cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reorganizing to facilitate the development and use of integrated pest management.

Abstract Integrated pest management (IPM) is the systems approach to reducing pest damage to tolerable levels using biological controls, cultural controls, genetically resistant hosts, and, when appropriate, chemical controls, especially those which are selective and do not contribute to environmental contamination and human health problems. Basic elements of an IPM program include research and extension to produce a body of information on farming practices and pest biology, a program for monitoring pests, natural enemies and crop status throughout the season, control action thresholds, IPM tactics for pest control, and crop consultants to apply the program. IPM programs are far from being universally adopted, even when available and validated. Important constraints to IPM use have been categorized as technical, financial, educational, institutional and social issues. Many of these factors are not mutually exclusive. In many instances, the basic biology of pests, beneficial organisms, and their interaction in agricultural ecosystems is not understood. IPM researchers should be aware of the ultimate use of their work. Risk is probably the most important financial obstacle to IPM adoption by growers. Availability of funding is also a limitation of IPM research. User education is a key element in succesful implementation of complex technologies such as IPM. When comprehensive and well-organized programs have been attempted, the level of adoption has often been high and the amount of pesticide use demonstrably reduced. Such programs have helped to accelerate the development of the private pest management industry which provides information services to growers on crop production and pesticide use. Institutional constraints are extremely important, and their structures may actually hinder IPM development and use. The development and use of IPM could be enhanced through institutional reorganization. Better analysis of the impact of regulations and farm policy on pesticide use should be instituted so that such government efforts do not actually increase pesticide use. Private sector incentives for developing and marketing biological controls and biological pesticides should be made. Development of the private pest management industry should be encouraged possibly linking the issue to stronger controls on the purchase and use of pesticides. Better marketing of IPM should be both studied and encouraged.
Synthesis, characterization and vibrational investigation of divinylborinic anhydride

Abstract The new molecule divinylborinic anhydride [(CH2CH)2B]2O as been prepared by the limited hydrolysis of divinylchloroborane. Characterization of the compound has included the preparation of 1 : 1 adducts with trimethylphosphine, dimethylphosphine and trimethylamine. Born-11 and carbon-13 NMR spectra have been obtained and have been interpreted in terms of mesomeric interactions between the empty boron pπ orbital and unshared pairs of electrons on oxygen as well as the pi electron system of the vinyl moiety. The Raman spectra (3500–200 cm-1) of liquid and solid [(C2H3)2B]2O and the infrared spectra (3500–200 cm-1) of gaseous and solid [(C2H3)2B]2O 1 have been investigated for both the 16O and 18O isotopic species. The vibrational data indicate that the molecule possesses C1 symmetry and a linear BOB angle.
A simple Fourier photopolarimeter with rotating polarizer and analyzer for measuring Jones and Mueller matrices

Abstract The classic and simplest polarimetric scheme of examining a “sample” by placing it between a pair of linear polarizers and observing the intensity of the transmitted light can be transformed into a powerful photopolarimeter if the two polarizers are synchronously rotated at different speeds and the transmitted flux is linearly detected and its periodic waveform Fourier analyzed. In particular, if the angular speed of rotation of one polarizer is ω and that of the other is 3ω, the detected signal has the waveform, i=a0 + Σ4n=1an cos nωft + bn sin nωft, where ωf=2ω is the fundamental frequency. The nine Fourier amplitudes a0 and (an, bn), n=1,2,3,4, to be derived by performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of the signal i, determine all nine elements of the 3×3 submatrix M3×3 obtained by deleting the fourth row and fourth column of the Mueller matrix M. If the sample is nondepolarizing, the absolute values of all the four elements of the equivalent Jones matrix J =(J ij ) , i,j=1,2 and their angle differences θij−θ22 (where θij=argJij) can be determined.
Transfer of porcine endogenous retrovirus across hollow fiber membranes: significance to a bioartificial liver

Background. A porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV * ) capable of infecting human cells has been identified. This study was designed to determine whether hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in a bioartificial liver, block the transfer of PERV. Methods. Three hollow fiber cartridges (HFCs) were studied in duplicate: cellulose fibers with 70 kD nominal molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), polysulfone fibers with 400 kD MWCO, and mixed cellulose fibers with 200 nm porosity. PK15 cells (porcine kidney cell line), known to produce PERV, were grown in the intraluminal compartment of HFCs fiber cartridges. Samples of medium were collected from both intraluminal and extraluminal compartments of the HFCs fiber cartridge during 14 days of culture. Samples were screened for PERV using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All positive samples were tested for PERV infectivity in human 293 cells. Results. PERV was detected in all samples from the intraluminal space and all intraluminal samples seemed to infect 293 cells. All extraluminal samples from the fibers of 200 nm porosity tested positive for PERV. Detection of PERV in the extraluminal space was delayed by fibers of 400 kD MWCO and 70 kD MWCO until at least day 3 and day 7, respectively, after inoculation of PK15 cells. Positive extraluminal samples from fibers of 400 kD MWCO and 70 kD MWCO did not infect 293 cells. Conclusion. Pore size, membrane composition, and duration of exposure influenced the transfer of PERV across HFCs. Some HFCs decrease the risk of viral exposure to patients during bioartificial liver therapy.
Exponential Dominance and Uncertainty for Weighted Residual Life Measures

In this article notions of exponential dominance and uncertainty for weighted and unweighted distributions are explored and used to compare values of the informational energy function and the differential entropy. Stochastic inequalities and bounds for cross-discrimination and uncertainty measures in weighted and unweighted residual life distribution functions and related reliability measures are presented. Momenttype inequalities for the comparisons of weighted and unweighted residual life distributions are also presented.
Cell-free synthetic biology: a bottom-up approach to discovery by design.

The practitioners of the brand of synthetic biology that lies closest to engineering are fond of quoting the phrase Richard Feynman had written on his blackboard: ‘What I cannot create I do not understand’. This phrase captures both a warning about the limitations of analysis in understanding complex systems and an endorsement of the value of design in the quest for discovery. Analysis, modeling, and simulation have a tendency to focus attention on the details of individual elements and components, whereas the reiterative nature of design requires grappling with the trade-offs and compromises required to enable system function. The emergence of this system view from design suggests that redesign (or rewriting in the context of evolved systems) is a promising route for understanding the fundamental principles governing the organization of natural genetic systems. Synthetic biology rewriting efforts have usually followed a strategy of constructing deliberately simplified systems to build an understanding
Observation of bending modes in the X2 πu state of the acetylene ion using He(I) photoelectron spectrometry

Excitations of bending modes in transitions from a linear ground state to a linear ionic state are normally very weak in He (I) photoelectron spectra; however, we have recently shown that, using a high resolution, high sensitivity photoelectron spectrometer, it is possible to observe these weak bending modes and that the occurrence of such transitions is not uncommon. With this in mind, we have re-examined the spectrum of acetylene and have observed several new features attributable to the cis and/or trans bending modes in the X2πu ground state of the ion.
Chemical birth of the pill

Working in the early 1950s with Syntex S.A. in Mexico City, Carl Djerassi with colleagues first synthesized 19nor-17a-ethynyltestosterone (VIII in the figure), which came to be known as norethindrone or norethisterone. This steroid, derived from a wild and inedible yam of the genus Dioscorea, proved to be the most effective orally administered progestational agent discovered to that time. After demonstration of the effectiveness of this compound as an oral contraceptive in rabbits, the first clinical trials were conducted by the endocrinologist Gregory Goodwin Pincus (1903-1967) of the Worcester Foundation, Shrewsbury, Mass, and the gynecologist John Rock (1890-1984) of Harvard University. The subsequent use and misuse of ‘‘the Pill,’’ its societal effects, and politics and public-policy consequences have been described in a flood of articles and books. Without question, Djerassi’s first synthesis of an oral contraceptive has played a critical role in the reproductive revolution of the later half of the 20th century. Djerassi, born in Vienna, Austria, obtained his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. After his seminal work with Syntex, Djerassi moved to Stanford University as Professor of Chemistry. Later, he embarked on a career as social historian, novelist, playwright, and poet. Amember of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Djerassi was honored with the National Medal of Science (1973), the National Medal of Technology (1991), and numerous other awards, including 20 honorary doctorates.
Therapy of histiocytosis X.

SUMMARY.— The problems of treatment of histiocytosis X with x-ray, cortisone, methotrexate, and vinblastine are briefly reviewed. In all 16 patients with focal histiocytosis X of bone, there was a good response to surgery or roentgen therapy. In 2, the lesions healed after surgery for biopsy alone. In histiocytosis X of the skin, the response to roentgen therapy was good when ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes occurred. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in the improvement of 6 of 10 patients who bad pulmonary histiocytosis X, but in only 3 did the roentgenogram of the lung show complete clearing. In some children with systemic histiocytosis X, there was improvement with corticosteroids or methotrexate or both. Six children treated with intravenously administered vinblastine have achieved remission or remarkable improvement.
Solid-phase adsorption method for removing undesired antibodies from polyclonal antiserum

We have developed a novel and simple method, requiring only a small amount of antigen, for removal of undesired antibodies from antiserum. The method was established using a well-characterized antiserum against rat luteinizing hormone (anti-rLH). Wells of polystyrene tissue culture plates were coated with rat LH (rLH). Anti-rLH diluted 1:3000 was added to rLH-coated wells and shaken to remove LH antibodies. Control anti-rLH was treated in a similar manner in non-rLH-coated wells. Both antisera were tested by immunocytochemistry on rat pituitaries. Antiserum from rLH-coated wells stained no cells, whereas the control serum stained cells that were morphologically typical of LH cells. The effectiveness of this antibody removal was also confirmed in a modified ELISA. In another experiment, anti-rLH and anti-hTSH beta sera were mixed. The final dilution of both antisera was 1:10,000. Anti-rLH was removed by the purification method described. Completeness of antibody removal was confirmed by a double-immunohistochemical staining of rat pituitary in which sections were first stained by the PAP method and then stained with an immunofluorescence procedure after elution of the first antigen-antibody complex. The mixed antiserum incubated in rLH-coated wells did not stain LH cells. There was no co-localization between the LH immunopositivity demonstrated by an anti-rLH serum using immunofluorescence and cells immunostained with the purified antiserum using the PAP method. As indicated in ELISA, the titer of the TSH beta antiserum was not decreased compared to that of the untreated, mixed control antiserum, and the LH antibodies were eliminated by the treatment. This new purification method has four distinct advantages: (a) antiserum is not treated chemically; (b) it requires only a small amount of antigen compared with the amount required for affinity chromatography; (c) neither the undesired antigen-antibody complex(es) nor an excess amount of antigen is present in the purified antiserum; and (d) removal of undesired antibodies can be monitored by ELISA.
Analytical model for modulation of diffuse light by pulsed ultrasonic waves

We present an analytical solution for the acousto-optical modulation of multiply scattered light in a medium irradiated with a train of ultrasound pulses. Previous theory is extended to cases where the ultrasound induced optical phase increments between the different scattering events are strongly correlated. The relation between the ultrasound induced motions of the fluid and the optical scatterers is generalized, and it is shown that correlation exists between the optical phase increments that are due to the scatterer movement and to the modulation of the optical index of refraction. Finally, it is shown that compared with the spectrum of the ultrasound pulses, the power spectral density of the acousto-optically modulated light is strongly attenuated toward the higher ultrasound frequencies.
Using Functional Behavioral Assessment with Individuals with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities

As a result of inherent cognitive and language difficulties, individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities often are considered difficult to assess appropriately. When cognitive and language difficulties occur in conjunction with behavioral issues, this difficulty is compounded. The IDEA requirement to include a form of assessment, known as functional behavioral assessment (FBA), is seen as one method that may reduce this problem. A description of the strengths and weaknesses of FBA, the steps in implementing the assessment, and its use with individuals with cognitive deficits as well as behavioral issues is provided. Finally, a case study simulation illustrates the process.
Cyclin and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Substrate Requirements for Preventing Rereplication Reveal the Need for Concomitant Activation and Inhibition

DNA replication initiation in S. cerevisiae is promoted by B-type cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activity. In addition, once-per-cell-cycle replication is enforced by cyclin-Cdk-dependent phosphorylation of the prereplicative complex (pre-RC) components Mcm2-7, Cdc6, and Orc1-6. Several of these controls must be simultaneously blocked by mutation to obtain rereplication. We looked for but did not obtain strong evidence for cyclin specificity in the use of different mechanisms to control rereplication: both the S-phase cyclin Clb5 and the mitotic cyclins Clb1–4 were inferred to be capable of imposing ORC-based and MCM-based controls. We found evidence that the S-phase cyclin Clb6 could promote initiation of replication without blocking reinitiation, and this activity was highly toxic when the ability of other cyclins to block reinitiation was prevented by mutation. The failure of Clb6 to regulate reinitiation was due to rapid Clb6 proteolysis, since this toxic activity of Clb6 was lost when Clb6 was stabilized by mutation. Clb6-dependent toxicity is also relieved when early accumulation of mitotic cyclins is allowed to impose rereplication controls. Cell-cycle timing of rereplication control is crucial: sufficient rereplication block activity must be available as soon as firing begins. DNA rereplication induces DNA damage, and when rereplication controls are compromised, the DNA damage checkpoint factors Mre11 and Rad17 provide additional mechanisms that maintain viability and also prevent further rereplication, and this probably contributes to genome stability.
Community vs. Clinic-Based Modular Treatment of Children with Early-Onset ODD or CD: A Clinical Trial with 3-Year Follow-Up

This study examines the treatment outcomes of 139, 6–11 year-old, clinically referred boys and girls diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD) who were randomly assigned to a modular-based treatment protocol that was applied by research study clinicians either in the community (COMM) or a clinic office (CLINIC). To examine normative comparisons, a matched sample of 69 healthy control children was included. Multiple informants completed diagnostic interviews and self-reports at six assessment timepoints (pretreatment to 3-year follow-up) to evaluate changes in the child’s behavioral and emotional problems, psychopathic features, functional impairment, diagnostic status, and service involvement. Using HLM and logistic regression models, COMM and CLINIC showed significant and comparable improvements on all outcomes. By 3-year follow-up, 36% of COMM and 47% of CLINIC patients no longer met criteria for either ODD or CD, and 48% and 57% of the children in these two respective conditions had levels of parent-rated externalizing behavior problems in the normal range. We discuss the nature and implications of these novel findings regarding the role of treatment context or setting for the treatment and long-term outcome of behavior disorders.
Slab rollback instability and supercontinent dispersal

Supercontinents coalesce over subduction zone complexes and their subsequent dispersal is usually attributed to heating and upwelling of continent-insulated mantle. This dispersal mechanism, however, requires considerable mantle internal heating. Alternatively, the supercontinent configuration may be mechanically unstable and disperse regardless of heating mode. In particular, increased drag on plates or subducting slabs (e.g., by accumulating continents) causes them to slow down and trenches to rollback. Once subcontinental slabs are slightly separated, resistance to their descent increases, inducing further trench migration. Slabs thus undergo a rollback instability, which disperses supercontinents. A simple theoretical model illustrates this instability and shows that there are two equilibrium states, one unstable supercontinent state where slabs are conjoined and one stable state where slabs are widely separated. Slab rollback from the unstable to stable states occurs at typical slow tectonic speeds and over a period commensurate with the age of ocean basins and the Wilson cycle.
Intraoperative Anaphylaxis after Irrigation with Bacitracin: Case Report

We report a case of anaphylaxis caused by irrigation with a bacitracin solution during lumbar laminectomy. The patient had been exposed to bacitracin during a previous anterior cervical discectomy. We recommend avoiding the use of irrigation solutions containing bacitracin in patients with previous systemic exposure to this antibiotic.
An in vivo electrophysiological study of the ontogeny of excitatory and inhibitory processes in the rat hippocampus

Although several studies have compared hippocampal slices from young vs adult rats, a systematic in vivo characterization of the ontogeny of electrophysiologic responses in this structure has not been done. The current report describes the postnatal development of excitatory and inhibitory responses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in rats 7-65 days of age. Under urethane anesthesia, a recording electrode was placed in one CA1 region to measure extracellular population spikes elicited by stimulation of the contralateral CA3 region. Age-related changes in the maximal population spike amplitude, the voltage required to elicit a half-maximal amplitude spike, the width at half-maximal spike amplitude, and latency to onset of the population spike ('conduction velocity') were monitored as parameters describing excitatory processes in the hippocampus. A paired-pulse paradigm was used to quantify the ontogeny of inhibitory processes. In younger animals, population spikes were broader, smaller in amplitude, and required higher stimulus intensities to be elicited. After postnatal (PN) day 14, excitability (voltage to elicit half-maximal population spike) and spike width were at fully mature levels. Maximal spike amplitudes were also smaller in rats younger than PN14, but not thereafter. The conduction velocity parameter steadily increased during development. In contrast, no evidence of inhibition was found prior to PN18, after which it steadily increased to reach adult levels by PN28. These results indicate that, in the rat hippocampus, excitatory processes are well established or fully mature within 2 weeks following birth, whereas the maturation of inhibitory processes to adult levels is not achieved until several weeks later.
Distribution of D5 Dopamine Receptor mRNA in Rat Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus

Estrogen induces lordosis through, in part, estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated synthesis of progesterone receptors (PR) in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN). In vitro, PR is activated by the neurotransmitter dopamine through D1-like receptors (1). In vivo, lordosis is induced by dopamine, an effect mediated in part by PR and D(5) dopamine receptors. The purpose of the present study was to determine mRNA distribution of D1-like receptors in the female rat brain using RT-PCR combined with punchout microdissection techniques. Employing specific primers to D(5) and D(1) dopamine receptors, we found detectable expression levels of D(5) dopamine receptor mRNA in VMN as well as the arcuate nucleus/median eminence (ArcN/ME). In contrast, D(1) dopamine receptor mRNA was detected only in VMN. By using this highly sensitive and specific RT-PCR methodology, we have confirmed the presence of D(5) dopamine receptor mRNA in an area of the brain that regulates reproductive behavior through PR. The data support the previous observation that D(5) dopamine receptors in VMN contribute to facilitation of female reproductive behavior by D1-like agonists.
Insertional mutagenesis of the arginine cage domain of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor.

The pattern of side-chain conservation at the cytoplasmic side of the third transmembrane domain of rhodopsin family G protein-coupled receptors, Asp/Glu-Arg-Tyr/X-X-X-Ile/Val, defines a structural “arginine cage” domain. Previous computational and mutagenesis studies of the GnRH receptor indicated an important contribution of local interactions to the function of this domain. We have investigated the functional importance of the intrahelical position and orientation of the arginine cage using insertional mutagenesis. Introduction of a single Ala proximal to the conserved Asp-Arg of this domain caused loss of detectable ligand binding. Inserting a second Ala, however, restored high-affinity agonist binding. Further insertion of three or four Ala residues at this site generated receptors that bound agonist with an affinity 3- to 10-fold higher than that of the wild-type receptor. Loss of detectable coupling to inositol phosphate turnover in all these mutant receptors confirms that the structure required in...
The coefficient map for certain exponential sums

Abstract We consider functions f given as exponential sums: f ( t )= Σ k c k exp [ iλ k t ] ( λ 0 = 0, λ − k =− λ k and λ k : = λ + μ k−1 2 for k = 1,2, …). With quadratic spacing of the exponents ( μ k ≈ dk ) it is classical that an arbitrarily small “window” (−δ,δ) for observation of f suffices to obtain the coefficients c = ( c k ); the coefficient map C : f → c is continuous from L 2 (− δ , δ ) to l 2 for any δ > 0. We consider the asymptotic behavior of | C | as δar 0, obtaining a (sharp) estimate: log | C | = O (1/ δ ). The estimate obtained is uniform over classes of exponent sequences where μ k +1 − μ k ≥ d >0 and λ, d are bounded away from 0. An application is given to boundary observation/control of a vibrating plate.
A DFT study on the mechanism of Wolff Rearrangement in a fivemember Iridacycle

Abstract The reaction mechanism of the Wolff-like ring contraction in a five-membered iridacycle (A, diazoalkane compound) at room temperature was studied by density functional theory (DFT). The calculation indicates an exothermic reaction favored by −31.5 kcal/mol with a barrier of 26.4 kcal/mol in free energy and a concerted mechanism, in which the extrusion of N2 and the 1,3-shift rearrangement in the diazo complex (A) occurs simultaneously. The facilitation of Ir(III) lowers the barrier for the rearrange undergoing at room temperature without the need of the activation by heat or light in the conventional organic version. Furthermore, the frontier molecular oribital analysis shows that LUMO+3, which is largely localized on the central metal and the coordinating CO, in A is able to strongly interact with the “carbenoid” carbon atom when N2 is released. The corresponding addition of the carbenoid carbon to this carbonyl is located as an alternative reaction path. The calculated barrier is 5.5 kcal/mol higher in free energy than that for the major product as found in the experiment. This study not only points out the orbital interactions in the active intermeidate but also provides an alternative reaction path to develop further applications for this iridium complex.
The prenatal visit.

A pediatric prenatal visit during the third trimester is recommended for all expectant families as an important first step in establishing a child’s medical home, as recommended by Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, Fourth Edition. As advocates for children and their families, pediatricians can support and guide expectant parents in the prenatal period. Prenatal visits allow general pediatricians to establish a supportive and trusting relationship with both parents, gather basic information from expectant parents, offer information and advice regarding the infant, and may identify psychosocial risks early and high-risk conditions that may require special care. There are several possible formats for this first visit. The one used depends on the experience and preference of the parents, the style of the pediatrician’s practice, and pragmatic issues of payment.
Internal friction studies of the effect of hydrogen on the oxygen snoek peaks in V and Nb

Abstract The effect of hydrogen in solid solution on the oxygen Snoek peak activation parameters in V and Nb have been investigated. Using an analysis, proposed by Welter and coworkers, the following activation parameters were obtained. For V: ΔH = 1.16 ± 0.03 eV and τ 0 ≈ 27 × 10 -15 s; for Nb: ΔH = 1.12 ± 0.03 eV and τ 0 ≈ 7 × 10 -15 s. The values of these parameters are independent of the hydrogen concentration in the alloys, indicating that there is no interaction of hydrogen and oxygen at the temperatures where the oxygen Snoek peaks occur.
The accuracy of whole brain N-acetylaspartate quantification.

Abstract A non-localizing pulse sequence to quantify the total amount of N -acetylaspartate (NAA) in the whole brain (WBNAA) was introduced recently [Magn. Reson. Med. 40, 684–689 (1998)]. However, it is known that regional magnetic field inhomogeneities, Δ B 0 s, arising from susceptibility differences at tissue interfaces, shift and broaden local resonances to outside the integration window, leading to an underestimation of the true amount of NAA in the entire brain. To quantify the upper limit of this loss, the whole-head proton MR spectrum ( 1 H-MRS) of the water was integrated over the same frequency width as the NAA. The ratio of this area/total-water-line was 75 ± 5% in 5 volunteers. The procedure was repeated with the brain-only water peak, obtained by summing signals only from voxels within that organ from a three-dimensional chemical-shift-imaging (3D CSI) set. It indicated that 90% of that metabolite.
Implications for the formation of abasic sites following modification of polydeoxycytidylic acid by acrolein in vitro

Polydeoxycytidylic acid (poly dC) was incubated with excess acrolein. A Nensorb 20 nucleic acid purification cartridge was used to bind the polymeric material in the poly dC/acrolein reaction mixture. The non-polymeric material eluted from this column had a UV absorbance four times higher than that of the control. The fluorescence spectrum of the eluted material did not correspond to that of unmodified cytosine. Separate aliquots of the reaction mixture were digested to deoxynucleotide 3'-monophosphates by incubation with micrococcal nuclease and spleen phosphodiesterase. The products were converted to 32P-labeled deoxynucleotide 3',5'-bisphosphates by incubation with T4 polynucleotide kinase and excess [gamma-32P]ATP. The 3'-monophosphate was selectively removed by incubation with nuclease P1. Two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on polyethyleneimine cellulose (PEI)-cellulose and detection of 32P-labeled deoxynucleotide 5'-monophosphates by autoradiography failed to provide evidence for the formation of an acrolein adduct of deoxycytidine 5'-monophosphate. When acrolein-modified deoxycytidine 3'-monophosphate was 32P post-labeled, a new product, which co-chromatographed with UV markers synthesized by reaction of acrolein with deoxycytidine 5'-monophosphate, was detected. These data show that acrolein-modified deoxycytidine 3'-monophosphates are substrates for 32P labeling by T4 polynucleotide kinase and are stable under the assay conditions employed. The inability to detect the acrolein-modified nucleotides after reaction with poly dC in vitro suggests that the modified bases are lost from poly dC by cleavage of the N-glycosyl bond resulting in the formation of an abasic site.
Absence of coupling between D2 dopamine receptors and calcium channels in lactotrophs from cycling female rats

Recent evidence suggests that an important mechanism underlying the inhibition of PRL secretion by dopamine in the anterior pituitary is a direct inhibition of current through voltage-gated calcium channels. An alternative mechanism involves the activation of G protein-coupled potassium channels by D2 receptor activation, subsequent hyperpolarization of the lactotroph membrane, and an indirect inhibition of calcium influx as spontaneous electrical activity is reduced. Using patch voltage clamp methods, we have reexamined the effect of D2 receptor activation on calcium currents (ICa) in pituitary cells from normal cycling female rats and in GH4Cl pituitary tumor cells expressing cloned D2 receptors. Furthermore, we have examined secretory responses using a single cell immunoblot method. Dopamine (0.1-10 microM) failed to significantly inhibit ICa in either GH4Cl cells or normal female lactotrophs. Similarly, the D2 agonist quinpirole (20-100 microM) did not reduce ICa in lactotrophs. No responses to D2 ago...
Multilayer background modeling under occlusions

A multilayer background modeling technique is presented for video surveillance. Rather than simply classifying all features in a scene as either dynamically moving foreground or long-lasting, stationary background, a temporal model is used to place each scene object in time relative to each other. Foreground objects that become stationary are registered as layers on top of the background layer. In this process of layer formation, the algorithm deals with "fake objects" created by moved background, and noise created by dynamic background and moving foreground objects. Objects that leave the scene are removed based on the occlusion reasoning among layers. The technique allows us to understand and visualize a scene with multiple objects entering, leaving, and occluding each other at different points in time. This scene understanding leads to a richer representation of temporal scene events than traditional foreground/background segmentation. The technique builds on a low-cost background modeling technique that makes it suitable for embedded, real-time platforms.
The daily spiritual experience scale: development, theoretical description, reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and preliminary construct validity using health-related data

Spirituality and religiousness are gaining increasing attention as health research variables. However, the particular aspects examined vary from study to study, ranging from church attendance to religious coping to meaning in life. This frequently results in a lack of clarity regarding what is being measured, the meaning of the relationships between health variables and spirituality, and implications for action. This article describes the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) and its development, reliability, exploratory factor analyses, and preliminary construct validity. Normative data from random samples and preliminary relationships of health-related data with the DSES also are included. Detailed data for the 16-item DSES are provided from two studies; a third study provided data on a subset of 6 items, and a fourth study was done on the interrater reliability of the item subset. A 6-item version was used in the General Social Survey because of the need to shorten the measure for the survey. A rationale for the conceptual underpinnings and item selection is provided, as are suggested pathways for linkages to health and well-being. This scale addresses reported ordinary experiences of spirituality such as awe, joy that lifts one out of the mundane, and a sense of deep inner peace. Studies using the DSES may identify ways in which this element of life may influence emotion, cognition and behavior, and health or ways in which this element may be treated as an outcome in itself, a particular component of well-being. The DSES evidenced good reliability across several studies with internal consistency estimates in the .90s. Preliminary evidence showed that daily spiritual experience is related to decreased total alcohol intake, improved quality of life, and positive psychosocial status.
Immobilization of lysozyme on food contact polymers as potential antimicrobial films

The objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating an antimicrobial enzyme (lysozyme) into polymers which are suitable for food contact. Hen egg white lysozyme was immobilized on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) beads, nylon, 6,6 pellets and cellulose triacetate (CTA) films. Polyvinyl alcohol and nylon 6,6 yielded low activity against a suspension of dried Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells, while CTA yielded the highest activity; 1.25 cm2/ml (CTA film area to substrate volume ratio) fully hydrolyzed a 0.015% (w/v) suspension of dried cells in 30 min. The activity retention of lysozyme immobilized on CTA was 90% after one use and 60% after 20 repeated uses. The amount of enzyme added to the film during immobilization affected the activity of the immobilized lysozyme; highest activities were obtained when CTA films were formed by adding 150–250 mg lysozyme per g polymer. No significant effect of CTA film thickness on lysozyme activity was observed. Viability of M. lysodeikticus grown on tripticase soy broth (TSB) at 30°C was decreased in the presence of CTA film containing lysozyme. The film (0.01 cm2/ml TSB) was inhibitory and bactericidal against 103 and 108 c.f.u./ml M. lysodeikticus respectively. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
China's Financial System and the Law *

Law plays a different role in China’s financial system than in most developed economies. China’s financial system is dominated by a large banking sector. The role of the stock market in allocating resources in the economy has been limited and ineffective. The most successful part of the financial system, in terms of supporting the growth of the overall economy, is a shadow banking sector that consists of alternative financing channels, governance mechanisms, and institutions. These by and large do not rely on the law but on other enforcement mechanisms. The co-existence of this sector with banks and markets can continue to support the growth of the Hybrid Sector (non-state, non-listed firms).
How 'fast' is over‐the‐counter (OTC) pain relief?

Background The onset of action of OTC analgesics compared to placebo is generally detected by 30 minutes in clinical trials. Based on their experience with OTC analgesics, consumers may have a different understanding of “onset” and which time span is “fast.” Therefore, we asked them. Methods We used our piloted questionnaire1 to interview a convenience sample of 170 consecutive adults (ca. the same number selected for a clinical trial) who had a history of using an OTC analgesic drug to treat non-specific non-daily headaches (the main use of OTC analgesics). We asked them questions about when a pain-relieving tablet medicine is “beginning to work for your headache.” Results Approximately 40% considered onset within 15 minutes indicative of working “fast” to relieve headache, 89% within 30 minutes (median and mode: 20 minutes). It would take a difference of at least 5 minutes for most of them to say that one drug begins to provide relief “faster” than another drug; ca. 70% reported a requisite difference of at least 10 minutes. Conclusions These findings indicate, reassuringly, that consumers' understanding of an OTC drug's onset of action for headache coincides with the pharmacodynamic properties of OTC analgesics observed in clinical trials. They suggest that “patient-determined” criteria like these (for onset of action) may enhance our ability as investigators to measure and interpret patients' responses in clinical trials. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P52–P52; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.090
Whose data set is it anyway? Sharing raw data from randomized trials

Sharing of raw research data is common in many areas of medical research, genomics being perhaps the most well-known example. In the clinical trial community investigators routinely refuse to share raw data from a randomized trial without giving a reason. Data sharing benefits numerous research-related activities: reproducing analyses; testing secondary hypotheses; developing and evaluating novel statistical methods; teaching; aiding design of future trials; meta-analysis; and, possibly, preventing error, fraud and selective reporting. Clinical trialists, however, sometimes appear overly concerned with being scooped and with misrepresentation of their work. Both possibilities can be avoided with simple measures such as inclusion of the original trialists as co-authors on any publication resulting from data sharing. Moreover, if we treat any data set as belonging to the patients who comprise it, rather than the investigators, such concerns fall away. Technological developments, particularly the Internet, have made data sharing generally a trivial logistical problem. Data sharing should come to be seen as an inherent part of conducting a randomized trial, similar to the way in which we consider ethical review and publication of study results. Journals and funding bodies should insist that trialists make raw data available, for example, by publishing data on the Web. If the clinical trial community continues to fail with respect to data sharing, we will only strengthen the public perception that we do clinical trials to benefit ourselves, not our patients.
Tools for spreadsheet auditing

Few tools are available for understanding and debugging spreadsheets, but they are needed because spreadsheets are being used for large, important business applications. The key to understanding spreadsheets is to clarify the data dependencies among cells. We developed and evaluated two interactive tools which aid in investigating data dependencies, an on-line flowchart-like diagram and a tool which represents dependencies by drawing arrows among cells on the display of the spreadsheet. Users found both tools helpful, but preferred the arrow tool.
Women in the aerospace engineering faculty of higher education

The authors analyze US Department of Education and other available statistics on women and minorities in higher education. Those data are then compared to data collected on aerospace engineering faculty through a structured interview process applied to all US colleges and universities offering a baccalaureate degree in aerospace engineering. The data collected are analyzed to determine whether or not the participation of women in the aerospace engineering faculty is representative of the participation of women and minority faculty in higher education overall. These data are also compared to data on the number of women receiving engineering degrees, with attention given to those receiving doctoral degrees. This research effort offers a demographic analysis of engineering education as it proceeds to apply the general findings specifically to the field of aerospace engineering. The study also offers recommendations on how to encourage increased numbers of women to become engineering educators and analyzes why better representation has not yet been achieved. >
Proinflammation of Aging Central Arteries: A Mini-Review

Arterial aging is a cornerstone of organismal aging. The central arterial wall structurally and functionally remodels under chronic proinflammatory stress over a lifetime. The low-grade proinflammation that accompanies advancing age causes arterial wall thickening and stiffening. These structural and functional alterations are consequences of adverse molecular and cellular events, e.g. an increase in local angiotensin II signaling that induces an inflammatory phenotypic shift of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Thus, interventions to restrict proinflammatory signaling are a rational approach to delay or prevent age-associated adverse arterial remodeling.
Local Control of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Based on Tumor and Patient Characteristics: The Surgeon’s Perspective

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a disease whose manifestations are largely confined to in-breast pathology. Management strategies therefore focus on various combinations of local therapy: mastectomy, lumpectomy alone, and lumpectomy followed by breast irradiation. Although DCIS does not carry an inherent risk of distant organ metastasis, optimal local control is essential because any in-breast or chest wall recurrence may occur as an invasive lesion. Local recurrence has been reported following breast-conserving surgery as well as mastectomy. Breast radiation is therefore generally recommended following breast-conserving surgery, and in selected circumstances, mastectomy may be the preferred treatment strategy. This article reviews the surgical and associated clinicopathologic issues related to initial biopsy and perioperative planning that should be considered for all DCIS cases to optimize local control.
Automated Crop Yield Estimation for Apple Orchards

Crop yield estimation is an important task in apple orchard management. The current manual sampling-based yield estimation is time-consuming, labor-intensive and inaccurate. To deal with this challenge, we developed a computer vision-based system for automated, rapid and accurate yield estimation. The system uses a two-camera stereo rig for image acquisition. It works at nighttime with controlled artificial lighting to reduce the variance of natural illumination. An autonomous orchard vehicle is used as the support platform for automated data collection. The system scans both sides of each tree row in orchards. A computer vision algorithm detects and registers apples from acquired sequential images, and then generates apple counts as crop yield estimation. We deployed the yield estimation system in Washington state in September, 2011. The results show that the system works well with both red and green apples in the tall-spindle planting system. The crop yield estimation errors are -3.2% for a red apple block with about 480 trees, and 1.2% for a green apple block with about 670 trees.
SCALING OF C:N:P STOICHIOMETRY IN FORESTS WORLDWIDE: IMPLICATIONS OF TERRESTRIAL REDFIELD‐TYPE RATIOS

Inspired by the importance of globally well-constrained carbon:nitrogen: phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios in planktonic biomass to the understanding of nutrient cycles and biotic feedbacks in marine ecosystems, we looked for analogous patterns in forest ecosystems worldwide. We used data from the literature to examine the stoichiometry of C, N, and P in forest foliage and litter on both global and biome levels. Additionally, we examined the scaling of nutrient investments with biomass and production both globally and within biomes to determine if and when these ratios respond to macroscale ecosystem properties (such as nutrient availability). We found that, while global forest C:N:P ratios in both foliage and litter were more variable than those of marine particulate matter, biome level (temperate broadleaf, temperate coniferous, and tropical) ratios were as constrained as marine ratios and statistically distinct from one another. While we were more interested in the relative constancy of the C:N:P ratios than their numerical value we did note, as have others, that the atomic ratios calculated for foliage (1212:28:1) and litter (3007:45:1) reflect the increased proportion of C-rich structural material characteristic of terrestrial vegetation. Carbon : nutrient ratios in litter were consistently higher than in comparable foliar data sets, suggesting that resorption of nutrients is a globally important mechanism, particularly for P. Litter C:N ratios were globally constant despite biome-level differences in foliar C:N; we speculate that this strong coupling may be caused by the significant contribution of immobile cell wall bound proteins to the total foliar N pool. Most ratios scaled isometrically across the range of biomass stocks and production in all biomes sug- gesting that ratios arise directly from physiological constraints and are insensitive to factors leading to shifts in biomass and production. There were, however, important exceptions to this pattern: nutrient investment in broadleaf forest litter and coniferous forest foliage increased disproportionately relative to C with increasing biomass and production sug- gesting a systematic influence of macroscopic factors on ratios.
Farnesoid X receptor is essential for normal glucose homeostasis

The bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR; NR1H4) is a central regulator of bile acid and lipid metabolism. We show here that FXR plays a key regulatory role in glucose homeostasis. FXR-null mice developed severe fatty liver and elevated circulating FFAs, which was associated with elevated serum glucose and impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Their insulin resistance was confirmed by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, which showed attenuated inhibition of hepatic glucose production by insulin and reduced peripheral glucose disposal. In FXR–/– skeletal muscle and liver, multiple steps in the insulin signaling pathway were markedly blunted. In skeletal muscle, which does not express FXR, triglyceride and FFA levels were increased, and we propose that their inhibitory effects account for insulin resistance in that tissue. In contrast to the results in FXR–/– mice, bile acid activation of FXR in WT mice repressed expression of gluconeogenic genes and decreased serum glucose. The absence of this repression in both FXR–/– and small heterodimer partner–null (SHP–/–) mice demonstrated that the previously described FXR-SHP nuclear receptor cascade also targets glucose metabolism. Taken together, our results identify a link between lipid and glucose metabolism mediated by the FXR-SHP cascade.
Low-voltage-swing logic circuits for a 7GHz x86 integer core

Pentium/spl reg/4 processor architecture uses a 2x core clock to implement low latency integer operations. Low-voltage-swing logic circuits in 90nm technology meet the frequency demands of a 3rd generation integer core, with operation demonstrated for frequencies in excess of 7GHz.