cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Mutant Expressing a Baculovirus Inhibitor of Apoptosis Gene in Place of Latency-Associated Transcript Has a Wild-Type Reactivation Phenotype in the Mouse

The latency-associated transcript (LAT) is essential for the wild-type herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) high-reactivation phenotype since LAT- mutants have a low-reactivation phenotype. We previously reported that LAT can decrease apoptosis and proposed that this activity is involved in LAT's ability to enhance the HSV-1 reactivation phenotype. The first 20% of the primary 8.3-kb LAT transcript is sufficient for enhancing the reactivation phenotype and for decreasing apoptosis, supporting this proposal. For this study, we constructed an HSV-1 LAT- mutant that expresses the baculovirus antiapoptosis gene product cpIAP under control of the LAT promoter and in place of the LAT region mentioned above. Mice were ocularly infected with this mutant, designated dLAT-cpIAP, and the reactivation phenotype was determined using the trigeminal ganglion explant model. dLAT-cpIAP had a reactivation phenotype similar to that of wild-type virus and significantly higher than that of (i) the LAT- mutant dLAT2903; (ii) dLAT1.5, a control virus containing the same LAT deletion as dLAT-cpIAP, but with no insertion of foreign DNA, thereby controlling for potential readthrough transcription past the cpIAP insert; and (iii) dLAT-EGFP, a control virus identical to dLAT-cpIAP except that it contained the enhanced green fluorescent protein open reading frame (ORF) in place of the cpIAP ORF, thereby controlling for expression of a random foreign gene instead of the cpIAP gene. These results show that an antiapoptosis gene with no sequence similarity to LAT can efficiently substitute for the LAT function involved in enhancing the in vitro-induced HSV-1 reactivation phenotype in the mouse.
Development of a simple groundwater model for use in climate models and evaluation with Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment data

Received 17 May 2006; revised 24 October 2006; accepted 26 December 2006; published 7 April 2007. [1] Groundwater interacts with soil moisture through the exchanges of water between the unsaturated soil and its underlying aquifer under gravity and capillary forces. Despite its importance, groundwater is not explicitly represented in climate models. This paper developed a simple groundwater model (SIMGM) by representing recharge and discharge processes of the water storage in an unconfined aquifer, which is added as a single integration element below the soil of a land surface model. We evaluated the model against the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) terrestrial water storage change (DS) data. The modeled total water storage (including unsaturated soil water and groundwater) change agrees fairly well with GRACE estimates. The anomaly of the modeled groundwater storage explains most of the GRACE DS anomaly in most river basins where the water storage is not affected by snow water or frozen soil. For this reason, the anomaly of the modeled water table depth agrees well with that converted from the GRACE DS in most of the river basins. We also investigated the impacts of groundwater dynamics on soil moisture and evapotranspiration through the comparison of SIMGM to an additional model run using gravitational free drainage (FD) as the model’s lower boundary condition. SIMGM produced much wetter soil profiles globally and up to 16% more annual evapotranspiration than FD, most obviously in arid-to-wet transition regions.
Merging geospatial and field data to predict the distribution and abundance of an exotic macrophyte in a large Wisconsin reservoir.

Abstract Geospatial and field data were merged to characterize the invasion of an exotic macrophyte into a large (∼6192 ha), reservoir, the Chippewa Flowage, Wisconsin, USA. Multi-scale analyses provided data for quantitative models of human, abiotic and biotic influences that would explain the presence and abundance of Myriophyllum spicatum L., a widespread, aquatic species. Human and abiotic factors were analysed in a geographic information system and additional abiotic and biotic factors were sampled at 2778 sample points. Using multivariate logistic and multiple linear regressions the relationships between 29 factors and the species’ presence and abundance were quantified. M. spicatum occurred at 181 of 992 vegetated points. M. spicatum abundance was significantly influenced by two geospatial variables (wave action and water-level drawdown) and two site variables (water depth and native species presence). Separate models for shallow and deep water explained 32% and 30% of M. spicatum abundance, respectively (compared to 22.8% using all 181 points). The species’ vertical distribution (range = 0.30–4.27 m) was related to depth of winter drawdown (∼1.3 m on average) and to water depth (an indicator of decreasing light), as well as to shading by floating-leaved macrophytes. Spatial extrapolation of model predictions for M. spicatum presence indicated that a total 940 hectares are at risk for M. spicatum invasion (∼15% of the Chippewa Flowage; about 2.5 times larger than the current distribution).
The stability of a nonlinear, age dependent population model, as applied to a biochemical reaction tank

Abstract The dynamics of a continuously fed chemical reactor, in which a biological organism promotes the chemical reaction, is considered. An analytic procedure is used to determine the parameter ranges which lead to limit cycle oscillations for the population of the organism.
Future Theoretical Approaches in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Solving a time-dependent linear differential equation towards obtaining evolution operators is a central problem in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. To this end, average Hamiltonian theory and Floquet theory have been the two commonly used theoretically methods in spin dynamics of NMR. We recently introduced the Floquet-Magnus expansion approach and here, we present the methodology of potentials future theoretical approaches such as the Fer expansion, Chebyshev expansion and Cayley transformation that could be useful tools for numerical integrators and simulations of spin dynamics in NMR.
Causes of badger mortality in eastern counties of England

The circumstances of the deaths of 17 badgers in south-eastern England are described together with post-mortem examinations. The livers of eight animals were analysed to detect the levels of organochlorine insecticides. All contained dieldrin (0.01 to 46.3 ppm), five contained DDT and/or its derivatives (0.30 to 19.2 ppm) and three contained heptachlor epoxide (1.9 to 4.4 ppm). It is concluded that five of the 17 died after road accidents whilst of the remainder, six certainly and six very probably died of dieldrin poisoning. The behaviour of one poisoned badger maintained in the laboratory is described. The amounts of dieldrin contained and consumed by the badgers are discussed together with the possible sources of the poison.
Kelo v. City of New London: trampling on private property rights or strong support for states' rights; implications for land use preservation programs

Despite the attention it is given and the emotion it draws from what some fear is its application, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London is a decision about the authority of federal courts to review actions of state governments and state agencies that affect property interests. Government authority to "take" private property is clear, but the parameters of this authority are subject to interpretation. While the Constitution describes takings in simple terms, the meaning of the Constitutional pronouncement is less clear. When can a proposed "taking" involve a public use? Can the language of the Constitution be applied to a context that was never considered when the Constitution was adopted? How should courts, and people, struggle to apply Constitutional provisions to circumstances that could not have been considered when the Constitution was written? These questions raise issues about whether the Constitution is a source of absolute pronouncements that must adhere to the intent of its authors, or a document that evolves with social, economic and political change taking place within "American society". Understanding the foundations that support the decision is a study in understanding the role of separation of power among the branches of government and states' rights.
Blount disease (tibia vara): Another skeletal disorder associated with childhood obesity

BLOUNT DISEASE (tibia vara) ~ is a skeletal disorder characterized by bowed legs and tibial torsion. Radiographically, the affected extremities show enlargement or a beaktike projection of the medial aspect of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia (Fig. 1); the abnormality involves the medial portion of the proximal secondary center as well. Growth appears deficient medially, resulting in medial angulation of the diaphysis of the tibia. Because this line of weight bearing is through the medial aspect of the bone, its medial cortex becomes thickened. :5 Microscopic examination of affected areas demonstrates distorted bone trabeculae containing focal areas of cartilage that coincide with the radiolucent areas. ~-3 The causes of Blount disease are unknown. Females appear to be more frequently affected than males, ~,4 although agreement is not uniform? Age of onset distinguishes patients with the infantile type, with onset between one and 3 years of age, and the juvenile type with onset after 8 years of age~ 1,3, 4 The occasional appearance of more than one case in the same family suggests a hereditary component, 3,6 and an increased prevalence among West Indian children indicates the possibility of a racial predisposition? Affected children have no evidence of rickets and only rarely a history of trauma. ~' 2 Pathologic examination has shown no evidence of aseptic necrosis or inflammation. ~-~ Obesity has frequently been mentioned in association with the infantile type of the disease, ~-4.6 but the interrelationship of obesity and Blount disease has never been examined in detail. Two cases of the infantile type of Blount disease
Glutamine Enhancement of Structure and Function in Transplanted Small Intestine in the Rat

Total parenteral nutrition is required by all patients in need of small bowel transplantation. Untoward side effects of total parenteral nutrition include atrophy and hypofunction of the small intestine. Glutamine, the preferred fuel for the enterocyte, is presumably present in insufficient amounts in diets given to patients with intestinal dysfunction. In a rat model of total parenteral nutrition and small bowel transplantation, this study investigated the following: (1) whether glutamine improves graft structure and function, (2) the optimal route of glutamine delivery (intravenous vs direct infusion into the graft), and (3) the effect of glutamine on ultrastructure of the graft enterocyte. Lewis rats underwent small bowel transplantation as a Thiry-Vella graft and received total parenteral nutrition for 14 days while assigned to one of four infusion groups: 2% intravenous glutamine; 2% intravenous isonitrogenous mixture, nonessential amino acids (control); 2% glutamine into the graft; or 2% nonessential amino acids into the graft (control). Graft mucosal villous height, villous surface area, crypt depth, weight, protein, deoxyribonucleic acid content, glucose absorption, and enterocyte ultrastructure were then evaluated. Infusion of glutamine directly into the graft significantly increased mucosal villous height (p = .045), surface area (p = .029), and glucose absorption (p = .004) when compared with controls. Intravenous glutamine infusion significantly increased mucosal villous height (p = .002), surface area (p = .001), weight (p = .005), and glucose absorption (p = .04) when compared with controls. Most enterotrophic and functional benefits of glutamine were not significantly different between intravenous infusions and direct administration into the graft.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gauge invariance and implementability of the S-operator for spin-0 and spin-12 particles in time-dependent external fields

Abstract It is proved that the classical S-operator for relativistic spin-0 and spin- 1 2 particles in time-dependent external fields is gauge invariant, and that S+- and S−+ are entire functions of the coupling constant in the Hilbert-Schmidt norm. As a result the Fock space S-operator exists for any real value of the coupling constant, and is gauge invariant. The external fields and the gauge function are assumed to be real-valued resp. complex-valued functions in S(R4).
Proteasome activity and the post-translational control of sucrose synthase stability in maize leaves

The serine-170 (S170) calcium-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site of maize (Zea mays L.) sucrose synthase (SUS) (EC 2.4.1.13) has been implicated in the post-translational regulation of SUS protein stability. To clarify the proteolytic process and the role of phosphorylation, SUS degradation and proteasome activities were studied in the maize leaf elongation zone. Size-exclusion chromatography resolved two peaks of proteasome-like proteolytic activity. The large molecular mass ( approximately 1350 kDa) peak required Mg(2+) and ATP for maximal activity and was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and NLVS. Anion-exchange chromatography resolved a similar proteolytic activity that was activated by ATP, characteristics that are consistent with those of a 26S-proteasome. Appropriately, immunoblotting revealed the presence of a 26S-proteasome subunit and highly ubiquitinated proteins within the active fractions eluted from both columns. The smaller molecular mass ( approximately 600 kDa) peak represented only 40% of the total proteasome-like activity and is likely a maize 20S-proteasome as it was activated in vitro by low levels of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). S170 phosphorylated SUS (pS170-SUS) was detected as both high molecular mass (HMM) forms and proteolytic fragments that co-eluted with 26S-proteasome activities on both size-exclusion and anion-exchange columns. Conditions that maintained maximal 26S-proteasome activity reduced the amounts of pS170-SUS recovered. In vitro, the 26S-proteasome degraded SUS and proteasome-specific inhibitors reduced SUS proteolysis. HMM-SUS conjugates were produced in vitro and immunoprecipitations suggested that some SUS might be ubiquitinated in vivo. The results suggest that S170 phosphorylation promotes the formation of HMM, ubiquitin-SUS conjugates that can be targeted for 26S-proteasome-dependent degradation.
Gas invasion into water-saturated, unconsolidated porous media: Implications for gas hydrate reservoirs

Abstract Gas transport through unconsolidated porous media has been a recent focus in studies of hydrate reservoir dynamics and is important in numerous other geophysical contexts. We conduct experiments to examine the controls on gas invasion through sieved sands that are suspended within the water column as air is injected slowly from below. We monitor the thickness of the free-gas column that accumulates beneath the sand to gauge the difference between the gas and liquid pressure, or overpressure, just prior to gas invading and passing through the sand layer. Comparing the threshold overpressures for initial gas invasion using different particle sizes, our experiments demonstrate the control of capillary forces when the effective stress supported by particle contacts is sufficiently large. At lower effective stresses (smaller sediment overburdens) we observe gas invasion before the capillary-controlled threshold overpressure is reached. These results demonstrate a transition from capillary invasion at high effective stresses to fracture-dominated invasion at low effective stresses. Moreover, video documentation reveals evidence for transitions from capillary to fracture-dominated behavior within single invasion episodes as the rising gas nears the sediment surface. After the initial invasion episode in each experiment, we infer that observed reductions in the overpressure needed for subsequent invasions are caused by bubble break-up and retention within the sediment column. These experiments highlight the importance of effective stress and pore size in determining the mode of gas passage through unconsolidated sediments. We discuss the implications of our findings for the dynamics of gas hydrate reservoirs and other geophysical systems.
An energy analysis of triple junction crack nucleation due to the wedging action of grain boundary dislocations

A physical model of wedge crack formation at triple junctions in polycrystalline materials is analyzed in this paper. The origin of the crack formation is the sliding of grain boundaries meeting at triple junctions. Based on the dislocation model of grain boundaries, the sliding is attributed to the gliding of grain boundary dislocations (GBDs). Consequently, the resulting crack formation can be analyzed theoretically in terms of the energetics of the piling up of interacting GBDs. The model permits the determination of crack stability or instability as well as the length of the stable crack. Results are obtained in this paper for polycrystalline ice and aluminium.
Further evidence that androgen aromatization is essential for the activation of copulation in male quail

Abstract In Experiment 1 male quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) with photically regressed testes were implanted intraperitoneally with Silastic tubing containing either testosterone propionate (TP), testosterone (T), androstenedione (AE), 17α-methyltestosterone (MT), estradiol benzoate (EB), dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), 6α-fluorotestosterone propionate (FTP), fluoxymesterone (FM), or cholesterol (CHOL), or were implanted subcutaneously with pellets of FTP. All steroids except EB and FM stimulated proctodeal gland development, and all except MT, EB, and FM stimulated crowing to a significant extent. When administered as Silastic implants, the only androgens that activated copulation were TP, T, and AE. Subcutaneous pellets of FTP also activated copulation. In Experiment 2 male quail with photically regressed testes were injected with TP, TP + ATD (1,4,6-androstatrien-3,17-dione, an aromatase inhibitor), EB, EB + ATD, or oil. ATD completely blocked TP-stimulated copulation, but had no effect on EB-stimulated copulation. These experiments provide further evidence for an aromatization theory of quail copulation.
Symbolic self-completion in academia: evidence from department web pages and email signature files

Symbolic self-completion theory proposes that individuals use symbols of attainment to define themselves as accomplished in self-defining areas and to communicate their accomplishments to others. The goal of the present research was to examine whether individual professors and academic departments strive for symbolic self-completion when communicating through the Internet. We hypothesized that publications, citations, and departmental rankings by the National Research Council (NRC) represent important indicators of attainment for professors, whereas professional titles (i.e., “doctor,” “professor,” or “Ph.D.”) may serve as alternate symbols of attainment. We predicted that a lack of important indicators of attainment would motivate the display of professional titles in web pages and email signature files. In Study 1, academic departments with less prestigious NRC rankings listed more professional titles on their departmental web pages compared to departments with more prestigious rankings. In Studies 2 and 3, professors with lower annual rates of publications and citations displayed more professional titles in their email signatures compared to professors with higher publication and citation rates. These results suggest that self-completion motives help to shape naturalistic Internet communications. The results further suggest that analyses of Internet communications can provide externally valid tests of theories concerned with motivation and self-processes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive efficiency declines over time in adults with Type 1 diabetes: effects of micro- and macrovascular complications.

Mild cognitive dysfunction is not uncommon in adults with Type 1 diabetes, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Previous cross-sectional studies had suggested that microangiopathy might affect brain integrity and lead to 'central neuropathy.' To assess the relationship between changes in cognitive performance and the incidence of new micro- and macrovascular complications, 103 young and middle-aged adults (mean age: 40 yrs) with childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes were followed over a 7-year period, and were compared to 57 demographically-similar adults without diabetes. All subjects completed a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests on two occasions. Diabetic subjects also received repeated medical assessments to diagnose the onset of clinically significant complications. Relative to control subjects, diabetic adults showed significant declines on measures of psychomotor efficiency; no between-group differences were evident on learning, memory, or problem-solving tasks. The development of proliferative retinopathy and autonomic neuropathy during the follow-up period predicted decline in psychomotor speed (p<0.01), as did incident macrovascular complications (p<0.05), systolic blood pressure at follow-up (p<0.01), and duration of diabetes (p<0.01). This study shows that cognitive efficiency may decline over time in diabetic adults, and that this neurocognitive change may be linked, at least in part, to the occurrence of complications like proliferative retinopathy and elevated blood pressure. Therapeutic interventions that reduce the risk of vascular complications may have a similarly beneficial effect on the brain and reduce the risk of neurocognitive dysfunction in diabetic patients.
A script approach for design of a multi-stage computer controlled power converter

In literature, the details of engineering power converters are often discussed in a limited scope. However in practice, the design of such converters entails consideration of the whole circuit as the many subsystems of are inevitably linked together. This paper presents a scripting method to assist in the design of large power converters. Such an approach simplifies iterations in the design process. An example circuit is discussed for which the design script has been applied. Results indicate the proposed technique is effective.
Methods for Disseminating Research Products and Increasing Evidence-Based Practice: Promises, Obstacles, and Future Directions

Although several different rationales for psychotherapy dissemination research have been well articulated, the most effective means for bringing research products to clinical practice have yet to be determined. Two commonly proposed methods are the dissemination of empirically supported treatments and the dissemination of general evidence-based stances to clinical decision making. Obstacles to either approach include (a) practical constraints on practitioners' ability to use research products, (b) lack of research on process and outcome of both empirically supported treatments and existing services in different practice contexts, (c) lack of research on acceptability of research products to end users including practitioners, clients, and administrators, (d) lack of research on training in the integration of science and practice at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, (e) systemic economic contingencies that favor or punish evidence-based decision making, and (f) the tendency to construct dissemination as a hierarchical and unidirectional process of transmission from research to clinical practice. Each obstacle is considered in detail and followed by recommendations for ways to broaden the scope of dissemination efforts.
Blood magnesium and potassium alterations with maximal treadmill exercise testing: Effects of β-adrenergic blockade

Abstract To test alterations in plasma potassium and magnesium levels with maximal exercise, 15 sedentary, healthy men (mean age 29 years) participated in a double-blind crossover study for 11 weeks with propranolol, atenolol, and placebo. Maximal exercise tests were done at baseline and after placebo and β-blockade phases. Blood for analysis was collected via indwelling brachial vein angiocatheters at baseline and during and after testing. Plasma potassium and magnesium levels increased at peak exercise with atenolol, propranolol, and placebo. There was no difference among groups in baseline recovery for magnesium (mean 28 minutes, range 24 to 30 minutes). Potassium levels returned to baseline more rapidly (compared with magnesium) in the placebo and atenolol groups (mean 10 minutes); however, recovery time was prolonged with propranolol (26 minutes) compared with placebo and atenolol ( p
Why Farmers Quit: A County-Level Analysis

We identify the effects of alternative explanatory variables on the propensity of U.S. farmers to cease farming, with a particular emphasis on understanding the roles of off-farm employment and federal farm program payments. Conventional ordinary least squares analysis using all counties suggests that off-farm employment has no statistical effect on the (net) number of farmers quitting between 1987 and 1997, ceteris paribus. A more refined analysis, which separates counties losing farmers from those that gained farmers, reveals subtle and less clear-cut effects of off-farm employment (and federal program payments) on farm exits. Copyright 2001, Oxford University Press.
In vivo measurement of regional brain and tumor pH using [14C] dimethyloxazolidinedione and quantitative autoradiography. II: Characterization of the extracellular fluid compartment using pH-sensitive microelectrodes and [14C] sucrose

We measured the extracellular (interstitial) pH (pHe) of RG-2 rat gliomas using H+-sensitive microelectrodes and estimated the volume of tumor extracellular space based on the tissue-plasma ratio of [14C]sucrose. The average RG-2 pHe was 7.63 ± 0.15 (mean ± SD, n = 6), whereas the average pHe of contralateral brain tissue was 7.34 ± 0.10 (n = 3) and arterial pH was 7.36 ± 0.02. RG-2 extracellular space water volume was estimated to be 0.3 ml water/g tissue. In separate experiments in normal, nontumored rats, intracellular pH (pHi) was calculated for nine gray and white matter regions based on measurements of tissue and plasma [14C]dimethyloxazolidinedione concentration. pHi values ranged from 6.80 to 6.94, and no consistent gray–white differences were observed. Our data suggest that tumor pHi is not more acidic than that of normal brain tissue and that the observed alkalinity of primary brain tumors is due to the presence of a large alkaline extracellular space.
Efficacy and performance in professional development higher education-sponsored ITV instruction

THIS STUDY compares the efficacy of interactive video (ITV) delivered instruction to traditional course instruction in three distinct learning environments: traditional face-to-face format, ITV host (instructor present), and ITV distant (instructor not physically present) sites. Data were obtained from a half-day professional development course offered to maintenance personnel in a state transportation agency. Results indicate that although content retention (surface learning) did not differ across groups, student perceptions of ability efficacy, instructional efficacy, and interaction efficacy did differ. Authors discuss the implications and application to academic instruction, including practical recommendations for enhancing efficacy and consideration for transfer (deeper) learning.
Finding good food and avoiding bad food: does it help to associate with experienced flockmates?

. Flocks of male red-winged blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, were observed as they foraged on 9 × 12-m tilled plots within a 0·2-ha flight pen. One of the plots contained rice seed treated with the bird repellent methiocarb; a second plot received untreated rice. When each flock displayed a consistent avoidance of the treated plot, the number of experienced birds in the 12-bird flock was sequentially reduced to six, three, one and zero. Latency to use of the untreated plot and time spent foraging in the treated plot by naive birds were greatly reduced when at least one experienced bird was present. Throughout the 4-day trials, use of the treated seed plot by naive birds was greater than that of experienced birds. The naive flock members benefited by following experienced birds to the untreated seed plot, thereby discovering and using it more quickly than when no experienced birds were present. The naive birds did not avoid the treated seed plot, however, and many ate the treated seed and became sick. Thus, the benefit of associating with experienced birds was in learning where to forage, not where to avoid.
Non-random nature of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced alterations of DNA template capacity.

Abstract Male rats were fed a diet containing 0.03% (w/w) 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and their hepatic DNA was isolated and transcribed with E. coli RNA polymerase. Ingestion of the carcinogen-containing diet for 4 days substantially reduced the template capacity of the isolated DNA. This reduction in template capacity was due to an apparent decreased RNA chain size (up to 50%), with no significant changes in initiation or re-initiation of RNA synthesis. This premature termination of RNA synthesis was accompanied, in some instances, by a reduced rate of RNA chain elongation. When the rats were returned to a basal diet for 7 days following 4 days of AAF ingestion, template capacity and RNA chain size returned to control values. Fractionation of hepatic chromatin on a glycerol gradient revealed that inhibition of DNA template capacity occurs on portions exhibiting characteristics of expressed, as well as those with characteristics of repressed, segments of the genome. In contrast, the DNA isolated from a small, highly condensed chromatin fraction (15% of total chromatin-DNA) showed no significant reduction in total template capacity. Analysis of the fidelity of RNA synthesis on this DNA template was performed by determining the rate of addition of individual nucleotide triphosphates to a growing RNA chain. Large reductions in the rates of adenosine and uridine polymerization were observed while no changes in guanosine or cytidine polymerization were found. This suggests the presence of functionally significant carcinogen-induced modifications of adenine. The inhibition in the rate of adenosine and uridine polymerization was reversed when the animals were placed on a basal diet after AAF ingestion.
General Relativity and Fifth Force Experiments

We calculate some general relativistic corrections to the Newtonian weak field limit of Einstein gravity, and discuss their possible relevance to considerations regarding the current set of fifth force experiments.
Pathophysiological classification of acquired bone marrow failure based on quantitative assessment of erythroid function

Bone marrow failure encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders including aplastic, dysmyelopoietic and myelophtisic anemias. In the present study, these anemias were characterized according to the degree of erythroid proliferation and efficiency of erythropoiesis. Total erythropoietic activity was evaluated in 43 patients by measuring the erythron transferrin uptake (ETU). It averaged 20% of basal (range 3-43%) in 13 patients with severe aplastic anemia, 75% of basal (range 60-103%) in 3 patients with extensive bone marrow infiltration by neoplastic cells, 131% of basal (range 50-217%) in 16 patients with refractory anemia, and 452% of basal (range 63-720) in 11 patients with idiopathic refractory siderobastic anemia. Respective efficiencies of erythropoiesis were 74% in aplastic anemia, 70% with bone marrow infiltration, 46% in refractory anemia, and 14% in sideroblastic anemia. Based on the ETU, patients could be categorized into absolute marrow failure, relative marrow failure, and adequate erythropoietic response to anemia. This simple determination of proliferating activity of the erythroid marrow can provide useful information on the pathophysiology of marrow failure and a basis for the selection of therapeutic approaches.
Impact of the basic amine on the biological activity and intracellular distribution of an aza-anthrapyrazole: BBR 3422.

Abstract The anthrapyrazoles have entered clinical trials and show significant activity against breast cancer. However, these drugs are cardiotoxic and ineffective in multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumor cells. We have reported previously on the synthesis and antitumor characteristics of the 9-aza-anthrapyrazoles and their lack of cardiotoxicity; unfortunately, the leading candidates are cross-resistant in MDR-expressing cells. The results also indicated that the side arm structures of 9-aza-anthrapyrazole play a critical role in determining the drug resistance in MDR-expressing cells—only compounds that have a tertiary amine on both side arms are not cross-resistant. To further elucidate the biochemical and pharmacological impact of the side arm structures, one of the 9-aza-anthrapyrazole compounds, BBR 3422 {2-(2-aminoethyl)-5-(2-methylaminoethyl)indazolo[4,3- g,h ]isoquinoline-6(2 H )-one}, was selected to be photolabeled with N -hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidosalicylic acid (NHS-ASA). In comparison to the parental compound, the photolabeled BBR 3422 was not as cytotoxic or DNA active, but it competed better than the parental compound against azidopine on P-glycoprotein labeling. In addition, confocal microscopic studies showed that BBR 3422 was clustered mainly in the cell nucleus, but its photolabeled analogue was located in the cytoplasm of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Only a trace amount of both compounds was detected in the doxorubicin-derived resistant cell line MCF-7/ADR. The treatment of MCF-7/ADR cells with verapamil increased the intracellular amounts of both compounds.
Holographic Imaging without the Wavelength Resolution Limit

It is usually assumed in both optical and acoustical holography that the resolution of a reconstructed image is limited by the wavelength of the radiation. In this paper it is demonstrated that this is not necessarily true in acoustical holography. A technique which images the source vector intensity as well as the sound pressure amplitude with a resolution independent of the wavelength is presented. Application to electromagnetic radiation may be possible.
Mosaic packaging for large-format infrared devices

The desire for larger and larger format arrays for astronomical observatories - both ground and space based - has fueled the development of very large focal plane array (FPA) packaging technology. This has generated new designs and the use of new materials suitable for high reliability and long thermal cycle performance when exposed to operating temperatures from ambient to below 10 Kelvin. We present the design and performance of a series of package designs meeting these requirements evolving from single large mega-pixel arrays through the multiple detector arrays utilizing 4-side butting. This butting arrangement permits future detector arrays of significant size of approaching a meter on a side for infrared astronomy. This packaging technology and the use of thermally compatible materials enable the large format packaging of all detector and Readout Integrated Chip (ROIC) combinations in current production. Current and future applications include the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) detector for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission, the 16 VIRGO detector focal planes for the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) IR survey telescope and future applications such as the Supernova Acceleration Probe (SNAP) mission.
The Spectrum of Epstein-Barr Virus Hepatitis in Children

The clinical and pathologic features of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis in 3 children are described. Manifestations included fever, hepatomegaly, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and failure of uptake of technetium by the reticuloendothelial system of the liver. Histologic features may mimic chronic active hepatitis and lymphoid malignancy. Two patients underwent exploratory laparotomy because of suspected tumor. Recognition of the wide spectrum of hepatic involvement in infectious mononucleosis is important in the differential diagnosis of hepatomegaly. Diagnosis should be made by measurement of IgM-specific EBV antibodies.
Biometric authentication for e-commerce transaction

E-commerce is an outcome of globalization and technology outbreak of the 21st century. The consistency on Internet privacy protection plays a major role to boost the growth of e-commerce. E-commerce industry is slowly addressing security issues on their internal networks. But security protection for the consumers is still in its infancy stage posing a barrier to the development of e-commerce. There is a growing need for a combination of legislation and technical solutions to globally secure customer privacy. The U.S Federal Trade Commission has identified the need for defining privacy policies to address consumer data security. A technology solution using biometric technique is proposed for preventing identity theft and false authentication in the course of e-commerce transactions. This research proposes a Web-based architecture that uses the encrypted iris patterns as a biometric attribute for authentication of a customer for e-commerce transactions, because iris patterns are unique to an individual.
Roll your own – nano-nanocomposite capacitors

Commercial and liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP) processed nano-BaTiO3 with average particle sizes (APSs) of 50 nm were mixed with [glycidylSiMe2OSiO1.5]8 (OG, Q cage epoxy) and diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) at loadings of 30, 40 and 50 vol% (69, 77 and 83 wt%) to form nano-nanocomposites. We demonstrate processing flexible films at 10–13 μm thicknesses on a variety of substrates but especially 40 μm thick aluminum foil. The octafunctional glycidyl silica cage epoxy resin combines very high flexibility needed for rolling with the potential to impart good-to-excellent breakdown voltages and hence higher energy densities. Nanopowders and cast films with and without nano-BaTiO3 were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD etc. The dielectric constants of the cast films were also characterized providing dielectric constants (loss tangents) of 18 (0.05), 21 (0.06) and 16 (0.11) for 30, 40 and 50 vol% films, respectively at 100 KHz. Only 30 and 40 vol% films were cast on Al foil for processing to wound capacitors as 50 vol% films exhibited excessive porosity resulting from agglomeration induced during curing/coating of the resin. Rolled capacitors were fabricated by simply stacking two strips of nanocomposite cast Al foil and rolling them around a metal rod used as a mandrel. The found energy storage of the capacitors ranged from 80–90 nanofarads (33–37 nF cm−2) whereas that of equivalent biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) capacitors at the same thicknesses would exhibit only 9–12 nanofarads (4–5 nF cm−2) at similar voltages. Current work provides the first example of a rolled BaTiO3/epoxy nanocomposite capacitor with excellent potential for replacing commercially available counterparts. Furthermore, the potential to achieve much higher energy densities through further optimization suggests the possibility of reducing the dimensions of any given capacitor.
Presidential Inflexibility and Veto Behavior: Two Individual-Situational Interactions

The suitable personality traits for optimal leadership may depend on the type of leadership, the criterion of leader effectiveness, and various situational constraints This point was illustrated via the specific area of presidential leadership The working relationship between the Chief Executive and Congress, as defined by regular vetoes and vetoes overturned, provided the criterion variables for a congressional time-series analysis (N= 99) of all 39 American presidents The impact of a single personality attribute, presidential inflexibility, was examined in the context of several variables suggested by past research The relation between inflexibility and willingness to exploit the regular veto varied according to the incumbent's electoral mandate, while the association between inflexibility and the propensity of Congress to override a veto depended on the extent to which the president's party controlled Congress—this last interaction was labeled the Johnson-Wilson effect In the context of the person-situation debate, these findings illustrate how certain situations can determine whether, and to what degree, a stable individual attribute will have behavioral manifestations
Machismo sustains health and illness beliefs of Mexican American men.

Purpose: To inform nurse practitioners (NPs) about Mexican American men’s health and illness beliefs and the ways in which these are influenced by their masculine identity and how they view themselves as men in their culture. Data sources: The data sources used were based on a selected review of the literature about Mexican American men’s health and illness beliefs and the concept of machismo. Several studies, including the author’s study on Mexican American men’s healthcare-seeking beliefs and behaviors and experience in providing primary health care to men across cultures, contributed new data. Conclusions: The meaning of manhood in the Mexican American culture is critical in understanding how men perceive health and illness and what they do when they are ill. Machismo enhances men’s awareness of their health because they have to be healthy to be good fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, workers, and community members. Pain and disability are motivating factors in finding ways to regain their health. Implications for Practice: Men’s health beliefs across cultures need further investigation by nurse researchers and NPs. How culture influences healthcare delivery to men should be better understood. If NPs are aware of men’s views on masculinity, they are better prepared to understand and assist men in becoming more aware of their health status and to seek health care when appropriate.
First–Principles Investigation of the Ordered Si 4c compound

We have performed intensive theoretical studies on the ordered Si 4C phase which has been proposed first by Riicker et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 3578 (1994)] and which recently has been reportedly synthesized by Kouvetakis et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 72, 930(1998). We calculate structural parameters which are significantly different from experimental values, and an IR spectrum with a peak position very similar to their experiment but a much narrower width. We suggest that the experimental findings might be consistent with the assumption of a system of Si4C sections/crystallites and other Si–C structures embedded in a Si matrix.
NSQIP reveals significant incidence of death following discharge.

Background The rates of post-discharge deaths after surgical procedures are unknown and may represent areas of quality improvement. The NSQIP database captures 30-d outcomes not included within normal administrative databases, and can thus differentiate between in-hospital and post-discharge deaths. Methods Retrospective analysis of NSQIP from 2005 through 2007. Inclusion criteria were procedures whose median length of stay was greater than 1 d (to exclude outpatient procedures), and whose overall death rate was greater than 2% (to include only procedures where mortality was a significant issue). Procedures where less than 25 deaths occurred were excluded (for sample size concerns). Results There were 363,897 patients with 2236 different CPT codes captured in NSQIP. There were 6395 deaths; among them, 1486 (23.2%) occurred after discharge. Thirty-eight CPT codes met the analysis threshold. In two of the CPT codes, there were no post-discharge deaths (repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA], repair of ruptured AAA involving iliacs). In the other 36 CPT codes, the proportion of deaths occurring after discharge ranged from 6.3% (repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm) to 50.0% (femoral-distal bypass with vein). The highest percentage of post-discharge mortality occurs on d 1 after discharge. Fifty percent of post-discharge mortality occurs by d 7; 95% occurs by d 21. Conclusion Approximately one-fourth of postoperative deaths occur after hospital discharge. There is significant variation across surgical procedures in the likelihood of postoperative deaths occurring after discharge. These data indicate a need for closer and more frequent monitoring of post-surgical patients. These data also call into question conclusions drawn from hospital-based outcomes analyses for at least some key diseases/procedures. This analysis demonstrates the power of the risk-adjusted 30-d follow-up NSQIP data, but perhaps more importantly, the responsibility of surgeons to monitor and optimize the discharge process.
Fabry-Perot optical intensity modulator at 1.3 mu m in silicon

A new type of all-silicon surface-normal optical intensity modulator at 1.3 mu m is reported. It can be easily butt-coupled with a cleaved single-mode fiber. The device utilizes free-carrier effects in silicon to achieve phase modulation and a built-in Fabry-Perot cavity to convert the phase modulation into intensity modulation. A 10% modulation depth with a driving current density as low as 6*10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ was demonstrated. Because it can be easily coupled with single-mode fiber, and at the same time it is compatible with silicon technology, this device can provide an interface between silicon electronic circuitry and fiber optics in applications such as the fiber-to-home return link where system cost is a deciding figure. >
Railroads, Prices, and Peasant Rationality: India 1860–1900

In the literature on India's economic history, there has been a long debate on the influence of railroad development on the welfare of Indian farmers. Some economists and historians have argued that rail development increased welfare by providing new markets for agricultural products and permitting rising rural incomes. Others have argued that railroads had detrimental effects on welfare because, by encouraging cultivation of non-food crops (like cotton) and export crops (like wheat), they reduced the domestic food supply. Those who have stressed the adverse effects of railroads have seen these effects as a consequence of imperialist economic relations between Britain and India. In this view, the combination of British land revenue policy and rail construction transformed the rural economy. The need to pay the land revenue in cash forced fanners to grow some crop for sale; the railroads permitted non-local (or even non-Indian) demand to influence the prices at which different crops could be sold.
Prayer and Health: Review, Meta-Analysis, and Research Agenda

This article reviews the empirical research on prayer and health and offers a research agenda to guide future studies. Though many people practice prayer and believe it affects their health, scientific evidence is limited. In keeping with a general increase in interest in spirituality and complementary and alternative treatments, prayer has garnered attention among a growing number of behavioral scientists. The effects of distant intercessory prayer are examined by meta-analysis and it is concluded that no discernable effects can be found. The literature regarding frequency of prayer, content of prayer, and prayer as a coping strategy is subsequently reviewed. Suggestions for future research include the conduct of experimental studies based on conceptual models that include precise operationally defined constructs, longitudinal investigations with proper measure of control variables, and increased use of ecological momentary assessment techniques.