cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid prenatal diagnosis of congenital Toxoplasma infection by using polymerase chain reaction and amniotic fluid.

Infection of pregnant women with Toxoplasma gondii places the developing fetus at risk for congenital infection. We report a prospective study of 43 documented cases of acute maternal Toxoplasma infections acquired during gestation in which the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for diagnosis of fetal infection and compared with the current standard methods. On the basis of direct lysis of pelleted amniotic fluid cells followed by amplification of a gene sequence specific for T. gondii, PCR correctly identified the presence of T. gondii in five of five samples of amniotic fluid from four proven cases of congenital infection. PCR also detected three of five positive cases from a nonprospective group. The two diagnostic methods of comparable speed, detection of specific immunoglobulin M from fetal blood and and inoculation of amniotic fluid into tissue culture, correctly identified only 3 and 4 of the 10 positive samples, respectively. The considerably more time-consuming methods of mouse inoculation of amniotic fluid and fetal blood both detected 7 of 10 positive samples. There were no false-positive diagnoses by any of the methods. Therefore, detection of T. gondii by PCR appears to be the most promising method for prenatal diagnosis of congenital Toxoplasma infection, since it is both extremely rapid and highly sensitive. Images
Assay of metabolic superoxide production in Escherichia coli

Superoxide production has been measured in subcellular fractions of SOD-deficient Escherichia coli provided with physiological reductants. Although cytosolic enzyme(s) do generate O2-., the larger portion is produced by autoxidation of components of the respiratory electron-transport chain. At 37 degrees C and with pO2, NADH, and NAD+ levels matching those in vivo, respiring membrane vesicles generate 3 O2-./10,000 electrons transferred. This corresponds to intracellular O2-. production, in glucose-fed cells, of 5 microM/s. The high SOD content of normal cells restricts O2-. accumulation to 2.10(-10) M, with a moderate gradient from the membrane to the center of the cell. SOD-deficient mutants achieve a much higher steady-state content of O2-.. Rates of superoxide-mediated inactivation of certain enzymes are sufficiently rapid that even 10(-10) M O2-. imposes a significant oxidative stress.
Haemonchus contortus resistance in straightbred and crossbred Barbados Blackbelly sheep

Resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection was studied in two experiments conducted with 52 lambs of widely different genetic background. Breed groups compared were: Dorset (D), Barbados Blackbelly (B), Dorset x Blackbelly (D x B), Suffolk x Blackbelly (S x B), Suffolk x Dorset x Blackbelly (S x D x B,[1/4 B]) and nonBlackbelly (NB, D and S). In each experiment, lambs were raised on concrete from birth and were essentially parasite free until infective larvae were administered. In Exp. 1, D x B, S x D x B and D wether lambs approximately 3 months old were infected with a standard dose of invective larvae estimated to be 98% H. contortus. D x B lambs had a longer (P < .05) prepatency period and, at necropsy 17-day postinfection, had a higher (P < .05) percentage of female parasites classified as immature than did the other breed groups. These data showed that the development of H. contortus larvae was inhibited in D x B host animals. In Exp. 2, B, D x B, S x B and NB ewe and wether lambs approximately 4 months old were treated with three sensitizing doses of H. contortus larvae. These were followed by a challenge infection. On the basis of fecal egg counts (eggs per gram feces, EPG), there was no evidence that the challenge infection induced a self-cure reaction in any breed group. All lambs with B breeding had significantly higher Hb levels at the end of the experiment than did NB lambs. b and S x B lambs had higher (P < .05) Hb levels than the D x B lambs, and B lambs had the highest (P < .05) mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. Five days after the challenge infection, B, D x B and S x B lambs also had significantly higher white blood cell levels than did NB lambs. Significant sex differences were also observed in Exp. 2. Ewe lambs had lower final EPG levels, higher preinfection and postinfection Hb levels and higher maximum postinfection cosinophil levels. Breed x sex interactions for these parameters were not significant.
Sub‐0.1 percent error in portable, lowspeed weigh‐in‐motion

We present breakthrough findings via significant modifications to the Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) Gen II approach, so-called the modified Gen II. The revisions enable slow speed weight measurements at least as precise as in ground static scales, which are certified to 0.1% error. Concomitant software and hardware revisions reflect a philosophical and practical change that enables an order of magnitude improvement to sub-0.1% error in low-speed weighing precision. This error reduction breakthrough is presented within the context of the complete host of commercial and governmental application rationale including the flexibility to extend information and communication technology for future needs.
Diagnosis, Configuration, Planning, and Pathfinding: Experiments in Nature-Inspired Optimization

We present experimental results of applying various nature-inspired optimization techniques to real-world problems from the areas of diagnosis, configuration, planning, and pathfinding. The optimization techniques we investigate include the traditional Genetic Algorithm (GA), discrete (binary and integer-based) Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO), relatively new Extremal Optimization (EO), and recently developed Raindrop Optimization (RO); all inspired by different aspects of the natural world. We present algorithm setup, issues with adapting the various optimization methods to the selected problems, and the emerging results produced by the methods.We consider the GA to be the baseline technique because of its robustness and widespread application. The major contribution of this chapter deals with the fact that DPSO, EO, and RO have never been applied to the majority of these selected problems, making this the first time most of these results have appeared in the literature.
Fresh Meats and Poultry

It is generally agreed that the internal tissues of healthy slaughter animals are free of bacteria at the time of slaughter, assuming that the animals are not in a state of exhaustion. When one examines fresh meat and poultry at the retail level, varying numbers and types of microorganisms are found. The following are the primary sources and routes of microorganisms to fresh meats with particular emphasis on red meats: The stick knife. After being stunned and hoisted up by the hind legs, animals such as steers are exsanguinated by slitting the jugular vein with what is referred to as a “stick knife.” If the knife is not sterile, organisms are swept into the bloodstream where they may be deposited throughout the carcass. Animal hide. Organisms from the hide are among those that enter the carcass via the stick knife. Others from the hide may be deposited onto the dehaired carcass or onto freshly cut surfaces. Some hide biota becomes airborne and can contaminate dressed out carcasses as noted below. See the section on carcass sanitizing and washing. Gastrointestinal tract. By way of punctures, intestinal contents along with the usual heavy load of microorganisms may be deposited onto the surface of freshly dressed carcasses. Especially important in this regard is the paunch or rumen of ruminant animals, which typically contains ~ 1010 bacteria/g. Hands of handlers. As noted in Chapter 2, this is a source of human pathogens to freshly slaughtered meats. Even when gloves are worn, organisms from one carcass can be passed on to other carcasses. Containers. Meat cuts that are placed in nonsterile containers may be expected to become contaminated with the organisms in the container. This tends to be a primary source of microorganisms to ground or minced meats.
Research-Based Recommendations for Implementing International Service-Learning

An increasing number of schools of nursing are incorporating international service-learning and/or immersion experiences into their curriculum to promote cultural competence. The purpose of this paper is to identify research-based recommendations for implementing an international service-learning program. A review of literature was conducted in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature database using the keywords international, immersion, cultural competence, nursing, and international service-learning. Additional references were located from the reference lists of related articles. Planning of international or immersion experiences requires consideration of the type of country, the length of time, and design of the program; the use of a service-learning framework; opportunities that require the student to live and work in the community, provide hands-on care, participate in unstructured activities, and make home visits; and a method of reflection. Increasing cultural competence does not require foreign travel, but it does necessitate that students are challenged to move outside their comfort zone and work directly with diverse populations. These research-based recommendations may be used either internationally or locally to promote the most effective service-learning opportunities for nursing students.
Cost-effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy in intermediate risk endometrial cancer.

Objectives. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States. Adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with intermediate risk disease (stage IB, IC, and occult stage II) is controversial. Despite no proven survival advantage, a significant number of women undergo this treatment annually. The purpose of this study was to compare the estimated health and economic outcomes for adjuvant whole pelvic radiotherapy to no treatment with salvage therapy for recurrence. Methods. A decision analytic model was created to estimate the costs of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy versus no adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with intermediate risk endometrial cancer. Data used was gathered from published literature and institutional data on costs. The model incorporates complications, recurrence rates, treatment of recurrence, and survival in each group. Results. In the base case analysis, adjuvant pelvic radiation reduced the recurrence rate by 50%. Cost-effectiveness as measured by cost per recurrence prevented was highly sensitive to the probability of recurrence and the efficacy of adjuvant therapy. In our model the mean costs of Strategy 1 with observation and treatment reserved until the time of recurrence would be $5016. In contrast the mean cost of Strategy 2 which incorporated adjuvant radiotherapy would be $21,159. Cost per recurrence prevented based on the incremental cost-effectiveness is thus $225,215. In the highest risk subgroup, using the upper limit of the 90% confidence limit of efficacy seen in GOG Protocol 99, cost/recurrence prevented was approximately $50,000. Results did not differ when using parameters solely from GOG 99 or PORTEC. Conclusions. Although adjuvant pelvic radiation does not appear to improve survival for intermediate risk endometrial cancer patients, it does prevent recurrences, at a net positive cost compared to no therapy. Data are not currently available to incorporate quality of life information into cost-effectiveness analyses. Obtaining such data would allow cost/quality-adjusted life year gained to be estimated. This information is necessary to determine if the extra costs of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with intermediate risk endometrial cancer are acceptable by current health care policy standards.
Professional development programmes at world-class universities

Higher education professional development trends increasingly focus on areas of quality improvement, quality assurance and optimal technology delivery models to achieve academic excellence. World-class universities rely on their faculty professional development centres for an array of professional development programmes to support teaching, research and student learning. This article examines faculty development centres at eight world-class universities in Australia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States: Australian National University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Hong Kong, University of Melbourne, University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh. Findings from this study include the structural characteristics of each centre as well as a summary of best practices in terms of programme development and resource management. We provide suggestions and recommendations to assist higher education administrators interested in establishing or strengthening professional development programmes at their own institutions.
Power control for fair dynamic channel reservation in VANETs

Providing safety applications is one of the principal motivations behind deploying vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). These applications require fair (i.e., all vehicles get equal fraction of time allocation for their transmissions) and reliable (i.e., transmissions are received with high probably by the intended receivers) broadcasting of relevant driving data. In this paper we compare the performance of IEEE 802.11p and a recent time-division based medium access control protocol, Dynamic Channel Reservation (DCR) in realistic high-density traffic scenarios. We focus on the communication requirements that allow vehicles to receive safety messages well enough in advance to warn the driver in a timely manner and avoid crashes. We observe performance degradation in both schemes as we examine them in congested environments. In such scenarios, in 802.11p, broadcast reliability decreases, while in DCR, some vehicles face starvation, thus the fairness requirement is not met. In order to avoid this situation, we propose a modified version of DCR, fDCR, in which time channels can be occupied by several vehicles, thus fostering a fair channel reservation scheme. Our channel reservation scheme is designed in a way that minimizes packet collisions due to a transmission, in receivers which are close to that transmitter. Furthermore, to enhance the probability of reception in nearby vehicles, which is one of the main communication requirements of safety applications, we propose a low-overhead transmission power control scheme. Our fully distributed power control scheme leverages on the extra transmitted information by DCR to estimate the number of vehicles in its transmission range, and accordingly adjust the transmission power. Experimental results show significant performance gains in cases of both cross-through and non-cross-through traffic for our proposed scheme in comparison with 802.11p and DCR.
Molecular Requirements for RNA-induced Silencing Complex Assembly in the Drosophila RNA Interference Pathway

Complexes in the Drosophila RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) assembly pathway can be resolved using native gel electrophoresis, revealing an initiator called R1, an intermediate called R2, and an effector called R3 (now referred to as holo-RISC). Here we show that R1 forms when the Dicer-2/R2D2 heterodimer binds short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes. The heterodimer alone can initiate RISC assembly, indicating that other factors are dispensable for initiation. During assembly, R2 requires Argonaute 2 to convert into holo-RISC. This requirement is reminiscent of the RISC-loading complex, which also requires Argonaute 2 for assembly into RISC. We have compared R2 to the RISC-loading complex and show that the two complexes are similar in their sensitivities to ATP and to chemical modifications on siRNA duplexes, indicating that they are likely to be identical. We have examined the requirements for RISC formation and show that the siRNA 5′-termini are repeatedly monitored during RISC assembly, first by the Dcr-2/R2D2 heterodimer and again after R2 formation, before siRNA unwinding. The 2′-position of the 5′-terminal nucleotide also affects RISC assembly, because an siRNA strand bearing a 2′-deoxyribose at this position can inhibit the cognate strand from entering holo-RISC; in contrast, the 2′-deoxyribose-modified strand has enhanced activity in the RNA interference pathway.
Degradation of coordinated β-diketonates as iron chelate catalysts during the oxidation of H2S to S8 by molecular oxygen

The iron–acetylacetonate (acac−) and iron–benzoylacetonate (bzac−) complexes were investigated as catalysts in the oxidation of H2S in aqueous, in 75% ethanol–25% water, and in various concentrations of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (v/v) mixed solvent systems. From the formation constants, the calculated reduction potentials indicated favorable oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur and favorable reduction of dioxygen to water. The iron–acac chelate complex catalyzes the formation of elemental sulfur and water as the Fe(III) chelates of acac− are reduced to the Fe(II) chelates. However, the degradation of acac, producing acetate and acetone, was observed in the reoxidation of the Fe(II) complex to the Fe(III) complex. A mechanism for the degradation of acac− is proposed, involving attack of the ligand by a hydroxyl radical. A decrease in the dielectric constant of the mixed solvent systems lowers the rate of degradation of the chelating agent. The reaction mechanism and solvent effects are discussed.
Garnet yield strength at high pressures and implications for upper mantle and transition zone rheology

[1] Garnet helps control the mechanical behavior of the Earth's crust, mantle, and transition zone. Here, measurements are presented suggesting that garnet, long considered to be a high-viscosity phase, is actually weaker than the other dominant components in the transition zone. The mechanical behavior of garnet at high pressures was examined using radial diffraction techniques in the diamond anvil cell. The yield strength of grossular garnet was inferred from synchrotron X-ray measurements of differential lattice strains. The differential stress was found to increase from 1.3 (±0.6) GPa at a hydrostatic pressure 5.8 (±1.1) GPa to 4.1 (±0.4) GPa at 15.7 (±1.0) GPa, where it was level to 19 GPa. The strength results are consistent with inferred strength values for majorite garnet from measurements in the diamond cell normal geometry, bolstering the idea that garnet-structured materials may all have similar strengths. In this low-temperature, high differential stress regime, garnet is shown to be significantly weaker than anhydrous ringwoodite and to have a strength similar to hydrous ringwoodite. This result suggests that the presence of water in the transition zone may not be required to explain a weak rheology, and therefore models of transition zone behavior built assuming that garnet is the high-strength phase may need to be revised.
Opportunities for early therapy of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: what happens before hospitalization

Abstract RSV loads of infants are already declining near the time of hospitalization. For optimal effect, antiviral and other RSV therapeutics therefore may need to be applied before this occurs. 134 RSV-hospitalized infants were studied to determine the timing of events and their healthcare seeking behavior prior to hospitalization. Sixty-two percent of infants had contact with a health care professional ≥1 day prior to hospitalization and 46% had such a contact on ≥2 different days prior to hospitalization. The mean (S.D.) duration of RSV symptoms prior to hospitalization was 3.9±2.3 days and prior to first health care contact was 2.6±1.8 days. RSV-hospitalized infants routinely have contact with health care professionals at significantly early time points in their illness. These contacts are potential opportunities for initiation of early anti-RSV therapy.
Heating of Basalts with a Carbon Dioxide Laser

Basalts heated strongly with focused infrared laser radiation vaporized and splattered. Electron microprobe analyses of condensate, ejecta, and residue show strong vapor fractionation trends which, for some elements, are different from what would be expected theoretically and from previously reported data on more siliceous materials. It appears that solution effects can account for these differences. Heating of materials by a powerful focused laser beam for the purpose of study of vapor fractionation is a convenient technique that is more versatile than previous methods such as heating in solar or arc image furnaces.
Disinfection with Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

: The most common disinfection method is chlorination, however, it has been known that the practice of chlorination for water treatment in the Mississippi River area has caused a significant increase in mortality. The objective of this research was to search for effective disinfectants to replace chlorine. Three cationic surfactants have been tested for their bactericidal properties under various conditions. It has been found that 1 mg of cetyldimethyl-benzylammonium chloride can destroy about 4500 coliforms in one liter water within 10 minutes, under neutral pH conditions and room temperature. Cationic quaternary ammonium compound, therefore, can be a potential candidate disinfectant for replacing chlorine when necessary.
Prolactin-binding sites in tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus) kidney

Abstract Highly purified 125I-labeled tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus) prolactin (PRL) binds to microsomal membrane fractions prepared from tilapia kidney but not liver or gill. Specificity studies revealed that up to 35% of the labeled tilapia PRL bound to the kidney membrane preparation could be displaced by 100 ng of unlabeled hormone. Ovine PRL displaced 125I-labeled tilapia PRL from the kidney PRL-binding site. However, 125I-labeled ovine PRL demonstrated negligible specific binding to microsomal membrane fractions of tilapia kidney, liver, gill, or muscle. Tilapia PRL did not inhibit the binding of 125I-labeled ovine PRL to lactating rat liver membranes. The specific binding of 125I-labeled tilapia PRL to tilapia kidney membranes was greater with freshwater-acclimated than with seawater-acclimated fish suggesting that the tilapia kidney PRL-binding site is subject to physiological regulation.
Role of calcium in stimulation of 36Cl uptake by dispersed pancreatic acinar cells

Summary Enzymatically dispersed rat pancreatic acinar cells were used to study the effects of carbachol, a muscarinic receptor agonist, on uptake of 36Cl by the cells. Within 30 sec of addition of carbachol (10−5M) to the cells, 36Cl uptake was significantly elevated relative to control. Caerulein (10−7M) also stimulated 36Cl uptake. The effects of carbachol, but not caerulein were blocked by 10−5M atropine. Caerulein also stimulated 36Cl uptake when extracellular K was increased from 5 to 50mM, suggesting that the effect is not secondary to depolarization. Ca was required for the stimulation of 36Cl uptake due to carbachol or due to 20 μM A-23187; 0.3 μM A-23187 did not stimulate 36Cl uptake. It is concluded that carbachol and caerulein increase pancreatic acinar cell membrane permeability to Cl, and that Ca may be involved in the mediation of this effect.
The diffusion time of the connecting orbit around rotation number zero for the monotone twist maps

We improve Mather's proof on the existence of the connecting orbit around rotation number zero (Proposition 8.1 in [7]) in this paper. Our new proof not only assures the existences of the connecting orbit, but also gives a quantitative estimation on the diffusion time.
The effect of salivary gland extracts on tooth development

Abstract Periodic intramuscular injections of salivary gland extracts caused alterations in the growth centres of mandibular incisor teeth of mice. With the concentrations given, 0.30 mg and 0.15 mg per injection, the higher dose either directly or indirectly caused marked changes in the fabrication of the enamel protein matrix. While there were changes within the dentine, as indicated by increased predentine being laid down the changes here were not as dramatic as those observed within the protein matrix of enamel. Another significant alteration was the marked increase in size and number of vessels to the area. Vascularity was at first increased in the adjacent regions and later to the dental pulp. Changes were at first noted after two injections and were most obvious between 4 and 6 injections. This study shows a definite relationship of salivary gland extracts with the mineralization of teeth.
Bacteriophage HK97 head assembly: dramatic rearrangements in the context of icosahedral symmetry

The HK97 capsid is a T = 7 structure that assembles from pentamers and hexamers of the 41 kD (384 aa) subunit. This produces a rather unstable structure called Prohead I (PH-I). Carrying out the as...
"Still looking for my Jonathan": gay Black men's management of religious and sexual identity conflicts.

This article looks at homosexual Black men who are heavily involved in fundamentalist African-American churches. These men describe themselves as “out as same-sex loving individuals” even though the messages preached by their church leaders and the doctrines of their churches are, at the very least, heterosexist, but more likely to be stridently anti-homosexuality. Not only do these men attend the churches they are parts of, but they are viewed as leaders in these churches in positions ranging from associate pastor to director of facilities management. The study uses structured interviews to understand how these men manage the conflict between a committed gay identity and a strong religious identity that says the two cannot coexist.
North Atlantic wind and wave climate: Observed extremes, hindcast performance, and extratropical recurrence intervals

An investigation of the extreme offshore wind and wave climate in the mid-Atlantic region has been conducted for the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). The overall objective of the project is to assist with the development of Metocean standards for offshore wind farm design, and establish a 100-yr extratropical wind speed and wave height climatology for the specific regions of interest. Specific accomplishments include evaluating and selecting a climatological data base to use for the study, establish a technique for performing the extremal analysis, and generating maps of 100-yr return period wind speeds and wave heights. Measured data from National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) and Scripps Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) offshore stations were used to characterize the storm climate and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of two North Atlantic Ocean hindcasts. Hindcasts under consideration included the 20-yr USACE Wave Information Studies (WIS) with kinematically adjusted storm winds, and a new 30-yr WAVEWATCH III® hindcast using National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis Reforecast (CFSRR) winds. Using the latest available techniques for wave spectral partitioning, a sea and swell climatology for the region is presented. Robust error metrics quantify hindcast performance in replicating both the observed wave systems and event peak conditions. Each hindcast product was found to have specific strengths and weaknesses. Although the WIS hindcast is shown to have superior winds, the WIS and NCEP wave hindcast results are mixed. As the NCEP product is presently only available for research purposes, the WIS hindcast was selected for use in computation of the final map products. A total of four extremal analysis techniques were evaluated for assessment of extratropical wind and wave storm data. The Empirical Simulation Technique (EST) provided in [14] employs a life-cycle approach to extreme value analysis. In contrast, the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) [2], Weibull [11], and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) [22] methods are parametric extrapolations to the data. To evaluate these approaches in our area of interest, extratropical Storm populations were identified at five test stations by applying both Peak over Threshold (POT) and Annual Maximum Series (AMS) techniques (for use with the GEV) to the NCEP 30-yr hindcast which is the longest hindcast currently available. Tropical storms were removed by an automated process linked to the North Atlantic Hurricane Database (HURDAT). The four extremal techniques were applied to the storm populations and comparisons made at the 50- and 100-yr recurrence interval. The selection of a final methodology will be described and resulting maps of the 50- and 100-yr recurrence interval extratropical wind speeds and wave heights will be presented.
Congenital visceral myopathy with a predominantly hypertrophic pattern treated by multivisceral transplantation

Chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction due to visceral myopathy may cause intestinal failure. The anatomical pathology of visceral myopathy is dominated by an atrophic muscularis propria. We present a case that is overwhelmingly dominated by a hypertrophic muscularis propria. The hypertrophic pattern was documented from ages 2 to 28 years. Most descriptions of visceral myopathy focus on the atrophic pattern of injury to the muscularis propria, typified by vacuolar degeneration of myocytes, loss of muscle fibers, and frequently with a honeycomb pattern of fibrosis. Hypertrophic changes can be observed in visceral myopathy, but the hypertrophy typically represents only a minor feature, typically limited to the internal layer of the muscularis propria. In our patient, the observed muscular hypertrophy differed from most descriptions because it (a) was the dominant pattern of injury and (b) involved both layers of muscularis propria rather than just the inner circular layer. The patient had intestinal failure and the complications induced cirrhosis, eventually treated by multivisceral transplantation to correct the intestinal failure and cirrhosis.
Toxicity and enzyme-inducing activity of 4-fluoro-4′-trifluoromethyl benzophenone guanylhydrazone hydrochloride (FTBG)

Abstract The acute toxicity of a candidate antimalarial drug, 4-fluoro-4′-trifluoromethyl benzophenone guanylhydrazone hydrochloride (FTBG; WR 09792), was measured by intraperitoneal and oral administration to mice, rats, and guinea pigs. The LD50 values were between 11.5 and 27.9 mg/kg by the intraperitoneal route and between 114 and 199 mg/kg by the oral route. Subacute oral toxicity measurements demonstrated that a daily dose of 5 mg/kg was the highest dose that could be tolerated for 14 days without mortality or a decrease in leukocytes. Measurements of the effects of FTBG on hepatic microsomal enzymes demonstrated that this compound produces a marked and specific increase in the O-demethylase activity of the livers of rats when repeated daily doses are given intraperitoneally or orally. No induction of the other microsomal enzymes that were measured was noted, and induction of O-demethylase did not occur in mice and guinea pigs. Reversible, dose-related increases in O-demethylase activity occurred with 1 mg/kg and higher doses of FTBG daily for 5 days. Examination of structurally related compounds indicated that the trifluoromethyl substituent of FTBG is involved in the induction of O-demethylase activity.
QCD with dynamical fermions on the connection machine

Abstract Our collaboration has implemented Quantum Chromo-dynamics (QCD) on the massively-parallel Connection Machine, in ∗Lisp. The code uses dynamical Wilson fermions and the Hybrid Monte Carlo Algorithm (HMCA) to update the lattice. We describe our program, and give performance measurements for it. With no tuning or optimization, the code runs at approximately 1000 Mflops on a 64K CM-2.
Smoking Cessation and Risk of Stroke in Women

To the Editor. —In agreement with Kawachi et al,1we found cigarette smoking increased the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a population-based, case-control study.2Considering the 149 male and female cases and the 298 age- and gender-matched controls, the odds ratio (OR) for current heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day) was 11.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0 to 24.9); for current light smokers ( The finding that the risk is greatest in the 3 hours after smoking suggests that a transient factor, such as
Bromide Adsorption on Pt(111): Adsorption Isotherm and Electrosorption Valency Deduced from RRDPt(111)E Measurements

The rotating ring-disk electrode technique with a Pt(111) single crystal in the disk position is used to establish, for the first time, both the bromide adsorption isotherm and its electrosorption valency on Pt(111). In 0.1 M HClO4 with ≈10-4 M Br-, bromide adsorption begins at ca. −0.15 V (SCE) and reaches a coverage of ≈0.42 ML at 0.5 V; the electrosorption valency is essentially unity. By subtracting the bromide flux from the Pt(111)-disk current, we were able to deconvolute hydrogen adsorption/desorption processes in the presence of bromide. The major peak in the voltammetry at ca. −0.1 V is the simultaneous desorption/adsorption of hydrogen and adsorption/desorption of bromide. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the saturation coverage of adsorbed hydrogen on Pt(111) is ≈160 μC/cm2.
Systemic glucocorticoid use and early-onset basal cell carcinoma.

Immunosuppressive medications are common in the management of numerous conditions, such as organ transplantation, allergies, and respiratory disorders [1]. In some patients with conditions, such as organ transplantation, that require long-term, high-dose immunosuppression, immunosuppressives increase risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) (60–250 fold increase), and to a lesser extent for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (10 fold increase) [2–10]. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has also been associated with immunosuppressives among rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease patients [11–13]. With widespread use of low-potency, low-dose immunosuppressives, particularly glucocorticoids, for allergic and inflammatory conditions, there is interest in whether these low-level exposures increase NMSC risk. Glucocorticoids and NMSC have been evaluated in three studies [14–17]. A US case-control study found a two-fold increased risk of SCC with oral glucocorticoids, but only a suggestive non-significant association for BCC [16]. A Danish cohort study using national prescription data found a 16% increase in BCC with injected or oral glucocorticoids, with greater risk with more prescriptions [17]. A case-control study in the same Danish population found a 15% increase in BCC with oral glucocorticoids and increased risk with longer duration [15]. There was one positive [17] and one null finding [15] for SCC in the Danish studies. Finally, a US prospective study found no association between oral prednisone and BCC or SCC in adults with prior NMSC [14]. While short-term steroid use is not known to have any lasting impact on immune function, transient immune suppression from systemic steroid use could impact BCC risk, especially in those with high ultraviolet radiation exposure, which may itself induce local immune suppression [18]. To address the paucity of research on systemic glucocorticoids and NMSC, we evaluated this relationship in a case-control study of early-onset BCC.
Size distribution measurements of dissolved organic carbon in natural waters using ultrafiltration technique

Ultrafiltration is frequently used as a technique for size distribution measurement of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in natural waters. Concentrations of DOC in low molecular weight size classes may be underestimated if membrane rejection is neglected. A model was developed to improve the accuracy of size distribution measurements using an ultrafiltration technique. This model can be used for a large volume water sample, which is often required for trace element analysis in environmental samples. The model was applied to the size distribution analysis of DOC in water samples from the Florida Everglades and the results were in good agreement with that obtained using the model previously reported by Logan and Jiang.
Reconstitution of a phospholipid flippase from rat liver microsomes

The endoplasmic reticulum is the principal site of synthesis and initial incorporation of membrane lipids in eukaryotic cells; the enzymes of glycerolipid biosynthesis are exclusively located on its cytoplasmic surface. To maintain a phospholipid bilayer in this organelle, newly synthesized phospholipids must be translocated to the lumenal surface. Consistent with this are measurements indicating that movement of phospholipids across microsomal membranes is rapid, with a half-time less than 5 min (refs 3 and 4). Rapid movement of phospholipids has also been detected across the plasma membrane of Bacillus megaterium, another site of de novo lipid biosynthesis. The rapid transmembrane movement of phosphatidylcholine has not been detected, however, in vesicles prepared from microsomal lipids. These latter data suggest involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum of a phospholipid-translocating protein, as was first proposed by Bretscher who called it 'flippase'. Here we report reconstitution of a phospholipid flippase from rat liver microsomes into lipid vesicles.
An integrated multitarget tracking system for interacting target scenarios

In real-world target tracking scenarios, interactions among multiple moving targets can severely compromise the performance of the tracking system. Targets involved in interactions are typically closely-spaced and are often partially or entirely occluded by other objects. In these cases, valid target observations are unlikely to be available. To address this issue, we present an integrated multi-target tracking system. The data association method evaluates the overlap rates between newly detected objects (target observations) and already-tracked targets, and makes decisions pertaining to whether a target is interacting with other targets and whether it has a valid observation. Thus, the system is capable of recognizing target interactions and will reject invalid target observations. According to the association results, distinct strategies are adopted to update and manage the tracks of interacting versus well-isolated targets. Testing results on real-world airborne video sequences demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed system for tracking targets with multiple target interactions. Moreover, the system operates in real time on an ordinary desktop computer.
Common factors are not Islands - They work through models: A response to Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner

In this article, we respond to Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner (this issue) from three different perspectives. First, we discuss their criticisms as rooted in a portrait of common factors to which we do not subscribe. Second, we discuss points of agreement and partial agreement between our two articles. Finally, we discuss our areas of clear disagreement with their points of view. In these areas of disagreement we put forth the common factors approach as an empirically supported lens; we discuss the influence of investigator allegiance on the specificity conclusion; and we challenge the idea that the common factors lens is simple. In conclusion, we illustrate how common factors work through a credible therapy model using functional family therapy as an example.
Fully scaled 0.5 μm MOS cicuits by synchroton X-ray lithography: Resist systems and line width control

Abstract To test the line width control of typical resist systems in x-ray lithography, we have developed and utilized x-ray resist processes for all levels in the fabrication of NMOS and CMOS devices with 0.5 μm ground rules. Results from line width control studies will be discussed along with the process latitude from the resist systems.
The effects of continuous and interval training in women and men

Fourteen Subjects (6 male, 8 female) participated in a training program upon a bicycle ergometer for 7 weeks. Group CT followed a continuous training regimen 4 days per week at 70% $$\dot V$$ O2 max. Group IT trained by an interval method at 100% $$\dot V$$ O2 max. The duration of each training session was assigned so that each subject would complete 10,000 kpm of work per session during the first week. Each subsequent week, the work load was increased 3000 kpm. Pretraining tests included $$\dot V$$ O2 max, standard 7 min tests at 80% $$\dot V$$ O2 and 90% $$\dot V$$ O2, an endurance test at 90%, and an intense anaerobic work bout at 2400 kpm. Variables assessed were $$\dot V$$ O2, HR, and blood lactic acid concentrations. The mean increase in $$\dot V$$ O2 max was 5.1 ml/kg min (15%) for both groups with a corresponding increase in maximal lactate of 20 mg-%. The response to the post-training tests was nearly identical for both groups: submaximal heart rate at the same absolute work load declined 17 beats/min (CT) and 15 beats/min (IT), submaximal lactate levels declined significantly, endurance ride duration increased 26 min. Continuous and interval training at 70% and 100% $$\dot V$$ O2 max respectively produce identical changes in heart rate response, blood lactic acid concentration and $$\dot V$$ O2 max when the total work load is equated per training session.
Catalase activity of C3 and C4 species and its relationship to mercury vapor uptake

Abstract Catalase activity of seven gramineous species was measured. Significant differences of catalase activity were observed between C 3 and C 4 species; the average activity of C 3 plants was approximately 4-fold greater than that of C 4 plants. Positive correlations were observed between the catalase activity and in vivo uptake of mercury by leaves or in vitro uptake by leaf homogenates. Sodium azide and sodium cyanide completely inhibited in vitro mercury uptake by the leaf homogenates. 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA), a specific catalase inhibitor, gave 95–100% inhibition on mercury uptake by a wheat homogenate and only 40–60% inhibition by a corn homogenate. Treatment of intact plants with various amounts of ATA caused various degrees of inhibition in both mercury vapor uptake and catalase activity. For comparable amount of ATA, a greater inhibition of mercury uptake was observed in C 3 plants as compared to that in C 4 plants. However, there were no differences on inhibition of catalase activity between the C 3 and C 4 species. Observations from the results of both in vivo and in vitro experiment suggest that catalase plays a key role in mercury vapor uptake by gramineous C 3 species and a lessor role in C 4 species, particularly sorghum.
Testing for the Church-Rosser Property

The central notion in a replacement system is one of a transformation on a set of objects. Starting with a given object, in one “move” it is possible to reach one of a set of objects. An object from which no move is possible is called irreducible. A replacement system is Church-Rosser if starting with any object a unique irreducible object is reached. A generalization of the above notion is a replacement system (S, ⇒, ≡), where S is a set of objects, ⇒ is a transformation, and ≡ is an equivalence relation on S. A replacement system is Church-Rosser if starting with objects equivalent under ≡, equivalent irreducible objects are reached. Necessary and sufficient conditions are determined that simplify the task of testing if a replacement system is Church-Rosser. Attention will be paid to showing that a replacement system (S, ⇒, ≡) is Church-Rosser using information about parts of the system, i.e. considering cases where ⇒ is ⇒1 ∪ ⇒2, or ≡ is (≡1 ∪ ≡2)*.
Stay tuned to your programs: Explaining older Americans' program encounters

Abstract There has been much research in gerontology and political science on why people use programs. This article synthesizes extant work and examines the impact of social resources, personal resources, need, and values on program awareness and use. The data base is 456 older Americans in rural upstate New York Results show that need, personal resources, social resources, and program awareness all have some influence on respondents' use of programs.
Attitudes Toward Women: A Comparison of Asian-born Chinese and American Caucasians

Asian-born Chinese and Caucasian American men and women were compared on attitudes toward women, using the Spence-Helmreich Attitude Toward Women Scale. All subjects—74 Americans, 85 Chinese—were between 30 and 55 years of age and had at least a bachelor's degree. Chinese subjects were Mandarin in origin. The prediction that Chinese subjects would be more liberal was not confirmed. Women were more liberal than men on two factors: first, vocational, educational, and intellectual roles; second, marital relations and obligations. Ethnic differences were not a main effect on other factors but a significant interaction was obtained in three factors: freedom and independence; dating, courting, and etiquette; and drinking, swearing, and telling jokes. On these factors Caucasian females scored in the liberal direction and so did Chinese males. Caucasian males and Chinese females were consistently and significantly more conservative.
Inhibition of the flocculation of bacteria by biopolymers

Abstract Bacterial flocculation is an important phenomenon in secondary waste treatment. Polymers produced by bacteria control the flocculation process. We used the bacterium Leuconostoc as a model in a study of the effect of bacterial polymers on flocculation. Leuconostoc mesenteroides is known to synthesize extracellular dextran when sucrose is used as a substrate. Dextran is not normally produced by glucose-grown cells. Sucrose-grown cells of Leuconostoc failed to flocculate, while glucose-grown cells formed visible flocs. Removal of dextran from sucrose-grown cells stimulated aggregation. Artificial polymers and clays interacted with stable suspensions of Leuconostoc to yield aggregates. The presence of large quantities of natural or artificial polymers can act to stabilize bacterial suspensions and prevent flocculation.
Identification of a D-amino acid decapeptide HIV-1 entry inhibitor

Abstract Entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion into host cells involves three major steps, each being a potential target for the development of entry inhibitors: gp120 binding to CD4, gp120-CD4 complex interacting with a coreceptor, and gp41 refolding to form a six-helix bundle. Using a d -amino acid decapeptide combinatorial library, we identified peptide d C13 as having potent HIV-1 fusion inhibitory activity, and effectively inhibiting infection by several laboratory-adapted and primary HIV-1 strains. While d C13 did not block binding of gp120 to CD4, nor disrupt the gp41 six-helix bundle formation, it effectively blocked the binding of an anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody and chemokine SDF-1α to CXCR4-expressing cells. However, because R5-using primary viruses were also neutralized, the antiviral activity of d C13 implies additional mode(s) of action. These results suggest that d C13 is a useful HIV-1 coreceptor antagonist for CXCR4 and, due to its biostability and simplicity, may be of value for developing a new class of HIV-1 entry inhibitors.