cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multichannel acousto-optic crossbar switch.

We analyze an acousto-optic crossbar switch architecture that can be used to implement an N × N point-to-point switch with just N hardware complexity. In our analysis, we determine that insertion loss and cross talk are minimized if we place the output ports in the diffraction far field of the acousto-optic cell. Using this result, we develop an optimum switch design based on Fourier optics: a Fourier transform lens is used both to scale the output beams for efficient coupling to the output ports and to provide a necessary optical fan-in from input to output ports. We demonstrate the performance of switch configurations using single-mode fiber input ports in conjunction with single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and photodiode output ports.
Elocution and Feminine Power in the First Quarter of the Twentieth Century: The Career of Carolyn Winkler (Paterson) as Performer and Teacher

The professional life of elocutionist Alvina Winker Paterson suggests that previous views about women being excluded from rhetorical activities in the earlier twentieth century need to be revised. Like many other contemporary women, Winkler Paterson was able to avail herself of private instruction in elocution and become a highly successful performer and educator in the Northeast. Her career casts considerable light on the nature of elocutionary performance, the course of elocutionary education, and feminine access to public arenas and power at the time.
Effects of silvicultural disturbance on acorn infestation and removal

Oak (Quercus spp.) regeneration is an important forest management goal in the central hardwood forest region of the United States. Silvicultural methods that target oak regeneration, such as the creation of canopy openings and removal of shade-tolerant midstory trees, are complicated by the impact of pre- and post-dispersal predators of oak acorns like acorn weevils (Curculio spp.) and granivorous small mammals. Understanding the effects of forest disturbance created by silviculture on these predators is important to promote successful oak regeneration. We conducted a 6-year study of acorn production, weevil infestation, and acorn removal at 113 black (Q. velutina) and white oak (Q. alba) trees impacted by three types of silvicultural treatments: adjacent to harvest openings, midstory removal (first-stage shelterwood harvest), and control (no harvest) in south-central Indiana, USA. We observed highly variable acorn production across years, but minimal impact of silvicultural treatments. Levels of weevil infestation and acorn removal by small mammal seed predators also varied greatly, and predation pressure was highest in years when acorns were scarce. Weevil infestation was reduced following midstory removal in shelterwood harvests, but probability of acorn removal by small mammals was unchanged following harvest. Damaged, germinated, and weevil-infested acorns were less likely to be removed by seed predators, suggesting additive effects of pre- and post-dispersal predators. This study emphasizes the importance of considering acorn predators in oak regeneration silviculture, and timing harvests to follow large acorn crops in order to reduce predation pressure and generate a high number of seedlings.
Postnatal development of carotid body glomus cell O2 sensitivity.

Abstract In mammals, the main sensors of arterial oxygen level are the carotid chemoreceptors, which exhibit low sensitivity to hypoxia at birth and become more sensitive over the first few days or weeks of life. This postnatal increase in hypoxia sensitivity of the arterial chemoreceptors, termed “resetting”, remains poorly understood. In the carotid body, hypoxia is transduced by glomus cells, which are secretory sensory neurons that respond to hypoxia at higher P O 2 levels than non-chemoreceptor cell types. Maturation or resetting of carotid body O 2 sensitivity potentially involves numerous aspects of the O 2 transduction cascade at the glomus cell level, including glomus cell neurotransmitter secretion, neuromodulator function, neurotransmitter receptor expression, glomus cell depolarization in response to hypoxia, [Ca 2+ ] i responses to hypoxia, K + and Ca 2+ channel O 2 sensitivity and K + channel expression. However, although progress has been made in the understanding of carotid body development, the precise mechanisms underlying postnatal maturation of these numerous aspects of chemotransduction remain obscure.
Impact of oral cyclophosphamide on health-related quality of life in patients with active scleroderma lung disease: results from the scleroderma lung study.

Objective To assess the impact of cyclophosphamide (CYC) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with scleroderma after 12 months of treatment. Methods One hundred fifty-eight subjects participated in the Scleroderma Lung Study, with 79 each randomized to CYC and placebo arms. The study evaluated the results of 3 measures of health status: the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI), and Mahler's dyspnea index, and the results of 1 preference-based measure, the SF-6D. The differences in the HRQOL between the 2 groups at 12 months were calculated using a linear mixed model. Responsiveness was evaluated using the effect size. The proportion of subjects in each treatment group whose scores improved at least as much as or more than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in HRQOL measures was assessed. Results After adjustment for baseline scores, differences in the HAQ DI, SF-36 role physical, general health, vitality, role emotional, mental health scales, and SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) score were statistically significant for CYC versus placebo (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were negligible (<0.20) for all of the scales of the SF-36, HAQ DI, and SF-6D at 12 months. In contrast, a higher proportion of patients who received CYC achieved the MCID compared with placebo in the HAQ DI score (30.9% versus 14.8%), transitional dyspnea index score (46.4% versus 12.7%), SF-36 MCS score (33.3% versus 18.5%), and SF-6D score (21.3% versus 3.8%). Conclusion One year of treatment with CYC leads to an improvement in HRQOL in patients with scleroderma lung disease.
Stereoselective synthesis of 3-aryloctahydroindoles and application in a formal synthesis of (-)-pancracine.

A stereoselective synthesis of 3-aryloctahydroindoles from enantiomerically enriched γ-nitroketones has been developed. Reduction of imines derived form the nitroketones provides the trans-fused octhaydroindole motif selectively. The cis-octahydroindole skeleton is accessible by an invertive cyclization strategy involving a diastereomerically pure nitromesylate intermediate. This approach was employed in the synthesis of an advanced intermediate to (−)-pancracine. The γ-nitroketone starting materials are readily available via an organocatalytic Michael reaction.
Experimental and Computational Studies of the Kinetics and Mechanisms for C6H5 Reactions with Acetone-h6 and -d6

Kinetics and mechanisms for the C6H5 + CH3C(O)CH3 and CD3C(O)CD3 reactions have been investigated by cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS) and hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The rate constants measured for the two reactions at the constant pressure of 45 Torr using Ar as a carrier gas can be represented by the following Arrhenius expressions in units of cm3 mol-1 s-1: kH = (4.2 ± 0.4) × 1011 exp[-(955 ± 30)/T] and kD = (5.1 ± 0.6) × 1011 exp[-(1114 ± 43)/T] in the temperature ranges of 299−451 and 328−455 K, respectively. The significant kinetic isotope effect observed suggests that H-abstraction is the major path, according to their activation energies, with the C6H5 + CD3C(O)CD3 reaction being higher by 0.3 kcal/mol. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/aug-cc-PVTZ//B3LYP/cc-PVDZ level of theory indicate the reaction can in principle take place by three reaction paths, one H-abstraction and two addition reactions to the CO double bond at both C and O atom sites, with the latter two proces...
Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure

Few data exist regarding functional results and long-term survival after coronary bypass in patients on dialysis. Therefore, a retrospective analysis was performed of 21 consecutive patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Preoperatively, all but 1 patient had associated comorbid illnesses, 15 patients (71%) had class IV angina, and 16 patients (76%) had either left main or three-vessel disease. There were two perioperative deaths (9%), and complications occurred in 10 of the 21 patients (48%). All 19 hospital survivors showed symptomatic improvement with improved overall functional status (mean Karnofsky score increased from 37% +/- 16% preoperatively to 69% +/- 9% at hospital discharge or death; p < 0.001). Actuarial survival rates were 84% +/- 8% and 45% +/- 13% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Therefore, coronary bypass grafting may be performed in dialysis patients with increased but acceptable morbidity and mortality, with excellent symptomatic relief, and with improved functional status. However, limited long-term survival suggests that the relative costs and benefits of surgical revascularization need further examination in this patient population.
Reproductive Isolation between a Hybrid Sunfish and Its Parental Species

Abstract Attempts to backcross F1 male bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) x green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) hybrids with females of each parental species were unsuccessful both in ponds and in the laboratory. In laboratory experiments, fertilization was accomplished but embryos failed to survive longer than 36 h. In ponds, nesting and courting activity were observed but successful reproduction did not occur. Additionally, 1,874 of 1,983 F1 hybrids examined (94.5%) were males.
Chlorella virus RNA triphosphatase. Mutational analysis and mechanism of inhibition by tripolyphosphate.

Abstract Chlorella virus RNA triphosphatase (cvRtp1) is the smallest member of a family of metal-dependent phosphohydrolases that includes the RNA triphosphatases of fungi, protozoa, poxviruses, and baculoviruses. The primary structure of cvRtp1 is more similar to that of the yeast RNA triphosphatase Cet1 than it is to the RNA triphosphatases of other DNA viruses. To evaluate the higher order structural similarities between cvRtp1 and the fungal enzymes, we performed an alanine scan of individual residues of cvRtp1 that were predicted, on the basis of the crystal structure of Cet1, to be located at or near the active site. Twelve residues (Glu24, Glu26, Asp64, Arg76, Lys90, Glu112, Arg127, Lys129, Arg131, Asp142, Glu163, and Glu165) were deemed essential for catalysis by cvRtp1, insofar as their replacement by alanine reduced phosphohydrolase activity to <5% of the wild-type value. Structure-activity relationships were elucidated by introducing conservative substitutions at the essential positions. The mutational results suggest that the active site ofcvRtp1 is likely to adopt a tunnel fold like that of Cet1 and that a similar constellation of side chains within the tunnel is responsible for metal binding and reaction chemistry. Nonetheless, there are several discordant mutational effects in cvRtp1versus Cet1, which suggest that different members of the phosphohydrolase family vary in their reliance on certain residues within the active site tunnel. We found that tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate were potent competitive inhibitors ofcvRtp1 (K i = 0.6 μmtripolyphosphate and 2.4 μm pyrophosphate, respectively), whereas phosphate had little effect. cvRtp1 displayed a weak intrinsic tripolyphosphatase activity (3% of its ATPase activity) but was unable to hydrolyze pyrophosphate.
Modeling Longitudinal Obesity Data with Intermittent Missingness Using a New Latent Variable Model

We propose a latent variable model for informative missingness in longitudinal studies which is an extension of latent dropout class model. In our model, the value of the latent variable is affected by the missingness pattern and it is also used as a covariate in modeling the longitudinal response. So the latent variable links the longitudinal response and the missingness process. In our model, the latent variable is continuous instead of categorical and we assume that it is from a normal distribution. The EM algorithm is used to obtain the estimates of the parameter we are interested in and Gauss–Hermite quadrature is used to approximate the integration of the latent variable. The standard errors of the parameter estimates can be obtained from the bootstrap method or from the inverse of the Fisher information matrix of the final marginal likelihood. Comparisons are made to the mixed model and complete-case analysis in terms of a clinical trial dataset, which is Weight Gain Prevention among Women (WGPW) s...
Roles of Integrins and Intracellular Molecules in the Migration and Neuritogenesis of Fetal Cortical Neurons: MEK Regulates Only the Neuritogenesis

The roles of integrin subunits and intracellular molecules in regulating the migration and neuritogenesis of neurons isolated from 16.5 gestation days rat fetal cortices were examined using in vitro assays. Results showed that laminin supported the migration of fetal cortical neurons better than fibronectin and that the fetal cortical neurons migrated on laminin using β1 and α3 integrin subunits which make up the α3β1 integrin receptor. On fibronectin, the migration was mediated by β1 integrin subunit. Perturbation of src kinase, phospholipase C, or protein kinase C activity, inhibition of IP3 receptor mediated calcium release, or chelation of intracellular calcium inhibited both migration and neuritogenesis, whereas inhibition of growth factor signaling via MEK inhibited only the neuritogenesis. The detection of α1 and α9 transcripts suggested that the migration of fetal cortical neurons may also be mediated by α1β1 and α9β1 integrin receptors. Results showed that calcium may regulate migration and neuritogenesis by maintaining optimum levels of microtubules in the fetal cortical neurons. It is concluded that the fetal cortical neurons are fully equipped with the integrin signaling cascade required for their migration and neuritogenesis, whereas crosstalk between the integrin and growth-factor signaling regulate only the neuritogenesis.
A leucine tRNA gene adjacent to the QA gene du of Neurospora crassa

A single tRNALeu gene has been localized and sequenced from Neurospora crassa. It is located only 375 bp from the qa gene cluster and it is the only tRNA or 5S rRNA gene within this cloned 37 kb region. The gene encodes a tRNALeu with the anti-codon AAG, and unlike the other nuclear eukaryotic tRNALeu (AAG) gene sequenced (from C. elegans), contains an intervening sequence of 27 bp. The Neurospora tRNALeu (AAG) is 84% and 73% homologous respectively to the C. elegans and bovine tRNALeu (AAG), and is 84% homologous to a Drosophila tRNALeu (CAA). However, it is only 65% homologous to a yeast tRNALeu (CAA) and there is little conservation of intervening sequences or V-loop regions. The gene hybridizes to at least 16 other DNA fragments in the Neurospora genome. Its expression does not seem to be linked to that of the qa genes.
Histidine ammonia-lyase from Streptomyces griseus

Histidine ammonia-lyase (histidase; HutH) has been purified to homogeneity from Streptomyces griseus and the N-terminal amino acid (aa) sequence used to clone the histidase-encoding structural gene, hutH. The purified enzyme shows typical saturation kinetics and is inhibited competitively by D-histidine and histidinol phosphate. High concentrations of K.cyanide inactivate HutH unless the enzyme is protected by the substrate or histidinol phosphate. On the basis of the nucleotide sequence, the hutH structural gene would encode a protein of 53 kDa with an N terminus identical to that determined for the purified enzyme. Immediately upstream from hutH is a region that strongly resembles a class of Streptomyces promoters active during vegetative growth; however, there is no obvious ribosome-binding site adjacent to the hutH translation start codon. The deduced aa sequence of an upstream partial open reading frame shows no similarity with other proteins, including HutP of Bacillus subtilis and HutU of Pseudomonas putida. Promoter-probe analysis indicates that promoter activity maps within the DNA surrounding the hutH start codon. Pairwise comparisons of the primary structures of bacterial and mammalian histidases, together with the unique kinetic properties and gene organization, suggest that streptomycete histidase may represent a distinct family of histidases.
Kinetics of decomposition of O-acyl derivatives of salicylamide and related compounds

Abstract Salicylamide hemisuccinate ethyl ester, salicylamide hemiglutarate methyl ester, O -acetyl- N -methylsalicylamide, and O -acetyl- N , N-diethylsalicylamide were synthesized, and the kinetics and mechanisms of their decompositions in aqueous buffers at various pH values were studied. The results support a mechanism in which the predominant feature is a transacylation reaction involving intramolecular attack of the amide anion on the carbonyl carbon of the neighboring ester group. In the case of O -acetyl- N -methyl salicylamide and O -acetyl- N , N -diethylsalicylamide, where the ionization of the amide group is blocked, the predominant reaction was found to be hydrolysis of the ester groups rather than O -to- N -acyl transfer. The reaction rates for the glutarate hemiester were found to be faster than those for the corresponding ethyl ester at pH values around 7.0. These results confirm a previously proposed mechanism in which a second intramolecular general acid catalysis involving the free carboxyl group on the hemiester moiety accelerates the transacylation rate.
Measures on infinite dimensional Grassmann manifolds

Abstract A 1-parameter family of quasi-invariant measures is presented. These measures are cylinder measures in graph coordinates. Their characteristic functions are represented as integrals relative to an infinite product measure. This is applied to the problem of determining the support properties of the measures. One of the measures can be used to define the unitary structure for the basic representation of the affine extension of the restricted unitary group.
Internet resources on Asian studies: a guide to the best sites of 2003

The Internet and World Wide Web offer a rapidly increasing quantity of valuable resources on Asia‐specific information. In view of the vast scope of the Asian countries and the fast proliferation of good sites, this article offers only a sampling of valuable Internet resources as starting points for further exploration. It covers meta sites, Asian search engines, library resource pages, and electronic journals and newspapers. The first part of this paper includes the Internet sites of Asian studies, the second part contains selected East Asian country resources from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and the third part presents the leading Asian electronic journals and newspapers. Preference was given to comprehensive sites on countries or regions that have been the focus of recent academic study and research. All the sources are in English and some of them contain bilingual or multilingual versions.
Lyric Texts and Lyric Consciousness: The Birth of a Genre from Archaic Greece to Augustan Rome

Lyric Texts and Lyric Consciousness presents a model for studying the history of lyric as a genre. Prof Miller draws a distinction between the work of the Greek lyrists and the more condensed, personal poetry that we associate with lyric. He then confronts the theoretical issues and presents a sophisticated, Bakhtinian reading of the development of the lyric form from its origins in archaic Greece to the more individualist style of Augustan Rome. This book will appeal to classicists and, since English translations of passages from the ancient authors are provided, to those who specialise in comparative literature.
Daily and annual patterns of thermoregulation in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) living in a thermally variable marsh in Northern Michigan.

Abstract The capacity for an ectothermic reptile to thermoregulate has implications for many components of its life history. Over two years, we studied thermoregulation in a population of Midland painted turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) in a shallow, thermally variable wetland during summer in Northern Michigan. Mean body temperature (Tb) of free-ranging turtles was greater in 2008 (25.8 °C) than in 2010 (19.7 °C). Laboratory determined thermoregulatory set point (Tset) ranged from 25 °C (Tset-min) to 31 °C (Tset-max) and was lower during the fall (17–26 °C). Deviations of Tb distributions from field measured operative temperatures (Te) and indices of thermoregulation indicated that C. picta marginata were capable of a limited degree of thermoregulation. Operative temperatures and thermal quality (de=|Tset-min−Te| and |Te−Tset-max|) cycled daily with maximal thermal quality occurring during late morning and late afternoon. The accuracy of thermoregulation (db=|Tset-min−Tb| and |Tb−Tset-max|) was maximal (db values were minimal) as Tb declined and traversed Tset during the late afternoon–early evening hours and was higher on cloudy days than on sunny days because relatively low Te values decreased the number of Tb values that were above Tset. Our index of thermal exploitation (Ex=frequency of Tb observations within Tset) was 36%, slightly lower than that reported for an Ontario population of C. picta marginata. Regression of db (thermal accuracy) on de (thermal quality) indicated that turtles invested more in thermoregulation when thermal quality was low and when water levels were high than when they were low. There were no intersexual differences in mean Tb throughout the year but females had relatively high laboratory determined Tb values in the fall, perhaps reflecting the importance of maintaining ovarian development prior to winter.
Ten Characteristics of Empowerment-Oriented Social Service Organizations

ABSTRACT The empowerment of both clients and workers in social service organizations requires a firm commitment on the part of administrators. Formal structures that support the involvement of staff members and clientele in organization decision-making are also required. This article identifies ten characteristics associated with effective empowerment-oriented strategies in social service organizations. Outcomes associated with the empowerment approach such as increased program effectiveness, reductions in staff turnover, and the development of a constituency base for the organization are also identified. The limitations of the empowerment approach to organization management are described.
Context, voice and choice: A curricular framework for the medical humanities

Although the humanities' place in the medical school curriculum has been established, how we can best approach our teaching remains unanswered. A curricular framework which addresses process, as well as subject matter and structure is needed. A process-oriented framework demands that we enhance our student's ability to contextualize experience through multiple realms of meaning; encourage our students in the struggle to find a voice; and once a voice is found, to endow our students with the courage to let it be heard.
Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A and Phthalates and Infant Neurobehavior

Objective To examine the association of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and select common phthalates with infant neurobehavior measured at 5 weeks.
Double Trouble: Duplication of Vas Deferens Encountered During Inguinal Hernia Repair

3 21-year-old man was evaluated for a symptomatic, educible left inguinal hernia. He denied any urinary or bdominal symptoms. His history was significant only or an uneventful, right open inguinal hernia repair 1 ear earlier. On examination, the patient had an easily educible, moderate-sized, left inguinal hernia and a ormal testicular exam. At operative exploration, an indirect hernia was idenified. During dissection of the hernia sac from adjacent ord structures, we isolated two separate, equal-sized vas eferens (A). Intraoperative examination of the scrotum emonstrated a single testicle and epididymis. Care was aken to keep both structures intact during high ligation f the hernia sac and while suturing the mesh into place B). The patient tolerated the procedure well and had an ncomplicated postoperative course. Injury to the vas deferens is a recognized complication fter inguinal herniorrhaphy that may lead to infertility, hronic pain, and spermatic granulomas. Identificaion of the vas deferens during exploration of the cord or a hernia sac prevents iatrogenic injury. In patients ith a unilateral duplicated vas deferens, this anatomic
Labeling and intracellular tracking of functionally active plasmid DNA with semiconductor quantum dots

Semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) allow long-term imaging in the cellular environment with high photostability. QD biolabeling techniques have previously been developed for tagging proteins and peptides as well as oligonucleotides. In this contribution, QD-decorated plasmid DNA was utilized for the first time for long-term intracellular and intranuclear tracking studies. Conjugation of plasmid DNA with phospholipid-coated QDs was accomplished using a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridylthio) propionate linker. Gel electrophoresis and confocal and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to confirm the structure of QD-DNA conjugates. AFM imaging also revealed that multiple QDs were attached in a cluster at the PNA-reactive site of the plasmid DNA. These QD-DNA conjugates were capable of expressing the reporter protein, enhanced green fluorescent protein, following transfection in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells with an efficiency of ca. 62%, which was comparable to the control (unconjugated) plasmid DNA.
Change and Continuity Among Women State Legislators: Evidence From Three Decades:

Previous literature documents the steady increase in the number of women serving in state legislatures as well as the lingering differences in demographic characteristics and policy priorities betw...
Factors predictive of failed operative vaginal delivery

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine what factors are independently associated with an increased likelihood of failed operative vaginal delivery. Study design We conducted a population-based case-control study evaluating maternal, pregnancy, provider, care setting, and fetal factors associated with failed operative vaginal delivery. Subjects were identified using Washington state birth certificates for infants born between 1992 and 2001. Cases (n = 1750) were live-born singletons with both labored cesarean delivery and an operative vaginal delivery (“failure”) coded on the birth certificate. Controls (n = 3500), frequency matched by delivery year to the cases, were randomly selected from among singletons undergoing a successful operative vaginal delivery. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% CI, estimated with Mantel-Haenszel methods, measured the association between case status and potential risk factors. Results Failed operative vaginal delivery was associated with increased maternal age, African American race, higher body mass index (BMI), diabetes, polyhydramnios, induction of labor, dysfunctional labor, and prolonged labor. Case compared with control mothers were more likely to deliver a low-birth weight or macrosomic infant. Conclusion Identification of maternal and fetal factors associated with failed operative vaginal delivery may enable providers to better counsel patients, and allow improved planning and allocation of surgical resources.
Correlation Between Vortex Strength and Axial Velocity in a Trailing Vortex

The vortices that trail from the wingtips of a large aircraft provide a significant hazard to an aircraft that follows in its wake. The objective is to contribute to the understanding of these vortices by identifying the conditions where an axial velocity in excess of the freestream value will be generated in the core of a trailing vortex. The axial velocity near the core of a trailing vortex was measured using a triple-sensor hot-wire probe and compared with measured values of vortex circulation strength. The vortex was generated in a wind tunnel using a NACA 0015 wing model with a semispan aspect ratio of 0.80. A linear relationship between the axial velocity and a nondimensional circulation parameter is indicated. For small values of the circulation parameter, the axial velocity shows a velocity deficit
Contagious Rhythm: Infectious Diseases of 20th Century Musicians

Infectious diseases have led to illness and death for many famous musicians, from the classical period to the rock ’n’ roll era. By the 20th century, as public health improved and orchestral composers began living more settled lives, infections among American and European musicians became less prominent. By mid-century, however, seminal jazz musicians famously pursued lifestyles characterized by drug and alcohol abuse. Among the consequences of this risky lifestyle were tuberculosis, syphilis, and chronic viral hepatitis. More contemporary rock musicians have experienced an epidemic of hepatitis C infection and HIV/AIDS related to intravenous drug use and promiscuity. Musical innovation is thus often accompanied by diseases of neglect and overindulgence, particularly infectious illnesses, although risky behavior and associated infectious illnesses tend to decrease as the style matures.
Reaction of parents to recorded infant guinea pig distress vocalization

The study investigated the possible role that separation distress vocalization of the infant guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) plays in parental attention. Both parents of eight litters were tested biweekly for 8 weeks after the birth of the litters. The importance of infant distress vocalization to the parent was assessed through comparison of each parent's reaction to being placed in an unfamiliar environment which was either (a) neutral, (b) containing a recording of infant distress vocalization, or (c) containing a recording of white noise. Results showed that the mothers only strongly responded to a recording of infant distress vocalization during the first week after birth, and that the fathers did not respond at any time.
Thermoluminescence properties of a deglacial marine sequence from Cumberland Sound, Arctic Canada: sedimentologic and geochronologic implications

Abstract Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis of glacial-marine and postglacial sediments in core 85027-029 from Cumberland Sound, Baffin Island shows that the TL signal can be used to differentiate glacial-marine sediments deposited extremely close ( 4 to 10 5 yrs.
Mechanism of lysine oxidation in human lens crystallins during aging and in diabetes

Oxidative mechanisms during nuclear sclerosis of the lens are poorly understood, in particular metal-catalyzed oxidation. The lysyl oxidation product adipic semialdehyde (allysine, ALL) and its oxidized end-product 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) were determined as a function of age and presence of diabetes. Surprisingly, whereas both ALL and 2-AAA increased with age and strongly correlated with cataract grade and protein absorbance at 350 nm, only ALL formation but not 2-AAA was increased by diabetes. To clarify the mechanism of oxidation, rabbit lenses were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for 48 h, and proteins were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for ALL, 2-AAA, and multiple glycation products. Upon exposure to HBO, rabbit lenses were swollen, and nuclei were yellow. Protein-bound ALL increased 8-fold in the nuclear protein fractions versus controls. A dramatic increase in methyl-glyoxal hydroimidazolone and carboxyethyl-lysine but no increase of 2-AAA occurred, suggesting more drastic conditions are needed to oxidize ALL into 2-AAA. Indeed the latter formed only upon depletion of glutathione and was catalyzed by H2O2. Neither carboxymethyl-lysine nor glyoxal hydroimidazolone, two markers of glyco-/lipoxidation, nor markers of lenticular glycemia (fructose-lysine, glucospane) were elevated by HBO, excluding significant lipid peroxidation and glucose involvement. The findings strongly implicate dicarbonyl/metal catalyzed oxidation of lysine to allysine, whereby low GSH combined with ascorbate-derived H2O2 likely contributes toward 2-AAA formation, since virtually no 2-AAA formed in the presence of methylglyoxal instead of ascorbate. An important translational conclusion is that chelating agents might help delay nuclear sclerosis.
Regulation of some nitrogen catabolizing enzyme levels in chick liver.

Abstract Xanthine dehydrogenase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and tyrosine aminotransferase are all increased sharply in liver of chicks by dietary protein. Results in this paper show that most amino acids have this effect, with methionine and tryptophan being more effective than the remainder. This suggested that any source of amino nitrogen could cause a build-up of a nitrogenous intermedate(s) necessary for enzyme accumulation. The above hypothesis was tested by blocking the breakdown of amino acids using various antimetabolites. Results were uniformly successful in raising enzyme levels, and furthermore it was found that antimetabolites and amino acids are not additive, suggesting that they act by a similar mechanism.
Immunospecific binding of aflatoxins to human immunoglobulins in vitro

The aflatoxins are a family of complex coumarins produced by species of Aspergillus that are toxic and carcinogenic in animals. Four of the naturally occurring aflatoxins (B1, B2, G and G2) were incubated in vitro with whole human serum and subsequently tested for effects on antigenicities and electrophoretic mobilities of the proteins. Immunoelectrophoresis showed deviations of some of the precipitin arcs from normal patterns. Double diffusion experiments with affinity-isolated antibodies that are specific for the heavy chains of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM showed that the antigen-antibody binding sites of the heavy chains of IgA and IgM were blocked after incubation, but not those of IgG. These results are of interest regarding the specificity of immunochemical reactions in vitro that might be linked to specific immunological responses in diseases mediated by these toxins.
Integrating Developed and Developing World Knowledge into Global Discussions and Strategies for Sustainability. 2. Economics and Governance

Knowledge transfer from the developing to the developed world is described in the domain of economics and governance for sustainable development. Three system areas are explored: the structure of commons governance institutions, the process of community-based participatory action research, and the role of microfinance and microenterprise for the development, adoption, and diffusion of sustainable technologies. Case studies from both the developed and developing world demonstrate the effectiveness of social networks and community cooperative strategies in a wide range of sectors. Developing world experiences are shown to be particularly rich in the application of local knowledge and social capital toward sustainable development.
Immunological characterization of monoclonal antibodies used in rapid influenza diagnostic test for detection of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection

Since the 2009 pandemic, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) have been developed for specific diagnostics of pandemic viral infection. Most of the mAbs were poorly characterized because of urgency during the pandemic. Further characterization of the mAbs for RIDTs would be beneficial for understanding the immunological properties of the pandemic virus and utilizing the mAbs for other research purposes. In this study, it was confirmed that two mAbs (I38 and D383) in an RIDT for H1N1pdm09 diagnostics were able to detect H1N1pdm09 virus through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Also, the two mAbs exhibited reactivity to hemagglutinins (HAs) of both the H1N1pdm09 and 1918 H1N1 viruses; therefore, the RIDT using the mAbs could detect HAs of H1N1pdm09 and also HAs of 1918 H1N1-like strains. In an extension to our previous study, the epitopes (Sa antigenic site and the interface area of F' and vestigial esterase subdomains on the HA1 domain of HA of H1N1pdm09) recognized by the mAbs were corroborated in depth by IFA with escape-mutants from the mAbs and mapping of the epitopes on the crystal structure of human H1N1 viral HAs. Collectively, these results imply that the mAbs for the RIDT may be suitable for use in studying the immunological properties of H1N1pdm09 viruses and that the Sa antigenic site and the interface area between F' and vestigial esterase subdomains on influenza viral HA recognized by the mAbs are immunologically conserved regions between H1N1pdm09 and 1918 H1N1.
Putting People First: Globalization and Human Security

Globalization, Development and Human Security. Edited by Anthony McGrew, Nana K. Poku Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2007. 228 pp., $27.95 (ISBN: 0-7456-3087-1). Human Trafficking, Human Security, and the Balkans. Edited by H. Richard Friman, Simon Reich. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2007. 214 pp., $19.95 (ISBN: 0-8229-5974-7). Globalization, Prostitution and Sex-Trafficking: Corporeal Politics. By Elina Penttinen. London, UK: Routledge, 2008. 167 pp., $140.00 (ISBN: 0-415-42099-7). According to the United Nations (2007), an estimated 980 million people in developing countries live on less than one dollar a day. Each year, more than 500,000 women die from treatable and preventable complications of pregnancy and childbirth across the globe (United Nations 2007). Between 600,000 and 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders annually for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation (United States Department of State 2005). Meanwhile, rampant criminality, armed conflicts, and natural disasters threaten the survival of entire communities. At any given moment, untold numbers of the world's inhabitants find themselves in a state of deprivation, vulnerability, or insecurity. Keenly aware of these conditions, scholars of international relations are increasingly evaluating globalization's effects on the daily lives of individuals. The three books reviewed in this essay suggest that people are experiencing insecurity as a result of economic globalization. The authors discussed here share the view that “ people matter and are an appropriate focus of concern for the international relations community” (Thomas 2007:107). This people-centered approach is one of the hallmarks of a growing body of work on human security, which differs from standard, state-centric conceptualizations of security. The concept of human security emphasizes freedom from want and freedom from fear: in addition to being able to meet their basic material needs, individuals have the opportunity to live in a dignified manner and a peaceful environment and to actively participate in their communities. The Commission on Human Security, created at the behest of the Government of Japan and co-chaired by Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, presented a report in 2003 to then Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. The document defined human security as: … protecting fundamental freedoms—freedoms that are the essence of life. It means protecting …
Cholecystokinin-induced antinociception is not blocked by CCK-A or CCK-B receptor antagonists.

Abstract Williams, C. L., G. C. Rosenfeld and T. F. Burks. Cholecystokinin-induced antinociception is not blocked by CCK-A or CCK-B receptor antagonists. Peptides 18(3) 409–414, 1997.—To determine the relative importance of CCK-A, CCK-B, and opioid receptors in mediating the antinociceptive actions of cholecystokinin, we evaluated the actions of selective agonists and antagonists in the mouse hot plate assay. The agonists used were CCK (1–30 nmol ICV), a CCK-A receptor agonist (SNF9019; 0.3–10 nmol ICV), and a CCK-B receptor agonist (SNF9007; 0.3–10 nmol ICV). The antagonists used were the CCK-A receptor antagonist, L364,718 (12.5 nmol ICV), CCK-B receptor antagonist, L365,260 (2.5–25 nmol ICV), and the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg SC). CCK and its receptor-selective analogues, SNF9019 and SNF9007, resulted in antinociception that was blocked by naloxone, but was not antagonized by L364,718 or L365,260. In contrast, in positive control experiments, the inhibitory effects of CCK, SNF9019, and SNF9007 on gastrointestinal propulsion in mice were antagonized by identical ICV doses of L364,718 and L365,260. We conclude that centrally administered CCK produces antinociception in the mouse hot plate assay via opioid receptors, but independent of CCK-A or CCK-B receptors. It is necessary to speculate that other CCK receptors, not antagonized by currently available selective antagonists, may exist.
Clonal variation in the survival and reproduction of Daphnia pulicaria under low-food stress

1. Survivorship and reproductive parameters of eight Daphniapulicaria clones were evaluated in a life-table experiment under four dietary regimes ranging from food limitation to complete food deprivation. 2. D. pulicaria exhibited both diet-independent interclonal differences and genotype–environment interactions in life-span. 3. Reproduction ceased entirely or nearly so under the three treatments with lowest food availability. Under life-long food limitation, differences between clones were evident in clutch sizes and age at first reproduction. Some clones produced ephippia at a markedly higher frequency than others under food-limiting conditions. 4. For most of the life-history traits evaluated, within-lake variation among clones exceeded differences between the two lake populations they represented. 5. Intraspecific variations in response to periods of food deprivation and to extended quantitative or qualitative food-limitation could affect the clonal composition of Daphnia populations. They are therefore of potential importance in determining the effect of altered phytoplankton assemblages on zooplankton communities.
Punch grafting the crown and vertex.

. Several different methods exist for surgical hair replacement of the vertex region of the scalp. Despite the more recent addition of alopecia reduction and flaps, small areas of crown baldness frequently, can best be handled cosmetically by well-planned and technically well-executed punch autografts. The methodology of hair transplantation of the vertex region of the scalp and the avoidance of cosmetic problems are discussed.
Synchronizability of networks of chaotic systems coupled via a graph with a prescribed degree sequence

Generally, synchronization in a network of chaotic systems depends on the underlying coupling topology. Recently, there have been several studies conducted to determine what features of this topology contribute to the ability to synchronize. A short diameter has been proposed by several authors as a means to facilitate synchronization whereas others point to features such as the homogeneity of the degree sequence. Recently, it has been shown that the degree sequence by itself is not sufficient to determine synchronizability. The purpose of this Letter is to continue this study. For a given degree sequence, we construct two connected graphs with this degree sequence whose synchronizability can be quite different. In particular, we construct a graph with low synchronizability which improves upon previous bounds under certain conditions and we construct a graph which has synchronizability that is asymptotically maximal. On the other hand, we show analytically that for a random network model, homogeneity of the degree sequence is beneficial to synchronization.
de Haas-van Alphen oscillations in a superconducting state at high magnetic fields.

Low-temperature quantum oscillations of the dHvA amplitude are shown to persist far below the upper critical field of a strongly type-II superconductor, due to the gapless nature of the BCS quasiparticle spectrum in high fields. The dHvA amplitude in the superconducting state is smaller than its normal state countpart by factor ~[max(T,Gamma]/delta]**2, where Gamma is the damping. This factor reflects the presence of a small gapless portion of the fermi surface, surrounded by regions where the BCS gap is large. The agreement with recent experimental data on V3Si is very good.
Application of the Amplex Red/Horseradish Peroxidase Assay to Measure Hydrogen Peroxide Generation by Recombinant Microsomal Enzymes

The formation of reactive oxygen species by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system is thought to be due to autoxidation of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and the nonproductive decay of oxygen-bound cytochrome P450 intermediates. To characterize this process in recombinant microsomal enzymes, we used a highly sensitive hydrogen peroxide assay based on Amplex red oxidation. This assay is 20 times more sensitive (LLD=5.0pmol/assay and LLQ=30pmol/assay) than the standard ferrous thiocyanate assay for detection of hydrogen peroxide. We found low, but detectable, spontaneous generation of hydrogen peroxide by recombinant human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase complexes (0.09nmol hydrogen peroxide/min/100Units of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase). Significantly higher rates of hydrogen peroxide production were observed when recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes were coexpressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (0.31nmol of hydrogen peroxide/min/100Units of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase). This was independent of the addition of any exogenous cytochrome P450 substrates. These data demonstrate that cytochrome P450s are a major source of hydrogen peroxide in the recombinant cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. Moreover, substrate binding is not required for the cytochrome P450s to generate reactive oxygen species.
Transformational Implementation: An Example

A system for mechanically transforming formal program specifications into efficient implementations under interactive user control is described and illustrated through a detailed example. The potential benefits and problems of this approach to software implementation are discussed.
Improving the efficiency of stochastic composite simulation models via result caching

Stochastic composite simulation models, such as those created via the IBM Splash prototype platform, can be used to estimate performance measures for complex stochastic systems of systems. When, as in Splash, a composite model is made up of loosely coupled component models, we propose a method for improving the efficiency of composite-model simulations. To run n Monte Carlo replications of the composite model, we execute certain component models fewer than n times, caching and re-using results as needed. The number of component-model replications is chosen to maximize an asymptotic efficiency measure that balances computation costs and estimator precision. We initiate the study of result-caching schemes by giving an exact theoretical analysis for the most basic two-model scenario, as well as outlining some approaches for obtaining the parameter values needed for result caching.