cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid infant weight gain predicts childhood overweight.

DENNISON, BARBARA A., LYNN S. EDMUNDS, HOWARD H. STRATTON, AND ROBERT M. PRUZEK. Rapid infant weight gain predicts childhood overweight. Obesity. 2006;14:491–499. Objective: To determine among a contemporary cohort whether rapid weight gain between birth and 6 months is associated with risk of childhood overweight and if this risk differs by ethnicity and/or breast-feeding history. Research Methods and Procedures: This was a crosssectional survey in 1999 to 2000 of parents/guardians of children participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in New York State. Measurements were abstracted by chart review, including weight at birth and 6 months, and height and weight at time of survey and every 6 months subsequently. Overweight at 4 years of age was defined as a BMI 95th ageand sex-specific percentiles. Results: The study sample was 32% Hispanic, 19% black, and 49% white; 17% of children were overweight. Rate of infant weight gain (expressed in terms of 100 g/mo) was significantly associated with being overweight at 4 years (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 1.6 after adjusting for history of breast-feeding, birth weight, and ethnicity). The odds of being overweight at 4 years of age for Hispanic children were twice those of non-Hispanic children (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.3). The population-attributable risk of overweight at 4 years of age was 19% for children in the highest quintile of infant weight gain. Discussion: Among this contemporary, multi-ethnic cohort, rapid infant weight gain was associated with increased risk of being overweight at 4 years of age, independently of potential confounders. Identification of the risk factors contributing to rapid weight gain during infancy might improve early recognition and guide strategies for optimal nutrition to prevent the development of childhood overweight.
Clinical Application of an Ultrasound Attenuation Coefficient Estimation Technique for Liver Pathology Characterization

Certain diffuse liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, are difficult to diagnose from the information contained in ultrasound images. A signal processing procedure is described which estimated the value of an acoustic attenuation coefficient of the liver in vivo from reflected ultrasound signals. The results of a clinical trial involving 14 patients indicate a correlation between the coefficient values and the liver diseases: inflamed livers produced lower values than cirrhotic livers. A series of 15 examinations on a volunteer indicates that the observed values are repeatable to within the statistical variation predicted by the mathematical model.
Intra-Specific Food Competition and Primate Social Structure: a Synthesis

The results of the various studies in this volume lead to a series of predictions about the relationships of group size to various components of food intake. Individuals in larger groups should generally encounter fewer new food sources per unit foraging effort than they would alone (prediction 1); an exception may occur when large groups defend areas of high food density against small groups. In addition, individuals in larger groups generally will suffer reduced intake per food source encountered because of increased sharing with other group members, at least for food sources that supply little total nutrient relative to an individual's satiation level for the nutrient (prediction 3) or are scarce relative to the spacing between individuals in the group (prediction 5). Individuals in larger groups may compensate for such reductions in foraging efficiency by increasing rates of food encounter (prediction 2), using food sources with greater amounts of nutrient (prediction 4), or increasing total foraging effort per day (prediction 6). Reduced foraging efficiency for a particular nutrient may not affect total intake of that nutrient if other nutrients require greater daily foraging effort (prediction 7). Food competition is expected to be highest in species using small and scarce food sources, subject to a high risk of predation, and with large satiation levels. An appendix on statistical problems describes some of the pitfalls inherent in studies of the kind presented in this volume.
Incidence of QT interval prolongation during pentamidine therapy of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Abstract Pentamidine isethionate, a first-line drug for the therapy of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, has been linked with QT interval prolongation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,1–6 but strategies for preventing, detecting and treating pentamidine-associated QT prolongation require a better understanding of its rate of occurrence and its complications. To estimate the incidence of QT prolongation during pentamidine therapy and the incidence of serious cardiac arrhythmias among patients with QT prolongation, and to identify patients at risk for QT prolongation, we reviewed all patients treated with intravenous pentamidine at our institution over a 6-month period.
Differential Ratings of Specific Behaviors of African Americans Children in Special Education

African American children are disproportionality diagnosed with disabilities and receive special education services. A cultural mismatch hypothesis posits that white teachers may be more likely to refer African American children for disability assessments. This study assessed differences in ratings of African American children’s (N = 126) affective, anxiety, somatic, hyperactivity, oppositional, and conduct behaviors by themselves, their mothers, and teachers. The author hypothesized that teachers would have higher ratings of all externalizing behaviors than children and that children’s ratings of all internalizing behaviors would be higher than their mothers’ and teachers’ ratings. This study found that teachers rated childrens’ hyperactive behaviors statistically significantly higher than childrens’ and mother’s ratings. Children’s ratings of their own affective, anxiety, and somatic behaviors were statistically significantly higher than mothers’ and teachers’ ratings of children’s behaviors. Professionals who are involved in conducting assessments of diagnoses for children should receive training on the diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prevention and interventions are needed to improve internalizing behaviors among African American children and children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Social workers are in positions in which they can get to know children on an individual basis in and outside the school, and provide individual counseling, family support, and resources to address internalizing behaviors.
Linking students to appropriate interventions: A typology for social workers based on general strain theory

• Summary: The present study employed recent elaborations on general strain theory (GST) to develop a typology of vicarious and anticipated strain. The typology also considered gender-race combinat...
Nanos Plays a Conserved Role in Axial Patterning outside of the Diptera

Abstract Axial patterning is a fundamental event in early development, and molecules involved in determining the body axes provide a coordinate system for subsequent patterning [1, 2]. While orthologs of Drosophila bicoid and nanos play a conserved role in anteroposterior (AP) patterning within at least a subset of Diptera [3–5], conservation of this process has not yet been demonstrated outside of the flies. Indeed, it has been argued that bicoid , an instrumental "anterior" factor in Drosophila melanogaster , acquired this role during the evolution of more-derived dipterans [6, 7]. Interestingly, the interaction of Drosophila maternal nanos and maternal hunchback provides a system for patterning the AP axis that is partially redundant to the anterior system [8–11]. Previous studies in grasshoppers suggest that hunchback may play a conserved role in axial patterning in this insect [12], but this function may be supplied solely by the zygotic component of hunchback expression. Here we provide evidence that the early pattern of zygotic grasshopper Hunchback expression is achieved through translational repression that may be mediated through the action of grasshopper nanos . This is consistent with the notion that an anterior gradient system is not necessary in all insects and that the posterior pole "probably conveys longitudinal polarity on the ensuing germ anlage" [13].
WLC07-4: Spanning Tree Backbone in Multihop Wireless Networks

In this paper, we present an approach to routing critical data in multihop wireless networks over the most reliable links in the network. We present the concept of a maximum SNR spanning tree (MSST) in multihop wireless networks, a spanning tree with the maximum sum of signal to noise ratios of links that form the tree. We show that such a backbone has certain properties that would be of interest in multihop wireless network deployments where reliability of links over which data is routed is of critical concern. The minimum SNR along the path on the MSST between any pair of nodes is the highest among all paths between the pair of nodes. Also, the minimum value of SNR among the SNRs of links that form the MSST is the highest among all spanning trees of the network.
LCA study of air conditioners with an alternative refrigerant

In the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, technologies to reduce environmental impacts, such as global warming, ozone-layer depletion, and discharging industrial wastes, are getting much attention nowadays. This paper reports the Life Cycle Assessment conducted to comparatively analyze two air conditioner units for residential use. One is a traditional type with HCFC22 being used for its refrigerant and the other is with HFC410A. Because the main focus of this analysis is on the comparison of the refrigerants, data of the refrigerants used are taken from the actual measurements in their production and disposal stages. As a result, the ozone layer depleting effect can be eliminated completely by using HFC410A. On the other hand, the global warming effect doesn’t get reduced extensively by using HFC410A. However, it does so by treating used refrigerants with a proper waste management. Moreover, it can be proved that using HFC410A reduces environmental impacts in all the other impact categories assessed, which are acidification, air pollution, water pollution, and energy consumption. To conclude this case study, replacing HCFC22 with HFC410A for the refrigerant is certainly one of the effective methods for reducing environmental impacts given by air conditioners.
Spatial distribution of residual error in 3D image coregistration: an experimental study

This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of residual error resulting from resulting from 3D image coregistration algorithms which use rigid body transformations. The large number of applications in diagnostic and surgical imaging are increasingly using coregistration to follow subtle changes in size and shape of anatomical structures and lesions. This adoption of coregistration techniques requires a better understanding of their physical properties. Our study involved applying a known 3D transformation to digital phantoms with special identifiable markers on a lattice. The resulting transformed image was then processed to uniquely identify the special markers in both the original image and the transformed image so that the error distribution could be computed. The identification of landmarks was made possible by reformatting the 3D image without performing gray level interpolation. Since the special markers could each be uniquely identified in the 3D space, error distances could also be measured throughout the image and expressed as a function of the distance from the center of the image. The results provide us with empirical evidence that errors within the interior of a 3D image volume are on the average smaller than errors measured at the surface. The empirical results clarify the properties of the spatial distribution of registration errors and hopefully can be used to guide future studies that evaluate the accuracy of image registration techniques.
Selective Microtubule-Based Transport of Dendritic Membrane Proteins Arises in Concert with Axon Specification

The polarized distribution of membrane proteins to axonal or somatodendritic neuronal compartments is fundamental to nearly every aspect of neuronal function. The polarity of dendritic proteins depends on selective microtubule-based transport; the vesicles that carry these proteins are transported into dendrites but do not enter the axon. We used live-cell imaging of fluorescently tagged dendritic and axonal proteins combined with immunostaining for initial segment and cytoskeletal markers to evaluate different models of dendrite-selective transport in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. In mature neurons, dendritic vesicles that entered the base of the axon stopped at the proximal edge of the axon initial segment, defined by immunostaining for ankyrinG, rather than moving into the initial segment itself. In contrast, axonal vesicles passed through the initial segment without impediment. During development, dendrite-selective transport was detected shortly after axons formed, several days before initial segment assembly, before the appearance of a dense actin meshwork in the initial segment, and before dendrites acquire microtubules of mixed polarity orientation. Indeed, some elements of selective transport were detected even before axon specification. These findings are inconsistent with models for selective transport that depend on the presence of an F-actin-based cytoplasmic filter in the initial segment or that posit that transport into dendrites is mediated by dyneins translocating along minus-end out microtubules. Instead our results suggest that selective transport involves the coordinated regulation of the different motor proteins that mediate dendritic vesicle transport and that the selectivity of motor-microtubule interactions is one facet of this process.
Some Legal Implications of Potholes

Abstract This article is based on case law involving suits by highway users against various highway and street authorities. The article was prompted by damage occurring to Illinois highways during the severe winters of 1976–77, 1977–78 and 1978–79. Discussed are the views which courts in different jurisdictions have taken regarding an actionable defect, the liability of highway authorities for different types of vehicles, and the legal position of various highway and street authorities as defendants. Modern highway usage, coupled with severe recent winters, gives rise to certain types of damage claims which could not have existed in an earlier day. However, the prudence of vehicle operators is still an important factor; and recovery, even for a clear failure on the part of public road authorities to protect highway users, may be barred if there is contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff. The article suggests that current highway usage imposes upon highway authorities a duty not only to make p...
Tunneling of a leech into a free flap breast reconstruction

Leeches are well known to migrate over the surface of the treated tissues. At times, they can be located in remote locations once they become engorged and detach. We report the first case of a leech tunneling through a dermal bite wound on a breast free flap.
Heterogeneous Multicatalytic System for Single-Pot Oxidation and C–C Coupling Reaction Sequences

A system comprising two catalysts supported on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was employed to perform a sequence of two reactions in a single pot. Palladium nanoparticles catalyzed the oxidation of furfuryl alcohol with molecular oxygen at atmospheric pressure. The oxidation product, furfural, was then reacted with acetone via an aldol condensation catalyzed by amines supported on MSNs. Each reaction was first tested individually to establish optimal conditions. Both catalysts were then introduced into the same reactor under the proven conditions, and the entire reaction sequence was performed giving the desired product with high selectivity. The overall yield of the reaction sequence was highly dependent on the relative concentrations of the reactants in the mixture.
A single-step method for the isolation of antithrombin III

. A single-step method is described for the isolation of a highly purified antithrombin III (AT III) concentrate at a recovery of over 30% using affinity chromatography on heparin-Sepharose (HS). The polyethylene glycol precipitation step frequently employed in the preparation of AT III concentrates for clinical use has been eliminated and purification is accomplished entirely by optimizing the salt concentration in the HS washing buffer to enhance the desorption of impurities prior to elution of AT III. Pasteurization of the AT III concentrate in the presence of 0.5 M sodium citrate to minimize the risk of hepatitis decreases the recovery by about 20% and induces changes in the patterns obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by crossed immunoelectrophoresis in heparinized agarose gel.
A silicon carbide capacitive pressure sensor for in-cylinder pressure measurement

Abstract This paper reports a research prototype of a low-cost, miniature, mass-producible sensor for measurement of high-pressure at operating temperatures of 300–600 °C, e.g., in-cylinder engine pressure monitoring applications. This all-silicon carbide (SiC) capacitive sensor, i.e., a SiC diaphragm on a SiC substrate, takes advantage of the excellent harsh-environment material properties of SiC and is fabricated by surface micromachining. The sensor is packaged in a high-temperature ceramic package and characterized under static pressures of up to ∼5 MPa (700 psi) and temperatures of up to 574 °C in a custom chamber. An instrumentation amplifier integrated circuit is used to convert capacitance into voltage for measurements up to 300 °C; beyond 300 °C, the capacitance is measured directly from an array of identical sensor elements using a LCZ meter. After high-temperature soaking and several tens of temperature/pressure cycles, packaged sensors continue to show stable operation. For monitoring the dynamic cylinder pressure in the combustion chamber, the sensor is packaged in a custom probe and inserted into the cylinder head of a research internal combustion engine. The sensor efficacy is verified against the reference probe used for monitoring pressure in the research engine.
Role and regulation of metabolism in adipose tissue during lactation

The metabolism of energy-yielding compounds in adipose tissues has a pivotal role in supplying the energy demands of lactation. In most mammals, the relatively high ratio of milk energy production to maintenance demands a cycle of energy storage during pregnancy, lipid mobilization and increased feed intake during lactation, and restoration of body fat in late lactation or after weaning. In well-fed women, the energy balance usually remains positive. However, in situations of low-energy supply, the stored lipid can be critical to establishment of lactation and maintenance of maternal health. There is a commonality among mammals in the adaptative responses during lactation and in their general regulation. However, in rodents and most domestic species the magnitude of metabolic response is greater than in women. The importance of adipose tissue to lactation is demonstrated by the number of highly coordinated and redudant control elements that regulate the adaptations of metabolism. This coordination is carried out by the central nervous system through the endocrine organs and the sympathetic nervous system. Recently, insights have been gained into the quantitation of the adaptations due to rate of milk production, stage of lactation, and intake of energy-yielding compounds and the physiological mechanisms of action of several regulatory factors. The intake of nutrients and demand for milk precursors have differential effect on the enzymes of lipid synthesis and release from adipose tissue, and the equations describing these chemical interconversions vary with stage of lactation, nutrient intake, and genetic propensity for milk production. Regulatory mechanisms that are now better understood include those of the interactions of growth hormone and insulin to control lipogenesis and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to regulate lipolysis. Improvements in understanding and managing lactational energy metabolism have been limited by the complexity of the chemical interconversions of nutrients and their regulation. For women specifically, the severe lack of information on adaptations at the tissue level hinder further advancement. Improvement in this area will require a coordinated effort to study both physiological control mechanisms and quantitative parameters of lipid metabolism.
Performance evaluation of activated carbon-based electrodes with novel power management system for long-term benthic microbial fuel cells

Underwater benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFC) systems were studied as a long-term sustainable power source for low-energy aquatic instruments (e.g. sensors). Different electrode materials and a power management system (PMS) arrangement were investigated in the lab-scale BMFCs over 12 weeks. An activated carbon (AC) cathode without catalyst layer (CL) was examined as a low-cost cathode material, and the results showed that AC cathode with a diameter of 5 cm and 20% weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was the most effective. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) column was used as a cost-effective anode for biofilm growth. The efficiency and durability of GAC was compared with other anodes with high surface area (e.g. carbon fiber brush (CB) and activated carbon nanofibers (ACNF)). Although, CB and ACNF outperformed GAC, and could be used as the model anodes in underwater BMFCs, high mechanic strength and durability of GAC are advantageous for long-term operations in benthic applications. Evaluation of a caged BMFC system equipped with multiple pairs of AC cathode and GAC anode showed the peak power and current densities of 0.56 W/m2 and 0.25 A/m2 respectively. A PMS was developed and coupled with batch mode BMFC system, to boost the output voltage to 3.3 V necessary for the working load.
RAT CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN: AUGMENTATION OF BIOACTIVITY IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PITUITARY

Significant gonadotropin-like bioactivity, as measured by rat interstitial cell testosterone assay, is present in the serum and placenta of pregnant rats. The patterns of activity for this putative rat chorionic gonadotropin (rCG) in serum and placenta are distinct from those observed for rat placental lactogen (rPL) radioreceptor activity. Placental and serum rCG (and rPL) activities are substantially increased, as are placental weights, following removal of the maternal pituitary on day 12 of pregnancy. These findings strengthen the evidence for the existence of a rat CG and suggest a novel role for the maternal pituitary in regulating placental function during normal gestation.
The 4f135f Configuration in the Isoelectronic Sequence of Yb III

Energy levels of the configuration 4f135f have been observed for the first time in the spectra of Lu IV, Hf V, Ta VI, and W VII and have been interpreted by means of the Slater-Condon theory. The relative positions of two perturbing configurations 4f125d2 and 4f145p55f are discussed. The jj coupling scheme provides the best average purity for the labeling of the levels. Three hundred seventy-seven lines have been classified in these four spectra.
1H[19F] NOE NMR structural signatures of the insulin R6 hexamer: evidence of a capped HisB10 site in aryl- and arylacryloyl-carboxylate complexes.

New and improved insulin: ^1H{^(19)F} NOE NMR difference spectra for CF_3-substituted aromatic carboxylates bound at the HisB10 sites of the R_6 human insulin (HI) hexamer show strong NOEs between the CF_3 groups and the LeuB6, AsnB3, and PheB1 sidechains. The NOEs and structural modeling establish that these carboxylates form closed complexes with the HisB10 site capped by the PheB1 rings.
Observations of modal interactions in resonantly forced beam-mass structures

We present a collection of experimental results on the influence of modal interactions (i.e., internal or autoparametric resonances) on the nonlinear response of flexible metallic and composite structures subjected to a range of resonant excitations. The experimental results are provided in the form of frequency spectra, Poincare sections, pseudo-phase planes, dimension calculations, and response curves. Experimental observations of transitions from periodic to chaotically modulated motions are also presented. We also discuss relevant analytical results. The current study is also relevant to other internally resonant structural systems.
A Dynamic Model for the Validation of Cosmic Rays Anisotropy at Low Earth Orbit

The International Space Station (ISS) provides the proving ground for future long duration human activities in space. Ionizing radiation measurements at low Earth orbit (LEO) in general, and at ISS in particular, form the ideal tool for the experimental validation of radiation environmental models, nuclear transport code algorithms and nuclear reaction cross sections. Indeed, prior measurements onboard the space transportation system (STS; shuttle) have provided vital information impacting both the environmental models and the nuclear transport code development by requiring dynamic (time dependent) models of the LEO environment. In addition, past studies using computer aided design (CAD) models of ISS have demonstrated that the ion specific based flux or cumulative based dose exposure prediction for a spacecraft at LEO requires the description of an environmental model with accurate anisotropic (directional) as well as dynamic behavior. Within the framework of an environment code named GEORAD (GEOmagnetic RADiation), this paper describes the dynamic and anisotropic capabilities of GEORAD as applied to the interaction of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) with the geomagnetic field at LEO. The described model is a component of GEORAD which computes anisotropic cutoff rigidity and the corresponding transmission coefficient, both of which are used as input into a deterministic particle transport algorithm for exposure estimation within ISS. The GEORAD capability to compute anisotropic cutoff rigidity and transmission coefficient provides a useful tool to validate GCR exposure measurements by solid state particle telescopes which inherently have strong directional sensitivity. While this paper concentration is on the anisotropic characteristics of GCR ions at LEO, GEORAD suite is applicable to radiation environment prediction at LEO, medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) at quiet solar periods. GEORAD interest is in the study of the geomagnetic environment from a long term point of view (i.e., a meaningful portion of solar cycle), and therefore it does not account for any short term distortion of the geomagnetic field due to solar activity. With the concentration of the paper on the study of GCR ions at LEO, for the formation flying ISS, the paper presents the anisotropic profile of GCR ions at different angular distribution with respect to zenith. While the magnitude of the GCR anisotropy at LEO depends on a multitude of factors such as the ions rigidity, transmission, attitude and orientation of the spacecraft along the velocity vector, the paper draws quantitative conclusions on the effect of GCR anisotropy at LEO.
The Impact of the 1982 Peso Devaluations on Maquiladora Profits

The primary purpose of this article is to study the effect the February and August 1982 peso devaluations had on the profitability of U.S. maquiladora investments by using stock-price returns data: stock prices are assumed to have captured the market's perception of how the peso shocks affected the value (and thus the expected future cash flows) of American maquiladora firms in 1982. This approach eliminates the need to trace all the likely short-term and long-term effects the peso changes had on the profitability of maquiladora operations. More importantly, it can be used to estimate the extent by which the wealth of maquiladora owners increased or decreased following the peso devaluations. This approach has been employed extensively in the finance literature to study the impact of exogenous shocks on the value of publicly-held firms, and, in particular, it has been recently used to study the stock market response to Mexico's economic crisis in 1982. Smirlock and Kaufold (1987) review some of this research and show that the stock prices of U.S. banks with financial exposure to Mexico were negatively affected by the 1982 peso devaluations. A second purpose of this study is to extend Smirlock and Kaufold's research by focusing on the stock values of nonfinancial firms after the February and August peso shocks. A working hypothesis is that the devaluations increased the value of U.S. nonfinancial firms with investments in Mexico.
Wave scattering from non-random fractal surfaces

Abstract We consider here the scattering of optical or electromagnetic waves from perfectly conducting rough surfaces modelled by a multi-scale bandlimited deterministic continuous fractal function. A generalized Rayleigh solution is developed analytically for wave scattering from such fractal surfaces. We numerically calculate the coupling strengths and relate the angular scattering energy distribution to the fractal descriptors of the surface. We find that the slope of the coupling strengths as a function of their corresponding spatial frequencies depends monotonically on the fractal dimension of the scattering surface.
Towards an in-situ endospore detection instrument

Bacterial spores (endospores) are the most resilient form of life and as a result have been invoked as the most likely candidates capable of surviving interplanetary travel. We are designing an in situ instrument to detect and quantify endospores in extreme environments, including Martian environments (i.e., Mars endospore detector, MED). Our detection strategy is based on a chemical marker (dipicolinic acid, DPA), which is unique to bacterial spores, highly concentrated (0.1-1 moles per liter within the spore), and readily detected with a number of spectroscopic methods. In an effort to evolve an in situ instrument design, we are evaluating various extraction and detection protocols for endospores in soils. In general, the protocols consist of endospore lysis (i.e., rupture of cell) to release DPA, extraction of DPA from spores and soil, purification of the extract, and quantification of DPA in terms of spores/gram. Here we report extraction efficiencies and limits of detection for endospores embedded in lab sand, soil from JPL grounds, and soil from the Atacama Desert (Chile) for three protocols: spore lysis by autoclaving followed by aqueous extraction of DPA with (1) UV absorbance spectral determination of DPA or (2) ion chromatography coupled with inline UV absorbance detection of DPA, and (3) spore lysis by acid treatment followed by sublimation extraction of DPA with terbium-DPA luminescence detection
Being partial to psychostimulant addiction therapy

Abstract Pharmacological attempts to modify the course of psychostimulant addiction in humans have met with very limited clinical success and the use of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists has been no exception. An alternative strategy for pharmacological intervention in psychostimulant dependence has been proposed via the use of drugs with partial agonist properties at the level of dopamine receptors. Recent evidence suggests that these drugs might represent valuable tools for a pharmacological approach to the treatment of various phases of the psychostimulant addictive cycle.
Flavivirus infection from mosquitoes in vitro reveals cell entry at the plasma membrane

Dengue and West Nile viruses are enveloped RNA viruses that belong to genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) and are considered important mosquito-borne viral pathogenic agents worldwide. A potential target for intervention strategies is the virus cell entry mechanism. Previous studies of flavivirus entry have focused on the effects of biochemical and molecular inhibitors on viral entry leading to controversial conclusions suggesting that the process is dependent upon endocytosis and low pH mediated membrane fusion. In this study we analyzed the early events in the infection process by means of electron microscopy and immuno-gold labeling of viral particles during cell entry, and used as a new approach for infecting cells with viruses obtained directly from mosquitoes. The results show that Dengue and West Nile viruses may infect cells by a mechanism that involves direct penetration of the host cell plasma membrane as proposed for alphaviruses.
Self-regulation in the Era of Big Data: Appropriate Use of Appropriate Use Criteria

In this issue, Mohareb and colleagues sought to validate the 2012 appropriate use criteria for diagnostic catheterization. The editorialists discuss the opportunities and challenges of applying the...
Calcium dependency of hormone stimulated lipolysis in the perfused rat heart.

Drug and hormone stimulated triglyceride mobilization in the Langendorff perfused rat heart in vitro was estimated by an automated assay of perfusate glycerol. The disappearance of heart triglyceride-glycerol during perfusion of hearts with isoproterenol in Krebs-Henseleit buffer (5.5 m m glucose, 2.5 m m Ca 2+ ) agreed closely with the perfusate glycerol output. At perfusate [Ca 2+ ] of 1.2 m m or below, bolus injections of isoproterenol and glucagon failed to increase glycerol output over baseline. Raising the perfusate [Ca 2+ ] from 1.2 m m to 1.8 m m resulted in a restoration of the glycerol response following injection of isoproterenol or glucagon. Determination of protein kinase activity ratios after injection of lipolytic doses of glucagon and isoproterenol demonstrated that these agents were able to elevate the protein kinase activity ratio at all [Ca 2+ ] tested, including those at which an increase in glycerol release was not observed. These results suggest that an increase in cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity, following injection of glucagon or isoproterenol, does not lead to an increase in heart triglyceride mobilization unless a threshold perfusate [Ca 2+ ] is present.
Explanation of quantum dot blinking without the long-lived trap hypothesis

A simple model explaining the experimental data on QDs luminescence blinking is suggested. The model does not assume the presence of the long-lived electron traps. The bleaching of the QD luminescence is a result of the Auger assisted radiationless relaxation of the excitation through the deep surface states. Possible ways of the experimental verification of the model are discussed.
How Successful Transnational Non-governmental Organizations Set Themselves up for Failure on the Ground

Summary This paper examines transnational non-governmental organization (TNGO) influence on global, national, or local policy arenas, as well as how a TNGO’s actions in one arena might aid or encumber its effectiveness in another. It expands Steinberg’s spheres of influence framework (2001, 2003) to create a new capacity typology. Through examining Conservation International’s work in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, this paper demonstrates the “paradox of global capacity”: a phenomenon where a TNGO prioritizes certain capacities that paradoxically grant it access to work at the local level while impeding its efforts to create lasting change there.
Food content of ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 in the Japanese diet

Abstract Seventy food items (8 types of meat, 16 types of fish and shellfish, 21 vegetables, 7 fruits, 6 pulses, 3 potatoes, 3 dairy products and 6 others) were analyzed using a simple and reliable method that can detect the reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 (ubiquinol-10) and the oxidized form of coenzyme Q 10 (ubiquinone-10) simultaneously. This method employed direct 2-propanol extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a reduction column and an electrochemical detector (ECD). Ubiquinol-10 was found in 63 out of 70 food items, while ubiquinone-10 was found in 66 of the 70 food items. In the food items in which ubiquinol-10 was found, its content ranged from 2.63 to 84.8 μg/g in meat, 0.38 to 23.8 μg/g in fish and shellfish, 0.17 to 5.91 μg/g in vegetables, 0.22 to 3.14 μg/g in fruits, 0.68 to 1.82 μg/g in potatoes, 0.72 to 4.3 μg/g in pulses and 0.18 to 33.3 μg/g in other food items including seeds, eggs, dairy products, soybean oil and miso (fermented soybean paste). Pork (shoulder), bovine liver, chicken heart, horse mackerel, young yellowtail and soybean oil showed a high ubiquinol-10 content of more than 20 μg/g. On the other hand, total coenzyme Q 10 content ranged from 13.8 to 192 μg/g in meat, 1.25 to 130 μg/g in fish and shellfish, 0.08 to 7.47 μg/g in vegetables, 0.51 to 9.48 μg/g in fruits, 1.05 to 3.01 μg/g in potatoes, 2.31 to 6.82 μg/g in pulses and 0.26 to 53.8 μg/g in other food items. The estimated average daily intakes of ubiquinol-10 and total coenzyme Q 10 calculated from our results and data on Japanese daily food consumption were 2.07 and 4.48 mg, respectively. Thus, intake of ubiquinol-10 accounted for 46% of the total coenzyme Q 10 intake.
Effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids on heart rate and heart rate variability in animals susceptible or resistant to ventricular fibrillation.

The consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) has been reported to reduce cardiac mortality following myocardial infarction as well as to decrease resting heart rate (HR) and increase heart rate variability (HRV). However, it has not been established whether n-3 PUFAs exhibit the same actions on HR and HRV in individuals known to be either susceptible or resistant to ventricular fibrillation (VF). Therefore, HR and HRV (high frequency and total R-R interval variability) were evaluated before and 3 months after n-3 PUFA treatment in dogs with healed myocardial infarction that were either susceptible (VF+, n = 31) or resistant (VF-, n = 31) to ventricular tachyarrhythmias induced by a 2 min coronary artery occlusion during the last minute of a submaximal exercise test. HR and HRV were evaluated at rest, during submaximal exercise and in response to acute myocardial ischemia at rest before and after either placebo (1 g/day, corn oil, VF+, n = 9; VF- n = 8) or n-3 PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid + eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl esters, 1-4g/day, VF+, n = 22; VF-, n = 23) treatment for 3 months. The n-3 PUFA treatment elicited similar increases in red blood cell membrane, right atrial, and left ventricular n-3 PUFA levels in both the VF+ and VF- dogs. The n-3 PUFA treatment also provoked similar reductions in baseline HR and increases in baseline HRV in both groups that resulted in parallel shifts in the response to either exercise or acute myocardial ischemia (that is, the change in these variables induced by physiological challenges was not altered after n-3 PUFA treatment). These data demonstrate that dietary n-3 PUFA decreased HR and increased HRV to a similar extent in animals known to be prone to or resistant to malignant cardiac tachyarrhythmias.
Constraint on additional neutral gauge bosons from electroweak radiative corrections

Quantum loop corrections to the quark mixing matrix resulting from additional neutral gauge bosons are computed. Agreement between the finding \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{ud}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{2}$+\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{us}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{2}$+\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{ub}}^{2}$=0.9984\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0021 and the unitarity value of 1 is used to provide a generic bound on masses and couplings of such bosons. For grand unified models of the type SO(100\ensuremath{\rightarrow}SU(3${)}_{\mathit{C}}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}SU(2${)}_{\mathit{L}}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)\ensuremath{\approxeq}U(1${)}_{\mathit{X}}$, \ensuremath{\gtrsim}266 GeV at 90% confidence limit. That bound also applies to the extra boson in some specific ${\mathrm{E}}_{6}$ superstring-motivated models. In the general case of ${\mathrm{E}}_{6}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}SU(3${)}_{\mathrm{C}}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}SU(2${)}_{\mathrm{L}}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1${)}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\eta}}}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1${)}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\eta}}\mathcal{'}}$ with , we obtain the bound \ensuremath{\ge}254 GeV at 90% C.L.
Minimizing total weighted tardiness on a batch-processing machine with incompatible job families and job ready times

Semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities (“wafer fabs”) strive to maximize on-time delivery performance for customer orders. Effectively scheduling jobs on critical or bottleneck equipment in the wafer fab can promote on-time deliveries. One type of critical fab equipment is a diffusion oven which processes multiple wafer lots (jobs) simultaneously in batches. We present a new polynomial time Batch Improvement Algorithm for scheduling a batch-processing machine to maximize on-time delivery performance (minimize total weighted tardiness) when job arrivals are dynamic. The proposed algorithm's performance is compared to previous research efforts under varying problem conditions. Experimental studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the Batch Improvement Algorithm.
Microinjected GTP-γ-S inhibits progesterone-induced maturation of Xenopus oocytes

Abstract GTP-γ-S inhibits progesterone-induced maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes and induces a rise in their cAMP levels. GTP-γ-S does not inhibit MPF-induced maturation. Although GTP-γ-S prevents the progesterone-induced increases in protein synthesis and phosphorylation, it has no effect on the basal rates of either. GTP-γ-S also prevents the initial DAG drop induced by progesterone. GDP-β-S effects are ambiguous, but it seems not to affect progesterone-induced maturation. These results suggest that although G-proteins are associated with the pathways affected by progesterone, the effects of progesterone are not mediated by a typical receptor/G-protein/effector interaction.
Smoothness versus skewness in block designs with an application to tournaments

The quadratic residue designs over GF(7) and GF(11) are shown to be the only quasismooth skew (Hadamard) designs, thus setting a conjecture of Herzog and Reid concerning the existence of so-called “nearly triply regular” tournaments. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons., Inc.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells in the Mouse Embryonic Yolk Sac

The yolk sac is the first site of hematopoiesis during mammalian development. The yolk sac is also the first site of blood vessel development. Development of the blood islands in the yolk sac is an integrated process in which these two developmental events, hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, proceed in concert. This review focuses on mouse yolk sac hematopoietic stem cells (YS-HSC), describing their differentiation in vitro and in vivo. YS-HSC go through a progressive series of changes prior to the initiation of lineage-specific differentiation. Experiments tracing their origins from postulated hemangioblasts, and the subsequent interaction between these stem cells and yolk sac endothelial cells are described. Differences between the extraembryonic YS-HSC and HSC found later within the embryo, perinatally or in adults, are described. YS-HSC have greater reproductive capability than HSC obtained from fetal liver, umbilical cord blood or adult bone marrow; they do not yet express major histocompatibility complex-associated antigens and they are able to reconstitute adult immunocompromised animals even when introduced in small numbers (< 100 cells/mouse). With recent results demonstrating the feasibility of expanding YS-HSC in vitro as well as of introducing new genes into these cells by transfection, the YS-HSC shows promise both as a means of achieving long-term restitution of hematopoiesis across histocompatibility barriers and as a self-renewing vehicle for gene transfer.
Nucleotide sequence of RNA segment 7 of influenza B/Singapore/222/79: maintenance of a second large open reading frame.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of RNA segment 7 of influenza B/Singapore/222/79 has been determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the M 1 protein indicates that it contains 248 amino acids of which 243 are identical in the B/Lee/40 M, protein. A second overlapping open reading frame with a maximum coding region of 195 amino acids has also been maintained in the 39 years separating the two isolates. The deduced amino acid sequence of the second coding region displays 86% homology with the comparable B/Lee/40 sequence (27 changes). The conservation of the second open reading frame suggests that this region is important in the replicative cycle of influenza B viruses.
Down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha activity by acute ethanol treatment in human peripheral blood monocytes.

As the most commonly used drug that can modulate both metabolic and immune pathways, ethanol is evaluated in this report as a regulator of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) production in human peripheral blood monocytes (Mφ) in combination with a variety of stimuli. While acute ethanol treatment did not induce TNFα in Mφ, it was a potent down-regulator of Mφ TNFα production whether induced by the combination of interferon-γ plus muramyl dipeptide (MDP) (P<0.001), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone (P<0.01), or interferon-γ plus LPS. Down-regulation of Mφ TNFα by ethanol was dose dependent and statistically significant in the biologically relevant, 25–150 mM, ethanol concentration range. We also demonstrate that these ethanol concentrations did not affect Mφ viability. TNFα down-regulation by ethanol was most effective when ethanol was administered 4 hr prior to MDP stimulation; however, it was also effective—though to a lesser extent—if it was added at the time of MDP stimulation. Furthermore, ethanol also down-regulated TNFα production of thein vivo preactivated Mφ of trauma patients, which produce hyperelevated levels of TNFα. We have previously shown that the majority of posttrauma elevated Mφ TNFα is produced by the Mφ subpopulation expressing high-affinity type I Fcγ receptors (FcγRI). When the FcγRI cross-linking-stimulated Mφ subpopulation was treated with acute ethanol, TNFα production was suppressed again both inin vivo preactivated Mφ of trauma patients and in Mφ of normal controls. In experiments utilizing cyclooxygenase inhibitor, we also demonstrate that ethanol has a direct, prostaglandin E2-independent, effect on Mφ TNFα production. These results demonstrate that acute ethanol exposure has the potential to down-regulate Mφ production of TNFα significantly regardless of the TNFα-inducing stimulus. Decreased capacity of Mφ to produce TNFα might, therefore, contribute to the immunological and metabolic abnormalities described after ethanol uptake.