cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of peptidoglycan-associated proteins in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The principal proteins associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae peptidoglycan (PG), as identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, are the following: two proteins at approximately 90 kilodaltons (kDa), single major species at both 60 and 44 kDa, a 34- to 36-kDa protein, and three proteins between 28 and 32 kDa. A protein analogous to Escherichia coli Braun lipoprotein was not detected with gonococcal cell wall preparations. The identity of the PG-associated proteins was confirmed immunologically with antibody generated against purified cell walls. Two types of protein species, dithiothreitol extractable (the majority) and alkylation dependent (primarily the 34- to 36-kDa protein), appeared to be associated with the N. gonorrhoeae cell wall fraction. It was found that a crucial step in the extraction of the proteins from the PG fraction was the inclusion of an acetone-water wash of the purified PG pellet. Studies with cell wall preparations obtained from N. gonorrhoeae intrinsically labeled with 32P revealed that the acetone wash was removing phospholipid from the cell wall fraction and thus facilitating protein extraction. Autoradiographic analysis with PG material derived from 125I-surface-labeled cells indicated that the 44-kDa protein is exposed on the surface of the organism even when associated with the PG layer. Radioimmunoprecipitation with anti-PG antibody confirmed these findings. Lectin analysis (wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase) suggested that the 34- to 36-kDa protein is covalently attached to the PG layer.
Diluting power of thick limbs of Henle. II. Bumetanide-sensitive 22Na+ influx in medullary vesicles

We evaluated the effects of osmotic gradients on 22Na+ influx in vesicles prepared from rat outer renal medulla. 22Na+ influx driven in a coflow mode by an inwardly directed 100 mM KCl gradient was measured at 20 and 60 s; 1 mM bumetanide inhibited approximately 30% of 22Na+ influx. The bumetanide-sensitive 22Na+ influx was reduced by approximately 65% when either K+ or Cl- was omitted from the aqueous phases. We found that an osmotic gradient for vesicle shrinkage, that is, 600 mM urea in the extravesicular medium, enhanced the bumetanide-sensitive 22Na+ influx twofold. Conversely, an osmotic gradient for vesicle swelling, that is, with vesicles but not extravesicular media loaded with 600 mM urea, produced a 50% suppression of bumetanide-sensitive 22Na+ influx. Moreover, 600 mM extravesicular urea, an osmotic gradient for vesicle shrinkage, also reduced uptake of the nonspecific marker [14C]mannitol. These effects of osmotic gradients were not due to alterations in ionic driving forces, since bumetanide-sensitive 22Na+ influx driven in a counterflow mode by loading the vesicles with 100 mM NaCl also was activated or suppressed by osmotic gradients for vesicle shrinkage or swelling, respectively. We conclude that osmotic gradients, and/or vesicle volume changes, modulate bumetanide-sensitive Na+:K+:2Cl- activity.
Phenomenological and neurocognitive perspectives on delusions: A critical overview.

There is considerable overlap between phenomenological and neurocognitive perspectives on delusions. In this paper, we first review major phenomenological accounts of delusions, beginning with Jaspers’ ideas regarding incomprehensibility, delusional mood, and disturbed “cogito” (basic, minimal, or core self-experience) in what he termed “delusion proper” in schizophrenia. Then we discuss later studies of decontextualization and delusional mood by Matussek, changes in self and world in delusion formation according to Conrad's notions of “apophany” and “anastrophe”, and the implications of ontological transformations in the felt sense of reality in some delusions. Next we consider consistencies between: a) phenomenological models stressing minimal-self (ipseity) disturbance and hyperreflexivity in schizophrenia, and b) recent neurocognitive models of delusions emphasizing salience dysregulation and prediction error. We voice reservations about homogenizing tendencies in neurocognitive explanations of delusions (the “paranoia paradigm”), given experiential variations in states of delusion. In particular we consider shortcomings of assuming that delusions necessarily or always involve “mistaken beliefs” concerning objective facts about the world. Finally, we offer some suggestions regarding possible neurocognitive factors. Current models that stress hypersalience (banal stimuli experienced as strange) might benefit from considering the potential role of hyposalience in delusion formation. Hyposalience – associated with experiencing the strange as if it were banal, and perhaps with activation of the default mode network – may underlie a kind of delusional derealization and an “anything goes” attitude. Such an attitude would be conducive to delusion formation, yet differs significantly from the hypersalience emphasized in current neurocognitive theories.
Photolysis in a well‐stirred solution

An equation is derived describing the extent of photolysis of a photosensitive solute in a well-stirred solution. The solute, solvent, and photolysis products are all assumed to absorb the monochromatic light employed. The optical density of the system is therefore time(conversion)-dependent, but not position-dependent. The derived equation has been programmed in FORTRAN language for digital computing. Computed relations for some chosen sets of input data are illustrated graphically. Besides being useful in determining quantum efficiencies in photolytic reactions, the derived relations should assist in the extrapolation of findings in optically thin systems to those to be expected in optically thick geometries.
Intracellular distribution of glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen content in the developing chick liver.

Abstract Liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity and glycogen levels were estimated in developing embryos and chicks, commencing with the 8-day embryo. Differential centrifugation revealed that 80–90% of the enzyme activity was associated with the “mitochondrial” fraction from day 8 to about day 16; beyond this time the great bulk of assayable activity was found in the microsomal fraction up to 6 days after hatching. Peak “mitochondrial” activity was at 11 days of embryonic life, and peak microsomal activity was present just before hatching (20 days). Liver glycogen levels were extremely variable from day to day up to 28 days after hatching, bearing both direct and inverse relationship with total liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity.
Fabrication and testing of planar chalcogenide waveguide integrated microfluidic sensor

We have fabricated and tested, to the best of our knowledge, the first microfluidic device monolithically integrated with planar chalcogenide glass waveguides on a silicon substrate. High-quality Ge(23)Sb(7)S(70) glass films have been deposited onto oxide coated silicon wafers using thermal evaporation, and high-index-contrast channel waveguides have been defined using SF(6) plasma etching. Microfluidic channel patterning in photocurable resin (SU8) and channel sealing by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) cover completed the device fabrication. The chalcogenide waveguides yield a transmission loss of 2.3 dB/cm at 1550 nm. We show in this letter that using this device, N-methylaniline can be detected using its well-defined absorption fingerprint of the N-H bond near 1496 nm. Our measurements indicate linear response of the sensor to varying N-methylaniline concentrations. From our experiments, a sensitivity of this sensor down to a N-methylaniline concentration 0.7 vol. % is expected. Given the low-cost fabrication process used, and robust device configuration, our integration scheme provides a promising device platform for chemical sensing applications.
Huntingtin Immunoreactivity in the Rat Neostriatum: Differential Accumulation in Projection and Interneurons

Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation of the gene encoding the protein huntingtin. Features of the human disease, characterized by selective loss of neurons from the neostriatum, can be replicated in rodents by administration of excitotoxins. In both affected individuals and the rodent model, there is massive loss of striatal projection neurons with selective sparing of interneurons. Furthermore, in the human disease the earliest evidence of striatal injury is found in striosomal regions of the striatum. The mRNA encoding huntingtin is known to be expressed by neurons throughout the brain, a distribution which does not account for the selective patterns of neuronal death which are observed. Using fluorescence immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy with an antibody to huntingtin, we have observed that in rats a subset of striatal projection neurons contains dense accumulations of huntingtin immunoreactivity (HT-ir), while most neurons in the striatum contain much smaller amounts. The intensely stained neurons are concentrated within the striatal striosomes, as defined by calbindin-D28K staining. In the matrix regions, relatively few neurons contain dense accumulations of HT-ir, and these cells always lack perikaryal staining for calbindin-D28K. Striatal interneurons, identified by the presence of immunoreactivity for choline acetyltransferase, parvalbumin, calretinin, or neuronal nitric oxide synthase, exhibit little or no HT-ir. The paucity of HT-ir in striatal interneurons, as well as the prominence of staining in a subset of striosomal neurons, mirrors the selective vulnerability of these different types of cells in early stages of human Huntington's disease and in rodent excitotoxic models of the disorder. Our observations suggest that mechanisms which modulate the accumulation of huntingtin may play a central role in the neuronal degeneration of Huntington's disease.
Urban Renewal, Public Housing and the Racial Shaping of Atlanta

A number of American cities experienced urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s. Historians and others who have chronicled the urban changes of those decades have cited economic redevelopment as the motivating factor in the rebuilding of the downtown and the relocation of the black population from that area. For example, Carl Abbott in his analysis of Sunbelt cities noted that “the rebuilding of downtown districts was intended to secure two related economic goals.” The first was to make the city more appealing as a center of investment and business activity as opposed to competing cities; the second was to enhance the downtown area in light of suburban development which might attract business away from the central city. Clarence Stone-in his study of Atlanta's renewal also indicates the primacy of economic factors as the motivation for rebuilding the city's downtown and uprooting the black population.
Heavy element mass spectroscopy with the Berkeley 88-inch cyclotron

Abstract A method is discussed for using the Berkeley 88″ cyclotron as a mass spectrometer for all atomic masses. Low background radiation permits the detection of trace elements with a sensitivity of 1 part in 105–1017, a mass accuracy of Δm/m = 5.8 × 10−5, and an abundance accuracy of a few percent. These results are based in part on mass scans using an ion source containing rare earth ores.
Athletic Status and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/ Cardiomyopathy: From Physiological Observations to Pathological Explanation

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a heritable condition characterized by replacement of cardiomyocytes, primarily in the right ventricle, by fibrofatty tissue. A number of genetic studies have identified mutations in various components of cardiac desmosomes that appear to precede fibrofatty replacement. The resulting disruption of normal myocardial architecture in ARVD/C results in right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. There is a striking incidence of athletic individuals affected by this disease. Currently there is no explanation for the association between athletic activity and development of ARVD/C. The goal of this paper is to suggest that increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species, secondary to endurance exercise, initiates a cascade of reactions leading to fibrofatty changes in the RV and thus ARVD/C. This involves increased expression of adipogenic and fibrogenic genes as one of the steps in pathogenesis. According to the hypothesis, arrhythmias can happen in the presence or absence of pathological changes secondary to NO effects on remodeling and ion channels, respectively. Furthermore, the different effects of prolonged exercise on the RV and left ventricle (LV) could help explain the incidence of ARVD/C as a primarily RV disease. Verification of this hypothesis would have prognostic and management implications. Drugs inhibiting NO production might benefit patients with ARVD/C. A better understanding of exercise physiology in terms of NO production would help to redefine the management scheme in terms of exercise in patients with ARVD/C. A redirection of research towards identification of special physiological markers would be appropriate, and may reveal additional steps leading from tissue exposure to NO, to pathological changes.
Enhancement of radiation tolerance with the use of a doping superlattice solar cell

Solar cells utilizing doping superlattices in the active region of the device have been proposed as an alternative design to increase radiation hardness. Multiple diodes are connected together in parallel, where each diode can be as thin or thick as the design requires. Thinning the doped layers reduces the diffusion length requirements ensuring efficient carrier collection and maintenance of short circuit current. Experimental comparisons between nipi and a conventional pin solar cells that were irradiated with 1 MeV electrons at fluences from 4x10 14 to 2x10 15 e − /cm 2 show much more efficient maintenance of efficiency for the nipi design, maintaining nearly 100% efficiency up to a final dose of 2x10 15 e − /cm 2 . Further simulations have indicated that the efficient maintenance of voltage and fill factor are likely due to traps created in the nipi solar cell during the fabrication process. Beginning of life voltage and efficiency values can be improved significantly by limiting the trap density, while this has a minor impact on the efficiency comparison between a nipi and conventional device with respect to radiation.
Comparing Risk Management Practices at the Local Levels of Government with Those at the State and Federal Levels

Abstract This paper contrasts the current view of risk management held by local government officials with those views held by both state level and federal level government officials. While generalization is itself risky, all of our observations point towards the conclusion that relative to state and federal officials, local government officials have little understanding of, hence little concern for, the quantity of risk posed for citizens by various hazards. To the extent that it seems desirable to place risk-management type decisions in the hands of local government officials, then some capacity for risk quantification, hence comparison, must be developed. The findings presented in this paper are drawn from both generalized surveys of local and state decision makers and analyses of specific cases studied. These case studies include the decision to: remove asbestos from schools; close down a copper smelting facility in Tacoma, WA; shut off contaminated drinking wells; site hazardous waste facilities; and store hazardous chemicals.
Detection of hepatitis A virus RNA from children patients with acute and fulminant hepatitis of unknown etiology in Vietnam: Genomic characterization of Vietnamese HAV strain.

Background: Although it is thought that Vietnam is a high endemic region of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, there is no report on genomic characterization of HAV spread in Vietnam. The purpose of the present paper was therefore to identify various virus infections from 33 children with acute or fulminant hepatitis of unknown etiology admitted to Children’s Hospital No.1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: Anti-HAV IgM and IgG were assayed by ELISA. Viral RNA and DNA were determined by PCR method. HAV genes isolated by PCR were sequenced and characterized by phylogenetic analysis. Results: Anti-HAV IgM was detected in 18 of 26 acute hepatitis (69.2%) and one of seven (14.3%) fulminant hepatitis patients. Furthermore, HAV-RNA in serum was identified in five of 26 acute (19.2%) and two of seven (28.6%) fulminant hepatitis patients, respectively, on nested reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Among the seven HAV-RNA-positive patients tested, two (28.6%) were negative for anti-HAV IgM. We also obtained seven isolates containing the HAV genome with the viral protein 1 (VP1) region sequence. All Vietnamese HAV isolates formed a cluster and belonged to genotype IA according to phylogenetic analysis based on the short sequences of VP1-2A junction region. Conclusion: HAV is an important agent with regard to fulminant hepatitis among children in Vietnam. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report on Vietnamese HAV strain confirmed on sequencing.
The Convention on Biological Diversity: exposing the flawed foundations

Over five years have elapsed since the coming into force of the much heralded United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD or Convention) signed during the 'Earth Summit' at Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 (CBD 1992). Despite the warm, even euphoric welcome extended to this treaty by the environmental community, the difficulties of implementing the CBD in the last five years are unmasking and uncovering its flawed environmental foundations. The language of any legal instrument embodies and expresses the considered intentions of its creators, and may contain obligatory provisions that are legally binding. They may also contain hortatory and aspirational commitments that are not legally enforceable. The CBD rejected 'hard' environmental obligations that are legally binding for non-legal exhortations, and highly qualified 'soft' commitments. Whatever their value be as face-saving strategies for reaching agreement on the CBD, such aspirational expressions do not create a stable foundation for tough decisions in the world of realpolitik.
Effects of immobilization on rat hind limb muscles under non-weight-bearing conditions

Dorsiflexion of one unloaded hind limb caused hypertrophy of the soleus relative to weight-bearing controls and faster growth of the plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles relative to the contralateral freely moving muscles. Unloading of the soleus muscle diminished primarily myofibrillar proteins whereas stretching increased all proteins. Stretching the soleus increased RNA, accelerated, especially, in vitro synthesis of sarcoplasmic proteins, and diminished in vitro proteolysis. Both in vivo and in vitro results showed slower synthesis and faster degradation in the freely moving than in the weight-bearing soleus muscle, faster synthesis and slower degradation in the stretched than in the freely moving soleus muscle, and faster degradation in the stretched than in the weight-bearing soleus muscle. Hence, stretching of the soleus muscle prevented changes in mass and protein metabolism produced by unloading. Shortening of the extensor digitorum longus muscle produced less muscle growth, slowed in vitro protein synthesis, and lowered RNA relative to the contralateral, freely moving muscle.
The low-potential hydrophobic state of pyrite in amyl xanthate flotation with nitrogen

Abstract Research on the low-potential hydrophobic state of pyrite, with potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) as collector, is reported to help explain and understand the fundamental aspects of the N2TEC flotation process, which was originally developed for the improved recovery of gold from refractory auriferous sulfide ores. Typically in the N2TEC process, air is replaced by nitrogen as the flotation gas, and potassium amyl xanthate is used as collector for the reactive auriferous pyrite particles. The first N2TEC flotation process was commissioned at Lone Tree in Nevada in March 1997 and has been in operation since that time. On the basis of electrochemically controlled contact angle measurements, the low-potential, low-pH hydrophobic state of pyrite has been examined as a function of flotation variables such as pH, gas-phase composition, collector concentration and pyrite potential.
Mixed Integer Linear Programming Formulations for Probabilistic Constraints

We introduce two new formulations for probabilistic constraints based on extended disjunctive formulations. Their strength results from considering multiple rows of the probabilistic constraints together. The properties of the first can be used to construct hierarchies of relaxations for probabilistic constraints, while the second provides computational advantages over other formulations.
How a Judge's Voir Dire can Teach a Jury What to Say:

A common questioning event in the legal setting is the judge's voir dire (interview) of prospective jurors to determine their beliefs and predispositions about such matters as capital punishment. This paper analyzes the voir dires of 14 prospective jurors in a death penalty case in a midwestern US city. In four of the 14 interviews, linguistic analysis of the judge's questions reveals that he is actually guiding the jurors, probably unintentionally, in how to respond. The linguistic factors that lead to this conclusion include question sequencing, semantic marking, escalation of semantic intensity, face-threatening, interruption, rephrasing and evaluation. The power asymmetry of the interaction, the pressures of time and unskilled question-asking may be the sources of the judge's problem. Whatever the sources are, however, the evidence is clear that the judge's questioning style caused some jurors to change their position on the death penalty during their voir dires.
Transdermal contraception methods: today's patches and new options on the horizon.

Introduction: The first contraceptive patch with ethinyl estradiol (EE) and norelgestromin in the United States demonstrated that there was a tremendous interest in topical methods, which could provide patient convenience, steady-state hormonal levels and reassurance of ongoing coverage, while maintaining efficacy and good bleeding patterns. Unfortunately, concerns about increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk diminished its popularity. Another version in Europe and Canada had slightly lower estrogen doses, but questions were raised about its VTE risk too based on its progestin. To fill that gap, two new contraceptive patches with lower estrogen levels have been developed and extensively tested.Areas covered: This article provides a short overview of the first set of patches followed by discussions of the pharmacokinetics of the two experimental patches as well as the results of their clinical trials, including information about efficacy, bleeding patterns and tolerability.Expert opinion: Give...
Transition between Ge segregation and trapping during high‐pressure oxidation of GexSi1−x/Si

A transition from Ge segregation to trapping during high‐pressure oxidation of GexSi1−x alloys has been observed. The atomic fraction x of Ge was varied from 0.4% to 26%, and oxidations were performed at 740 °C under 102 atm of dry O2. It was observed that the effect of oxidation on the Ge distribution could be divided into three stages. In the initial stage of the oxidation, Ge was segregated from the growing oxide and accumulated in a Ge‐rich layer at the oxide/alloy interface. For alloys with high Ge content this initial stage was very short. In the second stage of oxidation, after a critical quantity of Ge had accumulated at the interface, there was a transition from segregation to trapping of Ge in the oxide. In the third stage, the critical amount of Ge remained segregated at the interface, and the final oxide layer was Ge free. A kinetic model based on a steady‐state equilibrium between the diffusive flux of Si across the Ge‐rich layer and the rate of Si consumption by the oxidation reaction predic...
Volumetric stress-strain analysis of optohydrodynamically suspended biological cells

Ongoing investigations are exploring the biomechanical properties of isolated and suspended biological cells in pursuit of understanding single-cell mechanobiology. An optical tweezer with minimal applied laser power has positioned biologic cells at the geometric center of a microfluidic cross-junction, creating a novel optohydrodynamic trap. The resulting fluid flow environment facilitates unique multiaxial loading of single cells with site-specific normal and shear stresses resulting in a physical albeit extensional state. A recent two-dimensional analysis has explored the cytoskeletal strain response due to these fluid-induced stresses [Wilson and Kohles, 2010, "Two-Dimensional Modeling of Nanomechanical Stresses-Strains in Healthy and Diseased Single-Cells During Microfluidic Manipulation," J Nanotechnol Eng Med, 1(2), p. 021005]. Results described a microfluidic environment having controlled nanometer and piconewton resolution. In this present study, computational fluid dynamics combined with multiphysics modeling has further characterized the applied fluid stress environment and the solid cellular strain response in three dimensions to accompany experimental cell stimulation. A volumetric stress-strain analysis was applied to representative living cell biomechanical data. The presented normal and shear stress surface maps will guide future microfluidic experiments as well as provide a framework for characterizing cytoskeletal structure influencing the stress to strain response.
Selective Observation of Adsorbate Mixtures Using Resonant Sum Frequency Generation

Second order (χ(2)) nonlinear spectroscopy has become important as a selective probe of surfaces and interfaces. Recently we and others have used multiple resonances for signal intensity enhancement. In this note, data are presented that demonstrate the increase in selectivity which resonances also provide (allowing selective monitoring of a single-mixture component) and that show the observation of interactions among mixture components and between different adsorbate sites of a single component.
Expression and immunogenicity of an Escherichia coli K99 fimbriae subunit antigen in soybean.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) cause acute diarrhea in humans and farm animals, and can be fatal if the host is left untreated. As a potential alternative to traditional needle vaccination of cattle, we investigated the feasibility of expressing the major K99 fimbrial subunit, FanC, in soybean (Glycine max) for use as an edible subunit vaccine. As a first step in this developmental process, a synthetic version of fanC was optimized for expression in the cytosol and transferred to soybean via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Western analysis of T0 events revealed the presence of a peptide with the expected mobility for FanC in transgenic protein extracts, and immunofluorescense confirmed localization to the cytosol. Two T0 lines, which accumulated FanC to levels near 0.5% of total soluble protein, were chosen for further molecular characterization in the T1 and T2 generations. Mice immunized intraperitoneally with protein extract derived from transgenic leaves expressing synthetic FanC developed significant antibody titers against bacterially derived FanC and produced antigen-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes, demonstrating the ability of transgenic FanC to function as an immunogen. These experiments are the first to demonstrate the expression and immunogenicity of a model subunit antigen in the soybean system, and mark the first steps toward the development of a K99 edible vaccine to protect against ETEC.
Increased incidence of mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase gene mutations in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

Mitochondria (mt) play an important role in both apoptosis and haem synthesis. The present study was conducted to determine DNA mutations in mitochondrial encoded cytochrome c-oxidase I and II genes. Bone marrow (BM) biopsy and aspirate, peripheral blood (PB) and buccal smear samples were collected from 20 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and 10 age-matched controls. Cytochrome c-oxidase I (CO I) and II (CO II) genes were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. CO I mutations were found in 13/20 MDS patients and the CO II gene in 2/10 normal and 12/20 MDS samples, irrespective of MDS subtype. Mutations were substitutional, deletional and insertional. CO I mutations were most common at nucleotide positions 7264 (25%) and 7289 (15%), and CO II mutations were most common at nucleotide positions 7595 (40%) and 7594 (30%), suggesting the presence of potential 'hot-spots'. Mutations were not found in buccal smears of MDS patients and were significantly higher in MDS samples compared with age-matched controls in all cell fractions (P < 0.05), with bone marrow high-density fraction (BMHDF) showing a higher mutation rate than other fractions (P < 0.05). MDS marrows showed higher levels of apoptosis than normal controls (P < 0.05), and apoptosis in BMHDF was directly related to cytochrome c-oxidase I gene mutations (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy revealed apoptosis affecting all haematopoietic lineages with highly abnormal, iron-laden mitochondria. These results suggest a role for mt-DNA mutations in the excessive apoptosis and resulting cytopenias of MDS patients.
Analysis of trajectories of eye, head, and hand movements for early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Relationships between eye, head, and hand movements in patients with stages I–II Parkinson’s disease were studied using an original method. The tests for individual movements in patients and healthy individuals yielded similar results, while coordination test revealed significant differences.
A Microeconometric Analysis of the U.S. Meat Demand

Price and expenditure elasticities and estimates of the effect of household demographic variables on U.S. meat demand are estimated using the newly released 1987–88 USDA household food consumption survey data. The USDA survey for the first time included variables reflecting respondents' concerns for health and diet information. A hybrid demand system, which combines a modified generalized addilog system and a level version Rotterdam demand system, is developed as the analytical framework. The micro econometric analysis takes into consideration the consumer selection problem, the missing-price problem, and the aggregation and quality variation problem. The most significant household characteristic and socio-economic variables are region, ethnic background, household size, urbanization, food planner, received health information, female household head employment status and proportion of food expenditure on away-from-home consumption. The results support the speculation of other time-series meat demand studies claiming both health concerns and convenience are the reasons for changes in consumer preference in favor of poultry and fish and in disfavor of red meat. Les e'lasticites des prix et des depenses et les estimees de l'effet des variables demographiques des meages sur la demande de viande aux Etats-Unis sont calculees a partir des donnees de l'enquete 1987–1988 sur la consommation alimentaire des meages, recemment publiee par le USDA. Cette enquete compotie pour la premiere fois des variables tenant compte des preoccupations des repondants pour les aspects sante et valeur nutritive. Un systeme de demande hybride combinant une modification du systeme addilog generalise et une version par niveaux du systeme de demande Rotterdam est construit comme cadre analytique. L'analyse microeconometrique prend en compte le probleme de selection des consommateurs, le probleme des prix manquants et le probleme d'aggregation et de variation de la qualite. Les caracteres des menages et les variables socio-economiques les plus significatives sont la region geographique, l'origine ethnique, la taille des menages, le degre d'urbanisation, le genre du chef de famille, la disponibilite de renseignements sur la sante la situation d'emploi de lafemme chef defamille et la proportion des depenses alimentaires affectees a la consommation hors-foyer. Les resultats confortent les conclusions d'autres etudes chronologiques de la demande de viande selon lesquelles les questions de sante et de commodite sont les raisons principales quijustifient l'evolution de la preference des consommateurs pour la volaille et pour le port aux depens des viandes rouges.
The use of compound topical anesthetics: a review.

ABSTRACT Background The author reviewed the history of, federal regulations regarding, risks of and adverse drug reactions of five compound topical anesthetics: tetracaine, adrenaline/epinephrine and cocaine (TAC); lidocaine, adrenaline/epinephrine and tetracaine (LET); lidocaine, tetracaine and phenylephrine (TAC 20 percent Alternate); lidocaine, prilocaine and tetracaine (Profound); and lidocaine, prilocaine, tetracaine and phenylephrine with thickeners (Profound PET). Types of Studies Reviewed The author reviewed clinical trials, case reports, descriptive articles, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and recent public advisory warnings regarding the federal approval of and risks associated with the use of compound topical anesthetics. Results Compound topical anesthetics are neither FDA-regulated nor -unregulated. Some compounding pharmacies bypass the new FDA drug approval process, which is based on reliable scientific data and ensures that a marketed drug is safe, effective, properly manufactured and accurately labeled. Two deaths have been attributed to the lay use of compound topical anesthetics. In response, the FDA has announced the strengthening of its efforts against unapproved drug products. Clinical Implications Compound topical anesthetics may be an effective alternative to local infiltration for some minimally invasive dental procedures; however, legitimate concerns exist in regard to their safety. Until they become federally regulated, compound topical anesthetics remain unapproved drug products whose benefits may not outweigh their risks for dental patients.
Climate Prediction for Brazil's Nordeste: Performance of Empirical and Numerical Modeling Methods

Abstract Comparisons of performance of climate forecast methods require consistency in the predictand and a long common reference period. For Brazil's Nordeste, empirical methods developed at the University of Wisconsin use preseason (October–January) rainfall and January indices of the fields of meridional wind component and sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Atlantic and the equatorial Pacific as input to stepwise multiple regression and neural networking. These are used to predict the March–June rainfall at a network of 27 stations. An experiment at the International Research Institute for Climate Prediction, Columbia University, with a numerical model (ECHAM4.5) used global SST information through February to predict the March–June rainfall at three grid points in the Nordeste. The predictands for the empirical and numerical model forecasts are correlated at +0.96, and the period common to the independent portion of record of the empirical prediction and the numerical modeling is 1968–99. O...
Perfusion scintigraphy and patient selection for lung volume reduction surgery.

Rationale: It is unclear if lung perfusion can predict response to lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS).Objectives: To study the role of perfusion scintigraphy in patient selection for LVRS.Methods: We performed an intention-to-treat analysis of 1,045 of 1,218 patients enrolled in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial who were non–high risk for LVRS and had complete perfusion scintigraphy results at baseline. The median follow-up was 6.0 years. Patients were classified as having upper or non–upper lobe–predominant emphysema on visual examination of the chest computed tomography and high or low exercise capacity on cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline. Low upper zone perfusion was defined as less than 20% of total lung perfusion distributed to the upper third of both lungs as measured on perfusion scintigraphy.Measurements and Main Results: Among 284 of 1,045 patients with upper lobe–predominant emphysema and low exercise capacity at baseline, the 202 with low upper zone perfusion had lower mortal...
Nondestructive single-seed oil determination of meadowfoam by near-infrared transmission spectroscopy

Near-infrared transmission spectroscopy (NITS) was explored for single-seed oil determination of meadowfoam. Two calibration sets were determined by principle component analysis of recorded spectra. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used for oil content determination. The calibrations had standard errors of cross-validation of 3.6 and 4.4%, respectively, with an oil content ranging from 0.8 to 45.7%. This error is similar to that reported for NITS of single maize kernels, relative to the respective oil content ranges. Although not as accurate as NMR spectroscopy, NITS does provide a fast, efficient, and nondestructive method of predicting oil content of individual meadowfoam seeds.
Epidermal growth factor from the mouse. Physical evidence for a tiered beta-sheet domain: two-dimensional NMR correlated spectroscopy and nuclear Overhauser experiments on backbone amide protons.

When H2O-exchanged, lyophilized mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) is dissolved in deuterium oxide at low pH (i.e., below approximately 6.0), 13 well-resolved, amide proton resonances are observed in the downfield region of an NMR spectrum (500 MHz). Under the conditions of these experiments, the lifetimes of these amide protons in exchange for deuterons of the deuterium oxide solvent suggest that these amide protons are hydrogen-bonded, backbone amide protons. Several of these amide proton resonances show splittings (i.e., JNH alpha-CH) of approximately 8-10 Hz, indicating that their associated amide protons are in some type of beta-structure. Selective nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments performed on all amide proton resonances strongly suggest that all 13 of these backbone amide protons are part of a single-tiered beta-sheet structural domain in mEGF. Correlation of 2D NMR correlated spectroscopy data, identifying scaler coupled protons, with NOE data, identifying protons close to the irradiated amide protons, allows tentative assignment of some resonances in the NOE difference spectra to specific amino acid residues. These data allow a partial structural model of the tiered beta-sheet domain in mEGF to be postulated.
Mechanistic studies of carbonate macrocyclization

The kinetics of phenylchloroformate (PCF) reactions have been used to model some of the key chemical events in carbonate macrocyclization. Three reactions have been studied using stopped-flow FT-IR spectroscopy: formation of acyl ammonium salt from PCF and three different trialkylamines, the conversion of acyl ammonium salt to urethane, and the condensation reaction between acyl ammonium salt and 4-isopropylphenol. The rate dependence was studied for triethylamine (TEA), diethylmethylamine (DEMA) and tri-n-butylamine (TBA) at 0°C in anhydrous CH2Cl2. The reactivity order for acyl ammonium salt formation for TBA: TEA: DEMA is 1 : 2.7 : >444. By contrast, condensation and urethane formation are not sensitive to the structure of the amine. The rate of condensation is comparable to the rate of acyl ammonium salt formation for TEA and TBA, while the rate of urethane formation is the slowest process for all three amines. These results are consistent with the view that the yield of macrocyclic polycarbonates is related to the concentration of the acyl ammonium salt. The optimum amine concentration for obtaining high yields of cyclics varies with the amine structure and parallels the difference in the rates of acyl ammonium salt formation. © 1994 John & Sons, Inc.
Determination of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol-l (BAL) by titration with zinc, with eriochrome black T as indicator

A method is proposed for the titrimetric determination of BAL with zinc solution and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) as indicator. It is based on the difference of the stabilities of the Zn(BAL)a and Zn-EBT complexes. The accuracy of the method is very good and the interference of diverse mercaptans is limited to those compounds forming zinc complexes more stable than the Zn-EBT complex.
Transient left ventricular apical ballooning during dobutamine myocardial perfusion imaging

The transient left ventricular apical ballooning is characterized by wall motion abnormalities involving the apex in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. It is precipitated by acute emotional or physical stress and is most often reported in post-menopausal women. We report a case of transient left ventricular "apical ballooning" without significant coronary artery disease precipitated by high dose dobutamine infusion during pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion imaging. The unique feature of our case was precipitation by chemical stress rather than emotional/physical stress.
Electronic states of cis- and trans-decalin radical cations in zeolites

Abstract The radical cations of cis- and trans-decalin have been studied in different synthetic zeolite matrices by EPR spectroscopy. The radical cations were produced by γ-radiolysis at 77 K. The first experimental observation of both the electronic states (2A1: a(4H)=50 G and 2A2: a(4H)=29 G) of the cis-decalin radical cation is reported. The 2A1 and 2A2 states were observed at different temperatures in silicalite S-115. In ZSM-34 and Na-Ω-5 one species was observed preferentially, while in offretite a fast exchange between the two states was observed. In Na-Y and Na-X the 2A2 state was the principal species observed. In addition, the bridge-head neutral radical species resulting from ion-molecule reactions was observed. For trans-decalin+., the 2Ag was observed in ZSM-34, and the 2Bg state was observed in Na-Ω-5. In silicalite, only the 2Ag state was observed at low temperature. The results for cis- and trans-decalin+. in offretite, Na-Y and Na-X were similar. The stabilization of radical cations via matrix interactions is discussed.
Risk Based Broken Rail Detection on Railways

There has been a long debate among train control professionals related to broken rail detection; where it is required and how it is achieved. Despite this ongoing discussion, there has been little research in terms of the actual practical application of new technology or risk mitigation approaches since conventional track circuits have been applied to detect broken rails.This paper first looks at conventional broken rail detection as implemented with various track circuit types, then reviews the current research on alternate means of detection throughout the world.The paper will then quantify a risk based approach utilizing existing technologies to mitigate the broken rail requirements currently mandated for higher speed rail systems in the United States. Further, the implications for train control systems for both transit and the general system of railroads will be examined.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Scalable concurrent computing

This paper focusses on the challenge of building and programming scalable concurrent computers. The paper describes the inadequacy of current models of computing for programming massively parallel computers and discusses three universal models of concurrent computing — developed respectively by programming, architecture and algorithm perspectives. These models provide a powerful representation for parallel computing and are shown to be quite close. Issues in building systems architectures which efficiently represent and utilize parallel hardware resources are then discussed. Finally, we argue that by using a flexible universal programming model, an environment supporting heterogeneous programming languages can be developed.
Aging and Visual Attention: The Effect of Perceptual Load on Dual-Task Performance

The ability to use information that is not directly in front of us (information located in the periphery) is important in many aspects of everyday life (e.g., using a computer, driving). It may be critical that a person be able to effectively use the information in the periphery. The current study examined how age-related changes in perceptual processing capacity and display-related variations in perceptual load affected the spatial distribution of visual attention. The results suggest that displays that make high demands on perceptual processing capacity reduce the functional field of view in older adults. Younger adults, however, were unaffected by the perceptual load manipulation. The primary practical implication is that displays that are intended to be used by older adults should not make high demands on their limited perceptual processing capacity.
Effects of Food and Temperature on Survival and Development in the Peppermint Shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni

— The effects of four kinds of foods (Artemia nauplii, rotifer, and microalgae Chaetoceros gracilis and Isochrysis galbana) and four temperature regimes on survival and development of larval Lysmata wurdemanni, a marine ornamental shrimp, were determined. The larvae fed with Chaetoceros or Isochrysis only survived for a maximum of 17 d, before developing to zoea IV. The survivorship of the larvae fed with Artemia nauplii or rotifer from zoea II to post-larvae was 66.7% and 68.9%. respectively, without significant difference (P > 0.05). But larvae fed with Artemia nauplii grew significantly (P < 0.05) faster than those fed with rotifer. Larvae fed with Artemia nauplii reached postlarvae in 29–32 d, compared with 32–36 d in the rotifer treatment. Artemia nauplii are also suitable food for the postlarvae and juveniles of L. wurdemanni. The 30 postlarvae fed on Artemia nauplii all survived to reach sexual maturity in 50 to 70 d, growing from about 7 to 28 mm in total length. The effects of four temperature regimes on larval development of L. wurdemanni was also investigated. The duration (mean ± SD d) to the postlarvae at temperatures of 26 C (37.4 ± 5.4) and of 26–30 C daily (40.2 ± 5.8) was significantly (P < 0.05) longer than that at 28.5 C (29.3 ± 4.8) and at 27–29 C daily (28.7 ± 3.5).
Silent Partners: Women in Farm Magazine Success Stories, 1934–19911

Women's contributions to the farm and farm household have historically been undervalued. An analysis of farm magazine “success” stories through six decades indicates that these stories may be a vehicle for reproducing and transmitting a traditional domestic ideology that separates farm production from the rest of the farm household and that rarely portrays women as significant contributors to the economic well-being of either. Magazine stories depict women as spouses or farm helpers, but not as producers or decision-makers. Farm magazines thus offer few models of realistic gender relations for either farm women or farm men.