cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological trends and the effect of airport fever screening on prevention of domestic dengue fever outbreaks in Taiwan, 1998-2007.

Summary Objective This study aimed to examine the epidemiological trends in dengue infection and the impact of imported cases and airport fever screening on community transmission in Taiwan, a dengue non-endemic island. Methods All of the dengue case data were obtained from the surveillance system of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control and were analyzed by Pearson correlations, linear regression, and geographical information system (GIS)-based mapping. The impact of implementing airport fever screening was evaluated using the Student's t -test and two-way analysis of variance. Results A total of 10 351 dengue cases, including 7.1% of imported cases were investigated between 1998 and 2007. The majority of indigenous dengue cases (98.5%) were significantly clustered in southern Taiwan; 62.9% occurred in the metropolitan areas. The seasonality of dengue cases showed a peak from September to November. Airport fever screening was successful in identifying 45% (244/542 ; 95% confidence interval 33.1–57.8%) of imported dengue cases with fever. However, no statistical difference was found regarding the impact on community transmission when comparing the presence and absence of airport fever screening. Conclusions Our results show that airport fever screening had a positive effect on partially blocking the local transmission of imported dengue cases, while those undetected cases due to latent or asymptomatic infection would be the source of new dengue outbreaks each year.
Addition of interleukin-12 to GA733 tumor protein vaccine leads to development of tumor protective immunity despite surgical stress.

Background: We have previously shown that preoperative vaccination with the GA733 protein does not inhibit tumor growth in mice undergoing open surgery or carbon dioxide insufflation. In this study we assessed the antitumor effect of a combined GA733 and interleukin-12 (IL-12) vaccine. Methods: For this study, BALB/c mice were immunized with GA733, IL-12, or GA733 and IL-12, or they received no vaccine. Immediately after surgery (laparotomy or insufflation), GA733-transfected CT26 cells (C26-GA733) were injected subcutaneously into all mice. After 5 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, their tumors measured, GA733-specific antibodies determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and GA-733-specific cytotoxicity tested by flow cytometry using labeled C26-GA733 cells. Results: Tumors were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller in both the insufflation and open groups that received combined GA733 and IL-12 than in their respective control subjects. Vaccination also induced a significant increase in the antibody and cell-mediated tumor-specific immunity. Conclusion: A preoperative vaccine consisting of GA733 and IL-12 inhibited postoperative tumor growth after open and closed surgery and allowed the mice to overcome the immunosuppressive effects of surgery.
Effects of Black Rock Harbor sediments on indices of biotransformation, oxidative stress, and DNA integrity in channel catfish

Selected biochemical responses were measured in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) exposed in the laboratory to sediments obtained from either of two sites in Long Island Sound, CT. These sites were Black Rock Harbor, which is highly contaminated with various aromatic hydrocarbons, and a relatively uncontaminated reference site. Livers and bile were removed from fish on days 2, 7, 14, and 28 following the initiation of sediment exposures and examined for responses associated with (1) xenobiotic biotransformation, (2) oxidative stress, and (3) DNA integrity. Relative to reference sediment exposures in fish, exposures to Black Rock Harbor sediments elicited on at least two of the four sampling points significant (P < 0.05) increases in: (1) phase I biotransformation enzyme activities (EROD and ECOD) and concentrations of bile metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); (2) antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and catalase), concentrations of reduced and oxidized glutathione, and malondialdehyde (an index of lipid peroxidation); and (3) the fraction of DNA as single-stranded DNA following alkaline unwinding (an index of strand breaks). The results of this study support hypotheses concerning mechanistic relationships in benthic fish among the metabolism of sediment-associated aromatic hydrocarbons, the generation of free radical intermediates, and mutagenesis. Furthermore, these results support the utility of biochemical responses as tools for assessing contaminant exposures and sublethal effects in aquatic animals.
Pharmacokinetic characterization of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit extract standardized to α-mangostin in C57BL/6 mice

Previously, we have reported the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of α-mangostin in mice. For this study, we evaluated the PK profile of α-mangostin using a standardized mangosteen extract in C57BL/6 mice. The primary objective was to determine the PK properties of α-mangostin when administered as an extract. This experiment was designed to test our primary hypothesis that α-mangostin in an extract should achieve a desirable PK profile. This is especially relevant as dietary supplements of mangosteen fruit are regularly standardized to α-mangostin. Mice received 100 mg/kg of mangosteen fruit extract orally, equivalent to 36 mg/kg of α-mangostin, and plasma samples were analyzed over a 24-hour period. Concentrations of α-mangostin were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, we evaluated the stability in the presence of phase I and phase II enzymes in liver and gastrointestinal microsomes. Furthermore, we identified evidence of phase II metabolism of α-mangostin. Further research will be required to determine if less abundant xanthones present in the mangosteen may modulate the PK parameters of α-mangostin.
Quasi-static and dynamic fracture initiation toughness of Ti/TiB layered functionally graded material under thermo-mechanical loading

Quasi-static and dynamic fracture initiation toughness of Ti/TiB layered functionally graded material (FGM) is investigated using a three point bend specimen. The modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus in conjunction with induction coil heating system is used during elevated temperature dynamic loading experiments. A simple and accurate technique has been developed to identify the time corresponding to the load at which the fracture initiates. A series of experiments are conducted at different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C, and the effect of temperature and loading rate on the fracture initiation toughness is investigated. The material fracture toughness is found to be sensitive to temperature and the fracture initiation toughness increases as the temperature increases. Furthermore, the fracture initiation toughness is strain rate sensitive and is higher for dynamic loading as compared to quasi-static loading.
An Experientially and Community-Oriented Graduate Course in Clinical Geropsychology

This article describes a graduate course in clinical geropsychology that combines classroom, practicum, and field-visit components. The course provides clinical and applied developmental students with an overview of the major research and clinical topics of the field, as well as firsthand exposure to the setting of the nursing home, its residents, and staff.
Computer system for research and clinical application to medicine

Since June, 1964, a Control Data 3200 computer system has been installed in the Latter-day Saints Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, under support from NIH grant FR-00012. This system in its inception was used to develop research programs and time-sharing software for use by the medical community in the Salt Lake City area. As a result, a software and hardware system called MEDLAB has been developed. Using this system, research programs were developed for cardiovascular studies. It soon became apparent that the programs which were being developed could also be used in a clinical environment.
Taxonomy of a mixed Cylindrocystis assemblage from vermont soil. I. Culture and morphology

Summary Cylindrocystis is a widespread genus found in a great variety of habitats. Species diagnoses in this genus are based on cell dimensions, growth form and zygospore characteristics. Effective application of these criteria depends on sexual stages which are often not available from field collections. Asexual populations tend to be assigned to Cylin. brebissonii or Cylin. crassa and their infrataxa based on cell dimensions. Sporadic zygospore collections have resulted in description of several other species. Careful observation of natural collections and the application of culturing techniques suggest that Cylindrocystis often occurs in mixed species assemblages. Understanding the taxonomy of this genus requires correlating vegetative features with sexual reproductive features and calls for extending the range of diagnostic features. A biosystematic approach including chromosome studies and isozyme analysis is suggested for elucidating the taxonomic relationships within the genus.
Abnormal fibrin ultrastructure, polymerization, and clot retraction in multiple myeloma.

We have investigated two patients with multiple myeloma who had a prolonged thrombin clotting time and absent clot retraction but no haemorrhagic diathesis. Coagulation and platelet function studies, as well as electron microscopy of the fibrin clot, indicate abnormal fibrin polymerization; adherence of myeloma protein to very thin fibrin strands results in a rigid translucent clot which fails to retract. This abnormality is not necessarily associated with a haemorrhagic diathesis.
Age and Growth of the Lake Whitefish, Coregonus Clupeaformis (Mitchill), in Lake Erie

Abstract Although the whitefish has by no means ranked first from the standpoint of production, it has always been an important commercial species in Lake Erie. Trends in the output of whitefish have differed in the United States and Canadian waters of the lake. The 1893–1946 average annual yield of 1,201,000 pounds in the United States was only 38.3 percent of the 1879–1890 mean of 3,133,000 pounds, whereas in Canada the more recent (1907–1946) average annual take of 1,397,000 pounds has been 5.48 times the 1871–1906 mean of 255,000 pounds. The United States fishery was centered in the western part of Lake Erie (61.5 percent of the production in Michigan and Ohio) before 1921 and in the eastern part (62.6 percent in Pennsylvania and New York) in 1921–1946. The eastern part of Lake Erie (east of Port Burwell) dominated the Canadian production in 1900–1909 (65.4 percent) and in 1922–1946 (57.2 percent) but the western end was the more productive in 1871–1899 (79.8 percent) and 1910–1921 (69.7 percent). Age...
Horizontal Time Base Sweep Generator for a Traveling Wave Oscilloscope

This paper describes the design, construction, and performance of a time base generator for use with a cathode ray tube capable of displaying fractional nanosecond transients. The generator was designed for use with a traveling wave cathode ray tube having a simple electrostatic time base deflection structure. When operating into the deflection plates (total capacitive load of 25 pF), the generator produced a total ramp excursion of -4 kV with a maximum average slope of about -450 V/ns. with a maximum repetition rate of 10 kHz. The ramp slope may be decreased continuously by a control voltage. The generator may also be operated into a 50 ohm load for the production of a -750 V transition with a 10%-90% transition time of 4.8 ns.
Quantile estimation under a two-sample semi-parametric model

We consider quantile estimation under a two-sample semi-parametric model in which the log ratio of two unknown density functions has a known parametric form. This two-sample semi-parametric model, arising naturally from case-control studies and logistic discriminant analysis, can be regarded as a biased sampling model. A new quantile estimator is constructed on the basis of the maximum semi-parametric likelihood estimator of the underlying distribution function. It is shown that the proposed quantile estimator is asymptotically normally distributed with smaller asymptotic variance than that of the standard quantile estimator. Also presented are some results on simulation and on analysis of a real data set.
Peer teaching in gross anatomy at St. Louis University

The gross anatomy course at St. Louis University was designed to utilize peer teaching. Eight students are assigned to each cadaver and they work in teams of two, so that every student does one out of every four dissections. During one class period, the lecture for a unit is given to all class members, followed by a prosection demonstration to only the dissectors of that unit (one-fourth of the class). At the beginning of the following class period, the dissectors give a prosection demonstration of their dissection to the other six student assigned to their cadaver. The lecture and prosection demonstrations for the next unit are given to the next team of dissectors as above. The students anonymously evaluate the course each year. Passing Part I of the National Board Examinations is required. For 12 years, the National Board Unit Examination of gross anatomy was given as the final examination for the course. The course is liked by the students, can be taught with a minimal number of faculty, utilizes only half the cadavers of a traditional course, has less contact hours than the national average, yet students do better than the national average on the anatomy part of the National Board Examination. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Welche Elemente der Großhirnrinde bringen bei ihrer elektrischen Reizung die motorischen Reaktionen hervor

1. In den in dieser Arbeit mitgeteilten Versuchen wird mit einer neuen Methode, der derschichtweisen Thermokoagulation der Groβhirnrinde, die Erage nach dem Ursprung der motorischen Reaktionen auf elektrische Rindenreizung experimentell entamiert. 2. Das Hauptergebniss dieser Versuche ist, das fast unmittelbar nach der selektiven Abtotung der Nervenzellen der drei oberflachlichen Schichten der prazentralen Rinde (Areae 4 und 6Brodmanns) genau dieselben Rindenreaktionen mit genau demselben Schwellenwert bei monopolarer Reizung hervorgerufen werden konnen wie an der normalen Rinde. 3. Zum Zustandekommen dieser motorischen Rindenreaktionen genugt somit das alleinige (lebend) Vorhandensein der zwei innersten Rindenschichten und deren elektrische Reizung. 4. Die ausgefuhrte histologische Kontrolle macht es auserst wahrscheinlich, das diese Reaktionen, hervorgerufen durch elektrische Reizung einer motorischen Rinde, an der die Nervenzellen der drei oberflachlichen Schichten abgetotet (und verschwunden) sind, auf die direkte Reizung der grosen Pyramidenzellen und (oder) der Riesenpyramidenzellen der 4. Schicht dieser Rinde zuruckzufuhren sind. 5. Das sub 2. angefuhrte Ergebnis und die daraus unabweislich folgende Schlusfolgerung, sub 3. angefuhrt, gestatten nicht eine Aussage uber die Frage, ob bei elektrischer Reizung der normalen Rinde die dann vorhandenen drei oberflachlichen Schichten am Zustandekommen der motorischen Reaktionen teilhaben. Dieses Problem wird in einer spateren Arbeit eruiert werden.
Ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid ionomers plasticized and reinforced by metal soaps

Abstract Metal soaps, also known as fatty acid salts, resemble oligomers of ethylene/methacrylic or ethylene/acrylic acid (E/(M)AA) ionomers, in that they contain carboxylic salt headgroups and long methylene sequences in their hydrocarbon tails. Such soaps might thus be expected to form miscible blends with E/(M)AA ionomers under suitable conditions, providing a separate route to increasing an ionomer's ion content and modifying its physical properties. We show here that the structure and property modifications induced by blending metal soaps into E/(M)AA ionomers are complex, and depend on both the neutralizing cation and on whether the hydrocarbon tails are crystallizable. In the melt at sufficiently high temperatures, all blends show a coassembled structure, where the salt groups of the soap coaggregate with the salt groups on the ionomer; despite the high ion content of these blends, they retain the melt processability characteristic of neat E/(M)AA ionomers of much lower ion content. Non-crystallizable magnesium oleate and magnesium erucate act as permanent plasticizers, lowering the matrix glass transition temperature. Magnesium stearate, whose alkyl tails easily form a rotator phase, can slowly ‘cocrystallize’ with ethylene sequences in the ionomers, leading to high moduli; however, primary crystallization is suppressed in these blends. Finally, while sodium stearate is miscible with the ionomers at elevated temperatures, it phase-separates on cooling, prior to crystallization of the ionomer; such blends are essentially composites of pure stearate and ionomer phases, with their associated individual properties, rather than possessing new structures or properties resulting from coassembly.
Predicting large US commercial bank failures

Abstract The present study applies empirical methods to the problem of predicting large US commercial bank failures. Due to sampling limitations, scant research has examined the feasibility of using computer-based early warning systems (EWSs) to identify pending large bank failures. In the late 1980s and early 1990s numerous large banks failed in the US enabling us to collect adequate samples of large banks with more than $250 million in assets for empirical analyses. Both the parametric method of logit analysis and the nonparametric approach of trait recognition are employed to (1) develop classification EWS models based on original samples and (2) test the efficacy of these models based on their prediction accuracy using holdout samples. Both logit and trait recognition performed well in terms of classification results. However, with regard to the prediction results using holdout samples, trait recognition outperformed logit in most tests in terms of minimizing Type I and II errors. Other results from the trait recognition models reveal that complex two- and three-variable interactions between financial and accounting variables contain additional information about bank risk not found in the individual variables themselves. We conclude that computer-based EWSs can provide valuable information about the future viability of large banks.
Determination of the inversion-layer thickness from capacitance measurements of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors with ultrathin oxide layers.

The capacitance of ultrathin-oxide (3.4--20.9 nm) large-area square metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor devices has been measured at temperatures ranging from 4.2 to 300 K and for a wide range of gate voltages and substrate voltages. The contribution of the inversion layer to the capacitance is as large as 10%. The spatial extent of the lowest-lying inversion-layer subband wave function from the interface, the average inversion-layer thickness, can be determined from these measurements. The results are in semiquantitative agreement with calculations. The carriers are pushed toward the interface with an increase in the carrier density and/or the application of a negative substrate voltage. At elevated temperatures excitation of electrons to higher-lying subbands increases the average inversion-layer thickness and results in a decrease in the measured capacitance.
Appetitive learning, patterned alternation, and extinction in 10-d-old rats with non-lactating suckling as reward

HUGHLINGS-JACKSON1 has expressed the view that, during ontogenesis, neural centres responsible for inhibition develop more slowly than centres responsible for excitation. Since then, the working hypothesis has been that the later-developing, phylogenetically ‘higher’ neural centres act to regulate (inhibit?) the excitation of the ‘lower’ centres. There has been some behavioural and physiological support for this position. In altricial mammalian species the hippocampus and neocortex become functionally mature relatively late in development2, and the hippocampus, in particular, has been implicated in the expression of behavioural inhibition3–5. Preweanling rats, during weeks 3 and 4 of life, seem to lack maturity for tasks requiring suppression of responding; for example, they are deficient in passive avoidance6 learning and in habituating to novel stimuli7,8. Their performance in excitatory tasks, such as active avoidance9 and approach for food10, seems to be less deficient. These task-specific deficits resemble those shown in hippocampally lesioned adult animals11. Campbell et al. have noted the correspondence between later-developing inhibitory centres in the rat and the decline in spontaneous activity occurring during ontogenesis12, and have demonstrated that psychopharmacological agents13 and brain lesions14 specific to inhibitory systems are ineffective in increasing behavioural arousal early in development. In our laboratory, experiments on instrumental appetitive learning in preweanling rats have involved the use of dry food pellets as reinforcers in pups as young as 17 to 20 d of age. In animals as young as this, we have demonstrated acquisition, extinction, immediate persistence, and long term persistence using procedures that are similar to those for adult rats15–17. We now report two experiments demonstrating behavioural plasticity in the 10-d-old rat, involving acquisition and subsequent extinction of an approach response where reward is the opportunity to suck briefly from an anaesthetised mother rat.
Return Predictability and the P/E Ratio: Reading the Entrails

The P/E ratio has been used by practitioners and economists as an indicator of market valuations. Shiller [2000] warned that P/E ratios were dangerously high relative to their historical averages. This ratio, however, should in an efficient market vary with factors such as risk, time preferences, inflation, and market expectations. The authors use the residuals from a regression that controls for the effect of these factors on the E/P ratio to provide information about the behavior of the market. They find that the residuals from the model provide a reliable signal of future market behavior.
MAKING WAR CRIMINAL

Turk's conflict theory of political criminality is used to account for the virtual cessation of international criminal law enforcement following the Nuremberg Tribunal and its revival through the establishment of The Hague Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Turk's theory further helps to contextualize the little known contribution of Sheldon Glueck to the development of the Nuremberg Trials. Glueck helped overcome Soviet wishes to turn Nuremberg into a show trial and developed the organizational plan for the visual and witness evidence of the Holocaust that led to the most important convictions for crimes against humanity in the Nuremberg Trials. The contributions of Glueck and Turk provide an underappreciated foundation for the criminological study of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The molecular structure and conformational composition of epichlorohydrin as determined by gas phase electron diffraction

Abstract The molecular structure of gaseous epichlorohydrin has been investigated using electron diffraction data obtained at 67°C. The conformational composition at this temperature is such that the molecules exist predominantly in a gauche -2 conformer (where the CCl bond is 160° away from the CO) bond). Refinements showed that 33% (σ = 4) of the molecule exist in the gauche -1 form. The important distances ( r g ) and angle (∠α) with the associated uncertainties are r (CH) = 1.095(5) A, r (CO) = 1.442(3) A, r (CC) = 1.475(8) A, r (CC M ) = 1.523(7) A, r (CCl) = 1.788(2) A, ∠CCO = 114° (1), ∠CCC M = 119°(1), ∠ClCC = 108.9° (7), and Tau(ClCCO) = −150°(10) ( gauche -2) and Tau(ClCCO) = 78° (10) ( gauche -1).
Cardiovascular imaging physician certification in the era of multimodality imaging.

The Cardiovascular Imaging Section, governed by the Imaging Council, within the American College of Cardiology (ACC) serves as a forum for all ACC members interested and involved in cardiovascular imaging. Unlike the individual imaging subspecialty societies that represent single imaging modalities
Protein Structure Refinement Using 13Cα Chemical Shift Tensors

We have obtained the (13)C alpha chemical shift tensors for each amino acid in the protein GB1. We then developed a CST force field and incorporated this into the Xplor-NIH structure determination program. GB1 structures obtained by using CST restraints had improved precision over those obtained in the absence of CST restraints and were also more accurate. When combined with isotropic chemical shifts, distance, and vector angle restraints, the root-mean squared error with respect to existing X-ray structures was better than approximately 1.0 A. These results are of broad general interest since they show that chemical shift tensors can be used in protein structure refinement, improving both structural accuracy and precision, opening up the way to accurate de novo structure determination.
Techniques for Split‐Thickness Skin Grafting

This article discusses split-thickness skin grafting techniques with emphasis on the use of various electric dermatomes. Indications for grafting, donor and recipient site considerations, as well as complications will be discussed.
Effects of alcohol abstinence on spontaneous feeding patterns in moderate alcohol consuming humans

It has previously been found through observational techniques that moderate alcohol consumers tend to add alcohol calories to their diets without displacing macronutrient calories. The present investigation was an active manipulation of alcohol consumption to test for causation by instructing subjects to refrain from alcohol for five days. Twenty-five moderate alcohol consumers, identified with the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, were asked to complete a food intake diary for ten consecutive days during which they refrained from drinking any alcoholic beverages for either the first five days or the last five days. The subjects recorded in a diary everything they either ate or drank, the time at which the meal began and ended, their subjective state before and after the meal, and the number of other people present. Subjects' overall intake of food energy during the alcohol week was significantly higher than during the no alcohol week (2205 vs. 1829 kcal) and meals eaten during the alcohol week contained significantly more food energy than did meals eaten during the no alcohol week (649 vs. 541 kcal). Alcohol added additional calories to the diets without altering any other macronutrient intake. These results could have both health and weight loss implications.
Increased diffusion capacity maintains arterial saturation during exercise in the Quechua Indians of Chilean Altiplano.

The majority of Quechua Indians of the Altiplano of Northern Chile spend their lives between 3,500 and 4,500 meters, while some work as miners at much higher altitudes. In order to gain insight into the factors of O2 transfer in the lung that permit them to live and work in this hypoxic environment, we studied 20 male Quechuas (26.2 ± 1.1 years) of Ollaque, Chile, at 3,900 meters (barometric pressure = 490 torr). Resting pulmonary function and hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) tests were done. Progressive exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer was performed, and measurements of ventilation (VE, l/min, BTPS) oxygen consumption (VO2, STPD), heart rate (bpm), steady-state diffusion capacity (DLCO, cc/m/torr), and hemoglobin (Hgb, gm/dl) were made. Vital capacities were 5.1 ± 0.1 1 (BTPS) while DLCO's were 36.9 ± 2.6 cc/m/torr. Hemoglobin values were 18.3 ± 0.4 gm/dl. Isocapnic HVR's were −0.17 ± 0.05 (VE l/min/BTPS/SaO2, %). During steady-state exercise at 600 kpm/min subjects reached a VO2 of 1.7 ± 0.1 l/min, a ventilatory equivalent (VE/VO2) of 33.2 ± 1.02, a DLCO of 71.2 ± 4.5 cc/m/torr with heart rates of 169.6 ± 6.8 bpm, and an SaO2 of 84.74 ± 2.8%. At maximum exercise there was no subsequent arterial oxygen desaturation (SaO2 = 87.0 ± 1.0%) while VE/VO2's were increased to 44.5 ± 3.4 with a VO2 of 2.3 ± 0.3 l/min or 43.8 ± 9.5 cc/kg/min. The ventilatory responses are similar to those of lowlanders exposed to comparable hypoxia during exercise (Schoene et al., Fed. Proc. 42: 978, 1983) but the DLCOs are significantly higher. We conclude that high-altitude natives of the Andes maintain arterial oxygen saturation during exercise because of an increased diffusion capacity for oxygen at the lung.
Insect anti-juvenile hormone and juvenile hormone activity from plants in the genusNama

The insect anti-juvenile hormones precocene I and II (7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran and 6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran) were identified in three of nineNama (Hydrophyllaceae) species. Precocene I occurred inN. lobbii while precocene II occurred inN. hispidum, N. lobbii andN. sandwicense. N. hispidum contained the highest concentration (ca 0.5% dry weight) of precocene II, which was found in the leaves, stems, seed capsules, corolla, glandular trichomes, and seeds. In addition to the anti-juvenile hormone, insect juvenile hormone activity was detected in the organosoluble extracts ofN. rothrockii andN. sandwicense. N. sandwicense is the first plant discovered to contain compounds with both anti- and juvenile hormone activity.
On the origins of ghost boundaries during in situ strain-induced grain-boundary migration

Abstract Grain boundaries in high-purity (99.999%) aluminum with misorientations of 8°–15° have been studied in situ under conditions of applied stress. At both high and low homologous temperatures (T ≈ 0.8Tmp and T ≈ 0.32Tmp, respectively), substantial grain-boundary-dislocation motion and grain-boundary migration was observed. In conjunction with grain-boundary migration was the formation of “ghost” boundaries (indicating prior positions of the boundary) during both high- and low-temperature experiments. Experimental observations suggest that one cause of “ghost” boundary formation was a discontinuous change in the thickness of the region swept out by the migrating boundary, which was apparently due to grain-boundary diffusion from the grain boundary to the grain surface during strain-induced grain-boundary migration. Evidence that grain boundary diffusion was involved received further support from the formation of epitaxial hillocks at the grain boundary during migration. Finally, a simple model was derived which showed that grain-boundary diffusion during migration was capable of producing a discontinuous thickness change such as that observed experimentally.
Isolation and Characterization of the B798 Light-Harvesting Baseplate from the Chlorosomes of Chloroflexus aurantiacus†

The B798 light-harvesting baseplate of the chlorosome antenna complex of the thermophilic, filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacushas been isolated and character- ized. Isolation was performed by using a hexanol-detergent treatment of freeze-thawed chlorosomes. The isolated baseplate consists of Bchl a, ‚-carotene, and the 5.7 kDa CsmA protein with a ratio of 1.0 CsmA protein/1.6 Bchl a/4.2 ‚-carotenes. The baseplate has characteristic absorbance at 798 nm as well as carotenoid absorbance maxima at 519, 489, and 462 nm. The energy transfer efficiency from the carotenoids to the Bchl a is 30% as measured by steady-state and ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. Energy equilibration within the Bchl a absorbing regions exhibits ultrafast kinetics. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows no evidence for excitonically coupled Bchl a pools within the 798 nm region.
Comparison of water exchange in two aquatic turtles, Trionyx spinifer and Pseudemys scripta.

Abstract 1. 1. Aquatic turtles gained water in fresh water and lost water in 3·3% sodium chloride solution or in air. 2. 2. Whether measured in air, in hypotonic or in hypertonic solutions, the soft-shell turtle, Trionyx spinifer , which is covered by leathery skin, was three to four times more permeable to water than that pond slider, Pseudemys scripta , which is covered by horny scutes.
Inhibitory effect of a calcium antagonist (diltiazem) on aortic and coronary contractions in rabbits.

Abstract This report deals with the effect of a slow calcium channel blocker, diltiazem [6] on the isometric contractions induced by certain prostaglandins, PGF2α and PGE2, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and nicotine on isolated rabbit coronary artery and aortic strips. While the effect of certain prostaglandins, particularly PGH2 metabolites on the contraction of isolated spiral strips of beef and human coronary arteries has been previously documented [3, 4] no studies have been reported on the effect of slow calcium channel blockers on these compounds. Likewise, no data are available on the effect of slow calcium channel blockers on nicotine or on 5-HT induced isometric contractions in rabbit aortas and coronary arteries. We offer evidence that a slow calcium channel blocker diltiazem selectively inhibits contraction, induced by 5-HT, the prostaglandins PGF2α and PGE2 in coronary arteries, but not in aortic strips. The contractions induced by nicotine, which was effective in aortic smooth muscle only, are also markedly inhibited by diltiazem as well as by prazosin an α1 adrenergic inhibitor. Rauwolscine, an α2 inhibitor, has little effect.
Cycle distributions in random nets.

Characteristics of random nets are derived from assumptions concerning the distribution of connections. The single aggregate of neurons with random connections without branching and two parallel chains with normal distribution of connections are considered. The cycle saturation is derived for each type of net, that is, the fraction of neurons which are members of cycles. It is shown that in the single aggregate with random connections, the cycle saturation varies inversely as the square root of the number of neurons; in the dense two-chain net it varies inversely as the square root of the neuron density and inversely on the square root of the standard deviation of the normal distribution.
Use of a high-flow diaphragm valve in the exhaust line of atomic layer deposition reactors

In many atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactors, a stop valve is placed between the reaction chamber and the vacuum pump to allow for long precursor exposure times. This valve can lead to a reduction in conductance to the pump, lowering pumping efficiency and increasing the required purging time. In this study, a prototype high-flow (flow coefficient Cv = 1.7) diaphragm valve designed for ALD compatibility was inserted into the exhaust line of an ALD reactor and compared to a standard ALD diaphragm valve (Cv = 0.62). The results show that the chamber base pressure was reduced by 66% with the high-flow valve, which has implications for precursor delivery and mass transport. Furthermore, ZnO films were deposited via ALD, and the variation in thickness across a 100 mm diameter Si wafer was shown to be lower for the high-flow valve, especially with short purging times. These results suggest that the use of a high-flow ALD valve in the exhaust line can be beneficial when attempting to reduce the purging time an...
Gravity field of venus: a preliminary analysis.

The gravitational field of Venus obtained by tracking the Pioneer Venus Orbiter is examined. For each spacecraft orbit, two hours of Doppler data centered around periapsis were used to estimate spacecraft position and velocity and the velocity residuals obtained were spline fit and differentiated to produce line of sight gravitational accelerations. Consistent variations in line of sight accelerations from orbit to orbit reveal the presence of gravitational anomalies. A simulation of isostatic compensation for an elevated region on the surface of Venus indicates that the mean depth of compensation is no greater than about 100 km. Gravitational spectra obtained from a Fourier analysis of line of sight accelerations from selected Venus orbits are compared to the earth's gravitational spectrum and spherical harmonic gravitational potential power spectra of the earth, the moon and Mars. The Venus power spectrum is found to be remarkably similar to that of the earth, however systematic variations in the harmonics suggest differences in dynamic processes or lithospheric behavior.
Remotely powered distributed microfluidic pumps and mixers based on miniature diodes.

We demonstrate new principles of microfluidic pumping and mixing by electronic components integrated into a microfluidic chip. The miniature diodes embedded into the microchannel walls rectify the voltage induced between their electrodes from an external alternating electric field. The resulting electroosmotic flows, developed in the vicinity of the diode surfaces, were utilized for pumping or mixing of the fluid in the microfluidic channel. The flow velocity of liquid pumped by the diodes facing in the same direction linearly increased with the magnitude of the applied voltage and the pumping direction could be controlled by the pH of the solutions. The transverse flow driven by the localized electroosmotic flux between diodes oriented oppositely on the microchannel was used in microfluidic mixers. The experimental results were interpreted by numerical simulations of the electrohydrodynamic flows. The techniques may be used in novel actively controlled microfluidic–electronic chips.
Migration, religion and post-imperial formations

Most scholarship on international migration focuses on the incorporation of ethnic and religious minorities into societies in Europe and North America. Much of this work overlooks that a very substantial part of contemporary flows of migration happen within well-trodden pathways of language, commercial ties and cultural imagination established by colonial empires and the networks of exchange and control they enabled. Adopting a notion of the post-imperial formation as a crucial economic and cultural factor in contemporary migration flows affords one to understand a much broader set of migratory movements beyond the Euro-American context. In this article, I explore two such examples – migration to Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa, and labour migration from the Indian subcontinent to the Gulf States – in the light of how movement of labour, commercial transactions and religious-cultural difference were managed within the British imperial and post-imperial formation.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. A case of neurogenic origin.

Summary A case of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in a girl, who died three days old, is described. Microscopy of the spinal cord revealed total loss of the motor cells of the anterior horn. The characteristics of this neurogenic disorder and its relation to myogenic a.m.c. and to Werdnig Hoffmann's disease are discussed.
Preparing and Cooking Turkey Breast Fillets

Abstract INTRODUCTION HASIAK and Baker (1968) stated that the poultry industry must market poultry in a variety of ways (including convenience items) in order to increase buying and consumption of its products. But technical information on use of poultry in formulated products (developed primarily by industry) is limited. To satisfy consumer demand, any new product using fowl should be formulated with consideration of such factors as appearance, flavor, texture and juiciness. Goertz (1947), who studied new cooking techniques for turkey meats, found that turkey fillets were more satisfactory than other processed turkey meat products. This study was undertaken to determine the acceptability of a frozen, breaded turkey fillet. We studied the influence of cooking methods on flavor, tenderness, texture, juiciness and appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four young turkey hens and four young turkey toms (all 22 weeks old) were used in this experiment. All birds had been raised in the same…
Tests of muscle strength and physical function: reliability and discrimination of performance in younger and older men and older men with mobility limitations.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the reliability of muscle strength and physical function measures in younger and older men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Academic research center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty younger men, 31 older men, and 39 older men with mobility limitations. MEASUREMENTS: Test–retest measures of one repetition maximum (1 RM), unloaded and loaded 50-m walk and stair climb, and a lift-and-lower task. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Leg and chest press 1 RM measures identified significant differences between the groups, exhibited excellent test–retest reliability in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations (ICCs=0.946–0.994) and minimal bias between Trials 1 and 2 (Bland-Altman=improvement of 21.1 and 1.1 N for leg and chest press, respectively). Test–retest measures of the time to walk 50 m and climb 12 steps also demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.980–0.988 and 0.942–992, respectively) and minimal bias (Bland-Altman=0.755–1.007 and 0.141–0.361 seconds faster, respectively). When a subject repeated these measures carrying a modest load, ICCs remained greater than 0.940, bias was similar, and the tests better discriminated between the groups. The lift-and-lower measure demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.925–0.947) and minimal bias (1.4–2.9 more shelves) and revealed significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Measures of muscle strength and physical function can be performed in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations with high reliability. In future clinical trials, more-challenging measures of performance may better discriminate between higher-functioning study participants.
Anesthesia for aortic valve replacement in a patient with acute intermittent porphyria.

P ORPHYRIA IS a genetic and inherited group of inborn metabolic disorders of uncertain origin. Biochemically, there is an enzymatic deficiency of heme biosynthesis, which results in the accumulation and excretion of excessive amounts of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors.’ Activity of 6 aminolevulinic acid (GALA) synthetase is increased in some of the porphyria-type diseases, which is responsible for the inappropriate hypersynthesis of porphyrin precursors.* The classification for the four genetically transmitted porphyrias includes: (1) acute intermittent porphyria (AIP); (2) hereditary coproporphyria; (3) variegate porphyria; and (4) plumboporphyria. In vivo or in vitro studies of this rare disorder are difficulti,‘; thus, clinicians are dependent on case reports to develop appropriate anesthetic management.‘.’ Acute attacks are precipitated by certain drugs, the majority of which are lipid soluble and have the property of inducing cytochrome P-450 and &ALA synthetase. Barbiturates are well known to precipitate an attack of porphyria.’ Multiple symptoms may occur during an acute attack and include severe abdominal pain, stupor, progressive paralysis, autonomic neuropathy, and ascending polyneuropathy. Sympathetic overactivity, hypertensive crisis, and cardiac dysrhythmias have also been reported.Y These symptoms are more common in the young adult, and there is a preference for females. Clinical manifestations are rare prior to puberty. Hormonal changes, for example menstruation and pregnancy, can exacerbate a crisis of porphyria. Two previous reports of patients with variegate porphyria undergoing anesthesia for coronary artery bypass surgery have been published.“‘,” The present case report is of a patient with AIP and aortic valvular disease. The patient had the type of porphyria more commonly found in the Northern hemisphere and received some of the more recently developed anesthetic agents.
Conservation of the spleen with distal pancreatectomy.

• This report describes a rapid, easy, and safe means of saving the spleen while resecting or fully mobilizing the pancreatic tail. The pancreas is separated from the spleen by dividing the splenic artery and vein distal to the tip of the pancreas. The spleen survives on the short gastric vessels, which are carefully preserved. The technique has been applied successfully in 22 of 25 consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis (n=13), acute pancreatitis and pancreatic necrosis (n=3), cystic neoplasm of the pancreas (n=4), islet cell tumor (n=2), and ductal adenocarcinoma (n=3). The spleen could not be saved in three patients because of splenic hilar involvement by tumor or scar. Normal postoperative blood cell counts and spleen scans proved splenic viability and function. There was only one complication, a late splenic abscess that developed in a spleen of twice-normal size. It is concluded that in most instances the distal pancreas can be mobilized for resection or inspection without the need for splenectomy. Splenomegaly may be a contraindication because the short-vessel gastric blood supply may be inadequate to nourish the increased tissue mass. The technique is applicable to the treatment of pancreatic tumors, trauma, and pancreatitis. ( Arch Surg 1988;123:550-553)
Capacitance of top leads metal - comparison between formula, simulation, and experiment

The parasitic interconnection capacitance can significantly degrade the performance of an IC. In this paper, the parasitic capacitance of the top leads with a protective overcoat (PO) dielectric is modeled. For a nitride only PO, the nitride increases the line-to-line capacitance component by the average of the nitride and underlying oxide dielectric constants with a maximum error of 11% according to two-dimensional numerical simulations. If the oxide thickness of the PO is greater than 0.2 mu m, then the line-to-ground component of capacitance will be within 10% of the value of a lead surrounded by oxide. The line-to-line component of capacitance can have an error of over 30% and a modification is required to reduce the error. Two modifications for the nitride/oxide PO are given; both increase the line-to-line capacitance by the fraction of nitride between the leads. The results of the modifications and simulation are compared to experiment. The two-dimensional simulations and formulas have a good fit to the experimental data. >
Cellulose Degradation in Anaerobic Environments

In anaerobic environments rich in decaying plant material, the decomposition of cellulose is brought about by complex communities of interacting microorganisms. Because the substrate, cellulose, is insoluble, bacterial and fungal degradation occurs exocellularly, either in association with the outer cell envelope layer or extracellularly. Products of cellulose hydrolysis are available as carbon and energy sources for other microbes that inhabit environments in which cellulose is biodegraded, and this availability forms the basis of many microbial interactions that occur in these environments. This review discusses interactions among members of cellulose-decomposing microbial communities in various environments. It considers cellulose decomposing communities in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments, as well as those that degrade cellulose in association with animals. These microbial communities contribute significantly to the cycling of carbon on a global scale.