cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Derivatization and determination of arsenic in marine samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

Arsenic in marine samples was determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection after derivatization with 2,3-dimercaptopropanol. Biological tissues and sediments were analyzed after acid decomposition. For sea water, arsenic was preconcentrated by coprecipitation with hydrous iron (III) oxide. The results obtained by this approach compare favourably with the certified values of the reference materials analyzed.
Lawrence of Arabia: A Film's Anthropology

Lawrence of Arabia:. Film's Anthropology. Steven C. Caton. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999. ix. 301 pp., illustrations, figures, photographs, notes, bibliography, index.
Are Changes in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Midlife Women due to Chronological Aging or to the Menopausal Transition

Objectives This prospective study examined whether changes in traditional and novel coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors are greater within a year of the final menstrual period (FMP), relative to changes that occur before or after that interval, in a multiethnic cohort. Background Understanding the influence of menopause on CHD risk remains elusive and has been evaluated primarily in Caucasian samples. Methods SWAN (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation) is a prospective study of the menopausal transition in 3,302 minority (African American, Hispanic, Japanese, or Chinese) and Caucasian women. After 10 annual examinations, 1,054 women had achieved an FMP not due to surgery and without hormone therapy use before FMP. Measured CHD risk factors included lipids and lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, blood pressure, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein. We assessed which of 2 models provided a better fit with the observed risk factor changes over time in relation to the FMP: a linear model, consistent with chronological aging, or a piecewise linear model, consistent with ovarian aging. Results Only total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B demonstrated substantial increases within the 1-year interval before and after the FMP, consistent with menopause-induced changes. This pattern was similar across ethnic groups. The other risk factors were consistent with a linear model, indicative of chronological aging. Conclusions Women experience a unique increase in lipids at the time of the FMP. Monitoring lipids in perimenopausal women should enhance primary prevention of CHD.
Anatomy and histology of the alimentary tract of the desert millipede Orthoporus ornatus (Girard) (Diplopoda: Spirostreptidae).

The alimentary tract of the desert millipede Orthoporus ornatus is essentially a straight tube consisting of a histologically distinct foregut, midgut, pylorus, hindgut, and rectum. Common to each region, but often different in regional appearance, are an outer sheath layer, longitudinal and circular muscle layers, a basement membrane, and an inner epithelial layer. Foregut and midgut lumina are lined by a cuticular intima, while a peritrophic membrane occurs in the midgut lumen. Gut structure is considered in the context of the known feeding habits and digestive efficiency of this long-lived, seasonally restricted detritivore.
Human exposure to cyanobacteria and BMAA

Cyanobacteria are found worldwide, primarily in aquatic habitats. They are increasing in abundance as a result of increasing nutrient inputs from various human activities. Recent data indicate that most cyanobacteria produce the neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and this toxin can biomagnify UP some food chains to rather high concentrations in animals used as food by humans. BMAA may pose an increasing human health risk.
In vivo stabilization of mutant human transthyretin in transgenic mice

Transthyretin (TTR) is a 55 kD homotetrameric serum protein transporter of retinol binding protein charged with retinol and thyroxine (T4). The highly amyloidogenic human TTR variant in which leucine at position 55 is replaced by proline (L55P TTR) is responsible for aggressive fatal amyloidosis with peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. Mice bearing one or two copies of a 19.2 kB human genomic fragment containing the entire coding sequence and the known control regions of the L55P TTR transgene, failed to develop TTR amyloidosis even though their sera contained mutant human TTR. The frequency of TTR tissue deposition was increased when the L55P TTR transgene was bred onto a murine TTR-null background. Denaturation of sera from the transgenic animals and murine TTR-knockouts expressing the human L55P TTR transgene revealed that the TTR tetramer was much more stable in the presence of the murine protein because the TTR circulates as hybrid human/murine heterotetramers. Intraperitoneal administration of diflunisal, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that binds to TTR in its T4-binding site and inhibits fibril formation in vitro, to human L55P TTR transgenic animals in which the murine TTR gene had been silenced, also stabilizes the circulating mutant protein to in vitro urea denaturation.
Matching knowledge brokering strategies to environmental policy problems and settings

Abstract The benefits of utilizing intermediaries to broker understanding between environmental scientists and policy makers have become widely touted. Yet little is known about the tasks boundary spanners undertake to develop environmental policy solutions and how these tasks fit into frameworks intended to advance public policy decision making. Such frameworks may be constructed to aid decision makers in differentiating between the types of environmental policy issues that confront them or the policy settings in which they are operating. Consequently, this paper examines how six different knowledge brokering strategies; informing, consulting, matchmaking, engaging, collaborating and building capacity might be employed in responding to different types of environmental policy problems or policy settings identified in decision aiding frameworks. Using real world examples, four frameworks are reviewed. They are; Lindquist's [Lindquist, E.A., 1988. What do decision models tell us about information use? Knowledge in Society 1 (2), 86–111; Lindquist, E.A., 1990. The third community, policy inquiry, and social scientists. In: Stephen Brooks, S., Gagnon, A. (Eds.), Social Scientists, Policy and the State. Praeger, New York; Lindquist, E.A., 2001. Discerning policy influence: framework for a strategic evaluation of IDRC-Supported research] decision regimes, Turnhout et al.’s [Turnhout, E., Hisschemoller, M., Eijsackers, H., 2007. Ecological indicators: between the two fires of science and policy. Ecological Indicators 7 (2), 215–228] science policy typology, Holling's [Holling, C.S., 1995. What barriers? What bridges? In: Gunderson, L.H., Holling, C.S. (Eds.), Barriers and Bridges to the Renewal of Ecosystems and Institutions. Columbia University Press, New York, pp. 3–34] adaptive cycle and Kurtz and Snowden's [Kurtz, C.F., Snowden, D.J., 2003. The new dynamics of strategy: sense-making in a complex and complicated world. IBM Systems Journal 42 (3), 462–483] Cynefin domains. For the different problem types or policy settings described in the decision aiding frameworks primary knowledge brokering strategies are identified. While the frameworks differ in their conceptual constructions, the applicability of specific knowledge brokering strategies serve as a commonality across particular problem types and policy settings.
Welcome to our World: Evaluation of a Workshop to Orient Students to Social Work Education

This article reports on BSW and MSW students' satisfaction with a required orientation workshop designed to socialize them to professional educational and to academic and professional standards of behavior. Students viewed video‐recorded vignettes that addressed problematic behaviors in class and field, followed by faculty‐led, small‐group discussions. BSW students rated the workshops as more helpful than MSW students did. First‐year MSW students rated the workshops as significantly more helpful than advanced standing students, suggesting that more experienced students perceive less need for an orientation. Open‐ended questions revealed that students appreciated the opportunity to meet faculty members and other students.
Wheat gluten-based diet retarded ethanol metabolism by altering alcohol dehydrogenase and not carnitine status in adult rats.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a lysine-deficient diet on carnitine status in adult rats and subsequently on ethanol metabolism. Adult male rats were fed either the AIN-76 diet (NS), the AIN-76 diet with wheat gluten (WG) replacing casein, the WG diet plus 0.8% L-lysine (LS), or the LS diet plus 0.5% L-carnitine (CS) for 30 days. On the 31st day the rats were given an oral dose of ethanol and blood-ethanol concentrations (BEC) were monitored for the next 8 hours. One week later the rats were given a second dose of ethanol and urine was collected until killed, 3 hours post-ethanol administration (PEA). Besides growth retardation and hypoproteinemia, BEC were significantly elevated in the WG group compared to the other group at hours 3-8 PEA. There were no significant differences in BEC between the LS and CS groups; however, their BEC were significantly higher than that of the NS group. The BEC were inversely related to liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activities which were sign...
Effect of Medication on Synovial Fluid Leukocyte Differentials in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

We compared leukocyte populations in synovial fluid samples from 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients, grouped according to medications taken. Seventeen of the 22 patients receiving only nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs had lymphocytes as the single predominant cell. None of the 23 patients receiving second-line agents had lymphocyte predominance. These findings may have important implications for drug mechanisms and must be considered in future studies of synovial fluid.
Effects of HMOs on the creation of competitive markets for hospital services

Why do health maintenance organizations (HMOs) use particular hospitals, and do they concentrate patients in hospitals where they obtain low prices? We answered these questions with a study of six HMOs in four large metropolitan areas in 1986. A two-part model was estimated for the probability that a hospital would be used and the demand for general inpatient admissions at hospitals that were used. Four staff-network plans in our study do shop for hospital services on the basis of price more than was generally believed. However, two independent practice association (IPAs) plans use more hospitals in the community and do not concentrate patients effectively at hospitals that offer the lowest prices.
Understanding the Problem of Fatigue in Bulk Metallic Glasses

Early studies suggested there was a severe problem with the fatigue resistance of some bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and BMG matrix composites, while more recent studies begin to demonstrate a wide variety of fatigue behaviors may be possible for both fully amorphous BMGs and their composites. However, in order to truly understand and control the fatigue behavior of these materials, the role of such factors as thermomechanical processing, the corresponding glass structure, environment, and defects must be understood. Additionally, it is important to understand how these factors relate to the mechanisms of fatigue. This article reviews the current understanding in this regard, and identifies some of the challenges for the future development of fatigue-resistant BMG-based materials.
The role of vitamin D in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) cells harbor receptors for vitamin D (VDR) as well as androgens (AR). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,(OH)2D3] increases AR expression and enhances androgen actions linking the two receptor systems.1,(OH)2D3exhibits antiproliferative activity in both AR-positive and AR-negative PCa cells. Less calcemic analogs of 1,(OH)2D3, with more antiproliferative activity, are being developed and will be more useful clinically. The mechanisms underlying differential analog activity are being investigated. In target cells, 1,(OH)2D3induces 24-hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes its selfinactivation.Co-treatment with 24-hydroxylase inhibitors enhances the antiproliferative activity of calcitriol. Primary cultures of normal or cancer-derived prostatic epithelial cells express 1a-hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of 1,(OH)2D3, the levels being much lower in the cancerderived cells and in PCa cell lines. This finding raises the possibility of using 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)D3] as a chemopreventive agent in PCa.In LNCaP human PCa cells, 1,(OH)2D3and its analogs exert antiproliferative activity predominantly by cell cycle arrest, but also induce apoptosis, although to a much lesser degree. Growth arrest is mediated by induction of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), which in turn increases the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21, leading to growth arrest. Other actions of 1,(OH)2D3in PCa cells include promotion of pro-differentiation effects and inhibition of tumor cell invasion,metastasis and angiogenesis.
The Site of the Positive Feedback Action of Estradiol in the Rat

The bilateral stereotaxic implantation of estradiol into the brain of acutely ovariectomized rats was used to determine the hypothalamic sites of the positive feedback action of this steroid. The transport of estradiol from the site of implantation to the adenohypophysis was assessed by monitoring pituitary estradiol concentrations by radioimmunoassay. These concentrations were compared with the pituitary estradiol levels associated with LH release in the intact and estrogen-treated ovariectomized rat. The estradiol concentration in the pituitary increased gradually from 0.2 to 1.0 pg/mg during diestrus day 1 and day 2 of the estrous cycle and then showed a rapid rise to a plateau of 2.8 pg/mg on the morning of diestrus day 3. The pituitary estradiol concentration was maintained at this level until the initiation of the proestrous LH surge and then fell rapidly to diestrous levels. A similar concentration of estradiol in the pituitary (2.9–3.4 pg/mg) was associated with LH release in ovariectomized animal...
Is it better for salespeople to have the highest customer orientation or a strong fit with their group's customer orientation? Findings from automobile dealerships

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine how retail salesperson-group fit on customer orientation impacts sales performance. Customer orientation fit will be compared against the amount of customer orientation to answer the question of whether it is better to have higher customer orientation or consistent customer orientation. This study shows that fit with the group's customer orientation is more important than having a high customer orientation; individuals who deviate from the group's customer orientation have lower performance than individuals who fit their group's customer orientation. Although previous research finds that group-level performance is stronger in groups that have consistently high customer orientation, we find that individual sales performance depends on fit with other group members, regardless of the orientation of the group.
An empirical evaluation: gunshot detection system and its effectiveness on police practices

The rapid development of technologies has led police departments to adopt new physical security systems to manage violent crimes. This study evaluates the implementation of a gunshot detection system in an urban neighborhood plagued by high rates of violent crime in southeast Massachusetts. Data were collected from the police dispatch log of a southeastern Massachusetts city employing the technology; the research design then evaluated the impact of the Shotspotter™ system on the ability of the police to more effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute gun-involved crimes. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design confirming positive outcomes in police response and dispatch times, but not except case resolutions. Future research may need to establish a refined measurement on case resolution variable to clearly reflect its constructs considering the police investigation process.
Dynamic Subscription Permission: Extending the Depth of Demand-Controlled Flooding

We present a method for improving publication delivery range in self-balancing supply/demand (SBSD) routing. This method, dynamic subscription permission (DSP), restricts each subscription type to an estimated connected dominating set and dynamically restricts routing to adapt to local density variations. Given a theoretical mobile device population n0 comprising one connected dominating set and an actual network population n > n0, SBSD using DSP increases subscription propagation areas by up to a factor of (n/n0). Results are presented for road-based mobility models.
An experimental study of high pressure synthesis of diamond films using a microwave cavity plasma reactor

Diamond film deposition on Si “benchmark” substrates is experimentally investigated at high pressures using a microwave plasma disk reactor and CH4/H2 gas mixtures. In this microwave plasma reactor the plasma is formed inside a 12.7 cm diameter disk-like discharge region located at one end of an internally tuned cylindrical cavity applicator. A water cooling stage is employed to control substrate temperature. The input variables of the experimental evaluation are (1) methane concentration, expressed as c = %CH4H2 from 1∼8%, (2) total flow rate, ft, 200∼1400 sccm, (3) substrate temperature TS which varies from 700∼1125°C, (4) deposition time, t, 5 ∼ 100 h, (5) pressure, p, 80 ∼ 140 Torr, (6) incident power, Pinc, 2 ∼ 4.5 kW. The output films deposited on 2 in. diameter substrates were characterized by (1) growth rate in μm/h and mg/h, (2) film morphology, and (3) Raman spectra. In particular film growth rate versus CH4H2, flow rate, TS and t were performed on films deposited uniformly (<15%) over 2 in. diameter Si substrates. 5 h experiments indicated that the average film growth rate (over 2 in. diameter) varied from a few μm/h with c = 1% to 4.3 μm/h at c = 3% and then decreased for high c ratios. Average growth rate also varied with flow rate with a maximum of over 5 μm/h (∼ 35 mg/h). Growth rate increases as deposition time increases and reaches a maximum growth rate of 6.3 μm/h (∼44 mg/h) at t = 100 h. The film growth reaches a maximum around TS = 1100°C for both 2 and 3% chemistries.
A pilot prospective randomized trial of postoperative epoetin alfa in patients undergoing major operation for upper gastrointestinal malignancy.

Introduction Strategies to reduce red blood transfusion utilization in cancer patients undergoing operation are needed. Hypothesis Postoperative epoetin alfa (40,000 units subcutaneous on postoperative days 1 and 7) is associated with improved hematologic parameters in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for malignancy. Materials and methods Prospective, blinded, randomized trial of epoetin alfa (40,000 units subcutaneous on postoperative days 1 and 7) versus placebo in patients undergoing major abdominal operation for malignancy. Primary endpoints were immature reticulocyte fraction, reticulocyte count, and hemoglobin, which were measured on postoperative days 4, 7, and between 14 and 20. Secondary endpoints were transfusions and complications in the 2 groups. Results Forty patients were enrolled. There were no significant differences in immature reticulocyte fraction (P = 0.78), reticulocyte count (P = 0.42), or hemoglobin (0.35) in patients randomized to receive epoetin alfa versus placebo. There was no significant difference in red blood cell transfusion rate or postoperative complications in patients who received epoetin alfa compared with placebo. Discussion The use of postoperative epoetin alfa (40,000 units subcutaneous on postoperative days 1 and 7) in patients undergoing major operation for abdominal or pelvic malignancy is not supported by this randomized trial.
Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Can Be Performed Safely Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Selected Patients

Background Patients requiring emergency surgical revascularization are often not considered for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Methods From 1996 to 2003, 614 patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition) at an academic institution. Forty-four (7%) of these procedures were performed without cardiopulmonary bypass, while 570 were conventional coronary artery bypass procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CABG/CPB). Data were collected prospectively into a computerized database and reviewed retrospectively. Results Though a greater proportion of CABG/CPB patients had critical left main stenosis (15.9% vs 38.3%, p = 0.005), other preoperative risk factors were similar between groups. Completeness of revascularization (No. distal anastomoses/No. diseased vessel systems) was significantly greater in the CABG/CPB group (1.51 ± 0.03 vs 1.25 ± 0.07, p = 0.003). There were no differences among individual complication rates (death, cardiac reoperation, postoperative myocardial infarction, permanent cerebral vascular accident, deep sternal wound infection, renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and respiratory failure requiring reintubation). However, the combined incidence of these endpoints was significantly lower in the OPCAB group (6.8% vs 21.1%, p = 0.038). OPCAB patients received fewer blood transfusions (65.9% vs 84.9%, p = 0.004) and had a significantly shorter intensive care unit stay (1.47 vs 3.20 days, p = 0.016). In-hospital mortality (0% vs 6.3%, p = 0.168) and mean postoperative length of stay (5.48 vs 7.03 days, p = 0.414) favored OPCAB, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Off-pump coronary artery bypass can be performed safely and effectively and should be considered in selected patients with acceptable hemodynamics undergoing emergency coronary revascularization.
Promoting the Development of Value-added Specialty Foods through University-based Food Venture Centers

Food entrepreneurship is a vital part of the food indostry that focases on creatiug specialty foods from agricultural pruducts. Many entrepreneurial husinesses are farm-based to compiement the fresh market with in lunger shelf-life value-added processed foods that utilize products not suited for the fresh market, and excess production that commonly eads up as farm waste/losses, in some cases, the agricultural production is solely dedicated to fulfill the specialty niche market targeted by the small processer. food entrepreneurs need comprehensive assistance to become successful processors and marketers, As start-up ventures, thetr knowledge and economic resources are limited. Support from university based food veature centers must include tralaing, couneseling, technical services, regulatory compliance assistance, technology transfer, and specialized referrals. The Northeast Center for Food Entrepreneurship, a joint effort of Cornell Unive. and the Univ of Vermont, is a successful model that benefits from key partuerships to promote food ventures in rural and urban communities. For the last 3 years the center has provided assistance and training to more than 3500 individuals interested to food entrepreneurship. and assisted the development and marketing of over 1000 specialty products. Three examples of farm-based xalue-added enterprises are presented to highlight the centet's accomplishments and economic impact.
Electrostatic Assembly of Polymer/Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Multilayer Films

Polymer/carbon nanotube films have been formed by the alternate adsorption of the polyelectrolyte poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) onto substrates. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopies indicated that the adsorbed SWNTs were mostly in the form of 5−10 nm bundles and that uniform substrate coverage occurred. Absorbance spectrophotometry (UV−vis−NIR) confirmed that the adsorption technique resulted in uniform film growth. Characterization of the adsorbed SWNTs by X-ray photoelectron, Raman, and UV−vis−NIR spectroscopies suggested that they have a core of well ordered nanotubes covered by a layer of oxidized carbon nanotubes.
Metropolitan school desegregation: Impact on racial integration of neighborhoods in the United States

Research on school desegregation in U.S. cities has focused on the issues of white flight and the potential for racial residential integration of segregated neighborhoods. There is also concern over the effectiveness of a metropolitan desegregation plan for racial integration as against a plan which encompasses only the central city of urban areas. This paper deals with a court-ordered metropolitan school desegregation plan in New Castle County, Delaware. The method used is an examination of 602 small geographic areas (grids); the objective is to examine the extent of residential out-migration of students from the central city and to examine whether there is any tendency toward racial residential integration in the county. Evidence suggests (a) that the central city grids are retaining white students but losing black students and (b) that the level of racial segregation of suburban neighborhoods is not declining. We conclude from preliminary data that with each succeeding year, internal relocation, rather than moves to private school and out-migration from the metropolitan area, will be the major characteristic of student redistribution. If this is the case, the extent to which intra-system relocation results in racially integrated and stable neighborhoods should be a major research and policy focus.
The effects of D-23129, a new experimental anticonvulsant drug, on neurotransmitter amino acids in the rat hippocampus in vitro

D-23129 [N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)phenyl)carbamic acid ethyl ester] and D-20443 (dihydrochloride of D-23129) are promising anticonvulsant compounds with a broad spectrum activity in animal models of epilepsy. Their effects on de novo synthesis of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory (GABA) amino acids were studied in rat hippocampal slices. Like phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, losigamone, U54494A, and flupirtine, D-23129 and D-20443 were effective in preventing the effects of a chemoconvulsant, 4-aminopyridine, on de novo synthesis of the three amino acids. However, unlike the other compounds, D-23129 and D-20443 also preferentially increased the concentrations of newly synthesized GABA. Their effect on the neosynthesis of GABA was unique, dose dependent, and not tetrodotoxin sensitive. A total of 15 compounds (including standard, new and candidate anticonvulsants) either had no effect on new GABA or decreased it. Therefore, D-23129 and D-20443 exhibited two different effects on de novo synthesis of neurotransmitter amino acids, both of which could potentially be anticonvulsant in nature.
Cooperative assembly and dynamic disassembly of MDA5 filaments for viral dsRNA recognition

MDA5, an RIG-I-like helicase, is a conserved cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor, which recognizes dsRNA from a wide-range of viruses in a length-dependent manner. It has been proposed that MDA5 forms higher-order structures upon viral dsRNA recognition or during antiviral signaling, however the organization and nature of this proposed oligomeric state is unknown. We report here that MDA5 cooperatively assembles into a filamentous oligomer composed of a repeating segmental arrangement of MDA5 dimers along the length of dsRNA. Binding of MDA5 to dsRNA stimulates its ATP hydrolysis activity with little coordination between neighboring molecules within a filament. Individual ATP hydrolysis in turn renders an intrinsic kinetic instability to the MDA5 filament, triggering dissociation of MDA5 from dsRNA at a rate inversely proportional to the filament length. These results suggest a previously unrecognized role of ATP hydrolysis in control of filament assembly and disassembly processes, thereby autoregulating the interaction of MDA5 with dsRNA, and provides a potential basis for dsRNA length-dependent antiviral signaling.
Relation between Earthquake Foreshocks, Stress and Mainshocks

INCREASING attention has recently been directed toward the behaviour of rocks in fracturing (see papers by Mogi1–8 and by Scholz9). The results show that the Gutenberg–Richter10 relationship log N = a + b(8 − M) originally derived from earthquake seismology holds for many rock types over several orders of magnitude. In this equation the constants a and b relate to the level of “seismicity” and to the physical properties and stress state of the rock. N is the number of events with magnitudes larger than or equal to magnitude M.
Aestivation and thermoregulation in the Texas tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri.

Abstract 1. Deep body temperatures of three Gopherus berlandieri were monitored with radio-telemetry in their natural habitat, in June 1974. 2. In contrast to G. agassizii, this species engages in extensive pre-emergent basking. It does not emerge until its body temperatures have reached minimal voluntary limits. 3. Activity was notably curtailed, indicating summer aestivation. 4. Aestivating tortoises maintained lower average body temperatures than active individuals. 5. Pre-emergent basking allows this species to attain full co-ordination of its functions before exposing itself. This factor allows it to actively escape to shelter when disturbed rather than to depend upon passive resistance.
Potential causal prophylactic antimalarial agents. Synthesis of quinoxaline, benzimidazole, and alkoxybenzene derivatives containing a novoldiamine moiety

Several quinoxaline, benzimidazole, and alkoxybenzene derivatives containing the novoldiamine function, either as a side chain or incorporated as a ring constituent, were synthesized as potential causal prophylactic antimalarial agents. 1-(5-Dimethylamino-2-pentyl)-5-methoxy-benzimidazole (2a) was shown to have the desired prophylactic activity in the preliminary sporozoitc-indueed Plasmodium gallinaceum test.
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reconstruction Shows Poliovirus 135S Particles Poised for Membrane Interaction and RNA Release

During infection, binding of mature poliovirus to cell surface receptors induces an irreversible expansion of the capsid, to form an infectious cell-entry intermediate particle that sediments at 135S. In these expanded virions, the major capsid proteins (VP1 to VP3) adopt an altered icosahedral arrangement to open holes in the capsid at 2-fold and quasi-3-fold axes, and internal polypeptides VP4 and the N terminus of VP1, which can bind membranes, become externalized. Cryo-electron microscopy images for 117,330 particles were collected using Leginon and reconstructed using FREALIGN. Improved rigid-body positioning of major capsid proteins established reliably which polypeptide segments become disordered or rearranged. The virus-to-135S transition includes expansion of 4%, rearrangements of the GH loops of VP3 and VP1, and disordering of C-terminal extensions of VP1 and VP2. The N terminus of VP1 rearranges to become externalized near its quasi-3-fold exit, binds to rearranged GH loops of VP3 and VP1, and attaches to the top surface of VP2. These details improve our understanding of subsequent stages of infection, including endocytosis and RNA transfer into the cytoplasm.
Tracheoesophageal fistula after lye ingestion

Abstract Fistulous communications between the esophagus and tracheobronchial tree as a consequence of lye ingestion are very rare and may occur as a direct result of the caustic, or later, after dilatation of a resulting stricture. 1 The experimental production and evolution of caustic burns of the esophagus have been well described. 2,3 The depth of the injury correlates with the concentration of lye both experimentally, 4 and clinically. 5 The virtually instantaneous, devastating, and fatal effects of concentrated lye have been emphasized recently. 3 The following report is that of a child who developed a tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to caustic ingestion which resulted in his death. The patient is presented to indicate the severity of the injury and the radiographic and operative findings.
A multidimensional, adiabatic hydrodynamics code for studying tidal excitation

We have developed a massively parallel, simple and fast hydrodynamics code for multidimensional, self-gravitating and adiabatic flows. Our primary motivation is the study of the non-linear development of white dwarf oscillations excited via tidal resonances, typically over hundreds of stellar dynamical times. Consequently, we require long-term stability, low diffusivity and high-numerical efficiency. This is accomplished by an Eulerian finite-difference scheme on a regular Cartesian grid. This choice of coordinates provides uniform resolution throughout the flow as well as simplifying the computation of the self-gravitational potential, which is done via spectral methods. In this paper, we describe the numerical scheme and present the results of some common diagnostic problems. We also demonstrate the stability of a cold white dwarf in three dimensions over hundreds of dynamical times. Finally, we compare the results of the numerical scheme to the linear theory of adiabatic oscillations, finding numerical quality factors on the order of 6000 and excellent agreement with the oscillation frequency obtained by the linear analysis.
An Empirical Study of Power Aware Load Balancing in Local Cloud Architectures

In this paper, resource load balancing is empirically investigated from the perspective of power consumption and resource availability. An experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of introducing a power aware load balancing algorithm on availability and operational cost of a local cloud as it scales to size. The experiment involved a comparison of a conventional round robin approach to load balancing with a proposed new power aware load balancing algorithm. The results have shown that there is significant cost savings while implementing the power aware algorithms. There also may be a trade-off in cost savings versus availability. In our experiment, a user may incur a waiting period as a compute node powers on. Our algorithm uses a best effort approach to reduce the latency on availability of resources.
The morphometric myelinated fiber composition of D11 as compared to L3, L4 and L5 ventral spinal roots of man

As compared to the diameter frequency distribution of myelinated fibers of L3, L4 and L5 ventral spinal roots (VSRs) which have two well developed peaks [large-diameter axons (AL) and intermediate-diameter axons (AI)] and a poorly developed or non-existent peak of small-diameter axons (AS), D11 VSRs contain small AL and AI peaks and a prominent AS peak. Because the ratio of AL to AI myelinated fibers of D11 VSRs is similar to that in L3, L4 and L5 VSRs and it is known that D11 VSRs contain many pre-ganglionic autonomic fibers it seems likely that AS is composed predominantly of preganglionic autonomic fibers. The mean diameter of the AS peak in D11 VSRs is approximately 2.4 micrometer. Average numbers of AS, AI and AL myelinated fibers for D11 VSRs are 3835, 738, and 1545 per root. These values should be useful as controls for morphometric studies of various neuropathies. The average diameter positions of the peak of AL, AI and AS of D11 VSRs as compared to those of L3, L4 and L5 are displaced to smaller diameter categoried which may reflect the smaller axon diameters of neurons which are shorter.
More on economies with a finite set of Walrasian equilibria

Abstract In the context of a pure exchange economy, I allow explicitly for boundary equilibria, and I demonstrate the following: Proposition. The graph of the Walrasian equilibrium correspondence is a piecewise continuously differentiable manifold. Furthermore, there exists an open dense set of economies, ω, such that for all w in ω (a) the number of equilibria of the economy w is finite; and (b) there exists a neighborhood V (w) on which the set of equilibria is represented by a finite family of piecewise continuously differentiable functions.
Intensity standardization simplifies brain MR image segmentation

Typically, brain MR images present significant intensity variation across patients and scanners. Consequently, training a classifier on a set of images and using it subsequently for brain segmentation may yield poor results. Adaptive iterative methods usually need to be employed to account for the variations of the particular scan. These methods are complicated, difficult to implement and often involve significant computational costs. In this paper, a simple, non-iterative method is proposed for brain MR image segmentation. Two preprocessing techniques, namely intensity-inhomogeneity-correction, and more importantly MR image intensity standardization, used prior to segmentation, play a vital role in making the MR image intensities have a tissue-specific numeric meaning, which leads us to a very simple brain tissue segmentation strategy. Vectorial scale-based fuzzy connectedness and certain morphological operations are utilized first to generate the brain intracranial mask. The fuzzy membership value of each voxel within the intracranial mask for each brain tissue is then estimated. Finally, a maximum likelihood criterion with spatial constraints taken into account is utilized in classifying all voxels in the intracranial mask into different brain tissue groups. A set of inhomogeneity corrected and intensity standardized images is utilized as a training data set. We introduce two methods to estimate fuzzy membership values. In the first method, called SMG (for simple membership based on a gaussian model), the fuzzy membership value is estimated by fitting a multivariate Gaussian model to the intensity distribution of each brain tissue whose mean intensity vector and covariance matrix are estimated and fixed from the training data sets. The second method, called SMH (for simple membership based on a histogram), estimates fuzzy membership value directly via the intensity distribution of each brain tissue obtained from the training data sets. We present several studies to evaluate the performance of these two methods based on 10 clinical MR images of normal subjects and 10 clinical MR images of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. A quantitative comparison indicates that both methods have overall better accuracy than the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) method, and have much better efficiency than the Finite Mixture (FM) model-based Expectation-Maximization (EM) method. Accuracy is similar for our methods and EM method for the normal subject data sets, but much better for our methods for the patient data sets.
Novel roles for Fe-S clusters in stabilizing or generating radical intermediates

The role and properties of the Fe-S clusters in spinach ferredoxin- thioredoxin reductase (FTR), E. coli biotin synthase and E. coli pyruvate formate- lyase activating enzyme (PFL-AE) have been investigated by the combination of EPR, resonance Raman, and UV-visible absorption and variable temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies. FTR is shown to be a novel class of disulfide reductase with an active site involving a (4Fe-4S) cluster and an adjacent cysteine disulfide. The results suggest that the cluster stabilizes the one-electron reduced intermediate of the enzymatic reaction by forming a covalent adduct with one of the cysteines of the active site disulfide, leaving the other cysteine available to form the heterodisulfide adduct with the substrate disulfide. Biotin synthase and PFL-AE are both shown to be homodimeric enzymes with subunit-bridging (4Fe-4S) clusters that undergo novel (4Fe-4SI2' - 2(2Fe-2SI2+ + 2e- cluster conversions. It is proposed that the (4Fe-4S) clusters in both enzymes are directly involved with generating a 5'- deoxyadenosyl radical from S-adenosyl-L-methionine and that the oxidative cluster conversion provides a means of regulating enzyme activity on exposure to 0, without irreversible cluster degradation. The possibility that the catalytic roles for the (4Fe-4S) clusters in both classes of enzyme investigated in this work involve novel p,-S2--based cluster chemistry is discussed.
TU‐C‐T‐6C‐03: Simplifying IMRT Plans Through Efficient Segmentation

Purpose: To analyze the various methods for creating efficient leaf sequences for an IMRT plan, subject to MLC constraints. Method and Materials: An IMRT treatment plan can be simplified at several stages. Careful beam placement can lead to simpler intensity maps. The choice of the dose optimization engine, as well as the spatial and intensity resolution can also affect map complexity. To further reduce the total number of segments and monitor units, an optimal leaf sequence must be used. This reduction is accomplished by a combination of segment extractions and sweeps. The algorithms involve the determination of MLC shape and MUs. Some algorithms use predefined MUs according to a sequence (e.g. Power of two, Half-Maximum, Triangular numbers), while others optimize the MU selection by evaluating the complexity of the difference between the intensity map and the segment being considered. The selection of the MLC shape can also be achieved through a predetermined geometric process (e.g. largest area, largest area with maximum intensity, leftmost segment, graph theory) or by minimizing the complexity of the difference map. In this step, the machine constraints and the desire to reduce the tongue and groove effect are considered, as they can dramatically increase the number of segments and MUs. Once the leaf sequences have been generated, an examination of the plan may reveal degradation in the DVHs, and appropriate leaf-sequence modifications can help restore the plan quality. Results: Plans with beams that have minimal critical structure involvement and modulate with more leaves yield less segments and MUs. Optimizers that use gradient methods rather than simulated annealing tend to reduce modulation scaling factors by a factor of 2 to 3. A map resolution of 10 to 15 intensity levels and a leaf spacing of 6 mm produce a reasonably efficient plan without sacrificing its quality, provided that the leaf sequence is optimized by minimizing the difference map complexity. The collision constraint increases the number of segments and MUs by about 20%, and various levels of tongue and groove correction provide an additional increase of about 20 to 30%. Post processing can remove low weight segments, and leaf positions can be adjusted to eliminate hot and cold spots. Conclusion: In order to simplify an IMRT plan, one must take advantage of all the options that affect the leaf sequencing process, including beam placement, map resolution, segmentation algorithm choice and post-processing. Educational Objectives: 1. To understand the importance of beam selection and set-up prior to plan optimization. 2. To know the impact of map resolution set-up on complexity and the achievement of clinical goals. 3. To know the limitations and strengths of the various algorithms for leaf sequencing and how to choose the appropriate one. 4. To become familiar with the post-processing of leaf sequences.
Does Americanization Have Adverse Effects on Health?: Stress, Health Habits, and Infant Health Outcomes among Puerto Ricans

Generational differences in the social circumstances, health habits, and infant health outcomes of Puerto Rican women are examined using recently collected data from the Puerto Rican Maternal and Infant Health Study. The results show that recent migrants to the U.S. mainland experiencefewer stressful life events and are less likely to engage in negative health behaviors durtingpregnancy than U.S.-born Puerto Rican women. Recent migrants also exhibit better infant health outcomes than childhood migrants and U.S.born women. Riskfactors (e.g., low hunman capital, meagerfinancial resources, and residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods) andprotectivefactors (e.g., strongfamily support and a Latino cultural orientation) identified in theories of segmented assimilation are related to the outcomes examined but cannot explain the generational differences that are documented. The study of how immigrants to the U.S. and their descendants become incorporated into American society has long been guided by assimilation theory (Gordon 1964; Park 1950; Park & Burgess 1921), which has recently reemerged as a topic of intense debate among scholars of ethnic relations. The classic assimilation perspective proposes that as immigrants spend time in the U.S. they gradually replace their old cultural and behavioral patterns with those of the
New species of Falcaustra (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) in Platysternon megacephalum (Testudines: Platysternidae) from China.

Abstract: Falcaustra taimoshanensis n. sp. (Ascaridida, Kathlaniidae) from the feces of Platysternon megacephalum (Testudines; Platysternidae) is described and illustrated. Falcaustra taimoshanensis n. sp. represents the 32nd Oriental species assigned to the genus and is distinguished from other species by the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae (6 precloacal, 2 adcloacal, 12 postcloacal, and 1 median), length of spicules (765–791 µm), and presence of 1 pseudosucker.
Preservation of a paleo-Vertisol and an estimate of late Mississippian paleoprecipitation

ABSTRACT A Late Mississippian paleosol satisfying all of the morphological criteria required for classification of Holocene Vertisols provides quantitative paleoclimate information, in addition to the now commonplace interpretation of precipitation seasonality based on the presence of vertic features. Paleoprecipitation was estimated using the empirical relationship between depth to pedogenic carbonate horizon in Quaternary soils. Burial compaction, erosional truncation, and high paleoatmospheric CO2 concentration, all factors that complicate paleoprecipitation estimates, are unusually well constrained for this paleosol. Allowing for 10% compaction, the paleosol had a pre-burial depth of 100 cm for the pedogenic carbonate horizon, yielding a mean annual paleo-precipitation estimate f 648 ± 141 mm. This is comparable to the mean annual precipitation for Brownsville, Texas, where similar soils are found today. A dolomicrite crust, developed in gilgai microlows, is well preserved in the paleo-Vertisol. Higher Late Mississippian paleotemperatures and rates of evapotranspiration associated with a lower-latitude paleogeography for central Tennessee during the Late Mississippian may explain in part why Holocene coastal Vertisols in the Brownsville region lack surficial crusts similar to that of the paleo-Vertisol. We qualitatively define the Late Mississippian climate of central Tennessee as semiarid.
Chip multi-processor generator

The drive for low-power, high performance computation coupled with the extremely high design costs for ASIC designs, has driven a number of designers to try to create a flexible, universal computing platform that will supersede the microprocessor. We argue that these flexible, general computing chips are trying to accomplish more than is commercially needed. Since design NRE costs are an order of magnitude larger than fabrication NRE costs, a two-step design system seems attractive. First, the users configure/program a flexible computing framework to run their application with the desired performance. Then, the system "compiles" the program and configuration, tailoring the original framework to create a chip that is optimized toward the desired set of applications. Thus the user gets the reduced development costs of using a flexible solution with the efficiency of a custom chip.
Nutritional implications for nitrogen and mineral budgets from analysis of guano of the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus (chiroptera: vespertilionidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Analysis of nitrogen, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium levels in big brown bat guano throughout much of the summer roosting period was performed. 2. 2. Based on the tenet that low, non-variable levels of an element in feces indicate dietary inadequacy for that element, female big brown bats are routinely and severely stressed for calcium and may become stressed for iron by the end of the summer. Similar elemental stresses, although not as severe, exist for males.