cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-cell interactions trigger the rapid induction of a specific high mobility group-like protein during early stages of conjugation in Tetrahymena

Conjugation in Tetrahymena represents an ordered developmental pathway which represents the sexual phase of the ciliate life cycle. This pathway is initiated when starved cells of opposite mating types are mixed and are allowed to make a series of cell-cell contacts (a period termed costimulation) which lead to the formation of mating pairs. Here, we demonstrate that two previously described abundant high mobility group (HMG)-like proteins, HMG B and HMG C, whose synthesis appeared to be coordinately regulated in vegetative cells, are not required during the same stages of conjugation. The level of mRNA for both HMG B and HMG C is high during vegetative growth and during the development of new macronuclei. However, specific induction of HMG B mRNA is observed soon after cells of opposite mating types are mixed. Thus, the genes which encode HMG B and HMG C in Tetrahymena can be controlled independently or coordinately. Nuclear run-on experiments show that a significant factor underlying the rapid induction of HMG B message early in the sexual cycle is an increase in the transcriptional activity of the HMG B gene. Experiments are presented which show that this induction of HMG B message requires protein synthesis and is dependent upon the cell-cell contacts made during costimulation. Essentially all of the HMG B protein, which is newly synthesized during this period, is targeted to parental macronuclei where it serves an as yet undetermined function(s).
Short-term recall of paired-associates as a function of the number of interpolated pairs

Short term memory of paired associates studied using continuous technique, noting recall as function of number of interpolated pairs
Novel Tris(pyrazolyl)borates Bearing Perfluoroalkyl Pigtails. Syntheses and Characterization of the Sodium and Copper(I) Complexes of [HB(3-(R)Pz)3]- (R = C2F5, C3F7; Pz = Pyrazolyl)

3-(Pentafluoroethyl)pyrazole and 3-(heptafluoropropyl)pyrazole were synthesized and fully characterized. These pyrazoles react with NaBH4 to yield sodium salts of [HB(3-(C2F5)Pz)3]- and [HB(3-(C3F7)Pz)3]-. The X-ray crystal structure of [HB(3-(C2F5)Pz)3]Na(3-(C2F5)PzH) shows close contacts between the sodium atom and fluorine atoms of the −C2F5 substituents. The copper−carbon monoxide adducts [HB(3-(C2F5)Pz)3]CuCO and [HB(3-(C3F7)Pz)3]CuCO were prepared by the treatment of CuOTf with 1 equiv of the corresponding tris(pyrazolyl)boratosodium under CO. The copper and sodium complexes were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR and IR spectroscopies. IR spectroscopic data of [HB(3-(CF3)Pz)3]CuCO, [HB(3-(C2F5)Pz)3]CuCO, and [HB(3-(C3F7)Pz)3]CuCO did not exhibit a significant difference in the υCO values, but they are notably lower than the corresponding υCO values of the 3,5-disubstituted analog [HB(3,5-(CF3)2Pz)3]CuCO.
Tryptophan and Sleep in Young Adults

Oral administration of L-tryptophan increases brain serotonin levels by following normal 5-hydroxyindole pathways (Moir & Eccleston, 1968). Since recent studies (Jouvet, 1969) suggest that serotonin is important in controlling sleep mechanisms, L-tryptophan provides a useful method for investigating further the role of serotonin in sleep. In two experiments, EEG sleep patterns from 21 young adult males were examined following moderate (7.5 g) and high (12 g) oral doses of L-tryptophan. Moderate doses produced sedative effects (reports of extreme drowsiness and reduced time awake) accompanied by increased slow-wave sleep. The only effects on REM parameters were a trend (in some Ss) to early onset of stage REM, a small decrease in the period of the REM cycle, and decreased density of rapid eye movements. With the high dose, Ss again reported extreme drowsiness, and time to sleep onset was decreased. However, changes in SW sleep and waking time appeared only as non-significant trends. In the high-dose group, percent of REM sleep was markedly increased, due to early onset of stage REM and to increased duration of REM episodes during the second half of the night. EEG sleep patterns on recovery nights following large doses of tryptophan were not systematically different from baseline nights. These results indicate that the changes in sleep patterns produced by L-tryptophan, presumably acting through 5-hydroxyindole pathways, are dependent on dose. The findings are consistent with the idea that serotonin, or one of its metabolites, is involved in the mechanisms controlling both SW and REM sleep.
Geometrical Evaluation and Experimental Verification to Determine Representative Volume Elements of Heterogeneous Asphalt Mixtures

This paper presents an experimental verification of geometrically defined representative volume elements (RVEs) of heterogeneous asphalt concrete mixtures before any significant damage is initiated. A typical dense-graded Superpave mixture (12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size) is selected as a representative roadway paving mixture and used in this study to accomplish two parallel approaches: Geometrical analysis of mixture heterogeneity using two-dimensional actual images of asphalt concrete inner structures and experimental evaluation through uniaxial tensile tests of asphalt concrete mixtures incorporated with digital image correlation (DIC) technique. To properly address the significant heterogeneity of asphalt concrete mixtures in defining the RVE, several geometrical factors such as area fraction, gradation, orientation, and the distribution of aggregate particles in asphalt concrete mixtures are considered altogether. For the uniaxial tensile test with the DIC, the mean strains and their standard deviations captured by DIC are analyzed to confirm statistical homogeneity of RVEs evaluated from the geometrical analyses. The two approaches present similar results, indicating that typical dense-graded asphalt mixtures can be characterized for their material properties with an approximate RVE size of 60 mm. Findings from this study further imply that the simple geometrical analysis can be an efficient tool to reasonably determine the RVE of asphalt mixtures and other granular composites where significant heterogeneity is involved.
The Formation of Political Sub-Climates: Predictions from Social Identity, Structuration, and Symbolic Interaction

Merging the climate and politics literatures, this study evaluates whether organizations have a singular, shared political climate or whether sub-climates, “pockets of politics,” exist. Sub-climate formation is investigated by utilizing both political and climate explanations to determine the level of formation. The sample consisted of 891 employees of a retail services firm and the results of the study indicate that political climates do exist and may be best distinguished by defining the employee’s interactional patterns.
Relative equilibrium and collapse configurations of four point vortices

Relative equilibrium configurations of point vortices in the plane can be related to a system of polynomial equations in the vortex positions and circulations. For systems of four vortices the solution set to this system is proved to be finite, so long as a number of polynomial expressions in the vortex circulations are nonzero, and the number of relative equilibrium configurations is thereby shown to have an upper bound of 56. A sharper upper bound is found for the special case of vanishing total circulation. The polynomial system is simple enough to allow the complete set of relative equilibrium configurations to be found numerically when the circulations are chosen appropriately. Collapse configurations of four vortices are also considered; while finiteness is not proved, the approach provides an effective computational method that yields all configurations with a given ratio of velocity to position.
Development and initial evaluation of a dynamic species-resolved model for gas phase chemistry and size-resolved gas/particle partitioning associated with secondary organic aerosol formation

A module for predicting the dynamic evolution of the gas phase species and the aerosol size and composition distribution during formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is presented. The module is based on the inorganic gas-aerosol equilibrium model Simulating the Composition of Atmospheric Particles at Equilibrium 2 (SCAPE2) and updated versions of the lumped Caltech Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (CACM) and the Model to Predict the Multiphase Partitioning of Organics (MPMPO). The aerosol phase generally consists of an organic phase and an aqueous phase containing dissolved inorganic and organic components. Simulations are presented in which a single salt (either dry or aqueous), a volatile organic compound, and oxides of nitrogen undergo photo-oxidation to form SOA. Predicted SOA mass yields for classes of aromatic and biogenic hydrocarbons exhibit the proper qualitative behavior when compared to laboratory chamber data. Inasmuch as it is currently not possible to represent explicitly aerosol phase chemistry involving condensed products of gas phase oxidation, the present model can be viewed as the most detailed SOA formation model available yet will undergo continued improvement in the future.
The Effect of Fetal Thyroidectomy on Ovine Fetal Lung Maturation

Previous studies have shown that thyroxine is one of the factors which influences fetal lung maturation. To further delineate the role of the thyroid hormones, ovine fetuses were surgically thyroidectomized at 95-99 days gestation (term gestation = 145-150 days). The thyroidectomized (Tx) and control (C) fetuses were sacrificed at 140 days. The mean serum thyroxine concentration was significantly decreased in the Tx (<1 μg%) as compared to the C (14.2 μg%). The combined heart and lung weights were significantly reduced in the Tx. Compared to the C lung, light and electron microscopic examination of the Tx lung revealed hypercellular, thickened alveolar septae and interstitium. The Tx lung alveolar lining consisted of cuboidal cells without the characteristic lamellar bodies and the tracheal fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio was decreased, indicative of delayed surfactant synthesis. The DNA content was increased and protein/DNA ratio reduced per gram wet weight lung tissue in the Tx, indicating that compared to the C, there was a larger number of smaller sized cells. Thus, it appears that thyroidectomy in the ovine fetus during the second trimester significantly delays lung maturation and surfactant synthesis. Further studies are needed to define the role of the human fetal and neonatal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome.
Improved Embedding Efficiency and AWGN Robustness for SS Watermarks via Pre-Coding

Spread spectrum (SS) modulation is utilized in many watermarking applications because it offers exceptional robustness against several attacks. The embedding rate-distortion performance of SS embedding however, is relatively weak compared to quantization index modulation (QIM). This limits the relative embedding rate of SS watermarks. In this paper, we illustrate that both the embedding effciency, i.e. bits embedded per unit distortion and robustness against additive white gaussian noise (AWGN) can be improved by pre-coding of message followed by constellation adjustment on the SS detector to minimize the distortion on the cover image introduced by coded data. Our pre-coding method encodes p bits as a 2p x 1 binary vector with a single nonzero entry whose index indicates the value of the embedded bits. Our analysis show that the method improves embedding rate by approximately p/4 without increasing embedding distortion or sacrificing robustness to AWGN attacks. Experimental evaluation of the method using a set theoretic embedding framework for the watermark insertion validates our analysis.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A large‐volume interstitial water sediment squeezer for lake sediments1

An 800-cc interstitial water sediment squeezer has been designed with all-Teflon surfaces. It is compact, light, highly portable, and made from readily available stock material. The cost is nominal.
Growth inhibition and morphological effects of several chemicals in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) HEYNH

A plant life-cycle bioassay using Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. was used to evaluate effects of several toxic chemicals. Plants were grown in vermiculite in a hydroponic system, with test chemicals added to the nutrient solution reservoir. Reduction in total biomass followed different patterns with the chemicals tested, and sensitivity increased in the order: fly ash > 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (DGME) > dalapon > trichloroacetic acid (TCA) > copper sulfate > bromacil > metribuzin. DGME, TCA and dalapon induced unusual morphological effects in which flower development was altered and pollination prevented. Reduced biomass, altered distribution of plant dry weight among vegetative, reproductive and mature seed, and morphological effects indicate that a plant life-cycle test is a valuable screening test.
Functional connectivity in the brain and human intelligence

A parieto-frontal integration theory (P-FIT) model of human intelligence has been proposed based on a review of neuroimaging literature and lesion studies. The P-FIT model provides an important basis for future research. Future studies involving connectivity analyses and an integrative approach of imaging modalities using the P-FIT model should provide vastly increased understanding of the biological bases of intelligence.
Diclofenac Activates Kv7.4 and Inhibits Kv7.5 Potassium Channels Heterologously Expressed in A7r5 Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Members of the KCNQ (Kv7) voltage-gated potassium channel gene family are differentially expressed through the body. Five Kv7 subtypes play major roles in regulation of membrane potential and cell excitability within different tissues. Well known functions of Kv7.1 in cardiac action potential duration, Kv7.2/7.3 in neuronal excitability, Kv7.4 in hearing and an emerging role of Kv7.5 in vascular tone, increases the demand for channel modulating drugs that exhibit selectivity among Kv7 subtypes. Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, was found to be a novel Kv7.2/7.3 channel opener and was used as a template to synthesize new activators and inhibitors of neuronal KCNQ channels (Kv7.2/7.3 and Kv7.4). We compare affects of diclofenac on human Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 currents using A7r5 rat aortic smooth muscle cells as an expression system and perforated patch-clamp techniques. Diclofenac, at 100∈1/4M, increased maximal conductance of Kv7.4 channels by 1.5-fold and induced a negative shift in the activation curve (by 9mV). Surprisingly, the same concentration of diclofenac (100∈1/4M) reduced maximal conductance of Kv7.5 channels by 2-fold, but also induced a robust negative shift in the activation curve (by 30mV). For the both Kv7.4 and Kv7.5, application of diclofenac (100∈1/4M) reduced the deactivation rate of the current. For Kv7.4, the deactivation rate was 1.7-fold slower in the presence of diclofenac, independent of the voltage in the range from −120mV to −90mV. In contrast, for Kv7.5 the reduced deactivation rate in the presence of diclofenac was voltage-dependent, changing linearly from 2-fold at −120mV to 4-fold at −90mV. These differences in diclofenac action on two members of the Kv7 channel family may reflect structural differences between Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 and make diclofenac a useful tool to distinguish between Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 currents in native tissues.
Saint John's wort: An in vitro analysis of P‐glycoprotein induction due to extended exposure

Chronic use of Saint John's wort (SJW) has been shown to lower the bioavailability for a variety of co-administered drugs including indinavir, cyclosporin, and digoxin. Decreases in intestinal absorption through induction of the multidrug resistance transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), may explain decreased bioavailability. The present study characterized the response of P-gp to chronic and acute exposure of SJW and hypericin (HYP, a presumed active moiety within SJW) in an in vitro system. Experiments were performed with 3 to 300 μg ml−1 of methanol-extracted SJW and 0.03 to 3 μM HYP, representing low to high estimates of intestinal concentrations. In induction experiments, LS-180 intestinal carcinoma cells were exposed for 3 days to SJW, HYP, vehicle or a positive control (ritonavir). P-gp was quantified using Western blot analysis. P-gp expression was strongly induced by SJW (400% increase at 300 μg ml−1) and by HYP (700% at 3 μM) in a dose-dependent fashion. Cells chronically treated with SJW had decreased accumulation of rhodamine 123, a P-gp substrate, that was reversed with acute verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor. Fluorescence microscopy of intact cells validated these findings. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, SJW and HYP caused moderate inhibition of P-gp-attributed transport at the maximum concentrations tested. SJW and HYP significantly induced P-gp expression at low, clinically relevant concentrations. Similar effects occurring in vivo may explain the decreased bioavailability of P-gp substrate drugs when co-administered with SJW. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 134, 1601–1608; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704399
Phase II pilot study of bevacizumab in combination with temozolomide and regional radiation therapy for up-front treatment of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: interim analysis of safety and tolerability.

Purpose To assess interim safety and tolerability of a 10-patient, Phase II pilot study using bevacizumab (BV) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and regional radiation therapy (RT) in the up-front treatment of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Methods and Materials All patients received standard external beam regional RT of 60.0 Gy in 30 fractions started within 3 to 5 weeks after surgery. Concurrently TMZ was given daily at 75 mg/m 2 for 42 days during RT, and BV was given every 2 weeks at 10 mg/kg starting with the first day of RT/TMZ. After a 2-week interval upon completion of RT, the post-RT phase commenced with resumption of TMZ at 150 to 200 mg/m 2 for 5 days every 4 weeks and continuation of BV every 2 weeks. Results For these 10 patients, toxicities were compiled until study discontinuation or up to ∼40 weeks from initial study treatment for those remaining on-study. In terms of serious immediate or delayed neurotoxicity, 1 patient developed presumed radiation-induced optic neuropathy. Among the toxicities that could be potentially treatment related, relatively high incidences of fatigue, myelotoxicity, wound breakdown, and deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism were observed. Conclusion The observed toxicities were acceptable to continue enrollment toward the overall target group of 70 patients. Preliminary efficacy analysis shows encouraging mean progression-free survival. At this time data are not sufficient to encourage routine off-label use of BV combined with TMZ/RT in the setting of newly diagnosed glioblastoma without longer follow-up, enrollment of additional patients, and thorough efficacy assessment.
Review: culture-specific programmes improve some asthma-related outcomes in children and adults from ethnic minority groups.

Do culture-specific education programmes improve asthma-related outcomes in children and adults from ethnic minority groups? Included studies compared culture-specific asthma education programmes with generic programmes or usual care in children or adults from ethnic minority groups who had asthma. Studies of patients with eosinophilic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive airway disease, cough variant asthma, or wheezy bronchitis were excluded. Outcomes included asthma control, hospital admission, emergency department (ED) visits, and quality of life. Medline, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and references were searched to May 2008, and authors were contacted for randomised …
Detection of left ventricular aneurysm on two dimensional echocardiography

Abstract The differentiation of left ventricular aneurysm from diffuse left ventricular dilation and hypokinesia may have important therapeutic consequences. Thus the diagnostic accuracy of wide angle two dimensional echocardiography for the detection of left ventricular aneurysm was evaluated in a prospective study of 26 consecutive patients with the clinical suspicion of left ventricular aneurysm referred over a 10 month period. Every patient was examined with two dimensional echocardiography and left ventricular cineangiography, and findings were interpreted by two independent observers. A dilated hypokinetic left ventricle without aneurysm formation on cineangiography in nine patients was identified in all with two dimensional echocardiography. A left ventricular aneurysm on cineangiography in 17 patients was correctly identified in 14 with the two dimensional study, as were the site and extent of the lesion (apical in 12, anterior in 1 and inferior in 1). One apical aneurysm was interpreted on the two dimensional study as apical dyskinesia; one anterior and one posterobasal aneurysm were missed with this technique. Mural thrombi were correctly identified with two dimensional echocardiography in seven of seven patients. It is concluded that two dimensional echocardiography is an accurate noninvasive method that allows differentiation of left ventricular aneurysm from diffuse left ventricular dilation in the majority of patients. It provides information regarding the resectability of the aneurysm and may obviate cineangiography in many cases.
An unusual computed tomographic appearance of a subdural empyema

of saline did not p romote a diuresis p r e sumab ly because the fluid was rapidly shif ted into the interst i t ial space. There is exper imenta l evidence to suppor t such a mechan i sm in studies of glycerol-associated acute renal failure, induced by rhabdomyolys is and myoglobinur ia . The early course of this type of renal fai lure is characterized by decreased cardiac output , rena l b lood flow, and p lasma vo lume? These changes are not reversible with infusion of saline but do reverse with infusion of album i n ? In summary, a case of rhabdomyolys is in a child with documented influenza A/Vic tor ia infect ion is presented. Experience gained f r o m m a n a g e m e n t of her fluid and electrolyte problems suggests that such pat ients may have hypovolemia in spite of edema. If correct ion of oliguria is necessary because of cont inuing myoglob inur ia with danger of renal failure, considerat ion mus t be given to using col loid-containing fluid.
Long‐term effects of imidacloprid on the abundance of surface‐ and soil‐active nontarget fauna in turf

1 Outbreaks of root-feeding scarab larvae in turfgrass are widely managed through preventive applications of imidacloprid. Long-residual activity and application before feasible scouting probably lead to its overuse and overexposure. 2 Recent investigations revealed a selective impact of imidacloprid (not trichlorfon or halofenozide) on certain nontarget turf arthropods, motivating the present study on the persistence of abundance effects over 6 years of annual applications. 3 Arthropods were sampled monthly (July to October) in replicated plots using soil core heat extraction and pitfall traps to quantify soil- and surface-active arthropods. Captures were identified to class, order or family. The most represented taxa were analysed to test for cumulative effects and their change over season and year. 4 Imidacloprid had no impact on pitfall captures, although the abundance of Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera and Collembola was suppressed in soil core captures. Among beetles, impact was expressed in adults (not larvae), and in Carabidae and Staphylinidae (not Chrysomelidae or Curculionidae). Among springtails, impact was expressed in Entomobryomorpha (not Poduromorpha or Symphypleona). Impact did not diminish with year but there was variable recovery between applications. 5 There may therefore be a diverging response of soil- and surface-active fauna to the nontarget impacts of imidacloprid. The suppression of predaceous (not phytophagous) beetles indicates an indirect effect mediated through declines in prey populations. 6 The magnitude of abundance effects confirms that the balance between target and nontarget impact should be explicitly examined. Implications are discussed with respect to functional relevance for nutrient cycling and the natural regulation of pests.
Synthesis and optimization of coordination controllers for distributed embedded systems

A main advantage of control composition with modal processes [4] is the enhanced retargetability of the composed behavior over a wide variety of target architectures. Unlike previous component models that hardwire the coordination behavior either explicitly in the components or implicitly in the underlying model of computation, modal processes decouple component functionality and coordination protocols. Retargetability is achieved through the synthesis of distributed mode managers, which abstract away low-level synchronization and control communication details that would otherwise be exposed to the component designer. This paper presents an algorithm for the synthesis and optimization of distributed coordination controllers by computing an optimal projection of the global state space onto each processor. It not only minimizes interprocessor communication traffic for coordination but also reduces controller complexity by minimizing replication.
Computational Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in the Normal and Obstructed Subarachnoid Space

Patients with Chiari I malformations have increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) velocities compared to subjects without the malformation. Improved methods of analyzing the CSF fluid dynamics are needed to evaluate the impact of increased fluid velocities on pressure differentials in the upper cervical spinal canal and the potential impact of surgery on flow dynamics in patient-specific geometries. Here, a numerical technique based on the boundary elements method (BEM) for modeling the CSF flow within the spinal canal is presented. Results for velocity and pressure throughout the spinal canal were obtained at flow rates representative of different phases of the cardiac cycle for a healthy geometry and a Chiari model. In the healthy geometry, peak CSF velocities occurred anterolateral to the spinal cord at all flow rates. Partially obstructing the subarachnoid space increased peak systolic and diastolic velocities and shear stresses anteriorly. In addition, in the obstructed (Chiari) model, stagnation regions were evident posteriorly. The effects of surgical treatment on these CSF flow patterns warrant further study.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Use of exercise test parameters to predict presence and duration of ambulatory ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract Myocardial ischemia is an indicator of adverse prognosis. In patients with stable angina and positive exercise tests, prolonged cumulative ischemia on ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring identifies a high-risk group with severe coronary artery disease and poor survival. To determine whether features of the exercise test can accurately (1) predict the occurrence of ambulatory ischemia, and (2) classify patients into subgroups at varying levels of risk for ambulatory ischemia, we studied 48 patients with a history of angina and documented coronary disease who underwent the standard Bruce protocol and ambulatory monitoring. All patients had a positive exercise treadmill test, and 26 had ischemia on Hotter monitoring (total of 2,922 minutes, 173 episodes, 94% with silent ischemia). The remaining 22 patients did not have ischemia. The exercise test parameters showing significant differences between the 2 groups were (1) time to ≥1 mm ST-segment depression (p 5 episodes or lasting >60 minutes) ambulatory ischemia. Patients with a very high or very low probability of ischemia on Holter monitoring can be identified by certain exercise test parameters and may not need to undergo monitoring. Further risk stratification by Holter monitoring may only be necessary for the intermediate-risk group.
Supplemental iron, copper, zinc, ascorbate, caffeine and chlortetracycline do not affect riboflavin utilization in the chick

Chick experiments were conducted to investigate dietary effects of excess supplemental Fe (420 mg/kg), Zn (448 mg/kg), Cu (245 mg/kg), L-ascorbate (1000 mg/kg), caffeine (200 mg/kg) and chlortetracycline (500 mg/kg) on riboflavin utilization. A dose-titration study indicated a linear increase in weight gain as riboflavin was supplemented up to 2.5 mg/kg in a soy isolate diet. Riboflavin utilization was evaluated at two deficient levels of dietary riboflavin (1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) in the presence of adequate and excess levels of Fe, Cu and Zn, and also in the presence of zero and excess levels of L-ascorbate, caffeine and chlortetracycline. Growth rate was increased markedly in chicks fed the 1.5 mg/kg compared with the 1.0 mg/kg riboflavin dose, and none of the putative antagonizing factors influenced growth rate, food intake or gain per unit of riboflavin intake at either riboflavin level. The results suggest that excess levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, L-ascorbate, caffeine and chlortetracycline do not affect crystalline riboflavin utilization in the chick.
Langhaus’ Giant Cells and Tubercle Bacilli In 91 Pulmonary Tuberculous Lesions Resected After Prolonged Combined Chemotherapy

Ninety-one surgically resected, non-cavitary tuberculous nodules with the greatest diameter not exceeding 2.5 centimeters were selected for histologic and bacteriologic analyses. Nineteen were characterized by almost complete absence of giant cells (Group I). The remainder (Group II) contained from a few to many giant cells in each paraffin section. Although 47 per cent were positive by smear, none of the tuberculous lesions in Group I yielded viable acid-fast bacilli by culture or guinea pig inoculation. However, 31 per cent of the lesions in Group II contained viable acid-fast bacilli. This difference is statistically significant. Within Group II no significant correlation was noted between the relative numbers of giant cells and the frequency of bacillary viability. It is suggested that the absence of giant cells within a localized tuberculous nodule is related to the inability of the acid-fast bacilli within that nodule to multiply. Previous studies have shown that other evidences of histologic "activity" are also related to the viability of the tubercle bacilli.
Calcium channel blockers and risk of AD: the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Abstract Objective : To investigate the association between use of calcium channel blockers (CCB), dihydropyridine (DHP) or nondihydropyridine (nonDHP) type CCB and risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or mortality. There is evidence suggesting that calcium plays a key role in changes in the brain leading to AD. Previous reports suggest a possible role for CCB in the treatment of AD. However, there are some indications that CCB increase mortality in patients with cardiac disease. Methods : Subjects were 1092 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) older than 60 years of age. Data on CCB use was collected prospectively for up to 19 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) of AD and mortality associated with use of CCB or use of only DHP or nonDHP-CCB. Analyses were adjusted for gender, education, smoking, blood pressure and history of heart problems. Results : Use of DHP-CCB was not associated with a significantly reduced risk of AD compared to non-users, although the estimate of the RR was low with DHP-CCB (RR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.07–1.25, P = 0.10). Use of nonDHP-CCB was not associated with reduced risk of AD and the estimate of the RR risk was close to one (RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.37–1.83, P = 0.63). In addition, there was no increase in mortality among users of DHP-CCB (RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.32–1.29, P = 0.21) or nonDHP-CCB (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.65–1.87, P = 0.72). Conclusion : Users of DHP-CCB and nonDHP-CCB in this study did not have a significantly reduced risk of AD.
Flexible Prosthetic Vein Valve

Over 7 million Americans suffer from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a disease that affects the venous system of the lower extremities. Problems associated with CVI include ulcerations, bleeding, swelling, and varicose veins, as well as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The presence of CVI is the result of incompetent, or malfunctioning, one-way vein valves in leg veins. There are few effective clinical therapies for treating CVI and there are currently no prosthetic vein valves commercially available. The purpose of this study was to define clinically relevant design requirements, develop functional tests for assessing a prosthetic vein valve, and design and fabricate a functional prosthetic vein valve for eventual clinical use. Engineering design methods were used to develop the valve, building a product based on well-defined consumer needs and design specifications. Emphasis was placed on creating a valve with potential clinical functionality. This clinical functionality was distilled into three major design criteria: that the valve (1) withstand backpressure of 300 mmHg with less than 1.0 mL/min of leakage; (2) open with distal pressure gradients less than 5 mmHg; and (3) meet criteria I and 2 after 500,000 cycles of opening and closing. Hydrostatic testing was conducted to measure the opening pressure and reflux leak rate of the valve. Cyclic life functionality was assessed using a cyclic flow loop simulating physiologic conditions of cyclic flow and pressure found in leg veins. The valve opened with a pressure of 2.6 mmHg±0.7 mmHg, which matches physiologic vein valve function. The valve also withstood 300 mmHg of backpressure with less than 0.5 mL/min of leakage, and maintained this performance even after 508,000 cycles of opening and closing in simulated physiologic conditions. The valve's burst pressure was a minimum of 530 mmHg±10 mmHg, six times greater than physiologic pressure natural vein valves experience. The valve continued to function well in an environment of vein-like tube expansion. The newly designed bi-leaflet prosthetic valve is comprised of a flexible, biocompatible material. Bench test results have shown that the valve is hydrodynamically functional and meets the mechanical design criteria for backpressure competency and opening pressure after 500,000 cycles. Finally, the valve can be manufactured easily with low cost.
Training at IBM's human resource service center: linking people, technology, and HR processes

IBM's Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) delivers centralized human resource operational support to over 500,000 IBM employees and retirees (including spouses and dependents). Its success is attributed to a skilled workforce focused on technology and end-to-end HR program support. Technology allows the Center to handle high volumes of customer requests while offering self-service options and tiered support. Training is key to delivering quality service center support. This article describes the HRSC's methods to train customer service representatives and program specialists as well as the training challenges. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
VOOR--nondemand rate modulated pacing necessitated by myopotential inhibition.

This report describes the use of the temperature sensitive rate modulated nondemand pacing mode (VOOR) in a patient with significant myopotential inhibition of pacemaker output during exercise. The VOOR mode eliminated myopotential sensing which had prevented an exertion related increase in heart rate. The patient has done well with VOOH pacing for the past year. VOOR pacing is useful in selected cases.
Methane and Reduced Sulfur Gas Production by Fresh and Dried Wetland Soils

Wetland soil microorganisms are probably influenced by fluctuating water levels and by longer-term climatic change. This study investigated production of CH 4 and reduced S gases [H 2 S, CH 3 SH, (CH 3 ) 2 S, COS, and CS 2 ] by both freshly collected and air-dried, rewet soils from four wetlands in the Mississippi deltaic plain. Soils from three depth intervals (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) from a swamp forest (Typic Hydraquent), a freshwater marsh (Terric Medisaprist), an intermediate salinity marsh (Typic Medisaprist), and a salt marsh (Typic Medisaprist) were incubated under anaerobic conditions. At repeated time intervals, the headspace gas was analyzed and then purged with N 2 . Peak production rates of both CH 4 and H 2 S occurred earlier in the fresh soils than in the dried soils in almost all cases. Presumably, this time lag associated with drying was caused by an increase in potentially reducible Mn and Fe. Nevertheless, drying increased labile C levels, thus total CH 4 production was similar during the entire 69-d incubation. Production of CH 4 was positively correlated with organic matter content (fresh, R 2 =0.52; dried, R 2 =0.64) and labile C (fresh, R 2 =0.53; dried, R 2 =0.89). Due to their relatively low concentrations, inclusion of soil oxidants in a model did not significantly improve the fit of a model that already contained a term for labile C. Production of S gases was positively correlated with initial SO 4 2- concentrations (fresh, R 2 =0.75; dried, R 2 =0.42). Drying significantly decreased total H 2 S production only for the salt marsh soils. In contrast, the drying treatment increased CH 3 SH production; only these soils produced (CH 3 ) 2 S, COS, and CS 2
Nutritional quality at eight U.S. fast-food chains: 14-year trends

Background Frequent consumption of fast-food menu items that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium contribute to poor dietary quality, increasing individuals' risk for diet-related chronic diseases. Purpose To assess 14-year trends in the nutritional quality of menu offerings at eight fast-food restaurant chains in the U.S. Methods Data on menu items and food and nutrient composition were obtained in 2011 from archival versions of the University of Minnesota Nutrition Coordinating Center Food and Nutrient Database for eight fast-food restaurant chains. In this database, ingredient and nutrition information for all foods sold by the fast-food restaurants were updated biannually between 1997/1998 and 2009/2010. Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005 scores were calculated for each restaurant menu as a measure of the extent to which menu offerings were consistent with Dietary Guidelines for Americans and compared over time. Results Of a possible index total of 100 (healthiest), the HEI-2005 score across all eight fast-food restaurants was 45 in 1997/1998 and 48 in 2009/2010. Individually, restaurant scores in 1997/1998 ranged from 37 to 56 and in 2009/2010 ranged from 38 to 56. The greatest improvements in nutritional quality were seen in the increase of meat/beans, decrease in saturated fat, and decrease in the proportion of calories from solid fats and added sugars. The HEI-2005 score improved in six restaurants and decreased in two. Conclusions The nutritional quality of menu offerings at fast-food restaurant chains included in this study increased over time, but further improvements are needed. Fast-food restaurants have an opportunity to contribute to a healthy diet for Americans by improving the nutritional quality of their menus.
Spontaneous compactification of seven-dimensional supergravity theories

It is found that the gauged supergravity theories in d=7 compactify on Ad S*S3 or Ad S*H3 (3-hyperboloid), while the ungauged Maxwell-Einstein supergravity in d=7 compactifies on (Minkowski)4*Tear Drop*S1. The novel feature in these compactifications is the appearance of non-compact Einstein internal spaces. The possibility of their leading to non-compact gaugings in d=4 is suggested.
Interpersonal Construct Differentiation and Conversational Planning An Examination of Two Cognitive Accounts for the Production of Competent Verbal Disagreement Tactics

This study examines three cognition-based theoretical explanations for variations in verbal disagreement tactics. The cognitive requirements of competent message production in conflict situations are examined first. Then the relative success of (a) an individual difference explanation (based on constructivist logic), (b) a situated cognition explanation (based on planning theory), and (c) a hybrid explanation in accounting for the use of competent verbal disagreement tactics is assessed. Results based on analysis of 40 dyadic interactions indicated that planning measures are strongly correlated with use of integrative conflict tactics. In addition, the individual difference measure (i.e., the Role Category Questionnaire) was strongly associated with the quality of plans. Results are interpreted as evidence of the need for integrative models that link individual differences in social cognition, conversational plans, and message behavior.
Travel Time and Distance as Relative Accessibility in the Journey to Work

The ability to access places of opportunity is dependent on the land use distribution, the transportation network connecting homes and activity sites, and sociodemographic-dependent mobility. Accessibility indicators are used as a planning tool to capture accessibility variations in the assessment and development of social, land use, and transportation policy. A number of metrics have been proposed to understand patterns of unequal access that typically fall under overlapping three pairs of contrasting notions of accessibility: place- versus person-based, normative versus positive, and potential versus actual. Variations in accessibility for different people in different locations might arise from the dynamic nature of the people–space–transportation triad. What is less explored is how these dynamics, resulting from the confluence of changing urban structures, diverging mobility resources, and socioeconomic transformations, might reveal unusual accessibility experiences based on unexpected travel time and...
Phase decomposition in poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole/amorphous nylon molecular composites

Abstract Miscibility characteristics of poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PPBO)/amorphous nylon (AN) molecular composites were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dielectric relaxation, wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), and light scattering. The solution-mixed PPBO/AN exhibited a systematic movement of a single glass transition temperature (T g) with composition in DSC and dielectric measurements, implying an entrapped single phase of the molecular composites. In the WAXD studies of the 50/50 mixture, two very weak reflection peaks of the PPBO phase and a small amorphous halo of AN were discerned. Light scattering studies showed no detectable level of orientation fluctuations. Upon heating, thermally induced phase separation occurred, with a cloud point phase diagram reminiscent of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). As typical for entrapped single-phase blends, the phase diagram of LCP blends is irreversible. Nevertheless, several temperature jump experiments were un...
“A Vile and Abject Woman”: Noble Mistresses, Legal Power, and the Family in Early Modern Spain:

Mistresses of Spanish noblemen between 1360 and 1600 occupied a place within the Spanish patriarchy where concerns about gender and class intersected, revealing contradictions between the ideals of honor, the moral injunctions of Catholic doctrine, and the practical needs of noble families. Mistresses occupied a flexible space in the Spanish patriarchy where a woman's social status, her ability to produce male heirs, and her ability to use the legal system to her advantage shaped her experience as a mistress and made her more likely to disrupt or change the inheritance processes of noble families. Concentrating on noble mistresses reveals that Spanish society had ambiguities about issues of morality, honor, status, and gender that allowed both male and female Spaniards to manipulate social attitudes as skillfully as they manipulated the law.
Interdisciplinary Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis During Rehabilitation of Acute Rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Case Report

Objective The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who experienced deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during pre-operative rehabilitation of an acute rupture of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft, to increase awareness of DVT occurring in a healthy individual after periodic immobilization, and to describe the interdisciplinary management for this patient.
Acetone extraction of 2,4 DNT from contaminated soil

Abstract This paper reports on the preliminary results of an experimental study to compare two methods for extracting energetic compounds from soils. A number of military industrial sites have soils contaminated with energetic compounds (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics). One decontamination method being considered is solvent extraction using acetone as the solvent liquid. Bench scale experimental results are reported on removing 2,4 dinitrotoluene (DNT) from sand and clay samples via packed bed or stirred tank methods of extraction. The experiments show that either approach is effective in removing the energetics. However, the stirred tank method appears to require a shorter contact time and less acetone per mass of treated soil than the packed bed method. The experiments also consider the effects of aging on spiked samples and the effects of conditioning the samples as dry, wetted in water, or wetted in acetone on the effectiveness of the extraction. The results here are preliminary but may be used to guide future studies.
Experiments with thermalized rare isotope beams from projectile fragmentation: a precision mass measurement of the superallowed beta emitter 38Ca.

The mass of the short-lived radio nuclide {sup 38}Ca (T{sub 1/2}=440 ms) has been measured with the 9.4-T Penning trap mass spectrometer of the Low-Energy Beam and Ion Trap Facility. A mass uncertainty of {delta}m=280 eV has been achieved, corresponding to {delta}m/m=8x10{sup -9}. The result makes {sup 38}Ca, a superallowed beta emitter, a new candidate to test the conserved-vector-current hypothesis. The experiment is also the first demonstration that short-lived radioactive isotopes produced by projectile fragmentation of relativistic heavy-ion beams can be slowed down and prepared such that precision experiments of this kind are possible.
ECCLESIASTICAL IMPROVEMENTS, LAY IMPROPRIATIONS, AND THE BUILDING OF A POST-REFORMATION CHURCH IN ENGLAND, 1560–1600*

One of the more difficult practical questions raised by the English Reformation was just how to support its clergy and its fabric. Despite extensive resistance from the godly members of church and state, the Elizabethan church maintained the pre-Reformation system of impropriations, lay ownership of ecclesiastical tithes. This article examines the historical, practical, and ideological stakes of these everyday economics in the late sixteenth century. It argues that the majority of impropriators were responsive to the needs of the church, sustaining rather than undermining the nascent English church. In the space opened up by the Reformation's rents in the social and physical fabric of the parish, new bonds between church, state, and society were knit. This process of building the post-Reformation church thus tied the laity closer to the interests and activities of the church in England.
Balancing selection on a floral polymorphism.

Abstract The common morning glory, Ipomoea purpurea, exhibits a flower color polymorphism at the W locus throughout the southeastern North America. The W locus controls whether flowers will be darkly pigmented (WW), lightly pigmented (Ww), or white with pigmented rays (ww). In this report, we describe results of a perturbation, or convergence, experiment using five plots designed to determine whether balancing selection operates on the W locus. The pattern of gene frequency changes obtained are indicative of balancing selection operating at the W locus, providing direct evidence that both the alleles are actively maintained by selection. Corresponding Editor: D. Pi;tznero