cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on cerebral oedema and spatial learning performance after traumatic brain injury in rats.

Background: Given after brain injury (TBI), progesterone reduces cerebral oedema and facilitates functional recovery. Progesterone analogues have been synthesized for use in many medical conditions and exhibit different chemical and biological properties. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is widely used in clinical practice, but oestrogen/MPA combinations may increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease rather than preventing them. In some conditions, MPA can exhibit pharmacological actions that are different from those of natural progesterone.Primary objective and hypothesis: Using laboratory rats, this study assessed the efficacy of MPA to determine whether this progestin and natural progesterone exert similar effects as a treatment after bilateral injury to the frontal cortex.Main outcomes and results: MPA produced a dose-related reduction of cerebral oedema at 48 hours post-TBI but neither 4 nor 16 mg/kg doses of MPA enhanced behavioural recovery.Conclusion: These findings help to clarify th...
The Effect of Surface Tension on the Epithelial Spreading of Non-Newtonian Drug Delivery Vehicles: Numerical Simulations

This paper is one of the components of our research on how to optimize polymeric drug delivery vehicles. One of the applications is in the topical delivery of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gels called microbicides [1]. Microbicides are delivered to vaginal or rectal epithelium to protect it from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Microbicides may provide a physical barrier amplifying the normal vaginal defense, as well as destroy the pathogens chemically or inhibit viral infection. The microbicide may consist of an anti-HIV active agent in some delivery vehicle, such as a gel, cream or foam. Microbicides are a promising solution to provide a low-cost, female-controlled method for protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Purification of transfer RNA and studies on aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from higher plants.

Abstract Transfer RNA was purified from pea root and soybean hypocotyl by selective dissolution in 3·0 M sodium acetate and subsequent DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The product was characterized by u.v. absorbance, gel electrophoresis, aminoacylation, and two tests for RNAse damage (melting and reannealing, and characterization of the 3′-CpCpA terminus). Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases were extracted and purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation and calcium phosphate gel batch chromatography. RNAse, ATPase, pyrophosphatase and -CpCpA pyrophosphorylase activities were assayed in the synthetase preparation. Optimum pH, conc. MgCl 2 and conc. ATP were determined for the aminoacylation of six amino acids to their respective tRNAs. The reaction was further characterized by determining the kinetics of aminoacylation with increasing (but always limiting) tRNA conc., conc. amino acid and conc. synthetase preparation.
The Wavelet and Fourier Transforms in Feature Extraction for Text-Dependent, Filterbank-Based Speaker Recognition

An important step in speaker recognition is extracting features from raw speech that captures the unique characteristics of each speaker. The most widely used method of obtaining these features is the filterbank-based Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) approach. Typically, an important step in the process is the employment of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to compute the spectrum of the speech waveform. However, over the past few years, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has gained remarkable attention, and has been favored over the DFT in a wide variety of applications. This work compares the performance of the DFT with the DWT in the computation of MFCC in the feature extraction process for speaker recognition. It is shown that the DWT results in significantly lower order for the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) used to model speech and marginal improvement in accuracy.
Differential Regulation of the Overlapping Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus vGCR (orf74) and LANA (orf73) Promoters

Similar to that of other herpesviruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) lytic replication destroys the host cell, while the virus can persist in a latent state in synchrony with the host. During latency only a few genes are transcribed, and the question becomes one of what determines latent versus lytic gene expression. Here we undertake a detailed analysis of the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA [orf73]) promoter (LANAp). We characterized a minimal region that is necessary and sufficient to maintain high-level transcription in all tissues tested, including primary endothelial cells and B cells, which are the suspected natural host for KSHV. We show that in transient-transfection assays LANAp mimics the expression pattern observed for the authentic promoter in the context of the KSHV episome. Unlike other KSHV promoters tested thus far, LANAp is not affected by tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate or viral lytic cycle functions. It is, however, subject to control by LANA itself and cellular regulatory factors, such as p53. This is in contrast to the K14/vGCR (orf74) promoter, which overlaps LANAp and directs transcription on the opposite strand. We isolated a minimal cis-regulatory region sufficient for K14/vGCR promoter activity and show that it, too, mimics the regulation observed for the authentic viral promoter. In particular, we demonstrate that its activity is absolutely dependent on the immediate-early transactivator orf50, the KSHV homolog of the Epstein-Barr virus Rta transactivator.
Training experiences of current and former community pharmacy residents, 1986-2000.

Objective To identify why current and former community pharmacy residents chose a community pharmacy residency program (CPRP), what factors in the program were emphasized and not emphasized, what opportunities were available to them postresidency, and, for former residents, what skills learned during their residency have been most useful in their careers to date. Design Mail survey. Participants 1999-2000 residents and former residents dating back to 1986. Main Outcome Measures Reasons residents chose a CPRP over other residency or employment opportunities and respondents' ratings of the emphasis placed on a variety of skills and activities in their training programs. Results A total of 44 surveys were included in the final analysis, 18 (41%) of which were completed by 1999-2000 CPRP residents performing their residency at the time of the survey. The most common reasons for choosing a CPRP over other types of programs were opportunities for developing innovative services and direct patient interaction. Communication skills, clinical skills, and level of patient interaction were reported as being most highly emphasized. Management of the distribution system was most frequently cited as having "low" or "no" emphasis in their residency. Respondents listed marketing skills as the most common area requiring improvement or additional focus in their residency. Former residents cited leadership skills and the development of patient care services as the factors in their residency having the greatest impact on their careers to date. Postresidency opportunities most frequently sought included faculty, staff pharmacist, and clinical pharmacist positions. Conclusion Candidates are drawn to CPRPs because of the opportunities such residencies offer to develop innovative services and provide direct patient care. Residents feel that many programs fail to provide adequate training in the areas of marketing services and obtaining reimbursement. Residency program directors should consider these findings when evaluating and marketing their programs.
Crystal plasticity-based forming limit prediction for non-cubic metals: Application to Mg alloy AZ31B

Abstract A viscoplastic crystal plasticity model is incorporated within the Marciniak–Kuczynski (M–K) approach for forming limit curve prediction. The approach allows for the incorporation of crystallographic texture-induced anisotropy and the evolution of the same. The effects of mechanical twinning on the plastic response and texture evolution are also incorporated. Grain-level constitutive parameters describing the temperature dependent behavior of hexagonal close packed Mg alloy, AZ31B, sheets at discrete temperatures are used as a first application of the model. A trade-off between significant strain hardening behavior at lower temperatures (∼150 °C), and significant strain rate hardening at higher temperatures (∼200 °C) lead to similarities in the predicted forming limits. The actual formability of this alloy depends strongly on temperature within this range, and this distinction with the current modeling is related to more localized instability-based failure mechanisms at the lower temperatures than is assumed in the M–K approach. It is shown that the strain path dependence in the strain hardening response is significant and that it influences the forming limits in a predictable way. For broader applicability, a means of incorporating dynamic recrystallization into the crystal plasticity model is required.
Secularism out of its place

A major source of the problems in recent discussions of the continued relevance to contemporary Indian political life of the secular state and the practices associated with secularism lies in the heavy burden that has been placed upon these terms. Secularism, properly speaking, is an orientation and a set of practices. However, in India, it has become an ideology seen as both contesting with Hindu communalism by those who uphold it, and as contesting against the faith of the Indian peoples by those who lately stand against it. Secularism as an orientation and a set of practices is indispensable to India's future as a liberal democracy. However, it loses its force as a binding principle of Indian unity if it is transformed into an ideology.
Precise Isotope Shift Measurements Using Line Narrowing Induced by Laser Radiation

Line-narrowing effect induced by laser radiation applied to measurements of isotope shifts for two optical transitions in neon
Masculinity and Smoking

Study of the relative strength of the masculine component in a series of males reveals a significant association with their differential smoking habits. Weakness of the masculine component is significantly more frequent in smokers than in nonsmokers and most frequent in the heavier smokers.
Raman Spectral Investigation of Sulfate Inclusions in Sodium Calcium Silicate Glasses

Raman microprobe spectra were measured to identify the crystalline nature of solid inclusions found on the surfaces of bubbles in glasses formed during the sulfur oxide treatment of sodium calcium silicate glass melts. Analysis of the spectra clearly indicates that the major component in the solid inclusions was the sodium sulfate (form III) phase.
SASS Wind Ambiguity Removal by Direct Minimization

Abstract A gridded surface wind analysis is obtained by minimizing an objective function, the magnitude of which measures the error made by the gridded analysis in fitting the SASS wind data, the conventional surface wind observations and the forecast surface wind field. The ambiguity of the SASS winds is then removed by choosing the alias closest to the analyzed wind. Because minimizing the objective function is a problem of nonlinear least-squares, the minimizing gridded analysis is not unique and a good first guess is necessary to assure convergence to a reasonable solution. A good first guess may be generated by performing the analysis in stages. Illustrative results are shown for a limited region in the North Atlantic containing the QE II storm and for a limited amount (∼12 min) of data observed near the synoptic time 1200 GMT 10 September 1978. Within the SASS data swath the resulting gridded analysis is a reasonable representation of the surface wind and is not sensitive to the forecast surface win...
A suggestion of a new measure of system components importance by means of a Boolean difference

Abstract The new measures of reliability importance of coherent system's components are introduced based on a concept of a Boolean difference. A case of two components is studied and various importance measures named weight, contribution and significance are treated. The results can be generalized for more than two components and for measures of survivance and safety as well.
Spectrum and Structure of the He2 Molecule. IV. Characterization of the Singlet and Triplet States Associated with the UAO's 3dσ, 3dπ, and 3dδ

The electronic transitions 3dσf3Σu+, 3dπf3Πu, 3dδf3Δu→3pσc3Σg+ of He2 are described and term values presented for a number of vibrational levels for the 10 components of the singlet and triplet 3d complex. A detailed discussion of the methods of determination of reliable molecular constants in the presence of l uncoupling is presented, and the results applied to the 3d complexes of He2. The following molecular constants (cm−1), which have been corrected for l‐uncoupling effects, are reported: StateωexωeBeαere(A)f3Δu1706.8235.107.2300.2291.0791f3Πu1661.4844.797.1360.2331.0862f3Σu+1635.7744.417.0710.2461.0912F1Δu1706.5935.0657.2300.2251.0791F1Πu1670.5740.037.1560.2351.0847F1Σu+7.0980.2461.0891.
School-Wide Discipline and Classroom Ecology

Abstract Shortages of teachers with specialized skills, coupled with increased difficulty accommodating students with problem behaviors in general education classrooms, create pressures for performance and accountability in schools and with respect to teachers. Matters become increasingly problematic by initiatives that stress high academic competence, high graduation rates, and high performance standards. In addition, heightened cultural and linguistic diversity, diminished public satisfaction, and increased violence and disruptive behavior at school levels suggest a need for effective, easy-to-implement discipline procedures. In this investigation, we describe improvements in classroom ecology after implementation of a school-wide discipline model. These outcomes were positive and provide support for continuing efforts to improve discipline within the schools.
Carbon-Catalyzed Gasification of Organic Feedstocks in Supercritical Water†

Spruce wood charcoal, macadamia shell charcoal, coal activated carbon, and coconut shell activated carbon catalyze the gasification of organic compounds in supercritical water. Feedstocks studied in this paper include glycerol, glucose, cellobiose, whole biomass feedstocks (depithed bagasse liquid extract and sewage sludge), and representative Department of Defense (DoD) wastes (methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, ethylene glycol, acetic acid, and phenol). The effects of temperature, pressure, reactant concentration, weight hourly space velocity, and the type of catalyst on the gasification of glucose are reported. Complete conversion of glucose (22% by weight in water) to a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas was realized at a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 22.2 h-1 in supercritical water at 600 °C, 34.5 MPa. Complete conversions of the whole biomass feeds were also achieved at the same temperature and pressure. The destruction efficiencies for the representative DoD wastes were also high. Deactivation of the...
During afterdischarges in the young rat in vivo extracellular potassium is not elevated above adult levels

Abstract Studies have suggested that in the immature brain an unusually high ceiling level for potassium may lead to an increased propensity for seizures. In these experiments, the peak levels of extracellular potassium in the hippocampus in vivo were recorded in immature rats 10–27 days old and compared to levels reached in adults. There was no difference in the peak level of potassium attained during an afterdischarge in any of the age groups tested.
Fractal approaches in texture analysis and classification of remotely sensed data: Comparisons with spatial autocorrelation techniques and simple descriptive statistics

There has been growing interest in the application of fractal geometry to observe spatial complexity of natural features at different scales. This study utilized three different fractal approaches--isarithm, triangular prism, and variogram--to characterize texture features of urban land-cover classes in high-resolution image data. For comparison purpose and to better evaluate the efficiency of fractal approaches in image classification, spatial autocorrelation techniques (Moran's I and Geary's C ), simple standard deviation, and mean of the selected features were also examined in this study. The discriminant analysis was carried out to discriminate between classes of urban land cover on the basis of texture measures (variables). This study demonstrated that the spatial autocorrelation approach was superior to the fractal approaches. In some cases, simple standard deviation and mean value of the samples gave better accuracy than all or some of the fractal approaches. The results obtained from this analysis...
The lattice Boltzmann equation on irregular lattices

A general framework to extend the lattice Boltzmann equation to arbitrary lattice geometries is presented and numerically demonstrated for the case of a two-dimensional Poiseuille flow. The new scheme considerably extends the range of applicability of the Boltzmann method to problems requiring the use of nonuniform grids.
Of stylised species and specious styles

In all unimportant matters, style, not sincerity is the essential. In all important matters, style, not sincerity, is the essential. Oscar Wilde, 1894 To what do we attribute the current profusion ...
Brief potassium depolarization decreases levels of neurofilament proteins in CNS culture

Little is known about the effects of brief potassium depolarization that occurs concurrently with transient ischemia, epilepsy and head trauma. To investigate the effect of short-term depolarization on light (NF-L), middle (NF-M), and heavy (NF-H) neurofilament proteins and determine the role played by calcium in that effect, mixed septo-hippocampal cultures were exposed to 60 mM K+ for 6 min, in the presence of 0 to 11.8 mM Ca2+. Twenty-four hours later, neurofilament immunoreactivity in Western blots of depolarized cultures was decreased to 60% or less of control levels. Decreases were Ca2+-dependent, not due to cell loss, and affected both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated proteins. The phosphorylation state of NF-M and NF-H influenced the degree of loss observed. Changes in the pattern of immunolabelling of neuritic processes were also associated with depolarization. Thus, brief potassium depolarization may contribute to cytoskeletal disruption following brain injury.
On generalized Walsh functions and transform

This paper is basically tutorial in nature. Hence, its purpose is to introduce the Walsh set of functions, Walsh transform and some of the basic properties of these two formulations. The method of defining Walsh functions as products of Rademacher functions is adopted here. These functions are then extended to the generalized Walsh functions; and consequently the Walsh transform is introduced. The notion of a delta function for Walsh analysis is developed along the lines of the classical Fourier analysis. And finally, relations connecting Walsh and Fourier transforms are derived.
Cooper's The Deerslayer: The Apotheosis of Man and Nature

CRITICAL judgment of James Fenimore Cooper's The Deerslayer (1841), the last and culminating novel of The Leatherstocking Tales, is characteristically divided. The estimations vary from Marius Bewley's opinion that The Deerslayer is "probably the best thing Cooper ever wrote";' to D. H. Lawrence's view that it is "the most fascinating";2 to George Dekker's claim that it is "the most elusive";3 and to Yvor Winters' assessment that, while chap. 7 of The Deerslayer is "probably as great an achievement of its length as one will find in American fiction outside of Melville,"4 Cooper's greatness is to be measured, nevertheless, only in fragments. The progression of The Leatherstocking Tales as a whole, which I will describe as a movement from historicity to mythos, begins with The Pioneer's descriptive account of the settlement of Templeton, in which the frontier is domesticated through the establishment of and adherence to social law, and ends in The Deerslayer's idealized vision of society in which the allegiance of its citizens is to "natural" or religious law rather than to social law. The Deerslayer thus becomes the key to understanding Cooper's own ambivalent attitudes toward the frontier and civilization and to his vision of a truly democratic society. In order to understand the powerful emotional impact of The Deerslayer, as well as Cooper's resolution of the conflict between the frontier and civilization, I have divided the paper into three interrelated sections of analysis. Section One will concentrate on Cooper's depiction and use of nature. I will here be emphasizing Cooper's artistic portrayal of the natural landscape and the deep religious significance he gives it, as well as his adherence to certain nineteenth-century Romantic views of nature. Section Two will deal with Natty's various rites of initiation into manhood. Not only will I stress the importance of chap. 7 (Natty's first killing of a human being), but I will also show that he must endure other
The creation of Bose-Einstein condensation in a cold vapor

This paper discusses the achievement of Bose-Einstein condensation in a gas and the work in laser cooling and trapping, spin polarized hydrogen, and low temperature atomic collisions that led to it.
Cadmium- and zinc-alloyed Cu–In–S nanocrystals and their optical properties

Cadmium (Cd)- and zinc (Zn)-alloyed copper–indium–sulfide (Cu–In–S or CIS) nanocrystals (NCs) several nanometers in diameter were prepared using thermal decomposition methods, and the effects of Cd and Zn on optical properties, including the tuning of NC photoluminescence (PL) wavelength and quantum yield (QY), were investigated. It was found that incorporation of Cd into CIS enhances the peak QY of NCs whereas Zn alloying diminishes the peak. In contrast with Zn alloying, Cd alloying does not result in a pronounced luminescence blue shift. The further PL decay study suggests that Cd alloying reduces surface or intrinsic defects whereas alloying with Zn increases the overall number of defects.
Endorsement of interpersonal strategies for dealing with hypothetical everyday arthritis problems as a function of marital status, gender, and problem severity.

We used hypothetical vignettes to examine whether older adults' endorsement of interpersonal strategies for dealing with health-related (arthritis) everyday problems varied as a function of marital status, gender, and the severity of the problem. Adults 60 years and older (N = 127, M = 71.40 years, SD = 7.21) rated interpersonal (i.e., discuss with doctor, spouse, relative) and other strategies (e.g., deal with the problem alone, pray) for solving two hypothetical everyday problems (one mild and one severe arthritis problem). Women reported a greater likelihood of using interpersonal strategies. Married people rated interpersonal strategies that involved their spouse higher than other strategies. Greater severity of problems was associated with greater endorsement of interpersonal strategies. Implications of the results for understanding the conditions under which older adults endorse strategies that may initiate collaborative everyday problem solving are discussed.
Humanistic Education in a Capstone Course

Capstone courses emphasize students' experiences and learning, rather than course content. This emphasis is consistent with principles and practices fundamental to humanistic education. Here we describe a capstone course, "Internship," that includes five features consistent with humanistic education: (1) student-centered learning, (2) empathic listening, (3) affective and experiential learning, (4) collaborative learning and self-disclosure, and (5) writing assignments that focus on personal and professional growth. We provide data suggesting that capstone courses benefit from incorporating principles and practices central to humanistic education.
The electrical responses of dorsal ocelli in cockroaches and grasshoppers

Abstract The electroretinograms of dorsal ocelli in cockroaches and grasshoppers were recorded using extra-cellular electrodes. Different components of the electroretinograms were allocated to their sites of origin. Two slow potentials with opposite electrical sign, which sum algebraically and which may interact in an oscillatory manner, originate in the layer of photoreceptor cell bodies. Efferent nerve impulses, originating in the largest of the ocellar nerve fibres, appear on darkening the ocellus.
NMR STUDY OF THE ZINC AND CADMIUM COMPLEXES OF THE CYCLOPENTADIENEDITHIOCARBOXYLATE LIGAND

Abstract NMR studies of the coordinated and uncoordinated cyclopentadienedithiocarboxylate anion show a reduction in the aromaticity of the five membered ring upon coordination. Estimates for the bond orders of the 1,2 and 2,3 bonds (see Fig. 1) are made based upon coupling constants derived from a computer fit and generation of the NMR data. A discussion of the technique and interpretation is presented.
Covariation of Mathematics Achievement and General Cognitive Ability in Twins

Abstract Although the phenotypic relationship between mathematics performance and general cognitive ability has been well established, relatively few studies have attempted to examine the nature of this observed relationship. The purpose of the present report was to assess the etiology of the covariation between mathematics performance and general cognitive ability in data from a sample of 555 twins selected for learning deficits (310 monozygotic [MZ] and 245 same-sex dizygotic [DZ] twin pairs) and from a sample of 570 control twin pairs (319 MZ and 251 same-sex DZ twins). Subtests of the Wide Range Achievement Test and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test were used as measures of mathematics performance, whereas the verbal IQ and performance IQ scores from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised were used as measures of general cognitive ability. In both samples, results of fitting bivariate genetic structural equation models to the data indicated that approximately 90% of the variability in a latent factor for math performance and 80% of that from general cognitive ability were due to genetic effects. In addition, almost 90% of the phenotypic correlation between math performance and general cognitive ability was due to heritable influences in both samples. Thus, the phenotypic relationship between mathematics performance and general cognitive ability latent factors is due primarily to genetic influences.
Membrane topology of the Bacillus anthracis GerH germinant receptor proteins

Bacillus anthracis spores are the etiologic agent of anthrax. Nutrient germinant receptors (nGRs) packaged within the inner membrane of the spore sense the presence of specific stimuli in the environment and trigger the process of germination, quickly returning the bacterium to the metabolically active, vegetative bacillus. This ability to sense the host environment and initiate germination is a required step in the infectious cycle. The nGRs are comprised of three subunits: the A-, B-, and C-type proteins. To date there are limited structural data for the A- and B-type nGR subunits. Here the transmembrane topologies of the B. anthracis GerH(A), GerH(B), and GerH(C) proteins are presented. C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to various lengths of the GerH proteins were overexpressed in vegetative bacteria, and the subcellular locations of these GFP fusion sites were analyzed by flow cytometry and protease sensitivity. GFP fusion to full-length GerH(C) confirmed that the C terminus of this protein is extracellular, as predicted. GerH(A) and GerH(B) were both predicted to be integral membrane proteins by topology modeling. Analysis of C-terminal GFP fusions to full-length GerH(B) and nine truncated GerH(B) proteins supports either an 8- or 10-transmembrane-domain topology. For GerH(A), C-terminal GFP fusions to full-length GerH(A) and six truncated GerH(A) proteins were consistent with a four-transmembrane-domain topology. Understanding the membrane topology of these proteins is an important step in determining potential ligand binding and protein-protein interaction domains, as well as providing new information for interpreting previous genetic work.
Functional Genomics from a Plant Biochemist's Perspective

The lipids derived from plant seeds provide approximately 20% of dietary calories in developed nations. The fatty acid composition of these dietary oils can influence several components of long-ter...
Surgical effects of rotation of ureter An experimental study

Abstract In 18 female dogs, right-to-left transureteroureterostomy was performed with rotation of the donor ureter 180 to 360 degrees. There were 9 survivors. It appeared that rotations up to 360 degrees did not produce significantly abnormal physiology. In 7 female dogs, the right ureter was severed from the bladder and reimplanted with rotations from 90 to 720 degrees and all survived. It appeared that rotations of the ureter before reimplantation of from 180 to 270 degrees were not significantly harmful.
Synthesis and characterization of segmented copolymers of aromatic polyether sulphone and a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester

Abstract The bulk copolycondensation of α,ω-di(acetoxy) aromatic polyether sulphone (PSU) with chlorohydroquinone diacetate and trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid to produce segmented copolymers of amorphous PSU and thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(chloro-1,4-phenylene-trans-cyclohexane dicarboxylate) (PCPTCD) is described. For PSU with M n = 1400 , true block copolymers were formed with PSU segments incorporated into the thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester structure. For PSU with M n ≥ 2300 , however, the products were not true block copolymers, but rather blends of PSU chain extended by short PCPTCD segments and PCPTCD homopolymer. This result can be explained by an ‘apparent’ molecular weight dependent reactivity of the α,ω-di(acetoxy)PSU chain ends, which is in fact the consequence of the immiscibility of the amorphous and liquid crystalline phases.
Surgical Considerations in Older Adults With Cancer

Purpose The aging of the population is a real concern for surgical oncologists, who are increasingly being asked to treat patients who would not have been considered for surgery in the past. In many cases, decisions are made with relatively little evidence, most of which was derived from trials in which older age was a limiting factor for recruitment. Methods This review focuses on risk assessment and perioperative management. It describes the relationship between age and outcomes for colon, lung, hepatobiliary, and head and neck cancer, which are predominantly diseases of the elderly and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Results Effective surgery requires safe performance as well as reasonable postoperative life expectancy and maintenance of quality of life. Treatment decisions for potentially vulnerable elderly patients should take into account data obtained from the evaluation of geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, functional and cognitive limitations, malnutrition, comorbidities, and pol...
Neuropsychological performance in chronic schizophrenia in response to neuroleptic dose reduction

Abstract The effect of 80%–90% neuroleptic dose reductions on neuropsychological function in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients was examined in a prospective study. A neuropsychological battery was administered in the week prior to neuroleptic reduction followed by retesting at least 6 weeks postreduction. Patients were retested only if they did not relapse after reduction. The design allowed neuropsychological changes due to neuroleptic medications to be assessed independently of general clinical change. Neuropsychological performance was generally stable and unchanging. However, there was a trend toward significant improvement on a dichotic digits task based in improvement in left ear accuracy. Negative symptoms diminished after reduction. Compared with a normal control group, schizophrenics' initial laterality index showed a significantly exaggerated right ear advantage (REA); after reduction, the REA was no longer different from controls. The findings indicate that neuropsychological changes in a small sample of older nonrelapsing chronic schizophrenics are modest. The data suggest that neuroleptics may impair right hemisphere functions in some patients.
Production of α-lymphotoxin by human T-cell subsets☆

Abstract Human T cells were isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and sensitized to allogeneic PBL in a one-way mixed-lymphocyte culture. These sensitized T cells were fractionated on the basis of their possession of Fc receptors for IgG (T G+ ) or IgM (T M+ ), or the absence of both IgG and IgM receptors (T G−M− ). When restimulated with alloantigen of the same derivation, T G+ , T M+ , and T G−M− cells yielded almost equal amounts of cytotoxin. Anti-α-lymphotoxin serum neutralized most of this cytotoxic activity indicating that α-lymphotoxin (α-LT) constituted most of this activity. Although T G−M− cells function as effectors in allogeneic cytotoxicity, T G+ cells lyse IgG-coated targets in an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic (ADCC) reaction, which has been shown to be mediated in part by α-LT. Whether T M+ cells can be cytotoxic is not clear. In addition, freshly isolated human T-cell subsets were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). After PHA stimulation, T G+ , T M+ , and T G−M− cells produced similar amounts of soluble cytotoxin, which was largely neutralized by anti-α-LT. The T G+ cells incorporated less thymidine than the T M+ or T G−M− cells. Likewise, OKT4+ and OKT8+ subsets, isolated with the aid of monoclonal OKT8 or OKT4 antibody and complement, yielded lymphotoxin after stimulation with PHA. It is shown that all T-cell subsets, as defined here, can produce lymphotoxin. Furthermore, depending on the assay system, cytotoxicity can be clearly demonstrated in all of these subsets, except in T M+ cells, where positive and negative results have been reported.
On generalized scaling procedures for liquid-fuel rocket engines☆

The scaling procedures of Penner and Tsien, of Crocco and of Barrere have been generalized by using the assumption that the mean drop size is proportional to the product of powers of the Weber number and the Reynolds number, together with the hypothesis that the total conversion time varies as a power (usually the second) of the drop diameter. The results obtained for the steady aero thermochemistry and for unstable motor operation (low-frequency and high-frequency oscillations) are shown to reduce to previously published rules when suitable simplifying assumptions are made.
Biografia como história social: o clã Ferreira Gomes e os mundos da escravização no Atlântico Sul

This article deals with the social and economic ties that underpinned the slave trade from Angola to Brazil as well as the rise of Portuguese abolitionism in the first half of the nineteenth century. To that end, the article investigates the personal trajectory of Jose Ferreira Gomes, a black man born in Benguela whose mother, Florinda Josefa Gaspar, was the daughter of an African chief in Catumbela and the father, Francisco Ferreira Gomes, was a black man born in Brazil and one of the most active slave dealers in Benguela. By focusing on Gomes junior's career, the article sheds light on the social and cultural connections that Angolan slave dealers built with Brazil and African populations, the transition from the slave trade to legitimate commerce in Angola, and shifts in Portuguese policies towards shipments of slaves in Angola that took place in the 1840s. To further understand the rise of Portuguese colonialism in Angola, the article examines accusations that members of the Ferreira Gomes family led racial and anti-colonial sedition against the Portuguese.
Specular, diffuse, and polarized imagery of an oat canopy

Light, polarized by specular reflection, has been found to be an important part of the light scattered by several measured plant canopies. The authors investigate for one canopy the relative importance of specularly reflected sunlight, specularly reflected light from other sources including skylight, and diffusely upwelling light. Polarization images are used to gain increased understanding of the radiation transfer process in a plant canopy. Analysis of the results suggests that properly analyzed polarized remotely sensed data, acquired under specific atmospheric conditions by a specially designed sensor, potentially provide measures of physiological and morphological states of plants in a canopy. >
Risk for intentional violent death associated with HLA genotypes: a preliminary survey of deceased American organ donors

This study investigates the different Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genotypes and their possible associations with both disease and behavior, specifically by describing significant associations between particular HLA genotypes and occurrence of intentional violent death. A de-identified dataset of n = 216,426 deceased American organ donors was analyzed for all possible genotypes by comparing the Independent Variable (Each specific HLA genotype vs. remainder of sample, non-genotype) on the Dependent Variable (Intentional Violent vs. Non-violent death). For HLA-A, 17 heterozygotes were significantly associated with increased occurrence of intentional violent death, with heightened prevalence for HLA-A2, HLA-A23, HLA-A30, HLA-A68, and HLA-A74 alleles. For HLA-B, 32 heterozygotes were significant, 25 of which (e.g., HLA-B7, HLA-B8, HLA-B35, HLA-B44, and HLA-B53) exhibited heightened prevalence of violent death. For HLA-BW, homozygotes had significantly increased odds ratios for intentional violent death. For HLA-DRB1, 19 heterozygotes were significant, with heightened prevalence only for the HLA-DRB1-4 allele. There were no racial differences in risk for the significant HLA-A and HLA-B genotypes. These exploratory, not necessarily causal, results provide the first indications of possible HLA-aggression associations in humans, supporting animal models.
Dynamic aspects of whole body glycine metabolism: influence of protein intake in young adult and elderly males

Abstract The influence of adult age and adequacy of dietary protein intake on whole body glycine metabolism was studied in human subjects. Five healthy young adult males (19–25 yr) and six elderly males (64–78 yr) were given an adequate-protein diet (1.5 g protein/kg/day) for 7 days and a low-protein diet (0.4 g protein/kg/day) for 14 days. At the end of each dietary period, whole body glycine flux and rates of glycine synthesis were estimated with the use of a continuous 60 hr oral administration of 15 N-glycine and determination of 15 N enrichment of plasma glycine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Mean whole body glycine flux and the rate of endogenous glycine synthesis were 458 and 351 μmole/kg body weight/hr, respectively, for young adults receiving the diet adequate in protein; similar values were obtained in the elderly group. Feeding the diet low in protein resulted in an extensive and significant reduction in both parameters in young adults and also in elderly subjects to a similar extent. Measurement of 15 N enrichment in plasma serine gave a constant ratio of 15 n enrichment in plasma free serine relative to glycine for both age groups and at the two protein intake levels. It is concluded that aging of adults has little impact on the quantitative aspects of whole body glycine metabolism, but that it responds extensively to changes in protein intake. Thus, it appears that glycine synthesis and flux are integrated with the body's total nitrogen metabolism and requirement for dietary nitrogen.
SHEAR STRESS AND PRECIPITATION EFFECT ON ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF α-CHYMOTRYPSIN IN CENTRIFUGAL PRECIPITATION CHROMATOGRAPHY

The result of a systematic investigation into the effect of shear stress and precipitation in the separation channel of centrifugal precipitation chromatography on the enzymatic activity of α-chymotrypsin at room temperature is reported. From the experiment, it was observed that more than 90% of α-chymotrypsin remains active after being subjected only to the shear stress in the separation channel, with the exception of α-chymotrypsin subjected to a relatively high water flow rate. Upon introducing the ammonium sulfate gradient in the separation channel, it was observed that 89.03% of the enzyme remained active after being subjected to both shear stress and precipitation in centrifugal precipitation chromatography. As a result, it can be concluded that centrifugal precipitation chromatography should be friendly to most proteins under the appropriate operating conditions.
Inactivation of Frog Virus 3 and Channel Catfish Virus by Esculentin-2P and Ranatuerin-2P, Two Antimicrobial Peptides Isolated from Frog Skin

While it is clear that some amphibian populations have recently experienced precipitous declines, the causes of those die-offs are complex and likely involve multiple variables. One theory suggests that environmental factors may trigger events that result in depressed immune function and increased susceptibility to infectious disease. Here we examine one aspect of innate immunity in amphibians and show that esculentin-2P (E2P) and ranatuerin-2P (R2P), two antimicrobial peptides isolated from Rana pipiens, inactivate frog virus 3, a potentially pathogenic iridovirus infecting anurans, and channel catfish herpesvirus. In contrast to mammalian antimicrobial peptides, E2P and R2P act within minutes, at temperatures as low as 0 degrees C, to inhibit viral infectivity. Moreover, these compounds appear to inactivate the virus directly and do not act by inhibiting replication in infected cells. This is the first report linking amphibian antimicrobial peptides with protection from an amphibian viral pathogen and suggests that these compounds may play a role in maintaining amphibian health.
SURGICAL REPAIR OF UNIVENTRICULAR HEART WITH OUTLET FORAMEN OBSTRUCTION

Patients (PTS) with univentricular heart (UH) and outlet foramen (OF) obstruction have a greater surgical mortality than PTS with UH without OF obstruction. To determine the exact mortality and to attempt to delineate predictors of outcome we examined the records of all PTS with UH and OF obstruction operated upon at the Mayo Clinic from 1973 to 1983.
Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and microbial processing of organic matter in northern bogs and fens reveals a common P-limitation between peatland types

We compared carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in atmospheric deposition, runoff, and soils with microbial respiration [dehydrogenase (DHA)] and ecoenzyme activity (EEA) in an ombrotrophic bog and a minerotrophic fen to investigate the environmental drivers of biogeochemical cycling in peatlands at the Marcell Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota, USA. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry was used to construct models for C use efficiency (CUE) and decomposition (M), and these were used to model respiration (Rm). Our goals were to determine the relative C, N, and P limitations on microbial processes and organic matter decomposition, and to identify environmental constraints on ecoenzymatic processes. Mean annual water, C, and P yields were greater in the fen, while N yields were similar in both the bog and fen. Soil chemistry differed between the bog and fen, and both watersheds exhibited significant differences among soil horizons. DHA and EEA differed by watersheds and soil horizons, CUE, M, and Rm differed only by soil horizons. C, N, or P limitations indicated by EEA stoichiometry were confirmed with orthogonal regressions of ecoenzyme pairs and enzyme vector analyses, and indicated greater N and P limitation in the bog than in the fen, with an overall tendency toward P-limitation in both the bog and fen. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry, microbial respiration, and organic matter decomposition were responsive to resource availability and the environmental drivers of microbial metabolism, including those related to global climate changes.
Segmentation assisted food classification for dietary assessment

Accurate methods and tools to assess food and nutrient intake are essential for the association between diet and health. Preliminary studies have indicated that the use of a mobile device with a built-in camera to obtain images of the food consumed may provide a less burdensome and more accurate method for dietary assessment. We are developing methods to identify food items using a single image acquired from the mobile device. Our goal is to automatically determine the regions in an image where a particular food is located (segmentation) and correctly identify the food type based on its features (classification or food labeling). Images of foods are segmented using Normalized Cuts based on intensity and color. Color and texture features are extracted from each segmented food region. Classification decisions for each segmented region are made using support vector machine methods. The segmentation of each food region is refined based on feedback from the output of classifier to provide more accurate estimation of the quantity of food consumed.
Isopods Failed to Acclimate Their Thermal Sensitivity of Locomotor Performance during Predictable or Stochastic Cooling

Most organisms experience environments that vary continuously over time, yet researchers generally study phenotypic responses to abrupt and sustained changes in environmental conditions. Gradual environmental changes, whether predictable or stochastic, might affect organisms differently than do abrupt changes. To explore this possibility, we exposed terrestrial isopods (Porcellio scaber) collected from a highly seasonal environment to four thermal treatments: (1) a constant 20°C; (2) a constant 10°C; (3) a steady decline from 20° to 10°C; and (4) a stochastic decline from 20° to 10°C that mimicked natural conditions during autumn. After 45 days, we measured thermal sensitivities of running speed and thermal tolerances (critical thermal maximum and chill-coma recovery time). Contrary to our expectation, thermal treatments did not affect the thermal sensitivity of locomotion; isopods from all treatments ran fastest at 33° to 34°C and achieved more than 80% of their maximal speed over a range of 10° to 11°C. Isopods exposed to a stochastic decline in temperature tolerated cold the best, and isopods exposed to a constant temperature of 20°C tolerated cold the worst. No significant variation in heat tolerance was observed among groups. Therefore, thermal sensitivity and heat tolerance failed to acclimate to any type of thermal change, whereas cold tolerance acclimated more during stochastic change than it did during abrupt change.
Characterization of Wolbachia postica, the cause of reproductive incompatibility among alfalfa weevil strains

Abstract Wolbachia postica, which causes reproductive incompatibility between male western alfalfa weevils and female eastern or Egyptian weevils, was isolated by Renografin density gradients. Hybridization of DNA from this isolated microorganism with a mycoplasma-specific gene probe confirmed it is not a mycoplasma but a wolbachia. Polyclonal antibodies produced against inactivated Wolbachia postica showed high sensitivity in fluorescent light microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. This antibody was specific for Wolbachia-infected adult weevil by immunoblots which were reliable and reproducible, and more sensitive than the Giemsa stain procedure. A 135-kDa protein detected in all weevils infected with wolbachiae appeared to be a good marker for the microorganism. This technique facilitates the detection of wolbachiae-infected male weevils. Dissection of the ovary was not required to analyze the female weevils.