cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mass spectra of five diacetyl[3]ferrocenophanes

A mass spectrometric study of five diacetyl[3]ferrocenophanes has been made. The molecular ion was the base peak in these five compounds. Fragment ions with relative intensities greater than 10 percent occurred only in those compounds having an acetyl group in the alpha position to the trimethylene bridge.
Chemical composition of North American bee propolis and biological activity towards larvae of greater wax moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Bee propolis is a sticky amalgamation of plant resins collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and used in the hive for filling cracks and repairing combs. Propolis contains a diversity of compounds of plant origin, and is reported to have medicinal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic properties. We examined the physical and chemical composition of North American samples of bee propolis from several sites in North America and tested for bioactivity against larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.), a common apiary pest. The amount of methanol-extractable resin in samples from Ohio and Georgia ranged from 24% to 79% by weight. Propolis collected from hives in Ohio was more chemically diverse (over 30 compounds detected by paper chromatography) than material from south Georgia (fewer than 10 major compounds) and contained a lower proportion of methanol-insoluble beeswax. The paper chromatographic surveys revealed little variation in the chemical profile of specific hives over a six-month period and no differences between propolis from adjacent hives. Four flavonoids were identified from propolis collected in Ohio: kaempferol, galangin, 3,3′-dimethoxyquercetin and 3-methoxykaempferol. When mixed into artificial diet, fractionated propolis reduced larval growth of the greater wax moth, but not dramatically. An array of phenolics reported from propolis (caffeic acid, chrysin, ferulic acid, galangin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were bioassayed individually for effects on larvae, but none reduced larval growth at the concentrations tested, suggesting that wax moths are tolerant of some phenolics in their diet.
Special stability analysis for the Shichman formula

The Shichman formula for numerical integration is shown to be A stable for all step ratios a. However, for a > 1+√2 with a negative real eigenvalue K, there is an initial instability phenomenon whose presence precludes the use of this a range. The phenomenon is absent when a <1+√2.
Two Figures of Merit for Fast Estimating Tolerance Sensitivity in Lens systems

We propose two parameters CS and AS for fast estimating sensitivities to constant coma and linear astigmatism in misaligned lens system. We show that the figures correlate well with actual tolerancing of some lens systems.
Data-based closed-loop system simulation

Abstract This paper provides a framework for control design and simulation of a closed-loop system with partial input/output data of a plant. Given the input/output crosscorrelation and output autocorrelation data of an open loop dynamic system, a simulation model implemented in fixed-point digital devices which matches these data is obtained using q-Markov Covariance Equivalent Realizations. These results allow the design of digital simulations with no error within the specified set of crosscorrelation and autocorrelation data. When a linear approximation of the plant is assumed, an LQG controller can be presented solely in terms of the input/output crosscorrelation data. This is the so-called the Markov data-based LQG control. With both the simulation model of the plant and the controller in hand, a closed-loop simulation can be constructed. This is yet another example showing that significant work can be done with very limited information of a plant.
A Simulation Comparison of Methods for New Product Location

Four algorithms for locating an “optimal” new product in a multiattribute product space---Albers and Brockhoff's PROPOPP; Gavish, Horsky, and Srikanth's Method IV; May and Sudharshan's PRODSRCH; and GRID SEARCH---are compared in terms of the relative share of preferences the new product will capture under different simulated market environments. These environments were both ones for which the algorithms were designed as well as other “more realistic” environments. Results indicate that algorithm performance is sensitive to the number of customers or segments, and the presence of probabilistic choice, and less sensitive to the numbers of existing products. Gavish, Horsky, and Srikanth IV GHS IV and PROPOPP performed best under the market conditions for which they were designed and GHS IV proved quite robust under variation from these conditions. PROPOPP's performance deteriorated, however, in large sample size problems n ≥ 200. PRODSRCH a general purpose optimizer was inferior under these special market conditions, but superior under other more general ones.
Perceptually lossless wavelet-based compression for medical images

In this paper, we present a wavelet-based medical image compression scheme so that images displayed on different devices are perceptually lossless. Since visual sensitivity of human varies with different subbands, we apply the perceptual lossless criteria to quantize the wavelet transform coefficients of each subband such that visual distortions are reduced to unnoticeable. Following this, we use a high compression ratio hierarchical tree to code these coefficients. Experimental results indicate that our perceptually lossless coder achieves a compression ratio 2-5 times higher than typical lossless compression schemes while producing perceptually identical image content on the target display device.
SU-FF-T-36: A New Nomogram for Determining I-125 Prostate Seed Implant Activity

Purpose: To reduce the number of seeds returned to the vendor after prostate implants by devising a new nomogram for predicting activity. Method and Materials: During 2005, we implanted 36 patients. Pre‐implant volumes were determined ultrasonically by measuring the ellipsoidal diameters. The mean pre‐implant volume was 35.1 cc while the implant measurement was 38.5 cc, a difference of 9.7% which correlates with the 10% volume increase used for ordering. We plotted the volumes against the activity. These data were fitted to a linear function. The function was further modified by increasing the activity in order to accommodate all of the clinical cases. Results: We used the new nomogram to predict the required activity first by using the pre‐implant volumes, and second by using volumes with the minimum volume being 30 cc. The former predicted an excess activity of 219.7 mCi compared to the actual excess of 279.4 mCi. The difference resulted in a savings of 145 seeds (0.413 mCi/seed). The latter produced an excess of 231 mCi; 48.8 mCi (118 seeds) less than ordered. Conclusion: Our study of patients implanted in 2005 resulted in the generation of a new nomogram, showing a linear relationship between volume and activity. Had we used this function and the unadjusted pre‐implant volumes in 2005, we would have saved 59.7 mCi, about 145 seeds.
Examining Effects of Increased Effective Area on Performance of Movable Tip Strakes

Nomenclature  = b=S, aspect ratio b = span, mm CD = wing drag coefficient CL = wing lift coefficient c = chord, mm d = angle relative to wing chord plane, deg q = 1=2 1V 1, freestream dynamic pressure, kPa Re = 1V1c= 1, Reynolds number based on wing model chord S = reference area, mm V1 = freestream velocity, m=s x, y, z = aerodynamic axes = angle of attack, deg = strake leading-edge sweep angle, deg = absolute viscosity, N s=m = air density, kg=m
Evolution of the immunoglobulin antigens in the ruminantia

The cross-reactivity of the immunoglobulin γ, γ 1 , γ 2 , α, μ, and light chain antigens of 21 ruminant species was examined using an inhibition of radioimmune precipitation technique. Although it was clear that the different antigens had evolved at different rates, the relative ranking of cross-reactivity correlated well with the accepted taxonomic order of the ruminants. It was considered significant that Antilocapra was closer to the bovids than to the cervids, in view of the disputed relationship of that genus to these families. Further, it was noted that sheep and goats appeared to be no more or less closely related than, say, the cattle and the antelopes. Of the IgG subclass antigens, IgG 1 showed the higher evolutionary stability, strong cross-reactivity being observed between sheep and deer and even between sheep and camel. This stability might be due to the conservation of sequences related to the biological properties of IgG 1 —its ability to fix complement and its secretion into the colostrum and absorption in the gut of the newborn.
PU.1 and C/EBPα synergistically program distinct response to NF-κB activation through establishing monocyte specific enhancers

Unraveling the complexity of transcriptional programs coded by different cell types has been one of the central goals of cell biology. By using genome-wide location analysis, we examined how two different cell types generate different responses to the NF-κB signaling pathway. We showed that, after TNF-α treatment, the NF-κB p65 subunit binds to distinct genome locations and subsequently induces different subsets of genes in human monocytic THP-1 cells versus HeLa cells. Interestingly, the differential p65 binding in two cell types correlates with preexisting cell type-specific enhancers before TNF-α stimulation, marked by histone modifications. We also found that two transcription factors, PU.1 and C/EBPα, appear to synergistically mediate enhancer creation and affect NF-κB target selection in THP-1 cells. In HeLa cells, coexpression of PU.1 and C/EBPα conferred TNF-α responsiveness to a subset of THP-1–specific NF-κB target genes. These results suggest that the diversity of transcriptional programs in mammalian cells arises, at least in part, from preexisting enhancers that are established by cell-specific transcription factors.
Partitioning of elements between silicate melt and H2ONaCl fluids at 1.5 and 2.0 GPa pressure: Implications for mantle metasomatism

Partition coefficients between a synthetic andesite melt and 1.5 and 3.0 molal (m) NaClH2O fluids have been measured at 1.5–2.0 GPa and 1250°C. Use of the double-capsule method allowed collection of silicate glass and of solute quenched from the fluid. Measured solubilities of silicate melt in both 1.5m and 3.0m NaCl fluid are 51 wt% at 1.5 GPa and 53 wt% at 2.0 GPa, much higher than solubilities measured for pure H2O at the same conditions. Wet chemical analysis of the run products yielded fluid/melt partition coefficients (Dfluid/melt) ranging from 0.43 to 1.31 for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Rb, Sr, La, Sm, Y, Tm, and Ti, suggesting a near-congruent dissolution of the melt in fluid. D values for many elements increase in direct proportion to melt solubility, as expected for congruent solution. Concentrations of alkalis in the fluid positively correlate with total Cl concentration, suggesting that Cl complexes with alkalis in the fluid. Results imply that NaCl-bearing aqueous fluids can dissolve large amounts of silicate material, but do not strongly fractionate elements in equilibrium with silicate melts. Thus, the geochemical signature left by metasomatic H2ONaCl fluids will not be distinctly different from that of silicate melts.
EDGE-RELATED RESPONSES OF UNDERSTORY PLANTS TO AGGREGATED RETENTION HARVEST IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Aggregated retention of overstory trees is now a standard component of timber harvest prescriptions on federal lands in the Pacific Northwest. Patches of remnant forest retained during harvest are thought to enhance the structural and biological diversity of managed forests, but the extent to which they maintain components of the original understory or promote recovery in adjacent harvest areas has not been tested. We examined short-term (1- and 2-yr) responses of understory plants to disturbance and creation of edges in structural retention harvest units at two sites in the western Cascade Range of Washington. Pre- and post-treatment abundance of vascular plants was measured in four (two at each site) 1-ha aggregates (patches of intact forest) and in surrounding harvest areas along sixteen 81 m long transects placed perpendicular to the edges of these aggregates. Two years after treatment, aggregates had gained an average of two forest species (vs. a loss of two in adjacent areas of harvest) and less than one early-seral species (vs. a gain of nine in adjacent areas of harvest). Aggregates supported populations of late-seral species that disappeared from or declined substantially in harvested areas. However, aggregates showed edge-related changes in plant abundance: one third of common understory herbs declined significantly in cover toward the edge, and changes in community composition were distinctly higher withi n5mo f theedge than in the aggregate center. Early-seral species established infre- quently within the aggregates, and only within 10 m of the edge. Herbaceous species generally showed larger declines in abundance with proximity to edge than did shrubs, with declines becoming more prominent over time. Our results suggest that, over short time frames, forest aggregates of one or more hectares may play an important role in maintaining plant species richness and composition in forests managed for timber harvest. Assessing the longer term stability of forest aggregates and the degree to which they influence recovery in adjacent areas of harvest will require continued observation.
Scheduling flexible machining and assembly systems

Most scheduling papers consider flexible machining and assembly systems as being independent. In this paper, a heuristic two-level scheduling algorithm for a system consisting of a machining and an assembly subsystem is developed. It is shown that the upper level problem is equivalent to the two machine flow shop problem. The algorithm at the lower level schedules jobs according to the established product and part priorities. Related issues, such as batching, due dates, process planning and alternative routes, are discussed. The algorithm and associated concepts are illustrated on a number of numerical examples.
Systemic autoimmunity in BAFF-R-mutant A/WySnJ strain mice

Systemic lupus erythematosis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Lupus pathology is thought to reflect autoantibody-mediated damage due to a failure of B lymphocyte tolerance. Since excessive B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) expression correlates with human and murine lupus, and BAFF signals B cell survival through BAFF-R, it is believed that excessive BAFF-R signaling can subvert B cell tolerance and facilitate lupus development. Here we report the unexpected finding that BAFF-R-mutant A/WySnJ mice develop a lupus-like syndrome. These mice carry the B cell maturation defect-1 (Bcmd-1) mutant allele of the Baffr gene. Bcmd-1 causes premature B cell death and profound B cell deficiency. Despite having 90% fewer splenic B cells than normal mice, A/WySnJ mice had an 18-fold increased frequency of splenocytes secreting IgM antibodies to dsDNA, and increased amounts of circulating IgM and IgG to dsDNA by 9 months of age. By age 11 months, most A/WySnJ mice displayed renal pathology characteristic of lupus, including proteinuria as well as periodic acid-Schiff-positive deposits and glomerular capillary bed destruction. Importantly, we genetically linked this autoimmunity to Bcmd-1, since congenic AW.Baffr+/+ mice carrying a wild-type allele developed none of these phenotypes. Our data provide the first evidence linking altered BAFF-R signaling to the development of B cell-mediated autoimmunity.
Fractionation of oats into products enriched with protein, beta-glucan, starch, or other carbohydrates

A modified wet method was developed to fractionate ground oat groats into 4 fractions enriched with beta-glucan (BG), protein, starch, and other carbohydrates (CHO), respectively. Effects of defatting oats and centrifuge force for separation were also investigated. Results show that, depending on the two factors, nutrient concentrations in the corresponding fractions ranged 28.53–44.84% (dry matter) for BG, 72.41–92.62% for protein, 79.13–81.69% for starch, and 37.47–42.16% for other CHO. Nutrient recoveries from each fraction were 39.82–51.20% for BG, 60.36–72.08% for protein, 77.04–87.25% for starch, and 24.87–29.68% for other CHO. For the protein fraction, defatting improved the protein content but did not on its recovery. For the starch fraction, the effect of defatting was just opposite, improving the starch recovery but not the starch content. Centrifuge force increased the BG content in the BG fraction when the defatted sample was used. The cumulative recovery of each component in the combined fractions was not affected by oil removal or centrifuge force. Overall, the wet method described was relatively effective in recovering the major nutrients from oats into their respective fractions, while it alleviated the problems of viscous slurry upon mixing ground oat groats with an alkaline solvent and the difficulty of slurry separation.
The future of MSK interventions.

Interventional radiology has become so successful that it is easy to forget that it is a relative newcomer. Prior to 1980, arthrography was the only musculoskeletal intervention that was performed in most radiology departments. Arthrography is an old procedure, first introduced in 1905 when air was used as the injected contrast agent [1]. Positive contrast was introduced three decades later, and the introduction of fluoroscopic control took several decades more. Members of the society made significant contributions to the development of arthrography. One of the pioneers in this work was Dr. Robert Frieberger of the Hospital for Special Surgery (New York). Percutaneous bone biopsy is also an old procedure, although it was largely the province of orthopedic surgeons for many years. Invention of the trephine needles (such as the Ackerman needle and the Craig needle) in the late 1950s, and the recognition of the value of image guidance, made it feasible for radiologists to perform this procedure. By the late 1970s this was a common practice, although the limitations of fluoroscopic guidance meant that many anatomical sites were inaccessible or unsafe to biopsy. Several factors have contributed to the advance of musculoskeletal interventions. Perhaps chief among them has been improved technology. Better visualization of anatomy yields more anatomical information. Spinal pain management was greatly improved when C-arm fluoroscopy became common in radiology practice. However, the axial plane is particularly valuable for procedure guidance, since it demonstrates the passage of a needle. The introduction of CT guidance in the 1970s, combined with improvements in the ability to handle smaller tissues samples did much to expand the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous biopsy. Radiologists have adapted to increasing capabilities by becoming more specialized. Greater specialization has fostered more detailed anatomical and functional knowledge and therefore greater confidence to undertake procedures that were previously thought to be hazardous or impossible. Finally, progress in materials and in biology has lead to more effective interventions. Therapeutic (as opposed to diagnostic) interventions have become increasingly important. In some respects, the prospects for the future have never been brighter. Three major trends support the continued development and prosperity of the field.
Human neutrophils contain subpopulations of specific granules exhibiting different sensitivities to changes in cytosolic free calcium.

Abstract We examined the role of mobilization of intracellular calcium in the ability of human neutrophils to discharge specific granule constituents upon stimulation with the synthetic chemotactic factor, N-formyl-met-leu-phe. Extracellular calcium was not required for optimal secretion of the specific granule markers lactoferrin and vitamin B 12 -binding protein. Depletion and chelation of intracellular calcium, as well as reconstitution experiments, however, revealed different calcium requirements for stimulated secretion of these markers. N-formyl-met-leu-phe-induced secretion of vitamin B 12 -binding protein required half-maximal change in intracellular calcium of >20 nM, while lactoferrin requirements were approximately 140 nM. Thus, it appears that cytosolic free calcium modulates fusion of subpopulations of specific granules with the neutrophil plasma membrane.
Sakata-Taketani spin-0 theory with external field interactions: Lagrangian formalism and causal properties

To illustrate that a relativistic field theory need not be manifestly covariant, Lorentz-invariant Lagrangian densities are constructed that yield the equation satisfied by an interacting (two-component) Sakata-Taketani spin-0 field. Six types of external field couplings are considered, two scalars, two vectors, an antisymmetric second-rank tensor, and a symmetric second-rank tensor, with the results specialized to electromagnetic interactions. For either of the two second-rank couplings, the equation is found to describe noncausal wave propagation, a property that is apparent from the dependence of the coefficients of the space derivatives on the external field; in contrast, the noncausality of the corresponding manifestly covariant Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau spin-0 equation is not so obvious. The possibilities for generalizing the results to higher spin theories involving only the essential 2(2J + 1) components for a particle with a definite spin J and mass m are discussed in considerable detail.
Reply by Author to P.R. Ashill

Brief discussions of previous investigations in the aerospace sciences and technical comments on papers published in the AIAA Journal are presented in this special department. Entries must be restricted to a maximum of 1000 words, or the equivalent of one Journal page including formulas and figures. A Discussion will be published as quickly as possible after receipt of the manuscript. Neither the AIAA nor its editors are responsible for the opinions expressed by the correspondents. Authors will be invited to reply promptly.
An analysis of hydrated proton diffusion in ab initio molecular dynamics

A detailed understanding of the inherently multiscale proton transport process raises a number of scientifically challenging questions. For example, there remain many (partially addressed) questions on the molecular mechanism for long-range proton migration and the potential for the formation of long-lived traps giving rise to burst-and-rest proton dynamics. Using results from a sizeable collection of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations (totaling ∼2.7 ns) with various density functional approximations (Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr (BLYP), BLYP–D3, Hamprecht-Cohen-Tozer-Handy, B3LYP) and temperatures (300–330 K), equilibrium and dynamical properties of one excess proton and 128 water molecules are studied. Two features in particular (concerted hops and weak hydrogen-bond donors) are investigated to identify modes in the system that are strongly correlated with the onset of periods of burst-and-rest dynamics. The question of concerted hops seeks to identify those time scales over which long-range proton transport can be classified as a series of sequential water hopping events or as a near-simultaneous concerted process along compressed water wires. The coupling of the observed burst-and-rest dynamics with motions of a fourth neighboring water molecule (a weak hydrogen-bond donor) solvating the protonated water molecule is also investigated. The presence (absence) of hydrogen bonds involving this fourth water molecule before and after successful proton hopping events is found to be strongly correlated with periods of burst (rest) dynamics (and consistent with pre-solvation concepts). By analyzing several realizations of the AIMD trajectories on the 100-ps time scale, convergence of statistics can be assessed. For instance, it was observed that the probability for a fourth water molecule to approach the hydronium, if not already proximal at the beginning of the lifetime of the hydronium, is very low, indicative of the formation of stable void regions. Furthermore, the correlations of the neighboring water atoms are identified as the fourth water approaches the hydronium. Finally, the temperature effects on structural and dynamical properties are studied.
STRENGTHENING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM: ASSESSING THE CRISIS AND THE POLICY RESPONSE

The financial crisis that began with Thailand's devaluation in the summer of 1997 exposed significant weaknesses both in the structure of markets in emerging countries and in the crisis-prevention and crisis-management mechanisms built into the international financial system. Since then numerous efforts have been made to assess the causes of the crisis, and official institutions such as the Group of 7, the IMF, and the World Bank have laid out an agenda for reform. This article discusses the four cornerstones of the reform program: 1 Encouraging the development of sound, well-structured banking sectors subject to well-designed systems of bank regulation and supervision. 2 Ensuring that private institutions have the incentives, governance structures, and internal controls in place to avoid inappropriate risks. 3 Strengthening disclosure requirements to ensure that global lenders and investors have the quantity and quality of information they need to make informed judgments about risks and returns. 4 Ensuring that monetary, fiscal, and exchange rate policies are appropriate and resilient enough to permit emerging market governments to withstand a crisis. As recommended in the article on Indonesia, the author encourages the private sector to make greater use of innovative financing arrangements to manage their risk exposures—for example, through standby lines of credit or pre-negotiated options that would allow a debtor to automatically restructure its obligations under certain conditions.
The subcellular localization of histamine and histamine methyltransferase in rat brain.

— We have examined the subcellular localization of histamine and histamine methyl-transferase (S-adenosylmethionine: histamine 7V-methyltransferase; EC 2.1.1.8) in rat brain. The highest levels of histamine and histamine methyltransferase activity were found in the hypothalamus. A large proportion of hypothalamic histamine and histamine methyltransferase activity was found in particles with sedimentation properties in sucrose gradients similar to synaptosomes storing norepinephrine and serotonin. Histamine displayed a bimodal distribution in sucrose gradients. A substantial amount of a tracer dose of [3H]histamine added to hypothalamic homogenates at 4°C was bound to particulate fractions, suggesting that endogenous histamine may redistribute and bind to subcellular fractions during homogenization. The second, lighter peak of histamine in sucrose gradients was thought to be due to histamine that redistributed during homogenization.
High Reynolds number experimentation in the US Navy's William B Morgan Large Cavitation Channel

The William B Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) is a large variable-pressure closed-loop water tunnel that has been operated by the US Navy in Memphis, TN, USA, since 1991. This facility is well designed for a wide variety of hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic tests. Its overall size and capabilities allow test-model Reynolds numbers to approach, or even achieve, those of full-scale air- or water-borne transportation systems. This paper describes the facility along with some novel implementations of measurement techniques that have been successfully utilized there. In addition, highlights are presented from past test programmes involving (i) cavitation, (ii) near-zero pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers, (iii) the near-wake flow characteristics of a two-dimensional hydrofoil and (iv) a full-scale research torpedo.
Osteoblasts express the PMCA1b isoform of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase

We report here that osteoblasts and osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells express PMCA1b, an alternatively spliced transcript of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. Synthetic oligonucleotide pairs were designed based upon unique regions of the cDNA encoding known PMCA isoforms (PMCA1-3) and used as primers in PCR-mediated amplification of cDNA synthesized from ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cell RNA. A product was observed only when PMCA1-specific primers were present; no products were seen with PMCA2 or PMCA3 primers unless cDNA synthesized from rat brain RNA was present. Examination of the cDNA encoding the C terminus of PMCA1 from ROS 17/2.8 cells revealed that the mRNA is spliced to yield the PMCA1b isoform, a Ca(2+)-ATPase containing a consensus phosphorylation site for cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and a modified calmodulin binding domain. PMCA1b was also detected in UMR-106-01 osteosarcoma cells and unpassaged primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. These results suggest that the regulation of osteoblast function by agents that act via cAMP-mediated pathways may involve alterations in the activity of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase.
Self-assembly of sapovirus recombinant virus-like particles from polyprotein in mammalian cells

The SaV genome is a positive-sense, non-segmented single-strand RNA molecule of approximately 7.5 kb that is polyadenylated at its 3' terminus. The major capsid (VP1) of SaV is thought to be produced as the ORF1 polyprotein followed by cleavage, or translation from subgenomic RNA (3'-coterminal with the virus genome), or both. We have recently reported the formation of SaV VLP from subgenomic-like RNA in mammalian cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that the VP1 cleaved from a part of ORF1 polyprotein self-assembled into VLP in mammalian cells when a transient expression system using a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding T7 RNA polymerase was used.
Adolescent pregnancy programs and educational interventions: a research synthesis and review.

The aim of this review and statistical synthesis is to provide an interdisciplinary comparative evaluation of programs involving educational interventions in the fields of adolescent pregnancy parenting and prevention of birth defects in the U.S.A. Educational interventions either separately or in combination with medical and socio-psychological treatments are among the leading strategies in the U.S.A. used in dealing with high risk groups such as the teen parent; and they are the primary focus of the review. The basic research question investigated by this project is whether programs with educational interventions have demonstrated any measurable success or failure. This evaluation and synthesis of research of the 1970-1980 decade present data collected from studies of educational programs designed for the adolescent parent in diverse settings such as schools communities hospitals and clinics. Examples of topics which are emphasized in these various settings include family life health education and health practice parenting birth defects nutrition and prenatal care. Because of the multidisciplinary focus of this research programs that are unidimensional - those for example dealing with birth control as deterrents to teenage pregnancies and programs with no stated educational component - were not assessed. The magnitude of the problem and the perspectives of past reviews however regarding the state of the art in adolescent pregnancy research and program evaluation for females aged twelve through nineteen is worth noting at the outset. (authors)
Awake evoked electromyography recording from the chronically implanted rat.

Investigation of the effects of various factors on nerve regeneration has been compromised by the lack of an accurate and objective technique which can monitor dynamic changes in the status of nerve-muscle innervation over the entire course of regeneration. The approach of evoked electromyography (EEMG) was adopted to obtain temporal and quantitative data during nerve regeneration. Initially, transcutaneous nerve stimulation and percutaneous muscle recording was performed, but the approach was abandoned because of the high intertest variability (20% average deviation) and requirement for anesthesis during testing. A new approach using chronically implanted stimulation and recording electrodes was adopted in an attempt to circumvent these problems
Encountering Language and Languages of Encounter in North American Ethnohistory

On the basis of primary sources and of reviewing recent scholarship on linguistic contact in North America, an ethnohistory of communication is advocated to achieve a greater realism. Central to this framework ought to be conceptual differentiation of speech community, an organization of communicating peoples by regularities of language-in-use, and language community, an organization of people by their orientation to structural (formal) norms for denotational coding (whether explicit or implicit). While considering the various parameters of the social organization of languages in North American contact communities, we survey a sample of cases to show their ethnohistorical distinctness from the traditional pidgin- and creole-forming situations, and the basis in contact for the role of indigeneous languages in contemporary ethnic politics of culture.
Characterization of a glabrate Encelia farinosa mutant: morphology, ecophysiology, and field observations

An individual Encelia farinosa (Asteraceae) from Death Valley, California is described that is completely lacking in the dense leaf pubescence covering characteristic of the species. While leaf absorptances to solar radiation of the mutant E. farinosa are much greater than those of the wild type, other morphological aspects and photosynthetic characteristics appear to be similar to those typical for E. farinosa. Leaf temperatures of mutant and wild type E. farinosa in the field are similar, but only because of steeper leaf angles and higher leaf conductances to water vapor in the mutant form. As a consequence of a greater water expenditure for transpirational cooling, the mutant E. farinosa becomes deciduous much earlier in the drought period than do the normal pubescent leaved E. farinosa.
The first lung transplantation

The first lung transplantation in a human occurred at the University of Mississippi Medical Center on June 11, 1963. I was privileged to participate in this historic event, and I am pleased to share my thoughts with the readership of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Effects of increasing lysine on further processed product characteristics from immunologically castrated male pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine if increasing lysine in the diets of immunologically castrated (IC) male pigs would affect further processed product characteristics when compared with physical castrates or entire males. Raw materials for this experiment were derived from a previous experiment evaluating carcass characteristics. Physical castrates, IC males, and entire males were assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs with increasing lysine in a step-down lysine inclusion program that culminated with the following concentrations in the late finishing diet: physical castrate with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low/medium lysine (0.8%), IC with medium/high lysine (0.9%), IC with high lysine (1.0%), and entire with high lysine (1.0%). Bellies were injected with a cure solution to a target of 110% of original green weight, and weighed again to determine brine uptake. Hams were injected with same cure solution to a target of 130% of green weight. Cure solution was formulated for a finished product inclusion of 1.5% salt, 0.34% phosphate, 0.05% sodium erythorbate, 0.11% sugar, and 0.014% sodium nitrate. Physical castrates had thicker (3.77 cm) bellies (P 0.05) in percentage brine uptake for cured bellies among IC males regardless of dietary lysine (range 9.93 to 10.67%). Cooked yield of cured bellies was not different (P > 0.05) among physical castrates or IC males regardless of lysine inclusion. Cooked yield of cured bellies from entire males (95.12%) was less (P 0.05) among any treatment groups for pump uptake percentage. There were also no differences in cook loss percentages among any treatment group. Therefore, differences in cooked yield are a reflection of initial green weight. There were no differences (P > 0.05) for protein fat-free values among any treatment groups. Therefore, it can be concluded, in this population of pigs, there were no differences in further processed product characteristics among physical castrates and IC males.
Do Interactions of Land Use and Climate Affect Productivity of Waterbirds and Prairie-Pothole Wetlands?

Availability of aquatic invertebrates on migration and breeding areas influences recruitment of ducks and shorebirds. In wetlands of Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), aquatic invertebrate production primarily is driven by interannual fluctuations of water levels in response to wet-dry cycles in climate. However, this understanding comes from studying basins that are minimally impacted by agricultural landscape modifications. In the past 100–150 years, a large proportion of wetlands within the PPR have been altered; often water was drained from smaller to larger wetlands at lower elevations creating consolidated, interconnected basins. Here I present a case study and I hypothesize that large basins receiving inflow from consolidation drainage have reduced water-level fluctuations in response to climate cycles than those in undrained landscapes, resulting in relatively stable wetlands that have lower densities of invertebrate forage for ducks and shorebirds and also less foraging habitat, especially for shorebirds. Furthermore, stable water-levels and interconnected basins may favor introduced or invasive species (e.g., cattail [Typha spp.] or fish) because native communities “evolved” in a dynamic and isolated system. Accordingly, understanding interactions between water-level fluctuations and landscape modifications is a prerequisite step to modeling effects of climate change on wetland hydrology and productivity and concomitant recruitment of waterbirds.
Organizational Tension in the Community Development Blocks of India

Sociologists studying modern bureaucracy have pointed out that some structural characteristics of bureaucratic organizations tend to create strains both in terms of organizational goals and in the interpersonal relationships among staff. Among the most salient characteristics in this regard are dual systems of control over personnel, control over technical staff by generalist administrators, and the conflicting loyalties of the staff.
Female control of the distribution of paternity in cooperative breeders.

Abstract: Models of reproductive skew have shed light on why animal societies vary in the partitioning of reproduction among group members. However, their application to cooperative vertebrate societies remains controversial. A particular problem is that previous models assume that skew in paternity is determined by interactions among males and males only. This conflicts with observations from many species that indicate that females exert control over the distribution of paternity. Here we address this shortfall in the current theory by developing two models to explore the expected patterns of skew in three member groups in which a female controls the allocation of paternity among two males. The first “staying incentive” model extends previous “transactional” (or “concession”) models to examine the conditions where females will be willing to share reproduction among a dominant and a subordinate male to retain the subordinate in the group. The second “work incentive” model explores patterns of skew where f...
Why do our kidneys get old

The majority of the human population shows a decline in renal clearance with age and a loss of renal physiologic reserve. Kidneys are increasingly less able to deal with stressful challenges such as a salt or acid load. It is not clear what underlies this aging-related change and whether it is inevitable or can be modified in such a way as to preserve renal function throughout the life span. This is a very brief review of aging biology and how it might impact on renal aging.
Pilot study of imiquimod 5% cream as adjunctive therapy to curettage and electrodesiccation for nodular basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Curettage and electrodesiccation (C&D) is a widely used method to treat nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, residual tumor is present immediately after the procedure in approximately 20 to 40% of cases. Imiquimod, a topical immune response modifier that targets Toll-like receptor 7, is currently approved for superficial BCC. OBJECTIVE In a double-blind, vehicle-controlled study, the administration of imiquimod after C&D was investigated to determine if the combination regimen would reduce the frequency of residual tumor compared with C&D alone in patients with nodular BCC. METHODS Twenty patients received three cycles of C&D followed by imiquimod 5% or vehicle cream once daily for 1 month as adjunctive therapy. The primary end point was the frequency of residual tumor. The secondary end points included the time to heal and cosmetic appearance. RESULTS Twenty patients were randomized to imiquimod (n=10) or vehicle (n=10) treatment group. At 8 weeks, the proportion of patients with residual tumor was substantially decreased with imiquimod therapy (10%) compared with vehicle (40%). Wounds in the vehicle group healed more quickly than those in the imiquimod group, although by 8 weeks, all excision sites were healed. The majority of scars in the control group were atrophic and hypopigmented, whereas most scars in the imiquimod group were at and slightly pink. CONCLUSION Imiquimod 5% cream once daily for 1 month as adjunctive therapy after C&D substantially reduced the frequency of residual tumor and improved the cosmetic appearance compared with C&D alone. These preliminary results suggest that further studies to investigate imiquimod adjunctive therapy are warranted.
Oral health conditions and dental visits among pregnant and nonpregnant women of childbearing age in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004.

Introduction Oral diseases can be prevented or improved with regular dental visits. Our objective was to assess and compare national estimates on self-reported oral health conditions and dental visits among pregnant women and nonpregnant women of childbearing age by using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We analyzed self-reported oral health information on 897 pregnant women and 3,971 nonpregnant women of childbearing age (15-44 years) from NHANES 1999-2004. We used χ(2) and 2-sample t tests to assess statistical differences between groups stratified by age, race/ethnicity, poverty, and education. We applied the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons. Results Our data show significant differences in self-reported oral health conditions and dental visits among women, regardless of pregnancy status, when stratified by selected sociodemographic characteristics. Significant differences were also found in self-reported oral health conditions and dental visits between pregnant and nonpregnant women, especially among young women, women from minority race/ethnicity groups, and women with less than high school education. Conclusion We found disparities in self-reported oral health conditions and use of dental services among women regardless of pregnancy status. Results highlight the need to improve dental service use among US women of childbearing age, especially young pregnant women, those who are non-Hispanic black or Mexican American, and those with low family income or low education level. Prenatal visits could be used as an opportunity to encourage pregnant women to seek preventive dental care during pregnancy.
The harmonious coloring number of a graph

Abstract Hopcroft and Krishnamoorthy (1983) have shown that the harmonious coloring problem is NP-complete, introducing the notion of a harmonious coloring of a graph as being a vertex coloring for which no two edges receive the same color-pair. In this report we construct efficient harmonious colorings of complete binary trees, 2 and 3-dimensional grids, and n -dimensional cubes.
Metal ion separations with proton-ionizable crown ethers and their polymers

Abstract Lipophilic crown ethers with pendent proton-ionizable groups are novel complexing agents for use in metal ion separations by solvent extraction. For a series of structurally related, lipophilic dibenzocrown ether carboxylic acids, the efficiency and selectivity of competitive alkali metal cation extraction for aqueous solution into chloroform is found to be strongly influenced by the crown ether ring size and the lipophilic group attachment site. Reaction of dibenzocrown ether carboxylic acids with formaldehyde in formic acid produces condensation polymers which possess both ion-exchange and cyclic polyether binding sites for metal ion complexation. These resins exhibit excellent exchange kinetics for competitive alkali metal cation sorption from aqueous solution and subsequent stripping and may be used in concentrator columns for the recovery of these metal ions from very dilute aqueous solution. Cation selectivity in the sorption and stripping steps is controlled by the structure of the crown e...
Modulation of Expression of Epidermal Langerhans Cell Properties Following in Situ Exposure to Glucocorticosteroids

Langerhans cells (LC) have been implicated as antigen-presenting and target cells in contact allergic, cell-mediated reactions. We have examined the effects in guinea pigs, rats, and humans of in situ (epicutaneous) exposure to glucocorticosteroids (GCS) on the expression of epidermal LC markers. Reductions in the number of Fc-rosetting, C3b-rosetting, and immune-associated (Ia) antigen-bearing LC occurred in a dose-related fashion, with the degree of such reductions dependent upon the specific GCS employed. These reductions were determined to be reversible following cessation of exposure to GCS. T6 antigenicity, another cell surface marker of human LC, was little affected by GCS exposure. Simultaneous immunofluorescent staining for T6 and Ia antigenicity within human epidermis of amcinonide-treated skin detected reduced numbers of T6 + /Ia + cells with a concomittant increase in T6 + /Ia - cells. The data presented suggest a selective reduction in the expression of immunologically important receptors and antigens by LC which may be involved in steroid-responsive contact allergic reactions.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact of Bloating Symptoms in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background & Aims Bloating symptoms are common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seen in primary care and gastrointestinal clinics. However, the underlying mechanisms of IBS are poorly understood, and there are few data available about the epidemiology of this syndrome or the impact of its symptoms. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of bloating symptoms in patients with IBS. Methods IBS patients were identified by Rome II criteria in a U.S. population representative web-based survey. Patients were asked about the quality, frequency, and severity of their gastrointestinal symptoms. The impact of these symptoms was investigated by assessing patients' health-related quality of life, utilization of health care, and use of medications. Results Of the 337 IBS patients in this study, 82.5% (n = 278) reported bloating symptoms, the second most bothersome symptom after abdominal cramping. The symptoms were more prevalent in female patients, 87.4% (n = 209), than in male patients, 70.4% (n = 69) ( P P = .02 and P P = .04), food intake ( P P = .06). Conclusions Bloating symptoms are common in patients with IBS, and their prevalence and relative severity differ on the basis of sex and IBS subtype. Bloating symptoms are associated with a decrease in the quality of life and increases in health care utilization and use of medications.