cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gulf War veterans' illnesses: a case study in causal inference.

The objective of this study was to determine from the published epidemiological literature whether there is evidence for a causal association between service in the Gulf War and illness in U.S. veterans. Eleven published studies were analyzed using standardized epidemiologic criteria for assessing causality. A consistent association was found between deployment to the Gulf and self-reports of symptoms. No consistency was seen in physical findings or laboratory results. Strength of association varied with different study designs. Dose-response information is limited, because of lack of quantitative data on exposures. Biological plausibility varies for different risk factors. Specificity of association is not seen. Frequency of self-reported symptoms is increased in U.S. Gulf War veterans compared to other veterans of the same era, but specific causes of illnesses cannot be ascertained. Major gaps in data that impeded this analysis include (1) lack of objective data on specific environmental exposures (2) lack of baseline health assessments, and (3) lack of objective measures of post-deployment health status. In future deployment of U.S. troops, accurate exposure and health data will be needed if the causes of subsequent illnesses are to be accurately assessed.
Symplectic convexity in low-dimensional topology

Abstract In this paper we will survey the various forms of convexity in symplectic geometry, paying particular attention to applications of convexity in low-dimensional topology.
The determination of the apparent binding of counterions to micelles by electromotive force measurements

Abstract The determination of the activity of potassium and sodium ions was accomplished by measuring the e.m.f. of the following cell: calomel/KCl saturated//electrolyte/cationic glass electrode. Reproducibility of potentials (±0.1 millivolt) was obtained by using a MacInnes-Belcher calomel half-cell and five-way stopcock assembly. The cell was enclosed in a Faraday box. The measuring circuit consisted of a precision potentiometer and an electrometer in series with the cell. K caprate, K laurate, K myristate, Na caprate, and Na dodecylsulfate were investigated below and above their critical micelle concentrations. Soap solutions were maintained at a pH above 12.3. All soap solutions contained constant cation concentrations. Up to the c.m.c. the measurements indicate that the presence of long-chain anions does not affect the activity of the cations. By assuming that (1) above the c.m.c. any addition of detergent merely increases the number of micelles and (2) the number of anions per micelle is constant, the apparent degree of dissociation of the cations from the micellar unit was calculated and found to be: 0.79 (KC 10 −23°C.); 0.69 (KC 12 −24°C.); 0.24 (KC 14 −25°C.); 0.57 (NaC 10 −26°C.); 0.14 (NaDS−24°C.). These assumptions appear reasonable for solutions just above the c.m.c.
Nutritional anthropometry: diet and health-related correlates among preschool children in Bogota, Colombia.

Nutritional anthropometry measurements were applied in the assessment of nutritional status of preschool children attending a health center in a poor area of Bogota, Colombia. Results showed that weight for age was the most adversely affected nutritional indicator among the group of children, followed by weight for height, height for age and head circumference. Intercorrelations between the four anthropometric measurements show that weight for height was poorly correlated with height for age and head circumference suggesting independency among these variables. When nutritional status of the children was evaluated utilizing Gomez's criteria (weight for age) the prevalence of malnutrition was 62 percent, while a decrease to 42 percent was observed when Mora's criteria (weight for height) was applied. This result seems to indicate that certain proportion of the malnourished children evaluated by Gomez's standards may have been chronic, past “recovered” malnourished cases, while those classified by Mora's met...
Effective diameters for collisions of fractal-like aggregates: recommendations for improved aerosol coagulation frequency predictions.

Abstract Fractal-like aggregate (FA-) drag has been previously calculated/correlated/reported, but “mobility diameter” information is not sufficient to make rational calculations of Brownian coagulation rates (for, say, population-balance modeling). Indeed, until now, only conjectures about gyration-radius scaling behavior have been used to predict FA–FA collision cross sections! But such “scaling relations” are untrustworthy even for FA momentum-, energy-, and mass-transfer purposes, and improved FA-collision rate constants (appearing as “kernels” in the coagulation balance integro-PDE) are overdue. Our premise is that FA collision rates in the free-molecule regime can be predicted using a gas-kinetic type formulation. If (a) carrier gas mean free path and FA persistence length are much larger than any characteristic FA size, (b) FA number density is low, (c) FA velocity and position are uncorrelated, and (d) there is a “hard-sphere” interaction between primary particles of different FAs, such a theory is developed/applied here. We introduce an effective collision diameter, 〈dij〉, depending on the geometries of the two participating FAs. Quasi-MC calculations are reported for large ensembles of pairs of FAs, each computer-generated using a tunable cluster–cluster (CC)-algorithm. Our results differ from frequently used theoretical estimates based only on FA gyration (or mobility) radii and Df. They also confirm that, if the size disparity of the colliding FAs is large, 〈dij〉 obtained by simply assigning individual diameters to each FA are significantly overestimated. Modified collision rate expressions for FA-coagulation modeling are suggested.
A new technique for controlling the brain: optogenetics and its potential for use in research and the clinic

The recent development of optogenetic techniques has generated considerable excitement in neuroscience research. Optogenetics uses light to control the activity of neurons which have been modified to express light-sensitive proteins. Some proteins, such as channelrhodopsin, are cation channels that produce depolarization of neurons when illuminated. In other cases, neuronal activity can be inhibited through illumination of proteins, such as the chloride pump halorhodopsin, that hyperpolarize neurons. Because these proteins can be selectively expressed in specific cell types and/or in specific locations, optogenetics avoids several of the non-specific effects of electrical or pharmacological brain stimulation. This short review will explain the physiology of this technique, describe the basic and technical aspects of the method, and highlight some of the research as well as the clinical potential of optogenetics.
Higher Level Representations of the Quantum Affine AlgebraUq(ŝl(2))

Abstract We introduce the notion of quantum Z-algebras for the quantum affine algebra. After developing the quantum Z-algebra we use it to study the quantum affine algebraUq(sl(2)) and construct bases for each of its higher level modules.
Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Evaluate Participation in Costa Rica's Program of Payments for Environmental Services

The Costa Rican Program of Payments for Environmental Services provides financial compensation to forest owners for the environmental services generated by their forests. This program offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the impacts of direct incentive payments on conservation. In order to measure the causal effect of this program on outcomes of interest, it is fundamental to understand the factors that influence enrollment in the program. Economic theory suggests that opportunity costs are key, but many factors may determine and mediate the influence of these costs. This article reports findings from an integrated qualitative and quantitative approach to this question. Within an iterative field research framework, information was gathered through (a) semistructured interviews with government officials and forestry professionals, (b) case studies of participant and nonparticipant forest landowners based on in-depth interviews, field visits, and a review of records, and (c) a quantitative survey of part...
Rarefied planar jets into vacuum

Abstract This paper presents a fundamental gaskinetic study on high speed rarefied jets expanding into vacuum from a cluster of planar exits. Based on the corresponding exact expressions for one planar jet, this paper straightforwardly derives the combined multiple jet flowfield solutions of density and velocity components, however, for the combined temperature and pressure solutions, extra attention shall be practiced. Several direct simulation Monte Carlo simulation results are provided and they validate these analytical solutions of rarefied planar jet flows.
What happened to I.Q. between four year and seven year in a selected collaborative project population

One hundred eighty-one of 2341 4-year-olds had I.Q. below 70 (7.7%). 133 of 181 had I.Q. between 60 and 69 (73.5%). Of these 133, 94 Negro children were studied, on whom there was complete information available for analysis on maternal socio-environmental, prenatal history, pregnancy, labor, and delivery records; examinations at birth, 4 months, 8 months; 1, 3, and 4 years. As controls, 94 Negro children matched as to birthdate and sex were used with an I.Q. above 90 on the 4 year examination. The study children showed a higher incidence of low birth weight, delay in motor development at 1 year and delayed speech development at 3 years. The mothers of these children had the following characteristics namely: a higher incidence of teenage pregnancy, low education, large family size, closer sibship and a low socio-economic index. At 7 years of age of the 87 available children 6 (6.9%) still had an I.Q. below 70. 43 (50%) showed a gain to the 80–109 level, 34 (39%) showed a rise to the 70–79 level. Of the 74 available controls 13 (17.5%) dropped to 80–89 I.Q. level and 2 (2.7%) to the 70–79 level, while the remainder showed minimal changes in I.Q. points within the normal range. A further analysis of preschool and school activities, the I.Q. of siblings and the changes in socio-environment suggest that the availability of stimuli outside the home had contributed to the development to their genetic potential of the children in whom there was a significant increase in I.Q. points.
PTK, ERK and p38 MAPK contribute to impaired NMDA-induced vasodilation after brain injury.

Abstract N -Methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-induced pial artery dilation is reversed to vasoconstriction following fluid percussion brain injury (FPI). This study investigated the contribution of activation of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in impaired vasodilation to NMDA after fluid percussion brain injury in pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. NMDA (10 −8 , 10 −6 M)-induced vasodilation was reversed to vasoconstriction following fluid percussion brain injury, but such responses were partially restored by genistein (4′,5,7-trihydroxy isoflavone), U0126 [1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis (0-aminophenylmercapto)butadiene] and SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1 H -imidazole], PTK, ERK and p38 MAPK inhibitors (9±1% and 16±1%, sham control; −6±2% and −11±3%, fluid percussion brain injury; and 3±1% and 6±1%, fluid percussion brain injury-genistein, respectively). However, the robustness of the protection to NMDA dilation was significantly greater for U0126 vs. SB203580 (4±1% and 7±1% vs. 1±1% and 1±2%). Similar results were observed for glutamate. These data show that PTK, ERK and p38 MAPK activation contribute to impaired NMDA cerebrovasodilation after fluid percussion brain injury. These data suggest that activation of the ERK isoform of MAPK contributes to such impairment more than the p38 MAPK isoform.
Can We Frame the Terrorist Threat? Issue Frames, the Perception of Threat, and Opinions on Counterterrorism Policies

In political disputes, issue frames set parameters for debate and shape which view dominates. This study expands issue framing research to examine the influence of frames on the perception of future terrorist threats as well as subsequent support for related counterterrorism policies. We test several hypotheses using data from an experimental field poll. We find that issue frames clearly influence perceptions of threat. However, our frames, which posit specific terrorism threats, only have a limited influence on respondent preferences for counter-terrorism policies. We consider a variety of explanations for these results and provide direction for future research.
Characteristics associated with breastfeeding behaviors among urban versus rural women enrolled in the Kansas WIC program.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a public nutritional assistance program for low-income women and their children up to age five. This study provides insight into maternal characteristics associated with breastfeeding among urban versus rural women. A secondary analysis was conducted using the Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance System dataset of women enrolled in the Kansas WIC program in 2011. Geographic residency status was obtained through application of the Census tract-based rural–urban commuting area codes. Descriptive variables included maternal demographics, health, and lifestyle behaviors. A multivariable binary logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. The outcome variable was initiation of breastfeeding. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total sample size was 17,067 women. Statistically significant differences regarding socio-demographics, program participation, and health behaviors for urban and rural WIC participants were observed. About 74 % of all WIC mothers initiated breastfeeding. Urban women who were Hispanic, aged 18–19, high school graduates, household income >$10,000/year, and started early prenatal care were more likely to breastfeed. Urban and rural women who were non-Hispanic black with some high school education were less likely to breastfeed. Increased breastfeeding initiation rates are the result of a collaborative effort between WIC and community organizations. Availability of prenatal services to rural women is critical in the success of breastfeeding promotion. Findings help inform WIC program administrators and assist in enhancing breastfeeding services to the Kansas WIC population.
Independent induction of tyrosine aminotransferase activity by dexamethasone and glucagon in isolated rat liver parenchymal cells in suspension and in monolayer culture in serum-free media

Abstract The regulation of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activity by dexamethasone and glucagon in isolated parenchymal cells from adult rat liver has been studied. The characteristics of TAT induction were compared in cells isolated from a single rat liver and used immediately in suspension culture and after 48 h in monolayer culture. TAT activity was induced by dexamethasone and by glucagon, alone and in combination, in cells under both incubation conditions in a serum-free medium. Each hormone induced a higher level of TAT activity in suspension cultures than in monolayers in absolute terms. However, since control TAT activity was considerably lower in monolayers, the inducibility of TAT activity appears to be greater in monolayer cultures. The K a for TAT induction by dexamethasone (2 × 10 −7 M) in monolayers was about 100-fold higher than that in suspension cultures, whereas that for glucagon (10 −8 –10 −9 M) was essentially unchanged. Only in monolayers was there a good correlation between the level of TAT activity and of cAMP induced by glucagon. The induction of maximum TAT activity by glucagon in suspension cultures appeared to require considerably higher cAMP levels than in monolayers. Dexamethasone and glucagon interacted synergistically in TAT induction in both suspensions and monolayers. The data indicate that the characteristics of enzyme induction in isolated hepatocytes may vary according to whether the cells are maintained as fresh suspensions or as monolayer cultures.
[125I]orphanin FQ/nociceptin binding in Raji cells

Western blots using an antibody which recognizes the orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) receptor reveals a band at approximately 69 kD in several cell lines, including the Raji human B cell lymphoma cell line. RT-PCR confirms the presence of this receptor in the Raji cells. Binding studies revealed a high affinity [(125)I][Tyr(14)]OFQ/N site in the Raji cells. The affinity of [(125)I][Tyr(14)]OFQ/N in the Raji cells (K(D) 68.4 pM) was similar to that in the transfected receptor (K(D) 36.7 pM). Its selectivity profile also was quite similar. OFQ/N competed binding quite potently (K(i) 65 pM), as did [Tyr(14)]OFQ/N (K(i) 33 pM). Traditional opioids displayed no appreciable affinity for the binding at any concentration examined, with the exception of naloxone benzoylhydrazone, which had only a very modest affinity. The receptors in the Raji cells were functionally active. OFQ/N inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclase by 72% with an IC(50) value of approximately 1 nM.
Characterization of H-Y and Cr-Y Zeolite Catalysts during the Oxidative Destruction of CFC11 and CFC12

The long term stability-deactivation characteristics of two Y zeolite catalysts, namely H-Y and cation exchanged Cr-Y, were studied during the oxidative destruction of CFC11 and CFC12 feeds. Experiments were carried out at 300°C and 5000 h−1 space velocity. Properties of the catalysts including activity, selectivity, surface area, acidity, composition, and crystallinity were determined as a function of reaction time. Comparison of these properties with time indicated a significantly higher degree of deactivation for the H-Y catalyst than for the Cr-Y catalyst. The most probable reasons for the improved stability characteristics of the Cr-Y catalyst were the greater stability of the zeolite matrix due to multivalency of the exchanged Cr cation, and also the Deacon reaction characteristic of Cr3+, which converted HCl produced during the destruction of CFCs into Cl2, thereby restoring the zeolite acid sites.
Talking claims: Discursive strategies in contesting property

Abstract This article examines discursive strategies in the struggle over property rights in rural Zimbabwe. Stories told by villagers and the owners or former owners of nearby large commercial farms are analyzed in terms of their framing of the issue, the voice of the teller, time frame and audience. Villagers' stones are shown to legitimize present claims in terms of past recognition of their access rights. Farmers' stories are shown to attempt to shift part of the legitimacy of their property claims onto grounds of ecological stewardship.
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF): immunocytochemical localization and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Abstract Recent isolation, structural identification, and synthesis of ovine CRF has made possible the generation of specific antibodies against this hypothalamic peptide. Two fragments of the amino acid sequence corresponding to ovine CRF (CRF 37-41 and CRF 22-41), as well as the full sequence of 41 residues (CRF 1-41), synthesized in our laboratories by solid-phase methods, were coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glutaraldehyde. New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with the emulsified mixtures of peptide-BSA conjugates and Freund's adjuvant as immunogens. The specificity of the generated antibodies was studied by agar-gel diffusion, absorption tests in the immunohistochemical system, and with the aid of displacement curves in RIA. 125 I-Tyr(35)-CRF 36-41 and 125 I-Tyr(0)-CRF 1-41 were used as radioligands in the RIA. The minimum detectable dose was 20 pg. The linearity observed in RIA for immunoreactive CRF in extracts of rat hypothalami, together with the immunocytochemical findings in the rat brain, indicate the presence of substance(s) immunologically indistinguishable from CRF. Immunohistochemistry with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique detected the following CRF-immunoreactive structures in vibratome sections of hypothalami of colchicine-treated rats: CRF-containing cell bodies were observed mainly in smaller neurons of the paraventricular nucleus. CRF-positive nerve fibers and/or terminals were present in the external zone of the median eminence, with some immunoreactive CRF also present in the internal zone. The CRF-positive terminals were localized in the central regions of the median eminence. These morphological data reinforce the view that this polypeptide plays a physiological role in the control of ACTH release.
Specificity of subnormal ΔPO2 for retinal neovascularization in experimental retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that in an experimental model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) rat pups that are at risk for but do not have retinal neovascularization (NV) exhibit a normal oxygenation response to a hyperoxic inhalation challenge. METHODS Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were raised under two varied oxygen conditions (50/10 or 40/15, indicating percent of oxygen in the air on alternate days) for 14 days and then allowed to recover in room air. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the retinal oxygenation response (increase in partial oxygen pressure in the vitreous over the room air value, or deltaPO(2), in mm Hg) to hyperoxic inhalation challenge. Adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase)-stained retinas were analyzed to determine the NV incidence and severity. RESULTS On postnatal day (P)20, the 40/15 procedure produced significantly (P 0.05) from that of normal age-matched animals; later time points were not examined. At P26 and P34, in 50/10 rats that no longer had NV, retinal deltaPO(2)s during carbogen breathing were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of age-matched control pups. At P34 in control rats, but not in 50/10 rats, deltaPO(2) was 61% greater (P < 0.05) during carbogen breathing than during oxygen breathing. CONCLUSIONS The results from 40/15 experiments, together with the authors' previous data in 50/10 rats, which documented subnormal retinal deltaPO(2) before and during NV, provides additional support that subnormal retinal oxygenation to an inhalation challenge is an important event associated with the development of NV. In addition, 50/10 rats that no longer demonstrated NV had a persistent subnormal retinal deltaPO(2), suggesting a continuing risk of development of additional retinal complications after resolution of the NV in ROP.
Nonlinear vortex structures with diverging electric fields and their relation to the black aurora

Large, radially divergent electric fields have been observed by the FREJA satellite and have been associated with black auroral curls. We interpret these structures as two-dimensional solitary nonlinear plasma waves. In accordance with observation, we suggest that these are slowly propagating vortex structures traveling along elongated density depletions perpendicular to the magnetic field. We demonstrate that these structures are localized in space (the order of 1 km) and can have large, outwardly directed radial electric fields (the order of 1 V/m)—characteristics consistent with FREJA observations.
DISPERSION RELATIONS OF THE SURFACE PLASMA OSCILLATIONS OF MULTILAYERS.

An equation for determining the dispersion relations of the surface plasma oscillations has been derived for the most general case of multilayers. The equation is given in a very simple form of the vanishing of the trace of a product of 2×2 matrices of recursive type.
Expert Informants and Relative Risk: A Methodology for Modeling Waterways

This project describes a methodology for assessing relative risk along a transportation corridor utilizing waterborne transportation on the busiest port area in the world, the lower Mississippi River (from the mouth of Southwest Pass up through Baton Rouge, Louisiana). The paper calculates a relative risk scale, using data obtained from maritime experts, previous research, and existing databases. The research aggregates the vessel traffic data and geographic risk location data to produce relative risk scores for each mile along the River from the mouth of Southwest Pass to the termination of shipping at the U.S. 190 bridge across the River at Baton Rouge. This is done in a very simple and practical way for this initial model: (1) each vessel traveling the Mississippi is classified according to its risk potential for those miles that it passes in route to where it docks, and (2) points along the river are assigned a relative risk score based upon risk variables identified by experts identified through a standard sampling procedure. The relative risk scores for river miles are combinations of these two factors.
Bowel transition points: Multiplicity and posterior location at CT are associated with small-bowel volvulus

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the number and location of bowel transition points at computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of small-bowel volvulus, with surgical findings as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was waived. One hundred adult patients who had undergone preoperative CT and who had surgically proved non–abdominal wall hernia small-bowel obstruction (n = 68) or small-bowel volvulus (n = 32) were retrospectively identified. The patients included 61 women and 39 men with a mean age of 57 years (range, 18–96 years). One reader, blinded to the diagnoses, recorded the number of transition points at CT, the anteroposterior location of each transition point relative to the anterior edge of the spine, and the presence or absence of a whirl sign. Statistical analyses were performed with the Fisher exact test, unpaired t tests, and multiple logistic regression. Resu...
Effective organizational control: A framework, applications, and implications

Abstract This article by Eric Flamholtz provides a framework for understanding the nature, role, functioning, design, and effects of organizational control systems. It represents a model of control which can be used to make this process more visible in organizations. It illustrates the practical applications of the model, and suggests its implications for corporate and human resource management as well as for scholars.
Th17 cytokines stimulate CCL20 expression in keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo: implications for psoriasis pathogenesis.

T helper (Th) 17 cells have recently been implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis, but mechanisms of how these cells traffic into inflamed skin are unknown. By immunostaining for interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-22, we show numerous cells present in psoriasis lesions that produce these cytokines. We next found that Th17 cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) markedly increased the expression of CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 20, a CC chemokine receptor (CCR)6 ligand, in human keratinocyte monolayer and raft cultures in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lastly, we showed in mice that subcutaneous injection with recombinant IL-17A, IL-22, or TNF-α led to the upregulation of both CCL20 and CCR6 expression in skin as well as cutaneous T-cell infiltration. Taken together, these data show that Th17 cytokines stimulate CCL20 production in vitro and in vivo, and thus provide a potential explanation of how CCR6-positive Th17 cells maintain their continual presence in psoriasis through a positive chemotactic feedback loop.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of callophycin A and analogues as potential chemopreventive and anticancer agents.

Abstract Callophycin A was originally isolated from the red algae Callophycus oppositifolius and shown to mediate anticancer and cytotoxic effects. In our collaborative effort to identify potential chemopreventive and anticancer agents with enhanced potency and selectivity, we employed a tetrahydro-β-carboline-based template inspired by callophycin A for production of a chemical library. Utilizing a parallel synthetic approach, 50 various functionalized tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives were prepared and assessed for activities related to cancer chemoprevention and cancer treatment: induction of quinone reductase 1 (QR1) and inhibition of aromatase, nitric oxide (NO) production, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced NFκB activity, and MCF7 breast cancer cell proliferation. Biological results showed that the n-pentyl urea S-isomer 6a was the strongest inducer of QR1 with an induction ratio (IR) value of 4.9 at 50 μM [the concentration to double the activity (CD) = 3.8 μM] and its corresponding R-isomer 6f had an IR value of 4.3 (CD = 0.2 μM). The isobutyl carbamate derivative 3d with R stereochemistry demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activity of NFκB, with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.8 μM, and also showed over 60% inhibition at 50 μM of NO production (IC50 = 2.8 μM). The R-isomer urea derivative 6j, having an appended adamantyl group, exhibited the most potent MCF7 cell proliferation inhibitory activity (IC50 = 14.7 μM). The S-isomer 12a of callophycin A showed the most potent activity in aromatase inhibition (IC50 = 10.5 μM).
Osmotic hemolysis contrasted with freeze-thaw hemolysis.

Abstract Red blood cell ghosts resulting from osmotic hemolysis in the presence of Mg ions (Mg ghosts) and ghosts resulting from slow freeze-thaw process (freeze-thaw ghosts) differ in many respects: (1) Mg ghosts spontaneously take on the disc shape immediately after hemolysis and resuspension in buffered salt solution; whereas freeze-thaw ghosts are spherical; (2) Mg ghosts appear to be less hemolyzed than freeze-thaw ghosts; (3) washed and cold-stored Mg ghosts contract or become biconcave discs when exposed to 30 μmoles of ATP/10 9 ghosts at 37 °C; whereas freeze-thaw ghosts under similar conditions break up into microspheres and membrane filaments; (4) Mg ghosts become crenated discs and spheres when rehemolyzed and resuspended in buffered salt solution; whereas freeze-thaw ghosts tend to fragment; (5) the ATPase activity of Mg ghosts, particularly the nontransport ATPase activity, is considerably less than that of freeze-thaw ghosts. Since all of these properties characterize the structural-functional integrity of the red cell membrane, the primary site of freeze-thaw damage to erythrocytes is the plasma membrane. Furthermore, freeze-thaw damage to erythrocytes results in loss of hemoglobin by some other mechanism than colloidal osmotic hemolysis. Freeze-thaw ghosts become thin discs in 45% glycerol solution, spherical when resuspended in 0.17 m buffered salt solution, and some become thick discs when rehemolyzed in the presence of ATP and reconstituted with KCl. Based on this finding, it is suggested that freezing and thawing alters the metastable functional state of the red cell membrane rather than irreversibly damaging it.
Marietta leopardina (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Aprostocetus (Aprostocetus) sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) Are Obligate Hyperparasitoids of Tamarixia radiata (Eulophidae) and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Marietta leopardina and Aprostocteus (Aprostocetus) sp. that emerged from Diaphorina citri nymphs collected from the Pakistani Punjab and exposed in quarantine to D. citri nymphs parasitized by Tamarixia radiata or Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis successfully emerged from both of these primary parasitoids. Marietta leopardina and A. (Aprostocetus) sp. did not reproduce on unparasitized D. citri nymphs. These exposure experiments confirmed that M. leopardina and A. (Aprostocetus) sp. are obligatory hyperparasitoids of T. radiata and D. aligarhensis in the Diaphorina-Tamarixia-Diaphorencyrtus system. Marietta leopardina y Aprostocteus (Aprostocetus) sp. emergidos de ninfas de Diaphorina citri recolectadas en Punjab de Pakistan fueron expuestos en cuarentena sobre ninfas de D. citri parasitadas por Tamarixia radiata o Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis, logrando emerge con exito de estos dos parasitoides primarios. Marietta leopardina y A. (Aprostocetus) sp. no se reproducieron en ninfas de D. citri no parasitadas. Estos experimentos de exposicion confirmaron que M. leopardina y A. (Aprostocetus) sp. son hiperparasitoides obligatorios de T. radiata y D. aligarhensis en el sistema de Diaphorina-Tamarixia-Diaphorencyrtus.
Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Chemically Grafted SiH-Functionalized Tripodal Ti-POSS Complexes in Crosslinked Hyperbranched Poly(siloxysilane)

This study investigated the synthesis, activity, epoxide selectivity, H2O2 efficiency, and recyclability of new heterogeneous alkene epoxidation catalysts prepared by chemical grafting of new SiH-functionalized tripodal Ti–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (Ti-POSS) complexes in hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane) via hydrosilation. Crosslinked hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane)-grafted [{(p-HSiMe2(CH2)2C6H4)(c-C6H11)6Si7O12}Ti(NMe2)] (11) and crosslinked hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane)-grafted [{(HSiMe2(CH2)3)(i-C4H9)6Si7O12}- Ti(NMe2)] (12) displayed high activity, epoxide selectivity (≥98 %), and H2O2 efficiency (≥97 %) in cyclohexene and 1-octene epoxidation with aqueous H2O2. Moreover, these catalysts were highly recyclable with retained activity and durability and proved to be truly heterogeneous. Using chemical grafting for the synthesis of 11 and 12 enhanced their recyclability and durability with retained activity. The high H2O2 efficiency can be attributed to the uniformly non-polar environment provided about Ti in 11 and 12 by the polymer; this results in low water concentrations and higher [alkene] : [H2O2] ratios at the Ti active site than in the rest of the solution. These effects enhance the epoxide selectivity and minimize leaching of titanium.
Investigating the superconductor-insulator transition in thin films using drag resistance: Theoretical analysis of a proposed experiment

The magnetically driven superconductor-insulator transition in amorphous thin films (e.g., InO and Ta) exhibits several mysterious phenomena, such as a putative metallic phase and a huge magnetoresistance peak. Unfortunately, several conflicting categories of theories, particularly quantum-vortex condensation, and normal region percolation, explain key observations equally well. We present a experimental setup, an amorphous thin-film bilayer, where a drag resistance measurement would clarify the role quantum vortices play in the transition, and hence decisively point to the correct picture. We provide a thorough analysis of the device, which shows that the vortex paradigm gives rise to a drag with an opposite sign and orders of magnitude larger than the drag measured if competing paradigms apply.
Conformational analysis and aqueous hydration studies of model peptides for the adhesive protein of the mussel, Mytilus edulis L

Conformations of model peptides of the adhesive protein of the mussel, Mytilus edulis L were investigated using molecular mechanics. The protein structure was represented as the repeat of a 10-residue unit. This decamer, and di- and tri-decamers of it, were considered in the modeling. Incorporation of the unusual dopamine residue in the decamer repeat may be explained by its hydrogen bond forming ability via its 3-OH group to a proline carbonyl oxygen. This bond contributes to maintaining a double reverse beta-turn structure in the decamer. This conformation was found more stable than 3(1) and alpha helical conformations. Adjacent reverse beta-turn structures are connected by short segments (2 to 3 residues) having little conformational preference. Thus, the overall protein can possess a significant random nature, yet have a highly ordered embedded conformational component. Hydrophilic character is in line with the larger number of OH groups on the phenyl ring for residue 9 (the site of the Dopa residue). The dehydration free energy of the (3-OH)-Phe as compared to the Dopa derivative is less by 1.4 kcal per decamer unit. This amounts to more than 100 kcal energy gain in the dehydration process for the total protein.
THE EFFECT OF ENDOGENOUS GASTRIN ON HISTAMINE-INDUCED GASTRIC SECRETION.

The release of endogenous gastrin through irrigation of isolated antrum pouches in dogs produced stimulation but no inhibition of acid secretion from Heidenhain pouches when a plateau of secretion had been established by the continuous intravenous injection of histamine. These experiments together with the secretory data on man secured from patients with Ellison-Zollinger tumors are interpreted as supporting the view that the inhibitory effect of the intravenous injection of exogenous gastrin represents an effect of marked overdosage of gastrin or rapidity of injection and that the normal response to the release of gastrin from the antrum during a meal is stimulation of secretion.
Epistatic and environmental interactions for quantitative trait loci involved in maize evolution

Summary To test for epistasis and allele-specific environmental responses among quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in the evolution of maize from its ancestor (teosinte), teosinte alleles of two QTL previously shown to control much of the morphological dierence between these plants were introgressed into an isogenic maize background. Plants of each of the four two-locus homozygous classes for the two QTL were grown in two environments. Three morphological traits and the level of mRNA accumulation for one QTL (teosinte branched1, tb1) were measured. tb1 has a large additive eect on morphology that was correlated with its message level. The second QTL had only negligible eects on morphology when isolated in an isogenic background, but exhibited a strong interaction eect on morphology in combination with tb1. This interaction is also evident in tb1 message levels, suggesting that this second QTL may act as an upstream regulator of tb1. The combined eect of the maize alleles at the two QTL makes tb1 message levels over fourfold higher. Plants homozygous for the teosinte allele at tb1 showed greater phenotypic plasticity across environments than plants homozygous for the maize allele. Our results support two hypotheses. First, maize plant architecture may have evolved by selection for a gene complex rather than the additive eects of individual loci alone. Secondly, selection during maize domestication for an allele of tb1 which lacks environmental plasticity may have led to the fixation of a morphological form that can be induced in teosinte by environmental conditions.
SOME BIOCHEMICAL LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PHENYLKETONURIA.

The biochemical lesion in phenylketonuria consists of two parts. The first is a clearly defined genetic deficiency of a particular enzyme which results in the accumulation of phenylalanine in the tissues. The second is a host of abnormalities resulting from the excessive use of a number of alternate pathways. The increased concentrations of various normal metabolites interfere with the metabolism of tryptophan, resulting in abnormalities of almost every pathway of the metabolism of tryptophan. The implications of this network of metabolic aberrations for growth and development of brain function can only be hypothesized at this time.
Interactions between nickel and melted R-Ba-Cu-O (R=Y, Nd)

R-Ba-Cu-O (R = Y and Nd) compounds were melted and crystallized in nickel crucibles. The interaction between these materials was studied by examining the physical aspect of the nickel interface. Interaction mechanisms between nickel and melted R-Ba-Cu-O compounds are proposed to explain the formation of an interface, constituted of a top layer of Ni0.8Cu0.2Ox and of an NiOx underlayer as well as the presence of nickel oxide-rich particles in the melt.
Interactive Sketch-Based Digital Prototyping by Using the Level-Set Method

This paper presents the development of a sketch-based interactive digital prototyping method by using the level-set method as the underlying technology. Various deformative operations (e.g., warping, smoothing) are developed by the level-set method to design 2D sketches. Fast and robust numerical techniques are utilized to support the real-time performance of level-set operations. B-spline function-based shape transformation method is developed to construct 3D volumetric data from multiple 2D sketches. Virtual prototypes are then visualized by reconstructing surface models from the volumetric data. Computational cost and memory requirement of the presented method are analyzed to evaluate its real-time performance. Example virtual prototypes are shown to demonstrate the capability of the developed method.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Tubal ligation in relation to menopausal symptoms and breast cancer risk

Local inflammation after tubal ligation may affect ovarian function and breast cancer risk. We analysed tubal ligation, menopausal characteristics, and breast cancer risk in the Sister Study cohort (N=50 884 women). Tubal ligation was associated with hot flashes (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.12) but not menopausal age (HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96–1.02). Tubal ligation did not have an impact on breast cancer overall (HR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85–1.06), but had a suggested inverse relation with oestrogen receptor+/progesterone receptor+ invasive tumours (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70–1.01), possibly because of subsequent hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy. Tubal ligation does not influence overall breast cancer risk.
Research support decisions under conditions of uncertainty and risk

Abstract A research investment decision problem at a university research center is modeled as a complex system operating under conditions of uncertainty and risk. A decision-maker driven modeling and decision-making methodology is applied to identify an optimal portfolio of research projects. The methodology makes use of stochastic analysis and multi-criteria decision making. Complete computations are included.
A Third Moment Adjusted Test Statistic for Small Sample Factor Analysis

Goodness-of-fit testing in factor analysis is based on the assumption that the test statistic is asymptotically chi-square, but this property may not hold in small samples even when the factors and errors are normally distributed in the population. Robust methods such as Browne's (1984) asymptotically distribution-free method and Satorra Bentler's (1988, 1994) mean scaling statistic were developed under the presumption of nonnormality in the factors and errors. This article finds new application to the case where factors and errors are normally distributed in the population but the skewness of the obtained test statistic is still high due to sampling error in the observed indicators. An extension of Satorra Bentler's statistic is proposed that not only scales the mean but also adjusts the degrees of freedom based on the skewness of the obtained test statistic in order to improve its robustness under small samples. A simple simulation study shows that this third moment adjusted statistic asymptotically per...
Role of Galanin in the Gastrointestinal Sphincters a

: Galanin was present and exerted potent effects in all the gastrointestinal sphincters examined. Galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers and neurons are present in both the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of sphincters. The neuropeptide exerts diverse effects in different sphincteric smooth muscles that may be species specific. For example, in the lower esophageal sphincter, it may cause an increase in basal tone and suppression of nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation. On the contrary, in the internal anal sphincter (IAS), the predominant effect of galanin is to cause smooth muscle relaxation and augmentation of NANC nerve-mediated relaxation. In other sphincters, galanin may either have no effect or cause either an increase or a decrease in basal tone. Most of the actions of galanin on basal smooth muscle sphincteric tone are due to its actions directly on smooth muscle cells. However, some of the relaxant actions of the peptide may also be due to activation of NANC inhibitory neurons. The basic mechanism/s responsible for sphincteric smooth muscle contraction or relaxation in response to galanin have not been investigated. The suppressive as well as the augmentatory effects of galanin on NANC nerve-mediated sphincteric smooth muscle relaxation may be due to inhibition or facilitation, respectively, of the release of NANC inhibitory neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Diverse effects in different gastrointestinal sphincters suggest a neuromodulatory rather than a neurotransmitter role of galanin and a significant role of the neuropeptide and putative antagonists in the pathophysiology and potential therapy of gastrointestinal motility disorders especially those affecting sphincteric function.
Smart Growth Community Design and Physical Activity in Children

Background Physical inactivity is a leading cause of death and disease globally. Research suggests physical inactivity might be linked to community designs that discourage active living. A "smart growth" community contains features likely to promote active living (walkability, green space, mixed land use), but objective evidence on the potential benefits of smart growth communities is limited. Purpose To assess whether living in a smart growth community was associated with increased neighborhood-centered leisure-time physical activity in children aged 8–14 years, compared to residing in a conventional community (i.e., one not designed according to smart growth principles). Methods Participants were recruited from a smart growth community, "The Preserve," located in Chino, California, and eight conventional communities within a 30-minute drive of The Preserve. The analytic sample included 147 children. During 2009–2010, each child carried an accelerometer and a GPS for 7 days to ascertain physical activity and location information. Negative binomial models were used to assess the association between residence in the smart growth community and physical activity. Analyses were conducted in 2012. Results Smart growth community residence was associated with a 46% increase in the proportion of neighborhood moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as compared to conventional community residence. This analysis included neighborhood activity data collected during the school season and outside of school hours and home. Counterfactual simulations with model parameters suggested that smart growth community residence could add 10 minutes per day of neighborhood MVPA. Conclusions Living in a smart growth community may increase local physical activity in children as compared to residence in conventionally designed communities.
Public Opinion and the Governance of Punishment in Democratic Political Systems

It is unlikely that hostile attitudes about criminals or beliefs that punishments for crime were too lenient were the major causes of the explosive increase in punishments in the United States after 1970. Public hostility toward criminals has been a consistent theme in this country for a long time, but it did not cause big increases in imprisonment before 1970 in the United States or large expansions of incarceration elsewhere. In this article, the authors argue that growth in the salience of crime as a citizen concern and increasing public distrust of government competence and legitimacy were two of a number of changes that transformed ever-present hostile attitudes into a dynamic force in American politics. Negative attitudes toward offenders are a necessary condition for anticrime crusades, but they are always present. It was the addition of fear and distrust into the law and politics of punishment setting that produced the perfect storm of punitive expansion.