C than other workers. Our results and those of Mehrbach et al. have been combined to yield (σ = 0.0056) pK 1 =−43.6977−0.0129037 S +1.364×10 −4 S 2 +2885.378/ T +7.045159 ln T and (σ = 0.010) pK 2 =−452.0940+13.142162 S -8.101×10 −4 S 2 +21263.61/ T +68.483143 ln T +( − 581.4428 S +0.259601 S 2 )/ T −1.967035 S ln T These studies indicate that the values of K1 (SW) > K1 (ASW) by ∼0.01 and K2 (SW)
Pheromone hydrolysis by cuticular and interior esterases of the antennae, legs, and wings of the cabbage looper moth,Trichoplusia ni (Hübner)

Examination was made of the hydrolytic activities of esterases obtained from the antennae, legs, and wings of 3-day-old cabbage looper moths,Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), by elution and by homogenation of those appendages. Pheromone hydrolysis in 1-min assays was monitored by use of tritium-labeled (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate and thin-layer chromatography to separate the reaction products. Listed according to the activities of the esterases obtained by homogenation, the organs were antennae > legs > wings. In contrast, the order according to the activities of the eluted esterases was wings > legs > antennae. Also, the eluted enzymes were less active than the esterases obtained by homogenization. The relatively high pheromone-hydrolyzing activity present in homogenized antennae suggests that the esterases originated inside the antennae and lends support to the hypothesis proposed in earlier investigations that pheromone-inactivating enzymes may play an important role in the olfactory process, possibly by clearing pheromone from the vicinity of the olfactory receptors. The esterases detected on the cuticle, on the other hand, may function by preventing surface accumulation of pheromone. The higher measured esterase activity in homogenates of prothoracic legs than of mesothoracic or metathoracic legs suggests that the prothoracic legs, which are used to clean the antennae of debris, may function by removing and degrading pheromone from the surface of antennae.
The impact of wastewater effluent on accretion and decomposition in a subsiding forested wetland

Abstract Insufficient sedimentation, coupled with high rates of relative sea-level rise (subsidence plus eustatic sea-level rise), are two important factors contributing to wetland loss in coastal Louisiana, USA. We hypothesized that adding nutrient-rich, secondarily treated wastewater effluent to subsiding wetlands in Louisiana could promote vertical accretion in these systems through increased organic matter production and subsequent deposition and allow accretion to keep pace with estimated rates of relative sea-level rise (RSLR). However, we also hypothesized that nutrient enrichment could stimulate the decomposition of organic matter, thus negating any increase in accretion due to increased organic matter accumulation. To test these hypotheses, we measured leaf-litter decomposition, litter nutrient dynamics, and sediment accretion in a permanently flooded and subsiding forested wetland receiving wastewater effluent and in an adjacent control site, both before and after effluent applications began. We...
Getting the most benefit from the variations research: next steps.

ABSTRACT: In this response, I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by John Wennberg and colleagues in describing the variations in use rates. I caution against reaching certain conclusions ba...
Flumazenil, a GABA antagonist, may improve features of Parkinson's disease.

Manipulation of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) system has been little studied in Parkinson's disease, despite the fact that GABA subserves a large part of the basal ganglia, including the outflow tracts. To test whether antagonism of GABA could improve features of PD, we administered open label intravenous flumazenil to eight practically defined off patients and assessed UPDRS scores, bilateral 1-minute hand-tapping speed, and timed gait tests. Patients demonstrated significantly greater tapping speed, which peaked 40 minutes after injection (P < 0.05). Total motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores modestly improved (P < 0.05). There were no adverse events. Mechanisms by which flumazenil could improve PD are discussed.
What Do the Blind-sided See? Reapproaching Regionalism in Southeast Asia

Abstract The late Michael Leifer's association with an insecurity-focused realist approach to international affairs and his work on Southeast Asian regionalism inspire this question: How have the Asian financial crisis and the ‘war on terror’ affected the plausibility of insecurity-concerned realism compared with other ways of approaching regionalism in Southeast Asia? Five general approaches (and featured themes) are presented: realism (insecurity), culturalism (identity), rationalism (interests), liberalism (institutions) and constructivism (ideas). By and large this sequence runs ontologically from the most to the least foundationalist perspective, and chronologically from the earliest to the newest fashion in the American study of international relations since the Second World War. The Asian financial crisis and the ‘war on terror’ have, on balance, vindicated the extremes – realism on the one hand, constructivism on the other – while modestly enhancing the plausibility of culturalism and challenging ...
A cumulus parameterization with a prognostic closure

The paper describes the introduction of a prognostic cumulus kinetic energy (CKE) as a replacement for the quasi-equilibrium closure hypothesis of Arakawa and Schubert (AS). In the original version of the AS parameterization, the cloud work function, a measure of the convective available potential energy, is assumed to be maintained at ‘small’ values through a quasi-equilibrium between the cumulus convection and the ‘large-scale forcing’. It is argued here, however, that the distinction between the convective and large-scale processes is ambiguous and subjective. It is demonstrated that the need for such a distinction can be avoided by relaxing the quasi-equilibrium assumption, through the introduction of a prognostic CKE; referred to as prognostic closure. A dimensional parameter, α, is introduced to relate the CKE to the square of the cloud-base convective mass flux. It is shown that ‘adjustment time’ defined by AS is related to α, so that when the adjustment time approaches zero the prognostic closure reduces to quasi-equilibrium closure. A second dimensional parameter, τD, is used to determine the rate at which the CKE is dissipated. In the limit of small α and τD, the convective mass flux is formally independent of both α τD if the environmental sounding is assumed to be given, but in reality the results of a prognostic model do depend on these two parameters because they affect the time-dependent sounding. For simplicity, a single constant value of α is used for all cloud types in tests with a general-circulation model, and this gives reasonably good results. Larger values of α lead to more frequent shallow cumulus convection and a cooler and more humid troposphere, in which stratiform condensation is more active and more large-scale precipitation can reach the surface. A longer dissipation time-scale leads to a warmer tropical troposphere. The interactions between stratiform cloudiness and convection prove to be quite important, leading to the conclusion that the convection parametrization really cannot be evaluated independently of the stratiform cloud parametrization with which it interacts.
Examining Cultural Competence in Health Care: Implications for Social Workers

This article examines and unpacks the "black box" of cultural competence in health interventions with racial and ethnic minority populations. The analysis builds on several recent reviews of evidence-based efforts to reduce health disparities, with a focus on how cultural competence is defined and operationalized. It finds that the use of multiple similar and indistinct terms related to cultural competence, as well as the lack of a mutually agreeable definition for cultural competence itself, has resulted in an imprecise concept that is often invoked but rarely defined and only marginally empirically validated as an effective health intervention. This article affirms the centrality of cultural competence as an essential values-based component of optimal social work practice, while also suggesting future directions for operationalizing, measuring, and testing cultural competence to build an evidence base on whether and how it works to reduce health disparities.
Best Practices for Determining Resting Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Adults

Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) in the critically ill patient. The use of predictive equations to develop nutrition regimens can be problematic in the critical care setting, because the effects that disease, injury, and stress have on REE are often varied and unpredictable. IC testing ensures that the specific conditions of the critically ill patient are taken into account, thereby preventing potential complications from over- and underfeeding. The clinical indications for and appropriate applications of IC testing are discussed. In addition, 3 case studies are presented that highlight the application of IC. The clinician can face numerous obstacles in implementing IC testing, including lack of equipment, staff shortages, and lack of knowledge regarding application and interpretation of the IC study. Recommendations for addressing these challenges are discussed. In addition, guidelines on ordering and interpreting the IC study are provided. Best practices for predictive equations in critically and acutely ill patients are also presented, since IC testing is not feasible in certain situations. Given the importance of predicting REE in the critically ill patient, it is paramount that more healthcare professionals incorporate IC testing into practice. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful in developing a well-established clinical practice. Nutrition support clinicians can promote optimal nutrition management by being well-informed and able to provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of IC.
Domain driven simulation modeling for software design

System-theoretic modeling and simulation frameworks such as Object-Oriented Discrete-event System Specification (OO-DEVS) are commonly used for simulating complex systems, but they do not account for domain knowledge. In contrast, Model-Driven Design environments like Rhapsody support capturing domain-specific software design, but offer limited support for simulation. In this paper we describe the use of domain knowledge in empowering simulation environments to support domain-specific modeling. We show how software design pattern abstractions extend the domain-neutral simulation modeling. We applied Composite, Facade, and Observer patterns to an astronomical observatory (AO) command and control system and developed domain-specific simulation models for the system using DEVSJAVA, a realization of OO-DEVS. This approach is exemplified with simulation models developed based on an actual AO system.
Anterior Segment and External Ocular Disorders Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease

The eye is a common site for complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although cytomegalovirus retinitis remains the most prevalent of the blinding ocular disorders that can occur in individuals with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), several important HIV-associated disorders may involve the anterior segment, ocular surface, and adnexae. Some of these entities, such as Kaposi sarcoma, were well described, but uncommon, before the HIV epidemic. Others, like microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis, have presentations that differ between affected individuals with HIV disease and those from the general population who are immunocompetent. The treatment of many of these diseases is challenging because of host immunodeficiency. Survival after the diagnosis of AIDS has increased among individuals with HIV disease because of more effective antiretroviral therapies and improved prophylaxis against, and treatment of, opportunistic infections. This longer survival may lead to an increased prevalence of anterior segment and external ocular disorders. In addition, the evaluation and management of disorders such as blepharitis and dry eye, which were previously overshadowed by more severe, blinding disorders, may demand increased attention, as the general health of this population improves. Not all individuals infected with HIV receive potent antiretroviral therapy, however, because of socioeconomic or other factors, and others will be intolerant of these drugs or experience drug failure. Ophthalmologists must, therefore, still be aware of the ocular findings that develop in the setting of severe immunosuppression. This article reviews the spectrum of HIV-associated anterior segment and external ocular disorders, with recommendations for their evaluation and management.
Evolution of rangeland conservation strategies

The history of soil conservation approaches worldwide may be characterized by a change from single issue, top down approaches to ecosystem management and community involvement. In this paper, the long history of combating desertification in Iceland is used to illustrate past, present and future perspectives in the implementation of rangeland conservation programs.
Dimensions of Early Identification

Several dimensions of early identification are discussed, including the relationship between early identification and prevention. A preventive component is described for the various forms of early identification—child find, screening, assessment, and program planning. Also discussed are recently published guidelines for screening and assessment and the assumptions on which these guidelines are based. Chief among these assumptions is the notion that risk and disability are multidetermined; hence, systems of early identification must similarly be founded on a multiple risk model. The implications of this model for selecting assessment instruments and for determining eligibility are described, as are future directions that should be explored in early identification.