cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First documentation of major Vip3Aa resistance alleles in field populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Texas, USA

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, is a major target pest of the insecticidal Vip3Aa protein used in pyramided transgenic Bt corn and cotton with Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in the U.S. The widespread resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in H. zea will challenge the long-term efficacy of Vip3Aa technology. Determining the frequency of resistant alleles to Vip3Aa in field populations of H. zea is critically important for resistance management. Here, we provided the first F2 screen study to estimate the resistance allele frequency for Vip3Aa in H. zea populations in Texas, U.S. In 2019, 128 H. zea neonates per isofamily for a total of 114 F2 families were screened with a diagnostic concentration of 3.0 μg/cm2 of Vip3Aa39 protein in diet-overlay bioassays. The F2 screen detected two families carrying a major Vip3Aa resistance allele. The estimated frequency of major resistance alleles against Vip3Aa39 in H. zea in Texas from this study was 0.0065 with a 95% CI of 0.0014–0.0157. A Vip3Aa-resistant strain (RR) derived from the F2 screen showed a high level of resistance to Vip3Aa39 protein, with a resistance ratio of >588.0-fold relative to a susceptible population (SS) based on diet-overlay bioassays. We provide the first documentation of a major resistance allele conferring high levels of Vip3Aa resistance in a field-derived strain of H. zea in the U.S. Data generated from this study contribute to development of management strategies for the sustainable use of the Vip3Aa technology to control H. zea in the U.S.
5.25 – In Silico Prediction of Ionization

The focus of this chapter is computational methods for the prediction of aqueous ionization of organic molecules. The thermodynamic background, as well as molecular factors influencing ionization, is discussed in detail. The microscopic view of ionization is explained. Methods of prediction are reviewed with particular attention to developments of the last 25 years. Purely theoretical and empirical approaches are identified. The latter are divided into three major groups: classic perturbational linear free-energy relationships (LFER), quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPR), and database lookup approaches. QSPR methods are considered from purely empirical and quantum mechanical point of view. In addition, ab initio quantum mechanical approaches to ionization of small molecules and statistical thermodynamic treatment of the ionization of proteins and nucleic acids are described. Available software packages and sources of ionization data are reported. An outlook on the future of ionization prediction closes this chapter.
Context-dependent modulation of natural approach behaviour in mice

Specific features of visual objects innately draw approach responses in animals, and provide natural signals of potential reward. However, visual sampling behaviours and the detection of salient, r...
What is Biodiversity

In recent years, considerable concern has been expressed about the global loss of biodiversity, due in large part to the accelerating destruction and conversion of tropical forests. Moist tropical forests cover approximately 7% of the earth’s land, yet they contain over one half of the world’s species (Wilson 1988). As a result, primarily due to the loss of moist tropical forests, it is predicted that nearly one quarter of the earth’s species could become extinct by the middle of this century.
Towards more environmentally and socially responsible batteries

While rechargeable batteries are critical for fighting the climate crisis, they are not free of environmental and social impacts. Here, we provide a robust, holistic, and accessible framework for researchers to use to assess these impacts for any battery material. The framework addresses four key issues present during the battery manufacturing process: (i) total energy use and emissions, (ii) toxicity, (iii) habitat destruction, and (iv) social impact. This article also includes example impact assessments for three battery chemistries that are being intensely pursued for current and future energy storage applications: (i) LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811)-graphite, (ii) LiFePO4 (LFP)-graphite, and (iii) aqueous Na-ion. Based on the results of these assessments, we offer the following recommendations for making batteries more environmentally and socially responsible. First, given the human rights issues related to its extraction, cobalt usage must be eliminated entirely. To reduce energy use and emissions, the N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent should be eliminated. To reduce battery toxicity significantly, low toxicity electrolyte salts and non-toxic binders should be used. Iron and manganese-based cathodes are less toxic, less energy-intensive alternatives to cobalt and nickel-based cathodes. Lastly, to preserve habitat, sodium should be used over lithium for grid storage and cellulose separators over polyethylene separators for all applications.
Pursuing analogies between differential equations and difference equations

(1989). Pursuing Analogies Between Differential Equations and Difference Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 9, pp. 827-831.
Inductive Predictions of Extreme Hydrologic Events in The Wabash River Watershed.

We present a machine learning method to predict extreme hydrologic events from spatially and temporally varying hydrological and meteorological data. We used a timestep reduction technique to reduce the computational and memory requirements and trained a bidirection LSTM network to predict soil water and stream flow from time series data observed and simulated over eighty years in the Wabash River Watershed. We show that our simple model can be trained much faster than complex attention networks such as GeoMAN without sacrificing accuracy. Based on the predicted values of soil water and stream flow, we predict the occurrence and severity of extreme hydrologic events such as droughts. We also demonstrate that extreme events can be predicted in geographical locations separate from locations observed during the training process. This spatially-inductive setting enables us to predict extreme events in other areas in the US and other parts of the world using our model trained with the Wabash Basin data.
Parenting, health, and use of medications among college youth: The PHARMACY survey study

Abstract Prescription medication misuse represents a major public health concern, with high rates of negative consequences observed among youth. The current study examines the potential roles parents can play in mitigating youth prescription-related harm, with a particular focus on opioid and antibiotic safety. A sample of 167 students from a mid-sized college in the Northeast U.S. were surveyed on their prescription medication knowledge, comfort, and behaviors and perceptions of their parents’ behaviors. Results showed that parenting behaviors like targeted discussions on prescription medication safety (e.g., proper disposal of excess medication) were associated with greater medication-related comfort, which, in turn, was associated with safer prescription medication behaviors.
Free Displacer Refrigeration

The devising of means to convert heat partially Into useful work, and the transferring of heat from a low to a high temperature is a very fundamental problem of thermodynamics. The limits of what can be done are clearly defined by the Carnot cycle. In devising equipment to accomplish these objectives, the tendency has been to put together a series of Ideal processes to give a desired result and then to try to build equipment to accomplish this series of processes. This equipment may be very difficult to build.
A Methodology and Encoding Scheme for Evaluating the Usability of Graphical, Direct Manipulation Style Interfaces

A model-based method for assessing the usability of graphical, direct manipulation style interfaces was developed and applied to a military airspace scheduling system. The method involves collectin...
Overcoming Intratumor Heterogeneity of Polygenic Cancer Drug Resistance with Improved Biomarker Integration

Improvements in technology and resources are helping to advance our understanding of cancer-initiating events as well as factors involved with tumor progression, adaptation, and evasion of therapy. Tumors are well known to contain diverse cell populations and intratumor heterogeneity affords neoplasms with a diverse set of biologic characteristics that can be used to evolve and adapt. Intratumor heterogeneity has emerged as a major hindrance to improving cancer patient care. Polygenic cancer drug resistance necessitates reconsidering drug designs to include polypharmacology in pursuit of novel combinatorial agents having multitarget activity to overcome the diverse and compensatory signaling pathways in which cancer cells use to survive and evade therapy. Advances will require integration of different biomarkers such as genomics and imaging to provide for more adequate elucidation of the spatially varying location, type, and extent of diverse intratumor signaling molecules to provide for a rationale-based personalized cancer medicine strategy.
E-Business Application in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study

This paper describes some recent development of e-business application in the hospitality industry (e.g., travel industry, and recreational entities) and illustrate with two case studies. One is about a local hotel industry’s effort to use the Internet to boost its local market. Another describes the operations and its competitive strategy of an emerging online travel agency. The research objective is to investigate the trends and level of prevalence of application of the Internet in the hospitality industry focusing on some emerging issues and challenges. Managerial implications are discussed with suggestions for future research.
Representing context in web search with ontological user profiles

One of the key factors for effective personalization of information access is the user context. We propose a framework which integrates several critical elements that make up the user context, namely, the user's short-term behavior, semantic knowledge from ontologies that provide explicit representations of the domain of interest, and long-term user profiles revealing interests and trends. Our proposed approach involves implicitly building ontological user profiles by assigning interest scores to existing concepts in a domain ontology. These profiles are, therefore, maintained and updated as annotated instances of a reference domain ontology. We propose a spreading activation algorithm for maintaining the interest scores in the user profile based on the user's ongoing behavior. Our experimental results show that the user context can be effectively utilized for Web search personalization. Specifically, re-ranking the search results based on interest scores derived from the semantic evidence in an ontological user profile provides better search results by proficiently bringing results closer to the top when they are most relevant to the user.
Social Conflict, Economic Development and the Extractive Industry: Evidence from South America

Part 1: Political Economies of Extraction 1. Extractive Industries, Socio-Environmental Conflicts and Political Economic Transformations in Andean America Anthony Bebbington 2. The Political Economy of Managing Extractives in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru Jose Carlos Orihuela and Rosemary Thorp 3. The Politics of Extractive Industries in the Central Andes John Crabtree and Isabel Crabtree-Condor Part 2: Conflicts, Transformations and Institutional Change 4. Social Conflict and Emergent Institutions: Hypotheses from Piura, Peru Anthony Bebbington 5. Mining and Conflict in Peru: Sowing the Minerals, Reaping a Hail of Stones Javier Arellano-Yanguas 6. Sovereignty Negotiated: Anti-Mining Movements, the State and Multinational Mining Companies under 'Correa's Twenty-First Century Socialism' Jennifer Moore and Teresa VelAsquez 7. State-Indigenous Tensions over Hydrocarbon Expansion in the Bolivian Chaco Denise Humphreys Bebbington 8. Planning Development Futures in the Ecuadorian Amazon: The Expanding Oil Frontier and the Yasuni-ITT Initiative Laura Rival 9. The Camisea Gas Project: Indigenous Social Movements and International NGOs in the Peruvian Amazon Brian Pratt 10. Household and Community Responses to Mining-Related River Contamination in the Upper Pilcomayo Basin, Bolivia David Preston Part 3: Conclusions and Comparisons 11. Afterward: Mining Conflict in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru Stuart Kirsch 12. Conclusions Anthony Bebbington
Thermal Conductivity of Heavily Doped p-Type Indium Antimonide

The thermal conductivity of p-type InSb is strongly influenced by the scattering of phonons by free carriers. This was first suggested by Challis et al.1 on the basis of measurements of the thermal conductivity of several n- and p-type samples over the temperature range of 1.2K to 4.2K. Crosby and Grenier2 extended the measurements to dopings in excess of 1018 acceptors per cm3. They successfully accounted for the observed temperature dependence in the range 1.3K to 4.2K by modifying Ziman’s3 hole-phonon scattering relaxation time to include the effect of screening. Kosarev et al.4 further measured a group of n- and p-type samples from 2K to 100K. They generalized Callaway’s5 model by using separate drift terms for longitudinal and transverse phonons and were able to estimate the contribution of hole-phonon scattering to both types of modes. They used a formula for hole-phonon scattering which included the influence of the coulomb field of the impurity ions on the scattering process. A good fit to the data was obtained in the range of about 2K to 7K. In previous work6 at this laboratory Holland’s7 thermal conductivity formalism was applied to measurements made on a heavily doped p-type InSb sample.
CD14 mediates the innate immune responses to arthritopathogenic peptidoglycan-polysaccharide complexes of Gram-positive bacterial cell walls

Bacterial infections play an important role in the multifactorial etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. The arthropathic properties of Gram-positive bacteria have been associated with peptidoglycan–polysaccharide complexes (PG-PS), which are major structural components of bacterial cell walls. There is little agreement as to the identity of cellular receptors that mediate innate immune responses to PG-PS. A glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface protein, CD14, the lipopolysaccharide receptor, has been proposed as a PG-PS receptor, but contradictory data have been reported. Here, we examined the inflammatory and pathogenic responses to PG-PS in CD14 knockout mice in order to examine the role for CD14 in PG-PS-induced signaling. We found that PG-PS-induced responses in vitro, including transient increase in intracellular calcium, activation of nuclear factor-κB, and secretion of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, were all strongly inhibited in CD14 knockout macrophages. In vivo, the incidence and severity of PG-PS induced acute polyarthritis were significantly reduced in CD14 knockout mice as compared with their wild-type counterparts. Consistent with these findings, CD14 knockout mice had significantly inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial hyperplasia, and reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines in PG-PS arthritic joints. These results support an essential role for CD14 in the innate immune responses to PG-PS and indicate an important role for CD14 in PG-PS induced arthropathy.
Nature of magnetism and magnetic-field-induced transitions in non-collinear antiferromagnet Er2O3

Abstract The nature of magnetism in Er2O3 is investigated by detailed studies of the temperature (2–300 K) and magnetic field (up to 90 kOe) dependence of the magnetization M of powder sample of Er2O3. The results show paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition occurring at TN=3.3 K. For T > T N the magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature data follows the Curie–Weiss ( χ = C / ( T − θ ) ) variation with θ=−10.2 K and magnetic moment μ = 6.68 μ B / Er 3 + ion determined from C. Molecular field model is used to determine the nn (nnn) exchange constants J1(J2)=−0.57 K (−3.38 K). The M vs. H data at 2 K analyzed in terms of dM/dH vs. H variations show two field-induced transitions, the first one at H SF ≃ 15 kOe and the second one at H S ≃ 31 kOe . Arguments and analysis are presented to show that HSF represents the spin-flop transition whereas for H > H S , the system is field-aligned ferromagnetically since the calculated value of HS for ferromagnetic ordering using the above magnitudes of J1 and J2 agrees well with the experimental HS. The temperature dependence of HSF is shown to follow the normalized Brillouin function variation for spin S=1/2 valid for Er2O3. The magnetic field dependence of TN is measured and shown to follow the equation: T N ( H ) = T N ( 0 ) − D 1 H 2 , expected for antiferromagnets.
ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL FLOOR INFARCTION OF THE PLACENTA AND NEONATAL WHITE MATTER INJURY † 1123

ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL FLOOR INFARCTION OF THE PLACENTA AND NEONATAL WHITE MATTER INJURY † 1123
Representation of smooth surfaces by graphs. Transformations of graphs which do not change the Euler characteristic of graphs

Abstract A molecular space is a family of closed unit cubes in Euclidean space E n . Cube vertices have integer coordinates. Molecular spaces can be transformed from one to the other by four kinds of contractible transformations. In this paper we apply contractible transformations of molecular spaces to graphs. We prove that these transformations do not change the Euler characteristic of a graph. We describe some continuous spaces: the plane space E n , spheres S n , a torus and a projective plane in molecular space and graph representations.
Stimulation of corneal endothelial wound healing in cats by mesodermal growth factor.

Several growth factors have been evaluated for their effects on corneal wound healing but few studies have yet demonstrated an acceleration of endothelial repair in vivo. Mesodermal Growth Factor (MGF) was tested in vivo by making standardized freeze wounds in cat corneas and immediately injecting one of four concentrations of MGF in sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), or PBS alone, into the anterior chamber. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the corneas excised and stained. Descemet's membrane and endothelium were dissected and mounted onto glass slides. The wound areas were photographed, measured and compared statistically.Those cats receiving the three lowest doses of MGF had significantly smaller wounds than controls (p < 0.05).
Attitudes toward Sunday and their relation to depression.

An attitude scale toward Sunday containing behavioral preferences with the dimensionality exciting-boring was constructed, based on the performance of 76 alcoholic patients, to investigate the effect weekends might have on patients. Positive or elated patient attitudes reflecting the psychological status of activation correlate negatively with measurements of depression, and positively with judgments of social desirability.
The indirect pathway of hepatic glycogen synthesis and reduction of food intake by metabolic inhibitors

The increasingly recognized role of the indirect pathway (glycolysis followed by hepatic gluconeogenesis) for glucose utilization and glycogen synthesis by the liver led us to administer 3-mercaptopicolinate (3MP), an inhibitor of phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase, in an attempt to assess the role of liver glycogen or hexose-phosphates in the food-intake reducing effects of (-)hydroxy-citrate. Administration of (-)hydroxy-citrate increased hepatic glycogen content in i.v. glucose refed rats. Using the glucuronide probe technique, the mechanism of increased glycogen deposition was shown to be prolongation of indirect pathway (recycled) input. Daily (-)hydroxy-citrate significantly reduced food intake (from 12.0 +/- 2.3 to 6.4 +/- 3.6 g/day, p < 0.05) and had no chronic effect on hepatic glycogen content in rats trained to a single daily meal (meal-fed). Administration of 3MP completely suppressed hepatic glycogen synthesis (< 0.5 mg/g) when given alone or with (-)hydroxy-citrate. Isotopic studies confirmed inhibition of the indirect pathway of UDP-glucose synthesis. 3MP accentuated rather than prevented the (-)hydroxy-citrate reduction in food intake in meal-fed rats (intake 2.7 +/- 2.4 g/day). When given alone, 3MP also reduced intake (6.1 +/- 3.6 g/day). Severe hypoglycemia was observed (glucose < 20 mg/dl) in several meal-fed rats given repeated daily doses of 3MP, yet food intake did not occur despite food availability. Neither 3MP nor (-)hydroxy-citrate had any effects when given after the daily meal. We conclude that the role of the indirect glycogen synthesis pathway must be considered in any theory of regulation of food intake by hepatic metabolites and that, if the effects of these metabolic inhibitors can be shown not to be toxic or non-specific, neither hepatic glycogen nor hexose-phosphates are involved in the food-intake suppressive effects of (-)hydroxycitrate.
Typology of ambiguity on representation of information problem: An exploratory study

The paper is divided into three parts. The first part develops a framework explaining the need to disambiguate user inquiries to improve information systems and services. Theoretical grounds for this framework are explained for how questions are categorized based on their ambiguity type, while the relevant literature is briefly reviewed. The second part categorizes a set of questions, originally collected for TREC 8 QA Track, according to ambiguity type. Three types and two dimensions of ambiguity are identified by the author. The last part discusses three aspects of retrieval systems and services, based on the results of categorization: 1) increasing user input to make initial queries less ambiguous; 2) reducing search space by disambiguating queries; and 3) clustering search results based on the characteristics of prospective answers.
Endovascular treatment of carotid cavernous aneurysms: complications, outcomes and comparison of interventional strategies.

The best treatment modality for cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCA) remains unclear. We treated 82 CCA in 79 patients with endovascular coiling (n = 14), stent assistance (n = 53), and carotid vessel deconstruction (CVD) (n = 15). Favorable outcomes were defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale of 4 to 5 without worsening signs or symptoms. Mean CCA size was 13.3 ± 9.2 mm, and CCA treated with CVD were larger (p = 0.010). Fourteen patients had incidental CCA, 40 (50.6%) had cranial nerve palsies (CNP), and 25 (31.7%) had pain leading to diagnosis. Immediate occlusion (>95%) occurred in 91.5% of aneurysms. Ischemic or hemorrhagic complications developed following eight treatments (9.8%) and three were permanent (3.7%). There were no deaths, and favorable discharge outcome occurred following 87.8% of procedures. Although there was no difference in immediate occlusion or complications amongst treatment cohorts, fewer permanent complications (0% versus 10.3%, p = 0.041) and favorable discharge outcomes (p = 0.039) were associated with stent assisted treatment. Follow-up was available following 75 procedures (mean 21.4 ± 17.4 months). Recanalization occurred in 36% of patients and retreatment in 25%. Patients presenting with CNP improved over time (p < 0.001); 54% of patients presenting with CNP remained unchanged while 46% improved; there was no difference in improvement rates stratified by treatment. Favorable follow-up outcome occurred after 96% of treatments and those receiving stents were more likely to have favorable outcome in multivariate analysis (p = 0.039). Endovascular therapy is a safe and effective therapy for CCA. When possible, stent assisted therapy may be the best option with fewer complications and low recanalization rates.
Geometry of Simple Molecules. 2. Modeling the Geometry of AX3E and AX2E2 Molecules through the Nonbonded Interaction (NBI) Model

A new conceptual model of molecular geometry is presented, called the nonbonded interaction (NBI) model. This model is applied to the geometries of the AX3E and AX2E2 (A = N, O, P, S, As, Se, or Te; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH(3), tBu, CF3, SiH3, Sn(tBu)3, or SnPh3) molecule types. For these molecules, the NBI model can be quantified on the basis of a balance between terminal atom-terminal atom (X-X) interactions and lone pair-terminal atom (E-X) interactions. The empirically observed X-A-X angles range from 91.0 degrees (SeH2) to 180 degrees (O(Sn(tBu)3)2), and the NBI model predicts the X-A-X angle with a mean unsigned error of 1.0 degrees using the empirical A-X distance, 1.5 degrees using the LMP2/6-31G** A-X distance, and 1.1 degrees using the MMFF94 A-X distance. This level of precision compares well to the LMP2/6-31G**-predicted X-A-X angles and is significantly better than the MMFF94-predicted X-A-X angles. Terminal groups that are not sufficiently spherical (CF3, SiH3, and SnPh3) can still be addressed qualitatively by the NBI model, as can molecules with a mixture of terminal groups. The NBI model is able to explain, often quantitatively, the geometry of all of the molecules studied, without any additional postulates or extensive parametrization.
Promotion of aflatoxin B1 hepatocarcinogenesis in rainbow trout by 17β-estradiol

Abstract Four groups of 21-day-old rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) embryos were exposed to static solutions of water containing 0, 0.005, 0.025, or 0.125 ppm aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) for 30 min to initiate hepatic neoplasms. Six weeks after AFB 1 exposure, two groups at each dose level were subjected to dietary 17 β-estradiol (E 2 ) treatment, while the two remaining groups received control diet (CD) only. E 2 promoted the hepatic tumor incidence in the fish exposed to the 0.025 ppm subcarcinogenic dose of AFB 1 from 0% to 9%, and enhanced the incidence in the fish exposed to the 0.125 ppm dose of AFB 1 from 5% to 60%. E 2 alone was not carcinogenic under the present experimental conditions. This promotion of AFB 1 carcinogenesis was observed despite significant mortalities and reduction in growth in the E 2 -exposed fish. In a second experiment, 21-day-old embryos were exposed to 0.025 ppm AFB 1 or sham-treated as before. Duplicate groups were started on either CD or CD-containing 5, 10 or 15 ppm E 2 . At each level, E 2 diets were fed every other week, alternating with CD, throughout the experiment. This regimen again produced promotion of AFB 1 carcinogenesis by E 2 . The intermittent exposure to E 2 still resulted in significant growth depression, but E 2 -related mortalities were eliminated. Biochemical studies revealed that E 2 stimulated hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA synthesis, both indicators of cellular proliferation which may be related to promotional events.
Acute renal artery thrombosis treated by percutaneous rheolytic thrombectomy.

Renal artery thrombosis or embolus is a rare condition that may lead to hypertension and renal failure. Treatment options in the past have had limited success. We present a case which demonstrates the use of percutaneous rheolytic therapy with the Angiojet atherectomy catheter to treat this condition in the acute setting.
Further studies of the monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity of formanilides and formamidines

Abstract 1. 1. Five substituted formanilides and their corresponding N,N-dimethylformamidine derivatives were examined for their potency as in vitro inhibitors of rat brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) with serotonin and β-phenylethylamine as substrates. 2. 2. Formanilides were selective, competitive inhibitors of MAO-A (serotonin oxidation). 3. 3. The most potent formanilide MAO-A inhibitor was 2,4,5-trichloroformanilide with an I50 value of 0.045 μM. 4. 4. The most selective formanilide MAO-A inhibitor was 5-chloro-2,4-dimethoxyformanilide with I50 values of 0.95 μM for MAO-A and > 10,000 μM for MAO-B (β-phenylethylamine oxidation). 5. 5. Formamidines were neither as potent nor as selective inhibitors in vitro as their corresponding formanilides. 6. 6. 5-Chloro-2,4-dimethoxyformanilide and N′-(5-chloro-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N,N-dimethylformamidine also inhibited rat brain MAO in vivo following intraperitoneal injection; the formanilide was more potent and more selective.
Design of Public Projects: Outsource or In-House?

AbstractThis study analyzes the relative cost in New York state of having the public sector perform design work in-house or to contract out the work to private engineering consulting companies. It is important to note that the percentage of work performed in-house versus that which is contracted out varies among New York state agencies and authorities. Many agencies target a design work load of 25% in-house and 75% contracted out to accomplish their programs and in-house training goals. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has reported that it performs 50% or more of its work with in-house forces, although in some regions the in-house design percentage is as high as approximately 80%. Because the authors believe this to be a very high percentage of in-house work when compared with other New York state agencies and authorities, the authors have chosen to focus this cost-effectiveness comparison on transportation projects and the NYSDOT. While a few studies have been conducted in this area, ...
An altered electroretinogram transient associated with an unusual jump response in a mutant of Drosophila.

1. Mutations at thestoned locus ofDrosophila melanogaster produce a reversible temperature-sensitive debilitation. At permissive temperatures they also exhibit an unusual jump response to a light-off stimulus. 2. An increase in the amplitude of the off-transient of the electroretinogram (ERG) is associated with this abnormal jump. Both the jump response and the increased amplitude of the off-transient are shown to be dependent on the duration of the light pulse prior to the light-off stimulus. 3. Instoned flies which are light adapted, the jump response, as measured by recording from the indirect flight muscles, is seen to habituate with increasing light-off frequency. This habituation corresponds to the decrease in the amplitude of the off-transient that also occurs with high-frequency stimulation. 4. Another visual mutanttan, removes the off and on-transients of the ERG. 5. The combining of thestoned mutation withtan in thetan, stoned double mutant results in the loss of the jump behavior as well as the partial restoration of the off-transient to an otherwisetan-like ERG. The relationship between the increase in the amplitude of the off-transient instoned flies and the eliciting of the jump response is discussed.
Efficient blue-emitting silafluorene–fluorene-conjugated copolymers: selective turn-off/turn-on detection of explosives

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a series of new blue-emitting silafluorene–fluorene copolymers is described. The polymers are synthesized using kinetically controlled hydrosilylation copolymerization of 1,1-dihydridosilafluorene with a series of 9-substituted 2,7-diethynylfluorenes. The polymers contain a trans-only framework with molecular weights in the range of 13 000–20 000, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using polystyrene standards, and by 1H NMR spectroscopy using dimethylphenylsilane as an end-capping marker group. The three stereoregular polymers synthesized include a 9,9-dihydridofluorene (PSF1), a 9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene (PSF2), and a 9,9′-spirobifluorene (PSF3) comonomer with the frameworks. These fluorenyl units are conjugated through the silicon center of the silafluorene moiety by bridging vinylene groups. Quantum yields of fluorescence range from 20 to 100% with PSF3 having the highest quantum efficiency. Polymers PSF1-3 emit in the blue region of the spectrum (∼475 nm), showing good color purity with little change in luminescence properties between the solution and solid-state phases. The polymers were tested for explosives detection properties by a fluorescence-quenching mechanism. Targeted explosives include laboratory prepared TNT, DNT, picric acid, RDX, HMX, PETN, TNG, and Tetryl, as well as production line PETN and C-4. All three polymers exhibit detection of explosive particulates with limits as low as 1 pg cm−2 for Tetryl. Polymer PSF1 simultaneously acts as a selective fluorescence “turn-on” sensor for nitrate ester explosives when irradiated with UV light. In the presence of nitrate ester-based explosives such as PETN, PSF1 initially exhibits fluorescence quenching, but continued exposure to UV-light (302 nm), promotes a photochemical reaction forming a luminescent green fluorenone copolymer. This is the first example of a single material acting as both a turn-off and turn-on selective fluorescent sensor for an explosive material.
Tetrameric Hemoglobin Expressed in Escherichia coli EVIDENCE OF HETEROGENEOUS SUBUNIT ASSEMBLY

Abstract Recombinant αβ tetrameric Hb expressed and assembled in Escherichia coli has been characterized extensively. Electrospray mass spectrometry and optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that the overexpressed protein is identical to native human Hb. Although the functional properties of this recombinant Hb are nearly identical to native Hb, crucial differences exist between the two molecules. The recombinant Hb expressed in E. coli has a lower Hill coefficient even though oxygen equilibrium binding studies indicate cooperative binding. The most significant difference observed between the recombinant and native Hb is the loss of oxygen affinity regulation by 2,3-diphosphoglyerate and protons. CO binding to the deoxy tetramer was found to be biphasic with both phases sensitive to the presence of allosteric effectors. The recombinant chains were isolated, and the ligand binding properties demonstrated that the recombinant chains behave in a similar fashion to native α and β. To investigate whether the chains were capable of forming a well behaved tetramer, the isolated chains were reassembled into a tetramer and purified to homogeneity. Oxygen binding properties of the reassembled recombinant Hb now show an increased Hill coefficient of 2.5, close to, but still slightly lower than, that observed for native Hb. Additionally, reassembly of recombinant Hb produces a protein that is subject to regulation by allosteric effectors. Furthermore, CO binding to the reassembled recombinant deoxy tetramer was found to be monophasic under all conditions.
ASTER polar cloud mask

An algorithm is currently under development that will provide a classification mask for ASTER imagery obtained poleward of 60 N and 60 S. The classification mask will be a product available through EOSDIS and is called the ASTER polar cloud mask. Ten classes are currently in the mask and include six clear classes (water, slush/wet ice, ice/snow, land, shadow on land, and shadow on ice/snow) and four cloud classes (thin cloud over ice/snow, water, or land, and thick cloud). The algorithms is designed as a four stage process. In the first stage the data are median filtered, sampled to 30 m spatial resolution, normalized, and navigated to coastlines and ancillary Earth surface databases. In the second stage, through adaptive thresholding, simple decision surfaces, and ancillary data, the class ambiguity of each pixel is reduced from ten to two to four classes. In the third stage, additional features are utilized in a paired- histogram classification methodology to make the final pixel classification. And finally, in the fourth stage, a simple spatial consistency check is performed over the entire classification mask to detect isolated pixel classifications. Over 3700 samples have been extracted and labeled to date representing over one million pixels from 82 Landsat TM circumpolar scenes. Tests of the algorithm on the labeled samples indicate that the clear/cloud classification accuracy is greater than 90 percent and subjective evaluation of the classification masks supports that result.
Conformational Mobility of S1-M1 and S2-M4 Linkers Influence NMDA Receptor Gating

NMDA receptors are tetrameric glutamate-gated ion channels pivotal to excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Each subunit of the NMDA receptor harbors an extracellular ligand-binding domain (LBD) connected by three linkers to the transmembrane segments that form the ion channel. Activation gating of NMDAR involves the propagation of ligand-induced conformational changes in the LBD into ion channel pore opening via linker peptide segments. The M3-S2 linker, which is attached to the pore-lining M3 transmembrane segment, has been shown to be a critical gating element. Constraining the conformational freedom of M3-S2 relative to the adjacent S2-M4 linker of the same subunit drastically reduced the efficacy of gating with a 30-75-fold reduction in channel open probability. Here we report the gating effects of limiting the relative conformational mobility of the S1-M1 and S2-M4 linkers with crosslinking disulfide bonds. Both intra- and inter- subunit crosslinking strategies in GluN1/GluN2A-containing receptors were used to dissect the linkers’ roles in gating transduction. We found that although the S1-M1 and S2-M4 linkers are connected respectively to the M1 and M4 transmembrane segment located peripheral to the pore, constraining their relative movements significantly hampered gating efficacy, as assayed using single channel recording. These results suggest that all the linkers in a single receptor complex function as an intricate unit in the gating transduction process and have important implications for potential drug targeting as unique noncompetitive antagonists are known to bind to the S1-M1 and S2-M4 linkers of certain glutamate receptor subtypes, although their mechanisms of action are yet undefined.
Attachment relationship experiences and childhood psychopathology.

Human infants form attachments to their caregivers gradually over the course of the first year of life. Qualitatively different types of attachments, which can be identified by the end of the first year, are broadly predictive of subsequent adaptive outcomes for young children. "Disorganized" patterns of attachment have the strongest links to concurrent and subsequent psychopathology, and considerable research has demonstrated both within-the-child and environmental correlates of disorganized attachment. Clinical disorders of attachment have been demonstrated to arise under conditions of social deprivation, such as institutionalization and maltreatment. An emotionally withdrawn/inhibited pattern and an indiscriminate/disinhibited pattern both have been described. Although these clinical types arise under similar conditions of environmental adversity, they tend to have different courses over time. We describe recent findings and highlight areas of emerging consensus and areas of continuing controversy regarding both disorganized patterns of attachment and clinical disorders of attachment in young children. Language: en
Role of Photochemical Processes in the Reduction of Nitrate by Green Algae

EXPERIMENTS have been described supporting the idea that reduction of nitrate in the light by green algae is a photochemical process1. However, a strong argument against this assumption is the fact that, without carbon dioxide, a really significant reduction of nitrate in the light has never been found2,3; only several hours after the addition of glucose can a strong evolution of oxygen due to nitrate reduction be observed3. This indicates an indirect influence of light via the formation of photosynthetic products rather than a direct photochemical reduction of nitrate. In the following we show that it is necessary to distinguish between the effect of light on the reduction of nitrate and nitrite, respectively (cf. also Harvey's results with diatoms4). The latter is the first intermediate in the reduction of nitrate by green algae5.
Polyoxyethylated nonionic surfactants and their applications in topical ocular drug delivery

Topical dosing of ophthalmic drugs to the eye is a widely accepted route of administration because of convenience, ease of use, and non-invasiveness. However, it has been well recognized that topical ocular delivery endures a low bioavailability due to the anatomical and physiological constraints of the eye which limit drug absorption from the pre-corneal surface. Nonionic surfactants as versatile functional agents in topical ocular drug delivery systems are uniquely suited to meet the challenges through their potential ability to increase bioavailability by increasing drug solubility, prolonging pre-corneal retention, and enhancing permeability. This review attempts to place in perspective the importance of polyoxyethylated nonionic surfactants in the design and development of topical ocular drug delivery systems by assessing their compatibility with common ophthalmic inactive ingredients, their impact on product stability, and their roles in facilitating ocular drugs to reach the target sites.
Recrystallization and mechanical behavior of Zircaloy-2 tubing

Abstract The effect of recovery and recrystallization treatment on the mechanical behavior of cold worked Zircaloy-2 tubing has been examined. The structures of annealed specimens were identified by electron microscopy, and the tensile properties were determined by pulling the tubing along its circumferential direction in a specially designed fixture. For the specimens annealed over the range of temperatures, both the hardness and tensile strength changed abruptly over a narrow range of annealing temperatures, and these changes were associated with the appearance of new, strain-free recrystallized grains. It is concluded that the rapid rate of recrystallization was due to the excessively large amount of cold work present in the tubing. A maximum value of tensile ductility was achieved at the annealing temperature just high enough to achieve complete recrystallization. The ultrafine equiaxed structure so achieved also provided an optimum combination of strength and ductility at temperatures where an anomalously low ductility is known to occur.
A Narrative Approach to Group Work with Men Who Batter

A narrative approach to group work with men who batter is presented with case examples. The approach is based in feminist and constructionist theory and seeks to expose and undermine the effects of patriarchal discourse in the lives and relationships of group members. The approach emphasizes an understanding of gender discourse, taking responsibility for actions, and exploring new definitional possibilities for participants and their relationships. The techniques of radical listening, the principle of least contest, breaking the allure of male entitlement and its effects, and cocreating a new male way of being are discussed with case examples.
Comparison of 2nd-trimester induction of labor by misoprostil vs intrauterine prostaglandin F2α

PROSTIL VS INTRAUTERINE PROSTAGLANDIN F2a HYACINTHE BROWN, EBENEZER BABALOLA, KEITH WILLIAMS, Yale University, Obstetrics & Gynecology, New Haven, CT OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intra-amniotic PG F2a or oral misoprostol was more effective for second-trimester induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all 2nd-trimester inductions of labor between January 1997 and December 2002 was conducted. At our institution, depending on the attending obstetrician, two methods are used for 2nd-trimester induction (oral misoprostol or intraamniotic Pgf2a). We identified 22 patients who had undergone induction of labor by oral misoprostol and matched them (gestational age, maternal age, and gravidity) with 66 patients who had induction by intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2a. All patients included in the study had the following parameters available for review: length of stay, incidence of fever (temp >38.58C), retained placenta > 2 hours after expulsion of the fetus, bleeding >300 cc, duration of time before placenta delivery and before fetal delivery. The Pg F2a patients had laminaria placed 24 hours prior to the induction, while the misoprostol patients had laminaria placed just prior to the induction. Comparison between the groups was done using v analysis for proportions and student t test for continuous data. RESULTS: 95% of the misoprostol group had complete expulsion of the fetal placenta by 24 hours compared with 85% in the misoprostol group. Although prostaglandin F2a resulted in a shorter time to delivery, it was associated with a higher retained placenta rate (Table). CONCLUSION: Prostaglandin F2a resulted in a more timely induction of labor in the 2nd trimester but was associated with a higher complication rate. Placement of the laminaria 24 hours prior to the induction may decrease the induction time.
Endocytosis: EH domains lend a hand

A number of proteins that have been implicated in endocytosis feature a conserved protein-interaction module known as an EH domain. The three-dimensional structure of an EH domain has recently been solved, and is likely to presage significant advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of endocytosis.
Synthesis of chiral acetylenic analogs of the plant hormone abscisic acid

Abstract Syntheses of optically active acetylenic analogs of abscisic acid are described. The key step involves the diastereoselective alkylation of the (2S,3S)-butanediol ketal of oxoisophorone, which produces a 3:1 mixture of separable diastereoisomers. The absolute stereochemistry of the analogs was established by conversion to a known derivative and by correlation of ORD data.
Spontaneous and 14·7 MeV neutron-induced fission yields of uranium-238 in the rare earth region

Levels of fission product activities in secular equilibrium with uranium-238 in non-irradiated uranium salts give the general shape of the mass-yield curve for uranium-238 spontaneous fission. The equilibrium ratios were measured for a number of fission products in the rare earth region. The results expressed in terms of 10−4 disintegrations sec−1g−1 of uranium-238 are: 141Ce, 4·9 ± 1·0; 143Ce, 4·4 ± 0·8; 144Ce, 4 ± 1; 147Nd, 3·1 ± 0·8; 147Pm, 3·6 ± 0·9; 140Pm, 1·6 ± 0·2. A comparative study was made of the rare earth region of the mass-yield curve for 14·7 MeV neutron-induced fission of uranium-238.
Intraoperative cystoscopy in conjunction with anti-incontinence surgery.

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency of lower urinary tract injury detected by routine intraoperative cystoscopy after anti-incontinence surgery. Methods: We reviewed charts from women who had anti-incontinence surgery and routine intraoperative cystoscopy done by a single surgeon from June 1, 1995, to June 1, 1998, and assessed preoperative and intraoperative variables. Results: We reviewed 351 patient records. Four records were incomplete and there were nine injuries in the other 347 cases (2.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 4.9). Four cystotomies occurred during laparoscopic Burch procedures and were detected before cystoscopy. Five injuries were detected at cystoscopy, a rate of 1.5% (95% CI 0.5, 3.4). Four injuries occurred during 161 pubovaginal sling procedures (2.5%, 95% CI 0.7, 6.2). One woman had sutures in her bladder from a prior procedure detected at cystoscopy. In 186 Burch procedures (48 laparoscopic, 138 open), there were no previously unrecognized injuries detected by cystoscopy. All injuries were repaired during original surgery. It was not possible to assess preoperative and intraoperative risk factors because of the low rate of injury. Conclusion: The rate of injury to the lower urinary tract during anti-incontinence surgery in this series was 2.6% (95% CI 1.2, 4.9). Injuries during Burch procedures were all detected before cystoscopy.