cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Core selection with end-to-end QoS support

Core-based routing with Quality of Service (QoS) support is essential to facilitate multi-sender multimedia multicast applications such as video conferencing and virtual collaboration applications. In this paper, we introduce (i) a new application-level service class framework that allows group members to easily indicate their desired service quality and (ii) the use of as many cores per group as necessary in corebased routing to maximize the number of group members with satisfied QoS requirements. Under the service class framework, we formulate the novel core selection problem that selects as many cores as necessary while maximizing the number of satisfied group members. We propose a new core selection algorithm to address the problem and provide a complete core selection protocol using the algorithm. Experimental results show that our core selection algorithm performs as well as the optimal algorithm and significantly outperforms a recent core selection algorithm with QoS support using a single core.
Radical production from the interaction of ozone and PUFA as demonstrated by electron spin resonance spin-trapping techniques.

Abstract There is considerable evidence that indicates that a fraction of the damage caused by ozone to cellular systems involves radical-mediated reactions. The most direct method for probing the mechanism by which ozone reacts with target molecules such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) involves the use of electron spin resonance (ESR). In 1968, Goldstein et al. reported that ESR signals were observed when 40 ppm ozone in air is bubbled through linoleic acid (Arch. Environ. Health 17, 46–49). We have repeated this experiment and have performed several experiments modified from this design; in none of these do we observe ESR signals. We have studied the reaction of ozone with PUFA at −78°C using spin traps. Spin traps themselves react with ozone, but the following protocol avoids that reaction. (1) Ozone (20–200 ppm) in air or oxygen-free ozone is allowed to bubble through the sample in Freon-11 in an ESR tube at −78°C; no ESR absorption is observed. (2) Unreacted ozone is flushed out with argon or nitrogen. (3) The spin trap in Freon-11 is added to give a 0.1 m solution, still at −78°C; no ESR signal is observed. (4) The tube is allowed to warm slowly. At about −45°C, the ESR spectra of spin adducts appear. Using this method with methyl linoleate we observe spin adducts of alkoxy radicals and also a signal that is consistent with a carbon radical with one α-H (as would be expected if the trapped radical were the pentadienyl radical produced by hydrogen abstraction from linoleate). We hypothesize that an intermediate is formed from the reaction of ozone with PUFA that is stable at −78°C but decomposes to form radicals at about −45°C. We tentatively identify the intermediate as a trioxide (ROOOH, ROOOR, or R-CO-OOOH) on the basis of analogies and its temperature profile for decomposition to radicals. It appears reasonable to suggest that the reaction(s) responsible for the production of radicals under these low-temperature conditions also occurs at room temperature. Although the low-temperature intermediate cannot be observed at ambient temperatures, radicals from it could be responsible for the effects on autoxidation that are induced by ozone.
The value of combined serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and gallium scan in diagnosing ocular sarcoidosis.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the role of combined serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and whole-body gallium ( 67 GA) scanning in diagnosing sarcoidosis in patients with features consistent with ocular sarcoidosis but with normal or equivocal chest radiographs. Methods: Serum ACE levels and whole-body 67 GA scans were obtained as part of the initial workup in 22 patients with active ocular inflammation and ultimately biopsy-proven sarcoidosis (sarcoid uveitis group). A second group consisting of 70 patients with active uveitis in whom sarcoidosis also was considered a diagnostic possibility also was studied. All 70 patients ultimately had a definitive diagnosis other than sarcoidosis (nonsarcoid uveitis). All patients in this group also had a serum ACE and whole-body 67 GA scan performed as part of their initial investigations. Results: All patients in the sarcoid uveitis group had either an elevated ACE level or an abnormal scan. In 16 of the 22 patients, results of both tests were abnormal. In no patient in the nonsarcoid uveitis group were results of both tests abnormal. The sensitivity of an elevated ACE in diagnosing sarcoidosis was 73% and the specificity was 83%. Using the combination of a positive 67 GA scan and an elevated ACE, the specificity for diagnosis was 100% and the sensitivity was 73%. Conclusions: The combination of serum ACE level and whole-body 67 GA scan increases the diagnostic specificity without affecting sensitivity in patients with clinically suspicious ocular sarcoidosis who have normal or equivocal chest radiographs.
Development of a New Airborne Humidigraph System

The hygroscopic behavior of atmospheric aerosols complicates modeling and measurements of aerosol properties adding significant uncertainty to our best estimates of the direct effect aerosols exert on the radiative balance of the atmosphere. Airborne measurements of aerosol hygroscopicity are particularly challenging but critically needed. This motivated the development of a new system designed to measure the dependence of the aerosol light scattering coefficient (σ sp) on relative humidity (RH), known as f(RH), in real-time on an aerial platform. The new instrument has several advantages over existing systems. It consists of three integrating nephelometers and humidity conditioners for simultaneous measurement of the σ sp at three different RHs. The humidity is directly controlled in exchanger cells without significant temperature disturbances and without particle dilution, heating, or loss of volatile compounds. The single-wavelength nephelometers are illuminated by LED-based light sources thereby minim...
Topology Construction of Near-Optimal Covert Communications Networks

A covert communications network is an overlay peer-to-peer network used to support communication within a group in which the survival of the group depends on both anonymity of communication and concealment of network membership to other members of the group and to external eavesdroppers. These requirements are much more stringent than for typical privacy and anonymity systems. Whereas anonymity systems often reply on a series of intermediate network participants to forward messages in a way that de-links the sender from the receiver, membership concealment relies on the topology of the network. In this paper, we consider the topologies of resilient covert communications networks that minimize the impact on the network in the event of a subverted node and maximize the connectivity of the survivor network with the removal of the subverted node and its closed neighborhood. We briefly describe necessary considerations for the generation of covert communications networks, and then develop general methods for constructing arbitrary-sized near-optimal network topologies.
Upregulation of CD94/NKG2A receptors and Qa-1b ligand during murine cytomegalovirus infection of salivary glands

Following acute infection, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) replicates persistently in the salivary glands, despite the vigorous response of activated CD8 T cells that infiltrate this gland. Virus-specific CD8 T lymphocytes isolated from this organ were found to express the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptor that, in some virus models, confers an inhibitory response to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In response to MCMV infection, expression of the CD94/NKG2A ligand, Qa-1b, increased dramatically in the submandibular gland (SMG) prior to upregulation of H-2Dd. However, there was no net negative impact on virus-specific T-cell function, as virus titres were similar in CD94− and CD94+ mice. CD94/NKG2A expression, also known to inhibit apoptosis, did not influence the numbers of accumulated T, NK and NK T cells. These data indicate that expression of inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptors does not account for the failure of MCMV-specific CTLs to clear the SMG of infection.
Synthetic aperture imaging for flaw detection in a concrete medium

Abstract This paper investigates the performance of the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) for the detection of air void defects at various locations inside a reinforced concrete medium. Elastic wave propagation, generated by the Impact-Echo method is simulated in two dimensions, using the Finite Difference in Time Domain (FDTD) method. Waveforms received at various receiver locations on the surface are cross-correlated with a reference point scatterer response function to form an interior image of the concrete medium. Traditional SAFT employs the scattered compressional wave field to form an image of the interior of the medium. In this paper, we extend the conventional approach using all mode conversions of the scattered field to synthesize the image of the medium resulting in a more robust sensing algorithm. The SAFT is able to detect air voids (especially those which are linear in shape, such as long straight cracks) embedded in various locations within the subsurface of the concrete along with the steel reinforcement bars. The straight horizontal cracks are strong scatterers and appear as bright regions in the image of the medium, thereby indicating the presence of an anomaly. Simulation examples depicting a severe loss of structural integrity due to the lack of a bond between the concrete and steel and the associated deterioration are investigated where multiple air-voids surround the reinforcement steel bars. A bright area near the anomaly is observed. Imaging of cracks, located at shallow depths close to the surface is also considered. The ones that are located very close to the surface cannot be identified very well by SAFT because the flexural resonance of the layer between the crack and the surface dominates the response. However, with increasing depth of the crack, by isolating the first arrival of the multiple reflections of the compressional wave component between the crack and the top surface, an image can be formed with SAFT. Thus SAFT qualifies as a useful diagnostic tool for structural health monitoring purposes.
Road traffic injuries in India: a review of the literature.

Aims: India is the largest country in the South Asian region with all the problems faced by rapidly developing nations, especially increasing motorization. In spite of such developments, there are limited data in the literature addressing the problem of road traffic injuries. This article is an attempt to estimate the magnitude of the problem through published literature. Methods: This article is a systematic review of the literature on road traffic injuries in India, conducted using three electronic databases and hand-searching of the selected articles. Final analyses were conducted with 22 studies. Results: Road traffic injuries are a significant burden on the health care system in India. The most commonly affected group is young males. Pedestrians constitute a large majority of the victims and there is high early mortality in most cases. Conclusions: There is lack of population-based data on road traffic injuries in India and there is large heterogeneity in the published data. This is an important research agenda for the country. Immediate steps are required to curb this problem to limit the loss of life and resources.
Sexual dimorphism, weight gain and glucose intolerance in a B- and T-cell deficient mouse model.

Abstract Background Estrogen is thought to aid maintenance of insulin sensitivity potentially through modulation of a counter-regulatory mechanism that interferes with the contribution of adaptive and innate immune systems to visceral fat deposition. We evaluated the impact of estrogen on long-term high fat diet (HFD) intake in B- and T-cell deficient and immunocompetent animals comparatively. Methods A total of 16 BALB and 16 SCID mice, 8 of each sex and strain, were randomized to receive low fat diet, 4.1% fat or HFD, 35% fat, such that there was a group of both each sex and each strain receiving each diet. Biweekly levels of adiponectin, leptin and insulin levels were assessed and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed after 13 weeks. Results Unlike their male counterparts, HFD-fed SCID females neither gained weight, nor became insulin resistant. Meanwhile, in the HFD-fed BALB groups both males and females gained weight similarly, but remarkable sexual dimorphism was nonetheless observed. The females had notable higher adiponectin levels as compared to males (10–60 μg/mL vs. 6–10 μg/mL respectively) causing the adiponectin-to-leptin (A/L) ratio to reach 80 one week after HFD initiation. The A/L dropped to 10, still higher than males, by week 13, but dropped to 2 by the end of the study in agreement with inverse insulin trends. None of the HFD-fed female groups developed insulin resistance (IR) by week 13, while all male counterparts had. Similar results were observed in the HFD-fed SCID groups whereby the females did not develop IR and had a higher A/L; however, adiponectin levels were comparable between groups (5–11 μg/mL). Conclusions The present study provides lacking evidence indicating that estrogen may be sufficient to prevent weight gain and development of glucose intolerance in high-fat fed B- and T-cell deficient mice.
Transgenic technology in animal agriculture

Microinjection of DNA that contains genes into the pronuclei of zygotes from pigs, sheep, cows and goats has resulted in the production of “transgenic” livestock containing new genetic material tha...
Pleomorphic surface features of mammalian endocardium: Fine structure of canine bicuspid valves

Abstract SEM and TEM have demonstrated normal canine endocardium to consist of a somewhat irregularly undulating, continuous sheet of cells characterized by plasmalemmal micro-appendages, rounded and raised nuclear bulges and variably discernible, overlapping cell margins. The endocardium covering the atrioventricular valves presented the most pleomorphic surface features in that our observations of both the atrial and ventricular aspects of the valvular leaflets revealed obvious differences in cell density, micro-appendage population, nuclear prominence and glycocalyx. Cells from the ventricular surface of these valves possessed few, if any, micro-appendages and more flattened surface contours; whereas those cells over the atrial surface demonstrated numerous bleb-like to microvillous-like processes extending from distinctly rounded and raised surface contours. Valvular specimens exposed to such catonic dyes as ruthenium red, alcian blue and cetylpyridinium chloride, with the latter two accompanied by lanthanum nitrate en bloc staining, revealed an obvious surface reactivity differential between the two sides that implies a compositional difference in the glycocalyx.
Bcl-2-related genes in lymphoid neoplasia.

The proto-oncogene BCL-2 was discovered with the cloning of the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation responsible for human follicular lymphoma. Since then other members of the Bcl-2 family of cell death regulators have been identified and their roles in cell death, normal lymphoid development, and lymphoid neoplasia have been characterized. Bcl-2 family members are important in tumor initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy, and altered expression levels of various members serve as prognostic markers in many lymphoid malignancies.There are promising cancer therapeutics now targeted at members of the Bcl-2 family.
Using time- and size-resolved particulate data to quantify indoor penetration and deposition behavior.

Because people spend approximately 85−90% of their time indoors, it is widely recognized that a significant portion of total personal exposures to ambient particles occurs in indoor environments. Although penetration efficiencies and deposition rates regulate indoor exposures to ambient particles, few data exist on the levels or variability of these infiltration parameters, in particular for time- and size-resolved data. To investigate ambient particle infiltration, a comprehensive particle characterization study was conducted in nine nonsmoking homes in the metropolitan Boston area. Continuous indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and size distribution measurements were made in each of the study homes over weeklong periods. Data for nighttime, nonsource periods were used to quantify infiltration factors for PM2.5 as well as for 17 discrete particle size intervals between 0.02 and 10 μm. Infiltration factors for PM2.5 exhibited large intra- and interhome variability, which was attributed to seasonal effects and home d...
Economics of scalable network services

This paper explores the economics of scalable network services by posing two simple questions. First, what is the difference between scale economics and scalability? Second, why and how should we scale network services for competition and cooperation? By answering these questions in the context of network services such as multicast, QoS and web caching, we gain some insight into the tradeoffs involved in the design of scalable network services.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Repeated Doses of Ethanol on Hepatic Mg2+ Homeostasis and Mobilization

The acute administration of a first dose of ethanol (EtOH) to rat liver cells reduces the amount of Mg(2+) extruded by a second dose of EtOH or the subsequent addition of adrenergic agonists. In contrast, the Mg(2+) extrusion normally elicited by the alpha(1)-adrenergic or beta-adrenergic agonist does not impair the Mg(2+) mobilization induced by the subsequent addition of EtOH. Inhibition of EtOH metabolism by 4-methylpyrazole abolishes almost completely the Mg(2+) extrusion induced by the first dose of EtOH, and partially enlarges that elicited by the second dose of alcohol or the subsequent adrenergic stimulation. Ethanol-treated liver cells stimulated by the adrenergic agonist show a reduced level of membrane-bound Galphas as well as a reduced cellular cAMP content. Analysis of cellular Mg(2+) distribution indicates that EtOH administration decreases the Mg(2+) content of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum to a comparable extent. These data indicate that acute EtOH administration directly impairs cellular Mg(2+) homeostasis and also prevents a further Mg(2+) mobilization by additional doses of alcohol or alpha(1)-adrenoceptor and beta-adrenoceptor agonist by decreasing cytosolic and intraorganelle Mg(2+) content and by affecting G-protein membrane distribution/signaling.
A Single Amino Acid Mutation Contributes to Adaptive Beach Mouse Color Pattern

Natural populations of beach mice exhibit a characteristic color pattern, relative to their mainland conspecifics, driven by natural selection for crypsis. We identified a derived, charge-changing amino acid mutation in the melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) in beach mice, which decreases receptor function. In genetic crosses, allelic variation at Mc1r explains 9.8% to 36.4% of the variation in seven pigmentation traits determining color pattern. The derived Mc1r allele is present in Florida's Gulf Coast beach mice but not in Atlantic coast mice with similar light coloration, suggesting that different molecular mechanisms are responsible for convergent phenotypic evolution. Here, we link a single mutation in the coding region of a pigmentation gene to adaptive quantitative variation in the wild.
The 3He(γ,π+)3H reaction in the (3,3) resonance region

Abstract We calculate cross sections for 3He(γ,π+)3H in the impulse approximation, using realistic three-body wavefunctions obtained with the Reid potential. The discrepancies with experiment indicate the need for a proper estimate of the rescattering corrections as well as a better treatment of the nucleon momenta in the nucleus.
Development policy and the evaluation of community self-help: the Harambee school movement in Kenya.

PIP: This attempt to objectively assess the costs and benefits of involvement in the harambee education movement for individuals and families is directed at policymakers and is an exercise in policy analysis. Evaluative studies of this nature are essential to the improvement of the of the overall quality of policymaking. Despite general agreement that harambee education projects involving secondary schools differ in many ways from types of self-help projects, few attempts have been made to assess the long-term social impact of the harambee education movement. For nearly 2 decades Kenya's harambee movement has flourished and has been largely viewed as a positive contribution to national development. Between 1969-79, the total value of contributions to self-help projects rose from around $6 million to almost $27 million, demostrating the substantial inputs of local communities to the economic growth of the country as a whole. Policymakers, after initial reservations about independent self-help, in recent years have come to rely on such activities as complementary to the government's efforts. Self-help activities aimed at expanding educational opportunity are the most significant in terms of both monetary resources expended and the scope of human involvement. Benefits are difficult to extimate. The growing number of students in harambee schools does not necessarly indicate that the majority of these students are acquiring marketable skills or that their consequent levels of academic training will prepare them to complete successfully in the job market with the average student educated in government-sponsored schools. The evidence, in fact, clearly points in the opposite direction. Yet, politicians, policymakers, and citizens continue to regard harambee activities for expanding educational opportunities atall levels as necessary contributions to Kenya's development program and to individual achievement. The direct cost to government for harambee education can be compared with the direct private expenditure on this type of ecucation. The 1976 annual private investment in harambee education was $45 million. The most direct benefits from harambee efforts are reaped by wealthier regions and communities in Kenya. The greaes social benefits derived from the government's policy toward the harambee school movement are political benefits. By symbolically drawing linkages between its national development strategy and independent self-help activities, the government can elicit the tacit support of rural communities. Direct social costs of such a policy are minimal. The indirect, long-term costs may result in disastrous, unintended consequences as the pool of educated and unemployed youths expands and as resulting ethnic and class inequalities sharpen and crystallize.
A developmental timer that regulates apoptosis at the onset of gastrulation

Abstract Recent work identified an apoptotic program in gastrulation stage Xenopus embryos (Anderson, J.A., Lewellyn, A.L., Maller, J.L., 1997. Mol. Biol. Cell 8, 1195–1206; Stack, J.H., Newport, J.W., 1997. Development 124, 3185–3195). Here, we characterize in detail this maternal cell death program, which is set up at fertilization and abruptly activated at the onset of gastrulation, following DNA damage or treatment of embryos with inhibitors of transcription, translation, or replication, between the time of fertilization and the midblastula transition (MBT). This apoptotic pathway is activated under tightly regulated developmental control(s): if the same treatments are applied after the MBT the apoptotic response is abrogated. Embryos displayed many characteristic apoptotic features, including DNA fragmentation, caspase activation, and embryonic death was blocked in vivo by the ectopic expression of Bcl-2, or injection of the caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk. The precise timing and the execution of this maternal cell death program is set at fertilization and does not depend on the type of stress applied, on cell cycle progression, or on de novo protein synthesis. This maternal developmental program might palliate the lack of cell cycle checkpoints in the pre-MBT embryo.
Heart disease among adults exposed to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center disaster: Results from the World Trade Center Health Registry

Abstract Objective To examine associations between 9/11-related exposures, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and subsequent development of heart disease (HD). Methods We prospectively followed 39,324 WTC Health Registry participants aged ≥ 18 on 9/11 for an average of 2.9 years. HD was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed angina, heart attack, and/or other HD reported between study enrollment (2003–2004) and a follow-up survey (2006–2008) in enrollees without previous HD. A PTSD Checklist (PCL) score ≥ 44 was considered PTSD. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to examine relationships between 9/11-related exposures and HD. Results We identified 1162 HD cases (381 women, 781 men). In women, intense dust cloud exposure was significantly associated with HD (AHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02–1.61). Injury on 9/11 was significantly associated with HD in women (AHR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19–1.79) and in men (AHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15–1.53). Participants with PTSD at enrollment had an elevated HD risk (AHR 1.68, 95% CI 1.33–2.12 in women, AHR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34–1.96 in men). A dose–response relationship was observed between PCL score and HD risk. Conclusion This exploratory study suggests that exposure to the WTC dust cloud, injury on 9/11 and 9/11-related PTSD may be risk factors for HD.
Relaxation of misfit dislocations at nodes

Experimental studies proved that structures and properties of misfit dislocations and their intersections (nodes) in semi-coherent interfaces strongly affect thermal and mechanical stability of interface. Employing atomistic simulations, we reveal that misfit dislocation lines can exhibit a spiral pattern (SP) or remain straight in association with dislocation character at nodes. By analyzing nodes formation processes in terms of kinetics and energetics, we found that the variation is ascribed to the competition between core energy of misfit dislocation and interface stacking fault energy with respect to coherent interface.
Spectro photometric determination of bromate with o-arsanilic acid

Abstract o-Arsanilic acid reacts with bromate ions in dilute acid solution and forms a reddish-brown color which is suitable for the spectrophotometric determination of bromate. The reaction has a sensitivity of 0.05 μg BrO3- per cm2 for log I o l = 0.001 and obeys Beer's law up to 50 p.p.m.The standard deviation for the color development (387 p.p.m. brornate) is 0.95%, and 0.52% in the determination of bromate in salt solutions. Optimum analytical conditions for the reaction have been established and a procedure for the spectrophotometric determination of bromate is given.
Mechanically Stabilized Tetrathiafulvalene Radical Dimers

Two donor−acceptor [3]catenanes—composed of a tetracationic molecular square, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4′-biphenylene), as the π-electron deficient ring and either two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) containing macrocycles or two TTF-butadiyne-containing macrocycles as the π-electron rich components—have been investigated in order to study their ability to form TTF radical dimers. It has been proven that the mechanically interlocked nature of the [3]catenanes facilitates the formation of the TTF radical dimers under redox control, allowing an investigation to be performed on these intermolecular interactions in a so-called “molecular flask” under ambient conditions in considerable detail. In addition, it has also been shown that the stability of the TTF radical-cation dimers can be tuned by varying the secondary binding motifs in the [3]catenanes. By replacing the DNP station with a butadiyne group, the distribution of the TTF radical-cation dimer can be changed from 60% to 100%. These findings have been established by several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry and UV−vis−NIR and EPR spectroscopies, as well as with X-ray diffraction analysis which has provided a range of solid-state crystal structures. The experimental data are also supported by high-level DFT calculations. The results contribute significantly to our fundamental understanding of the interactions within the TTF radical dimers.
Measurement structures and invariant statistics

A suitable connection between measurement structures and statistical structures is suggested. It is pointed out that, under appropriate conditions, invariant statistics, which include invariant test statistics and equivariant estimators, are comparison invariant in the measurement-theoretic sense. Examples of invariant functions used in statistics are discussed.
Evaluation of a novel Arg-Gly-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone hybrid peptide for potential melanoma therapy.

UNLABELLED The purpose of this study was to determine whether Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) hybrid peptide could be employed to target melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptor for potential melanoma therapy. METHODS The RGD motif {cyclic(Arg-Gly-Asp-DTyr-Asp)} was coupled to [Cys(3,4,10), DPhe(7), Arg(11)]α-MSH(3-13) {(Arg(11))CCMSH} to generate RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH hybrid peptide. The MC1 receptor binding affinity of RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH was determined in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The internalization and efflux, melanoma targeting and pharmacokinetic properties and single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) imaging of (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH were determined in B16/F1 melanoma cells and melanoma-bearing C57 mice. Clonogenic cytotoxic effect of RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH was examined in B16/F1 melanoma cells. RESULTS RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH displayed 2.1 nM MC1 receptor binding affinity. (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH showed rapid internalization and extended retention in B16/F1 cells. The cellular uptake of (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH was MC1 receptor-mediated. (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH exhibited high tumor uptake (14.83 ± 2.94% ID/g 2 h postinjection) and prolonged tumor retention (7.59 ± 2.04% ID/g 24 h postinjection) in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing mice. Nontarget organ uptakes were generally low except for the kidneys. Whole-body clearance of (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH was rapid, with approximately 62% of the injected radioactivity cleared through the urinary system by 2 h postinjection. Flank melanoma tumors were clearly imaged by small animal SPECT/CT using (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH as an imaging probe 2 h postinjection. Single treatment (3 h incubation) with 100 nM of RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the clonogenic survival of B16/F1 cells by 65% compared to the untreated control cells. CONCLUSION Favorable melanoma targeting property of (99m)Tc-RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH and remarkable cytotoxic effect of RGD-Lys-(Arg(11))CCMSH in B16/F1 cells warranted the further evaluation of (188)Re-labeled α-MSH hybrid peptides as novel therapeutic peptides for melanoma treatment once the strategies of amino acid coinjection or structural modification of peptide sequence substantially reduce the renal uptake.
Interannual Variation in Diet and Condition in Juvenile Bluefish during Estuarine Residency

Abstract We examined the diets and weight–length relationships of juvenile bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix from Sandy Hook Bay, New Jersey, during 1981, 1983, and 1984. Diets consisted of a variety of polychaete, crustacean, and fish prey. Opossum shrimp Neomysis americana, sand shrimp Crangon septemspinosa, grass shrimp Palaemonetes vulgaris, bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli, striped killifish Fundulus majalis, and Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia dominated the diet in terms of biomass and frequency of occurrence. Consumption of invertebrate and fish prey varied between years. Bluefish condition factor was highest in 1981, when fish were the predominant prey, and lower in 1983 and 1984, when the diets consisted mostly of invertebrate prey. The diets of juvenile bluefish in Sandy Hook Bay contained more invertebrate prey than has been described previously.
Moving micronutrients from the soil to the seeds: Genes and physiological processes from a biofortification perspective

The micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are essential for plants and the humans and animals that consume plants. Increasing the micronutrient density of staple crops, or biofortification, will greatly improve human nutrition on a global scale. This review discusses the processes and genes needed to translocate micronutrients through the plant to the developing seeds, and potential strategies for developing biofortified crops.
Individualized sampling parameters for behavioral observations: enhancing the predictive validity of competing stimulus assessments

Recent studies have used pretreatment analyses, termed competing stimulus assessments, to identify items that most effectively displace the aberrant behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities. In most studies, there appeared to have been no systematic basis for selecting the sampling period (ranging from 30 s to 10 min) in which items were assessed. Unfortunately, estimates based on brief samples of behavior do not always predict the extent to which items will displace aberrant behavior over longer periods. This study first examined a method for determining an accurate individualized sample length for competing stimulus assessments, based on statistical measures of correspondence with extended effects, using a small number of items. The effects of a larger number of items were then assessed using the determined sample length. Finally, the method was validated by comparing its predictions, in terms of the reduction of problem behavior over more extended periods, to predictions based on sample durations typically used in previous investigations. For two participants, predictions based on individualized determination of sample lengths were more accurate than predictions based on typical sample lengths. These results are discussed in terms of the exchange between expediency and accuracy during competing stimulus assessments.
Using computer-based assessments to evaluate interactive multimedia nutrition education among low-income predominantly Hispanic participants.

Abstract Objective This research was conducted to measure the effectiveness of interactive multimedia (IMM) with low-income Hispanic persons. Design The effectiveness of the program was examined using a quasi-experimental pretest/post-test control group design. Setting Subjects were recruited from nutrition, health, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Colorado. Participants Thirty-six intervention and 34 control participants formed a convenience sample of low-income and predominantly Hispanic persons. Intervention Intervention participants received a 15-minute module about breakfast. Control participants received a non– nutrition-related IMM module. Main Outcome Measures Primary variables included knowledge, attitude, and stage of change scores. Analysis Paired and independent sample t tests, chi-square analysis, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. Results Intervention participants significantly increased knowledge, attitude, and total scores ( P P Conclusions The results support using IMM to disseminate nutrition education to the target population and the feasibility of using computer-based questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of IMM nutrition education programs. Implications This research provides the basis for the continued development of computer-based assessment tools.
Differential expression of retinoic acid receptor mRNA during mouse embryogenesis

Retinoic Acid, mediated through its receptors (RAR), exhibits striking effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, and pattern formation. At least three types of RARs (α, β, and γ) have been cloned. The ontogeny and semi-quantitated amount of three RAR mRNA were studied in mouse embryos and placentas using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. The amplified cDNA products were confirmed by correct sizes, Southern blot hybridization and restriction enzyme digestion. The results show that RAR-α mRNA is constitutively expressed in the oocytes and embryos of all stages, suggesting that RAR-α is a housekeeping gene. RAR-β mRNA is present in the oocytes, becomes undetectable at the 2-cell stage when the maternal RNA is degraded, and re-expresses at morula and blastocyst stages when the embryonic genome is activated. RAR-γ mRNA is not expressed until balstocyst stage. In the postimplantation embryos, no significant change in all three RAR mRNA levels was detected from day 10 through the late gestational stage (day 18). Placental tissue expressed all three RAR transcripts throughout gestation. The differential activation of the these three RAR genes in the preimplantation embryos suggests RARs as the important regulators during early embryogenesis.
Exploring the effects of overburden on the sublimation and transport of H2O on Iapetus

It has been shown through both measurements and simulations that there exists a measurable ice-free, porous, overburden overlaying water ice on Cassini Regio. Mass transfer through this porous media in a vacuum would occur in the Knudsen regime, which provides sublimation rates orders of magnitude smaller than Hertz–Langmuir sublimation. The availability of water ice for transport from this region is thus currently controlled by mass transfer through the dark material overburden. Thermal segregation suggests that Iapetus’ polar regions have been brightened via ballistic transport of water and its subsequent cold trapping since exogenic deposition models predict dark high latitudes on the leading hemisphere. The limiting effect of the dark material on transport of water ice may thus greatly impact the current mass balance at the poles. The effects of the overburden on the global stability and transport of H2O is addressed in order to gain insight into its influence on the polar albedo distribution and current state of thermal segregation within the dark terrain. Results indicate that thermal segregation is currently an inactive or weak process within Cassini Regio, though it is an ongoing process at the inter-terrain regions. Modeling of polar accumulation suggests that even accounting for the current dark material cover within Cassini Regio there exists sufficient ballistically inbound water to overcome exogenic darkening mechanisms. Topographic effects on local albedo differences are also simulated to provide a more complete water stability study of Iapetus. Results suggest that topographically induced changes in heat flux may be sufficient to create the observed local albedo contrasts and also support ongoing dark exogenic deposition within Cassini Regio to explain the lack of bright slopes deep within the dark terrain.
A molecular inversion probe assay for detecting alternative splicing

A sensitive, high-throughput method for monitoring pre-mRNA splicing on a genomic scale is needed to understand the spectrum of alternatively spliced mRNA in human cells. We adapted Molecular Inversion Probes (MIPs), a padlock-probe based technology, for the multiplexed capture and quantitation of individual splice events in human tissues. Individual MIP capture probes can be quantified using either DNA microarrays or high-throughput sequencing, which permits independent assessment of each spliced junction. Using our methodology we successfully identified 100% of our positive controls and showed that there is a strong correlation between the data from our alternative splicing MIP (asMIP) assay and quantitative PCR. The asMIP assay provides a sensitive, accurate and multiplexed means for measuring pre-mRNA splicing. Fully optimized, we estimate that the assay could accommodate a throughput of greater than 20,000 splice junctions in a single reaction. This would represent a significant improvement over existing technologies.
Ketorolac versus meperidine and hydroxyzine in the treatment of acute migraine headache: A randomized, prospective, double-blind trial

Study objective: To compare the effectiveness of IM ketorolac with that of meperidine and hydroxyzine in the treatment of acute migraine headache. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Setting: Urban emergency department with an annual census of 42,000 patients. Participants: Forty-seven adult patients with migraines enrolled on 50 visits. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single injection of either 60 mg ketorolac (group 1) or 100 mg meperidine and 50 mg hydroxyzine (group 2). Pain assessment was made using both visual-analog and verbal descriptor scales. Results: At 60 minutes, 15 patients (60%) from group 1 (25) and 14 patients (56%) from group 2 (25) reported a great deal of complete relief ( P = .77) Sixty-minute mean pain relief scores (3.35 versus 3.37) were different ( P = .76). Nine patients (36%) from group 1 and seven patients (28%) from group 2 required additional analgesia ( P = .76) Conclusion: Ketorolac is as effective as meperidine and hydroxyzine for the treatment of acute migraine headache.
Chapter 20 Union relative wage effects

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the empirical studies of the union/nonunion relative wage differential, or wage gap as Mincer has termed it, in the United States for the period 1967–79. In recent years, the wage gap usually has been estimated by fitting wage equations to cross-section (CS), individual-worker data on wages (micro), union status (union or nonunion), and other variables supposedly controlling for differences among workers in working conditions and worker quality. The chapter describes the distinction between wage gaps and wage gains. The likelihood that micro, ordinary least squares (OLS), and CS wage gap estimates are selectivity biased has not escaped the notice of econometricians and recently a substantial number of papers have appeared that use techniques designed to reduce this bias. These papers fall into two groups according to the technique used—(1) simultaneous equations (SE) studies and (2) panel studies.
Propagating Atmospheric Patterns Associated with Sea Ice Motion through the Fram Strait

AbstractA novel analysis method involving phase-shifted complex Hilbert empirical orthogonal functions (HEOFs) was used to examine how variations in predominant propagating patterns of Arctic surface wind influence daily Fram Strait sea ice export F during extended winter (October–April), a primary control on Arctic sea ice volume. Northwesterly winds favorable to F were provided by poleward-moving anticyclones upstream over the Canadian Arctic associated with the leading HEOF of wind and also by eastward-moving cyclones downstream over the Barents Sea associated with the second HEOF of wind. A suite of spatial and statistical analyses indicated that the aggregate of the two propagating patterns largely explains a sea level pressure pattern analyzed in several prior studies as a standing wave oriented east–west across the strait.
Stage-dependent predation on competitors: consequences for the outcome of a mosquito invasion

1. Predator-mediated coexistence occurs when predation allows competitors to coexist, due to preferential consumption of a superior competitor relative to an inferior competitor. Differences between the native treehole mosquito (Aedes triseriatus) and the co-occurring Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in anti-predatory larval behaviours account, in part, for the greater vulnerability of this invasive species to native predatory midge (Corethrella appendiculata). We test the hypothesis that stage-dependent differences in the sizes of A. albopictus and A. triseriatus larvae, relative to the size-limited C. appendiculata, contribute to differential consumption and the likelihood of predator-mediated coexistence of these competitors. 2. In all instars, larvae of A. triseriatus were larger than A. albopictus of the same stage. Third and fourth instar C. appendiculata selectively consumed late-stage A. albopictus in preference to same-stage A. triseriatus. Small, early-stage prey larvae did not differ in vulnerability to predation, but large, late-stage larvae differed significantly in vulnerability to predation, probably owing to size-limited predation by fourth instar C. appendiculata. This effect was less pronounced for third instar C. appendiculata. 3. Prey size, in conjunction with anti-predatory behavioural responses, alters the probability of predator-mediated coexistence. A stage-structured predation model showed that equally vulnerable early stages reduce the range of environmental conditions (productivities) in which predator-mediated coexistence is possible, increasing the likelihood of both competitive exclusion of the resident species or failure of the invasive to establish. These results underscore the importance of stage-dependent interspecific differences in predator-prey interactions for determining how predators may affect community composition.
An On-Chip Spectrum Analyzer for Analog Built-In Testing

This paper presents an analog built-in testing (BIT) architecture and its implementation. It enables the frequency response and harmonic distortion characterizations of an integrated device-under-test (DUT) through a digital off-chip interface. External analog instrumentation is avoided, reducing test time and cost. The proposed on-chip testing scheme uses a digital frequency synthesizer and a simple signal generator synchronized with a switched capacitor bandpass filter. A general methodology for the use of this structure in the functional verification of a DUT is also provided. The circuit-level design and experimental results of an integrated prototype in standard CMOS 0.5 ?m technology are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed BIT technique.
Models of Culture for Virtual Human Conversation

In this paper, we survey different types of Models of culture for virtual humans. Virtual humans are artificial agents that include both a visual human-like body and intelligent cognition driving action of the body. Culture covers a wide range of common knowledge of behavior and communication that can be used in a number of ways including interpreting the meaning of action, establishing identity, expressing meaning, and inference about the performer. We look at several examples of existing cultural models and point out remaining steps for a more full model of culture.
Air Pollution Shortens Life Expectancy and Health Expectancy for Older Adults: The Case of China

Background. Outdoor air pollution is one of the most worrying environmental threats China faces today. Comprehensive and quantitative analyses of the health consequences of air pollution in China are lacking. This study reports age- and sex-specific life expectancy and health expectancies (HEs) corresponding to different levels of air pollution based on associations between air pollution and individual risks for a host of health conditions and mortality net of individual- and community-level confounders. Methods. This is a multilevel prospective cohort study based a nationally representative sample of Chinese elders. The main outcome measures in this study include life expectancy estimated from mortality and HEs based on five health conditions including activity of daily living, instrumental activity of daily living, cognitive status, self-rated health, and chronic conditions. Results. Net of the controls, exposure to outdoor air pollution corresponded to subsequent reductions of life expectancy and HEs for all five health conditions. These detrimental pollution effects were stronger for women. The gap in life expectancy between areas with good air quality and moderately heavily polluted areas was 3.78 years for women of age 65 and 0.93 years for men. The differences in HEs at age 65 were also large, ranging from 1.47 years for HE for good self-rated health in men to 5.20 years for activity of daily living disability-free HE in women.