cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of epidemiology and clinical toxicology to determine human risk in regulating polychlorinated biphenyls in the food supply

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) became a national problem in 1971 when several accidental contaminations of foods were reported. Extensive efforts were successfully undertaken by FDA to reduce the residues of PCBs in food. However, the PCB levels in several species of freshwater fish have raised concern about PCB residues from environmental contamination. This concern prompted a reassessment of the human risk involved in consumption of such fish. The best evidence that a chemical may produce adverse health effects in humans is provided by adequate epidemiologic data confirmed or supplemented by data from valid animal tests. Traditionally, where the regulatory agencies have used results of animal toxicology experiments to evaluate hazard and predict hypothetical safety for humans, “safety factors” such as 1 to 10 or 1 to 100 have been used. The size of the safety factor and the potential exposure to a chemical are established by properly informed scientific judgment. More recent efforts have involved use of a combination of human and animal data and a variety of mathematical models to determine risk. The human epidemiology data and the animal toxicity data of PCB exposure are reviewed, as well as risk assessment in general. Specific examples of risk assessment are presented in which animal data are extrapolated to humans, based on several levels of human exposure to PCBs in fish.
Surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic devices for high‐resolution separations of single‐stranded DNA

While polymer-based microfluidic devices offer some unique opportunities in developing low-cost systems for a variety of application areas, the ability to sort electrophoretically with high efficiency a number of different targets has remained somewhat elusive with an example consisting of achieving single base resolution as required for DNA sequencing. While the reasons for this are many-fold, it is clear that some type of coating is required on the polymer substrate to suppress the EOF and/or minimize potential solute/wall interactions. To this end, we report on a simple grafting procedure to allow the formation of polymer coats, which in this example used linear polyarcylamides (LPAs), onto a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfluidic device. The procedure involved creating an amine-terminated PMMA surface by appropriately functionalizing the PMMA through either a chemical or photochemical process. The aminated surface could then be used to covalently anchor methacrylic acid, which was used as a scaffold to produce LPAs on the surface through radical polymerization of acrylamide. The resulting surfaces demonstrated EOFs that were nearly an order of magnitude smaller than native PMMA. In addition, these LPA-coated devices could produce highly reproducible migration times of over approximately 20 runs with plate numbers exceeding 10(5) m(-1). Using gel electrophoretic analysis of a single base track generated from an M13mp18 template using Sanger cycle sequencing and dye-primer chemistry, the resolution value obtained for bases 199 and 200 was 0.18 while for bases 208 and 209 it was 0.21. For the native PMMA, these bands were found to comigrate.
SU-E-T-556: Interplay Effect Between Dynamic MLC and Moving Target for Lung SBRT with IMAT Technique Delivered by Flattening Filter Free Beam of True Beam Machine

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric impact of the interplay effect between dynamic MLC and moving target on lungSBRT with intensity‐ modulated arc therapy (IMAT) technique delivered by flattening filter free (FFF) beam of True‐Beam machine. Methods: 6 lungcancer patients with 0.5–1.0 cm tumor motions were investigated in this study. All patients underwent 4DCT scan using audio coaching. For each patient, a 2‐arc IMAT plan was retrospectively generated using Varian RapidArc planning system. Based on the total MU, dose rate and respiratory cycle, the planned MLC control points of IMAT plans were assigned into different respiratory phases. Afterward, 10 new IMAT plans related to different respiratory phases were generated and imported back into Eclipse planning system to calculate the radiationdose on the CTimages of different respiratory phases. In‐house 4D dose calculation program with deformable registration capacity was used to calculate the cumulative doses from all respiratory phases. Following parameters were used to evaluate the dosimetric impacts: dose error (DE), i.e., the difference between the 3D dose of original IMAT plan and the calculated 4‐D dose, and the percentage of volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100).Results: For all patients, the average maximum DE of PTV and CTV are 32.6% and 4.8%. The DE is larger than 5% for 22% of PTV and 0.3% of CTV volume, and the DE is less than 3% for over 88% of the CTV volume. Compared to the original IMAT plans, the V100 of PTV are lower by 15%. However, the changes on V100 of CTV are less than 1%. Conclusions: For lung IMAT treatment delivered by FFF beam of True‐Beam machine, the interplay effect between dynamic MLC and moving target could change the absolute doses within the target, but its impact on CTV dose coverage is insignificant.
B55α PP2A Holoenzymes Modulate the Phosphorylation Status of the Retinoblastoma-related Protein p107 and Its Activation

Pocket proteins negatively regulate transcription of E2F-dependent genes and progression through the G0/G1 transition and the cell cycle restriction point in G1. Pocket protein repressor activities are inactivated via phosphorylation at multiple Pro-directed Ser/Thr sites by the coordinated action of G1 and G1/S cyclin-dependent kinases. These phosphorylations are reversed by the action of two families of Ser/Thr phosphatases: PP1, which has been implicated in abrupt dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) in mitosis, and PP2A, which plays a role in an equilibrium that counteracts cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) action throughout the cell cycle. However, the identity of the trimeric PP2A holoenzyme(s) functioning in this process is unknown. Here we report the identification of a PP2A trimeric holoenzyme containing B55α, which plays a major role in restricting the phosphorylation state of p107 and inducing its activation in human cells. Our data also suggest targeted selectivity in the interaction of pocket proteins with distinct PP2A holoenzymes, which is likely necessary for simultaneous pocket protein activation.
Nuclear data sheets for (even-A) A = 246 through A = 262

Experimental data pertaining to the nuclear structure of nuclei with even mass numbers A = 246 through A = 262 have been compiled and evaluated (the odd-A mass chains, A = 245 through A = 263, are currently being revised for publication). In many cases where data are lacking, systematics developed by 72ElSc were used to obtain the needed values.
The communication of global citizenship through Public Service Announcements: a US study

Public Service Announcements (PSAs) provide a rare opportunity for American universities to brand their university to a diverse audience of viewers. Research on branding has been in the corporate world for decades, but there is still work to be done with regard to branding higher education in order to fully conceptualize the factors of significance in determining a strong institutional brand. This paper looks to address the issues of branding in higher education by exploring the themes present in PSAs aired by American universities. In study one, researchers examined current PSAs employed by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Bowl Subdivision schools of varying academic rank to evaluate the differences in messaging approaches. In study two, the researchers conducted a framework analysis to generate an understanding of what role international themes play in PSAs of ‘high-ranking’ institutions. This study shows the emergence of a ‘global citizenship’ theme in communications originating...
Body Color Pattern and the Aggressive Behavior of Male Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis Gibbosus) During the Reproductive Season

Male pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) readily attacked plywood models placed into their nests. Models containing red features (iris, opercular flap) received more attacks and aggressive displays than models lacking these features or than models which had these features painted black. This indicates that in the pattern of the male pumpkinseed, the red portion of the opercular flap and the red iris are social releasers for aggressive behavior. These features fade in subordinate pumpkinseeds in the laboratory and also in female pumpkinseeds before they enter the male's nest during reproduction. This pattern change would therefore function to decrease aggressive behavior directed at these individuals. A conspicuous feature of the female pumpkinseed is the presence of lateral bars. When bars were added to models, reductions in aggressive behavior were consistently observed. Hence, bars appear to inhibit male aggression. Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) nest sympatrically with pumpkinseeds and interspecific nest defense was commonly seen. A conspicuous feature of male bluegills is a dark spot in the area of the dorsal fin rays. When such a spot is added to models, increases in aggressive behavior were observed in male pumpkinseeds. Hence, this feature may provide a basis for interspecific recognition and reproductive isolation. Finally, pumpkinseeds responded more vigorously to models than did bluegills. This may imply that the former are more attuned to morphological features than the latter. Bluegills, on the other hand, may be more attuned to the behavior of nest intruders. This hypothesis agrees with differences in the nesting ecology of these species.
Solution of the truncated moment problem with variety $y = x^{3}$

We show that positivity, consistency, and the variety condition, which are sufficient to solve the truncated moment problem on planar curves of degree 2, are not sufficient for curves of higher degree. Using new, partly algorithmic, conditions based on positive moment matrix extensions, we present a concrete solution to the truncated moment problem on the curve y = x 3 . We also use moment matrix extensions to solve (in a less concrete sense) truncated moment problems on curves of the form y = g(x) and yg(x) = 1 (g ∈ ℝ[x]), leading to degree-bounded weighted sum-of-squares representations for polynomials which are strictly positive on such curves.
Cutting the Gordian Knot: The Moving-Average Type–Token Ratio (MATTR)

Abstract Type–token ratio (TTR), or vocabulary size divided by text length (V/N), is a time-honoured but unsatisfactory measure of lexical diversity. The problem is that the TTR of a text sample is affected by its length. We present an algorithm for rapidly computing TTR through a moving window that is independent of text length, and we demonstrate that this measurement can detect changes within a text as well as differences between texts.
The publicly self-consciousness consumer: Prepared to be embarrassed

Abstract This research examined whether high public self-consciousness (HPUBSC) consumers are more inclined than low public self-consciousness (LPUBSC) consumers to buy products aimed at preventing embarrassment but which are embarrassing to buy. Study 1 found that PUBSC is positively associated with increased intentions to buy such products. Study 2 showed that an increase in the severity of the social consequences associated with an embarrassing situation increased participants' purchase intentions, regardless of their level of PUBSC. However, whereas an increase in the frequency of an embarrassing situation's occurrence increased the purchase intentions of LPUBSC participants, it decreased the purchase intentions of HPUBSC participants. Study 3 revealed evidence of a reverse spotlight effect for HPUBSC participants.
Device geometry considerations for ridge waveguide quantum dot mode-locked lasers

Quantum dot mode-locked lasers have emerged as a leading source for the efficient generation of high-quality optical pulses from a compact package, attracting considerable attention for support of multiple high-speed applications, owing to characteristics such as low noise operation and high pulse peak power, in addition to the ability to multiplex the output pulse train in temporal and frequency domains in order to obtain hundreds of GHz pulse repetition rates potentially operating at 1 Tbps. This topical review provides a detailed explanation into the primary advantages of quantum dots, identifying the key features that have made them superior to other material systems for passive mode-locking in semiconductor lasers. Following this account, the impact of the device's cavity geometry on the operational range of two-section, monolithic passively mode-locked lasers is investigated both experimentally and analytically. A model is described that predicts regimes of pulsed operation as a function of absorber length to gain length ratio. Experimental measurements of the pulse time-domain characteristics over a wide range of operating temperatures are found to be in excellent agreement with analytical predictions. The impact of ridge waveguide design on the operational range is also examined and the key dimensions that most strongly impact efficient operation are identified.
Comparative Effectiveness of Group and Individual Prenatal Care on Gestational Weight Gain

This study examined differences in gestational weight gain for women in CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal care versus individually delivered prenatal care. We conducted a retrospective chart review and used propensity scores to form a matched sample of 393 women (76 % African-American, 13 % Latina, 11 % White; average age 22 years) receiving prenatal care at a community health center in the South. Women were matched on a wide range of demographic and medical background characteristics. Compared to the matched group of women receiving standard individual prenatal care, CP participants were less likely to have excessive gestational weight gain, regardless of their pre-pregnancy weight (b = −.99, 95 % CI [−1.92, −.06], RRR = .37). CP reduced the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy to 54 % of what it would have been in the standard model of prenatal care (NNT = 5). The beneficial effect of CP was largest for women who were overweight or obese prior to their pregnancy. Effects did not vary by gestational age at delivery. Post-hoc analyses provided no evidence of adverse effects on newborn birth weight outcomes. Group prenatal care had statistically and clinically significant beneficial effects on reducing excessive gestational weight gain relative to traditional individual prenatal care.
A pulsatile pneumatically driven neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system using neck vessel cannulas tested with neonatal mock circulation.

: In posthypoxic circulatory failure, pulsatility of flow generated by mechanical support devices significantly influences outcome. Pneumatically driven assist devices can create highly pulsatile flow, but need large graft cannulas implanted by thoracotomy in children and neonates. Emergency application is therefore hindered. We conducted an in vitro study using neonatal mock circulation (NMC) to test whether an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system driven by a commercially available pneumatic assist device also can be operated through commonly used neonatal neck vessel cannulas. Using the pneumatically operated Medos ventricular assist device (VAD) 10 ml ventricle along with the Jostra M8/HEC40 oxygenator/heat exchanger, a neonatal ECMO system was assembled and connected to the NMC by means of commercially available neonatal neck vessel cannulas. Effective ECMO flow, combined circulation flow, and circulation pressures were measured during various working settings (ventricle driving pressures [systolic/diastolic (mbar)]: low: +100/−25, moderate: +200/−50, high: +300/−99) and loading conditions (device working against 0, 50, and 100% native circulation flow). Additionally, maximum possible ECMO flow through various sizes of neonatal ECMO cannulas and resulting pressure gradients were assessed. High pressure settings were necessary to achieve 100 ml/kg/min pulsatile circulation flow in case of zero native circulation. With residual 30% native circulation flow, 100 ml/kg/min pulsatile circulation flow could be established by moderate pressure settings. Low preload or high systemic vascular resistance reduced ECMO flow markedly. We concluded that in the described setting a pneumatically driven neonatal ECMO system could be operated even through commonly used neonatal neck vessel cannulas. It was necessary to accept partial emptying of the artificial ventricle and tapering of driving pressures with increasing native circulation.
Organization of receptive fields in networks with Hebbian learning: the connection between synaptic and phenomenological models

In this paper we address the question of how interactions affect the formation and organization of receptive fields in a network composed of interacting neurons with Hebbian-type learning. We show how to partially decouple single cell effects from network effects, and how some phenomenological models can be seen as approximations to these learning networks. We show that the interaction affects the structure of receptive fields. We also demonstrate how the organization of different receptive fields across the cortex is influenced by the interaction term, and that the type of singularities depends on the symmetries of the receptive fields.
Evaluation of Various Concentrations of Dietary Protein and Animal Protein for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed to Satiation or at a Restricted Rate

A factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of dietary protein (28% or 32%), animal protein (0, 3, or 6%), and feeding rate (satiation or >90 kg/ha per d) on production characteristics, processing yield, and body composition of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fingerling channel catfish (average weight: 55 g/fish) were stocked into 60, 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed once daily to satiation or no more than 90 kg/ha per d for 147 d. Fish fed at a rate of >90 kg/ha per d consumed about 85% of the amount of feed consumed by fish fed to satiation. Dietary protein did not affect the total amount of feed fed, amount of feed consumed per fish, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, or fillet protein. Animal protein had no effect on the total amount of feed fed, amount of feed consumed per fish, weight gain, or fillet protein and ash. Fish fed a diet containing 6% animal protein converted feed more efficiently than fish fed diets containing 0% and 3% animal protein. Fish fed to satiation daily consumed more feed, gained more weight, converted the feed less efficiently, and had a higher carcass yield, a higher level of visceral fat as compared to fish fed at a rate of >90 kg/ha per d. Feeding rate had no effect on fillet protein. Results from this study indicated that both a 28% and a 32% protein diet with or without animal protein provided the same growth rate of channel catfish raised in ponds from fingerlings to marketable size if feed is not restricted below a maximum rate of 90 kg/ha per d. Even though there were some interactions among the three factors evaluated, dietary protein levels of 28% to 32% and animal protein levels of 0% to 6% do not appear to markedly affect carcass yield and fillet proximate composition of pond-raised channel catfish.
Investigation of Transient Technique for Turbine Vane Heat Transfer Using a Shock Tube

An investigation was made of a transient technique for determining heat transfer and flow conditions in a cascade of turbine vanes. A shock tube was used to establish, behind a reflected shock, temperature ratios between the gas the vanes simulating the severe operating conditions of modern gas turbines. Heat transfer and flow conditions at five locations (leading edge and 1/4 and 1/2 chord positions on suction and pressure surfaces) were determined by a heat flux gage and by flow visualization with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The heat flux gage was a thin-film semiconductor type thermocouple used to measure the surface temperature of a semi-infinite solid as a function of time. Then a transient analysis using a finite difference scheme was used to calculate the heat transfer. The validity of the transient technique was established by measurements with the thin-film gage mounted on the shock tube wall. Analytical results for steady, turbulent heat transfer to a flat plate are somewhat less than the measured results, the difference decreasing with increased shock strength. Analysis of the transient flow conditions in the shock tube provides an explanation of this behavior. The heat transfer conditions for the turbine vane are believed to be established rapidly enough to represent valid steady state measurements for the simulated turbine vane flow conditions.Copyright © 1985 by ASME
Simulations of emission from microcavity tandem organic light-emitting diodes

Microcavity tandem organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are simulated and compared to experimental results. The simulations are based on two complementary techniques: rigorous finite element solutions of Maxwell's equations and Fourier space scattering matrix solutions. A narrowing and blue shift of the emission spectrum relative to the noncavity single unit OLED is obtained both theoretically and experimentally. In the simulations, a distribution of emitting sources is placed near the interface of the electron transport layer tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) Al (Alq3) and the hole transport layer (N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine (α-NPB). Far-field electric field intensities are simulated. The simulated widths of the emission peaks also agree with the experimental results. The simulations of the 2-unit tandem OLEDs shifted the emission to shorter wavelength, in agreement with experimental measurements. The emission spectra's dependence on individual layer thicknesses also agreed well with measurements. Approaches to simulate and improve the light emission intensity from these OLEDs, in particular for white OLEDs, are discussed.
Long-term soil microbial community and enzyme activity responses to an integrated cropping-livestock system in a semi-arid region

Abstract Water availability is a primary limiting factor facing agricultural systems in most semi-arid regions across the world. This study is part of a larger long-term project to develop and evaluate integrated crop and livestock systems in order to reduce dependence on underground water sources by optimizing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production in the Texas High Plains of U.S. Selected microbial, chemical and biochemical properties were studied (between 7 and 10 years) in a clay loam soil (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls) under continuous cotton compared to an integrated cropping-livestock system that included cotton, forage, and Angus-cross-stocker beef steers (initial body weight 249 kg). For the integrated system, steers grazed in sequence a perennial warm-season grass ‘WW-B. Dahl’ old world bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) paddock, and then rye (Secale cereale L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in two paddocks (stages) of a rotation with cotton. Our previous studies after 5 years showed greater microbial biomass C (MBC) in perennial pasture (193 mg kg−1 soil) and the rotation when sampled under rye or cotton (average of 237 mg kg−1 soil) compared to continuous cotton (124 mg kg−1 soil) at 0–5 cm. After 7 years, MBC became significantly higher in the rotation independent of the crop compared to continuous cotton in this study. At the end of 10 years, total C was higher in both the rotation and pasture of the integrated cropping-livestock system (average across grazing treatments: 17.3 g kg−1 soil) compared to continuous cotton (11.4 g C kg−1 soil). Soil MBC and several enzyme activities were higher under non-grazed areas compared to grazed areas within the integrated cropping-livestock system in some samplings. Microbial community structure of pasture soil showed higher FAME indicators for G− (i.e., a17:0 and cy19:0) and actinomycetes (i.e., 10Me17:0) under grazed areas compared to non-grazed areas. Microbial community structure of pasture soil showed higher fungal populations compared to continuous cotton. The rotation showed intermediate sum of bacterial FAME indicators among systems (continuous cotton > rotation > pasture) and a tendency for numerically slightly higher fungi:bacterial ratios compared to continuous cotton. This study demonstrated increases in microbial biomass and enzyme activities of C-, N-, P- and S-cycling within an integrated cropping-livestock system that may represent positive changes in soil functioning compared to continuous cotton.
Lucigenin chemiluminescence assay as an adjunctive tool for assessment of various stages of inflammation: a study of quiescent inflammatory cells.

A simple, fast, precise and biologically relevant toxicity assay for screening cytotoxicity of minerals would have distinct advantages due to its cost benefits and relative savings in time. Furthermore, a bioassay to differentiate acute and chronicin vivo pulmonary reactions could have potential value as predictors of fibrogenicity and pathogenicity. In this study we examined the potential use of lucigenin as a probe to evaluate the correlation between chemiluminescence (CL) generated by alveolar macrophages with the known cytotoxicity and pathogenicity by conventional bioassays. In this study, we used small doses of dust (20 μg) to minimize cellular overload and to maintain homeostasis. Crystalline silica a highly fibrogenic dust was used as positive control and results are compared with those for bentonite, kaolin and talc. Among the three minerals compared with silica, bentonite was more reactive (27%) in CL assay and declined sharply compared to other minerals. This sudden decline in bentonite CL is caused by cytotoxicity leading to cell death. CL-induced by talc was comparable to silica and declines slowly. Kaolin on the other hand produced relatively a weaker (25%) CL compared to silica. Our data using relatively low doses of dust suggest that the CL assay may have a better predictive value in cytotoxicity evaluations compared to conventional toxicity assays.
Collisional activation mass spectra of ions containing polyisotopic elements

If a mass selected ion containing multiple isotopes of an element fragments by loss of a neutral containing the element, the product ions will be observed as multiple peaks. This ‘isotopic cluster’ of peaks, although of a different appearance than those found in normal mass spectra, also indicates the isotopic composition of the precursor ion.
Structure of the 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid-containing polysaccharide (K6 antigen) from escherichia coli LP 1092

Abstract The acidic polysaccharide (K6) antigen from Escherichia coli LP 1092 contains d -ribose and 3-deoxy- d - manno -octulosonic acid in the molar ratio of 2:1, respectively. Spectroscopic data ( 13 C- and 1 H-n.m.r.), methylation analyses, and periodate oxidation indicate that the polysaccharide is composed of the foregoing components essentially in the following trisaccharide sequence: →2)-β- d -Rib f -(1→2)-β- d -Rib f -(1→7)-α- d -KDO-(2→ The polysaccharide also contains O -acetyl substituents (∼0.2–0.3 mol per KDO residue).
Effects of nitrapyrin, terrazole, and simazine on soil nitrogen transformation and corn growth

Abstract Nitrapyrin, terrazole and simazine were evaluated as chemical inhibitors of biological nitrification and denitrification. Corn (Zea mays L. cv. Hybrid Pioneer 3343) was grown in 60‐liter pots filled with a 50/50 (V/V) sand/Cecil clay mixture. Chemical treatments consisted of weekly applications of 0.25 ppm nitrapyrin, terrazole and/or simazine concurrently with 20 ppm N as either (NH4)2SO4 or Ca(NO3)2 for 9 weeks. Thereafter, only N (20 ppm per pot) was applied to the media every three days for 4 weeks. Nitrapyrin, terrazole and simazine reduced nitrification resulting in both higher total plant N and residual soil NH4 content relative to the control plants and soil. Plant growth was reduced by the inhibitory effects of the chemicals on nitrification and subsequent NH4 accumulation in the medium. All chemicals reduced denitrification with terrazole being more effective than nitrapyrin as reflected by higher N contents of plants and residual soil NO3‐N. Nitrapyrin and/or terrazole applied with Ca(...
Acquisition factor required for aphid transmission of purified cauliflower mosaic virus

Abstract Purified cauliflower mosaic virus (CIMV) could be transmitted only by aphids which had probed leaves infected with an aphid-transmissible isolate of CIMV before they probed into the purified virus. Aphids which had probed healthy leaves or leaves infected with a non-aphid-transmissible isolate of CIMV or aphids which first probed into purified virus and then into infected leaves did not transmit the purified virus. These results suggest that aphids obtain a factor (acquisition factor) from leaves infected with a transmissible isolate, which enables them to acquire, and to subsequently transmit, purified virus. The acquisition factor was shown not to be the virion of the transmissible isolate. Aphids which obtained the acquisition factor from CIMV infected leaves could transmit purified CIMV but not purified viruses of the potato Y (potyvirus) group; aphids which probed leaves infected with potyviruses could transmit other purified potyviruses but not purified CIMV.
Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with a biosynthetic scaffold: a report of four cases.

The management of recurrent and large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus presents a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. Although numerous treatment options are available, few publications exist that provide guidance regarding management. The initial management of stage-I and stage-II lesions1,2 is typically nonoperative. However, for persistent or advanced talar lesions, surgical intervention is common3-5. Surgical options traditionally include arthroscopic debridement with or without microfracture, internal fixation of larger fragments, or retrograde drilling with bone-grafting. When initial surgical management has failed or when larger lesions are present, patients may be treated with an osteoarticular transfer system, mosaicplasty, bulk allograft, or autologous chondrocyte implantation6. The treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus has been guided by the results of surgical procedures performed for similar pathology within the knee; studies utilizing arthroscopic drilling and osteochondral transplantation have shown promising short-term results as primary treatment5,7-12. Nonetheless, little information is available regarding treatment options for individuals with recurrent or advanced talar lesions. Recent reports suggest that newly developed osteochondral scaffolding implants may be a viable option for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus, eliminating many of the problems associated with autografts and allografts13-15. To the best of our knowledge, however, no clinical reports regarding treatment outcomes in patients receiving a biosynthetic implant for an osteochondral lesion of the talus are presently available. Here, we describe the cases of four patients with recurrent or cystic talar lesions that were treated with a biosynthetic scaffold (TRUFIT BGS Plug; Smith and Nephew, Andover, Massachusetts). The implant is composed of a synthetic composite material of polylactide-co-glycolide, calcium sulfate, and polyglycolide fibers. The implant functions as a scaffold for chondral and osteogenic cells, with the synthetic polymer being resorbed …
Oxidation kinetics of menhaden oil with TBHQ

The oxidation kinetics of menhaden oil containing 0% to 0.02% tertbutylhydroquinone (TBHQ) were evaluated at 37°C. Induction periods, and monomolecular and bimolecular oxidation rates were determined from thiobarbituric acid analysis. The disappearance rates of several fatty acids were determined from GC analysis. Free fatty acid and viscosity changes were evaluated. Induction periods were directly related to TBHQ concentration. Monomolecular rates decreased with increasing TBHQ concentration, but bimolecular rates did not change. The rate of disappearance of unsaturated fatty acids was proportional to their degree of unsaturation, but not related to TBHQ concentration. Free fatty acid content and viscosity increased rapidly after the monomolecular period.
Model Studies on the Modification of Proteins by Lipoxidation-Derived 2-Hydroxyaldehydes†

2-Hydroxyaldehydes have been previously identified as products of lipid peroxidation, and although they represent the simplest reducing sugars, their potential for modification of proteins under physiological conditions has not been investigated. Here, 2-hydroxyaldehydes were found to condense with amines in two ways, implicating potential pathways for modification of lysine residues. A fluorescent 4,5-dialkyl-3-hydroxypyridinium with ex/em 327/390 nm and a nonfluorescent 4-alkylimidazolium cross-linking product were isolated and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and, in the former case, through independent synthesis. Both reactions appear to proceed through Amadori rearrangement of the initial Schiff base. On the basis of the UV absorbance of the 3-hydroxypyridinium, the latter was estimated to represent modification of 1.5% of the lysines of RNase incubated with 0.5 mM 2-hydroxyheptanal for 10 days at 25 °C. The 4-alkylimidazolium is proposed to contribute to the prote...
Interaction between variation in the D2 dopamine receptor ( DRD2 ) and the neuronal calcium sensor-1 ( FREQ ) genes in predicting response to nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco dependence

We have previously demonstrated that a functional dopamine D2 receptor promoter variant (DRD2 -141 Ins/Del) predicts response to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The present study extends this finding in the same population of 363 NRT-treated subjects, by examining variation in the gene encoding the neuronal calcium sensor-1 protein (FREQ), which functions to regulate D2 receptor desensitization. The results indicate a statistically significant interaction effect of DRD2-141 and FREQ genotypes on abstinence at the end of the NRT treatment phase; 62% of the smokers with at least one copy of the DRD2 -141 Del allele and two copies of the FREQ rs1054879 A allele were abstinent from smoking, compared to 29–38% abstinence rates for other smokers in the trial. This result suggests that the interaction between variation in the DRD2 and FREQ genes, which both encode components of the D2 dopamine receptor signal transduction pathway, impacts the efficacy of NRT.
Correction: Authors of Letters

Excerpt To the editor:I would like to include Horace M. Perry, MD, as a coauthor of the letter onStreptococcus pyogenesand bone resorption (1)....
Identification and Characterization of anEntamoeba histolytica Upstream Regulatory Element 3 Sequence-specific DNA-binding Protein Containing EF-hand Motifs

Abstract The hgl5 gene of Entamoeba histolytica is negatively regulated through the upstream regulatory element 3 (URE3) DNA motif TATTCTATT. This motif is also present and significant in the function of the E. histolytica fdx gene promoter. A yeast one-hybrid screen was used to identify an E. histolytica cDNA encoding a protein (URE3-BP) that recognized this DNA motif. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence demonstrated the presence of two EF-hand motifs but identified no canonical DNA binding motifs. URE3-BP, expressed in bacteria, demonstrated Ca2+-dependent and sequence-specific recognition of the URE3 DNA sequence as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Antibodies raised against URE3-BP blocked the formation of the URE3 DNA-protein complex by native nuclear extracts. The URE3-BP protein was present in theE. histolytica nucleus and cytoplasm with an apparent molecular mass of 22.6 kDa. Our results represent the first use of a yeast genetic screen to identify, on the basis of function, a DNA-binding protein of an early branching eukaryote. Since the URE3 DNA can modulate gene expression in both a positive and negative manner, this protein may have more than one mechanism of interaction with transcriptional machinery. Characterization of URE3-BP should provide insight into transcription regulation and virulence control in this parasite.
Fetal head molding: An investigation utilizing a finite element model of the fetal parietal bone

Abstract Fetal head molding is the change in head shape due to the forces of labor. Previous investigations of the molding process have been largely qualitative in nature. In order to provide a first step toward a quantitative description of the deformations of the fetal head, a finite element analysis of the parietal bone of the fetal skull is performed. The structural geometry of the bone is derived from orthogonal radiographs of a full term anatomical specimen. Load and material parameters are taken from previous investigations. The bone is modeled using 63 thin shell elements from the SAP IV element library. Scaled models of preterm parietal bone are compared to term bone models. The results indicate that the models undergo deformations which are qualitatively similar to those seen in normal labor. The preterm parietal bone model exhibits deformations 2–4 times greater than the term bone model for the same load distribution. The significance of these results and their relationship to the molding process are discussed.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae PLD directly interacts with Akt kinase upon infection of primary, human, cervical epithelial cells.

Summary Neisseria gonorrhoeae secrets a phospholipase D (NgPLD), which augments complement receptor 3 (CR3)-mediated invasion of cervical epithelial cells. To elucidate the signalling pathways triggered with gonococcus CR3-engagement and the putative function of NgPLD in these events, we analysed the contribution of the phosphoinositide-Akt pathway to cervical infection. Our data indicated that Akt plays a critical role in cervical infection. Inhibition of myosin light chain kinase, PtdIns(4,5)P2, and Akt functions resulted in decreased gonococcus invasion of primary, human, cervical epithelial cells as well as Akt kinase activity. Akt activity was similarly impaired when cervical cells were challenged with NgPLD-mutant gonococci. Conversely, the PI3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, enhanced gonococcal invasion of, and Akt activity within, primary cervical cells. We demonstrated that NgPLD directly binds to the Akt PH domain and can compete with a natural Akt ligand, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, for Akt binding. Collectively, our data suggested that NgPLD augments gonococcus invasion of cervical epithelia by interacting with Akt kinase in a PI3-kinase-independent manner, which results in subversion of normal cervical cell signalling.
The turbulent Prandtl number in the near-wall region for low-Prandtl-number gas mixtures

Results of experiments for binary gas mixtures, with molecular Prandtl numbers in the range 0.18–0.7 in flow in a smooth circular tube with constant transport properties were employed to examine models hypothesized for the distribution of the turbulent Prandtl number, Prt,{{y+, Pr, Re}}. These models included approximations of predictions from recent direct numerical simulations of turbulent duct flows. Data for a range of molecular Prandtl numbers for ‘high“ Reynolds numbers, ≈ 3 × 104 < Re < ≈ 1 × 105, were obtained earlier by the authors by utilizing mixtures formed by helium or hydrogen with xenon, argon or carbon dioxide. For the range 0.21 < Pr < 0.72, Reynolds analogy and the variable Prt{{y+, Pr, Re}} model by Kays agreed with downstream measurements to within about 5%.
Inexact newton methods for singular problems

In this paper we describe the effects of an inexact implementation of Newton's method on the behavior of the iteration for certain nonlinear equations in Banach space for which the Frechet derivative is singular at the solution. We give a termination criterion for the inner iteration that preserves not only the q-linear convergence of the Newton iterates but also the fine structure required for an acceleration method.
Three-Year Course of Behavioral/Emotional Problems in a National Sample of 4− to 16-Year-Olds: I. Agreement among Informants

Abstract Quantitative and categorical indices of psychopathology are reported for a nationally representative longitudinal sample assessed via eight empirically derived cross-informant syndromes, internalizing, externalizing, and total problems. Results showed medium to large stabilities for parents' ratings during a 3-year interval on all comparable scales. Predictive correlations between time 1 parents' ratings and time 2 teacher and self-ratings were weaker than parent-to-parent correlations. Classification of children as deviant showed weaker predictive relations than did quantitative scores. Odds ratios showed that children classified as deviant by parents' time 1 ratings were much more likely to be deviant at time 2 on corresponding parent, teacher, and self-ratings than were children initially classified as nondeviant.
Enthalpy of Water Adsorption and Surface Enthalpy of Goethite (α-FeOOH) and Hematite (α-Fe2O3)

Goethite, α-FeOOH, and hematite, α-Fe2O3, have high affinity for water, especially when particle size is small. To determine the enthalpy of different types of adsorbed water, we performed water adsorption calorimetry on goethite and hematite with surface areas of 60−270 and 2−150 m2/g, respectively, using a new calorimetric technique combining a microcalorimeter and an automated gas dosing system. Several types of strongly bound water can be distinguished on hematite, depending on heating temperature and surface area. These have enthalpies of adsorption relative to liquid water (ΔHads) equal to −67.1 ± 4.9, −48.6 ± 1.8, and −25.5 ± 4.4 kJ/mol. The last value corresponds to water adsorption on very fine grained hematite and is very close to the water adsorption enthalpy for goethite, ΔHads = −19.4 ± 4.2 kJ/mol. Surface enthalpies for anhydrous surfaces of goethite (0.91 ± 0.09 J/m2) and hematite (1.9 ± 0.3 J/m2) determined experimentally are reported for the first time. The significant difference in surfa...
Dynamic Indentation of an Elastic-Plastic Multi-Layered Medium by a Rigid Cylinder

A plane-strain analysis of dynamic indentation of an elastic-plastic multi-layered medium by a rigid cylinder was performed using the finite element method. Conversely to plane-strain static contact analysis, the solutions of a dynamic contact analysis within a subsurface domain adjacent to the contact region are independent of mesh size, provided the mesh dimensions are sufficiently large such that the propagating waves reflected from the artificial boundaries do not reach the domain of interest during the analysis. Simulation results for the normal force, contact pressure distribution, subsurface stresses, and evolution of plasticity in the multi-layered medium are presented in terms of the speed and radius of the rigid indenter. The likelihood of mechanical failure due to excessive plastic deformation and cracking is interpreted in terms of finite element results for the von Mises equivalent stress, first principal stress, and equivalent plastic strain obtained for different values of the indenter speed and radius of curvature.
An explosion of technology.

Abstract Your patient is a 68-year-old man with a history of stable angina that has been satisfactorily controlled for 5 years with a β blocker and occasional sublingual nitroglycerin. He has been brought to the emergency department this evening—pale, sweating and anxious—by his distraught wife because, 3 hours earlier, he began complaining of progressively worsening chest pain that nitroglycerin failed to alleviate.
Fresh-Water/Sea-Water Relationship Within a Ground-Water Flow System, Northeastern Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

Ground-water velocities within fractures and boreholes, hydraulic heads, and depth profiles of conductivity were measured along a 70 km section of the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Hydraulic heads ranged from 40 to 60 cm above mean sea level between 2 and 4 km from the coast. Fluid velocities estimated from point-dilution tests, in the dual-porosity rock in a borehole several kilometers from the coast, were 0.021 cm/sec in the fresh-water lens and 0.082 cm/sec near a fracture in the underlying sea-water zone. Velocities in large fractures increased from 1 cm/sec 10 kilometers inland to 12 cm/sec near discharge points along the coast. This increase is attributed to the decrease in thickness of the fresh-water lens. The thickness of the fresh-water lens is approximately 40% less than the Ghyben-Herzberg relation predicts for a static system, providing the potential to drive fresh water through fractures into the sea-water zone below the halocline. Overall, the halocline appears to be in a steady-state position due to the rapid flow of fresh water and brackish water towards the coast combined with rising sea water in corivectional flow.
The good organization communicating well: Teaching rhetoric in the public relations classroom

Abstract This essay refines public relations pedagogy by demonstrating further the ways in which rhetorical instruction can be a good means of teaching public relations students critical thinking skills needed to be thoughtful, ethical, and reflective practitioners. We argue that exposing students to classes and techniques rooted in the rhetorical tradition can (1) help to prepare students for practice; (2) address criticism of the curriculum's limited functionalistic scope; (3) prepare students to both understand and interrogate public discourse generally. We establish the foundations of rhetoric's role in public relations and provide three pedagogical examples and classroom exercises, thus demonstrating the benefits of further incorporating this perspective into the public relations classroom. The pragmatic implications of those exercises and other efforts in infusing the rhetorical tradition into public relations pedagogy are discussed.
Understand and categorize dynamically dead instructions for contemporary architectures

Instructions executed by the processor are dynamically dead if the values they produce are not used by the program. Researchers have discovered that a surprisingly large fraction of executed instructions are dynamically dead. Dynamically dead instructions (DDI) can potentially slow-down program execution and waste power. Unfortunately, although the issue of DDI is well-known, there has not been any comprehensive study to understand and explain the occurrence of DDI, evaluate its performance impact, and resolve the problem for contemporary architectures. The goals of our research are to measure the ratio of DDI and systematically characterize them for existing state-of-the-art compilers and popular architectures, and then develop compiler and/or architectural techniques to avoid their execution at runtime. In this paper, we describe our GCC-based framework to instrument binary programs to generate control-flow and data-flow (registers and memory) traces at runtime. We present the distribution and percentage of DDI in our benchmark programs. We find that for the x86 platform, our embedded systems benchmarks compiled with GCC generally contain significantly fewer DDI than those observed in earlier research for other architectures. We also describe the outcome of our manual study to analyze and categorize the instances of dead instructions in our programs into seven distinct categories. We briefly describe our plan to develop compiler and architecture based techniques to eliminate each category of DDI in future programs. We believe that a close synergy between static code generation and program execution techniques may be the most effective strategy to eliminate DDI.