cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infectious adult croup

From January 1980 to December 1987, seven patients with acute inflammatory swelling of the subglottic space were treated. Their ages ranged from 25 to 73 years. Medical history and symptomatology are similar to those characteristic of laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) in the pediatric age groups (i.e., an antecedent common cold followed by a barking cough and varying symptoms of upper airway obstruction). Physical findings before and after treatment were confirmed and documented by anteroposterior radiographs of the neck. Three patients required airway intervention but there were no deaths. To our knowledge there are no previous reports in the English literature describing this entity in adults. The purpose of this presentation was to introduce physicians, in general, and otolaryngologists, in particular, to this potentially serious infection. Our limited experience suggests that the pathogenesis and management of croup in adults are very similar to those in children.
The very low‐pressure pyrolysis of phenyl methyl sulfide and benzyl methyl sulfide. The enthalpy of formation of the methylthio and phenylthio radicals

The kinetics and mechanisms of the unimolecular decompositions of phenyl methyl sulfide (PhSCH_3) and benzyl methyl sulfide (PhCH_2SCH_3) have been studied at very low pressures (VLPP). Both reactions essentially proceed by simple carbon-sulfur bond fission into the stabilized phenylthio (PhS·) and benzyl (PhCH_2·) radicals, respectively. The bond dissociation energies BDE(PhS-CH_3) = 67.5 ± 2.0 kcal/mol and BDE(PhCH_2-SCH_3) = 59.4 ± 2 kcal/mol, and the enthalpies of formation of the phenylthio and methylthio radicals ΔH°, _(298K)(PhS·, g) = 56.8 ± 2.0 kcal/mol and ΔH°_f, _(298K)(CH_3S·, g) = 34.2 ± 2.0 kcal/mol have been derived from the kinetic data, and the results are compared with earlier work on the same systems. The present values reveal that the stabilization energy of the phenylthio radical (9.6 kcal/mol) is considerably smaller than that observed for the related benzyl (13.2 kcal/mol) and phenoxy (17.5 kcal/mol) radicals.
Magnetic bearings for spacecraft

Magnetic bearings have been successfully applied to motorized rotor systems in the multi-kilogram range, at speeds up to 1200 radians per second. These engineering models also indicated the need for continued development in specific areas to make them feasible for spacecraft applications. Significant power reductions have recently been attained. A unique magnetic circuit, combining permanent magnets with electromagnetic control, has a bidirectional forcing capability with improved current sensitivity. The multi-dimensional nature of contact-free rotor support is discussed. Stable continuous radial suspension is provided by a rotationally symmetric permanent magnet circuit. Two bearings, on a common shaft, counteract the normal instability perpendicular to the rotational axis. The axial direction is servoed to prevent contact. A new bearing technology and a new field of application for magnetics is foreseen.
Regulation of development and cancer by the R2B subfamily of RPTPs and the implications of proteolysis

The initial cloning of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) was met with excitement because of their hypothesized function in counterbalancing receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. In recent years, members of a subfamily of RPTPs with homophilic cell-cell adhesion capabilities, known as the R2B subfamily, have been shown to have functions beyond that of counteracting tyrosine kinase activity, by independently influencing cell signaling in their own right and by regulating cell adhesion. The R2B subfamily is composed of four members: PTPmu (PTPRM), PTPrho (PTPRT), PTPkappa (PTPRK), and PCP-2 (PTPRU). The effects of this small subfamily of RPTPs is far reaching, influencing several developmental processes and cancer. In fact, R2B RPTPs are predicted to be tumor suppressors and are among the most frequently mutated protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in cancer. Confounding these conclusions are more recent studies suggesting that proteolysis of the full-length R2B RPTPs result in oncogenic extracellular and intracellular protein fragments. This review discusses the current knowledge of the role of R2B RPTPs in development and cancer, with special detail given to the mechanisms and implications that proteolysis has on R2B RPTP function. We also touch upon the concept of exploiting R2B proteolysis to develop cancer imaging tools, and consider the effects of R2B proteolysis on axon guidance, perineural invasion and collective cell migration.
A Pilot Study Examining the Frequency and Quantity of Gas Embolization during Operative Hysteroscopy Using a Monopolar Resectoscope

Study Objective. To assess baseline frequency of gas embolization during standard monopolar resectoscopic surgery. Design. Prospective, nonrandomized, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting. Tertiary care medical center. Patients. Eleven women and three controls. Intervention. Operative hysteroscopy. Measurements and Main Results. Echocardiography and serum studies were performed to detect bubble formation in the inferior vena cava, hepatic veins, and right heart. Gas bubbles were present in the hepatic veins or right heart in 10 patients and no controls. No patients had changes in coagulation profile and only one had clinical changes during surgery. Conclusion. Gas bubbles can been detected by echocardiography in most patients undergoing resectoscopic surgery in the uterus. Clinical significance may relate to anatomic variations as well as to gas bubble content and volume.
Effect of pH on the neoplastic transformation of normal human skin fibroblasts by N-hydroxy-1-napthylamine and N-hydroxy-2-naphthylamine

The conversion of urinary N-hydroxy arylamines to carcinogenic electrophiles under mildly acidic conditions in the bladder lumen has been proposed as an essential step in arylamine-induced urinary bladder carcinogenesis. To test the hypothesis that extracellular generation of an ultimate carcinogenic species can initiate a neoplastic event normal human fibroblasts were exposed to N-hydroxy-1- and 2-naphthylamine (N-HO-1-NA and N-HO-2-NA) at pH 5 and pH 7. With both compounds, anchorage independent growth of transformed cells in soft agar were enhanced 3- to 7-fold in the pH 5 incubations. Injection of the N-HO-1-NA and N-HO-2-NA-transformed cells into nude mice resulted in tumors in 1/8 and 2/7 animals, respectively. In a control experiment, no differences in transformation of these cells by aflatoxin B1 were observed between pH 5 and pH 7 exposures. Thus, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that ultimate carcinogenic electrophiles, generated extracellularly, can enter an intact cell and induce neoplasia. Alternatively, the possibility of a local intracellular acidic environment near the cell surface and its role in the generation of a reactive electrophile leading to urinary bladder carcinogenesis is discussed.
Strategies for Enhancing Assessment with Electronic Portfolios.

THIS PAPER ADDRESSES THE ISSUES involved with the implementation of electronic portfolios on a college-wide basis. Important elements of traditional portfolio assessment, including philosophy, reliability, and validity are discussed, particularly in terms of the roles they play in an online system. Some of the complexities involved in developing and implementing a campus-wide efolio system are identified, and an open source model is proposed as a potential solution for managing much of this complexity.
Male mating preference is associated with risk of pre-copulatory cannibalism in a socially polymorphic spider

We performed male attraction experiments and staged courtship sequences to test for non-random mating with respect to social behavioral phenotype in the comb-footed spider, Anelosimus studiosus. While asocial behavior is the dominant phenotype in all A. studiosus populations examined to date, a social phenotype approaches a frequency of 15% in colder environments. We collected test subjects from higher latitude polymorphic populations and scored all individuals as to their behavioral phenotype prior to their use in these trials. Males of both phenotypes differentially approached and courted social females over asocial females and no-spider controls. By offering males different numbers of females of one type vs. the other in subsequent trials, we determined that the difference in attractiveness between the two phenotypes social/asocial is 1.5/1. Both the web produced by a female and a female that has been removed from its web attract males. We suggest that the male attracting pheromone is present on females and is also attached to silk threads. Staged encounters completed between males and females of the respective phenotypes demonstrated that courting males suffer significantly less pre-copulatory sexual cannibalism with social females than with asocial ones, and thus, female social tendency is phenotypically linked to sexual aggression. We propose that the male preference for social females is adaptive because of the observed asymmetry in courtship success.
A finite-element prediction of densification kinetics during the hot isostatic pressing of metal powder compacts

Abstract The hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) of metal powder is increasingly becoming a popular route for manufacturing engineering products. Based on the thermally coupled viscoplastic analysis of the HIPed part, the predicting capability of densification characteristics is displayed during the consolidation of Astroloy powder compacts. The calculations and conclusions drawn were based on the important parameters of pressure, temperature and relative density. The results obtained are then compared, for with- and without-container cylindrical HIP preforms. Both isothermal and non-isothermal temperature cycles were used for the simulation study. The numerical predictions show that the powder is not in the hydrostatic pressure state during the normal HIP temperature and pressure cycle, whereas during isothermal and isotropic heating the isostatic pressure distribution was achieved. Also, the present study demonstrates clearly the influence of the container on the densification of powder under thermomechanical loading.
Early thinking on the nature of mismatch repair

Replication error correction by mismatch repair relies on the strand-directed nature of the reaction. Ephrussi-Taylor and Gray attributed the marker-dependent recovery of pneumoccocal transformants to a mismatch-provoked repair reaction characterized by a strong strand bias and long excision tracts. This idea was extended by Wagner and Meselson in the context of a study on mismatch repair of multiply marked lambda heteroduplexes, with the explicit proposal that strand-directed mismatch repair could provide a mechanism for correcting DNA biosynthetic errors.
Of mice and men, periodic limb movements and iron: How the human genome informs the mouse genome

The gene, BTBD9, was recently linked to restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements and iron status in humans. In a homologous region in mouse, an area containing btbd9 was also identified as being related to iron homeostasis. This finding is important as iron status in brain has been implicated in restless legs syndrome.
Factorization into prime and invertible ideals II

We examine the commutative rings for which every proper ideal has a proper prime factor. Among this class of rings, we classify the rings for which every proper ideal is a product of invertible and prime ideals. This continues and corrects a classification begun in an earlier paper
Examination of Platform and Differentiating Elements in Product Design

The problems of mass customization, portfolio design, and platforming all pose a common challenge to the designer: knowing how to partition a set of product variants to maximize commonality and simultaneously achieve sufficient differentiation for purposes of customization. This research focuses on the particular issue of how differences between platform elements and differentiating elements are evidenced in the product layout or configuration. The premise of this research is that certain architectural properties, such as modularity, vary between platform and differentiating elements. In particular, certain measures of commonality offer an appropriate set of indices for evaluating these differences in a systematic and repeatable manner. Both function and physical solution commonality provide a descriptor with which to distinguish and rank platform and differentiating elements. By evaluating components of a product in terms of function commonality, physical solution commonality, and modularity, a comparison can be made between platforms and differentiating elements with respect to these indices. The hypothesis of this work is that platforms are integrated and the non-common differentiating elements are, relative to the platforms, more modular. While anecdotal evidence exists to support this idea, the purpose of this work is to evaluate two existing product families as a means for analyzing this hypothesized relation. The result of this research is a descriptive set of knowledge that illustrates the distinguishing factors between platform and differentiating elements. The data specifically demonstrate the differences in architecture between platforms and differentiating elements, thus suggesting how these design aspects can and should be addressed at the conceptual stage of design. While not the focus of this study, future research involving a more prescriptive approach to conceptual design can directly benefit from the results. The knowledge gained in this work serves as a foundation for addressing portfolio design where both customization and commonality are key issues.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of aldrin, dieldrin, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, malathion, ethyl-parathion, pentachlorophenol, and of chlordane, dieldrin, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, malathion, ethyl-parathion, and pentachlorophenol from each other

Abstract A thin-layer chromatographic method is reported for the separation of aldrin (or chlordane), dieldrin, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, malathion, ethyl-parathion, and pentachlorophenol from each other. The procedure, however, does not separate aldrin and chlordane from each other although it does separate either pesticide from the other components. The method employs alumina plates with n-hexane:xylene:benzene:toluene:cyclohexane:methyl cyclohexane (50:50:50:50:50:50:) as developing solvent.
Intracerebroventricular angiotensin II increases intraoral intake of water in rats.

Abstract Houpt, T. A., E. S. Corp and R. A. Berlin. Intracerebroventricular angiotensin II increases intraoral intake of water in rats. Peptides 19(1) 171–173, 1998.—Ad lib and intraoral intake tests can separate the effects of drugs on the appetitive and consummatory phases of ingestive behavior. Central angiotensin II increases ad lib intake from water bottles, but its effect on intraoral intake has not been examined. Rats with both lateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannulas and intraoral catheters were given angiotensin II (100 ng/5 μl ICV) followed by a 10-min intraoral infusion of water. Angiotensin II increased intraoral intake and increased ad lib water intake from bottles after the intraoral test. Thus angiotensin II increases water intake during both appetitive and consummatory phases of drinking.
The macroscopic yield behaviour of polymers

A yield criterion, not previously compared with the actual macroscopic behaviour of polymers, is herein compared with the pressure-modified octahedral shear stress criterion earlier suggested by others. This new relation, which is a version of the von Mises criterion, accommodates differences in tensile and compressive yield strengths and accounts for any dependence of yielding on the hydrostatic component of the applied stress state.
Endotoxins, algae and Limulus amoebocyte lysate test in drinking water

Abstract Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the distribution of algae and bacteria, and investigate sources of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) in drinking water. The field survey was performed on five drinking water systems located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the spring and summer of 1978. The highest concentrations of phytoplankton were found in uncovered finished water reservoirs. The major source of “endotoxic” response as measured by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation test was a non-specific reaction caused by algae. This was documented by a highly positive correlation of phytoplankton concentrations occurring in the reservoirs with respective LAL titers. Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) was the most common alga, whereas Schizothrix calcicola was the most dominant Cyanobacterium found in the five water systems. LAL gelation test with C. vulgaris grown in the laboratory verified the phenomenon observed on samples collected in the field and indicated a non-specific reaction, whereas S. calcicola cultures under identical conditions produced a specific response. Alkali and lysozyme treatments were successful in distinguishing specific and non-specific LAL reactions. These two techniques in conjunction with LAL test are recommended for drinking water quality assessment.
Factors affecting the autofluorescence response in infected onion epidermal cells

Spore suspensions of Botrytis allii and Colletotrichum circinans were used to inoculate leaf-base pieces excised from white or red onion bulbs which had been either exposed, or not exposed, to ambient air before inoculation. Pre- and post-inoculation incubation was in light or dark. Autofluorescent areas formed beneath appressoria of both fungi on both cultivars 18 to 24 h after inoculation, and autofluorescence was found on anti- and periclinal walls. For C. circinans autofluorescence intensity was affected only by exposure, with exposed tissue producing greater autofluorescence intensity than covered tissue. For B. allii autofluorescence intensity was greater on exposed than covered tissue, and on exposed tissue incubated in light following inoculation than on dark-incubated, exposed tissue.
Novel sorbents for mercury emissions control from coal-fired power plants

The authors have successfully developed novel efficient and cost-effective sorbents for mercury removal from coal combustion flue gases. These sorbents were evaluated in a fixed-bed system with a typical PRB subbituminous/lignite simulated flue gas, and in an entrained floss system with air simulating in-flight mercury capture by sorbent injection in the ductwork of coal-fired utility plants. In built systems, one of the novel sorbents showed promising results for Hg^0 removal. In particular, this sorbent demonstrated slightly higher efficiencies in Hg^0 removal than Darco Hg-LH (commercially available brominated activated carbon) at the similar injection rates in the entrained-flow system. The other novel sorbent showed excellent Hg^0 oxidation capability, and may enable coal-fired power plants equipped with wet scrubbers to simultaneously control their mercury and sulfur oxides emissions. In addition, fixed-bed results for this sorbent showed that ca-injection of a vary small amount (~10%) of raw activated carbon could eliminate almost all of the mercury generated by reactions of Hg^0 with the sorbent.
Gene Transfer of Low Levels of β-Glucuronidase Corrects Hepatic Lysosomal Storage in a Large Animal Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII

Gene therapy has been at least partially effective in several mouse disease models, but treatment of large mammals has been more difficult to achieve. One major limitation is that only low levels of expression of the corrective gene are often maintained in vivo. In a mouse model of the lysosomal storage disease mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII (Sly disease) with a null mutation in β-glucuronidase, gene transfer experiments have shown that only 1-2% of normal β-glucuronidase can correct the storage in some major organs. In contrast, MPS VII dogs, cats, and humans that have residual β-glucuronidase activity levels in this range are affected. Thus, higher levels of transferred gene expression may be needed to achieve a therapeutic effect in large animals and humans. We tested this by examining liver pathology in MPS VII dogs after intraperitoneal transplantation of neo-organs containing retrovirus vector-corrected autologous fibroblasts that expressed low levels of β-glucuronidase. The enzyme secreted from the neo-organs was taken up by the liver and significantly reduced the substrate content compared with untreated dogs. This suggests that small amounts of normal enzyme, when delivered to target tissues, may be therapeutically effective in human MPS VII patients.
Preparation and synthetic utility of fluorinated phosphonium salts, bisphosphonium salts and phosphoranium salts

Abstract The reaction of tertiary phosphines with fluorohalomethanes provides a rapid and high yield synthesis of various types of fluorinated phosphonium salts, bis -phosphonium salts and phosphoranium salts. These salts are useful precursors to fluorine-containing ylides, carbenes and methide ions. Examples of the preparation, mechanism of formation, and synthetic utility of these novel reagents is described.
EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptor signaling.

Abstract The EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptors are two of the four subtypes of receptors for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). They are in the family of G-protein coupled receptors and both receptors were initially characterized as coupling to Gs and increasing intracellular cAMP formation. Recently, however, we have shown that both receptors can stimulate T-cell factor (Tcf) mediated transcriptional activity. The EP2 receptor does this primarily through cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), whereas the EP4 utilizes phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) as well as PKA. In addition, we have shown that the EP4 receptor, but not the EP2, can activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 by way of PI3K leading to the induction of early growth response factor-1 (EGR-1), a transcription factor traditionally associated with wound healing. This induction of EGR-1 expression has significant implications concerning the potential role of PGE2 in cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Information and its impact on consumers׳ reactions to restrictive return policies

Abstract Designing an effective return policy is a difficult task for retailers. A very restrictive return policy can keep logistic costs down and prevent fraudulent returns but it can also have a negative effect on consumer behavior. Two experiments explore the role of assortment-related information in moderating consumers׳ negative reactions to more restrictive product return policies. The results demonstrate that consumers will view an assortment characterized by a more restrictive return policy as attractive to the extent that the assortment supports the information processing strategy triggered by the return policy.
Major Depression Is Not Associated with Blunting of Aversive Responses; Evidence for Enhanced Anxious Anticipation

According to the emotion-context insensitivity (ECI) hypothesis, major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a diminished ability to react emotionally to positive stimuli and with blunting of defensive responses to threat. That defensive responses are blunted in MDD seems inconsistent with the conceptualization and diagnostic nosology of MDD. The present study tested the ECI hypothesis in MDD using a threat of shock paradigm. Twenty-eight patients with MDD (35.5±10.4 years) were compared with 28 controls (35.1±7.4 years). Participants were exposed to three conditions: no shock, predictable shock, and unpredictable shock. Startle magnitude was used to assess defensive responses. Inconsistent with the ECI hypothesis, startle potentiation to predictable and unpredictable shock was not reduced in the MDD group. Rather, MDD patients showed elevated startle throughout testing as well as increased contextual anxiety during the placement of the shock electrodes and in the predictable condition. A regression analysis indicated that illness duration and Beck depression inventory scores explained 37% (p<.005) of the variance in patients' startle reactivity. MDD is not associated with emotional blunting but rather enhanced defensive reactivity during anticipation of harm. These results do not support a strong version of the ECI hypothesis. Understanding the nature of stimuli or situations that lead to blunted or enhanced defensive reactivity will provide better insight into dysfunctional emotional experience in MDD.
P300 Event-Related Potentials in Stutterers and Nonstutterers

This study investigated possible differences between adult stutterers and nonstutterers in the P300 event-related potential. Responses to tonal stimuli were recorded from electrodes placed over the...
Collagens support embryo attachment and outgrowth in vitro: effects of the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence.

Abstract Collagen types I through VI support attachment and outgrowth of mouse blastocysts in vitro. We found that embryos acquire the ability to attach to collagens type II and VI relatively early in their developmental program. The time at which half of the embryos displayed outgrowth formation and the morphology of outgrowths formed on these two collagen types are similar to those observed for laminin, fibronectin, and hyaluronate. Embryos acquire the ability to outgrow on the other collagen types at a later time in culture. Both “native” and denatured collagens support embryo attachment and outgrowth, indicating that this activity is intrinsic to the primary collagens' structure. A synthetic peptide containing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp inhibits embryo outgrowth on collagen type II and denatured collagen type IV, whereas a peptide containing the related sequence, Arg-Gly-Glu, has relatively little effect on embryo outgrowth. In contrast, embryo attachment to collagen types I, V, and VI was not inhibited specifically by the Arg-Gly-Asp peptide sequence. Consequently, it appears that embryos use multiple adhesion systems to attach to collagens. Among these are adhesion systems that have a peptide recognition specificity similar to that of fibronectin receptors. These studies indicate that embryo interactions with collagens may be one aspect of the tissue invasion proceses that take place during implantation.
Development of a Feedback Linearization Technique for Parametrically Excited Nonlinear Systems via Normal Forms

The problem of designing controllers for nonlinear time periodic systems via feedback linearization is addressed. The idea is to find proper coordinate transformations and state feedback under which the original system can be (exactly or approximately) transformed into a linear time periodic control system. Then a controller can be designed to guarantee the stability of the system. Our approach is designed to achieve local control of nonlinear systems with periodic coefficients desired to be driven either to a periodic orbit or to a fixed point. The system equations are represented by a quasi-linear system containing nonlinear monomials with periodic coefficients. Using near identity transformations and normal form theory, the original close loop problem is approximately transformed into a linear time periodic system with unknown gains. Then by using a symbolic computation method, the Floquet multipliers are placed in the desired locations in order to determine the control gains. We also give the sufficient conditions under which the system is feedback linearizable up to the rth order.
Composite Model Describing the Excitation and De-excitation of Nitrogen by an Electron Beam

Based on recent studies, the effect of re-excited ions in the emission of electron beam induced fluorescence in nitrogen has been estimated. These effects are included in the formulation of a composite model describing the excitation and de-excitation of nitrogen by an electron beam. The shortcomings of previous models, namely the dependence of the measured temperature on true gas temperature as well as the gas density, are almost completely eliminated in the range of temperatures and densities covered by the available data. (auth)
Perspectives on state Title V programs' involvement in FIMR programs.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to explore the involvement of state Title V programs in fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) programs. Methods: On the basis of information from four data sources, this article explores interactions among state Title V and FIMR programs, and considers recommendations regarding how these connections can be fostered for their mutual benefit. Results: A brief history of state Title V engagement with FIMR programs is reviewed. Examples of state Title V–FIMR interactions are provided as suggestions for consideration by other states. Conclusions: Fetal and infant mortality review programs are, by design, local interventions, but there are many instances in which state Title V agencies can play roles in individual local, regional, or statewide FIMRs.
Identification of complexes in a spontaneous triploid Rhoeo spathacea

A ring-of-12 chromosomes at meiosis is characteristic of diploid Rhoeo. Each arm has been assigned a letter in accordance with the segmental interchange theory. Adjacent distribution at anaphase I results in nonviable spores while alternate distribution results in only two types of spores, both viable. Each of these two types has six chromosomes which are collectively either an α or a β complex. The chromosome complement of a diploid contains one of each. A theoretical diakinesis configuration in the spontaneous triploid Rhoeo is a ring with six bivalents alternating with six univalents. Among the twelve connecting positions, Position D is diagnostic in the triploid. If the α complex is in duplicate, two short arms and a long arm are connected at Position D, and Univalent cD is attached to two bivalents by their short arms. In contrast, if the β complex is in duplicate, two long arms and a short arm are connected at Position D, and Univalent Dd is attached to two bivalents by their long arms. Squashed preparations of PMC stained with acetocarmine were used. Among a larger number of triploid metaphase I cells studied, 53 had identifiable chromosomes. In four of the 53, all 18 chromosomes were identified. Chiasma failures in these four PMC were distributed at random among the 12 positions, and at random relative to arm length. The unique features predicted in the presence of an extra α complex were observed. Root tip karyotypes had only four (rather than five) large metacentrics. It is concluded that the chromosome complement of the triploid consists of two α complexes and one β complex. Implications for the balanced lethal mechanism are discussed.
The effect of reperfusion therapy on cerebral blood flow in acute stroke.

The effect of reperfusion therapy on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in acute cerebral ischemia was studied using xenon-enhanced computed tomography (XeCT). The XeCT CBF studies of 10 patients were evaluated before and after thrombolytic therapy. CBF evidence of reperfusion was evaluated in relation to the angiographic results and the clinical outcomes. Six patients had occlusions of the middle cerebral artery and four of the internal carotid artery. The mean CBF of the ischemic areas before attempted reperfusion was 9 ± 3 mL/100g/min compared with 34 ± 9 mL/100g/min in the contralateral asymptomatic region ( P P
Exposure to intimate partner violence and children's psychological adjustment, cognitive functioning, and social competence: A review

Abstract Research over the past 30 years has established that exposure to intimate partner violence poses significant risks to children's adjustment and functioning. It is also clear, however, that there is considerable variability in children's outcomes, and research in the past decade has increasingly focused on understanding this variability. This paper provides a review of recent research that examines relations between children's exposure to intimate partner violence and their psychological adjustment, cognitive functioning, and social competence. Emphasis is placed on studies that examine risk and protective factors for children's functioning in the context of exposure to intimate partner violence. In addition to highlighting strengths of recent studies, limitations of existing research and future directions are considered.
Examining the Relationship between Machiavellianism and Paranoia

To investigate the relationship between Machiavellianism and paranoid tendencies we administered the Mach IV scale and Fenigstein and Vanable's Paranoia scale to 150 students enrolled in 4 sections of a course, Introduction to Psychology, at a university in the Middle South. Scores on the 2 were significantly and positively correlated (Pearson r = .50). Men had a significantly higher mean score on Machiavellianism than women. Although men obtained a higher mean on the Paranoia scale than women, the difference was not statistically significant. Implications are discussed.
Bioelimination of 51Cr and 85Sr by Cockroaches, Gromphadorhina portentosa (Orthoptera: Blaberidae), as Affected by Mites, Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae)

This paper describes rates of Chromium-51 and Strontium-85 assimilation and bioelimination by the hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum), when the symbiotic mite, Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi Till, was present or removed. Mite-infested cockroaches had significantly higher rates of /sup 51/Cr elimination relative to mite-free cockroaches, implying more rapid gut clearance times. We did not find a significant mite effect on /sup 85/Sr elimination by the host, but mite effects could have been masked by the apparently unique process of nutrient assimilation and elimination by G. portentosa. Conventional models of radioactive tracer bioelimination predict a rapid initial loss of tracer due to gut clearance, followed by a slower loss due to excretion of assimilated tracer. Our results indicated that assimilated /sup 85/Sr was eliminated earlier than unassimilated /sup 85/Sr was lost by defecation.
Delayed-onset grade 4 neutropenia associated with rituximab therapy in a patient with lymphoma : Case report and literature review

A 53-year-old man developed delayed-onset neutropenia 6 weeks after completing first-line therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, and prednisone for high-grade B-cell lymphoma. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hypercellular marrow with normal maturation. He also developed interstitial pneumonitis, an adverse event associated with rituximab use. Infiltrates of T cells were found in the patient's lungs. For the next 6 months, the patient required subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 300 mug twice/week to maintain a granulocyte count above 1000 cells/mm3. He also received oral antibiotics for mouth sores and thrush. Based on the existing evidence, monitoring blood counts for as long as 8 weeks after rituximab therapy may be advisable, although the literature reports that neutropenia can develop up to 1 year after treatment. The development of a registry and uniform testing may help uncover the cause of this delayed-onset neutropenia.
Adventitious shoot formation from sections of sweet potato grown in vitro

Abstract Sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas Lam.) root sections were obtained from the cultivars ‘Centennial’, ‘Redmar’ and ‘Jewel’ with a No. 6 cork borer. These sections were cut into 2–3-mm discs and explanted on to modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium consisting of MS high mineral salts, myo-inositol (100 mg l −1 ), Staba vitamins, 6-benzyl-aminopurine (2.0 mg l −1 ), naphthaleneacetic acid (0.1 mg l −1 ), sucrose (30 g l −1 ) and agar (10 g l −1 ). Root discs from internal regions of the tuberous roots gave rise to calli and meristematic bud-like centers (MBLC's). A small percentage of ‘Centennial’ MBLC's burst open to reveal plantlets which grew and rooted well on the medium. Some of the ‘Jewel’ MBLC's contained only roots, while those of ‘Redmar’ did not differentiate. MBLC-formation occurred most often on discs taken from fresh (unstored) roots of ‘Centennial’. Petiole sections taken from in vitro-cultured plants of all 3 cultivars developed plants quite readily on the medium. Shoots of all 3 cultivars grew rapidly, to yield whole rooted plants which could easily be moved to soil and grown in the greenhouse and field.
Southern traditionalism and sex-role ideology: A research note

Sociological literature, as well as popular folklore, suggests the existence of a Southern regional subculture, of which sex-role traditionalism is an integral part. To test the empirical validity of this assumption, the present study employed the 1975 National Fertility Study data, a probability sample of 3,403 currently married white women, of whom eight sex-role questions were asked. A factor analysis of these questions was used to calculate a sex-role summary score for each respondent. Wife's employment in 1975 and her attainment of high levels of education were the two strongest predictors of a nontraditional sex-role score. The sex-role attitudes of Southern and non-Southern women did not differ significantly. The implications for research and policy are discussed.
Density Functional Study of Calcium Nitride: Refined Geometries and Prediction of High-Pressure Phases

The high-pressure behavior of Ca3N2 is studied up 100 GPa using density functional theory. Evaluation of many hypothetical polymorphs of composition A3X2 leads us to propose four high-pressure polymorphs for both α- and β-Ca3N2: (1) an anti-Rh2O3−II structure at 5 GPa, (2) an anti-B-sesquioxide structure at 10 GPa, (3) an anti-A-sesquioxide structure at 27 GPa, and (4) a hitherto unknown hexagonal structure (P63/mmc), derived from the post-perovskite structure of CaIrO3, at 38 GPa. The development of the density and bulk modulus under pressure has been examined.
Comparative studies on the initiation of labor

Parturition is a multifactorial physiological process that involves multiple interconnected positive feedforward and negative feedback loops. Each of these loops is connected to others in a carefully time-regulated fashion. When parturition occurs normally, both fetal and maternal processes are involved. Recent research in pregnant sheep and nonhuman primates shows clearly that the fetus determines the duration of gestation and the mother determines the time of day at which labor begins. The fetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis plays a fundamental role in stimulating increased estrogen production in late gestation. Estrogen then activates maternal circadian rhythms that increase oxytocin secretion. As a result, uterine contraction patterns are switched from contractures to contractions.
An XXYY variant of the Klinefelter syndrome in a prepubertal boy

An XXYY variant of the Klinefelter syndrome in a prepubertal boy is described. Its seeming rarity may be ascribed to the subtleties of clinical manifestation in a prepubertal boy rather than difficulty in establishing the diagnosis once suspected. The small number of patients found to have this variant (XXYY) does not permit a clinical basis for distinguishing it from the more common (XXY) form of the Klinefelter syndrome.
In Situ ESR Monitoring of CuH-ZSM-5 Up to 500°C in Flowing Dry Mixtures of No(NO2), C3H6(C2H5OH), and Excess O2

A flow cell was used for ESR monitoring of the state of copper ions in Cu-ZSM-5 in situ at 20-500°C in a He stream containing C3H6 (or C2H5OH), NO, and O2. The gas mixtures approximate those in the selective catalytic reduction of NOx, save for the absence of steam. At room temperature, in propene flow, the formation of an oligomeric, carbonaceous material is accompanied by the reduction of a significant part of the Cu2+ cations. Heating of the sample at 200-300°C leads to quantitative reduction of the cupric ions. Ethanol is a less active reductant, and its sorption at 20-100°C results only in a coordination change of the Cu2+ by octahedral complex formation. The onset of the reduction of the Cu2+ ions in the [C2H5OH + He] flow is at ∼200°C. The equilibrium oxidation state of the copper in CuH-ZSM-5 depends on both the temperature and the composition of the gas mixture. At 500°C in the presence of propene or ethanol and in an excess of oxidant, the condition prevailing during SCR, virtually all the copper remains in the Cu2+ state. At lower temperatures, in the 200-350°C range, in the same gas mixtures, a partial reduction of the Cu2+ ions takes place. High-temperature oxidation of the propene is accompanied by coke deposition on the outer surface of the zeolitic crystals.
Applications of triple resonance NMR techniques to the study of polymer structure and reactivity

The utility of isotopic labeling combined with triple resonance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques for polymer structure and reactivity investigations will be demonstrated. One dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) 1H/19F/13C triple resonance NMR experiments have been used to study the structure of fluoropolymers; and 1H/2H/13C triple resonance techniques have been used to study the reactivity of poly[(styrene-alt-(methyl methacrylate)] and the structure of deuterated polybutadiene. These methods provide a unique ability to selectively detect resonances of structural features that are present in minute amounts in polymers, without interference from the much larger signals of the rest of the polymer.
Mucin synthesis in immortalized canine tracheal epithelial cells

To study the regulation of mucin synthesis in canine tracheal epithelial cells, it is desirable to establish a cell line which synthesizes mucin continuously. We adopted the approach of immortalizing canine tracheal epithelial cells using a vector encoding the human papillomavirus (type 18) E6 and E7 genes. The E6 and E7 genes are essential and sufficient for the immortalization of human genital keratinocytes, as well as human tracheal epithelium. Primary epithelial cells from dog trachea were transfected with a vector containing HPV18 genes E6 and E7. The resultant cells (CT1) were cloned and maintained in selective medium supplemented with growth factors and hormones. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated the expression of the canine tracheal mucin (CTM) mRNA in these cells. The half-life of the CTM mRNA was found to be 45-60 min. Incorporation of labelled precursor (glucosamine) indicated that high-molecular-weight mucin glycoprotein was synthesized by these immortalized cells, which reacted with the antiserum to the native CTM. Equilibrium gradient centrifugation analysis showed that the buoyant density of the mucin synthesized in CT1 cells (1.486 g/ml) was similar to the reported value for native CTM (1.5 g/ml). Mucin which was isolated from immortalized cells was not a proteoglycan as chondroitinase treatment had no effect. These results suggest that CT1 cells synthesize a mucin glycoprotein which exhibits properties similar to native CTM. When characterized by immunostaining with a pool of monoclonal antibodies, these cells showed common epithelial antigens related to keratin expression. The CT1 cell line represents a unique resource for studying mucin biosynthesis and regulation.
Pathologic changes of aorta and coronary arteries of mice infected with Coxsackie B4 virus.

SummaryCoxsackie virus B4 has been shown to produce significant lesions in the large and small blood vessels of 2-day-old and 12-day-old mice. The Coxsackie virus B4-infected mice developed focal endothelial cell degeneration and necrosis with subsequent desquamation and denudation of intima of the aorta, coronary arteries, large veins, and other blood vessels.Viral infections in man are common, but infection of the great blood vessels remains little studied. Viral lesions are suggested as an initiating factor in the production of vascular diseases in man, possibly including atherosclerosis.
Don't leave the “un” off “consciousness”

Gray extrapolates from circuit models of psychopathology to propose neural substrates for the contents of consciousness. I raise three concerns: (1) knowledge of synaptic arrangements may be inadequate to fully support his model; (2) latent inhibition deficits in schizophrenia, a focus of this and related models, are complex and deserve replication; and (3) this conjecture omits discussion of the neuropsychological basis for the contents of the unconscious.
Adrenal Insufficiency as a Result of Ritonavir and Exogenous Steroid Exposure Report of 6 Cases and Recommendation for Management

Numerous cases of Cushing syndrome have been reported as a result of the interaction between ritonavir (RTV) and exogenous steroid medications. Another complication that frequently occurs is secondary adrenal insufficiency, which can be profound and has not been well described. Here, we report 6 cases of adrenal suppression caused by RTV and exogenous steroids, all of which required corticosteroid replacement therapy and 2 of which were severe enough to require hospitalization. These cases add to the body of literature on the dangerous interaction between RTV and corticosteroids and highlight the risk of secondary adrenal suppression. We also review the literature on this complication and make a recommendation for managing and monitoring such cases.
Pertactin is required for Bordetella species to resist neutrophil-mediated clearance.

Pertactin (PRN) is an autotransporter protein produced by all members of the Bordetella bronchiseptica cluster, which includes B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica. It is a primary component of acellular pertussis vaccines, and anti-PRN antibody titers correlate with protection. In vitro studies have suggested that PRN functions as an adhesin and that an RGD motif located in the center of the passenger domain is important for this function. Two regions of PRN that contain sequence repeats (region 1 [R1] and R2) show polymorphisms among strains and have been implicated in vaccine-driven evolution. We investigated the role of PRN in pathogenesis using B. bronchiseptica and natural-host animal models. A Δprn mutant did not differ from wild-type B. bronchiseptica in its ability to adhere to epithelial and macrophage-like cells in vitro or to establish respiratory infection in rats but was cleared much faster than wild-type bacteria in a mouse lung inflammation model. Unlike wild-type B. bronchiseptica, the Δprn mutant was unable to cause a lethal infection in SCID-Bg mice, but, like wild-type bacteria, it was lethal for neutropenic mice. These results suggest that PRN plays a critical role in allowing Bordetella to resist neutrophil-mediated clearance. Mutants producing PRN proteins in which the RGD motif was replaced with RGE or in which R1 and R2 were deleted were indistinguishable from wild-type bacteria in all assays, suggesting that these sequences do not contribute to PRN function.
Public Health, the APHA, and Urban Renewal

Joint efforts by fields of public health in the last decade have advocated use of the built environment to protect health. Past involvement by public health advocates in urban policy, however, has had mixed results. Although public health has significantly contributed to health improvements, its participation in urban renewal activities was problematic. Health advocates and the American Public Health Association produced guidelines that were widely used to declare inner-city areas blighted and provided a scientific justification for demolishing neighborhoods and displacing mostly poor and minority people. Furthermore, health departments failed to uphold their legal responsibility to ensure that relocated families received safe, affordable housing alternatives. These failures have important implications for future health-related work on the built environment and other core public health activities.