cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms in African-American type 1 diabetics.

This study examined depressive symptoms and their correlates in African-American patients with type 1 diabetes. Five-hundred eighty-one diabetics participated in a study on risk factors for retinopathy in African-Americans with type 1 diabetes. Evaluations included structured interview, ocular examination, blood test, and completion of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Among the 581 diabetic patients, 159 (26.9%) had a BDI score > 14. Significantly more of these patients were unemployed, had less education, lower socio-economic status, and less personal and family income than those who had a BDI 14 had proliferative retinopathy and were receiving disability payments. In the multiple logistic regression, two factors that significantly and independently associated with the BDI score > 14 were unemployment or not working due to disability. Both socio-economic and diabetic variables are associated with depressive symptoms among African-American patients with type 1 diabetes.
Two-User Relay Transmission with Shorter Delay

In this paper, a cooperative system with two users and one relay is considered. An amplify-and-forward relaying protocol is applied in a half duplex mode. To make the transmission delay as short as possible, the relay forwards for both users simultaneously. We consider transmission schemes with symbol rates $2/3$ to demonstrate the tradeoff among performance, delay, and symbol rate. Based on the analysis for the pairwise error probability~(PEP), an optimal precoder is proposed to achieve the full diversity and best coding gain. Simulations show that the proposed precoder can provide about one dB improvement over some conventional space-time block codes at bit error rate $10^{-4}$.
Flow-assisted degradation in dilute polystyrene solutions

The flow-assisted degradation behavior of polystyrene was studied as a function of solvent, polymer concentration, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution. To obtain data at concentrations as low as 100 parts per million by weight, turbulent drag reduction measurements were used to augment the usual analytical techniques of viscosity and gel permeation chromatography. Turbulent flow measurements were found to be a valuable technique for evaluating the effects of degradation: the drag reduction onset point provides information about the largest molecules in the sample while the flow rate dependence is related to the shape of the top part of the molecular weight distribution. For the polymers and flow conditions studied, the degradation causes a shift in the distribution to lower molecular weights with little change in the shape. This suggests a complex mechanism where the probability of bond scission is not random but varies along the polymer backbone.
RNA dependence of the bacteriophage φ29 DNA packaging ATPase

The activity of the DNA packaging adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) of the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage φ 29 is dependent upon prohead RNA. The 174 nucleotide viralencoded RNA is positioned on the head-tail connector at the portal vertex of the φ 29 precursor shell (prohead). Here, the RNA interacts with the ATP-binding gene 16 product (gp16) to constitute the DNA-packaging ATPase and initiate DNA packaging in vitro . Both the prohead connector (gene 10 product, gp10) and gp16 may utilize an RNA recognition motif characteristic of a number of RNA-associated proteins, and the binding of gp16 by proheads shields the prohead RNA from RNase A. The ATPase activity of gp16 is stimulated fourfold by RNA and tenfold by proheads with RNA. RNA is needed continuously for the gp16/RNA ATPase activity and is essential for the gp16/prohead ATPase activity. The prohead, with its connector, RNA and associated gp16 in an assembly-regulated configuration, hydrolyzes ATP and drives φ 29 DNA translation.
Knowledge, Assertion, and Inference

This paper argues that three plausible principles are mutually inconsistent: (KA) One ought to assert only what one knows; (AP) If it is proper to assert some proposition q, then it is, barring special and not very common circumstances, proper to assert any proposition p from which q has been competently inferred; and (AKN) Some propositions are both properly assertible and known by competent inference from propositions which one does not know. Each pair of two principles constitutes an argument against the remaining principle, but which principle should one drop?
Molt-inhbiting factor from the crustacean eyestalk

Abstract A factor inhibiting molt in young Orchestia can be isolated from eyestalks of Pandalus by Sephadex gel filtration, anion exchange chromatography, and thin-layer electrophoresis on cellulose. It may be an indole alkylamine.
Capacity of soils for sorption of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract Studies with 42 soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties showed that air‐dry and moist soils have substantial capacities for sorption of H2S from air (averages, 9.8 and 12.5 g S kg‐1 soil, respectively). Soil properties influencing the capacities of air‐dry soils for sorption of H2S included sand and clay contents, DCB‐soluble Mn, exchangeable Na, DCB‐soluble Fe, and total DCB‐soluble metals. The corresponding capacities of moist soils were influenced by sand and clay contents, DCB‐soluble Mn, and surface area. It was possible to closely predict the H2S sorption capacities of both air‐dry and moist soils (R2 = 0.804 and 0.918, respectively) from consideration of their properties.
Opiate peptides modulate somatostatin release from dispersed hypothalamic cells

An in vitro dispersed hypothalamic cell system was developed and utilized to investigate the effect of exposure to cold stress prior to sacrifice on release of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SRIF-LI). Exposure of the rats to cold stress prior to sacrifice significantly increased basal (or control) release of SRIF-LI from dispersed hypothalamic cells. The endogenous opiate peptides (β-endorphin, Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin) significantly inhibited the basal release of SRIF-LI from dispersed hypothalamic cells obtained from rats exposed to the cold prior to sacrifice. Naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, had no effect on basal release but blocked inhibition by the endogenous opiate peptides. In marked contrast, the endogenous opiate peptides had no effect on basal release of SRIF-LI from dispersed hypothalamic cells of rats exposed to room temperature prior to sacrifice.
Conservative Treatment of Overanticoagulated Patients

Study objective To determine the outcome of overanticoagulated patients who were treated with vitamin K and those who were treated conservatively by holding doses and increasing monitoring frequency. A secondary objective was to compare conservative management with American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) treatment guidelines when followed. Design Retrospective chart review of all patients with international normalized ratios (INRs) of 6 or greater and concurrently receiving warfarin between November 1993 and February 1994. Setting A Veterans Affairs Medical Center providing inpatient and outpatient care. Patients receiving warfarin are managed by an established anticoagulation clinic. Patients Fifty-one consecutive patients receiving warfarin who had an INR of 6 or greater were reviewed. Interventions Data collection included INR, risks for bleeding, indication for anticoagulation, interventions, and patient outcomes. Results INRs ranged from 6.1 to 81.8. Forty-eight patients (94%) did not receive vitamin K; they were treated by withholding doses and increasing monitoring frequency. One developed minor bleeding. Three patients (6%) received vitamin K. Two of these patients died of unrelated problems. The third patient required 47 days of heparin therapy prior to achieving therapeutic oral anticoagulation. Conclusion This trial showed that conservative treatment of nonbleeding overanticoagulated patients is safe. A prospective trial comparing the ACCP guidelines with a conservative approach is needed.
Partial reconstitution of human RNase P in HeLa cells between its RNA subunit with an affinity tag and the intact protein components

An RNA affinity tag was incorporated into the RNA subunit of human nuclear RNase P. The tagged RNA assembled with the protein components of RNase P inside HeLa cells to generate an active enzyme. Because of the specificity of the RNA tag to streptavidin, the reconstituted complex could be separated from the native enzyme and other ribonucleoproteins (particularly RNase MRP) by streptavidin agarose chromatography and could be recovered by the eluting agent, biotin. A mutant, tagged RNase P RNA, whose P3 domain was partially replaced, could not reconstitute with the proteins to yield an active enzyme. The P3 domain, therefore, is critical for the structure and function of RNase P.
The Motivations of Islamic Martyrs: Applying the Collective Effort Model

This paper examines the motivations of Islamic martyrs through the Collective Effort Model (CEM). The CEM postulates that individuals work hard in a group only if they believe their work, input, or efforts will help attain their individually valued outcomes. In addition, people will work even harder as a group if they have close affinities with that group or if they are persuaded that their effort will be recognized (Karau & Williams, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 65(4):681–706, 1993). In the context of this analysis, it seems appropriate to apply the CEM to the motivations of Islamic martyrs to engage in suicide bombing as one can easily see the effects of their own efforts on their group’s organizational goals. Determining the motivations of Islamic martyrs may also help us identify the specific recruiting strategies used by terrorist organizations looking to acquire followers for their cause.
The specificity of the secondary immune response: characterization of the antibody produced to cross-reactive antigens.

Abstract The specificity of the primary and secondary immune response was studied in guinea pigs sensitized to α, DNP-Lys 18 peptides. The antibody response to α, DNP-Lys 18 peaked at approximately 3 weeks and by 3 months returned to base line values. Such animals can be triggered at 3 months by a wide variety of immunogenic α, DNP-lysines, e, DNP-lysines, and DNP-proteins to form antihapten antibody. In contrast, closely related nonimmunogenic α, DNP-lysines, e.g., α, DNP-Lys 3–6 or α, DNP-Lys 9 (L 4 DL 4 ) cannot provoke an antihapten anamnestic response. By quantitative inhibition tests, the antibody formed 3–4 weeks following immunization with α, DNP-Lys 18 is maximally inhibited on a molar basis by the heptamer and indistinguishable from the antibody produced by reinjection of the homologous antigen at 3 months. When the anamnestic response is provoked by α, DNP-Lys 60 or α, DNP-Lys 1200 in α, DNP-Lys 18 -primed animals, the specificity of the antibody formed is similar to that obtained by primary immunization with α, DNP-Lyse 60 or α, DNP-Lys 1200 i.e., the conformation of the inducing peptide is recognized. On the other hand, if e, DNP-lysines, DNP HSA, or DNP BGG are used to elicit the anamnestic response in an α, DNP-Lys 18 primed animal, the antibody synthesized is highly cross-reactive and can barely discriminate α, DNP-oligolysines from e, DNP-lysine.
Concurrent sentences--dialysis in the state penitentiary.

No matter where it takes place, dialysis is itself a sort of prison sentence, tying patients to a machine for 4 hours at a time, three times a week. Dr. Eric Gibney writes that for prisoners, dialysis at least offers a break from the routine.
A Practical Method for Software Encryption

Some technical measures should be taken for software protection in addition to the laws and regulations. Software encryption is a commonly used method. The main methods of software encryption are introduced here firstly, and the characteristics of different methods are given. Then the idea of encryption card based on computer system bus is put forward. The design of logical circuit for the concrete realization is shown and the key detection process is described. The key is generated by the port address dynamically with the encryption card. There are several key with multi port. The encryption card is difficult to decrypt and is with good stability, high reliability.
Stability and instability in plant communities following fire

Tree species composition and density were monitored in closed oak-hickory forest and forestprairie edge for a period of five years after a prescribed burn. In the closed forest, tree stem density declined markedly following the burn. Tree basal area and density decreased from 17.5 m2/ha and 630 trees/ha in the preburn sample to 12.0 m2/ha and 310 trees/ha five years later. In contrast, on the forest-prairie edge, tree basal area and density increased slightly during the same time period from 3.0 m2/ha and 117 trees/ha to 5.2 m2/ha and 172 trees/ha. Our data suggest that closed canopy forests in fire susceptible areas accumulate fuels to levels that encourage fires of sufficient intensity to destabilize forest systems and convert them to open forests or savannahs. Conversely, on the forest-prairie edge, amounts and patterns of fuel accumulation, and species response to burning, are such that fire can be considered to be a factor promoting stability.
The unusual telomeres of Drosophila

Abstract The telomeres of most eukaryotes contain short, simple repeats that are highly conserved. Drosophila, on the other hand, does not have such sequences, but carries at the ends of its chromosomes one or more LINE-like retrotransporable elements. Instead of elongation by telomerase, incomplete DNA replication at the termini of Drosophila chromosomes is counterbalanced by transposition of these elements at high frequency specifically to the termini. These transposable elements are not responsible for distinguishing telomeric ends in Drosophila from broken chromosome ends; the structure performing this function is not yet known. proximal to the terminal array of transposable elments are regions of tandem repeats that are structurally, and probably functionally, analogous to the subterminal regions in other eukaryotes.
Reducing the Cognitive Complexity Associated With Standard Setting: A Comparison of the Single-Passage Bookmark and Yes/No Methods

Judgmental standard setting methods have been criticized for the cognitive complexity of the judgment task that panelists are asked to complete. This study compared two methods designed to reduce this complexity: the yes/no method and the single-passage bookmark method. Two mock standard setting panel meetings were convened, one for each method, using experienced third-grade teachers as panelists. The methods produced very similar cut scores and they seemed to succeed in reducing the cognitive complexity of the judgment task. There was also evidence, however, that the participants in both groups experienced a great deal of difficulty in estimating item performance for borderline students and that they may have used contextual information associated with the judgmental task to estimate their cut scores.
Blockade by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist of IL-1β-induced neuronal activity in guinea pig preoptic area slices

Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) are thought to be endogenous pyrogens, i.e., to mediate fever production; warm-sensitive (W) and cold-sensitive (C) neurons in the preoptic area (POA) are presumed to be the ultimate targets of endogenous pyrogens. The recent purification of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) has provided a means for verifying the presumptive action of IL-1 on these neurons. This study was undertaken, therefore, to investigate whether IL-1ra may block the IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta effects on the firing rates (FR) of W and C neurons in guinea pig POA slices. Human recombinant (hr) IL-1 beta (500 ng/ml) reduced the FR of 26 W neurons and increased those of 3 C neurons recorded; it had no effect on 8 thermally insensitive neurons. hrIL-1 alpha (200-600 ng/ml) did not change the FR of any neuron. IL-Ira (0.01-0.5 mg/ml) had no effect by itself on the FR of all the neurons, but it blocked the hrIL-1 beta-induced FR changes of 24 of the 26 W and of all 3 C neurons when given before the cytokine. The lowest effective dose was 0.05 mg/ml. These results support the hypothesis, therefore, that POA thermosensitive neurons may be direct targets of IL-1 beta and that it may be an endogenous pyrogen acting on these units to induce fever production.
Third-grade retention and reading achievement in Texas: a nine year panel study.

Abstract The academic performance of over 38,000 Texas students who failed the state’s 1994 reading test was examined through their sophomore year in high school. Propensity score matching resulted in strata with retained and promoted students of comparable observed characteristics. Reading scores were analyzed using a two-level hierarchical linear model. Same grade comparisons show that third graders failing the state-mandated reading test who repeated the grade consistently outperformed in later grades the socially promoted children who also failed the third grade test. Additional analyses indicate that alternative explanations for the findings such as omitted variables, regression to the mean, differential panel attrition and cohort effects are not supported. The results are consistent with findings from other recent studies which suggest that grade retention in third grade may help increase student achievement.
Abstract 1544: Control of tumor-associated macrophage alternative activation by MIF.

Tumor stromal alternatively activated macrophages are important determinants of anti-tumor T lymphocyte responses, intratumoral neovascularization and metastatic dissemination. Our recent efforts to investigate the mechanism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in antagonizing anti-melanoma immune responses reveal that macrophage-derived MIF is necessary for maximal macrophage alternative activation in melanoma-bearing mice. Both peripheral and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) isolated from melanoma bearing MIF-deficient mice display elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and reduced anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and pro-angiogenic gene products compared to macrophages from tumor bearing MIF wildtype mice. Moreover, TAMs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) from MIF-deficient mice exhibit reduced T lymphocyte immunosuppressive activities than do those from their wildtype littermates. Corresponding with reduced tumor immunosuppression and neoangiogenic potential by TAMs, MIF-deficiency confers protection against transplantable subcutaneous melanoma outgrowth and melanoma lung metastatic colonization. Finally, we report for the first time that our previously discovered MIF small molecule antagonist, 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP), recapitulates MIF-deficiency in vitro and in vivo and attenuates tumor polarized macrophage alternative activation, immunosuppression, neoangiogenesis and melanoma tumor outgrowth. These studies are the first to describe a functional contribution by MIF to tumor-associated macrophage alternative activation and provide justification for immunotherapeutic targeting of MIF in melanoma patients. Citation Format: Kavitha Yaddanapudi, Kalyani Putty, Beatriz Rendon, Gwyneth Lamont, Jonathan Faughn, Robert Mitchell. Control of tumor-associated macrophage alternative activation by MIF. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1544. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1544
Breathing pattern abnormalities in full term asphyxiated newborn infants

Perinatal asphyxia is a cause of significant morbidity among full term infants, but breathing abnormalities after an asphyxic insult have not been studied. This report details breathing patterns of 16 full term asphyxiated infants, during the first week of life who were studied by transthoracic impedance pneumocardiograms. Pneumocardiograms were abnormal in 69% of infants in the asphyxiated group and 13% of infants in the control group. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of prolonged apnoea, the percentage of periodic breathing, and in apnoea density. These results indicate that there are significant abnormalities in the breathing pattern of full term infants, during their first week, after perinatal asphyxia. Similar abnormalities have been described in infants who had experienced 'near miss' sudden infant death syndrome.
Import, processing, and assembly of the α- and β-subunits of chloroplast pyruvate dehydrogenase

Sequence comparisons were used to identify cDNAs potentially encoding the α- and β-subunits of chloroplast pyruvate dehydrogenase. Coupled in-vitro transcription plus translation was used to synthesize radiolabeled pyruvate dehydrogenase α- and β-subunit precursor proteins. When the precursors were incubated with intact pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedling chloroplasts in the presence of ATP, they were imported and proteolytically processed. In contrast, there was no import or processing of the precursors by isolated, intact pea seedling mitochondria. Monospecific antibodies to the recombinant pyruvate dehydrogenase α-subunit were additionally able to co-precipitate radiolabeled pyruvate dehydrogenase β-subunit, indicating association between subunits after import and processing. Furthermore, size-exclusion chromatography was used to identify an αβ heterodimer that is an intermediate in the assembly of the native α2β2 heterotetrameric enzyme.
MLC STT-RAM design considering probabilistic and asymmetric MTJ switching

Spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) has widely believed as a promising candidate for the post-silicon nonvolatile memory technology. In many recent researches, STT-RAM has demonstrated many attractive characteristics, such as nanosecond access time, high integration density, adjustable non-volatility, and good CMOS process compatibility. As the distinction between the two boundary resistance states of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device continues to improve, multi-level cell (MLC) STT-RAM emerges as an interesting technology to pursue. However, since the resistance margin is partitioned into multiple segments for multi-level data representation, the performance and reliability of MLC STT-RAM cells become more sensitive to the MOS and MTJ device variations, as well as the thermal-induced randomness of MTJ switching. In this work, we report our recent study on the reliability of the read/write operations of the stacking MLC STT-RAM cells by consider the different variability sources. Our simulation result shows that although the stacking MCL STT-RAM has not yet satisfy the requirement of commercial product under the realistic fabrication conditions, it has shown the great potentials under careful design optimizations.
The partial resolution of certain inner complexes by means of a chromatographic technique

Abstract Adsorption of chromium(II) or cobalt(III) acetylacetonate on a column of d -lactose hydrate followed by elution with n -hexane-benzene or petroleum ether-benzene effects partial resolution into optically active fractions. Complete recovery of solute characterizes both systems. The same techniques yields only optically inactive fractions with iron(III), gallium(III), and indium(III) acetylacetonates.
Extracting Residual NMR Coupling Constants From Electrically Aligned Liquids

Molecular alignment by an electric field is used to reintroduce quadrupolar couplings into the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of polar liquids. By interleaving a pulsed electric field with rf ...
Charge transfer and multiple density waves in the rare earth tellurides

We use high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction to uncover a second, low-temperature, charge density wave (CDW) in TbTe_3. Its T_(c2) = 41.0 +/- 0.4 K is the lowest discovered so far in the rare earth telluride series. The CDW wave vectors of the high temperature and low temperature states differ significantly and evolve in opposite directions with temperature, indicating that the two nested Fermi surfaces are separated and the CDWs coexist independently. Both the in-plane and out-of-plane correlation lengths are robust, implying that the density waves on different Te layers are well coupled through the TbTe layers. Finally, we rule out any low-temperature CDW in GdTe_3 for temperatures above 8 K, an energy scale sufficiently low to make pressure tuning of incipient CDW order a realistic possibility.
Rapid gravitational adjustment of horizontal shear flows

The evolution of a horizontal shear layer in the presence of a horizontal density gradient is explored by three-dimensional numerical simulations. These flows exhibit characteristics of both free shear flows and gravity currents, but have complex dynamics due to strong interactions between the turbulent features of each. Vertical vortices produced by horizontal shear are tilted and stretched by the gravitational adjustment, rapidly enhancing vorticity. Shear intensification at frontal convergences produces high-wavenumber vertical vorticity and the slumping of the density interface produces horizontal Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices typical of a gravity current. The interaction between these instabilities promotes a rapid transition to three-dimensional turbulence. The flow development depends on the relative time scales of shear instability and gravitational adjustment, described by a parameter (where the limits and represent a pure gravity current and a pure mixing layer, respectively). The growth rate of three-dimensional instability and the mixing increase for smaller . When is sufficiently small, there are two distinct regimes: an early period of during which the interface grows rapidly, followed by horizontal diffusive growth. Numerical results are consistent with field observations of tidal separation flows in the Haro Strait (Farmer, Pawlowicz & Jiang, Dyn. Atmos. Oceans., vol. 36, 2002, pp. 43–58), including the magnitude of downwelling vertical currents, horizontal scales of surface vortex features and mixing rate.
N-terminal Residues of Plasmatocyte-spreading Peptide Possess Specific Determinants Required for Biological Activity

Plasmatocyte-spreading peptide (PSP) is a 23-amino acid cytokine that activates a class of insect immune cells called plasmatocytes. The tertiary structure of PSP consists of an unstructured N terminus (residues 1-6) and a well structured core (residues 7-23). A prior study indicated that deletion of the N terminus from PSP eliminated all biological activity. Alanine substitution of the first three residues (Glu(1)-Asn(2)-Phe(3)) further indicated that only replacement of Phe(3) resulted in a loss of activity equal to the N-terminal deletion mutant. Here, we characterized structural determinants of the N terminus. Adding a hydroxyl group to the aromatic ring of Phe(3) (making a Tyr) greatly reduced activity, whereas the addition of a fluorine (p-fluoro) did not. Substitutions that changed the chirality or replaced the aromatic ring of Phe(3) with a branched aliphatic chain (making a Val) also greatly decreased activity. The addition of a methylene group to Val (making a Leu) partially restored activity, whereas the removal of a methylene group from Phe (phenyl-Gly) eliminated all activity. These results indicated that a branched carbon chain with a methylene spacer at the third residue is the minimal structural motif required for activity. The deletion of Glu(1) also eliminated activity. Additional experiments identified the charged N-terminal amine and backbone of Glu(1) as key determinants for activity.
Purification and characterization of two vascular endothelium effectors from fetal bovine retina, vitreous, and serum

The purification and characterization of uridine and thymidine, two previously isolated vascular endothelium effectors, are described. These two effectors were purified from all dialyzable fractions of fetal bovine serum (FBS), vitreous, and retina. The present study demonstrates the stimulatory characteristic of uridine and thymidine on the proliferation of aortic endothelial cells. The stimulation appears to link to their utilization by the cells in a dialyzed FBS-dependent manner. In the presence of optimal concentrations of uridine (10 microM), thymidine (0.8 microM), and dialyzed FBS (3 mg ml-1), a markedly enhanced vascular endothelial cell proliferation is attainable; uridine and thymidine alone had no significant stimulatory effect. The presence of both nucleosides, however, increased the concentration of dialyzed FBS required for half-maximum proliferation activity of fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells and also increased maximum activity. Studies with fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells showed that the activity of uridine kinase in the cells was activated by dialyzed FBS, but not by uridine and thymidine. Uridine and thymidine exerted no marked stimulatory effect on Balb/c 3T3, Swiss 3T3, and SV-T2 as noted with endothelial cells. The significance of the present findings to the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in the retina is discussed.
Effect of Maturity on Seed Composition in the Early Soybean Production System as Measured on Near-Isogenic Soybean Lines

The effect of maturity (time to maturity) on seed composition in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) genotypes is not well understood because maturity is generally confounded with genotypic background. Therefore, the effects of maturity on seed composition were estimated in two sets of near isogenic soybean lines ('Clark' and 'Har- osoy'), where the maturity of each line within a set varied, but all had a common genotypic background. There was a positive linear relation- ship between protein concentration and maturity among isolines of the Clark set in 2004 (r 2 = 0.75; P ≤ 0.001) and 2005 (r 2 = 0.63; P ≤ 0.001). How- ever, in Harosoy isolines there was no relation- ship between protein and maturity. There was a negative linear relationship between oil concen- tration and maturity for Clark (in 2004, r 2 = 0.82, P ≤ 0.001; in 2005, r 2 = 0.91, P ≤ 0.0001) and Harosoy (in 2004, r 2 = 0.19, P ≤ 0.05; in 2005, r 2 = 0.36, P ≤ 0.01). Maturity had greater effects on seed composition than maximum tempera- ture. The results indicate that the relationship between seed composition and maturity was different between the Clark and Harosoy sets of isolines. However, the overall mean of protein and oil concentration was not different between genotypic backgrounds. This information will be useful for soybean breeding in developing new germplasm for seed composition.
Transduction of umbilical cord blood CD34+ NOD/SCID-repopulating cells by simian foamy virus type 1 (SFV-1) vector.

Abstract Foamy viruses are nonpathogenic retroviruses that offer unique opportunities for gene transfer into various cell types including hematopoietic stem cells. We used a simian foamy virus type 1 vector (SFV-1) containing a LacZ reporter gene with a titer of 1–5 × 10 6 viral particles/ml that was free of replication-competent retrovirus to transduce human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells. Transduced CD34+ cord blood cells were transplanted into NOD/SCID mice and plated in serum-free methylcellulose culture to determine the transduction efficiency of human hematopoietic progenitor cells. A transduction efficiency of about 20% was obtained. At 6–10 weeks posttransplantation, human hematopoietic cell engraftment and marking were determined. Marrow from transplanted mice demonstrated human cell engraftment by the presence of human (CD45+) cells containing both CD19+ lymphoid and CD33+ myeloid cells. Serial sampling of NOD/SCID bone marrow revealed the presence of 6.7–14.0% CD45+ cells at 6 weeks posttransplant as compared to 3.6–27.2% CD45+ cells at 9–10 weeks posttransplant. Human progenitors examined from NOD/SCID bone marrow cells 9 weeks posttransplant revealed from 7.4 to 25.9% of the colonies exhibiting X-gal staining. Our study demonstrates the ability of a simian foamy virus vector to transduce the SCID-repopulating cell and offers a promising new gene delivery system for use in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy.
Control of hepatitis B virus among alaskan natives

In 1983, a comprehensive programme was introduced to halt the spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to reduce mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Alaskan Natives, in whom the incidence of HBV infection was high. This programme includes: serological screening of all Alaskan Natives; immunization of susceptible persons, including all newborn babies, with hepatitis B vaccine; and testing HBsAg-positive carriers twice a year for α-fetoprotein (AFP) to detect HCC at an early stage. By October, 1986, over 53,000 Alaskan Natives (84% of the total Native population) had been tested for HBV serological markers and 80% of the identified susceptibles had been or were being vaccinated against HBV. After complete immunization of 90% of the susceptibles in the area with the highest infection rates in Alaska, the annual incidence of acute symptomatic HBV infection decreased from 215 to 14 cases per 100,000 population. After the introduction of AFP screening, the 1-year-case-fatality rate for HCC fell from 100% to 50%.
Chemical modification of metal oxide surfaces in supercritical CO2 : The interaction of supercritical CO2 with the adsorbed water layer and the surface hydroxyl groups of a silica surface

Infrared spectroscopy was used to probe the interaction of CO2 under supercritical fluid (SCF) conditions with a fumed silica. The experimental difficulties associated with CO2 absorption of infrared light in the hydroxyl spectral region are overcome by using deuterated silica or by venting of the CO2 prior to obtaining a spectrum. It is shown that CO2 behaves quite differently from traditional nonaqueous solvents (i.e., carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and cyclohexane) with respect to interactions with the adsorbed layer of water on the surface. A dry silica easily extracts and adsorbs the residual water present in these nonaqueous solvents whereas, in contrast, a dry silica remains dry when placed in contact with the SCF CO2. Moreover, the CO2 extracts the adsorbed water from wet silica. The SCF solvent extracts more surface water into the fluid phase with increasing density, and repeated extraction cycles with SCF CO2 result in the removal of all water from the surface. The interaction of SCF CO2 with th...
Complement fixing activity in diseased human gingival tissues.

Human gingival tissue biopsies were classified as “initial or early” or “established or advanced” periodontal lesions on the basis of the histopathological criteria of Page and Schroeder (1976). They were then examined for the ability to fix complement by the anticomplement immunofluorescence technique which detects fixation of exogenously applied guinea pig complement. Complement fixation was found in association with IgG deposits (detected by immunohistochemical staining) in 80 % of the established and advanced lesion, thus suggesting that it was fixed by immune complexes or aggregated IgG. The complement fixing activity was not associated with IgA or IgM deposits. In contrast, less than 13 % of the initial and early lesions were found to contain such activity. The presence of complement fixing activity was thus found to be significantly correlated with the more advanced as opposed to the earlier stages of periodontal inflammation (p = 0.02 by Chisquare analysis).
Close linkage of the murine locus bare patches to the X-linked visual pigment gene: implications for mapping human X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata.

Abstract The murine X-linked dominant mutation bare patches (Bpa) has a phenotype similar to and is likely homologous to human X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX2). Classic two-point linkage analysis in the mouse with distant markers suggested that Bpa maps near glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd). We have confirmed the regional localization using interspecific matings with Mus spretus. We have also detected a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the murine X-linked visual pigment (Rsvp) locus in inbred Bpa females using the restriction enzyme PstI. Cumulative data from segregation of alleles using the PstI RFLP and analysis of interspecific backcross progeny at the Rsvp locus suggest that Bpa is tightly linked to Rsvp. Thus, the human CDPX2 gene probably maps within Xq27–Xq28 and not within Xp22.3-Xpter, where deletions associated with X-linked recessive chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX) have been noted. This strategy should be applicable to the fine mapping of other dominant murine mutations.
Progress and problems in screening for carcinoma of the prostate.

Carcinoma of the prostate is the second most common cause of cancerrelated deaths in American men. This is due, in part, to the low percentage of cases that are diagnosed when the tumor is still curable. To improve early detection, routine screening has been performed using one or a combination of tests that included open prostate biopsy, serum acid phosphatase, the digital rectal exam, and transrectal sonography. These studies have been critically reviewed and the problems associated with prostate cancer screening have been discussed. No study has proven that routine screening reduces the mortality from prostate cancer. Furthermore, the positive predictive value and the sensitivity of each of these tests are too low for any of them to be useful for screening at the present time. To determine the value of screening, new studies are needed which should include a control group and an assessment of the disadvantages of screening as well as the potential benefits. Based on published reports, however, routine screening for prostate cancer using any test should be considered investigational at the present time.
Association Behavior of PDMA-g-PMMA in Mixed Solvents and Its Application as a DNA Separation Medium

PDMA-g-PMMA (poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate)) graft copolymers were synthesized by radical copolymerization of DMA (N,N-dimethylacrylamide) and vinyl-PMMA macromonomers with AIBN (2,2‘-azobis(isobutyronitrile)) as an initiator. The association behavior of high molecular weight graft copolymers of PDMA-g-PMMA with low graft density in methanol−TBE (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane−boric acid−EDTA) buffer solvent mixtures has been investigated by laser light scattering. With changing solvent quality, the PMMA side chains could be associated. The association points acted as cross-linking points which effectively increased the molecular weight of the associated graft copolymers and also prevented the entangled backbone chains from sliding away against one another. This association behavior could be used to improve the quasi-network formation of such copolymers as better separation media in DNA capillary electrophoresis. pBR322/Hae III digest was successfully separated within 10 min...
Ecological momentary assessment of fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion in ESKD

Many patients on maintenance dialysis experience significant sleepiness and fatigue. However, the influence of the hemodialysis (HD) day and circadian rhythms on patients’ symptoms have not been well characterized. We sought to use ecological momentary assessment to evaluate day-to-day and diurnal variability of fatigue, sleepiness, exhaustion and related symptoms in thrice-weekly maintenance HD patients. Subjects used a modified cellular phone to access an interactive voice response system that administered the Daytime Insomnia Symptom Scale (DISS). The DISS assessed subjective vitality, mood, and alertness through 19 questions using 7- point Likert scales. Subjects completed the DISS 4 times daily for 7 consecutive days. Factor analysis was conducted and a mean composite score of fatigue-sleepiness-exhaustion was created. Linear mixed regression models (LMM) were used to examine the association of time of day, dialysis day and fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion composite scores. The 55 participants completed 1,252 of 1,540 (81%) possible assessments over the 7 day period. Multiple symptoms related to mood (e.g., feeling sad, feeling tense), cognition (e.g., difficulty concentrating), and fatigue (e.g., exhaustion, feeling sleepy) demonstrated significant daily and diurnal variation, with higher overall symptom scores noted on hemodialysis days and later in the day. In factor analysis, 4 factors explained the majority of the observed variance for DISS symptoms. Fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion loaded onto the same factor and were highly intercorrelated. In LMM, mean composite fatigue-sleepiness-exhaustion scores were associated with dialysis day (coefficient and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21 [0.02 – 0.39]) and time of day (coefficient and 95% CI 0.33 [0.25 – 0.41]. Observed associations were minimally affected by adjustment for demographics and common confounders. Maintenance HD patients experience fatigue-sleepiness-exhaustion symptoms that demonstrate significant daily and diurnal variation. The variability in symptoms may contribute to poor symptom awareness by providers and greater misclassification bias of fatigue related symptoms in clinical studies.
"Take me to the water"--community and renewal among aging women: a case study of social interaction and exercise among the "Polar Bears" of Martha's Vineyard.

This article describes the values and practices of a water exercise group of middle-class, middle-aged and senior female predominantly African American vacationing members of the Polar Bears of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. It focuses on their holistic approach to health—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and their implementation of this approach through mentoring, play, and the use of certain African American cultural retention practices. It is based on 11 years of summer ethnographic fieldwork (participant observation) and in-depth interviews. It suggests the importance of a cultural approach to exercise in the promotion of health-enhancing behavior for African American women.
Comparison of the 129Xe NMR Chemical Shift with Simulation in Zeolite Y

We report quantitative agreement between Monte Carlo simulation and the experimental NMR chemical shift of 129Xe adsorbed in the supercages of zeolite Y. This agreement supports previous assertions, originating from Ripmeester and Fraissard, that the Xe shift can in principle provide a sensitive measure of the structure imposed on Xe by the three-dimensional potential field provided by the crystal structure of the zeolite. Up to a loading of 7 Xe/cage at 300 K, we verify that the linear rise of shift with loading is due solely to Xe−Xe interaction. We also find excellent agreement at 144 K between simulation and the nonlinear experimental data of Cheung et al. The nonlinear dependence of shift on loading arises both from repulsive Xe−Xe and from repulsive Xe−O interactions. Finally we verify that the effect of temperature on the shift at zero loading can be related to the change of Xe−O pair correlation function at short separations.
Use of a Course Portfolio for Assessment of Teaching and Learning

Abstract Dietetic educators in university settings are under increased pressure to publish their scholarship and document their teaching effectiveness by linking instructional performance to student outcomes. A course portfolio, approached as an investigation, enables educators to organize selected details of their teaching effort and engage in a reflective analysis that leads to viable conclusions about instructional performance and student outcomes. Effective portfolios consist of an evidence-based narrative plus appendices which critically study selected information about teaching in areas such as philosophy, methodologies, materials, student ratings, peer reviews, and efforts to improve teaching. A successful portfolio also gathers and studies materials from oneself, materials from others and products of student learning. As more universities accept Ernest Boyer's definition of scholarship, which includes the scholarship of teaching, course portfolios will enable educators to provide additional evidence of their teaching effectiveness while undergoing promotion, tenure and post-tenure review processes. This session will illustrate the development of a course portfolio and its use in the post-tenure review process.
SNAP-25 Ser187 does not mediate phorbol ester enhancement of hippocampal synaptic transmission.

Abstract Phorbol esters, activators of protein kinase C (PKC), have been shown to enhance synaptic transmission. One potential downstream target of PKC in the presynaptic terminal is the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor (SNARE) SNAP-25, which has a PKC phosphorylation site in its C-terminal coil centered at serine 187 (S187/Ser187). We examined the role of S187 in hippocampal synaptic transmission. After proteolytic cleavage of native SNAP-25 by botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E), synaptic transmission was restored in a subset of transfected CA3 pyramidal cells with a toxin-resistant form of SNAP-25 containing unaltered S187 (Swt), S187 mutated to alanine (SA) or S187 mutated to glutamate (SE). We observed that phorbol-12,13-diacetate (PDAc, 10 μM) induced potentiation of neurotransmission to a similar degree for both Swt and SA (2.4-fold and 3.1-fold increase, respectively). Furthermore, basal levels of transmission mediated by SE were reduced relative to that of Swt (failure rates of 72% and 41%, respectively). Together, these data suggest that phosphorylation of SNAP-25 S187 does not mediate the observed enhancement of neurotransmission by phorbol esters at hippocampal synapses.
Do alterations in follicular fluid proteases contribute to human infertility

Purpose Cathepsin L and ADAMTS-1 are known to play critical roles in follicular rupture, ovulation, and fertility in mice. Similar studies in humans are limited; however, both are known to increase during the periovulatory period. No studies have examined either protease in the follicular fluid of women with unexplained infertility or infertility related to advanced maternal age (AMA). We sought to determine if alterations in cathepsin L and/or ADAMTS-1 existed in these infertile populations.
The effect of university host community size on state growth

Abstract This study examines the effect of university host community size on state growth. It is argued that if some positive spillovers from universities are localized, needing a host community for capture, or if universities share agglomeration economies with their host communities, and if these effects are large, one may find a significant effect on state growth. Using pooled data from eight U.S. censuses—primarily state-level and university county-level variables—a significant positive effect of university community size is found on state aggregate personal income growth. Weaker effects are found on state employment growth (positive) and state population growth (negative). This suggests that states and perhaps less developed countries could leverage more economic benefits from siting university programs in larger urban areas. A sensitivity analysis reveals no upper bound to the effect on income but a deceleration of the effects on employment growth and population growth when cities become very large. [ JEL I21]
Subjective contours and the Poggendorff illusion

Poggendorff illusions were generated by real edges, subjective contours, and various control patterns. Using both magnitude estimation and reproduction measures of illusion strength, it was found that subjective contours produced a reliable Poggendorff illusion. This clarifies previous reports which could not demonstrate a subjective contour-based illusion.