cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of a system of indicators of balanced economic development in the context of globalization: space-time analysis in order to ensure economic security

Research background: The modern world economy of the 21st century, being innovatively oriented, global and based on the information space, is constantly being modified, focusing on the growth of the level and quality of life of the population by accelerating innovation processes. For the purposes of monitoring the innovation and investment activities of the regions in order to ensure the economic security of Russia, it is necessary to have a system of indicators that reflect the processes of innovative development of its territories as comprehensively as possible.Purpose of the article: Formation of a system of indicators for the balanced development of the region’s economy in the context of globalization: space-time analysis in order to ensure economic security.Methods: Spatio-temporal analysis of the identified indicators of balanced development of the regional economy in order to ensure economic security.Findings & Value added: The proposed system of indicators of economic security of the region and their threshold values can be used in assessing the development forecasts of the regions and the Federal Districts developed by the administration, draft budgets, expertise of the federal target programs, as well as in other elements of the regional economic security management.
Lesion characteristics and biopsy techniques influencing diagnostic yield of CT-guided spine biopsy.

Michalopoulos et al present an excellent meta-analysis and systematic review including over 3900 patients undergoing almost 4200 computed tomography (CT)-guided spine biopsy procedures.1 The diagnostic yield for CT-guided spine biopsies was 91% and diagnostic accuracy per procedure was 86%. Importantly, diagnostic accuracy in cases yielding a diagnosis was 94% and the complication rate was 1%. The authors did not find a significant difference in biopsy yield between lytic, sclerotic, or mixed lesions or between biopsies performed at different spinal locations (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar). This study further adds to the literature showing CT-guided spine biopsy to be an accurate and safe procedure that radiologists with proper training should feel comfortable performing. CT-guided spine biopsy provides numerous advantages over an open procedure including decreased cost and fewer complications.2 Although the overall biopsy yield and accuracy are consistent with other results from the literature, we caution readers from reading into the results broken down by lesion imaging appearance. The analysis of results by lesion imaging appearance included only six studies and 351 biopsy procedures. Of these lesions, 301 were lytic, 21 were sclerotic, and 29 were mixed. The authors report a 100% diagnostic yield for sclerotic lesions and a 99% diagnostic yield for mixed lesions. They were not able to present diagnostic accuracy broken down by lesion imaging appearance. These results could be misleading for those performing CT-guided spine biopsy and should not lead to disappointment in the event of performing a non-diagnostic biopsy of a sclerotic lesion. …
Bulls as a source of bovine leukemia virus during natural breeding

Bovine leukosis is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder in cattle caused by the deltaretrovirus, bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Most BLV infected animals remain asymptomatic and act as carriers of the virus; 30 to 40% of infected cattle develop a persistent lymphocytosis, while less than 5% progress to lymphosarcoma. The major route of virus transmission is believed to be iatrogenic through procedures that permit the transfer of blood between cattle. Proviral DNA has been identified in nasal secretions, saliva, semen, and smegma. Natural transmission through these secretions has not been clearly demonstrated. Our research group has identified the use of bulls in dairy herds as a risk factor for BLV infection at the herd level, and has also shown a high prevalence ( 45%) of infected beef bulls in Michigan. Natural service is still used in half of dairy operations across the US, and is the most commonly used breeding method (approximately 90%) in beef cattle herds in the US. Given these factors, there may be risk of BLV transmission during natural breeding via smegma or blood transfer following trauma to the penis, vulva, and vagina. The overall goal of our research team is to develop cost effective strategies to reduce the transmission of BLV in cattle herds. The objective of this study is to assess the risk of BLV transmission by breeding bulls during natural breeding.
Childhood maltreatment and sexual risk taking: the mediating role of alexithymia

Childhood maltreatment is a significant predictor of sexual risk taking. The nature of this relationship is not fully understood; however, emotion dysregulation may play an important role. We tested the role of difficulty identifying and describing feelings (i.e., alexithymia) on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and sexual risk taking. Specifically, we hypothesized two mechanisms, one in which alexithymia is related to sexual risk taking via negative urgency and alcohol use and a second one in which alexithymia is related to sexual risk taking via neediness. The participants for this study were 425 sexually active college undergraduates (303 females, 122 males) between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The results of a structural equation model indicated that alexithymia accounted for a significant part of the relationship between child maltreatment and sexual risk behavior. Moreover, the relationship between alexithymia and sexual risk taking was fully accounted for by two separate paths. First, negative urgency and subsequent alcohol use partially mediated the relationship, and the second effect was accounted for by needy interpersonal style. Adverse experiences during childhood can impair emotional functioning and contribute to behavioral and interpersonal dysregulation.
CASE REPORTS: Clitoral Atrophy: A Case Series

ABSTRACT Introduction Clitoral atrophy is often a neglected cause of female arousal complaints and warrants treatment with localized treatments. Aim This is a case series of patients with clitoral atrophy in which localized estrogens were used to treat separate, distinct sexual complaints. Methods We report on three patients who were treated with localized estrogen tablets and cream for symptomatic clitoral atrophy despite a lack of data for use of these agents for the treatment of this diagnosis. The patients described here expressed understanding of the risks of vaginal hormonal therapy prior to treatment and at follow-up visits while on therapy. Main Outcome Measures Patient reports, physical examination, and vaginal pH. Results All patients reported improvement or resolution of symptoms after the treatment with localized estrogen tablets and/or cream. Conclusions Low-dose minimally absorbed local estrogen products can be used in combination with excellent tolerance and low side-effect profile to treat female sexual complaints. Amsterdam A, and Krychman M. Clitoral atrophy: A case series. J Sex Med 2009;6:584–587.
Americans Fill Out President Obama's Census Form: What is His Race?

Author(s): Citrin, J; Levy, M; Houweling, RPV | Abstract: Objective: We use nationally representative survey experiments to assess public opinion about how President Obama should have identified himself racially on the 2010 Census. Methods: Respondents were randomly assigned to three conditions-a control, a treatment that described the president's biracial ancestry, and a treatment that combined the biracial ancestry information with a statement that Obama had in fact classified himself as black only. All respondents were then asked how they felt Obama should have filled out his Census form. Results: A clear majority of Americans in all experimental conditions said that Obama should have identified himself as both black and white. Conclusion: There appears to be suggesting robust acceptance of official multiracial identification despite the cultural and legal legacy of the "one drop of blood" rule in official U.S. race categorization. A subsequent survey experiment found that a convenience sample of Americans support multiracial identification for mixed-race individuals generally and not only for the president.
Dynamic Identification of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models

This paper studies dynamic identification of parameters of a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model from the first and second moments of the data. Classical results for dynamic simultaneous equations do not apply because the state space solution of the model does not constitute a standard reduced form. Full rank of the Jacobian matrix of derivatives of the solution parameters with respect to the parameters of interest is necessary but not sufficient for identification. We use restrictions implied by observational equivalence to obtain two sets of rank and order conditions: one for stochastically singular models and another for nonsingular models. Measurement errors, mean, long-run, and a priori restrictions can be accommodated. An example is considered to illustrate the results.
Neural control of blood flow during exercise in human metabolic syndrome.

New Findings What is the central question of this study? α-Adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction is greater during simulated exercise in animal models of metabolic syndrome when compared with control animals. Whether such findings can be translated to humans was previously unexamined. What is the main finding and its importance? We observed greater muscle sympathetic nerve activity and clonidine-mediated vasoconstriction in adults with metabolic syndrome, yet preserved exercise blood flow when compared with age-matched healthy control subjects. These results suggest that adults with metabolic syndrome exhibit compensatory vascular control mechanisms capable of counteracting altered adrenergic responsiveness, thus preserving blood flow responses to low-intensity, dynamic hand-grip exercise. α-Adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction is greater during simulated exercise in animal models of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) when compared with control animals. In an attempt to translate such findings to humans, we hypothesized that adults with MetSyn (n = 14, 35 ± 3 years old) would exhibit greater α-adrenergic responsiveness during exercise when compared with age-matched healthy control subjects (n = 16, 31 ± 3 years old). We measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography) and forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) during dynamic forearm exercise (15% of maximal voluntary contraction). α-Adrenergic agonists (phenylephrine and clonidine) and an antagonist (phentolamine) were infused intra-arterially to assess α-adrenergic receptor responsiveness and restraint, respectively. Resting MSNA was ∼35% higher in adults with MetSyn (P 0.05). Interestingly, exercise-mediated vasodilatation was greater in MetSyn (P < 0.05). Adults with MetSyn exhibit greater resting MSNA and clonidine-mediated vasoconstriction, yet preserved functional sympatholysis and higher exercise blood flow during low-intensity hand-grip exercise when compared with age-matched healthy control subjects. These results suggest that adults with MetSyn exhibit compensatory vascular control mechanisms capable of preserving blood flow responses to exercise in the face of augmented sympathetic adrenergic activity.
The Agrobacterium tumefaciens virE2 gene product is a single-stranded-DNA-binding protein that associates with T-DNA.

Abstract Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfers T-DNA into the plant genome by a process mediated by Ti plasmid-encoded vir genes. Cleavage at T-DNA border sequences by the VirD endonuclease generates linear, single-stranded T-DNA molecules. In the work described in this report, we used electrophoretic mobility shift assays to show that the purified virE2 gene product binds to single-stranded DNA. VirE2 protein associates with T-DNA as shown by immunoprecipitation studies with VirE2-specific antiserum. The VirE2 protein was detected primarily in the cytoplasm, but also in the inner and outer membrane and periplasmic fractions. Virulence of a virE2 mutant was restored by mixed infection with strains carrying an intact vir region, but not with virA, virB, virD, virE, or virG mutants or chvA, chvB, or exoC mutants. We propose that the VirE2 protein is involved in the processing of T-DNA and in T-strand protection during transfer to the plant cell.
A short duration GABAergic inhibition in identified neostriatal medium spiny neurons: in vitro slice study.

Inhibition in the neostriatum was investigated in rat in vitro slice preparation using intracellular recording and labeling technique. The initial response recorded following local stimulation is a monosynaptically activated EPSP. In 17% of the neurons tested, IPSPs were observed following EPSPs evoked by local stimulation. In paired shock experiments reduction of test EPSP amplitude or action potentials occurred over interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 3–38 msec. In some neurons, a pulse injection of depolarizing current was used to trigger an action potential which was in a paired shock, used to condition a test monosynaptically induced EPSP. Test EPSPs were shunted over ISIs less than 45 msec. Paired shock performed on the slices perfused with the medium containing GABA antagonists (e.g., bicuculline methiodide, picrotoxin, or penicillin-G) resulted invariably in potentiation of test EPSPs. Inhibition in the neostriatum in vitro is demonstrated as reduction in test amplitude in paired shock tests, by the presence of IPSPs and by the shunting of EPSPs conditioned by an action potential triggered by direct depolarization. Neurons exhibiting these forms of inhibition were intracellularly labelled with HRP and identified as medium spiny neurons. These results indicate that striatal GABAergic medium spiny neurons which are known to have an extensive axon collateral plexus play in a role in a short lasting inhibition observed in the striatum.
Institutional protocol improves retrievable inferior vena cava filter recovery rate.

Background In the trauma population, the use of retrievable inferior vena cava filters (RIVCF) is rapidly gaining acceptance in patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism. This study reports the impact of an institutional protocol on retrieval rates of RIVCF at a level I trauma center. Methods A review of an institutional Trauma Registry identified 94 consecutive patients who received RIVCF between January 2004 and February 2007 (group I) before the protocol was instituted. Under the protocol, 61 consecutive trauma patients received RIVCF between August 2007 and July 2008 (group II) and were prospectively followed. Results Filter retrieval eligibility criteria were met in 81% (76/94) of patients in group I and in 61% (37/61) of patients in group II. Of those eligible, retrieval-attempt rates were 42% (32/76) in group I versus 95% (35/37) in group II (P Conclusion An institutional protocol for prospective monitoring of RIVCF significantly increases filter retrieval rate.
Raman spectroscopic investigation of interactions in a naphthalene: Octafluoronaphthalene crystalline complex

Abstract The nature of interactions between naphthalene and octafluoronaphthalene in the C 10 H 8 :C 10 F 8 crystalline complex is studied by Raman spectroscopy. Phonon bands are examined within the framework of our previously proposed sublattice and giant molecule models to derive information regarding the strength of the interactions. To investigate the specific nature of these interactions, a comparative study is made of the internal vibrations observed in the C 10 H 8 :C 10 F 8 complex with those found in pure one component crystals. The result obtained indicates that although naphthalene and octafluoronaphthalene weakly interact, specific electrostatic polarization interactions do exist in the C 10 H 8 :C 10 F 8 crystalline complex.
Clinical decision regret among critical care nurses: A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Decision regret is a negative cognitive emotion associated with experiences of guilt and situations of interpersonal harm. These negative affective responses may contribute to emotional exhaustion in critical care nurses (CCNs), increased staff turnover rates and high medication error rates. Yet, little is known about clinical decision regret among CCNs or the conditions or situations (e.g., feeling sleepy) that may precipitate its occurrence. Objectives To examine decision regret among CCNs, with an emphasis on clinical decisions made when nurses were most sleepy. Methods A content analytic approach was used to examine the narrative descriptions of clinical decisions by CCNs when sleepy. Results Six decision regret themes emerged that represented deviations in practice or performance behaviors that were attributed to fatigued CCNs. Conclusion While 157 CCNs disclosed a clinical decision they made at work while sleepy, the prevalence may be underestimated and warrants further investigation.
Government size and macroeconomic stability

Abstract We analyze the effects of government size on output variability in the context of a RBC model in which government size is parameterized by the income tax rate and the share of government purchases in output. The model implies that: (i) income taxes are destabilizing, and (ii) for most specifications considered, government purchases are stabilizing. We compare those predictions with the results of simple cross-country regressions using data for 22 OECD countries. The estimated relationship between empirical indicators of government size and measures of GDP variability appears far stronger than the model predicts, and often has the opposite sign.
IRON METABOLISM IN EXPERIMENTAL ANEMIA : "AVAILABILITY OF IRON".

In experimental anemia in dogs due to blood loss the term "available iron" as determined by the dipyridyl test has no physiological significance. Iron salts (100 per cent available by dipyridyl) given in optimum dose (560 mg. per 2 weeks) will cause a net production of 50 to 55 gm. hemoglobin above the control base line in anemic dogs. This means that an iron salt which is rated as 100 per cent available by the dipyridyl test is only 35 per cent physiologically available. The term "available iron (dipyridyl)" simmers down to iron not in the form of hematin compounds. The absorption of this "available iron" is conditioned by a great variety of factors, many unknown at this time. Iron is indeed an elusive sprite whose "availability" or comings and goings cannot be determined in dogs by dipyridyl-perhaps only in part by studies of absorption and excretion. Liver contains "available iron (dipyridyl)" but also organic factors influencing hemoglobin regeneration in anemia as liver ash contains only about 50 per cent the potency of the whole liver. One can readily dissociate the iron from other potent factors in various tissues. Fractions of heart, liver, spleen, and kidney may contain very little iron yet cause much hemoglobin regeneration in anemic dogs. No investigator has reported any condition of copper deficiency in man or dog. In fact, in anemias copper is usually above normal concentration in the liver. It is unlikely, therefore, that in experimental anemia in dogs and in the various anemias of man, any significance attaches to the intake of copper.
A Comparative Study Of Dopant Activation And Deactivation In Boron Implanted Silicon

BF2 beamline and B2H6 PLAD implants were evaluated after a series of low, high, low, high anneals. Following a high anneal, we find an increase in mobility and a decrease in concentration of mobility scattering defects.
Application Research of Ultra-Long Span Optical Communication Technique in Power Emergency Communication

This paper presents a power emergency communication solution based on long distance optical fiber communication technology. It use a portable ultra-long span optical amplifying device composed by optical components, by configuring different optical amplification scheme, using redundancy fiber to set up a new transport channel quickly, it achieve the function of emergency communication. Specific configurations are proposed for 2.5G and 10G SDH optical transmission system, and conducted field test and validation. The solution is flexible to configure and easy to install, it provides a convenient emergency communication solution for fast failure recovery of fiber line interruption, damage of relay stations, and fiber aging in electric system.
Cross-strip anodes for microchannel plate detectors

The cross strip anode is a coarse (o.5 mm) multi-layer metal and ceramic cross strip pattern. Event positions are encoded by direct sensing of the charge on each strip and subsequent determination of the charge cloud centroid for each event. This event position encoding is accomplished with chip preamplifiers on the anode, subsequent analog to digital conversion of individual strip charge values and a software centroid determination. The spatial resolution ( 1 MHz and with low power consumption (~2W) suitable for applications in space astrophysics.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Study of a Social Annotation Modeling Learning System

The transition from classroom instruction to e-learning raises pedagogical challenges for university instructors. A controlled integration of e-learning tools into classroom instruction may offer learners tangible benefits and improved effectiveness. This design-based research (DBR) study engaged students in e-learning activities integrated into classroom instruction utilizing a Social Annotation Modeling Learning System (SAM-LS). SAM-LS employs Web 2.0 software called HyLighter that allows instructors to implement text-dependent socio-intellectual interactions among students. Twenty students engaged in a HyLighter activity, individually or in groups, analyzed an article by annotating text, providing elaborate answers, and responding to peers' opinions. Their motivation, technical competency, and attitudes toward HyLighter's technical and pedagogical usability were evaluated. Students reported positive perceptions of HyLighter's technical usability but neutral attitudes toward its pedagogical usefulness a...
Risk Profiles and Treatment Patterns Among Men Diagnosed as Having Prostate Cancer and a Prostate-Specific Antigen Level Below 4.0 ng/mL

Background Despite controversy over the benefit of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, little is known about risk profiles and treatment patterns in men diagnosed as having prostate cancer who have a PSA value less than or equal to 4.0 ng/mL. Methods We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results system to describe patient characteristics and treatment patterns in the cases of 123 934 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from 2004 to 2006. Age-standardized treatment rates were calculated in 5-year age strata. Logistic regression was used to quantify the odds ratios (ORs) of men with low- and high-risk disease and the use of radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation therapy (RT). Results Men with a PSA level of 4.0 ng/mL or lower represent 14% of incident prostate cancer cases. Fifty-four percent of men diagnosed as having prostate cancer and PSA levels lower than 4.0 ng/mL harbor low-risk disease (stage, ≤T2a, PSA level, ≤10 ng/mL, and Gleason score, ≤6), but over 75% of them received RP or RT. Men with screen-detected prostate cancer and PSA values lower than 4 ng/mL were 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-1.62) and 1.39 (95% CI, 1.30-1.49) times more likely to receive RP and RT, respectively, and were less likely to have high-grade disease than men who had non–screen-detected prostate cancer (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60-0.76). Conclusions Most men diagnosed as having prostate cancer with a PSA threshold below 4.0 ng/mL had low-risk disease but underwent aggressive local therapy. Lowering the biopsy threshold but retaining our inability to distinguish indolent from aggressive cancers might increase the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Regulation of Yeast Pyruvate Kinase by Ultrasensitive Allostery Independent of Phosphorylation

Allostery and covalent modification are major means of fast-acting metabolic regulation. Their relative roles in responding to environmental changes remain, however, unclear. Here we examine this issue, using as a case study the rapid decrease in pyruvate kinase flux in yeast upon glucose removal. The main pyruvate kinase isozyme (Cdc19) is phosphorylated in response to environmental cues. It also exhibits positively cooperative (ultrasensitive) allosteric activation by fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP). Glucose removal causes accumulation of Cdc19's substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate. This response is retained in strains with altered protein-kinase-A or AMP-activated-protein-kinase activity or with CDC19 carrying mutated phosphorylation sites. In contrast, yeast engineered with a CDC19 point mutation that ablates FBP-based regulation fail to accumulate phosphoenolpyruvate. They also fail to grow on ethanol and slowly resume growth upon glucose upshift. Thus, while yeast pyruvate kinase is covalently modified in response to glucose availability, its activity is controlled almost exclusively by ultrasensitive allostery.
Role of Organically Complexed Iron(II) Species in the Reductive Transformation of RDX in Anoxic Environments

Organically complexed iron species can play a significant role in many subsurface redox processes, including reactions that contribute to the transformation and degradation of soil and aquatic contaminants. Experimental results demonstrate that complexation of Fe(II) by catechol- and thiol-containing organic ligands leads to formation of highly reactive species that reduce RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and related N-heterocyclic nitramine explosive compounds to formaldehyde and inorganic nitrogen byproducts. Under comparable conditions, relative reaction rates follow HMX << RDX << MNX < DNX < TNX. Observed rates of RDX reduction are heavily dependent on the identity of the Fe(II)-complexing ligands and the prevailing solution conditions (e.g., pH, Fe(II) and ligand concentrations). In general, reaction rates increase with increasing pH and organic ligand concentration when the concentration of Fe(II) is fixed. In solutions containing Fe(II) and tiron, a model catechol, observed pseudo-first-order rate constants (k(obs)) for RDX reduction are linearly correlated with the concentration of the 1:2 Fe(II)-tiron complex (FeL2(6-)), and kinetic trends are well described by -d[RDX]/dt= k(FeL2)6-[FeL2(6-)][RDX], where k(FeL2)6- = 7.31(+/-2.52) x 10(2) M(-1) s(-1). The reaction products and net stoichiometry (1 mol of RDX reduced for every 2 mol of Fe(II) oxidized) support a mechanism where RDX ring cleavage and decomposition is initiated by sequential 1-electron transfers from two Fe(II)-organic complexes.
66 Algal bioremediation of mine waste tailings by application of moss protonema

Moss was discovered growing on mine waste tailings with high heavy metal content and low pH at the Badger State Mine near Butte, MT. It has been proposed that inoculation of plots with moss protonema, a stage of moss development, will produce a microbial mat. This process is fairly straightforward in mesic environments, but the aridity, acidity and high metal content of the tailings present some difficulty with the establishment of moss protonema or even algae. Consequently, a hydrophilic polymer and nutrients will be applied in addition to the protonema. This combination may assist in the retention of moisture to ensure the growth of the mature moss and other pioneer organisms. Soil from the mine tailings will be analyzed for evidence of cyanobacterial and other algal diversity. Benefits of cyanobacteria growth include their ability to fix nitrogen for use by other plants and production of photosynthates that leak organic carbon into the soil at a rate that can feed the heterotrophic microbes found in the microbial mat. The combination of algae, fungi, bacteria, protists and moss in a self-sustaining microbial mat may help to stabilize the soil and create a hospitable environment for the colonization of vascular plants. Formation of a microbial mat in this xeric environment of mine waste tailings with the use of a hydrophilic polymer may be an ideal solution for the stabilization of mine wastes.
Role of Eddy Forcing in the Dynamics of Multiple Zonal Jets in a Model of the North Atlantic

Multiple zonal jets are observed in satellite data‐based estimates of oceanic velocities, float measurements, and high-resolution numerical simulations of the ocean circulation. This study makes a step toward understanding the dynamics of these jets in the real ocean by analyzing the vertical structure and dynamical balances within multiple zonal jets simulated in an eddy-resolving primitive equation model of the North Atlantic. In particular, the authors focus on the role of eddy flux convergences (‘‘eddy forcing’’) in supporting the buoyancy and relative/potential vorticity (PV) anomalies associated with the jets. The results suggest a central role of baroclinic eddies in the barotropic and baroclinic dynamics of the jets, and significant differences in the effects of eddy forcing between the subtropical and subpolar gyres. Additionally, diabatic potential vorticity sources and sinks, associated with vertical diffusion, are shown to play an important role in supporting the potential vorticity anomalies. The resulting potential vorticity profile does not resemble a ‘‘PV staircase’’—a distinct meridional structure observed in some idealized studies of geostrophic turbulence.
Preferential Closed-State Inactivation of Neuronal Calcium Channels

We have investigated the inactivation mechanism of neuronal N-, P/Q-, and R-type calcium channels. Although channels inactivate slowly during square-pulse depolarization, as observed previously, we now find that they inactivate profoundly during a train of action potential (AP) waveforms. The apparent paradox arises from a voltage-dependent mechanism in which channels inactivate preferentially from intermediate closed states along the activation pathway. Inactivation can therefore extend beyond the brief duration of AP waveforms to continue between spikes, as the channel undergoes repetitive cycles of activation and deactivation. The extent of inactivation during a train is strongly affected by the subunit composition of channels. Preferential closed-state inactivation of neuronal calcium channels could produce widely variable depression of Ca2+ entry during a train of APs.
Chemopreventive Potential of Flavonoid Extracts from Plantation-Bred and Wild Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Fruits

: European plantation-bred (cultivated) and local Illinois (wild) Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) fruits were extracted with 70% aqueous acetone and separated into 6 fractions using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) over a Toyopearl (TP) polymer column. TP fractions 2 through 6 were recombined and further subfractionated using silica gel (SG) into 22 subfractions. Crude extract, TP fractions, and SG subfractions were screened in a L1210 murine leukemia cell assay and a human DNA catalytic topoisomerase II assay in order to gauge the cancer chemopreventive potential of each genotype. SG subfraction 6 from the cultivated genotype showed >90% inhibitory activity at 25 μg/mL, and a similar fraction from the wild genotype showed >95% inhibitory activity to L1210 leukemia cells at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. On the basis of topoisomerase inhibition, it can be concluded that all TP fractions of the wild genotype act as catalytic inhibitors. Similar anthocyanins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins were identified from both Aronia genotypes; however, HPLC-ESI-MS spectra indicated higher flavonoid concentration in the wild Aronia and a predominance (up to 67%) of nonphenolic compounds in the berries from the cultivated genotype. Both cultivated and wild genotypes exhibited promise toward chemoprevention, but differed in levels of activity in the assays used to determine chemoprotective potential.
Vitellogenesis in Oncopeltus fasciatus: PLC/IP3, DAG/PK-C pathway triggered by CaM

Abstract In Oncopeltus fasciatus, evidence shown here indicates it is calmodulin (CaM) that activates phospholipase-C (PLC), beginning a signalling pathway necessary for endocytic uptake of yolk precursor molecules. Epithelial cell-produced CaM, transported to oocytes via gap junctions, has been shown to be required for receptor-mediated endocytic uptake of vitellogenins (Vgs, the protein precursors of yolk). To determine if CaM was directly or indirectly stimulating the phospholipase-C (PLC) signalling cascade and thus controlling Vg endocytosis we used a series of molecules known to inactivate various elements of the pathway. W-7 prevents CaM from interacting with other molecules. Neomycin isolates PIP2 from PLC. U-73122 directly inactivates PLC. 2-APB blocks IP3 receptors which would otherwise cause release of Ca2+. Verapamil and CdCl2 block Ca2+ release channels. Staurosporin and calphostin are inhibitors of PK-C. 1-Hexadecyl-2-acetyl glycerol (HAG) binds to diacylglycerol (DAG). Through the use of these antagonists we show here that: (1) the activation of phospholipase-C in this system requires CaM. (2) Stimulated phospholipase-C converts PIP2 into IP3 and DAG. (3) IP3 causes increase in cytosolic Ca2+. (4) DAG and Ca2+ each stimulate phosphokinase-C, resulting in endocytosis of Vgs.
Friendliness to humans and defensive aggression in cats: The influence of handling and paternity

This study was undertaken to examine and reduce the stress and aggressiveness associated with fear of handling in laboratory cats (Felis sylvestris catus). Thirteen litters of kittens from a specific pathogen-free breeding colony were divided into three treatment groups: two were early weaned, removed from the colony and caged individually with or without handling up to 8 weeks of age, and the third served as a control group, removed from the colony just before testing. Behavior tests measuring degree of friendliness to humans and response to physical restraint were performed at ages 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured after each test. Results indicate that litter and sire influenced tractability but that handling or individual caging of kittens did not. Posttest serum cortisol concentrations were below normal adult levels in most kittens, including those reacting fearfully during testing and aggressively during restraint, and, therefore, are not a reliable indicator of stress in juvenile cats.
Batterers' intervention: how group leaders assess the risk levels of participants

Leaders of intervention groups for batterers must continuously assess how well they are meeting their goal of reducing violence. This article reports on survey and qualitative interview data from group leaders about their risk assessments. The practitioners were aware that their information about the risk levels of members was limited. They usually chose the middle of risk scales and reported moderate confidence in their predictions. Group leaders became increasingly confident in their risk predictions over an 8-week period, while they also predicted greater likelihood of physical abuse. This research supports the need for collaboration between practitioners and researchers to increase group leaders' skills and confidence in risk assessment, especially in the early stages of group interventions.
Theoretical investigation of the evolution of the passive state on Alloy 22 in acidified, saturated brine under open circuit conditions

Abstract It is observed in many systems that as a metal or alloy is exposed to an aqueous solution over a long period of time, the corrosion potential drifts in the positive direction and the corrosion rate decreases. This implies the possibility that the potential may become sufficiently positive that it will exceed the transpassive potential and result in depassivation of the surface and hence to massive corrosion. On the other hand, if depassivation does not occur, the corrosion rate is predicted to continuously decrease with time, such that experiments carried out over short periods of time may seriously over-estimate the true corrosion rate over extended periods. This is an important issue in the selection of materials for the containment of high-level nuclear waste (HLNW), because of the excessively long performance horizon (up to 10 6 years), and in interpreting corrosion data from archeological artifacts. The theory developed in this work provides a physico-electrochemical explanation of the ennoblement phenomenon that is in good agreement with experiment and, in principle, allows one to optimize the model on short-term data and then predict the corrosion behavior over the very long term.
Cenozoic plate reconstruction of the South China Sea region

Abstract Reconstructions of the South China Sea region at 60 Ma, 40 Ma, 30 Ma, 20 Ma, 10 Ma and 5 Ma are presented. We have attempted to place the South China Sea Basin in a regional tectonic framework. The tectonic evolution of the major blocks surrounding the South China Sea were analyzed, as well as the relative motions of the Indian and Australian plates. We have tried to correct the tectonic models available in this region. A 3-D graphics terminal was used to derive rotation poles for the different tectonic blocks and our model was then tested to determine its self-consistency. When the model conflicted with previous interpretations the input data were evaluated for alternative explanations. At least two, and possibly three, stages of extension can be recognized in this region. The earliest one, active in the Late Cretaceous to Eocene, involved NW-SE extension. The second one, active from the Late Eocene to Early Miocene involved north-south extension. The third stage of extension, which probably trended NW-SE, can be dated as post-Oligocene. The first extensional event produced the NE-SW trending proto-South China Sea and a series of sedimentary basins along the South China margin. Following the southeastward extrusion of Indochina, the proto-South China Sea was mostly consumed at the Palawan Trough. Renewed north-south extension in the South China continental margin started the present-day South China Sea spreading in the Oligocene. The southeastward extrusion of Indochina, blocked by Sundaland, resulted in the NW-SE trending opening of the South China Sea Basin in the Early Miocene. Collision of the North Palawan microcontinental block with the West Philippines block stopped the opening of the South China Sea at the end of Early Miocene. Spreading activity switched to the Sulu Sea Basin in the Middle Miocene but collision between the Sulu Ridge and the West Philippines at Mindanao halted the opening of the Sulu Sea at the end of the Middle Miocene. In the Late Miocene, Greater India continued its northward path and seems to have ripped open the Andaman Sea. In the Pliocene, subduction along the northern Manila Trench placed the North Luzon Arc on a collision path with the East Asia continental margin at Taiwan. Our reconstructions, along with detailed geological and geophysical information, may be used as a predictive tool for basin evolution models and block interactions in this region. The development of the South China Sea Basin, the Gulf of Thailand, the Malay Basin and the central Thailand basins are the result of collision-induced extensional forces. The Sulu, Celebes and Sumatra basins were formed as a consequence of prolonged subduction. The opening of the Pearl River Mouth, West Natuna, South China Sea, Sulu, and possibly Celebes, basins were terminated by various plate collisions. During the course of plate reorganizations major boundary faults have changed their slip senses during different stages of evolution.
A central crack of mode III in a rectangular sheet with fixed edges

This paper discusses the general solution, by use of the Fourier transform and Fourier series, of the stress intensity factor in a rectangular sheet containing a central crack of mode III, where its boundary is constrained, but its crack surface is subjected to an arbitrary anti-plane load. As examples of numerical computing, consider three circumstances: (1) the boundary parallel to a central crack is fixed; (2) the boundary perpendicular to a central crack is fixed; (3) all of the boundaries around a central crack are fixed but the crack surface is subjected to a constant load.
Endothelin-1 as Putative Modulator of Erectile Dysfunction. II. Calcium Mobilization in Cultured Human Corporal Smooth Muscle Cells

AbstractPurpose: To gain mechanistic insight into the actions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in human erectile tissue.Materials and Methods: Fura-2 based digital imaging microscopy was used to measure intracellular calcium levels in discrete cellular regions (cytosol and nucleus) in single cultured human corporal smooth muscle cells derived from corporal tissue excised from 3 patients with organic erectile dysfunction, as well as 2 patients with documented erections.Results: Endothelin-1 elicited a transient and concentration-dependent increase in cytosolic and nuclear calcium levels in cells from both patient populations. However, while the peak amplitudes of the ET-1-induced cytosolic calcium increases were similar in cells from the 2 patient populations, the observed increases in nuclear calcium levels were much more pronounced in cells from patients with organic erectile dysfunction than in patients with documented erections.Conclusions: Endothelin-1, by virtue of its ability to increase both cytosolic and nu...
Antiferromagnetism of the Antiphase Domain Structure of Pd 3 Mn

Neutron diffraction measurements were made on polycrystalline samples of a 75% Pd---25% Mn alloy. It was found that long-range positional order could be obtained by appropriate heat treatment and that this order was of the one-dimensional antiphase domain type with a period of 4 cubic unit cells. Below 170\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K antiferromagnetic reflections were observed for this ordered alloy. A magnetic structure is proposed which satisfactorily accounts for the observed magnetic reflection intensities. On the basis of this structure the atomic magnetic moments are $(4.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2){\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/\mathrm{Mn}$ and $(0.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1){\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/\mathrm{Pd}$.
Scientific Principle and Practice in Agricultural Economics: An Historical Review

Ever since their field of learning took its own identity, agricultural economists have seen themselves as dedicated to the scientific principle. In early years that commitment was trusted as a guard against human fallibility, and the more so as the first investigations relied heavily on statistical data and analyses—supposedly bias-free. Thus originated a lasting emphasis on the quantitative. A need for underlying economic principles, recognized at once, was developed in depth beginning in the 1950s. Research taxonomies, outlined in the 1920s, devolved later into an array of research methods. Scientific practice is viewed also as how scientists "behave," and writings about agricultural economists' record are couched in terms of values, objectivity, ethics. Despite just claims to systematic rigor, science responds also to unsystematic elements, among them imagination and hunch. Most engaging in literature are never-ending exchanges about the merits of mathematics and model building.
Endogenous levels of neurotransmitter candidates in photoreceptor cells of the turtle retina.

— The neurotransmitter used by vertebrate photoreceptors has not been identified, although aspartic acid, glutamic acid and acetylcholine have all been suggested as possible candidates. In the present study, we have measured the endogenous levels of these substances in isolated photoreceptors of the turtle retina. Fractions containing over 80% of identified photoreceptors were obtained by enzymatic dissociation of the retina followed by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. The endogenous levels of free amino acids in these fractions were measured by amino acid analysis and the ACh content was measured by a radiochemical assay. In addition, identified photoreceptors were drawn into a micropipet individually under visual observation and their ACh content was determined. Our results show that while the concentrations of free aspartic acid and glutamic acid in isolated photoreceptors are similar to those found in the retina, the concentration of ACh in cone photoreceptors (0.1–0.2 mM) is 2- to 3-fold higher than that in the turtle retina. This result combined with the findings of others suggests that turtle cone photoreceptors may be cholinergic
Problems With Public Reporting of Cancer Quality Outcomes Data

The authors say public reporting of even the most well-defined end points—survival after treatment—can be misleading when used to compare outcomes across providers, and these data can suffer from patient-selection and treatment-intensity biases.
Nonpulmonary small cell carcinomas of extragenital origin metastatic to the ovary.

Seven small cell carcinomas of extragenital and extrapulmonary origin that metastasized to the ovary are described. The tumors occurred in women who were 21–77 years of age (mean, 49 years) and were discovered at, or close to, the time of presentation. The primary sites were the intestine (three cases), thymus (two cases), and inguinal skin (one case), and in one case it was undetermined. The ovarian tumors, four of which were bilateral, ranged from 1.2 to 25 cm in diameter (mean, 11 cm). Microscopic examination showed typical features of small (oat) cell carcinoma in six cases; one neoplasm resembled a small cell carcinoma of intermediate cell type and contained rare glands. On immunohistochemical examination, six of six tumors stained for cytokeratin, five of five for neuron-specific enolase, two of six for chromogranin, and none of four for vimentin. The primary cutaneous tumor was a Merkel cell carcinoma. The patient with that case died at 8 months. Two patients with intestinal tumors died at 1 and 2 months, and one is free of disease at 4 years after receiving chemotherapy. Both patients with mediastinal tumors received chemotherapy; one died at 11 months and one had brain metastases at 5 months and was lost to follow-up. The final case is recent. The differential diagnoses in these cases include primary ovarian small cell carcinomas of hypercalcemic and pulmonary types and various other small cell malignant tumors metastatic to the ovary. Consideration of a variety of clinical and pathologic features should enable these important distinctions to be made. Cancer 1993; 71:177-86.
Simulation of Three-Phase Voltage Rectifier Based on Voltage Space-Vector Method

The mathematical model in the two-phase synchronous rotating coordinate system of three-phase voltage PWM rectifier is set up. A novel and fast algorithm of Space Vector Pulse Modulation (SVPWM) for three- phase voltage rectifier is adopted in this paper. The MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation model is presented based on the mathematical model of PWM rectifier. The simulation results illustrate that this design scheme has some value for practical due to its merits of pollution-free, power factor regulation and bin-directional power flow.
Semiempirical atomic mass law

Abstract New terms are proposed for the atomic mass law which incorporate effects of nuclear deformation and shell structure including interference effects between unfilled neutron and proton shells. In addition, a surface-symmetry term is included. Coulomb terms are fixed by recent radii determinations in electron scattering. The standard deviation of calculated masses is reduced by the addition of the new terms as is the error in extrapolating from one side of the valley of beta stability to the other. The usefulness of the law for calculating the mass and binding energy of atoms with large neutron excess is discussed. A table giving mass excess, neutron, proton and alpha-particle binding energies, and beta decay transition energies is appended.