cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quantitative protozoan bio-assay method for determining venom potencies.

A simple, rapid, protozoan assay method requiring small amounts of venom is described. Lethalities of Crotalus atrox, Crotalus scultulatus, Centruroides sculpturatus, Hadrurus arizonensis, and Heloderma suspectum venoms determined by this method are compared with those obtained in mice.
Designing the Holy Bible: Arguing the Text Through the Form

Over the centuries printers and artists have created new designs for the Christian Bible. Essentially by reframing the visual presentation of ancient and revered sacred scriptures, they have attempted to have an impact on the perspectives with which readers receive the text. One could say the act of redesigning the bible is ideology through the use of the conventions of type and page layout. This article explores how design features of selected editions of the bible can be seen as conveying different shades of meaning and significance to the traditional text.
Continuous deposition of carbon nanotubes on a moving substrate by open-air laser-induced chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Continuous deposition of carbon nanotubes under open-air conditions on a moving fused quartz substrate is achieved by pyrolytic laser-induced chemical vapor deposition. A CO2 laser is used to heat a traversing fused quartz rod covered with bimetallic nanoparticles. Pyrolysis of hydrocarbon precursor gas occurs and subsequently gives rise to rapid growth of a multi-wall carbon nanotube forest on the substrate surface. A “mushroom-like” nanotube pillar is observed, where a random orientation of carbon nanotubes is located at the top of the pillars while the growth is more aligned near the base. The typical carbon nanotube deposition rate achieved in this study is approximately 50 μm/s. At high power laser irradiation, various carbon microstructures are formed as a result of excessive formation of amorphous carbon on the substrate. High-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry are used to investigate the deposition rate, microstructure, and chemical composition of the deposited carbon nanotubes.
Managing potential selves: stem cells, immigrants, and German identity

In 2001 and 2002, Germans debated and legislated both immigration and the importation of stem cells for research. These two debates were driven by a sense of danger precipitated by developments in science and technology, and, in both, a rhetoric of crisis was countered by a rhetoric of potentiality. This article argues that, as Germany finds itself unable to reproduce the qualities that define it as a people, it seeks to import the potential for growth from elsewhere. The process by which this potentiality is purified and made admissible into German society reproduces, but also alters, existing understandings of German citizenship. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Prior sternotomy increases the mortality and morbidity of adult heart transplantation

Abstract Background This study investigated the effect of prior sternotomy (PS) on the postoperative mortality and morbidity after orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx). Methods Of 704 adults who underwent HTx from December 1988 to June 2012 at a single institution, 345 had no PS (NPS group) and 359 had ≥1 PS (PS group). Survival, intraoperative use of blood products, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, frequency of reoperation for bleeding, dialysis, and >48-hour ventilation were examined. Results The NPS and PS groups had similar 60-day survival rates (97.1 ± 0.9% vs 95.3 ± 1.1%; P = .20). However, the 1-year survival was higher in the NPS group (94.7 ± 1.2% vs 89.7 ± 1.6%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.12–3.49; P = .016). The PS group had longer pump time and more intraoperative blood use ( P 48-hour ventilation ( P P = .033). The 2+PS group had longer pump time and higher frequency of postoperative dialysis ( P P = .010) and 1-year (87.4 ± 3.6% vs 94.7 ± 1.2%; P = .012) survival rates than NPS group patients. Patients with prior CABG had a lower 1-year survival than NPS group patients (89.0 ± 2.3% vs 94.7 ± 1.2%; P = .018). Conclusion The PS group had lower 1-year survival and higher intraoperative blood use, postoperative length of ICU and hospital stays, and frequency of reoperation for bleeding than the NPS group. Prior sternotomy increases morbidity and mortality after HTx.
Developmental effects of an environmental antiandrogen: the fungicide vinclozolin alters sex differentiation of the male rat.

In humans and rodents, exposure to hormonally active chemicals during sex differentiation can produce a wide range of abnormal sexual phenotypes including masculinized and defeminized females and feminized and demasculinized males. Although numerous "environmental estrogens," including pesticides, toxic substances (PCBs), and plant and fungal estrogens, have been shown to alter mammalian sex differentiation, similar information on environmental androgens is lacking. Recently, the fungicide vinclozolin (V) was found to inhibit sexual differentiation in male rats in an antiandrogenic manner. In the present study, V was administered to pregnant rats (po) at 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day in corn oil during the period of sex differentiation (Gestational Day 14 to Postnatal Day 3) to examine the demasculinizing effect of this fungicide more closely. In both groups of V-treated male offspring, anogenital distance was female like at birth, and nipple development was prominent at 2 weeks of age. After puberty, most of the V-treated male offspring were unable to attain intromission even though they all mounted sexually receptive females. The V-treated male offspring that appeared to achieve intromission, failed to ejaculate normally, as no sperm were found in the uterus after overnight matings. A factor in the abnormal ejaculation was that all V-treated male offspring had cleft phallus with hypospadias. In addition, a number of unusual reproductive malformations were noted when the males were necropsied at 1 year. Many V-treated male offspring had suprainguinal ectopic scrota/testes, a vaginal pouch, epididymal granulomas, and small to absent sex accessory glands. During the study, about 25% of the V-treated males died as a result of bladder stones, hydroureter, or hydronephrosis, while other males displayed these lesions at necropsy. While some of the above malformations in male offspring can also be produced by perinatal administration of a potent estrogen, like DES, V-treated female offspring did not display any estrogen-like alterations of reproductive development or fecundity. The only change seen in the female offspring was a reduced anogenital distance during neonatal life. Our observation of perinatal-induced agenesis of the prostate and blocked testicular descent, a pattern of malformations nearly identical to that reported for the antiandrogen flutamide, is consistent with other recent evidence that this fungicide is an androgen-receptor antagonist.
On the Formulation of Variational Theorems Involving Volume Constraints

A continued concern with variational theorems which are suitable for numerical implementation in connection with the analysis of incompressible or nearly incompressible materials has led us to the formulation of five-field theorems for displacements, deviatoric stresses, pressure, distortional strains and volume change. In essence these theorems may be thought of as generalizations of the Hu-Washizu three-field theorem for displacements, stresses and strains and of earlier two-field theorems for displacements and stresses.
Upper critical field of a superconductor with arbitrary spin-orbit scattering: CeCu2Si2 and UBe13

Abstract The upper critical field is determined for an even-parity singlet pairing state in the presence of arbitrary spin-orbit scattering. Comparison with critical field experiments suggests that superconductivity in CeCu 2 Si 2 is a singlet pairing state, and in UBe 13 is either a triplet pairing state or is a singlet state with restrictive conditions that the pair orbital be nearly isotropic and that strong spin-orbit scattering increase strongly as the field increases.
Generalized absorber theory and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox

A generalized form of Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory is used to explain the quantum-mechanical paradox proposed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen (EPR). The advanced solutions of the electromagnetic wave equation and of relativistic quantum-mechanical wave equations are shown to play the role of "verifier" in quantum-mechanical "transactions," providing microscopic communication paths between detectors across spacelike intervals in violation of the EPR locality postulate. The principle of causality is discussed in the context of this approach, and possibilities for experimental tests of the theory are examined.
Shot Peening of Metals for Protection Against Stress Corrosion Cracking

Abstract Shot peening, when properly incorporated into a specific product design and effected by a properly designed and controlled process, will protect hardened (RC36-42) AISI 410 stainless steel...
Closing in on models of wall turbulence

Turbulence created when fluids flow past surfaces, called wall turbulence, affects the flux of water vapor and CO2 from the ocean's surface, causes drag on airplanes and ships, and influences how atmospheric pollutants are transported near Earth's surface. Wall turbulence presents a particularly difficult computational problem, because very small motions that occur in a thin inner layer near the wall must be modeled accurately (see the figure). This inner layer is critical because it contains the region where the effects of molecular transport mechanisms, such as viscosity, resist the transport of momentum, heat, and/or mass between the wall and the fluid. These motions cannot be described in sufficient detail with direct computation; the number of grid points within the layer where numerical calculations would need to be performed would lead to an impractically large task.
Stable mononuclear organometallic Pd(III) complexes and their C-C bond formation reactivity.

Organometallic Pd(III) complexes have been implicated as intermediates in a number of catalytic and stoichiometric transformations. While a few dinuclear organometallic Pd(III) complexes have been characterized, no mononuclear organometallic Pd(III) complexes have been isolated to date. Reported herein is the synthesis and characterization of a series of Pd(III) complexes supported by the tetradentate ligand N,N′-di-tert-butyl-2,11-diaza[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane (N4). Chemical or electrochemical oxidation of the Pd(II) complexes (N4)PdII(R)(X) (R = Me, X = Cl: 1; R = Ph, X = Cl: 2; R = X = Me: 3) generates [(N4)PdIIIMeCl]+ (1+), [(N4)PdIIIPhCl]+ (2+), and [(N4)PdIIIMe2]+ (3+). These stable Pd(III) complexes were isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, UV−vis, EPR, magnetic moment measurements, and DFT to confirm the presence of paramagnetic d7 Pd(III) centers. Moreover, these Pd(III) complexes undergo light-induced C−C bond formation to give the corresponding homocoupled product...
New ERA in Performance of Soldier Worn Antennas

Today's world demands information transfer, this is even more important on the digital battlefield. Communication devices are not just for calling in status. Today radios are used for data transfer from geo-location to live video all send over ad-hoc agile networks. Manpack (MP) radios have been reduced in size while retaining many of their features. Reduction in radio size and battery size results in lower output power to maintain useful mission life. To compensate for the reduce output power, Harris RF Communications Division has introduced a new family of soldier worn antennas which significantly improves the voice range and data-handling capabilities. The performance of a 5-W handheld (HH) radio with a soldier worn antenna has been shown to obtain better range than a 10-W manpack radio with a blade antenna. This paper discusses the development of the soldier worn antenna family and the flexibility from the typical deployment to urban use with low-profile configuration to extended range deployment. Three numerical codes were used for simulation: NEC, HFSS and ADS. Each used for optimizing the antenna's parameters to obtain the desired impedance, current distribution, power gain, and radiation patterns. Validations of such results were obtained empirically in both controlled and field testing environments. A discussion of RF noise on the battlefield and how the soldier worn antenna design helps minimize its effects is also included.
Identification of hypothalamic vasopressin and oxytocin neurons activated during the exercise pressor reflex in cats

Abstract Blood pressure and heart rate reflexly increase during static muscle contraction in anesthetized cats. Previous studies have demonstrated that vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) may act as neuromodulators to regulate cardiovascular responses elicited by contraction of skeletal muscle. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that neurons containing AVP and OT in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus are activated during static muscle contraction. A laminectomy was performed to expose the spinal cord and the peripheral cut ends of L7 and S1 ventral roots were stimulated electrically to induce muscle contraction. Hypothalamic neurons activated during the muscle contraction were identified by Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI). Static muscle contraction significantly increased FLI in the PVN and SON, compared with sham-opeated cats. Double-staining of neurons in the PVN for AVP and OT showed that 22±4% of the AVP and 26±3% of the OT neurons in the PVN expressed FLI. In contrast, only 4±1% of the AVP and 3±1% of the OT neurons in the PVN were labeled with FLI in sham-operated animals. These results indicate that neurons in the PVN and SON of the hypothalamus were activated during static muscle contraction. Furthermore, as FLI was present in AVP and OT neurons, this suggests these neurons may constitute a part of the neural pathway involved in cardiovascular regulation during static muscle contraction.
Chemically sprayed thin film photovoltaic converters

Abstract Thin film photovoltaic cells have been prepared using a chemical spray technique for the deposition of the active layers. CdSCu2−xS cells with an active film thickness of 1μ have given efficiencies as high as 4 per cent in areas of 1 cm2. These cells have been produced by the chemical spray deposition of two distinct layers. The first layer is n-type cadmium sulfide and the second layer is p-type copper sulfide of the diginite form. The photovoltaic operation of this type cell is attributed to the formation of a distinct heterojunction between the cadmium sulfide and the copper sulfide. Recently, cadmium sulfide thin film cells have been made with an open circuit voltage as high as 1·04 V with 2 mA/cm2 current density, when illuminated with 100 mW/cm2 of water filtered tungsten light.
1,2,4-Triazol-3-yl-thiopropyl-tetrahydrobenzazepines: A Series of Potent and Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists

The discovery of new highly potent and selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists has recently permitted characterization of the role of the dopamine D3 receptor in a wide range of preclinical animal models. A novel series of 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-thiopropyl-tetrahydrobenzazepines demonstrating a high level of D3 affinity and selectivity with an excellent pharmacokinetic profile is reported here. In particular, the pyrazolyl derivative 35 showed good oral bioavailability and brain penetration associated with high potency and selectivity in vitro. In vivo characterization of 35 confirmed that this compound blocks the expression of nicotine- and cocaine-conditioned place preference in the rat, prevents nicotine-triggered reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in the rat, reduces oral operant alcohol self-administration in the mouse, increases extracellular levels of acetylcholine in the rat medial prefrontal cortex, and potentiates the amplitude of the relative cerebral blood volume response to d-amphetami...
PREDOMINANCE OF LONG-WAVELENGTH HETEROGENEITY IN THE MANTLE

Analysis of travel-time anomalies of long-period shear waves recorded by the Global Digital Seismographic Network indicates that mantle heterogeneities, which probably reflect patterns of mantle convection, occur most prominently on length scales greater than about 6,000 km, when projected onto a two-dimensional map at the Earth's surface. Models of mantle convection will need to be able to produce a similar power spectrum.
Atypical neuroleptic medication and psychosis in adolescence.

Introduction: Psychopharmacologic research in patients with early onset schizophrenia has been very limited. Only two previous reports [1,2] examined the efficacy of risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents, one of which was retrospective [2]. These studies found significant improvements and also a range of side effects. With only two retrospective open-label studies, the situation with regard to olanzapine is not better [3,4]. No previous study has compared the efficacy and tolerability of risperidone and olanzapine with haloperidol, the three most commonly prescribed medications in adolescents with schizophrenia.
Pore structure and frost durability of clay bricks

The interrelationships among pore structure, saturation coefficient and moisture saturation behaviour of burnt clay brick specimens made from two different raw materials and fired to different temperatures are discussed. From these relationships an evaluation method for the forst resistance of clay bricks based on the continuous and the total porosity obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry is presented.
Why do shoppers abandon shopping cart? Perceived waiting time, risk, and transaction inconvenience

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the factors leading to the consumer's propensity to abandon the shopping cart at the transaction completion stage.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a self‐administered survey distributed through the internet. The sample consisted of consumers who shopped online at least once during the preceding one‐year period.Findings – The results indicate that perceived transaction inconvenience is the major predictor of shopping cart abandonment. The other predictors are perceived risk and perceived waiting time. Positive relationship was found between perceived transaction inconvenience, perceived risk and propensity to abandon the shopping cart. It was also found that propensity to abandon the shopping cart is negatively associated with the perception of waiting time.Practical implications – The paper provides transaction completion stage specific guidance to the managers operating in an online environment to prevent shopping cart abandonment a...
Place matters: The impact of place of residency on racial attitudes among regional and urban migrants

Scholars have debated whether racial attitudes are socialized early in life and persist throughout one's lifetime or are open to influences from one's environment as an adult. This study introduces another approach that holds that place, as opposed to the timing of socialization, is an important consideration for the socialization of racial attitudes. Using data from the American National Election Study, we consider the effect of region and urban residency on racial attitudes by comparing lifelong residents of these locations to those who migrate into and out of them. Using improved measures of early life socialization and region of residency, we conclude that a place-based model can be used to explain the socialization of racial resentment. For regional migrants, those moving into and out of the non-South maintain levels of racial resentment similar to non-Southern stayers. For urban migrants, the lifelong openness model of socialization was most appropriate. These migrants were more likely to change and adopt the level of racial resentment similar to that of their destination peers. These findings generally persist across time.
Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in cytokine-stimulated prostaglandin release by human gallbladder cells

Eicosanoids are involved in gallbladder inflammation, epithelial water transport, and mucous secretion. Phospholipase A, enzymes liberate arachidonic acid from membrane phosphohpids for the synthesis of eicosanoids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selective cytoplasmic and secretory phospholipase A; inhibitors on basal and stimulated arachidonic acid and prostaglandin F., release in gallbladder cells. Western immunoblotting was employed to evaluate both cytosolic and secretory phospholipase A2 enzymes in human gallbladder cells. Cells were incubated tor 22 hours with H-labelcd arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 release was then measured in the supernate after 2 hours of exposure to human interleukin-lβ, alone or after pretreatment for I hour with the inhibitors. Unstimulated gallbladder cells express both H5 kDa cytosolic and 14 kDa secretory phospholipase A;. The 85 kDa phospholipase A2 was induced by interleukin-lβ, whereas there was no apparent change in secretory phospholipase A. enzyme concentrations. Both the secretory phospholipase A. inhibitor p-bromophenylacyl bromide and the cytosolic phospholipase A, inhibitor arachidonyl trirluorometlvyl ketone decreased basal and interleukin-1 β-stunulated arachidonic acid release. In contrast, only inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A: led to a decrease in interleukin-1 β-stimulated prostaglandin E2: release. Basal and intcrlcukin-lβ—stimulated arachidonic acid release appears to be the result of the activity ol both cytosolic and secretory phospholipase A2. Interleukin-Iβ—stimulated prostaglandin E2 release appears to he dependent on the activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2
Tularemia in children

Eight of 50 hospitalized cases of tularemia occurred among children. Of these 8 cases, 6 were of the ulceroglandular, 1 of the oculoglandular, and 1 of the oropharyngeal type. All presented with fever and regional adenopathy relative to the site of infection. The incidence of tularemia is greatest during rabbit hunting season since the rabbit is the most frequent source of infection. Streptomycin is the drug of choice. Therapy initiated after 2 weeks of illness may be less effective in shortening the course of disease than earlier antibiotic treatment. Recovery is usually complete without residua.
Tunable-Delay Shunts for Paper Microfluidic Devices

We demonstrate a novel method for controlling fluid flow in paper-based devices. The method delays fluid progress through a porous channel by diverting fluid into an absorbent pad-based shunt placed into contact with the channel. Parameters to control the delay include the length and the thickness of the shunt. Using this method, reproducible delays ranging from 3 to 20 min were achieved. A simple electrical circuit model was presented and used to predict the delays in a system. Results from the model showed good agreement with experimental observations. Finally, the shunts were used for the sequential delivery of fluids to a detection zone in a point-of-care compatible folding card device using biochemical reagents for the amplified detection of the malaria protein PfHRP2.
The BRST cohomology of the NSR string: Vanishing and ``no-ghost'' theorems

We investigate the BRST cohomology of the NSR string. We prove vanishing theorems for the full and relative (sub)complexes generalizing the work of Frenkel, Garland and Zuckerman for the bosonic string. Using these results we give simple proofs of the “no-ghost” theorems for both sectors.
Amino acid cycling in the Mississippi River Plume and effects from the passage of Hurricanes Isadore and Lili

Abstract We present data on the effects of Hurricanes Isadore and Lili on the spatial and temporal variations in concentrations of amino acids, and other bulk dissolved and particulate constituents in surface waters of the Mississippi River Plume (MRP) collected during 3 survey cruises (March 2002, October 2002, and April 2004). Abiotic factors (e.g., particle sorption and sediment resuspension) had the largest contribution in describing DAA and PAA dynamics in the MRP. The range of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (88.61 to 699.90 μM) and particulate organic carbon (POC) (0.08 to 32.72 μM) values was slightly higher than the range observed for a broader region of the Louisiana shelf, but in general agreed with peak values at the mid-salinity range of the plume. The positive and negative correlations between acidic (e.g., aspartic acid and glutamic acid) and basic (e.g., histidine and arginine) DAA and salinity, respectively, in the MRP, were largely controlled by differential partitioning of amino acids with suspended sediments. Concentrations of β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and δ-aminovaleric acid were significantly higher during October 2002 compared to spring sampling events, due to resuspension of shelf sediments caused by the recent passage of Hurricane Isadore and the approach of Hurricane Lili, as it entered the Gulf of Mexico during our sampling.
Global change, energy prices, and US economic growth

Abstract This paper analyses a natural experiment that illustrates the impact of raising energy prices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on US economic growth. As a consequence of sharp reductions in the growth of fossil fuel combustion, there was no growth in carbon dioxide emissions between 1972 and 1987. These reductions resulted from dramatic increases in world petroleum prices in 1973–1974 and 1979–1980. Higher petroleum prices depressed the growth rate of the US economy and substantially reduced the output of the petroleum refining sector. Outputs of electric utilities, gas utilities, and chemicals industries were also adversely affected.
Large, mode‐selective vibrational effect on the reaction of C2H+2 with methane

The reaction of C2H+2 with CH4 is strongly enhanced by excitation of a C2H+2 bending vibration, with little effect observed for the CC stretch. The enhancement results from efficient use of bending motion in surmounting an activation barrier. Energy in the CC stretch has little effect on the threshold.
Adaptations of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) for defense against herbivores

Abstract Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a quintessential “foundation species” in early-successional forest ecosystems throughout much of North America. Although subject to damage by hundreds of species of herbivores, aspen has persisted in these environments due largely to a suite of defense strategies: resistance (traits that deter herbivores), tolerance (traits that facilitate recovery from damage) and escape (traits that reduce exposure to herbivores). Here, we review the current state of knowledge about aspen defense against herbivores, with particular focus on montane habitats of western North America. The principal chemical defenses of aspen are phenylpropanoid-derived compounds, including phenolic glycosides (salicinoids) and condensed tannins. Phenolic glycosides reduce feeding, growth and survival of insect herbivores and deter feeding by mammalian herbivores. Expression of chemical defense traits is strongly influenced by genotype, development, environment (biotic and abiotic) and interactions among those factors, and high levels of defense exact a cost to growth. The value of tolerance as a defense strategy likely increases with tree age. Both tolerance and escape via vertical growth are also highly genetically variable in aspen. The efficacy of aspen defense systems is context-dependent. Under conditions of low to moderate herbivore pressure, chemical defenses serve as effective deterrents, and well-defended genotypes are selectively favored. Under conditions of high herbivore pressure – whether insect or mammal – resistance fails and trees sustain high levels of damage. Under these conditions, genotypes with high levels of tolerance are likely selectively favored. Large-scale landscape modifiers, coupled with genetic, developmental and local environmental variation, produce temporal and spatial mosaics of defense across western landscapes. Competition with conifers, fire severity, and extreme climatic events all influence expression of defense and response to herbivore damage in aspen. Aspen’s extraordinary genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity are no match for the environmental stressors, particularly ungulate browsing, contributing to its decline in portions of the Interior West. Management approaches should capitalize on the genetic and environmental factors known to contribute to diverse expression of defense in aspen, while maintaining herbivore population densities below levels that overwhelm all combinations of defense traits.
Platinum complexes of triaminotriphenylmethanes: interaction with DNA and radiosensitization.

Abstract Complexes of the negatively charged tetrachloroplatinum (II) dianion and the positively charged triaminotriphenylmethane nuclear dyes, Basic Fuchsin and Methyl Green have been prepared. Elemental analysis indicated that the complexes associate as PtCl 4 (Basic Fuchsin) 2 and PtCl 4 (Methyl Green) in neutral, tight ion pairs. Studies with pBR322 DNA indicated that Pt(Basic Fuchsin) 2 and Basic Fuchsin produced no irreversible DNA changes, but that Pt(Methyl Green) readily and Methyl Green less efficiently produced single strand breaks in the DNA. Cytotoxicity studies in exponentially, growing asynchronous EMT6 cells in vitro showed that Pt(Basic Fuchsin) 2 was more cytotoxic than Pt(Methyl Green) and that both complexes were more toxic to normally oxygenated than hypoxic cells and to cells at normal vs. acidotic pH (6.45). Radiation studies, also in EMT6 cells, demonstrated that Pt(Methyl Green) was an effective radiosensitizing drug in hypoxic cells (dose modifying factor [DMF] 1.9), but that neither the free dyes nor Pt(Basic Fuchsin) 2 had significant radiosensitizing activity. In vivo studies in the FSaIIC fibrosarcoma confirmed the radiosensitizing properties of Pt(Methyl Green) (DMF 2.7), and indicated that Pt(Basic Fuchsin) 2 also had some activity (DMF 1.4) which was equivalent to that of mizonidazole (DMF 1.4). These investigations suggest that these or similar platinum-dye complexes may have important antitumor applications in the human clinic.
Paying for Health Services in East Africa: A Research Note

The goal of providing universal access to health care based upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a laudable one. In nearly all African countries, ‘demands from international donors for increased efficiency and competition are leading governments to play a smaller role in providing health care’ (Panos Report, 1994, p. 1). This paper explores the different healthcare financing initiatives introduced in three East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) in the early 1990s, and examines how effective these reforms have been in addressing the broader goals of access, equity and efficiency in health care. The social and health implications of such reforms on the lives of citizens of these countries were investigated. Although there is a great deal of support for cost sharing, it must be noted that the very essence of such an approach endangers the principles that formed the basis of these reforms. Cost sharing, in whatever form it takes, is burdensome on people with lower incomes and has disastrous consequences for the delivery and utilization of health services by the poor. Finally, the paper concludes by calling on African governments to identify ‘best practices’ in healthcare financing and to develop programs to overcome the ill-effects of such policies on the lives of vulnerable groups in society.
Protein requirements of three species of parrots with distinct dietary specializations

Dietary protein deficiency is considered a major obstacle in the evolution of highly specialized nectarivorous and frugivorous birds. Proposed physiological mechanisms that enable such specialists to subsist on low-protein diets include minimized endogenous protein losses, which contribute to reduced protein requirements. I compared these traits among nectarivorous red lories (Eos bornea), frugivorous Pesquet’s parrots (Psittrichas fulgidus), and granivorous budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). My results suggest that, relative to budgerigars, red lories and Pesquet’s parrots have low endogenous protein losses and reduced crude protein (CP) requirements. Based on nitrogen balance analyses, diets containing 1.0%, 3.2%, and 8.2% CP (on a dry matter (DM) basis) would meet the minimal protein requirements for maintenance for red lories, Pesquet’s parrots, and budgerigars, respectively. Low endogenous protein losses and reduced protein requirements are effective physiological adaptations that allow birds such as red lories and Pesquet’s parrots to specialize on lowprotein foods. Zoo Biol 22:163–177, 2003. � c 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Why Electricity Matters, Developing Nations Matter, and Asia Matters Most of All

There are several common conceptions about global warming that deserve greater scrutiny than they have received. First, is it true that we must resolve the legal and policy responses regarding global warming? Second, does the U.S. matter most of all to affect global warming? Third, are developing nations really bit players in the global warming equation? Finally, is there no blueprint for turning back global warming with renewable power in developing nations? Despite common wisdom, the answer to each is negative. Electricity matters, and it matters most of all in international venues. In Part II of this article, I explain how climate change works, why it matters - including some of its potentially devastating impacts - and why we should (and do) use a precautionary approach in the face of any uncertainty regarding the science of climate change. In Part III, I discuss the societal equation of global warming, which concerns population growth, the expansion of electrification, and technological development. Because both population and electrification are expanding throughout the world, the need to focus on technological innovation and implementation of renewable technologies is of paramount importance. This section includes a survey of available renewable technologies. In Part IV, I explain the urgent need to implement these technologies in places where population and electrification are increasing fastest-essentially, I argue in this article that we should be less focused on reducing developed nations' GHG emissions and more focused on forward-looking implementation of renewable technologies in Asia (and other developing nations experiencing rapid growth).
Amplification and overexpression of CKS1B at chromosome band 1q21 is associated with reduced levels of p27 Kip1 and an aggressive clinical course in multiple myeloma

The molecular basis for aggressive transformation of multiple myeloma (MM) and other cancers is not completely understood. Global gene expression profiling on highly purified malignant plasma cells from 351 newly diagnosed patients with MM treated with autologous stem cell transplantation revealed a statistically significant over-representation of chromosome 1 genes in a group of 70 genes whose expression was linked to poor outcome. In particular, over-expression of CKS1B, which maps to an amplicon at 1q21 in myeloma and regulates SCF Skp2 -mediated ubquitination and proteolysis of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27 Kip1 was significantly over-expressed in patients with poor survival. Interphase fluorescence in-situ hybridization revealed that CKS1B expression was strongly correlated with DNA copy number in a subset of 197 cases (P B /0.0001) with both measurements. Validated in 224 patients lacking expression analysis, CKS1B gene amplification conferred a poor prognosis (P B /0.0001) and was an independent predictor of outcome in multivariate analyses (P � /0.002). CKS1B mRNA and protein expression were correlated and both were inversely correlated with p27 Kip1 protein levels. RNA interference of CKS1B messenger RNA in myeloma cell lines led to reduced CKS1B mRNA and protein, an accumulation of p27 Kip1 , and profound growth inhibition. Based on these data we conclude that over-expression of CKS1B, mainly due to gene amplification, imparts a poor prognosis in MM, possibly as a result of enhanced degradation of p27 Kip1
Control and Constraint for Low-Income Women Choosing Outpatient Sterilization:

Little is known about Hispanics and their contraceptive choices in general, with some past studies detailing nonconsensual sterilization. This article is based on interviews with a mostly Hispanic sample of 44 women being sterilized at a public clinic in southeast Texas with the Essure device, which entails a new outpatient sterilization procedure. The women cited relationship factors, wanting to better their and their children's lives, and past reproductive histories as reasons for deciding on sterilization. They specifically chose Essure as a result of an apprehension of surgery and potential side effects from tubal ligation. Their choices, however, were limited by larger structural factors of work, family, the political economy, and the health care system. We concluded that this new sterilization technique provided more contraceptive choices for these women, yet more contraceptive decision-making autonomy and more equitable social structures are still needed.
Cloning and characterization of extended hammerheads from a diverse set of caudate amphibians

Satellite 2 (sat2) elements from six species representing four caudate amphibian families were cloned and analyzed. Despite differences in the abundance of this element, the tandemly repeated genomic organization found for sat2 in earlier investigations was conserved in the newly investigated species. The ability of sat2 transcripts to catalyze their own site-specific self-cleavage using an extended hammerhead (HH) motif had also been conserved. This motif is similar to the HH found in a number of infectious plant RNAs, but has an abbreviated stem III region and an internally looped stem I extension that distinguish it from the prototypical HH. The extended HH analyzed in this survey can be further organized into two groups on the basis of shared sequences and structural details in the peripheral stem-loop structures. HH derived from the family Salamandridae constitute one group, whereas HH from all other salamanders that have been investigated belong to the other group. Although many of the natural variants did not cleave efficiently in vitro, examples of relatively active variants for each design were found. This survey has therefore identified two designs that are suitable starting models for the structural and functional analysis of the extended HH.
Synoptic Distributions of Thermal Surface Mixed Layer and Thermocline in the Southern Yellow and East China Seas

Synoptic distributions of thermal surface mixed layer and thermocline were identified using four airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT) surveys (September 1992 and February, May, and September 1993) in the southern Yellow and East China Seas. Seasonality and a dominant driving mechanism of the surface mixed layer were examined. The dominant driving mechanisms differ between seasons and between on-shelf and off-shelf regimes. Currents, eddies, and migration of bottom cold waters (on the shelf) also affect the surface mixed layer. Thermocline thickness, temperature difference from thermocline top to bottom, and thermocline intensity in warm seasons were measured, and their synoptic features were also discussed.
Poleward-Propagating Angular Momentum Perturbations Induced by Zonally Symmetric Heat Sources in the Tropics

Abstract A series of experiments has been performed using an idealized model of the global atmosphere to study the role eddies play in communicating changes in the zonal mean state between the Tropics and extratropics. When an oscillatory heating perturbation centered about the equator is imposed, the author found a poleward-propagating zonal wind anomaly emanating from the Tropics into the midlatitudes when the heat source oscillates with a period of around 25–100 days. At higher frequency, most of the zonal wind perturbation is confined within the Tropics, while at lower frequency, the main signal occurs in the midlatitudes. The angular momentum budget and Eliassen–Palm cross sections have been examined. The results suggest that eddies act to communicate changes in the Tropics into the midlatitudes in at least two ways. First, changes in zonal mean zonal wind in the Tropics lead to a shift in the eddy angular momentum divergence pattern. Second, heating in the Tropics changes the temperature gradients b...
TWO PATHWAYS FOR SERUM REGULATION OF THE C-FOS SERUM RESPONSE ELEMENT REQUIRE SPECIFIC SEQUENCE ELEMENTS AND A MINIMAL DOMAIN OF SERUM RESPONSE FACTOR

The c-fos serum response element (SRE) is necessary and sufficient for induction of the c-fos gene in response to serum and growth factors. This activation is dependent upon serum response factor (SRF), a transcriptional activator which binds the SRE. A factor, p62TCF, which binds in conjunction with SRF to the SRE and which is activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase, has also been implicated in c-fos regulation. By using a reporter gene system with weak SRE mutations that is dependent upon overexpression of SRF for serum induction, we have found that there are at least two pathways for serum induction that converge on the SRE. Loss of TCF binding by mutations in SRF and the SRE did not reduce serum induction of the reporter genes. We have found a pathway for serum induction that is sensitive to mutations in the A/T-containing central sequence of the SRE and which is independent of TCF. When this pathway was mutated, activation was dependent upon TCF binding, demonstrating that TCF can also function in serum induction. Both of the signalling pathways required a minimal domain of SRF. This domain, spanning SRF's DNA binding domain, was sufficient for serum induction when fused to a heterologous transcriptional activation domain.
EFFEX: an embedded processor for computer vision based feature extraction

The deployment of computer vision algorithms in mobile applications is growing at a rapid pace. A primary component of the computer vision software pipeline is feature extraction, which identifies and encodes relevant image features. We present an embedded heterogeneous multicore design named EFFEX that incorporates novel functional units and memory architecture support, making it capable of increasing mobile vision performance while balancing power and area. We demonstrate this architecture running three common feature extraction algorithms, and show that it is capable of providing significant speedups at low cost. Our simulations show a speedup of as much as 14× for feature extraction with a decrease in energy of 40× for memory accesses.
Stress in the Lives of College Women: “Lots to Do and Not Much Time”:

This study examined how activity and engagement qualities were related to stress. Experience sampling using e-mail pagers collected simultaneous ratings of stress and qualities of activity for 30 college women during 14 days. Surveys included narrative questions about activity types, feelings, and experience and Likert-type scales rating activity qualities and stress. A total of 2,327 surveys were analyzed using descriptive, configural frequency, and qualitative analyses. Students rated 34% of all events as stressful. Most were academic tasks (41%), overrepresented compared to overall frequency. Finding an activity to be high in complexity was most likely to lead to perceptions of increased stress for students; however, there were also social circumstances and low complexity activities in which stress was experienced.
Measurement of Acute Pain in Infants: A Review of Behavioral and Physiological Variables

Background:The use of non-validated pain measurement tools to assess infant pain represents a serious iatrogenic threat to the developing neonatal nervous system. One partial explanation for this p...
Unique Aspects of Gene Expression during Candida albicans Mating and Possible G1 Dependency

Taking advantage of the high frequency of conjugation tube formation in mating mixtures and α-pheromone-treated a/a cells derived from saturation phase cultures of opaque cells of Candida albicans, 56 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated genes were identified employing microarray and Northern analyses. Combining these results with previous profiling studies of pheromone-induced cells, a more comprehensive transcript profile was developed for comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This comparison revealed the following: (i) that while a majority of mating-associated genes are regulated similarly between the two species, a significant minority are regulated dissimilarly; (ii) that filamentation genes are uniquely up-regulated and opaque-specific genes uniquely down-regulated during C. albicans mating; and (iii) that a newly identified class of genes is selectively down-regulated in opaque, but not white, cells that have entered saturation phase in a growth culture and then are up-regulated by pheromone. The observations that opaque cells are uniquely mating competent, that saturation phase facilitates mating, and that a newly identified group of genes is down-regulated only in opaque cells that have entered saturation phase led us to hypothesize that entering saturation phase may be requisite for mating. A test of this hypothesis revealed, however, that cells, whether in the exponential or saturation phase, may simply have to be in G1 of the cell cycle to respond to pheromone and that the response includes G1 arrest. These results add to the lists of similarities and dissimilarities between the mating processes of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae and underscore the unique regulation of filamentation and switching genes in the C. albicans mating process.
Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett's Esophagus

Abstract Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an endoscopic modality used in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus. RFA may be performed using a balloon-based catheter or using one of the probe catheters that attaches to the distal end of the endoscope. Here we demonstrate step-by-step instruction in using radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and highlight key concepts in the technique.
Early age stresses and debonding in bonded concrete overlays

Bonded concrete overlays are a cost-effective strategy for rehabilitating and strengthening old concrete pavements. Volume changes of the over lay concrete may cause debonding at the interface between old and new concrete or surface cracking, detrimentally affecting long-term performance of the pavement. Experimental measurements and numerical analyses were pursued to understand distribution of stress arising from thermal change or drying shrinkage under restrained conditions. Laboratory overlay specimens were made to measure opening displacement at the interface. Debonding profiles at the interface were determined by using a dye technique. A finite element model was developed to study debonding behavior and crack tendency due to volume changes. Physical experiments were used to define nonlinear gradients of drying shrinkage and bond strengths for input into the model. The model was validated by comparing the predicted opening displacements and debonding profile with the experimental measurements. The res...
Legacies of totalitarian language in the discourse culture of the post-totalitarian era: the case of Eastern Europe, Russia, and China

Totalitarian language and its grip on the discourse cultures of communist countries have received a significant amount of scholarly attention in past decades. But what of the continued presence of ...