cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postjunctional electrical mechanisms of enteric neurotransmission.

The contractile behaviour of gastrointestinal smooth muscles is dependent on the intrinsic electrical activities of the muscles.1 Depolarisation activates L-type Ca2+channels that provide the main pathway for Ca2+ to enter gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. This is particularly true for the phasic portions of the gastrointestinal tract where cyclic depolarisations and repolarisations, referred to as slow waves, set the contractile frequency and maintain the phasic nature of contractions (fig 1). The slow wave cycle ensures a period of relaxation between contractions, allowing mixing and movement of luminal contents. Tonic regions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the sphincters, are also regulated by electrical events but primarily by more persistent changes in resting membrane potential. Figure 1 Organisation of electrical activity in phasic gastrointestinal muscles. ICC, interstitial cells of Cajal. In addition to the ionic conductances that contribute to resting membrane potential and electrical rhythmicity, there are several ionic conductances that are modulated by neural and hormonal inputs. Regulatory inputs from nerves, hormones, and paracrine substances are superimposed on the spontaneous electrical activity of gastrointestinal muscles. Electrical responses to biologically active substances result from: (i) modulation of ionic conductances that are already active and going through dynamic changes in open probability during the slow wave cycle; and (ii) activation of agonist dependent conductances that do not participate in basal electrical activity. Ca2+ entry into smooth muscles is mainly controlled by rather subtle changes in the open probability of L-type Ca2+channels.2 3 The more frequently these channels open and the longer they stay open, …
The Medical Uninsured: a Case of Market Failure?:

A model of insurance is presented to show the sources of market failure that result from the current design of public medical assistance programs as stop-Abstract loss insurance. Simulation results are presented for a linear premium subsidy program as a possible solution to the problem.
Carbohydrate Analysis Prepares to Enter the “Omics” Era

In this issue, Houseman and Mrksich describe a carbohydrate array preparation method that can be used to analyze protein-carbohydrate interactions and to characterize the substrate specificity of a carbohydrate-modifying enzyme. Carbohydrate chips were prepared by a novel procedure that allows the covalent attachment of carbohydrate-diene conjugates to a specially engineered monolayer surface. The surface presents a precisely controllable ratio of reactive benzoquinone and inert ethylene glycol groups. Nonspecific adsorption of proteins to the surface is extremely low, and the surface is compatible with popular detection techniques. The immobilization technique was demonstrated to be compatible with recently developed automated solid phase carbohydrate synthesis methods, paving the way for the development of highly complex carbohydrate arrays.
Rescue from hypervitaminosis A or potentiation or retinoid toxicity by different modes of cyclodextrin administration

Abstract A synthetic derivative of beta-cyclodextrin in which all 2, 6 hydroxy groups were converted to methoxy groups (dimethyl-BCD), considerably accelerated the dissolution and increased the solubility of all-trans retinoic acid. Dimethyl-BCD affected the toxicity of retinoic acid in mice in a manner depending on the method of administration: (a) when dimethyl-BCD was administered simultaneously with retinoic acid, the toxic effects were increased and set in rapidly without symptoms of hypervitaminosis A, (b) when dimethyl-BCD was administered alone, after the hypervitaminosis A had been established, the survival rate was improved.
The incidence and role of gullies after logging in a coastal redwood forest

The distribution and morphological characteristics of channels were mapped in a redwood forest at Caspar Creek, California, USA, to evaluate the extent to which recent logging has influenced channel conditions in the area. In the North Fork Caspar Creek watershed, second-cycle logging of the early 1990s appears to have triggered increased coalescence of discontinuous gullies within clearcut tributary watersheds, and upstream channel limits in logged watersheds are now located significantly farther upslope than in control watersheds. The magnitudes of observed increases in peakflow after logging are consistent with the change in drainage density. Relations between channel morphological variables and indices of stream power are less well-defined in logged watersheds than in controls, suggesting that logging may have led to disruption of previously established channel forms. Correlations between suspended sediment yields and indices of gully erosion suggest that in-channel erosion associated with hydrologic change is an important source of post-logging sediment at Caspar Creek. Common sediment-control measures, such as use of riparian buffer strips and reduction of road surface erosion, would not be effective for reducing sediment input from this source.
Study of intermetallic compounds isostructural to MgB/sub 2/

The small intergrain effect of MgB/sub 2/ on supercurrent makes it one of the most promising candidates for superconducting conductors due to its easier processing and the associated lower manufacturing cost. Unfortunately, the superconducting transition temperature T/sub c/ is only 40 K. However, band-structure calculations predict that a higher T/sub c/ than that of MgB/sub 2/ is possible for isostructural and isovalent intermetallic compounds with greater lattice parameters or greater unit cell volumes. The prediction appears to be consistent with the negative pressure effect on T/sub c/ observed. The substitution of the larger Ca-ions for the smaller Mg-ions has thus been suggested to raise T/sub c/, but not yet realized. Alternatively, we have synthesized and studied a series of binary and pseudobinary intermetallic compounds, AGa/sub 2/, AGa/sub 2-x/Si/sub x/, and AAl/sub 2-x/Si/sub x/, where A=Ca, Sr, or Ba, which are isostructural to MgB/sub 2/ and have greater lattice parameters than MgB/sub 2/. In spite of the greater lattice parameters, AGa/sub 2/ are not superconducting. However, all pseudobinary compounds AGa/sub 2-x/Si/sub x/ and AAl/sub 2-x/Si/sub x/ for 0.6<x<1.5 are superconducting. Superconductivity is reported for the first time in SrAlSi, with T/sub c/ of 5.1 K. Although T/sub c/ varies with x in a similar fashion for all members of the series, no specific correlation between T/sub c/ and lattice parameters or ionic mass is observed. The maximum T/sub c/ of these compound series with different A's varies between 5.5 and 7.8 K, much lower than that of MgB/sub 2/. The results strongly suggest the unique role of B in the superconductivity of C32 intermetallic compounds. They also demonstrate that factors additional to the lattice parameters and densities of states must play an important role, and that the rigid-band model is not sufficient to account for the observations.
Infectivity of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-deficient, CT135-null, and double-deficient strains in female mice

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of human bacterial sexually transmitted infections and is the world's leading cause of infectious preventable blindness. The chlamydial 7.5-kb plasmid and chromosomal gene CT135 have been shown to be important virulence factors in both nonhuman primate and mouse infection models. Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-deficient urogenital isolates and a predicted CT135 null mutant have been evaluated independently in the female mouse genital tract model and both have been shown to reduce infectivity and virulence. However, these attenuating phenotypes have not been evaluated collectively in the murine model. Here, we test the infectivity of C. trachomatis serovar D strains in the mouse model that are plasmid-deficient, CT135 disrupted, or possess a combination of these attenuating genotypes. We find that the presence of the plasmid results in infections with higher infectious burdens, whereas CT135 facilitates a more protracted or chronic infection. Not unexpectedly, a combination of these genetic deficiencies resulted in a strain with enhanced infection attenuation characteristics.
A Qualitative Study of Students' Computational Thinking Skills in a Data-Driven Computing Class

Critical thinking, problem solving, the use of tools, and the ability to consume and analyze information are important skills for the 21st century workforce. This article presents a qualitative case study that follows five undergraduate biology majors in a computer science course (CS0). This CS0 course teaches programming within a data-driven context and is part of a university-wide initiative to improve students' quantitative scholarship. In this course, students learn computing concepts and computational thinking by writing programs in MATLAB that compute with data, by performing meaningful analyses, and by writing about the results. The goal of the study reported here is to better understand the thought processes students use in such a data-driven approach. Findings show that students engage in an ongoing organizational process to understand the structure of the data. The computational and visualization tasks appear to be closely linked, and the visualization component appears to provide valuable feedback for students in accomplishing the programming tasks.
Electrophoresis of Spheroidal Particles Having a Random Distribution of Zeta Potential

Charge nonuniformity on colloidal particles can be a dominant factor in determining the bulk stability of a dispersion. However, experimental measurements of such nonuniformity are lacking. One straightforward technique for measuring the charge nonuniformity on particles is “electrophoretic rotation”, and the calculations in this paper enable the interpretation of electrophoretic rotation experiments for spheroids. For systems with infinitesimal double layers, it is shown that if the charge (or ζ potential) is randomly distributed over the individual particles in a dispersion, where each particle is covered with N equal-area patches, then the spheroids will on average rotate with an angular velocity proportional to , where σζ is the standard deviation of zeta potential on the patches. This is true for any random distribution of ζ potential, which emphasizes that “random” implies “nonuniform”. Whereas standard translational electrophoretic mobility gives the average zeta potential (〈ζ〉) on particles, the r...
The ITU in transition

Abstract The International Telecommunication Union nurtured the creation of a global network anchored by national monopolies and bilateral international monopolies. The creation of domestic competition in telecommunications prompted challenges to ITU norms, especially by large users, that rejuvenated the organization. New ITU rules accommodate international competition commensurate with a conservative reading of the European Community's new policies. But these innovations may not suffice for even more extensive competition pursued by a growing number of countries. The ITU faces significant challenges in commercial policy, standards setting, the allocation of spectrum and development assistance.
The weight of the heart and its chambers in hypertensive cardiovascular disease with and without failure.

The myocardial weights of the different cardiac chambers were determined in 130 cases of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, both with and without failure. The left ventricle hypertrophies before and continues to hypertrophy after the advent of congestive failure. The right ventricle and both auricles hypertrophy only after failure develops. In correlating the ventricular work with its muscle mass, the left ventricle apparently performs twice as much work per gram as the right ventricle. Several possible explanations for this apparent greater efficiency of the left ventricle are presented. The changes in chamber weights are discussed in relation to concepts of congestive failure.
Awakenings to the pathogenicity of urease and the requirement for continuous long term therapy

Urease is an enzyme found in plants and bacteria, but not mammals. It catalyzes the conversion of urea to carbon dioxide and ammonia. Ammonia shortens the life span of cells; and higher concentrations cause tissue necrosis and cytolysis. Twenty percent of total body urea is converted to ammonia by bacterial urease in the colon. Small injections of urease immunize animals by producing antiurease, a gamma globulin, which inactivates urease. Immunization eliminates the colonic conversion of urea to ammonia. Injection of urease produces ammonia intoxication making immunization hazardous. Although previously impossible, a non enzymatic urease antigen was synthesized by covalently bonding jack bean urease with glutaraldehyde. This antigen stimulated the production of antiurease that inactivates native urease. Helicobacter pylori, a potent urease producer, has been implicated in peptic ulcer, gastritis and other inflammatory bowel lesions. The pathogenicity of H pylori is dependent on its urease production. Immunization to urease can render H pylori non pathogenic. Cirrhotics develop encephalopathy and hyperammonemia because their livers fail to convert all the ammonia in portal venous blood to urea and collaterals develop by passing the liver. Colonic ammonia increases the turnover rate of colonic mucosa. Ammonia absorbed into the portal venous system is transported to the liver where it is reconverted to urea. Absorbed ammonia adversely influences liver function. Infections with urease producing organisms destroy the renal parenchyma and produce struvite stones. Urease immunization aids colonic healing and prevents uremic colitis. Absorbed ammonia is a noxious influence on the liver. Animals immunized to urease regenerate the liver faster and are less susceptible to hepatotoxins. Immunization to urease ameliorates cirrhosis. Proteus and other urease producers become non toxic and do not damage the renal parenchyma. Urease is responsible for the pathogenicity of infections with urease producing organisms. Immunization to urease renders urease producing organisms non pathogenic.
Colon and Rectal Injuries

This study was designed to develop treatment algorithms for colon, rectal, and anal injuries based on the review of relevant literature. Information was obtained through a MEDLINE ( www.nobi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi ) search, and additional references were obtained through cross-referencing key articles cited in these papers. A total of 203 articles were considered relevant. The management of penetrating and blunt colon, rectal, and anal injuries has evolved during the past 150 years. Since the World War II mandate to divert penetrating colon injuries, primary repair or resection and anastomosis have found an increasing role in patients with nondestructive injuries. A critical review of recent literature better defines the role of primary repair and fecal diversion for these injuries and allows for better algorithms for the management of these injuries.
Genetic individualization of Cannabis sativa by a short tandem repeat multiplex system

Cannabis sativa is the most frequently used of all illicit drugs in the USA. Cannabis has been used throughout history for its stems in the production of hemp fiber, seed for oil and food, and buds and leaves as a psychoactive drug. Short tandem repeats (STRs) were chosen as molecular markers owing to their distinct advantages over other genetic methods. STRs are codominant, can be standardized such that reproducibility between laboratories can be easily achieved, have a high discrimination power, and can be multiplexed. In this study, six STR markers previously described for C. sativa were multiplexed into one reaction. The multiplex reaction was able to individualize 98 cannabis samples (14 hemp and 84 marijuana, authenticated as originating from 33 of the 50 states of the USA) and detect 29 alleles averaging 4.8 alleles per loci. The data did not relate the samples from the same state to each other. This is the first study to report a single-reaction sixplex and apply it to the analysis of almost 100 cannabis samples of known geographic origin.
The impact of knee instability with and without buckling on balance confidence, fear of falling and physical function: the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study

Summary Objective Knee buckling, in which a knee gives way during weight-bearing, is common in people with knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA), but little is known about the prevalence of sensations of knee instability, slipping or shifting in which the knee does not actually buckle, or of the psychosocial and physical consequences of these symptoms. Design We asked participants in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) separately about episodes of knee buckling and sensations of knee instability without buckling in the past 3 months, and assessed fear of falling, poor balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale ≤ 67/100), activity limitation due to concern about buckling, and poor physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function ≥ 28/68). We used Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for cross-sectional associations of buckling and sensations of instability without buckling with these outcomes, adjusting for confounders. Results Of 2120 participants (60% female, 40% ≥ 65 years, mean Body mass index (BMI): 31 kg/m258), 18% reported buckling, 27% had sensations of knee instability without buckling, and 9% reported both symptoms. Buckling and sensations of instability without buckling were each significantly associated with fear of falling, poor balance confidence, activity limitations, and poor WOMAC physical function. Subjects who reported both buckling and instability without buckling and those with at least two buckling episodes (15%) had the strongest association with poor outcomes. Conclusions Knee buckling and especially sensations of knee instability without buckling were common and each was significantly associated with fear of falling, poor balance confidence, activity limitations, and poor physical function.
The influence of propagule size and maternal nest-site selection on survival and behaviour of neonate turtles

Summary 1 Maternal effects are widely recognized as important ecological and evolutionary forces, with fitness consequences for both offspring and parents. However, little is known about the impact of maternal effects on the survival and behaviour of offspring in the field. Two potentially important maternal effects that influence the phenotypes and survival of neonates are (i) propagule size effects (i.e. egg size, hatchling size and clutch effects) and (ii) nest-site selection, which influences incubation conditions and the suitability of habitat for neonates after hatching. 2 We experimentally removed the effects of variable incubation conditions to focus on how propagule size effects and nest-site microhabitat characteristics influence hatchling survival and behaviour in the Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina. Using eight simultaneous experimental releases of neonates under ecologically relevant field conditions, we detected no influence of propagule size effects on hatchling turtle survival or behaviour. Egg mass, hatchling mass, hatchling carapace length and clutch did not predict the probability of survival, nor did they influence hatchling behaviour. 3 However, nest-site microhabitat characteristics were important for both survival and behaviour. The probability of hatchling survival increased with decreasing amounts of ground vegetation and slope at the release point. Hatchlings took longer to reach the fence when released in areas with more ground vegetation and dispersed farther when released from greater distances and at lower slopes. Therefore, variation in maternal behaviour, such as nest-site selection, is an important effect because it results in differential survival and behaviour of offspring in this population, whereas variation in maternal size effects alone does not.
REGULATION OF KERATINOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR EXPRESSION IN HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM :IMPLICATIONS FOR HORMONAL CARCINOGENESIS

Estrogen is thought to be an important etiologic agent in endometrial and breast cancers. However, the mechanism or mechanisms by which estrogen acts as a hormonal carcinogen are not well understood. We hypothesize that in response to chronic exposure to estrogens, human endometrial stromal fibroblasts (ESF) produce factors that facilitate neoplastic transformation in epithelial cells. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the regulation of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) mRNA and protein in ESF by interleukin-1 (IL-1) and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Short-term treatments with IL-1 but not with DES increased the abundance of KGF mRNA in ESF. However, chronic treatment with DES significantly increased KGF mRNA levels and protein production. KGF protein in medium conditioned by ESF chronically treated with 1 nM DES reached concentrations of approximately 100 ng/mL. At this concentration, KGF increased endometrial epithelial cell numbers fourfold and enhanced anchorage independence tenfold. These results suggest that KGF may play a role in hormonal carcinogenesis by mediating estrogen-induced changes in the interactions between stromal and epithelial cells. To address the potential role of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in regulating KGF expression, we determined the effect of increased expression of its inhibitor, IkappaBalpha, on KGF mRNA and protein levels. Transfection with IkappaBalpha blocked induction of KGF expression by IL-1 but had no effect on the increase in KGF mRNA caused by chronic treatment with DES. These results suggest that IL-1 exerts its effects on KGF by an NF-kappaB-mediated pathway but that chronic treatment with DES stimulates KGF expression by some other mechanism.
Echocardiography in serial evaluation of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function: importance of image acquisition, quantitation, and physiologic variability in clinical and investigational applications

Quantitative echocardiography is frequently used for serial evaluation of left ventricular performance. This prospective study was designed to determine the extent to which the acts of image acquisition and quantitation, and the subjects themselves, affect total variability in two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic indexes of left ventricular morphology and performance. Therefore, two technicians and two readers acquired and analyzed 60 echocardiograms from 15 normal subjects, each of whom was studied four times (twice on each of two visits). Analysis of variance based on generalizability theory was used to estimate the magnitude of these variability sources by calculating standard deviations (SD) and used to estimate their contribution to total variability. Of the two-dimensional echocardiographic indexes tested, ejection fraction varied least (SD, 6.6%) and left ventricular mass varied most (SD, 35.3 gm). Of the Doppler indexes, normalized early diastolic filling velocity integral varied least (SD, 8.4%) and deceleration time varied most (SD, 48.6 msec). Technical (image acquisition and quantitation) variability contributed most (and subject variability least) to total variability of stroke volume (68%) and deceleration time (67%). Technical variability contributed least (and subject variability most) to variability of ejection fraction (43%) and diastolic filling time (25%). The acts of image acquisition and quantitation varied more between than within technicians and readers. Peak atrial filling velocity and the ratio of peak early to atrial filling velocity significantly differed between technicians. Left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, peak atrial filling velocity, early filling integral, and deceleration of early filling differed significantly between readers. Therefore the acts of image acquisition and quantitation, and subject variability itself, all contribute to total variability in echocardiographic indexes. Changes seen on clinical studies should be interpreted as abnormal only when exceeding the total variability originating from these sources. Generalizability theory allows one to tailor strategies to reduce variability. These strategies include increasing the number of observations, readers, and technicians for any given "baseline" study and using the same readers and technicians for sequential follow-up studies.
Data integrity in an IGES description of turned part geometry

Abstract There is a growing interest in converting manually drawn engineering drawings into computer databases in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) format such as Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES). This conversion is done by a high resolution scanning device. CAD drawings resulting from the scan-conversion process often contain discontinuities. A draftman using manual drafting equipment may adjust and reposition the ink pen for ease of drawing. This could cause breaks in the drawing, which, though unnoticeable to the human eye, are identified as discontinuities in the electronic scanning process. The subsequent CAD representation may then have broken geometries in place of continuous ones. The work presented here is aimed at verifying the IGES file representing a scan-converted drawing. If any discontinuities are detected in the lines and arcs in the drawing, the breaks are mended. Algorithms are developed to identify and correct errors in the IGES files. The algorithms are coded in Common LISP. The program runs on a VAX VMS system and can handle drawings of turned parts. This research is part of a larger project dealing with feature recognition of turned parts. Extension of the procedure to other geometries is straightforward. The program has been tested on some test drawings obtained from a scanning company. The results are very promising.
One nanosecond molecular dynamics simulation of the N‐terminal domain of the λ repressor protein

We have carried out molecular dynamics simulation of the N-terminal domain of the lambda repressor protein in a surrounding environment including explicit waters and ions. We observe two apparent dynamics substates in the nanosecond protein simulation, the transition occurring around 500 ps. The existence of these two apparent substates results from a high flexibility of the arm in each monomer, a relative flexibility of both arms with respect to each other, and a relative displacement of the recognition helices from 30 to 40 A of interhelical distance. Many amino acid residues, including those involved in DNA recognition, undergo a simultaneous transition in their side-chain conformations, consistent with the relationship between side-chain conformation and secondary structural elements, as observed in protein crystal structures. This result suggests plausible conformational changes experienced by the protein upon DNA binding. On the whole, the non-consensus monomer appears to be more flexible than its consensus counterpart.
Modeling Shear Stress in Microfluidic Channels for Cellular Applications

Microfluidics provides a promising platform for biomolecule capture. Recent work has shown the feasibility of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications such as cell capture, angiogenesis promotion, and stem cell culture. Most microfluidic cell devices use rectangular channels. A physiologically relevant concern in microfluidic cell work is the shear stress experienced by the cells in these applications. We model shear stress in microfluidic channels with different cross-sectional areas, including rectangular, tapered, and semi-circular. Fluid flow will be modeled using the physical characteristics of water, the primary solvent used in microfluidic applications. Shear stress is analyzed at the surface of the channel and above the area of the captured cells, up to half the channel depth in each scenario using a Newtonian hydrodynamic shear stress calculation. We determine the maximum fluid velocity possible within each channel without exceeding in vivo shear stresses. Coupled with physiological cell dimensions, we propose the best channel geometry for microfluidic cell applications. The results of this study aid in microfluidic device design for biomedical application. These results establish a foundation for microchannel design in the areas of cell culture, cell capture, and drug discovery and screening.
Atmospheric stability effect on subgrid scale physics for large-eddy simulation

Field measurements in the atmospheric boundary layer were carried out to identify the effect of atmospheric stability on subgrid-scale physics for large-eddy simulation. The basic instrumentation setup consisted of 12 three-dimensional sonic anemometers arranged in two parallel horizontal arrays (seven sensors in the lower array and five sensors in the upper array). Data from this setup are used to compute the subgrid-scale (SGS) heat fluxes and SGS dissipation of the temperature variance under stable and unstable stability conditions. The relative contribution of the SGS vertical flux to the total turbulent flux increases when going from unstable to stable conditions. The relative importance of negative SGS dissipation (backscatter) events becomes larger under stable conditions. The model coefficients for two well-known SGS models (eddy-viscosity and non-linear) are computed. Model coefficients are found to depend strongly on stability. Under both stable and unstable conditions, large negative SGS dissipation is associated with the onset of ejection events while large positive SGS dissipation tends to occur during the onset of sweep events. These findings are also supported by conditionally sampled 2D velocity and temperature fields obtained using the 12 anemometers placed in a vertical array.
In vivo cytogenetic effects of oil shale retort process waters.

Abstract The induction of cytogenetic effects by oil shale retort process waters from 3 types of pilot plant retors were examined in murine bone marrow. Each of the process waters induced increased frequencies of structural aberrations in mice treated with 3 daily intraperitoneal injections of the waters. The same treatment had no effect on the frequency of siter chromatid exchanges. Mice given at 1% solution of an above-ground retort water ad libitum for 8 weeks consumed about 1 ml/kg per day of the process water and had a frequency of aberrations comparable to mice given the same dose intraperitoneally for 3 days. Transplacental exposure of C3H mouse embryos indicated that clastogenic compounds in the above-ground retort process water can cross the placenta and induce chromosomal aberrations in embryonic tissues.
Building Bridges and Traveling through Time: Ethics, Practice, and Priorities in the Second Moscow International Visual Anthropology Film Festival

International film festivals are entangled spaces in which filmmakers and audiences negotiate aesthetic, ethical, political, and practical traditions and communities. This review of the Second Moscow International Visual Anthropology Film Festival explores some of the differences in ethics, practice, and priorities of anthropological filmmaking between Russia and the West. By providing a brief history of Soviet anthropology and a discussion of the festival's main themes, this review explores some of the historic and contemporary influences shaping the development of (one particular strain of) visual anthropology in post-Soviet Russia. [
Male european corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), antennal responses to analogs of its sex pheromone : Strain, electroantennogram, and behavior relationships.

Experiments were conducted to (1) determine whether the electroantennogram (EAG) can detect differences among the responses of antennae from males derived from the three strains ofOstrinia nubilalis (Hubner), and (2) characterize the EAG responses of each strain to isomeric forms of the natural pheromone, (E)- and (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (TDA), and analogs possessing differences in the terminal alkyl group, cyclopropyl (CPA), ortert-butyl (TBA).
Microbial Counts and Rancidity of Fresh Fryer Chickens as Affected by Packaging Materials, Storage Atmosphere, and Temperature

Abstract CARBON dioxide has proved to be beneficial in extending shelf life of chilled poultry. Ogilvy and Ayres (1951) found improved storage life of chicken in up to 25 percent CO2. Wabeck et al. (1968) found that growth of psychrophiles on chicken was inhibited by 10 or 20 percent CO2, but coliforms remained relatively stable. Commercial systems utilizing dry ice as a source of CO2 in shipping boxes were described for unpackaged chicken by Lemmons (1966) and for prepackaged chicken by Burkhart (1966). Effect of packaging material on microbiological condition of chilled unfrozen chicken meat has been studied. Spencer et al. (1956) found that birds packaged in evacuated heat shrinkable polyethylene and polyvinylidene film had longer shelf-life than those in standard cellophane or polyethylene. Wells et al. (1958), using “days to spoilage” as the criterion for shelf-life, found that packaging with either unevacuated cellophane or unevacuated vinylidene chloride copolymer films resulted…
Nursing Home Staffing Requirements and Input Substitution: Effects on Housekeeping, Food Service, and Activities Staff

Nurse staffing is an important input in the production of high-quality nursing home (NH) care. Responding to concerns about inadequate nurse staffing levels, between 1999 and 2004, 14 states enacted or strengthened minimum nurse staffing policies. Without nurse staffing requirements, NH administrators choose the optimal amount of nurse staff and non-nurse inputs that maximize the facility's objectives. While requirements may guarantee a minimum level of nurse staff availability, administrators face resource constraints and increases in requirements may cause reductions in the use of non-nurse inputs. This substitution of inputs is likely to result in reduced employment of support staff, such as housekeepers, food service, and activities workers. This article studies whether NHs engage in input substitution by using fewer support staff after changes in nurse staffing requirements. Numerous studies focus on the effects of regulation on NH quality: use of Medicaid reimbursement (Feng et al. 2008; Mor et al. 2011), regulatory stringency and deficiencies measures (Bowblis et al. 2012; Mukamel et al. 2012), and minimum staffing requirements (Mueller et al. 2006; Kim, Harrington, and Greene 2009; Park and Stearns 2009; Bowblis 2011; Grabowski et al. 2011; Tong 2011). While regulation affects quality to varying degrees, few papers focus on how NH regulation affects aspects of managing NHs that are not the direct intent of the regulation. For example, Bowblis and Lucas (2011) found that more stringent regulation in one dimension of quality is offset by poorer quality in other dimensions. Mukamel et al. (2011) reported that increased regulatory scrutiny increases costs. Closest in the spirit to this article, Thomas et al. (2010) found required nurse staffing increases in Florida was associated with a reduction in housekeeping and activities staffing. Given the need to fully understand all aspects of NH regulation, this article is the first national examination of substitution of non-nurse staff inputs caused by increases in nurse staffing requirements.
Preparation of large single grains of the quasicrystalline icosahedral Al-Cu-Fe ψ phase

A cyclic heat-treatment process was used to prepare single grains of the quasicrystalline icosahedral phase, ψ–Al65Cu23Fe12. Alloys of appropriate composition are melted and chill cast into copper molds. Multiple cyclic heat treatments at successively higher temperatures below 860 °C, the peritectic decomposition temperature of the quasicrystal phase, are used to enhance the growth of the ψ phase. Single grains up to 10 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm have been prepared.
Cosmic-Ray Intensity Following a Solar Flare

Continuous records of the cosmic-ray intensity measured by a heavily shielded, high pressure ion chamber, were obtained during and following an intense solar flare (of importance 3+) and a subsequent intense magnetic storm. No increase in $C\ensuremath{-}R$ intensity was observed at or near the time of the flare, such as have been observed by others on similar occasions. At the peak of the magnetic storm there was a decrease of about 1.5 percent in $C\ensuremath{-}R$ intensity, with full recovery requiring 2 or 3 days. Unshielded $C\ensuremath{-}R$ telescope readings of low accuracy are included. These indicate that there were no prolonged alterations in the intensity (without shielding) of magnitude much greater than 14 percent associated with either the flare or the storm.
Complete excitation spectrum for a charge-density-wave system

We report measurements of the far-infrared (FIR) reflectance of the charge-density-wave (CDW) conductor ${(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{Se}}_{4})}_{2}$I. In the CDW state, and for incident electric field polarized parallel to the crystal chain direction, the associated FIR conductivity shows a giant resonance at 38 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Our results, when combined with previous measurements at lower and higher frequencies, provide the first consistent and complete excitation spectrum of a CDW system. We propose that a giant FIR mode distinct from the pinned CDW mode is a generic feature of CDW systems.
Conditioning of counter-empathetic emotional responses ☆

Abstract The present research tested the hypothesis that the quality of an observer's vicarious emotional response, as measured by autonomic, expressive, and self-report indexes, is a function of the observer's conditioning history with particular facial expressive displays of emotion. It was predicted that conditions of congruence (Symmetry) between the affective expression of a model and the outcome (shock or reward) presented to an observer would enhance initial empathetic responses, but that conditions of incongruence (Asymmetry) between the model's displays and observer's outcomes would lead to counter-empathetic responses. These changes in the quality of observers' vicarious emotional responses should generalize to a test phase when no rewards or punishments are presented to observers. The results for all measures were consistent and indicate that asymmetric conditioning modified the initial empathetic responses of observers to either counter-empathetic responses or indifference. On the other hand, symmetric conditioning enhanced observers' initial empathetic responses. These effects were evident in the test phase when no reinforcements were administered to the subject. The results are consistent with the theoretical assumption that facial expressions of emotion can acquire meaning and hedonic valence because of their predictive significance and thus can function as conditioned stimuli capable of evoking empathetic and counter-empathetic emotional responses.
A model of the kinetics of the temperature-induced phase transformation in NiTi alloys and its experimental verification

A model, describing the kinetics of the temperature-induced austenite phase transformation processes in shape memory alloys (SMAs) is presented. The model is formulated for a general stress and tem...
Shiva-1: in vitro and in vivo tests of the effects of a novel, synthetic, lytic peptide on ocular cells

An investigation was undertaken to determine the toxicity of an intravitreal injection of a novel peptide drug, Shiva-1, in rabbits. The drug, a synthetic peptide modeled after lytic peptides secreted by certain insects, has antiproliferative and antibacterial properties. Initial in vitro experiments showed that the drug, at a concentration of 100 microM, was toxic to both Y-79 retinoblastoma cells and human retinal pigment epithelial cells. A wide range of doses (6-1200 micrograms) was injected into the rabbit vitreous in an attempt to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Retinal toxicity was evaluated clinically, by electroretinography, and by light microscopy. Some localized toxicity was evident at 200 micrograms; all doses of 240 micrograms and above were toxic. While the drug appears to exhibit a narrow range between effective and toxic doses, the results suggest that this and other peptides of similar design merit further investigation for the treatment of proliferative and infectious diseases of the eye.
Identifying conservation units within captive chimpanzee populations

One of the primary objectives in the captive management of any endangered primate is to preserve as much as possible the genetic diversity that has evolved and still exists in wild gene pools. The rationale for this is based on the theoretical understanding of the relationship between genetic diversity and fitness in response to selection. There remains little consensus, however, as to the type of genetic data that should be used to monitor captive populations. In order to develop a deeper understanding of the degree and nature of genetic diversity among "wild" chimpanzee gene pools, as well as to determine if one type of genetic data is more useful than others, DNA sequence data were generated at three unlinked, nonrepetitive nuclear loci, one polymorphic microsatellite, and the mitochondrial D-loop for 59 unrelated common and pygmy chimpanzees. The results suggest that: 1) data from nuclear loci can be used to differentiate common chimpanzee subspecies; 2) pygmy chimpanzees may have less genetic diversity than common chimpanzees; 3) shared microsatellite alleles do not always indicate identity by descent; and 4) nonrepetitive loci provide unique insights into evolutionary relationships and provide useful information for captive management programs.
CLUSTERT — A simulation-based expert:

Cluster analysis consists of applying statistical and heuris tic methods in an attempt to discover the group composition of a data set. Users of traditional clustering software often find non-intelligent packages difficult to use because of the many parameters that must be specified before an analysis can begin; these include a distance or similarity metric, a method for stopping group amalgama tion or division, and a particular clustering algorithm. CLUSTERT is an expert system for solving cluster analysis problems that was developed because of this difficulty. Unlike most expert systems, however, CLUSTERT is primarily based on knowledge generated by simulation experiments. The system also provides suggestions and an intelligent environment for conducting additional simulations that may reinforce
Phy M: an RNase activity specific for U and A residues useful in RNA sequence analysis

Abstract Physarum polycephalum, an acellular slime mold, produces an endoribonuclease activity (Phy M) useful in direct RNA sequence determination. Under conditions previously described for direct enzymatic RNA sequencing (7M urea, 50 degrees C, pH 5.0)1 Phy M cleaves almost exclusively and uniformly at Up-N and Ap-N. In the absence of urea Up-N, Ap-N, and Gp-N are attacked in a sequence specific way identical to that found with RNase Phy I2 digests performed under the same reaction conditions.
Epidemiologic characteristics of the United States elderly population in the 20th century

In 1900 approximately 25 percent of all deaths occurred in people age 65 years of age and over while by 1980 30 percent of deaths occurred in those over age 80. The greatest declines in age-specific mortality for those 65 and over occurred from 1920 to 1945 and since 1970. Some evidence exists that illness and disability may be rising in all age groups. Understanding the reasons for the declines in mortality for the elderly in this century and basic research in chronic disease causation and prevention are urged.
Stability analysis of linear sampled-data time-delay feedback systems

In parallel manner to a previous paper on continuous systems, stability analysis is made of single-loop, sampled-data, time-delay systems wherein the plant consists of a delay element in combination with a pure gain, a single integration or a double integration. The sampled-data controller is considered in turn to be of proportional, simple lead or simple lag characteristics; the method is extendable to other systems of relatively low order. Analysis is taken only to the extent allowed by the solution of relatively simple polynomial equations derived from the characteristic equation in the z-domain. The resulting catalogue of results is offered as compact information not previously available in this form.
General Equations of Motion for a Damaged Asymmetric Aircraft

There is a renewed interest in dynamic characteristics of damaged aircraft both in order to assess survivability and to develop control laws to enhance survivability. This paper presents a set of flight dynamics equations of motion for a rigid body not necessarily referenced to the body's center of mass. Such equations can be used when the body loses a portion of its mass and it is desired to track the motion of the body s previous center of mass/reference frame now that the mass center has moved to a new position. Furthermore, results for equations presented in this paper and equations in standard aircraft simulations are compared for a scenario involving a generic transport aircraft configuration subject to wing damage.
Effects of phospholipid base analogues on the subcellular membrane ether composition of suspension cultured LM cells

Abstract A strain of mouse fibroblasts, LM cells, was cultured in suspension with a chemically defined medium in the absence of lipid or serum. The subcellular distribution of ether-linked lipids in these cells was determined. O -alkyl and O -alk-1-enyl glycerolipids were found in plasma membranes, microsomes, and mitochondria. The glyceryl ether diesters from all three membrane fractions were devoid of O -alk-1-enyl moieties. Phospholipids contained both O -alkyl and O -alk-1-enyl ether chains. The distribution of these lipids among the subcellular fractions was not uniform. Microsomes contained the largest quantities of O -alkyldiacylglycerols, O -alkylacylphosphatides, and O -alk-1-enylacylphosphatides. Mitochondria were essentially devoid of O -alk-1-enyl phospholipids. The in vivo incorporation of new polar head groups such as N , N -dimethyl-ethanolamine, N -monomethylethanolamine, or ethanolamine instead of N , N , N -trimethylethanolamine (choline) into LM suspension cell membrane phospholipids resulted in increased levels of ether-linked glycerolipids. These increases were inversely proportional to the number of CH 3 groups on the nitrogen atom of the base supplement. Both neutral lipids and phospholipids contained increased (2-fold or greater) quantities of O -alkyl moieties, but the levels of O -alk-1-enyl ether moieties in the phospholipids were slightly decreased or unchanged. These alterations in ether lipid content occurred primarily in the microsomes and plasma membranes while mitochondrial ether content or composition was not altered significantly. The chain length composition and degree of unsaturation of the O -alkyl and O -alk-1-enyl side chains from neutral lipids and phospholipids of these membranes were determined. Small (less than 10%) increases in unsaturation of O -alkyl side chains and larger (2-fold) increases in unsaturation of O -alk-1-enyl side chains of plasma membranes and microsomes were noted. These changes were not consistent with developmental alterations during the growth phase since the degree of unsaturation of ether-linked lipids from control LM cells decreased with age of the culture, an affect opposite to that noted in the presence of base analogues. In addition, the increases in levels of ether lipids after base analogue supplementation were much greater than could be accounted for simply by alterations in growth phase of LM suspension cells.