cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mendelian-mutationism: the forgotten evolutionary synthesis.

According to a classical narrative, early geneticists, failing to see how Mendelism provides the missing pieces of Darwin’s theory, rejected gradual changes and advocated an implausible yet briefly popular view of evolution-by-mutation; after decades of delay (in which synthesis was prevented by personal conflicts, disciplinary rivalries, and anti-Darwinian animus), Darwinism emerged on a new Mendelian basis. Based on the works of four influential early geneticists – Bateson, de Vries, Morgan and Punnett –, and drawing on recent scholarship, we offer an alternative that turns the classical view on its head. For early geneticists, embracing discrete inheritance and the mutation theory (for the origin of hereditary variation) did not entail rejection of selection, but rejection of Darwin’s non-Mendelian views of heredity and variation, his doctrine of natura non facit saltum, and his conception of “natural selection” as a creative force that shapes features out of masses of infinitesimal differences. We find no evidence of a delay in synthesizing mutation, rules of discrete inheritance, and selection in a Mendelian-Mutationist Synthesis. Instead, before 1918, early geneticists had conceptualized allelic selection, the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, the evolution of a quantitative trait under selection, the probability of fixation of a new mutation, and other key innovations. Contemporary evolutionary thinking seems closer to their more ecumenical view than to the restrictive mid-twentieth-century consensus known as the Modern Synthesis.
2-Nitropropane-induced lipid peroxidation: antitoxic effects of melatonin.

The degree of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as indicated by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA), and the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in serum as parameters of hepatotoxicity were studied in rats treated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the hepatocarcinogen 2-nitropropane (2-NP). Since melatonin, the main secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to protect against a number of toxic agents, it was given 30 min before 2-NP to test its protective effect against 2-NP toxicity. Significant increases in LPO in liver (P<0.0001), lung (P<0.05) and kidney (P<0.0001) were observed 24 h after 4 mmol/kg 2-NP while serum SDH activity was increased 470-fold. All parameters showed time (0, 4, 8, 24 h) and dose (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mmol/kg) dependency. The induction of LPO by 2-NP was significantly reduced in lung and kidney when melatonin (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg) was given prior to 2-NP administration. The elevation in serum SDH caused by 2-NP was also reduced when melatonin was given. These findings show that 2-NP induces LPO and that pharmacological levels of melatonin can reduce the toxicity of this hepatocarcinogen.
State power and environmental initiatives in China: Analyzing China’s green building program through an ecological modernization perspective

Abstract This paper applies the ecological modernization (EM) framework to analyze China’s green building program. EM focuses on the effective institutionalization of environmental objectives into respective political and economic systems, and thus provides valuable insights into the roles of the state and other stake holders in environmental regulation. Since the mid-2000s, the Chinese government has advanced an aggressive green building campaign, which is distinguished by its speed, scale, and evolution from one of voluntary participation to a top-down implementation through administrative hierarchies. While this has resulted in a remarkable growth of green building projects, questions remain about the effectiveness and sustainability of such a state-centered approach. Though interviews with officials, planners, architects, real estate developers, and property managers in several Chinese cities, data analysis of the green building stock, and surveys of architects, this paper analyzes Chinese green building patterns and situates such patterns among the contradictory motivations of different levels of government and their relationships to different stake holders. This research finds that the top-down state apparatus is not sufficient to overcome these contradictions and the profit motives of the property developers. However, many under-developed opportunities exist to leverage property developers, building professionals, and the public to engage in green building practices. In the end, I argue that the state must embrace reform to build flexible and collaborative movements with other parties with strong public participation. China’s ecological modernization process may feature a stronger state and faster changes, but it is not exempted from the need of political modernization.
On Parameterization of Turbulent Transport in Cumulus Clouds

Abstract A one-dimensional time-dependent cumulus model is developed and discussed. Data predicted by the model along with a bulk entrainment model are compared with a case study observation and Warner's mean profile of Q/QA. While a great deal of the discrepancy between observed and predicted data can he attributed to the transient nature of convection, the consistent pattern of overprediction of such cloud properties as Q/QA and vertical velocity is indeed disturbing. It is concluded that neither the entrainment model nor the scalar nonlinear eddy viscosity model can adequately treat the general problem of turbulent transport in convective clouds. There is, however, sufficient evidence suggesting the models can he of practical value if their use is limited to dynamically active clouds and, in the case of the entrainment model, to a restricted portion of the cloud cycle life. Furthermore, there is little doubt that the entrainment coefficient is not a universal constant while the universality of the mixi...
Factors influencing independence in adolescents with sickle cell disease.

PROBLEM: Factors that predict successful transition from pediatric to adult care for adolescents with sickle cell disease are not fully understood, making transfer decisions difficult. METHODS: Seventy-four adolescents (14–21 years) participated in this descriptive correlational study to investigate the relationships of age, gender, knowledge about sickle cell disease, disease severity, and family relationships to independence. FINDINGS: Knowledge, severity, and family relationships explained only 25% of the variance for independence in the final model; family relationships were inversely correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Factors exerting stronger influences on independence remain unknown. Cultural factors may be important among this predominantly African American population.
Temporal Population Genetic Instability in Range-Edge Western Toads, Anaxyrus boreas

In this article, we address the temporal stability of population genetic structure in a range-edge population that is undergoing continual, short-distance colonization events. We sampled western toad, Anaxyrus boreas, breeding populations over 2 seasons near their northern range limit in southeast Alaska. We sampled 20 ponds each during the summers of 2008 and 2009, with 14 ponds sampled in both summers. We found considerable turnover in the population genetic relationships among ponds in those 2 seasons, as well as biologically meaningful genetic differentiation between years within some ponds. We found relatively consistent relationships between major population centers, whereas the relationships between the central ponds and smaller, outlying populations differed year to year. This finding indicates that multiple years of genetic sampling may be important for understanding the genetic landscape of some populations.
CENÁRIO PARA AS CULTURAS DE MILHO E SOJA COM BASE NA SAFRA BRASILEIRA DE 2012/2013

O empresario rural brasileiro, atualmente conta com uma variedade enorme de informacoes que necessitam ser bem avaliadas para se confiar e utiliza-las nas tomadas de decisoes. O uso de dados oficiais como do Instituto de Economia Agricola e da Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento, diminuem estes riscos. As culturas de milho e soja, juntas representam em area mais de 82% de tudo o que esta plantado na safra 2012/13. Em termos de producao estimada, que pelo oitavo levantamento da CONAB sera de mais de 184.000.000 de toneladas de graos. A quantidade produzida junto pelas duas culturas e superior a 159.500.000 toneladas, o que indica mais de 86 % da producao a ser colhida nesta safra. Problemas climaticos em algumas regioes do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos da America tem prejudicado o desempenho de uma producao que pode garantir uma melhora nos “estoques de passagem” entre uma safra e outra. Isto sinaliza alteracoes para cima nos precos que estao sendo praticados a medio e longo prazo. Atualmente os produtores estao em plena colheita e isto por si provoca um aumento na oferta e consequente diminuicao dos precos no curto prazo. As dificuldades de transporte e de armazenamento destes graos, com uma demanda aquecida, principalmente pela China, tem mantido o mercado aquecido. O governo tem se mobilizado para manter os estoques em niveis aceitaveis. Em Sao Paulo, estado importador de milho tem mostrado que continuara a importar, pois o consumo vem superando em muito o total produzido em terras paulistas. A soja tem mostrado forca na sua entrada em terras de reforma de canaviais, sendo bem maior a producao obtida neste ano, comparando-se com safras passadas no Estado de Sao Paulo, privilegiadas pela proximidades dos portos para exportacao, e pela melhora nas variedades adaptadas as condicoes produtivas do solo e clima. As duas culturas tem sido importantes no resultado da Balanca Comercial Brasileira.
Crystal Structure of Precorrin-8x Methyl Mutase

Abstract Background: The crystal structure of precorrin-8x methyl mutase (CobH), an enzyme of the aerobic pathway to vitamin B 12 , provides evidence that the mechanism for methyl migration can plausibly be regarded as an allowed [1,5]-sigmatropic shift of a methyl group from C-11 to C-12 at the C ring of precorrin-8x to afford hydrogenobyrinic acid. Results: The dimeric structure of CobH creates a set of shared active sites that readily discriminate between different tautomers of precorrin-8x and select a discrete tautomer for sigmatropic rearrangement. The active site contains a strictly conserved histidine residue close to the site of methyl migration in ring C of the substrate. Conclusion: Analysis of the structure with bound product suggests that the [1,5]-sigmatropic shift proceeds by protonation of the ring C nitrogen, leading to subsequent methyl migration.
The pattern of cell proliferation in neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation and epithelial regeneration. Patients with long-standing UC have an increased risk for the development of dysplasia and subsequent colon carcinoma. Because dysplasia likely results from deregulated cell proliferation, the authors examined Ki-67 immunoreactivity in tissues from UC patients to examine patterns of proliferation in neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions. METHODS. One hundred and eighty-seven specimens were obtained from 41 patients with UC and each lesion evaluated according to the International Classification for Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. All sections were stained with a monoclonal antibody directed against the proliferation marker Ki-67, and evaluated by three observers. RESULTS. Statistically significant differences in the pattern of Ki-67 immunoreactivity were observed between nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. In regenerative mucosa, Ki-67 immunoreactivity localized to the bases of the crypts, and the proliferative zone appeared expanded. In dysplasia, Ki-67 staining was prominent in cells in the superficial mucosa, as well as in cells at the crypt bases. In some dysplasias and all invasive carcinomas, Ki-67 staining was diffusely distributed throughout the crypts, suggesting complete deregulation of normal cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS. Cell proliferation is markedly increased in patients with UC, and appears abnormally regulated in neoplastic lesions. Furthermore, Ki-67 staining helps delineate areas of dysplasia in cases in which the distinction from regenerative mucosa is unclear. The increased cell proliferation that occurs in patients with UC may predispose the mucosa to mutational events, thereby increasing cancer risk in these patients. [See Editorial on pages 2261-3, this issue.
The Future of Moral Psychology: Truth, Intuition, and the Pluralist Way

Donagan. A. (l977). The theory of morality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Hampshire. S. (1983). Moralit)' and conflict. Cambridge. MA: Harvard University Press. Hartshorne. H., & May. M. (1928). Studies in the nature of character: Vol. I. Studies in deceit. New York: Macmillan. James. w. (1981). Principles ofprychology (Vol. 2). Cambridge. MA: Harvard University Press. (Original work published 1890) Kochanska. G. (1991). Socialization and temperament in the development of guilt and conscience. Child Development, 62. 1379-lJ92. Lagerqvist. P. (1971). The eternal smile. New York: Hill & Wang. Moore. G.E. (1959). Philosophical papers. London: Allen & Unwin. (Original work published 1922) Peirce. c.s. (1992). Reasoning and the logic of things (K.L. Ketner. Ed.). Cambridge. MA: Harvard University Press. Quine. W.V. (198)), Theoriu and things. Cambridge. MA: Harvard University Press. Shweder. R.A. (1985). Menstrual pollution. soul loss and the comparative study of emotions. In A. Kleinman & B. Goode (Eds.l. Culture and depression (pp. 182-215). Berkeley: University of California Press.
Security requirements patterns: understanding the science behind the art of pattern writing

Security requirements engineering ideally combines expertise in software security with proficiency in requirements engineering to provide a foundation for developing secure systems. However, security requirements are often inadequately understood and improperly specified, often due to lack of security expertise and a lack of emphasis on security during early stages of system development. Software systems often have common and recurrent security requirements in addition to system-specific security needs. Security requirements patterns can provide a means of capturing common security requirements while documenting the context in which a requirement manifests itself and the tradeoffs involved. The objective of this paper is to aid in understanding of the process for pattern development and provide considerations for writing effective security requirements patterns. We analyzed existing literature on software patterns, problem solving and cognition to outline the process for developing software patterns. We also reviewed strategies for specifying reusable security requirements and security requirements patterns. Our proposed considerations can aid pattern writers in capturing necessary contextual information when documenting security requirements patterns to facilitate application and integration of security requirements.
Mammographic image processing using wavelet processing techniques

Mammograms with masses corresponding to biopsy-proven cancer were processed using algorithms based on the wavelet transform. Five radiologists assessed the visibility of malignant masses in ten processed mammograms as compared with the original film images. Mammograms processed using these algorithms demonstrated some improvement in feature visualization. Wavelet-based methods of image enhancement could prove to be useful in mammography and merit further study.
Habituation of the arousal response to direct stimulation of the brainstem

Abstract Habituation of the EEG arousal response induced by direct eletrical stimulation of the brainstem was observed in unanesthetized rats with implanted electrodes and in cats under chloralose anesthesia. Habituation proceeded quite rapidly in the unanesthetized rat, showed spontaneous recovery with prolongation of intertrial intervals, and was frequency specific in some instances. In the anesthetized cat, the arousal produced by initial stimulations was generally rather brief (
Factors Affecting the Growth and Interaction of the Rough and Smooth Variants of Bacillus stearothermophilus. 2. Media and pH

SUMMARY— The influence of various media and pH upon the growth and interaction of rough and smooth variants of Batiks stearothermophilus NCA 1518 in pure and mixed populations was determined. The rough variant had a lower nutritional requirement than the smooth variant. The rough variant had a slightly shorter generation time in a minimal broth than in a trypticase soy broth devoid of phosphate buffer (TSA-A). The generation time of the smooth variant grown in the minimal medium was much longer than that in TSA-A. Available carbohydrate influenced growth of the rough variant more than the smooth variant. The rough variant showed an increase of only 3 hr in lag time at pH 6.0 and 8.0 as compared to pH 7.0, while the smooth variant had an increase in lag time of 37 hr at pH 6.0 and 47 hr at pH 8.0 as compared to pH 7.0. The smooth variant produced very little basic substances in TSA-A while the rough variant produced large amounts of these substances.
Ultrasonic Phased Array Evaluations of Implanted and In-Situ Grown Flaws in Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel Pressurizer Surge Line Piping

A set of circumferentially oriented thermal fatigue cracks (TFCs) were implanted into three cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) pressurizer (PZR) surge-line specimen welds (pipe-to-elbow configuration) that were salvaged from a U.S. commercial nuclear power plant that had not been operated. Thus, these welds were fabricated using vintage CASS materials that were formed in the 1970s. Additionally, in-situ grown TFCs were placed in the adjacent CASS base material of one of these specimens. Ultrasonic phased-array responses from both types of flaws (implanted and in-situ grown) were analyzed for detection and characterization based on sizing and signal-to-noise determination. Multiple probes were employed covering the 0.8 to 2.0 MHz frequency range. To further validate the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) findings, an independent in-service inspection (ISI) supplier evaluated the flaws with their American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code, Section XI, Appendix VIII-qualified procedure. The results obtained by PNNL personnel compared favorably to the ISI supplier results. All examined flaws were detected and sized within the ASME Code-allowable limits.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Neurotrophins mediate human embryonic stem cell survival

Growth of human embryonic stem (hES) cells as a pluripotent population requires a balance between survival, proliferation and self-renewal signals. Here we demonstrate that hES cells express receptors of the tropomyosin-related kinase (TRK) family, which mediate antiapoptotic signals. We show that three TRK ligands, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin 3 and neurotrophin 4, are survival factors for hES cells. Addition of neurotrophins to hES cell cultures effects a 36-fold improvement in their clonal survival. hES cell cultures maintained in medium containing neurotrophins remain diploid and retain full developmental potency. In the presence of neurotrophins, TRK receptors in hES cells are phosphorylated; TRK receptor inhibition leads to hES cell apoptosis. The survival activity of neurotrophins in hES cells is mediated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Neurotrophins improve hES cell survival and may facilitate their manipulation and the development of high-throughput screens to identify factors responsible for hES cell differentiation.
Temporal pattern of RNA synthesis in animalized sea urchin embryos.

Abstract The kinetics of 3H-uridine incorporation has been studied in sea urchin embryos developing normally and in the presence of concentrations of zinc which strongly animalize whole embryos. Cleavage stage embryos of both groups incorporate uridine at a low rate which increases after hatching in the controls and begins to level off at the prism stage. This acceleration is delayed by about 6 h in the animalized embryos but the same rate is achieved by these during later development. This difference is not due to any differential permeability to precursor, nor can it be correlated with a difference in cell number between control and animalized embryos. The results are discussed in terms of the knowledge concerning the control of sea urchin embryogenesis.
Use of 48Ca as a stable isotope tracer analyzed by proton activation

The use of the stable isotope /sup 48/Ca as a tracer in biological systems has been studied. Determination of /sup 48/Ca concentrations in samples was accomplished by proton activation via the (p,n) reaction with subsequent measurement of ..gamma..-ray spectra from 44-h /sup 48/Sc and 4-h /sup 44/Sc. With protons of about 5.5 MeV and a Ge(Li) ..gamma..-ray detector, and with no chemical processing of the samples, ratios of these two radioisotopes can be determined with sufficient precision to allow /sup 48/Ca tracer studies to be performed with sensitivity at least equivalent to that possible with the common /sup 45/Ca radioactive tracer. (AIP)
Physostigmine reverses cognitive dysfunction caused by moderate hypoxia in adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive changes associated with moderate hypoxia in rodents may result from the diminished functioning of central cholinergic neurotransmission. We designed this study to examine whether treatment with physostigmine (PHY), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, could improve the impairment of working memory after hypoxic hypoxia. METHODS: We randomized 90 Swiss Webster, 30-35 g mice (6-8 wks) to three hypoxia groups at fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO 2 = 0.10 (1. no treatment; 2. PHY 0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally administered immediately before; or 3. after hypoxia), or to two room air groups (given either no treatment or PHY after an insult). An object recognition test was used to assess short-term memory function. The object recognition test exploits the tendency of mice to prefer exploring novel objects in an environment when a familiar object is also present. During the 15 min training trial, two identical objects were placed in two defined sites of the box. During the test trial performed 1 h later, one of the objects was replaced by a new object with a different shape. The time spent exploring the two objects was automatically recorded by a video camera and associated software. The performance was analyzed with ANOVA, followed by post hoc comparisons using the Newman-Keuls test when appropriate. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Untreated mice subjected to hypoxia at FIO 2 = 0.1 spent significantly less time exploring a novel object on testing day 1 than did untreated mice breathing room air. Performance of the mice subjected to hypoxia, who received physostigmine after, but not before, the insult did not differ from the control group. CONCLUSION: Moderate hypoxia impairs rodents' performance in a working memory task. It appears that changes are transient, because the cognitive functioning of the mice returned to the baseline level 7 days after treatment. Postinsult administration of PHY prevented deterioration of cognitive function. An increased level of acetylcholine in the central nervous system may be responsible for the improved performance of the hypoxia-treated mice.
Flow of a simple non-newtonian fluid past a sphere

Creeping flow past a sphere is solved for a limiting case of fluid behaviour: an abrupt change in viscosity.
Largazole and analogues with modified metal-binding motifs targeting histone deacetylases: synthesis and biological evaluation.

The histone deacetylase inhibitor largazole 1 was synthesized by a convergent approach that involved several efficient and high yielding single pot multistep protocols. Initial attempts using tert-...
Overcoming the Keyhole in Human-Robot Coordination: Simulation and Evaluation:

When environment access is mediated through robotic sensors, field experience and naturalistic studies show robot handlers have difficulties comprehending remote environments - they experience what domain practitioners often call a 'soda straw'. This illustrates the keyhole effect in Human Robot Interaction, a CSE phenomena studied in the context of large virtual data space interfaces and the current research seeks to reduce this effect. A simulation for human-robot coordinated search and rescue was created based on WTC response experiences. Pilot studies showed traditional performance measures to be inadequate in analyzing control and exploration tasks therefore a novel analysis approach based on fractal path tortuosity was developed. New interface concepts for helping remote observers perceive environmental affordances were then tested using the simulation environment and evaluation measures. These studies look to concepts based on Gibsonian principles to reduce keyhole effects in control interfaces to ...
The inactivation of factor XIII during blood coagulation

Abstract Factor XIII is inactivated during blood coagulation by a) thrombin plus (a) non-fibrinogen plasma factor(s) and b) fibrin monomers in the process of polymerization. This second mode of inactivation is also effective in the absence of thrombin and does not require previous activation of the factor XIII zymogen. Thrombin at variance to its inactivating effect on plasma factor XIII, exerts exclusively a potentiating effect in a purified system free of calcium ions. Addition of calcium chloride to this purified system prevents the activation or stimulates the inactivation of factor XIII by thrombin. Calcium also potentiates the inactivating effect of thrombin on the factor XIII of adsorbed defibrinated plasma.
Auditory differential conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response: II. Effects of interstimulus interval and cue similarity

In Experiment 1 each of48Ss was given 3 days of conditioning in a 3 by 2 factorial design combining interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 250, 500, and 1000 msec with frequency separations (Δf) between the reinforced (CS+) and nonreinforced (CS-) conditioned stimulus of 200 and 1400 Hz. The results revealed poor differentiation with Δf=200Hz and uniformly good differentiation with Δf= 1400 Hz. This finding suggests that the effect of ISI upon differentiation is minor. The purpose of Experiment 2 was to determine whether the inhibitory influence of nonreinforcement was greater in a partial reinforcement paradigm, where the same CS is as often reinforced as nonreinforced, than in a differential conditioning paradigm with discriminably different CSs. A comparison of rate of responding to CS+ between a group of eight Ss given 50% partial reinforcement with two groups of eight Ss receiving differential conditioning at two levels of Δf (600 or 1200 Hz) indicated that the partial reinforcement Ss did not differ significantly from the two differential groups.
Are You an Animal Too? US and Malawian Infants' Categorization of Plastic and Wooden Animal Replicas

In this study, we examined the effects of infant country and exemplar material on 24 US and 22 Malawian (African) 15-month-olds' categorization of animals versus vehicles. Following familiarization with either plastic or wooden animal replicas, infants were tested with objects of both materials in a standard object-examining task. Both US and Malawian infants demonstrated category formation regardless of the material of the animal replicas. In addition, infants extended a category of plastic animals to novel wooden animals, but did not extend a category of wooden animals to novel plastic animals. These findings document a uniform impact of stimuli characteristics on infant object categorization despite differences in infant cultural background and toy animal experience. In addition, they show that, in some cases, infants can generalize their categorization of animals from one type of replica to another.
VELOCITY PROFILES OF NEWTONIAN AND NON-NEWTONIAN TOROIDAL FLOWS MEASURED BY A LDA TECHNIQUE

Abstract Laser Doppler Anemomeiry was used to measure the primary (axial) and secondary (recirculating) velocity profiles in laminar flows of Newtonian (ethylene glycol) and non-Newtonian (aqueous solutions of CMC and PAA) liquids in curved tubes. Rheological characteristics of these liquids were measured using standard viscometric techniques (Haake and Mechanical Spectrometer). The effect of the shear-thinning viscosity is to flatten the axial velocity profile while enhancing the circulating flow close to the walls. On the other hand, the viscoelasticity reduces the extent of the secondary flow for all Dean numbers. This fact explains the reduction of laminar friction reported in the literature. The primary and secondary velocity profiles, which appear to be the first ones ever published for the toroidal flows, are compared with the predictions of numerical simulation. The agreement is good when comparing the profiles of the axial flow but it is unsatisfactory for the secondary flows.
Synthesis of a vinylcarbynetetrairon complex. Crystal and molecular structure of [(C5H5)2(CO)2Fe2(μ-CO)]2- (μ-C5H3)+BF4−

Abstract The diiron vinyl ether carbyne complex [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)- (μ-CCHCHOCH 2 CH 3 ) + BF 4 − (1) reacted with the diiron ethenylidene complex [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)(μ-CCH 2 ) (2) to yield the tetrairon complex [(C 5 H 5 ) 2 (CO) 2 Fe 2 (μ-CO)] 2 (μ-C 5 H 3 + BF 4 − (3) which was characterized by spectroscopy and by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Effect of a Behavioral/Nutritional Intervention Program on Weight Loss in Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AbstractBackground: Health professionals are in need of more information about the weight-loss outcomes of using commercial weight-loss programs. Objective: A commercial behavioral intervention program using meal replacements, fruits, and vegetables (MR-FV) was compared with usual-care weight-loss counseling. Design: Obese volunteers were randomly allocated to usual-care weight-loss counseling or participation in an MR-FV standardized behavioral education program. The MR-FV group attended weekly weight-loss classes for 16 weeks and weekly maintenance classes for 8 weeks. Participants/Setting: Obese women or men aged 20 to 65 years were recruited from the community through a commercial program provided at a university medical center. Intervention: The control group (C group) received weight-management counseling from an experienced dietitian, while the intervention group (MR-FV group) participated in scheduled behavioral weight-loss classes. The MR-FV group participants were encouraged to consume 3 shakes,...
Revelation® Tx Microcatheter Maze Procedure Successfully Treats Paroxysmal AF

Introduction: Currently the recommended treatment for atrial fibrillation is pharmacologic therapy. The ability of antiarrhythmic drugs to maintain normal sinus rhythm ranges from 39% to 79% in the first year. A multicenter, prospective clinical study involving 20 centers and 80 subjects has shown promising results for an effective, minimally invasive treatment of paroxysmal AF with a novel RF ablation microcatheter (Cardima®). Methods: Patients with drug refractory, paroxysmal AF were treated with an RF ablation version of the MAZE procedure placing linear lesions in the right atrium. Patients served as their own controls, establishing a baseline episode frequency in the 30 days prior to treatment. Treatment outcomes were compared to baseline to determine treatment effectiveness. Results: Of 79 subjects who reached 6 months follow up by July 2002, 46.8% reported 100% reduction in symptomatic AF episodes and 84.8% reported ≥50% reduction in episode frequency. Subjects also demonstrated clinically significant and statistically significant improvements in quality of life measurements. Conclusion: These results indicate substantial patient benefit from the minimally invasive maze procedure performed with the REVELATION Tx Microcatheter.
Postoperative irradiation in malignant tumors of submandibular gland

A retrospective review of 18 patients with treated primary malignant tumors of submandibular gland is presented. The data revealed that initial control of malignancies was inversely related to the presence of disease and surgical margins. Postoperative radiation therapy was used in cases with positive surgical margins. Of the patients with inadequate surgical margins, 71% achieved local relapse when they had surgery alone, compared with 27% of the group that received postoperative irradiation. This study suggests that adjuvant radiation therapy may improve the local control and survival. Such therapy can serve as the salvage method for those who have inadequate surgical margins. Re-excision is disappointing in its ability to control this disease.
Epidermal growth factor regulation of DNA synthesis in human colonic lamina propria lymphocytes.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent growth factor for many tissues including the gastrointestinal tract. EGF is present in the gut lumen and is absorbed through the mucosa in the developing animals. In addition, EGF has been found to alter the immune system. In this study, we investigated thein vitro effect of EGF on normal colonic lamina propria lymphocyte DNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase activity. Human colonic lamina propria lymphocytes were isolated by collagenase-EDTA digestion. The effect of EGF on Con A-stimulated lymphocyte thymidine incorporation was tested. We observed that EGF suppressed DNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in lamina propria lymphocytes. EGF did not alter the time course of thymidine incorporation into LPL stimulated by the combination of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) and ionomycin. Our data suggest that (1) EGF suppresses DNA synthesis in human colonic lamina propria lymphocytes as well as ODC activity and (2) this inhibition may be mediated through protein kinase C or calcium flux. We postulate that EGF may have a role in modulating the human gut immune system.
Alendronate inhibition of protein-tyrosine-phosphatase-meg1

Alendronate (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate) is a potent bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and has proven effective for the treatment of osteoporosis. Its molecular mechanism of action, however, has not been defined precisely. Here we report that alendronate is a potent inhibitor of the protein-tyrosine-phosphatase-meg1 (PTPmeg1). Two substrates were employed in this study: fluorescein diphosphate and the phosphotyrosyl peptide src-pY527. With either substrate, alendronate was a slow binding inhibitor of PTPmeg1. Among the other bisphosphonates studied, alendronate was more potent and selective for PTPmeg1. The hydrolysis of fluorescein diphosphate by PTP epsilon and PTPmeg1 was sensitive to alendronate, with IC50 values of less than 1 microM; PTPsigma, however, under the same conditions, was inhibited by only 50% with 141 microM alendronate. Similarly, with the src-pY527 substrate, alendronate inhibition was also PTP dependent. Alendronate inhibited PTPmeg1 with an IC50 value of 23 microM, PTPsigma with an IC50 value of 2 microM, and did not inhibit PTP epsilon at concentrations up to 1 mM. The alendronate inhibition of these three PTPs and two substrates is consistent with the formation of a ternary complex comprised of enzyme, substrate, and inhibitor. PTP inhibition by hisphosphonates or vanadate was diminished by the metal chelating agent EDTA, or by the reducing agent dithiothreitol, suggesting that a metal ion and the oxidation of a cysteine residue are required for full inhibition. These observations show substrate- and enzyme-specific PTP inhibition by alendronate and support the possibility that a certain PTP(s) may be the molecular target for alendronate action.
NMR measurements of intra- and extravesicular sodium in renal microvilli.

Abstract Previous attempts to separate the nuclear magnetic resonances of intra- and extravesicular Na + in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were unsuccessful and led to the proposal of rapid exchange of Na + via sodium channels in BBMV. However, passive conductance of Na + in this membrane has been found to be relatively small. This inconsistency prompted us to use a different shift reagent to reassess the issue. In guinea pig renal BBMV (15–30 mg protein/ml) equilibrated with Na + (130 mequiv. 1), using the impermeant Na + shift reagent dysprosium tripolyphosphate (3 mM), the resonances of intra- (3.3%) and extravesicular (96.7%) Na + were resolved by 6 ppm. Increases in Na + conductance induced by gramicidin D did not alter the characteristics of intra- and extravesicular Na + resonances. By contrast, addition of glucose caused a transient increase in the area of the intravesicular Na + resonance. The clear separation between the intra- and the extravesicular Na + resonances allowed us to measure the relaxation times of Na + , which depend on its interactions with its immediate environment. The longitudinal relaxation time of intravesicular Na + (13 ± 1 ms) was much shorter than that of the extravesicular Na + (44.0 ± 0.4 ms). Thus, in intact renal BBMV, as well as in membranes treated with the cationophore gramicidin D, the exchange of Na + between the intra- and the extravesicular compartments is slow on the NMR time scale, consistent with the low Na + channel density of this membrane. In contrast, the increase in intravesicular Na + induced by glucose, is consistent with a significant contribution of the glucose cotransport pathway to Na + flux across these membranes. The short longitudinal relaxation time of Na + in the intravesicular space indicates interaction of Na + with BBMV binding sites or ordering of these ions in the intravesicular compartment.
Characterization of DNA-based material for optical devices

The use of DNA as a functional biomaterial for optical device applications is becoming a fast-expanding technology. Various researchers are investigating salmon DNA as the primary ingredient in the design of optical waveguide devices. The interaction of the indicator dye molecule, Bromocresol Purple (BCP) with the unique homogeneous double helical structure of DNA for potential electro-optic and chemical sensing applications is reported.
NMR Evidence of Weak Continuous Transitions in Water and Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions

Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts are used to examine the perturbations in water structure that occur with concentration changes in aqueous KF, KCl, and LiOH solutions. Changes in the slope of ion chemical shiftsas a function of solute concentration can be explained by changes in water structure. The equilibrium shift in water structure occurs as a result of changes in the hydrogen bond strength. The changes in hydrogen bond strength are a result of changes in electrolyte concentration and electron delocalization throughout the liquid. The location of the changes in slope with concentration is temperature dependent. A correlation of the changes in slope of chemical shifts to minima in specific heat capacity suggests the occurrence of a weak continuous transition in the solution structure at the critical concentration corresponding to the specific heat capacity minimum. By extrapolation the experiments reported here imply that there is a weak continuous transition associated with the heat capacity minimum for pure water. There must also be a structural relaxation time in the liquid associated with this transition. The results of these experiments provide confirmation for the model of aqueous solutions we recently proposed in which the solution is composed of regions of pure water and regions of liquid crystalline electrolyte hydrates. The subphase composed of structurally perturbed water is the part of the system that participates in the weak continuous phase transition that is evidenced by the NMR chemical shifts. In complete agreement with earlier Raman experiments it appears that the entire solution is a single electronic whole with exquisite electronic delocalization between the water and liquid crystalline subphases so that the ionic nuclei experience the electronic effects of the transition in the water subphase.
Examining models for coordinating health-care to the elderly

Abstract Overlap and coordination among four federal programs which are responsible for financing and/or delivering health services to the elderly (Medicare, Medicaid, Older Americans' Act, Title XX of the Social Security Act) are examined in an attempt to assess the effectiveness of the overall federal policy toward elderly health. Reasons for poor coordination include reluctance on the part of the agencies involved to coordinate their efforts, intergovernmental programmatic arrangements, and the overall fragmentation of the national health system. Three local programs, Triage, Inc., of Connecticut. ACCESS of Monroe County, New York, and the Community Care Organization of Wisconsin, are presented as examples of organizations which have achieved a degree of coordination, and consequently effectiveness, in the delivery of health services to the elderly in their communities. Prospects and strategies for future coordination in the elderly health arena are discussed.
The Peace Movement and the Religious Community in Germany, 1900–1914

The prominence of American and European clergymen in recent demonstrations in favor of international peace has been a source of encouragement to those who believe that war contradicts the most fundamental tenets of Christianity. However, it is a well known fact that Christian institutions have historically found it possible not only to tolerate the use of violence to settle international disputes, but even to advocate it with enthusiasm. The tendency of clergymen to view war as a necessary or desirable component of international relations was particularly pronounced in the decades immediately preceding the outbreak of the first world war, when churchmen found themselves caught up in the nationalistic frenzy that poisoned relations among the major European powers. The religious community in Germany was especially susceptible to this kind of belligerent nationalism and indeed ranked as one of the most patriotic sectors of Wilhelmine society. Perhaps nowhere was this orientation more evident than in the relations between the religious community and the organized peace movement in Germany.
Effects of design and error on normal convergence rates in regression problems

We describe the way in which design and experimental error interact to determine convergence rates in central limit theorems for regression estimators. For example, we show that if the convergence rate in a central limit theorem for experimental errors alone isn−α, wheren is sample size and 0<α<1/2, then this rate is maintain in a central limit theorem for intercept and slope parameters if and only if the distribution generating design has finite (2+2α)'th moment. We prove that in other circumstances a careful choice of design can substantially improve convergence rates by introducing a degree of symmetry not present in the error distribution. Other results on the relationship between design and error are also derived.
The Mellin Transform in Probabilistic Cash Flow Modeling

Abstract This paper expands some of the useful properties of the Mellin transform in risk analysis. The Mellin transform is particularly useful in evaluating the present value of a cash flow profile that contains produces or quotients of independent random variables. Just as we can obtain moments directly from the Fourier, Laplace, and geometric transforms, so can we obtain statistical moments from the Mellin transform without taking the inversion process or derivatives. The Mellin transform is also useful in computing any order of moments for a cash flow distribution based on discrete-payment and discrete compounding. A few examples are shown in this paper to demonstrate the operational properties of the Mellin transform.
Mixed diet reference materials for nutrient analysis of foods: preparation of SRM-1548 Total Diet.

Several mixed component diet materials have been available for use as reference materials for determination of elemental contents in food. These included H-9, issued by the IAEA and RM-8431, issued by NIST. Wide acceptance of these materials has exhausted supplies and they are no longer available. A new mixed food Standard Reference Material, SRM-1548 Total Diet, has been prepared and characterized for a number of elemental and organic constituents. This material was prepared from foods obtained from collections of the US FDA's Total Diet Study, which are representative of foods consumed by the US population. SRM-1548 has been composited from these foods, in proportions that are representative of daily intake. The composited foods were blended, freeze-dried, reblended and bottled in portions of 6 g. Homogeneity studies were carried out along with certification analyses for elements, cholesterol proximate and caloric content. This material is available from NIST and will be useful as a multi-purpose SRM for determinations of constituents in the naturally occurring range in foods and food related materials. Since this is a mixture of foods of both good and poorer sources, levels will be at the lower end of the concentration range for any individual constituent. Availability of further SRM's of individual foods with higher levels of specific constituents, such as SRM-1845 Cholesterol in Whole Egg will be required to extend the range of certified concentration values for food reference materials.
Basal Tuberculosis Simulating Sub-Phrenic Abscess

A case of basal tuberculosis simulating subdiaphragmatic abscess is reported and discussed.
Loose cholesterol, get stiff! Focus on "oxLDL-induced decrease in lipid order of membrane domains is inversely correlated with endothelial stiffness and network formation".

increased levels of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions, promote atherosclerotic process, and may cause endothelial dysfunction including disruption of endothelial barrier, impairment of nitric oxide signaling, and decreased endothelial cell migration. In addition, oxLDL
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Childhood Asthma Management Through School-Based Clinic Programs

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among American children. School-based health clinics (SBHCs) reduced expensive ER visits and hospitalizations through better healthcare access and monitoring in select case studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the cost-benefit of SBHC programs in managing childhood asthma nationwide for reduction in medical costs of ER, hospital and outpatient physician care and savings in opportunity social costs of lowing absenteeism and work loss and of future earnings due to premature deaths. Eight public data sources were used to compare costs of delivering primary and preventive care for childhood asthma in the US via SBHC programs, including direct medical and indirect opportunity costs for children and their parents. The costs of nurse staffing for a nationwide SBHC program were estimated at $4.55 billion compared to the estimated medical savings of $1.69 billion, including ER, hospital, and outpatient care. In contrast, estimated total savings for opportunity costs of work loss and premature death were $23.13 billion. Medical savings alone would not offset the expense of implementing a SBHC program for prevention and monitoring childhood asthma. However, even modest estimates of reducing opportunity costs of parents’ work loss would be far greater than the expense of this program. Although SBHC programs would not be expected to affect the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma, these programs would be designed to reduce the severity of asthma condition with ongoing monitoring, disease prevention and patient compliance.