cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membranolytic selectivity of cystine-stabilized cyclic protegrins.

To correlate conformational rigidity with membranolytic selectivity of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity, we prepared six cyclic analogs of protegrin-1 (PG-1), an 18-residue cationic peptide with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These cyclic protegrins bear end-to-end peptide bonds together with varying numbers (zero to three) of cross-strand disulfide constraints. The most constrained analog is a cyclic tricystine protegrin (ccPG 3) containing three evenly spaced, parallel disulfide bonds. Antimicrobial assays against 10 organisms in low- and high-salt conditions showed that these cyclic protegrins were broadly active with different antimicrobial profiles against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and one tested virus, HIV-1. Compared to PG-1, the cyclic tricystine ccPG 3 displayed approximately a 10-fold decrease in hemolytic activity against human cells and 6- to 30-fold improvement of membranolytic selectivity against six of the 10 tested organisms. In contrast, [ΔSS]cPG 8, a cyclic protegrin with no disulfide bond, and [ΔCys6,15]cPG 5, a cyclic mimic of PG-1 with one disulfide bond, exhibited activity spectra, potency, and cytotoxicity similar to PG-1. Circular dichroism showed that cyclic protegrins containing with one to three cystine bonds displayed some degree of β-strand structures in water/trifluoroethanol or phosphate-buffered solutions. Collectively, our results indicate that cyclic structures are useful in the design of antimicrobial peptides and that an increase in the conformational rigidity of protegrins may confer membranolytic selectivity that dissociates antimicrobial activity from hemolytic activity.
Lessons from Al, Revisited

Although Chandler was as competitive and ambitious as any scholar, he channeled his energies in ways that advanced ideas. He was fortunate. Just as Harvard had assisted him at the beginning, the institutions with which he came to be associated proved more a help than a hindrance, enabling him to weave the tasks of mentor and professor almost seamlessly into his own scholarly journeys.
The Extraction of Caffeine from Tea: An Old Undergraduate Experiment Revisited

The extraction of caffeine from tea leaves is a common organic chemistry experiment. A water/1-propanol/sodium chloride ternary system was found to be a suitable replacement for the more traditional water/organochlorine solvent systems. Approximately 80% of the caffeine in the tea leaves can be recovered as crude caffeine. The ternary system employs chemicals which are not only less expensive, but also less toxic.
Personal communication networks and their positive effects on online collaboration and outcome quality on Wikipedia

Online collaborative projects have been utilized in a variety of ways over the past decade, such as bringing people together to build open source software or developing the world's largest free encyclopedia. Personal communication networks as a feature do not exist in all collaborative projects. It is currently unclear if a designer's decision to include a personal communication network in a collaborative project's structure affects outcome quality. In this study, I investigated Wikipedia's personal communication network and analyzed which Wikipedia editors are utilizing it and how they are connected to outcome quality. Evidence suggests that people who utilize these networks are more experienced in editing high quality articles and are more integrated in the community. Additionally, these individuals utilize the personal communication network for coordinating and perhaps mentoring editors who edit lower quality articles. The value of these networks is demonstrated by the characteristics of the users who use them. These findings indicate that designers of online collaborative projects can help improve the quality of outcomes in these projects by deciding to implement a personal communication network in their communities.
Quantitative assessment of the synergistic and independent effects of estradiol and progesterone on ventromedial hypothalamic and preoptic-area proteins in female rat brain.

In this study, quantitative assessment of the synergistic and independent effects of estradiol and progesterone on protein synthesis in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMN) and the preoptic area (POA) was accomplished usingin vitro35S-methionine and35S-cystein labeling, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and computerized densitometry. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was implanted with estradiol (E) capsules for 6 hr and injected with progesterone (P; 0.1 ml, 5 mg/ml propylene glycol) at 20 hr. Group 3 was sham-implanted for 6 hr and injected with 0.01 ml P at 20 hr. Group 4 was sham-planted for 6 hr and injected with vehicle alone at 20 hr. All animals were sacrificed at 24 hr. A number of proteins in both VMN and POA were found to be increased or decreased in labeling by E plus P, E alone, and P alone. Two important synergistic effects of the hormones were found. First, the effects of E on labeling of several proteins in both brain regions were countered by P, and conversely, the effects of P on labeling of several proteins in both brain regions were countered by E. Second, E priming increased the number of proteins affected in labeling by P in both brain regions. Comparison of the effects of E and P on proteins in the VMN and POA indicated that the populations of proteins affected in labeling were markedly different. These results begin to clarify the mechanism in which E and P affect neuronal functioning in two regions involved in the control of reproduction and lend support to the hypothesis that gonadal steroids accomplished their action on brain tissue via a mechanism that is partly unique to the brain region.
The Soapstone Ridge Complex, Southern Appalachians: petrographic, mineral compositional, and oxygen isotope investigation

Samples of the Soapstone Ridge Complex (SSR) in the Southern Appalachians examined for this study are composed of megacrystic orthopyroxenites, amphibole schists, and talc-chlorite-amphibole schists. The mineralogy of the SSR samples studied consists of varying proportions of amphibole, chlorite, talc, orthopyroxene, and Fe-Ti oxides. Amphibole is the domi- nant mineral in almost all SSR samples studied. The amphiboles display zoning, whereby cores that are composed of magne- siohornblende and edenite, consistent with amphibolite facies conditions, are rimmed by tremolite/actinolite, consistent with greenschist facies conditions. Oxygen isotope compositions of SSR amphiboles investigated show a wide range in 18O values, from a low value of 1.8‰ to a high value of 6.1‰. Such wide ranges in 18Oamphibole values occur in ophiolite complexes and oceanic crustal rocks. Relict orthopyroxene from the SSR has a 18O value of 3.4‰, a value lower than those from layered intrusions but comparable to some pyroxene 18O values from ophiolites. Equilibration temperatures calculated for actinolite- chlorite yield a temperature of 227 °C, consistent with greenschist facies conditions. It is proposed that the SSR amphibole cores were metamorphosed probably during terrane-terrane collision under amphibolite facies conditions, with the actinolite rims possibly being formed during thrusting of the SSR rocks onto the continental margin.
Leisure engagement and subjective well-being: A meta-analysis.

Numerous studies show a link between leisure engagement and subjective well-being (SWB). Drawing on common experiential features of leisure, psychological need theories, and bottom-up models of SWB, we suggest that leisure engagement influences SWB via leisure satisfaction. We examine the proposed cross-sectional relations and mediation model using random-effects meta-analyses that include all available populations. To provide a stronger test of causal influence, we also examine longitudinal relations between leisure satisfaction and SWB and effects of experimental leisure interventions on SWB using random effects meta-analyses of all available populations. Findings based on 37 effect sizes and 11,834 individuals reveal that leisure engagement and SWB are moderately associated (inverse-variance weighted r = .26) and mediated by leisure satisfaction. Cross-lagged regression analyses of longitudinal studies, controlling for prior SWB, reveal bottom-up effects of leisure satisfaction on SWB (β = .15) and top-down effects of SWB on leisure satisfaction (β = .16). Experimental studies reveal that leisure interventions enhance SWB (d = 1.02). Compared with working samples, retired samples exhibit a stronger relation between leisure engagement and SWB, and between leisure satisfaction and SWB. Measures of the frequency and diversity of leisure engagement are more strongly associated with SWB than measures of time spent in leisure. Overall, although not minimizing top-down influences, results are consistent with bottom-up models of SWB and suggest that the leisure domain is a potentially important target for enhancing SWB
DOES CLADISTIC INFORMATION AFFECT INFERENCES ABOUT BRANCHING RATES

Despite long-standing interest in reconstructing rates of branching in the history of groups and recent attempts to use cladistic information to make inferences about such rates, the conditions under which genealogy affects rate reconstruction have not been demonstrated because studies of branching rates rely on methods that either ignore genealogy (and focus on changes in species richness through time) or do not reconstruct absolute rates. We consider stochastic and deterministic approaches that associate branching rates with branches of a phy? logeny, allowing the influence of genealogy to be directly assessed. Both approaches assume that the phylogeny is known. The stochastic approach uses maximum likelihood to estimate one or more parameters of a Yule model in which individual lineages branch according to a Poisson process. In a model with only one rate parameter over the entire tree, genealogy affects the estimation of rate whenever some taxa are not extant (i.e., are known only from fossils) or are direct descendants of fossils of known age. In more complex multiparameter models, the esti? mated rates always depend on genealogy regardless of when the taxa are observed in time. The deterministic model uses nonlinear optimization methods to reconstruct local branching rates in a tree. This procedure minimizes the transformation in local rate required by the data on topology and times of occurrence. A uniform tree need not entail any transformation in local rate, but a nonuniform tree does. Genealogy therefore affects reconstructed branching rates in both deterministic and stochastic approaches. The approaches are illustrated using Vrba's phy? logeny of fossil and extant African bovids. (Cladogenesis; branching rate; phylogeny; maximum likelihood; optimization.)
New map of lunar gravity gives insight into Moon's early history

A new map of the Moon's gravity field, created by NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, provides a detailed view of the Moon's many impact craters, evidence for ancient volcanic structures, and new estimates of the thickness of the lunar crust. Scientists announced the results from the first phase of the GRAIL mission at the AGU Fall Meeting; the results are also reported in three papers in the journal Science. GRAIL, launched in September 2011, consists of two satellites that send signals to each other. When a region of stronger gravity pulls on one satellite more than the other, the distance between the two changes. By measuring changes in the distance between the two satellites, researchers can create a map of the Moon's gravity field. The same method is used by the twin satellites of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment mission to measure Earth's gravity field.
Dynamic scaling of magnetic flux noise near the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinskii transition in overdamped Josephson junction arrays.

We have used a dc superconducting quantum interference device to measure the magnetic flux noise generated by the equilibrium vortex density fluctuations associated with the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinskii (KTB) transition in an overdamped Josephson junction array. At temperatures slightly above the KTB transition temperature, the noise is white for {ital f}{lt}{ital f}{sub {xi}} and scales as 1/{ital f} for {ital f}{approx_gt}{ital f}{sub {xi}}. Here {ital f}{sub {xi}}{proportional_to}{xi}{sup {minus}{ital z}}, where {xi} is the correlation length and {ital z} is the dynamic exponent. Moreover, when all frequencies are scaled by {ital f}{sub {xi}}, data for different temperatures and frequencies collapse onto a single curve. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Thyroid Activity of Selected, Nonselected, and Dwarf Broiler Lines

Abstract Growth rates and serum thyroid hormone concentrations were compared in two trials. In Trial 1 Athens-Canadian (AC) randombred chickens (nonselected) were compared with commercial broiler line chickens (selected). Trial 2 involved the same nonselected and selected lines and a sex-linked dwarf line developed from the same background as the AC population. Selected line birds were heavier than nonselected line birds and nonselected line birds were heavier than dwarf line birds from 1 through 8 weeks of age. Overall, the selected line had lower 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations than the nonselected line. No significant differences in thyroxine (T4) concentrations were observed between selected and nonselected lines. The dwarf line had lower T3 and higher T4 concentrations than the other lines. The data suggest a lower rate of T4 deiodination in the dwarf line.
Autoshaping a leverpress in rats with lateral, medial, or complete septal lesions

Rats with either control operations or lateral, medial, or complete septal lesions received 600 trials of leverpress training using an autoshaping procedure, i.e., food delivery followed a 10 s illuminated lever presentation, or occurred immediately after a leverpress. Rats with complete septal lesions acquired the leverpress faster than controls and had more food-tray entries per minute during the first 100 trials than the other groups. Rats with lateral or medial septal lesions had leverpress and food-tray entries equivalent to controls. The facilitation of autoshaping a leverpress may partially be explained by the general increase in motor reactivity to stimuli found following septal lesions.
A comparison of the retrograde amnesic effects of Metrazol and electroconvulsive shock

Effects of Metrazol and electroconvulsive shock (ECS), each administered under the same conditions 5 min after one trial training were compared. Metrazol produced memory impairment while ECS did not. In all cases Metrazol produced submaximal seizures (clonic seizures or multiple jerks) while ECS produced the more intense tonic. extensor seizures. Therefore, maximum intensity of seizure was ruled out as an explanation of this particular case. However, the convulsive action of Metrazol lasted longer than that of ECS and this might have accounted for the results. The character and duration of a period of consolidation of memory cannot be explained unequivocally in terms of a single agent which produces retrograde amnesia.
UV supercontinuum excitation source generated by SPM and XPM in photonic crystal fibers

The supercontinuum spectrum generated by femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) can be increased into the UV by using small core diameter PCF with zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW) shorter 600nm. SC is generated in the region 350 to 1200nm with modulation less than 10 dB and with maximum spectral intensity near 350- 450nm. It is further shown that spectral intensity in the UV spectral region can be increased by employing dualwavelength pumping using the second harmonic of Ti:Sapphire laser beam as a second pumping wavelength.
PARTICLE-WALL INTERACTIONS AS RELATED TO SLIP VELOCITIES

Particle-wall interaction responses have been analyzed by use of a gamma distribution function in terms of contact times. The slip velocity behavior with varying loadings was shown to have the same format as the coefficients of the gamma distribution. This points to the direct dependence of the slip velocity on the particle-wall interaction phenomena. The basic structure of the particle and wall interactions can thus be the direct cause of the slip velocities measured experimentally over the loading ranges probed.
CD5 expression by B lymphocytes and its regulation upon Epstein-Barr virus transformation

Dim expression of CD5 on human B lymphocytes has been used to delineate B1 and B2 subsets. Nevertheless, others have suggested that the molecule is an activation marker and does not predicate a subset distinction. We have used enzymatic amplification staining, a technology that enhances the resolution of flow cytometric analysis of cell surface molecules by as much as 100-fold, to determine that essentially all human B cells express CD5. Furthermore, we show that this expression is regulated during Epstein–Barr virus transformation.
EVOKED INTERACTION PATTERNS IN CHRONICALLY IMPLANTED CATS FOLLOWING CHLORPROMAZINE.

Abstract In five unrestrained cats with electrodes chronically implanted in brain structures, relatively stable reticular-auditory interaction patterns were recorded in the auditory pathway over a period of 2–3 months. In the following 4-month period single doses of chlorpromazine, pentobarbital and reserpine were tested in each cat. In some animals, amphetamine and meprobamate were also tested. Chlorpromazine (1–10 mg/kg) enhanced the reticular inhibitory modulation of the responses to click in the auditory pathway. In contrast, following pentobarbital, reticular formation (RF) stimulation was generally less effective in reducing the auditory potentials at suprathreshold, submaximal intensities; occasionally the reticular influence was converted to facilitation. The effects of meprobamate (50–75 mg/kg) were similar, but not as pronounced as those seen after pentobarbital. The effects of reserpine (100 μg/kg) on the evoked interaction pattern were complex. In cats in which reticular stimulation reduced the auditory responses in auditory cortex and in the brachium of inferior colliculus, as well as the longer latency responses in medial geniculate, RF stimulation was less effective after the drug. In contrast, the RF-induced inhibition of dorsal cochlear nucleus and the shorter latency medial geniculate responses were enhanced by reserpine. The effects of amphetamine on the reticular interaction in auditory cortex were similar to those of reserpine.
Computational protein design

The field of computational protein design is reaching its adolescence. Protein design algorithms have been applied to design or engineer proteins that fold, fold faster, catalyze, catalyze faster, signal, and adopt preferred conformational states. Further developments of scoring functions, sampling strategies, and optimization methods will expand the range of applicability of computational protein design to larger and more varied systems, with greater incidence of success. Developments in this field are beginning to have significant impact on biotechnology and chemical biology.
Conversion of 5′-methylthioadenosine to methionine by apple tissue

Abstract Conversion of 5′-methylthioadenosine to methionine in apple tissue is demonstrated and discussed in relation to ethylene biosynthesis.
Pits Simulation for Production Planning

Simulation techniques are used to study a deterministic problem in the aluminium industry. Mathematical methods alone are inadequate to solve this scheduling problem. Three segments are connected: 1) simulation model, 2) optimization with dynamic programming, and 3) sorting, heuristic, and manual treatments. The economical function is the cost of electrical energy consumed. With dynamic programming the energy consumption of the soaking pits is optimized by using simplified hypotheses. Simulation allows one to adapt mathematical results to the real process. The same simulation model was used during the analysis period and, repetitively, during the operational period.
Brain dopamine- -hydroxylase: regional distribution and effects of lesions and 6-hydroxy-dopamine on activity.

— A modification of a specific and sensitive radioassay was used to measure dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) (EC 1.14.2.1) in various regions of the rat CNS. Highest activity was found in the hypothalamus. Relative to activity in the hypothalamus (= 100 per cent), activity in brainstem was 80 per cent, in sensory motor cortex 55 per cent, in caudate nucleus 32 per cent, and in cervical spinal cord 30 per cent. Two to three weeks after a unilateral electrolytic lesion of the lateral hypothalamus, activity of DBH in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex fell to 17 per cent of control values without changes in activity ipsi- or contra-laterally in the brainstem. Thalamic lesions did not affect DBH activity. In cerebral cortex contralateral to the hypothalamic lesion, enzymic activity rose 30 per cent. After intracisternal administration of 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OH-DA), cortical DBH activity fell to 20 per cent of control values. Reserpine (3 mg/kg subcutaneously for 3 days) did not increase the activity of DBH in brain regions but did increase the activity of DBH in adrenal gland 200 per cent. Our results suggest that: (a) DBH is widely distributed in neurons in CNS with a regional pattern of activities that appears to parallel the Jevels of norepinephrine; (b) DBH activity in the cerebral cortex depends on the integrity of structures (e.g. medial forebrain bundle) in lateral hypothalamus; (c) DBH in brain areas lacking cell bodies of nore- pinephrine-neurons (e.g. cerebral cortex) is contained in norepinephrine-containing axon terminals and (d) the activity of DBH in brain is not increased by reserpine under conditions that provoke marked increase of DBH activity in the adrenal gland.
Electoral Reform Doesn't Matter-or Does It?: A Moderate Proportional Representation System for Chile

En contra de las intenciones de los ingenieros electorales en Chile, el sistema binominal ha tenido poco impacto sobre el sistema de partidos. Pareciera entonces que el debate sobre la reforma electoral es poco relevante, porque con cualquier tipo de reforma los partidos politicos simplemente adoptaran estrategias electorales para asegurar su sobrevivencia. Este articulo sostiene que es poco probable que la reforma electoral pueda transformar el sistema de partidos en terminos del numero de partidos. No obstante, este tambien plantea que el enfoque sobre el numero de partidos en el debate sobre la reforma electoral oculta otros beneficios importantes que la reforma electoral pueda producir, incluyendo mejor representacion politica para todos los partidos de peso, mas democracia interna en los partidos, procesos de seleccion de candidatos mas transparentes, un nivel mas alto de accountability entre los legisladores, competencia real entre los partidos y gobernabilidad a largo plazo que no se trata solamente de la capacidad de los presidentes para legislar. El articulo argumenta que un sistema de representacion proporcional moderada con pequenos magnitudes es el mejor sistema para lograr estas metas.
ET-38BRAIN PENETRATING NON-VIRAL GENE VECTORS FOR EFFICIENT GENE TRANSFER TO BRAIN TUMORS

Gene therapy constitutes an attractive approach for curing a variety of CNS diseases, including glioblastoma. Multiple studies have been carried out focusing on improving the total level and distribution of gene expression throughout the brain tissue. Viral gene delivery, though relatively efficient, has been limited by immunogenicity, low packaging capacity and difficulties in scale-up. Non-viral gene vectors offer an alternative strategy but are limited in their ability to generate high-level, widespread therapeutic effect. The nanoporous and electrostatically charged extracellular space found between healthy or tumor cells constitutes a steric and adhesive barrier, which hampers widespread distribution of gene vectors in the brain, regardless of administration method, thereby limiting gene transfer to target cells [1]. Indeed, following convention enhanced delivery (CED) conventional gene vectors are confined to the point of administration, limiting the clinical success of gene therapy for glioblastoma [2]. We developed a strategy to formulate small, stable and densely coated cationic polymer-based gene vectors that have the physicochemical characteristics required to overcome this ‘brain tissue barrier’. Using high resolution multiple particle tracking, we assessed the diffusion rates of gene vectors in freshly extracted ex vivo healthy and tumor rodent brain tissues. We thoroughly characterized their toxicity, cell uptake and transfection efficacy in vitro. Finally, we analyzed the ability of these vectors to rapidly penetrate and distribute throughout the brain tissue in vivo, thus reaching and transfecting cells over a large volume following CED. 1.Nance, E.A., et al., Sci Transl Med, 2012. 2.Voges, J., et al., Ann Neurol, 2003.
The incorporation of maternal age into the sonographic scoring index for the detection at 14-20 weeks of fetuses with Down's syndrome.

Sonographic markers for Down's syndrome have been useful in the identification of affected fetuses. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of an expanded scoring index that included recently described sonographic markers as well as maternal age to optimize identification of fetuses with Down's syndrome. Over a 27 month period, we performed 4075 genetic amniocenteses for advanced maternal age or an abnormal triple panel. Prior to each amniocentesis, a complete sonographic assessment of the fetus was performed including a structural survey and fetal biometry. Each patient was assigned a score based on the sonographic markers in a previously reported scoring system, modified by the addition of an echogenic intracardiac focus. The sonographic scoring system was then combined with the assignment of additional points based on maternal age. Karyotypic results were obtained subsequent to the scans, and Down's syndrome fetuses and a control group of normal fetuses were compared. Fifty-three fetuses with Down's syndrome were identified by karyotype and compared to a control group of 177 normal fetuses. A score of ≥ 2 as a criterion for a positive test resulted in the identification of 75.4% of fetuses with Down's syndrome, with a 5.7% false-positive rate. A score of ≥ 1 increased the sensitivity to 83.0%, with a false-positive rate of 17.5%. The age-adjusted modification resulted in the identification of 86.8% of fetuses with Down's syndrome, with a false-positive rate of 27.1%. It is for the individual patient and her practitioner to weigh the risks and benefits in selecting her options for prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Intestinal Mesenchymal Cells

The non-white blood cell mesenchymal elements of the intestinal lamina propria are the myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes, stromal stem cells, muscularis mucosae, and the smooth muscle of the villus core associated with the lymphatic lacteal. We review the functional anatomy of these mesenchymal cells, what is known about their origin in the embryo and their replacement in adults, their putative role in intestinal mucosal morphogenesis, and the intestinal stem cell niche, and we consider new information about myofibroblasts as nonprofessional immune cells. Although our knowledge of the function of mesenchymal cells in intestinal disease is rudimentary, we briefly consider here their roles in cancer and intestinal inflammation.
Determinants of cancer therapy in elderly patients

Background. Older patients with cancer are less likely to receive definitive therapy, but the reasons for this are unclear. Methods. All people aged 65 years or older living in six counties in New Mexico and diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer between May 15, 1984 and May 15, 1986 (N = 669) were interviewed to obtain information on demographics, socioeconomic status, functional status, social support, other medical conditions, and cognitive status. Cancer treatment information was obtained from the New Mexico Tumor Registry. Results. In univariate analyses, the following variables were associated significantly with nonreceipt of definitive therapy for cancer: advanced age, impairment in activities of daily living, low physical activity, decreased mental status, impaired access to transportation, and poor social support. In a multivariate analysis with the above variables along with measures of comorbidity, only advanced age and decreased mental status remained significant predictors of nonreceipt of definitive surgery, whereas the effects of impaired access to transportation and low physical activity remained relatively large but no longer were statistically significant. When receipt of surgery and receipt of radiation therapy were considered separately, older age, limited access to transportation, impaired functional status, and impaired mental status all significantly predicted nonreceipt of radiation therapy, but not surgery. Conclusions. There is a decline with age in the percentage of adults with cancer who receive definitive therapy independent of other potentially explanatory factors such as comorbidity. In addition, decisions about radiation may be influenced by nonmedical, potentially correctable factors such as impaired access to transportation.
Axial skeleton of Cebupithecia sarmientoi (Pitheciinae, Platyrrhini) from the middle miocene of La Venta, Colombia.

The axial skeleton of Cebupithecia sarmientoi is described and analyzed for its functional and phylogenetic implications. The vertebrae of the holotype of C. sarmientoi (UCMP 38762) most closely resemble those of the extant pitheciine genus Pithecia and display features associated with adaptations for clinging and leaping as in that genus. Cebupithecia has a relatively long non-prehensile tail, which is most similar in absolute dimensions and proportions to Pithecia monachus. It also shares with P. monachus a distinctive morphology of the thoracic vertebrae, specifically the presence of a bony pillar spanning the vertebral lamina and body, caudal to the pedicle, herein designated the vinculum laminum. It is proposed that many of these features are shared primitive retentions from the last common ancestor of the Cebupithecia-pitheciine clade.
Psychological factors in the etiology and treatment of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

The assumption is frequently made that women with severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are transforming psychological distress into physical symptoms. Psychoanalytic theory supporting this assumption is reviewed, along with the few methodologically flawed empirical studies that have been conducted. Little support can be found for the hypothesis that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is such a conversion disorder, but there are suggestions that psychological responses to the physiologic condition(s) underlying this problem may become entrenched, or conditioned. This possibility is supported by findings that psychological treatments, such as hypnosis, can be effective. This implies that psychological responses can interact with the physiology of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy to exacerbate the condition. As such, psychological treatments for the symptoms of this disorder need to be further explored.
Russia as a “Divided Nation,” from Compatriots to Crimea: A Contribution to the Discussion on Nationalism and Foreign Policy

The assumption that Russia’s foreign policy is “nationalist,” advanced as the main explanation to understand the Ukrainian crisis of 2014, needs to be questioned. First it is almost impossible to identify a “nationalist school” that would have shaped Russia’s foreign policy decisions. Only one nationalist storyline has gone from being marginal in the early 1990s to becoming part of state policy in the 2000s, namely that of compatriots, under the argument of “Russia as a divided nation.” This is the only case where we can trace the influence of a nationalist group with clearly identifiable figures and lobbying structures; however, the nationalist content has been neutralized in the process of cooptation by state organs. This article argues that even in the context of the Ukrainian crisis of 2014, which has partly changed previously established interactions between nationalism and Russia’s foreign policy, Russia may use a nationalist post hoc explanation but does not advance a nationalist agenda.
Measurements of Electron Beam Intensity and Characteristic Line Radiation from Wire Array Z-pinches on the 1 MA COBRA Pulsed-Power Generator

The majority of the X-ray emission from wire array Z-pinches is concentrated in the soft (sub-keV) part of the spectrum. In addition, the soft X-ray pulse is accompanied by significantly harder emission (multi-keV) that is generated at almost the same time. Important questions for wire array Z-pinch physics are: what fraction of the radiated energy is connected with soft versus hard X-rays? What is the nature of the hard X-rays? Previous experiments showed that hard X-rays are connected with energetic electrons generated in wire array Z-pinches as well as X-pinches. Recent experiments have investigated the relationship between electron beam current through the anode of wire array Z-pinches and the characteristic X-ray line intensity from the Z-pinches on the 1 MA COBRA pulsed-power generator. The electron beam current was measured by a low-impedance Faraday cup with a 20 mm diameter collector positioned 25 mm above the anode. The Faraday cup was filtered by thin foils of 15 mum Al, 25 mum stainless steel, or mu50 m stainless steel. X-ray radiation with E > 5 keV was monitored using a Si diode. A wide energy band spectrograph with three spherically bent mica crystals (WB-FSSR) was used to record thermal and characteristic line radiation. We measured electron beams and hard X-rays with sub-nanosecond temporal resolution and spectral lines with ~200 mum spatial resolution. We compared the intensity and timing of soft and hard x-rays, the intensity and relative positions of thermal and characteristic lines, and the intensity and energy of the electron beam in each shot. Through these comparisons, we attempt to determine factors which influence the generation of the electron beams.
The substitution of a click for sibilants: a case study.

In the case study presented in this paper a 4-year-old English-speaking girl showed an unusual phonological pattern of substituting a dental click for the sibilants /s, z, ∫, ℑ, t∫, dℑ/. After two intervention sessions this pattern was eliminated from her speech and all the sibilants were produced correctly. In addition to providing an example of a child's contrastive use of a non-English segment, this case study provides evidence of a child’s selection of a sound substitute on the basis of its auditory rather than articulatory similarity to the target phonemes. The rapid rate of change observed in the child's phonological system seems consistent with a phonological learning model in which the child has adult-like underlying phonological representations
Rex-dependent exclusion of lambdoid phages. I. Prophage requirements for exclusion.

Abstract Certain λ lysogens are able to inhibit growth of superinfecting φ80 and λ-P22 hybrid phages with the OPQ region from P22. Superinfection exclusion requires expression of the prophage rex gene and is most evident in λ lysogens in which the prophage carries a mutation (either is or am ) in the cI gene. These lysogens also inhibit growth of leaky r II − mutants of T4 which are able to grow in λ + lysogens. Rex-dependent exclusion of lambdoid phages is not strictly a superinfection exclusion system, as thermal induction of a λ rex + clts85 (OP)-P22 prophage results in “self-exclusion,” that is, in low phage production. These observations are explained by proposing that Rex activity of a λ cits lysogen (and other lysogens which produce a modified repressor) is greater than in lysogens carrying a prophage with a wild-type cI gene. The effects of thermal induction and mitomycin C induction on Rex activity are described, and explanations for increased Rex activity in lysogens carrying a prophage with an altered repressor are discussed.
Interspecies Extrapolation: A Reexamination of Acute Toxicity Data

We reanalyze the acute toxicity data on cancer chemotherapeutic agents compiled by Freireich et al.(1) and Schein et al.(2) to derive coefficients of the allometric equation for scaling toxic doses across species (toxic dose = a.[body weight]b). In doing so, we extend the analysis of Travis and White (Risk Analysis, 1988, 8, 119-125) by addressing uncertainties inherent in the analysis and by including the hamster data, previously not used. Through Monte Carlo sampling, we specifically account for measurement errors when deriving confidence intervals and testing hypotheses. Two hypotheses are considered: first, that the allometric scaling power (b) varies for chemicals of the type studied; second, that the same scaling power, or "scaling law," holds for all chemicals in the data set. Following the first hypothesis, in 95% of the cases the allometric power of body weight falls in the range from 0.42-0.97, with a population mean of 0.74. Assuming the second hypothesis to be true-that the same scaling law is followed for all chemicals-the maximum likelihood estimate of the scaling power is 0.74; confidence bounds on the mean depend on the size of measurement error assumed. Under a "best case" analysis, 95% confidence bounds on the mean are 0.71 and 0.77, similar to the results reported by Travis and White. For alternative assumptions regarding measurement error, the confidence intervals are larger and include 0.67, but not 1.00. Although a scaling power of about 0.75 provides the best fit to the data as a whole, a scaling power of 0.67, corresponding to scaling per unit surface area, is not rejected when the nonhomogeneity of variances is taken into account. Hence, both surface area and 0.75 power scaling are consistent with the Freireich et al. and Schein et al. data sets. To illustrate the potential impact of overestimating the scaling power, we compare reported human MTDs to values extrapolated from mouse LD10s.
Does decoration theft lead to an honest relationship between male quality and signal size in great bowerbirds

Male–male competition can contribute to honest sexual signalling. Because male bowerbirds steal each other's decorations, decoration theft could lead to an honest relationship between male quality and signal size. To test this hypothesis, I conducted an experiment in which I standardized decoration numbers at bowers of the great bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis, such that all males had equal numbers. I then monitored males for 11 weeks as they stole decorations from other males, defended their decorations against theft, and collected decorations from the environment. For two commonly stolen decoration types (red wire and green plastic), there was a correlation between the numbers at bowers before and after standardization. Males that had more red wires and green plastic pieces before standardization were less likely to have these decorations stolen from their bowers after standardization, although they were not more successful at stealing decorations. These males also collected more red wires and green plastic pieces from the environment, and collecting rate was unrelated to the numbers available near the bower. Males that were more successful at guarding their decorations had longer nuchal crests and had been bower owners for longer periods, although nearest-neighbour distance explained more of the variation in guarding ability than either male characteristic. These results suggest decoration numbers are an honest signal of the male's ability to guard his bower against theft and to locate decorations in the environment, although some variation in stealing behaviours may be related to the spatial arrangement of males rather than to male quality.
Internal strain measurements and X-ray imaging in interpenetrating-phase Al2O3/Al composites

Interpenetrating Al2O3/Al composites were created by liquid-metal infiltration of alumina preforms with three-dimensional periodicity produced by a robotic deposition method. Volume-averaged lattice strains in the alumina phase were measured by synchrotron x-ray diffraction at various uniaxial compression stresses up to 350 MPa. Load transfer, which is experimentally found to occur between the aluminum and the alumina phase, is in agreement with simple rule of mixtures models. Spatially resolved measurements showed variations in load transfer at different positions within the composite for the elastic-, plastic-, and damage-deformation regimes. Using phase-enhanced imaging, the extent of damage within the composites was observed.
Mechanisms for Diurnal Variability of Global Tropical Rainfall Observed from Trmm

The behavior and various controls of diurnal variability in tropical-subtropical rainfall are investigated using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation measurements retrieved from: (1) TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), (2) Precipitation Radar (PR), and (3) TMI/PR Combined, standard level 2 algorithms for the 1998 annual cycle. Results show that the diurnal variability characteristics of precipitation are consistent for all three algorithms, providing assurance that TRMM retrievals are providing consistent estimates of rainfall variability. As anticipated, most ocean areas exhibit more rainfall at night, while over most land areas rainfall peaks during daytime ,however, various important exceptions are found. The dominant feature of the oceanic diurnal cycle is a rainfall maximum in late-evening/early-morning (LE-EM) hours, while over land the dominant maximum occurs in the mid- to late-afternoon (MLA). In conjunction with these maxima are pronounced seasonal variations of the diurnal amplitudes. Amplitude analysis shows that the diurnal pattern and its seasonal evolution are closely related to the rainfall accumulation pattern and its seasonal evolution. In addition, the horizontal distribution of diurnal variability indicates that for oceanic rainfall there is a secondary MLA maximum, co-existing with the LE-EM maximum, at latitudes dominated by large scale convergence and deep convection. Analogously, there is a preponderance for an LE-EM maximum over land, co-existing with the stronger MLA maximum, although it is not evident that this secondary continental feature is closely associated with the large scale circulation. The ocean results clearly indicate that rainfall diurnal variability associated with large scale convection is an integral part of the atmospheric general circulation.
Effects of a conditionally active v-ErbB and an EGF-R inhibitor on transformation of NIH-3T3 cells and abrogation of cytokine dependency of hematopoietic cells.

Effects of a conditionally active v-ErbB and an EGF-R inhibitor on transformation of NIH-3T3 cells and abrogation of cytokine dependency of hematopoietic cells
DIMETHYL FORMAMIDE (DMFA) AND ETHYLENE GLYCOL (EG) ARE ESTROGENIC IN RAINBOW TROUT

Abstract During our studies on the effects of environmental estrogenic chemicals on vitellogenin gene expression in fish, dimethyl formamide (DMFA) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as solvents to dissolve and deliver hydrophobic β-estradiol or nonylphenol. Control groups were injected with water only. It was surprising to find that in certain doses, Vg mRNA from control fish can be induced by DMFA or EG alone. This suggested that DMFA and EG are weak estrogens.
Educating Parents in the Spanish-Speaking Community: A Look at Translated Educational Materials.

Abstract Federal legislation (White House Executive Order 13166, 2000) mandates that language services be provided to limited English proficient populations by health care providers receiving federal funding. In order to do this, some basic resources have been developed to administer medical services. Nevertheless, the translation aspects of these guidelines often lack many components that would be necessary to assure the functional adequacy of the translated text (e.g., cultural, pragmatic, and textual appropriateness). Furthermore, outside the medical field, guidelines and legislation are often nonexistent. In the absence of specific requirements for translation and/or translator qualifications, research suggests that translators, in particular novice, unexperienced translators, tend to adopt a literal, linguistic, micro-approach to the translation task, failing to consider global or pragmatic factors (Colina, 1997, 1999; Jaaskelainen, 1989, 1990, 1993; Konigs, 1987; Krings, 1987; Kussmaul, 1995; Lorsch...
Effect of Skin Pigmentation on Pulse Oximetry Accuracy in the Emergency Department

. Objective:To determine whether pulse oximeter (PO) accuracy and signal quality are affected by level of skin pigmentation. Methods:Observational study in a community hospital ED. Consecutive adult patients undergoing arterial blood gas determination were enrolled into the study. Skin pigmentation was determined by comparison with standardized color swatches under controlled lighting; assigned values were used to stratify patients into 3 groups (light, intermediate, and dark) using predetermined criteria. Simultaneous with arterial blood sampling, staff recorded PO reading of O2 saturation using the Nellcor D-25 oximeter. PO values were compared with criterion standard values measured using a 4-wavelength spectrophotometer or cooximeter. PO signal quality also was recorded. Bias (the mean difference between PO and co-oximeter-measured values of hemoglobin saturation) and precision (the standard deviation of the bias) were calculated. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA, Bart-lett's test for variances, and x2 test. Results:O2 saturation data were obtained for 284 patients. Bias values did not differ between the 3 skin pigment groups (p = 0.79). Precision was of borderline significance (p = 0.05), but there was no dose-response relation between skin pigmentation and precision. Study personnel reported suboptimal PO function most often among patients in the dark group (p = 0.003), but this finding was of no clinical significance. PO signal failure was rare (<1% of all patients). Conclusions:Although several prior studies suggest the contrary, this study found that skin pigmentation does not affect the bias or precision of pulse oximetry. Furthermore, skin pigmentation has no clinically significant effect on PO signal quality.
Synthesis of 6-amino-6-deoxy-5-thio-d-glucopyranose

Abstract Periodate oxidation of 1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- d -glucofuranose ( 2 ) and condensation of the resulting dialdehyde with nitromethane in anhydrous methanol gives 6-deoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-6-nitro-α- d -glucofuranose ( 4 ) in 63% yield. Treatment with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate produces 3- O -acetyl-5,6-dideoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-6-nitro-α- d - xylo -hex-5-enofuranose ( 5 ) in 83% yield, Addition of α-toluenethiol then leads to 5- S -benzyl-6-deoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-6-nitro-5-thio-α- d -glucofuranose ( 6 ) in 80% yield. Compound 6 is reduced with lithium aluminum hydride to 6-amino-5- S -benzyl-6-deoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-5-thio-α- d -glucofuranose ( 8 ). Reductive scission of the benzyl group with sodium in liquid ammonia and hydrolysis of the isopropylidene group give 6-amino-6-deoxy-5-thio- d -glucopyranose ( 12 ). Acetylation of 12 affords crystalline 6-acetamido-1,2,3,4-tetra- O -acetyl-6-deoxy-5-thio-α- d -glucopyranose ( 13 ). Alternatively, the Birch reduction product was acetylated directly to yield 6-acetamido-3- O -acetyl-5- S -acetyl-6-deoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-5-thio-α- d -glucofuranose ( 14 ), which was then hydrolyzed with aqueous acetic acid and the product acetylated to yield 13 . The configuration at C-5 was proved by deamination of 8 with nitrous acid, and acetylation to yield the known 3,6-di- O -5- S -benzyl-1,2- O -isopropylidene-5-thio-α- d -glucofuranose ( 9 ).