cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted Capture of Pathogenic Bacteria Using a Mammalian Cell Receptor Coupled with Dielectrophoresis on a Biochip

Efficient capture of target analyte on biosensor platforms is a prerequisite for reliable and specific detection of pathogenic microorganisms in a microfluidic chip. Antibodies have been widely used as ligands; however, because of their occasional unsatisfactory performance, a search for alternative receptors is underway. Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60), a eukaryotic mitochondrial chaperon protein is a receptor for Listeria adhesion protein (LAP) during Listeria monocytogenes infection. This paper reports application of biotinylated Hsp60 as a capture molecule for living (viable) L. monocytogenes in a microfluidic environment. Hsp60, immobilized on the surface of streptavidin-coated silicon dioxide exhibited specific capture of pathogenic Listeria against a background of other Listeria species, Salmonella, Escherichia, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Hafnia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Lactobacillus. The capture efficiency of L. monocytogenes was 83 times greater than another Listeria receptor, the mono...
Synthesis and optically induced transformation of metal TCNQF4 thin films

Abstract Thin films of the composition Ag 2 TCNQF 4 and Cu 2 TCNQF 4 , made with the tetrafluorinated derivative of TCNQ, have been prepared and characterized. These charge transfer compounds of TCNQF 4 2− do no absorb strongly in the visible, but absorbed light at low power causes an electron transfer reaction resulting in formation of the highly absorbant TCNQF 4 − . This optical record is formed with low power and is erasable thermally.
Patterns of age-based linguistic variation in American English

In prior sociolinguistic research, speaker age has been considered the principal correlate of language change, but it ‘has not yet been explicitly studied as a sociolinguistic variable’ (Eckert 1997: 167). Consequently, little is known about how language varies across the life span. The present study employs key word analysis on a large corpus of casual conversation in American English to explore age-based linguistic variation in spontaneous conversation. Analyses of the key words point to two major patterns of age-based lexico-grammatical variation: use of slang, and use of stance and involvement markers. Younger speakers' talk is characterized by an unusually frequent use of slang and swear words, and by a marked use of features indexing speaker's stance and emotional involvement, including intensifiers, stance adverbs, discourse markers, personal pronouns, and attitudinal adjectives; older speakers favor modals. These patterns are suggestive of functional differences in the discourse of youth and adults. It is argued that the expression of personal stance is more explicit and plays a key role in younger speakers' discourse.
Neuritis ossificans of the common peroneal nerve.

Dear Sir: We read with interest the 2009 report by Trigkilidas et al. of an unusual case of neuritis ossificans of the common peroneal nerve treated at the historic Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, UK [1]. The term “neuritis ossificans” was originally introduced by our group in 1999 [2, 3]. At least, that is what we thought at the time. The designation harked back to its striking histological similarities with heterotopic ossification and myositis ossificans, processes often associated with trauma, but occurring within nerve. Histologically similar cases had previously been published under various designations. More recent cases of so-called neuritis ossificans have been reported by others, as have been summarized by Trigkilidas [1]. However, we were recently surprised to find that the term neuritis ossificans had been introduced long ago [4]— at our very own institution, no less. It was ascribed to an entirely different lesion, one with a dire prognosis. Herein, we seek to clarify the literature with respect to the term neuritis ossificans—its history, current usage, and clinical significance. The original patient in whom the term had been applied was a 29-year-old woman who presented to Mayo Clinic in the winter of 1939. Her case was reported in 1946 by the esteemed neurologist Henry Woltman and the neurosurgeon Alfred Adson [4]. The initial clinical diagnosis was that of post-traumatic neuritis or plexitis affecting the posterior cord of the left brachial plexus. A 3-year period of incomplete improvement and stabilization followed, but her neurological status worsened over the next 4 years. Upon presentation in 1946 she had developed complete loss of left brachial plexus function and a Brown–Sequard syndrome. The radiographic findings were illustrated in the published paper and showed a large, calcified soft tissue mass in the supraclavicular region and lower cervical spine. Its appearance was suggestive of myositis ossificans. She underwent a two-stage operative procedure, the first being a cervical and upper thoracic hemilaminectomy that revealed an intraand extradural mass that extended through the left C5–C6 foramen. The spinal cord was decompressed. In the first operative note of 30 May 1946, Adson wrote:
Can Förster resonance energy transfer measurements uniquely position troponin residues on the actin filament? A case study in multiple-acceptor FRET.

Abstract Straightforward interpretation of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) data in terms of the distance from donor-labeled troponon-tropomyosin (TnTm) to acceptor-labeled actin is complicated by the potential for energy transfer to acceptors on neighboring actin monomers (cross-transfer). Calculations indicate that cross-transfer can account for a substantial percentage of the total transfer efficiency. In some cases, this renders isolated FRET data uninterpretable. To overcome these limitations, we have developed an analysis method that incorporates cross-transfer and can, in principle, define the most probable (in the “least-squares” sense) position of a TnTm residue on the actin filament. The technique analyzes data from four or more FRET experiments using acceptors attached to different residues on actin. We have used this method to specify the coordinates of skeletal troponin I (sTnI) residue 133 relative to the actin filament under Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ -saturating conditions. Ca 2+ -activation causes the C terminus of the regulatory domain of TnI to move away from the actin surface by 6.3 A, laterally along the actin surface toward actin subdomain 3 by 22.0 A, and azimuthally toward the actin inner domain by 13.2 A. This information is used to construct a low-resolution structural model of thin filament activation.
COMPARISON OF ERROR TRANSFER MATRICES FOR CIRCULAR ORBITS

and a similar expression results for (pn. For any conveniently chosen integer n, en and <pn constitute new initial conditions for the next time interval. The accuracy of the final results obtained in this manner is better than first order in e and <p] though convergence has not been proved, the assumption seems reasonable that by further subdivision of time intervals Eqs. (14) and (15) yield a sequence of solutions which tends to the exact solution of the problem. For low thrust devices that often necessitate integrations over hundreds of orbits, the method just outlined will have computational advantages. The inclusion of thrust in the forementioned formulism involves merely the addition of terms, since the basic equations are linear (cf., the previous footnote). Jf the Laplace transforms of e(t) and (p(t) are known and if FI(S) and Fz(s) are the transforms of thrust-functions Fi(t) and F2(t), then, to include the thrust, [A + FI(S)] must be inserted in place of A and [B + F2(s)] in place of B, and the inverse transforms then yield the complete response that is the complementary function and a particular integral.
Hardening of the budget constraint under the postsocialist system

Abstract The article examines how postsocialist society, which has been accustomed to a soft budget constraint, can learn the financial discipline characteristic of a market economy. Before there can be financial discipline, a new kind of long-term “insurance contract” typical of a market economy must emerge between the state and the firms. The prerequisite for this is the commitment and credibility of the state, which can only play its part of an “insurer” on exceptional occasions and under clearly defined conditions. The new private firms must be imbued with the demand for financial discipline from the moment they are founded: an alteration in the behavior of state-owned enterprises is also possible, but not certain. Hungary has moved in the direction of the new insurance contract, but practical experience suggests that it will be a long time before observance of financial discipline becomes incorporated into enterprise behavior. Both the state and the firms are under a big temptation to revert to their habitual behavior. Meanwhile the imposition of financial discipline poses the bitter dilemma of efficiency versus security. Should the detrimental consequences of tough financial discipline (economic recession, unemployment) imperil the institutions of democracy, the author would recommend a more cautions advance towards reinforcing financial discipline.
DNA Repair in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells and Differentiated Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are rapidly proliferating, self-renewing cells that have the capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers to form the embryo proper. Since these cells are critical for embryo formation, they must have robust prophylactic mechanisms to ensure that their genomic integrity is preserved. Indeed, several studies have suggested that ES cells are hypersensitive to DNA damaging agents and readily undergo apoptosis to eliminate damaged cells from the population. Other evidence suggests that DNA damage can cause premature differentiation in these cells. Several laboratories have also begun to investigate the role of DNA repair in the maintenance of ES cell genomic integrity. It does appear that ES cells differ in their capacity to repair damaged DNA compared to differentiated cells. This minireview focuses on repair mechanisms ES cells may use to help preserve genomic integrity and compares available data regarding these mechanisms with those utilized by differentiated cells.
3-D object orientation from partial contour feature data

The generalized Hough transform is an appropriate technique for pattern recognition problems involving incomplete information. Previous Hough-based approaches to the problem of 3-D object orientation determination from 2-D data have been limited in application to objects with straight line or vertex leatures generating possible correspondences between standard and transformed object views. This is because use of more general feature sets such as object contour points results in an unreasonable computational effort to solve for the transformation parameters each solution of the underdetermined equations generates a multiplicity of entries for the multidimensional arrays used to implement the transformation parameter solution space. Other methods which are not based on Hough table resolution but which exploit tensor invariance of imaged object features have proven useful for object identity and pose determination but these have required complete object feature data. A curve parameterization which exhibits tensor invariance under the affine transformation relating standard and transformed object views has been employed by the authors to generate local feature data for objects with partially extractable planar features. The transformation parameters are obtained from the data by solving a completely specified set oflinear equations greatly reducing the computational complexity of the Hough approach. The solutions can then be subjected to flexible constraints consistent with rigid 3-D motion orthographic projection and geometric invariance. Each tentative match generates a single entry in the Hough parameter space. The sparsely filled solution© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Esophageal function in patients with reflux-induced strictures and its relevance to surgical treatment

Abstract Esophageal function was evaluated in 53 patients with increasing severity of esophageal injury caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (study 1), and the findings were applied to the treatment of 28 patients with refluxinduced strictures (study 2). Fifty asymptomatic volunteers served as controls for both studies. In study 1 there were 14 patients without reflux complications, 14 with esophagitis grade I to III, 13 with esophageal stricture, and 12 with Barrett's epithelium (6 of whom had a stricture). The prevalence of a mechanically defective sphincter increased with the progression of the esophageal injury; 50% in the patients without complications to 84% and 92% in those with stricture or Barrett's epithelium, respectively. Similarly, a decrease in amplitude of contractions in the distal esophagus was observed in patients with stricture and patients with Barrett's epithelium. In study 2, these findings were applied in the surgical management of 28 consecutive patients with a reflux-induced stricture. Preoperative motility studies were performed after patients were dilated to 60F. Control of reflux by a Nissen fundoplication gave excellent (86%) to good (14%) results in patients who had relief of dysphagia after dilation or adequate motility, or both. Four patients with both persistent dysphagia after dilation and inadequate motility underwent resection. Transmural fibrosis was observed in all specimens. The criteria presented are helpful in the selection of the optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of dilatable refluxinduced strictures.
Beyond STS: A research‐based framework for socioscientific issues education

An important distinction can be made between the science, technology, and society (STS) movement of past years and the domain of socioscientific issues (SSI). STS education as typically practiced does not seem embedded in a coherent developmental or sociological framework that explicitly considers the psychological and epistemological growth of the child, nor the development of character or virtue. In contrast, the SSI movement focuses on empowering students to consider how science-based issues reflect, in part, moral principles and elements of virtue that encompass their own lives, as well as the physical and social world around them. The focus of this paper is to describe a research-based framework of current research and practice that identifies factors associated with reasoning about socioscientific issues and provide a working model that illustrates theoretical and conceptual links among key psychological, sociological, and developmental factors central to SSI and science education. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed, 89:357–377, 2005
IPOD site surveys in the Blake—Bahama Basin

Abstract Magnetic and seismic surveys were carried out in the Blake—Bahama Basin. The magnetic survey delineates low-amplitude anomalies in the Jurassic quiet zone that can be correlated with anomalies found elsewhere in the western North Atlantic (M26, M27 and M28). A spreading rate of 2.25 cm/yr was derived from anomalies M22 through M25 and extrapolated into the Jurassic, giving a Callovian age for M26 and M27 and Bathonian for M28 (150, 154 and 159 m.y., respectively). The seismic survey traces the major sedimentary horizons and basement in the vicinity of DSDP site 391. Sonobuoy data were used to convert reflection time to depth for correlation with the drilling results. A deep reflector not penetrated at site 391 is designated as horizon D. Basement at site 391 lies 1800 m subbottom, just within reach of the drill. Extrapolation of the sedimentation rate estimated for the lower 400 m of the drill hole yielded age estimates of 156 m.y. for horizon D and 160 m.y. for basement.
Smooth muscle in human occlusive arterial disease.

Summary Histological studies of surgically removed tissue from patients with obstructed arteries showed that some of the lesions were predominantly cellular and did not show the features of lipid accumulation and degeneration usually considered typical of atherosclerosis. It is suggested that these lesions may represent an “earlier” phase of atherosclerosis now being seen as a result of refined angiographic techniques and early surgical intervention in this disease. These lesions were composed predominantly of smooth muscle cells and a discussion of the relationship of these lesions to the occurrence of smooth muscle cells in the intima in general is offered.
Periodical citations in aquatic entomology and freshwater benthic biology

SUMMARY. 1 Periodicals cited and frequency of periodical citation were examined for two aquatic entomology textbooks published in 1984 (The Ecology of Aquatic Insects, Resh & Rosenberg, eds.; An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, Merritt & Cummins, eds.) and a bibliography of freshwater benthic biology [published by the North American Benthological Society (NABS) in 1984]. These results were then compared with periodicals cited in Wetzel's (1983) Limnology textbook and with analyses of literature citations in limnology and entomology. 2 In the aquatic entomology and benthic biology sources, eighteen-twenty journals each contained ≥1% of total citations and fourteen-twenty-eight journals (3.3–5.3% of all journals cited) contained 50% of total citations; however, over one-half (51.7–57.8%) of the journals contained only a single citation. 3 In the limnology sources examined, thirteen-seventeen journals contained ≥1% of total citations, twenty-four-fifty-nine journals (4.3–17.8% of all journals cited) contained 50% of total citations, and 54.5–58.5% of the journals contained a single citation. 4 Core lists of journals (≥1% of total citations) in Resh & Rosenberg and NABS closely agreed with core lists used for Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts. 5 Based on analysis of 1684 papers published in seven journals from 1975 to 1984, 48% of papers published on aquatic entomology and freshwater benthic biology topics dealt with descriptive studies of macroinvertebrate life histories of bionomics.
Intratracheal Dead Space Wash Out in a Meconium Aspiration Model † 941

Intratracheal dead space wash out (ITDSWO) has been developed as a method for reducing the effective dead space and has been studied in a number of low volume lung disease models. A study in preterm human neonates with hyaline membrane disease showed effective ventilation at lower airway pressures when ITDSWO was administered using a multiluminal endotracheal tube. Some models have however suggested that gas trapping may occur. We wished to determine whether ITDSWO with a multiluminal tube would be effective in a severe inhomogeneous lung disease model where elevated PaCO2 may be problematic and dead space washout would be potentially advantageous. Methods: Newborn piglets were instrumented under fentanyl anesthesia with arterial and pulmonary artery catheters. Assisted ventilation with a neonatal ventilator was commenced and after stability was assured, meconium was instilled as a 30% slurry in saline in a dose of 3 mL/kg followed after 20 minutes by a further 3 mL/kg. The animals were then monitored until PaO2 was less than 140 mmHg in an FiO2 of 1.0. At this time sequential 20 minute periods with and without extra flow delivered near the tip of the ETT via integral extra lumens built into the wall of the tube was commenced. No other changes in ventilation were permitted. Blood gas changes, airway pressures, and hemodynamics were monitored. In 4 animals flow was administered at 250 mL/min of gas with the same FiO2 as the main inspired gases, In 1animal a flow of 2 litres/min was used. Results: We confirmed that flow was being delivered to the tip of the endotracheal tube using end-tidal CO2 monitoring. There were no effects of the flow on cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressure or mean airway pressure. PaCO2 did not change when the extra flow was added. PaCO2 without flow = 42.3 (SD 9.3) mmHg, with flow = 42.8 (SD 10.7) mmHg. There were no effects on oxygenation; PaO2 with flow = 122 (SD 86) mmHg, without flow = 121(SD 86) mmHg. In the animal that received a flow of 2 litres/min PaCO2 increased during ITDSWO by 4 to 6 mmHg. Conclusion: In this lung disease model, which has airway obstruction and gas trapping as a prominent pathological feature, ITDSWO using the above methodology is ineffective possibly because of retardation of expiration and increased gas trapping. ITDSWO for meconium aspiration may require even lower flows or a different methodology such as the reverse thrust catheter.
New procedures for evaluating vision functions of special populations.

Research over the last few decades has demonstrated the rapid development of vision function that occurs in infancy with near-adult levels reached before the age of 1 year. This period of rapid development coincides with the period of maximum sensitivity to insult. These facts emphasize the importance of effective screening techniques for visual disorders. Off-axis photorefraction is described as a new and effective screening technique for detection of refractive errors, media opacities, and strabismus. Separate from screening, a significant need exists for optometric vision evaluations in special populations
In the Garden of Even

In your mind's eye, picture a green sward: you have just imagined the requisite visual field for the American garden of everyman. A simple skin of grass on earth-a lawn-grounds the minimal American garden. The lawn provides the matrix for the garden; this humble garden substrate composes my koinos topos. In their symbolic and cultural construction of the cosmos, Americans locate five senses "in nature". Vision clearly outshines the pack as the "privileged sense", to which I shall pay homage by taking the lawn as archetype, icon, and artifact, and present diverse perspectives upon this green space.
Endocrinological evaluation and hormonal therapy for women with difficult acne

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition observed in the medical community. Convention is to treat this condition with a combination of comedolytics, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial topical agents, or if indicated, oral antibiotics or retinoids. In addition to these therapies, hormonal therapy is potentially an option in women whose acne is not responding to conventional treatment or if signs of endocrine abnormalities are present. This paper focuses on the use of hormonal therapy in women with severe or recalcitrant acne. After a brief description of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and the conventional treatment modalities, indications for hormonal therapy are discussed. This is followed by an outline of a suggested endocrine evaluation, and interpretation of the evaluation test results. Various options for hormonal therapy are then described, including a further discussion of oral contraceptives (OCs) in the treatment of acne.
Effect of the cortex-lytic enzyme SleC from non-food-borne Clostridium perfringens on the germination properties of SleC-lacking spores of a food poisoning isolate

The hallmark of bacterial spore germination is peptidoglycan cortex hydrolysis by cortex-lytic enzymes. In spores of Clostridium perfringens wild-type strain SM101, which causes food poisoning, the sole essential cortex-lytic enzyme SleC is activated by a unique serine protease CspB. Interestingly, the non-food-borne wild-type strain F4969 encodes a significantly divergent SleC variant (SleCF4969) and 3 serine proteases (CspA, CspB, and CspC). Consequently, in this study we evaluated the functional compatibility of SleCF4969 and SleCSM101 by complementing the germination phenotypes of SM101ΔsleC spores with sleCF4969. Our results show that although pro-SleCF4969 was processed into mature SleCF4969 in the SM101ΔsleC spores, it partially restored spore germination with nutrient medium, with a mixture of l-asparagine and KCl, or with a 1:1 chelate of Ca2+ and dipicolinic acid. While the amount of dipicolinic acid released was lower, the amount of hexosamine-containing material released during germination of ...
Did The Inka Copy Cusco? An Answer Derived From an Architectural‐Sculptural Model

Este articulo examina el diseno arquitectonico esculpido compuesto por una kallanka, una piedra labrada/enfatizada y una plaza en varios asentamientos Inka, y analiza como este diseno materializaba aspectos de la ideologia del estado Inka. Una kallanka es una larga y publica estructura rectangular con numerosas puertas abriendo sobre una plaza. La plaza exhibe una piedra especial que podia quedarse tal cual, sin modificacion, o al contrario presentarse tallada en un asiento. En la mayoria de los casos, la roca enfatizada era parte del concepto complejo del usnu que muchas veces tenia la forma fisica de una plataforma arquitectonica. Usnus podian ser asientos de un gobernante o asientos del Sol. La coincidencia filosofica entre la piedra y el usnu evoca varias asociaciones simbolicas. Este diseno existia en Cusco y tambien en diversas haciendas reales y ciudades elegidas en las fronteras del imperio Inka.Ademas las rocas enfatizadas eran relacionadas a espacios neutrales y a centros sagrados. Esto demuestra que gobernantes Inka usaron el diseno de manera personal para legitimar su autoridad politica.
Challenges in Providing Preventive Care To Inner-city Children with Asthma

Although the scientific understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma and the quality of asthma therapies have significantly improved over the past 30 years, asthma morbidity remains high and preventive care low for inner-city children. This article focuses on 4 major challenges to providing preventive care (family and patient attitudes and beliefs, lack of access to quality medical care, psychosocial factors, environmental factors) based on prior evidence and the authors' observation of these challenges in research with inner-city children with asthma over the past decade. Cost issues related to preventive care are addressed, and recommendations provide for pediatric nurses.
Atomic structure of cobalt silicide islands formed by reactive epitaxy

Abstract We report STM observations of the reaction of cobalt deposited on Si(111) at 320°C. At low coverage, coherent monolayer silicide islands form in a matrix of 7 × 7 reconstructed silicon. The islands take one of three forms: flat and recessed 0.3 A, 2 × 2 corrugated and raised 0.8 A or flat and raised 1.0 A, where heights are given with respect to Si (111)−7 × 7. These structures are assigned to CoSi 2 (111) with 7-fold (111) interface bonding, CoSi 2 with a 2 × 2 array of Si adatoms, and CoSi(111), respectively. Atomic models are given for the lateral silicide-silicon interface along the island edges. The role of these metastable, precursor structures in the kinetic path of the silicide reaction is described.
Differential efficacy of inhibition of mitochondrial and bacterial cytochrome bc1 complexes by center N inhibitors antimycin, ilicicolin H and funiculosin

Abstract We have compared the efficacy of inhibition of the cytochrome bc 1 complexes from yeast and bovine heart mitochondria and Paracoccus denitrificans by antimycin, ilicicolin H, and funiculosin, three inhibitors that act at the quinone reduction site at center N of the enzyme. Although the three inhibitors have some structural features in common, they differ significantly in their patterns of inhibition. Also, while the overall folding pattern of cytochrome b around center N is similar in the enzymes from the three species, amino acid sequence differences create sufficient structural differences so that there are striking differences in the inhibitors binding to the three enzymes. Antimycin is the most tightly bound of the three inhibitors, and binds stoichiometrically to the isolated enzymes from all three species under the cytochrome c reductase assay conditions. Ilicicolin H also binds stoichiometrically to the yeast enzyme, but binds approximately 2 orders of magnitude less tightly to the bovine enzyme and is essentially non-inhibitory to the Paracoccus enzyme. Funiculosin on the other hand inhibits the yeast and bovine enzymes similarly, with IC 50 ∼ 10 nM, while the IC 50 for the Paracoccus enzyme is more than 10-fold higher. Similar differences in inhibitor efficacy were noted in bc 1 complexes from yeast mutants with single amino acid substitutions at the center N site, although the binding affinity of quinone and quinol substrates were not perturbed to a degree that impaired catalytic function in the variant enzymes. These results reveal a high degree of specificity in the determinants of ligand-binding at center N, accompanied by sufficient structural plasticity for substrate binding as to not compromise center N function. The results also demonstrate that, in principle, it should be possible to design novel inhibitors targeted toward center N of the bc 1 complex with appropriate species selectivity to allow their use as drugs against pathogenic fungi and parasites.
Manipulation of habitat quality: effects on chironomid life history traits

1. To understand how habitat heterogeneity affects organisms, the present authors measured the response of chironomid life-histories to single patch types in a controlled laboratory experiment. The objective was to determine whether the size and type of leaf particles in the substratum affect development rate and survival of larvae, and the fecundity of the resulting adults. 2. Chironomus riparius larvae were raised in sand supplemented with dogwood, Cornus florida, (a rapid decomposer) or American sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, (a refractory decomposer) leaves fully crossed in a factorial design with four leaf particle sizes (0.2, 0.5, 1 and 5 cm2), or in sand only. 3. Development time was shorter in dogwood habitats than sycamore habitats, and shorter in sycamore habitats than in sand habitats. Survival was higher and larval head capsule lengths of instars III and IV were larger in dogwood than in sycamore or sand habitats. Development time was longer and head capsule lengths of instars III and IV were smaller in habitats with 5-cm2 leaf particles than in 0.2-, 0.5- and 1-cm2 particle size treatments. Female thorax length (a measure of fecundity) did not differ among treatments. 4. The present authors conclude that, for C. riparius confined to a single patch type, fitness is significantly enhanced when the patch contains small particles of dogwood (labile) leaves.
A Chance-Constrained Model for Real-Time Control in Research and Development Management

Funding of research projects is considered as encompassing three stages: 1 an initial short run plan for funding based upon projected regular demands and availability subject to random deviations; 2 adjustment of the initial plan to take into account the actual regular demands and availability and the funding of significant break-throughs which occur at random intervals preempting other demands; and 3 a plan for longer-run availability and demands which constitute a “posture” desired subsequent to the funding adjustments of 2. The essence of the distribution of the unexpected demands is multi-modality with low probability of occurrence but high resource demand when they do occur. This approach represents a substantial departure from the usual planning model development which produces only an optimal plan based on forecasted developments without provision for adjustment when the forecasted events actually materialize and additional unexpected demands are placed on resources. The adjustment process explored here---which provides the mechanism for optimal implementation of the original plan or control of resource allocation-enables optimal response to information received in “real-time” avoiding the frequently observed over-or under-response to receipt of such information without reference to the impact of the interim decision on future capabilities.
Around the World of DNA Damage INO80 Days

DNA damage is detected and repaired in the context of chromatin. In this issue of Cell, van Attikum et al. (2004) and Morrison et al. (2004) demonstrate that double-stranded break repair involves the recruitment of a specialized chromatin remodeling complex, INO80, through an interaction with phosphorylated histone H2A.
Pharmacokinetics of sodium borocaptate: a critical assessment of dosing paradigms for boron neutron capture therapy

The pharmacokinetics of sodium borocaptate (BSH), a drug that has been used clinically for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of malignant brain tumors, have been characterized by measuring boron concentrations by direct current plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (DCP-AES) in a group of 23 patients with high-grade gliomas. The disposition of BSH following intravenous (i.v.) infusion, which was determined by measuring plasma boron concentrations by DCP-AES, was consistent with a three-compartment open model with zero-order input and first-order elimination from the central compartment. Boron disposition was linear over the dose range of 26.5–88.2 mg BSH/kg body weight (b.w.), corresponding to 15–50 mg boron/kg b.w. Mean total body boron plasma clearance was 14.4 ± 3.5 ml/min and the harmonic mean half-lives (range) were 0.6 (0.3–3.7), 6.5 (4.8–10.1) and 77.8 (49.6–172.0) h for theα, β, andγ disposition phases, respectively. Using an empirically determined plasma: blood boron concentration ratio of 1.3 ± 0.2, the calculated total body boron blood clearance was 18.5 ± 4.5 ml/min. In order to develop a model for selecting the optimum dosing paradigm, a pharmacokinetic correlation was established between the boron content of normal brain, solid tumor, and infiltrating tumor to the shallow tissue pharmacokinetic compartment (C2). Based on our model, it was concluded that although multiple i.v. infusions of BSH might increase absolute tumor boron concentrations, they will not improve the tumor: plasma boron concentration ratios over those attainable by a single i.v. infusion. The results from our study are confirmatory of those previously reported by others when blood sampling has been carried out for a sufficient period of time to adequately characterize the pharmacokinetics.
Is the ocean food provision index biased

arising from B. S. Halpern et al. , 615–620 (2012)10.1038/nature11397 How close to maximum sustainable food provision is current seafood harvest from the world’s oceans? Halpern et al.1 suggest that the answer is 25% from a global index of food provision, part of their multifaceted index of ocean health. Rigorous methods used for management, however, demonstrate that their food provision index is uncorrelated with actual food provision, and that global ocean food provision is in the range of 71–95%. Their results stem from an uncertain method of estimating maximum sustainable yield (MSY), and we believe that this approach should be avoided as a measure of food provision. There is a Reply to this Brief Communication Arising by Halpern, B. S. et al. Nature 495, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature11975 (2013).
Friendly atheism revisited

This paper endeavors to explain what friendly atheism is and why it is reasonable to seek to be friendly toward those whose views about God differ substantially from one’s own.
Cytokine knockouts in contact hypersensitivity research.

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a Langerhans cell (LC)-dependent, T cell-mediated cutaneous immune response. CHS reflects a culmination of LC activities in vivo: uptake of epicutaneous antigens, migration into lymph nodes, and presentation of antigens to naive T cells. Although studies have suggested involvement of the cytokine network in LC migration and CHS initiation, the in vivo function of individual cytokines remains largely unknown. Gene targeting technology has made it possible to study in vivo functions of cytokines through gene-targeted knockout (KO) mice deficient in a given cytokine or its receptor. A variety of cytokine knockouts have been used to assign biological functions to specific cytokines in CHS. These studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying CHS.
Inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in obesity and diabetes

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammatory signals interfere with insulin action and disrupt metabolic homeostasis. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) has been identified as a central mediator of insulin resistance. Recent studies showed that in obesity compromising endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function results in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes that are dependent on JNK activation. In contrast, enhancing ER function in transgenic mice or by the use of chemical chaperones protects against diet-induced insulin resistance. Hence, ER stress and the related signaling networks present a critical mechanism underlying obesity-induced JNK activity, inflammatory response and insulin resistance.
Interaural comparison of spiral ganglion cell counts in profound deafness

Objectives This study is designed to measure the degree to which spiral ganglion cell (SGC) survival in the left and right ears is similar in profoundly hearing-impaired human patients with symmetric (right/left) etiology and sensitivity. This is of interest because a small difference between ears would imply that one ear could be used as a control ear in temporal bone studies evaluating the impact on SGC survival of a medical intervention in the other ear.
Structure of Rv1848 (UreA), the Mycobacterium tuberculosis urease γ subunit

The crystal structure of the urease γ subunit (UreA) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Rv1848, has been determined at 1.8 A resolution. The asymmetric unit contains three copies of Rv1848 arranged into a homotrimer that is similar to the UreA trimer in the structure of urease from Klebsiella aerogenes. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments indicate that the Rv1848 protein also forms trimers in solution. The observed homotrimer and the organization of urease genes within the M. tuberculosis genome suggest that M. tuberculosis urease has the (αβγ)3 composition observed for other bacterial ureases. The γ subunit may be of primary importance for the formation of the urease quaternary structure.
Actinomycosis of the anterior maxilla.

Abstract Differential diagnosis of infections of the oral cavity should include actinomycosis as a causative organism.
Orientation of the RNA in tobacco mosaic virus

Abstract The configuration of the ribonucleic acid within tobacco mosaic virus was studied by comparing the ultraviolet dichroism of flow-oriented virus and repolymerized, nucleic acid free tobacco mosaic virus protein. The dichroism of the RNA within tobacco mosaic virus, obtained by subtracting the protein contribution from the dichroic spectra of the virus, has been interpreted as being due to a preferred orientation of the planes of the purine and pyrimidine bases of the RNA “approximately” parallel to the longitudinal axis of the virus. The dichroism of the protein suggests a preferred orientation of the aromatic amino acids, especially tryptophan, “approximately” parallel to the longitudinal axis. The dichroic ratio of tobacco mosaic virus was found to be influenced by the asymmetry of the particles in the flowing solution and by the geometry of the flow cell. With linearly aggregated particles at pH 5.15 and an optical flow cell of square cross-section, the dichroic ratios for tobacco mosaic virus in this study were appreciably higher than those previously obtained by others.
Transport and melt processing in functionalized pentacene with “organic wire” connections

Abstract We explore melt processing of functionalized pentacene for use in electronic and photonic devices. In parallel, the use of carbon fibers to make electrical contact to the melt-films is described. We discuss the morphology of the melted films which includes the appearance of dendritic growth, carbon fiber contacts to the films, and the temperature dependence of the carbon, PEDOT, and pentacene components of the various structures.
Residual microstructural chloride in graphite-aluminum metal matrix composites

Abstract Residual chloride was found in the microstructure of a graphite-aluminum alloy 6061 metal matrix composite. The source of the chloride was traced to the aluminum infiltration process that utilized the TiB vapor deposit method. Other studies have shown that the residual microstructural chloride accelerates corrosion of aluminum matrices; thus, alternative aluminum infiltration processes that do not leave behind chlorides (and other halides) should be given priority.
Understanding the ENSO–CO2 Link Using Stabilized Climate Simulations

AbstractThe influence of atmospheric CO2 concentration on the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is explored using 800-yr integrations of the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 3.5 (CCSM3.5), with CO2 stabilized at the a.d. 1850, 1990, and 2050 levels. Model mean state changes with increased CO2 include preferential SST warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific, a weakening of the equatorial trade winds, increased vertical ocean stratification, and a reduction in the atmospheric Hadley and oceanic subtropical overturning circulations. The annual cycle of SST strengthens with CO2, likely related to unstable air–sea interactions triggered by an increased Northern Hemisphere land–sea temperature contrast. The mean trade wind structure changes asymmetrically about the equator, with increased convergence in the Northern Hemisphere and divergence in the Southern Hemisphere leading to corresponding deepening and shoaling of the thermocline. The proportion of eastern versus central Pacific–type El Nino...
Trade Liberalization and Change in Poverty Status in Rural Ethiopia: What are the Links?

The impacts of trade liberalization on poverty status of farm households in Africa often come through its effects on prices, government revenues, and employment, among other things. For the case of Ethiopia, the main channel through which trade liberalization affects farm households is changes in the prices of inputs and outputs. The aim of this study is to empirically examine the impacts of trade reform on poverty status in rural Ethiopia. The results show that, although households’ resource endowment had consistent and significant improvement impacts, trade liberalization had mixed effects on change in poverty status. As a result of trade liberalization, contrary to expectation, changes in the prices of cash crops (i.e. chat and coffee) had increased the probability of remaining poor and falling into poverty. On the other hand, changes in the relative prices of staple food crops (i.e. teff and wheat), together with access to credit and schools, had increased the probability of escaping poverty and remai...
Parthenogenesis in the Mayfly Genus Baetis (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)

Parthenogenesis has been confirmed for 4 species of Baetis mayflies by hatching larvae from eggs taken from reared unmated female imagoes. Baetis macdunnoughi Ide and B. hageni Eaton were thelytokous and obligatory while B. frondalis McDunnough and B. spinosus McDunnough were deuterotokous and facultative. This represents the 1st demonstrated case of parthenogenesis in North America for the genus Baetis .
Does Job Training Yield Positive Outcomes for Women on Public Assistance

Recent welfare reform movements have clearly limited job training opportunities for women on welfare. Previous studies suggest this is due to the ineffectiveness of the training for this population. This study examined which women on public assistance programs received training and whether training was associated with a higher probability of obtaining employment and better individual incomes. Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) of 2004, this study found that women who seemed the most job ready were the most likely to receive training. The results also show that the odds of women on public assistance gaining employment were almost 14.6 times higher when they received job training. Training was also associated with a 72 % increase in individual incomes among those working. The findings of this study indicate that placing barriers to job training for women on public assistance programs is difficult to justify.
Analysis of pressure-falloff tests following cold-water injection

This paper presents generalized procedures to interpret pressure injection and falloff data following cold-water injection into a hot-oil reservoir. The relative permeability characteristics of the porous medium are accounted for, as is the temperature dependence of the fluid mobilities. It is shown that the saturation and temperature gradients have significant effects on the pressure data for both the injection and falloff periods. The matching of field data to type curves generated from analytical solutions provides estimates of the temperature-dependent mobilities of the flooded and uninvaded regions. The solutions also may be used to provide estimates of the size of the invaded region, the distance to the temperature discontinuity, heat capacities, and wellbore-storage and skin effects.
Rapid administration of high-dose human antibody fab fragments to dogs: Pharmacokinetics and toxicity

The treatment of drug overdose with drug-specific antibody fragments may require very high antibody doses. To address the feasibility of this therapy, we studied the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of high-dose human nonspecific Fab fragments in beagles. Three dogs received 5.3 g/kg Fab iv over 1 hr. Because nephrotoxicity was observed, three subsequent dogs received 3.2 g/kg. The fraction of the Fab dose excreted in urine (10 +/- 6%) was lower than reported values for either high or low doses of Fab in other species. The terminal serum elimination half-life (42 hr for the higher and 48 hr for the lower dose) was also longer than reported values for other species, due to lower renal and nonrenal Fab clearance. Fab administration was tolerated without adverse hemodynamic effects. One of three dogs at each dose developed transient oliguria. All dogs developed a transient but marked increase in the serum creatinine concentration. At 2 weeks creatinine clearance had returned to normal. Urinary protein and albumin excretion at 2 weeks were within the normal range for dogs but were increased over their baseline values. The histology of all organs was normal at 3 weeks by light microscopy, and renal histology by electron microscopy was also normal. The mechanism of Fab nephrotoxicity, not observed previously with high-dose Fab in rats or lower doses of Fab in other species including dogs, is not clear. These data suggest that further study of the potential toxicity of high-dose Fab, and its reversibility, is needed to assess the feasibility of treating drug overdose with this antibody fragment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Resistance Training is Associated with Improved Mood in Healthy Older Adults

This study examined the effects of 24 wk. of resistance training on mood in healthy but sedentary older adults. 28 participants performed resistance training 3 times per week for 24 weeks. No significant differences were found in mood scores between high and variable resistance groups, and there were no significant interactions between resistance and sex or intervention, or among all three factors. For pooled data, significant improvement was found on measures of Confusion, Tension, Anger, and Total Mood Scores, although not for scores for Fatigue, Vigor, and Depression. Sex differences were found on some subscales, but no significant interactions between sex and resistance training. These findings support the effectiveness of resistance training in improving mood in healthy older adults, although further study is needed to control for effect size, as well as cohort, social, and attentional effects.