cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine focuses on the ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, experiential, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. Mind-Body therapies are the least “alternative” of the integrative therapies. Many cognitive and expressive therapies, such as hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback, art, and music have been used since the 1980s to manage procedural pain and anxiety in children with cancer undergoing procedures and are now considered standard approaches in pediatric care. Randomized controlled trials provide evidence for the use of massage and Healing Touch to reduce cancer related anxiety, negative mood states, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, and emerging evidence supports movement therapies for physical conditioning in survivors. Children respond to interventions that foster creative expression and movement. Mind-body therapies are both healing and fun and offer perceived benefit with little risk. This chapter summarizes the evidence for the effectiveness of select mind-body therapies categorized as cognitive, expressive, physical/kinesthetic, sensory, and biofield/energy interventions and proposes applications for use in pediatric oncology. Actual case scenarios provide examples for integrating mind-body therapies into clinical pediatric oncology care.
Spin-trapping and human neutrophils. Limits of detection of hydroxyl radical.

Abstract Using the spin trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide (DMPO) and an excess of dimethyl sulfoxide, we previously reported that in the absence of an exogenous iron catalyst, human neutrophils will not generate hydroxyl radical, manifested as the catalse-inhibitable methyl radical spin-trapped adduct, 2,2,5-trimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxy (DMPO-CH3) (Britigan, B. E., Rosen, G. M., Chai, Y., and Cohen, M. S. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 4426-4431). However, superoxide destroys the preformed hydroxyl radical spin-trapped adduct, 2,2-dimethyl-5-hydroxy-1-pyrrolidinyloxy (DMPO-OH), and DMPO-CH3. The present study was undertaken to better resolve the limits of sensitivity of the spin-trapping method. Photolytically generated DMPO-CH3 and DMPO-OH slowly decomposed in the presence of a low flux (1 microM/min) of enzymatically (xanthine/xanthine oxidase)-generated superoxide, but more rapid decomposition of these adducts occurred with higher superoxide flux (5 microM/min). Inclusion of cysteine markedly increased the rate of DMPO-OH and DMPO-CH3 decomposition, masking the effect of superoxide alone. The addition of varying concentrations of superoxide dismutase did not lead to increased formation of DMPO-OH or DMPO-CH3, as should have occurred if these adducts were being destroyed by superoxide. As a positive control, we employed an iron-supplemented system with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated neutrophils or xanthine/xanthine oxidase to generate DMPO-CH3. Addition of superoxide dismutase increased the magnitude of DMPO-CH3, primarily by increasing the rate of hydrogen peroxide formation, and to a lesser extent by prolonging the half-life of DMPO-CH3. Although spin-trapped adducts can be destroyed by a high concentration of superoxide, or by lower concentrations of superoxide in the presence of thiol-containing compounds, our results demonstrate that such decomposition does not interfere with the ability of the spin-trapping method to detect hydroxyl radical generated by human neutrophils. These data do not support the capacity of neutrophils to generate hydroxyl radical in the absence of an exogenous Haber-Weiss catalyst.
Establishing financial targets for joint ventures in emerging countries

Abstract A conceptual framework is proposed regarding front-end financial targets for multinational entities (MNEs) regarding their international joint ventures with government-owned or government-influenced entities of economically emerging nations. The model theoretically integrates and advances two distinct levels of propositions. The first level suggests that prior to its establishment, a negotiating range will be influenced by an intersection of the MNE’s strategic objectives and the host government’s expectations of the cooperative effort. Subsequently, the MNE will adjust its expected compensation target within the established range due to the risk arising from various host country environmental factors. The proposed external environmental factors include cultural distance, political risk, economic instability, and host country operating level restrictions.
Africa’s Growth Trap: A Political-Economy Model of Taxation, R&D and Investment

Why do so many African governments consistently impose high tax rates and make little investment in productive public goods when alternative policies could yield greater tax revenues and higher national income? We posit and test an intertemporal political economy model in which the government sets tax and R&D levels while investors respond with production. Equilibrium policy and growth rates depend on initial cost structure. We find that in many (but not all) African countries, low tax/high investment regimes would be time-inconsistent. For progrowth policies to become sustainable, commitment mechanisms or new production techniques would be needed.
Provocation as Partial Justification and Partial Excuse

The partial defense of provocation provides that a person who kills in the heat of passion brought on by legally adequate provocation is guilty of manslaughter rather than murder. It traces back to the twelfth century, and exists today, in some form, in almost every U.S. state and other common law jurisdictions. But long history and wide application have not produced agreement on the rationale for the doctrine. To the contrary, the search for a coherent and satisfying rationale remains among the main occupations of criminal law theorists.The dominant scholarly view holds that provocation is best explained and defended as a partial excuse, on the grounds that the killer’s inflamed emotional state so compromised his ability to conform his conduct to the demands of reason and law as to render him substantially less blameworthy for his conduct. In contrast, a small minority of scholars have maintained, without significant argumentative support, that provocation is best understood as a partial justification, on the ground that the provoked killing is less wrongful than is an unprovoked killing, ceteris paribus. Recently, other commentators have argued that provocation mitigation is neither partial excuse nor partial justification.Against all of these familiar positions, we argue that partial excuse and partial justification are necessary and sufficient conditions for provocation manslaughter. In our view, an intentional killing deserves to be punished and labeled as manslaughter rather than murder only when, because of provocation, this particular killing is significantly less wrongful than is the standard intentional killing and when, because of the actor’s partial lack of control, he is less blameworthy for committing an act that remains all-things-considered wrongful. In elaborating and defending our account, we rebut the oft-repeated but rarely challenged propositions that justification and excuse (even in partial forms) are mutually exclusive, and that the very notion of partial justification is incoherent. We also draw forth implications for how the sentencing ranges for murder and for manslaughter should be related.
Splicing of retrotransposon insertions from transcripts of the Drosophila melanogaster vermilion gene in a revertant.

A mutation of the Drosophila melanogaster vermilion (v) gene known as v1 is caused by the insertion of a 412 retrotransposon into the 59 untranslated region of the first exon. Mutants carrying this insertion accumulate a low level of mRNA from which most of the transposon sequences have been eliminated by splicing at cryptic sites within transposon sequences. Here, we demonstrate that a revertant of the v1 allele called v+37 is caused by the insertion of a second retrotransposon, the B104/roo element, into a site near one end of the 412 element. The revertant strain accumulates a higher level of mRNA from which most of both transposons have been removed by splicing at new donor sites introduced by the B104/roo insertion and the same acceptor site within 412. Mutations at suppressor of sable [su(s)], which increase the accumulation of v1 transcripts, slightly elevate the level of v+37 RNA. In addition, we show that the first v intron downstream of the 412 insertion is not efficiently removed in the v1 mutant, and suppressor and reversion mutations increase the proportion of transcripts that are properly spliced at that downstream intron. Thus, it appears that both the suppressor and reversion mutations exert an effect at the level of pre-mRNA splicing.
The oldest described eurypterid: a giant Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) megalograptid from the Winneshiek Lagerstätte of Iowa

Eurypterids are a diverse group of chelicerates known from ~250 species with a sparse Ordovician record currently comprising 11 species; the oldest fully documented example is from the Sandbian of Avalonia. The Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) fauna of the Winneshiek Lagerstatte includes a new eurypterid species represented by more than 150 specimens, including some juveniles, preserved as carbonaceous cuticular remains. This taxon represents the oldest described eurypterid, extending the documented range of the group back some 9 million years. The new eurypterid species is described as Pentecopterus decorahensis gen. et sp. nov.. Phylogenetic analysis places Pentecopterus at the base of the Megalograptidae, united with the two genera previously assigned to this family by the shared possession of two or more pairs of spines per podomere on prosomal appendage IV, a reduction of all spines except the pair on the penultimate podomere of appendage V, and an ornamentation of guttalate scales, including angular scales along the posterior margin of the dorsal tergites and in longitudinal rows along the tergites. The morphology of Pentecopterus reveals that the Megalograptidae are representatives of the derived carcinosomatoid clade and not basal eurypterids as previously interpreted. The relatively derived position of megalograptids within the eurypterids indicates that most eurypterid clades were present by the Middle Ordovician. Eurypterids either underwent an explosive radiation soon after their origination, or earlier representatives, perhaps Cambrian in age, remain to be discovered. The available instars of Pentecopterus decorahensis suggest that eurypterids underwent extreme appendage differentiation during development, a potentially unique condition among chelicerates. The high degree of appendage specialization in eurypterids is only matched by arachnids within chelicerates, supporting a sister taxon relationship between them.
Diagenetic incorporation of Sr into aragonitic bivalve shells: implications for chronostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental interpretations

Aragonite is easily altered during diagenesis, therefore presumed pristine when present. In effect, beyond polymorphic transformation to calcite, alteration paths of aragonite remain poorly understood despite heavy reliance on such material to produce palaeoenvironmental and chronostratigraphic interpretations. Previous work on core material from Southern McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, showed that unlike their calcitic counterparts, seemingly unaltered aragonite shell fragments invariably produced older than expected 87Sr/86Sr ages. In this study, we pursued additional analyses of these aragonite shells and of the porewater of the core to understand this discrepancy. Aragonite mineralogy was reconfirmed and elemental mapping of shell fragments revealed growth lines within the middle layer suggestive of good preservation. The outer layer, however, showed anomalously high Sr concentrations (average 4·5 ± 0·6 mole% SrCO3; ca 25 mmol mol−1 Sr/Ca) and was depleted in 18O and 13C compared to the middle layer, both features inconsistent with pristine material. The δ18O values and Sr concentrations of the porewater were used to model outer layer compositions reasonably well. Coincidentally, porewater Sr isotope composition was in general agreement with the age model of the core only at the aragonite-bearing interval suggesting that Sr-isotopic disequilibrium between porewater and the carbonates was the rule rather than the exception in the core. The Sr isotope compositions of the aragonite shells are most likely the result of early diagenesis as suggested by the inconsistent O and C isotope compositions between shell layers and the anomalously high Sr concentrations. We conclude that knowledge of Sr concentration and distribution in shells is critical to determine the viability of Sr stratigraphy and the scale at which it may be applied. Reliance on traditional indicators of lack of alteration, such as cathodoluminescence, Mn-Fe concentration, and the presence of labile mineralogies to assert chronostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental questions may produce erroneous conclusions due to obscurely altered material.
Acidic Proteins of Cellular Nuclei

AN alkali-soluble protein fraction, obtained from calf thymus nuclei, was reported by Mayer and Gulick1. Upon addition of acid to the alkaline solution, precipitation of this fraction occurred at about pH 6. Stedman and Stedman2,3 obtained an alkali-soluble protein fraction, ‘chromosomin’, from several kinds of nuclei, including the heads of fish spermatozoa. Alkali-soluble protein fractions, which are precipitated when the solution is made acid, were recently reported to be present in boar spermatozoa4.
The Exile of Kish: Syntax and History in Esther 2.5–6

Recent studies have relied on Esther 2.5–6 to establish the story as fiction or as farce, a way of reading the text that was also the case in ancient and medieval interpretations. This article proposes that that reading strategy ignores the syntactic ambiguity in these verses, an ambiguity that allows for an alternate reading in line with both Hebrew grammar and historical plausibility. As a result, it is argued that a reading which was acceptable to the pre-modern interpreters, without access to historical data regarding the Persian Empire, ought to be rejected today in light of current knowledge.
Aqueous solutions as potential ultrasonic contrast agents

Enhancement of ultrasonic backscatter and reflectivity from tissues has been demonstrated in the past using gas bubbles and thermal effects. This paper presents a new approach, whereby such enhancement can be achieved by the introduction of suitable aqueous solutions into tissue. Ideally, such solutions should exhibit low toxicity and ultrasonic properties markedly different from those of tissue. Twenty-two potential materials were identified and the speed of sound, density and acoustic impedance in their solutions were determined as a function of concentration. Some of these solutions were used in preliminary in vitro and in vivo canine experiments and echo enhancement was demonstrated.
ansa‐Calcocenes: rac‐[bis(3,3′‐biace­naphthyl­enido)]­bis­(tetra­hydro­furan)­calcium

The title compound, rac-[Ca(C24H12)(C4H8O)2], was synthesized using activated calcium and the neutral ligand in the presence of THF. Both enantiomers are present in the asymmetric unit. The Ca atom is in a distorted pseudo-tetrahedral four-coordinate environment with the following range of bond distances and angles (Cp = cyclo­penta­dienyl centroid): Cp—Ca 2.347 (4)–2.446 (4) A, Ca—O 2.346 (4)–2.357 (4) A, Cp—Ca—Cp 118.8 (2)–119.1 (2)° and O—Ca—O 87.39 (14)–87.93 (13)°.
The Pawtucket Heart Health Program: community changes in cardiovascular risk factors and projected disease risk.

OBJECTIVES. Whether community-wide education changed cardiovascular risk factors and disease risk in Pawtucket, RI, relative to a comparison community was assessed. METHODS. Random-sample, cross-sectional surveys were done of people aged 18 through 64 years at baseline, during, and after education. Baseline cohorts were reexamined. Pawtucket citizens of all ages participated in multilevel education, screening, and counseling programs. RESULTS. The downward trend in smoking was slightly greater in the comparison city. Small, insignificant differences favored Pawtucket in blood cholesterol and blood pressure. In the cross-sectional surveys, body mass index increased significantly in the comparison community; a similar change was not seen in cohort surveys. Projected cardiovascular disease rates were significantly (16%) less in Pawtucket during the education program. This difference lessened to 8% posteducation. CONCLUSIONS. The hypothesis that projected cardiovascular disease risk can be altered by communit...
Use of an oxygen electrode in assaying biodegradability.

Abstract A method has been developed for assaying the biodegradability of cellulosic biomass using an Orion Model 97-08 oxygen electrode. The assay couples the cellulosic biomass sample with an excess mixture of cellulase sp-122, OB-1-A, glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4), and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6). The initial rate of O 2 consumption is measured and compared with a standard curve that measures the initial rate of O 2 consumption vs known amounts of avicel microcrystalline cellulose. The RAD (relative average deviation) for the method is less than 10‰ vs a range of 10% for the colorimetric procedure, and the time required is 2 h vs 18 h. The electrolyte medium for the electrode was replaced by a solution that was 0.05 m in KH 2 PO 4 , 0.05 m in K 2 HPO 4 , 0.2 m KCl saturated with AgCl, made to pH 7 by the addition of 0.1 m KH 2 PO 4 and immobilized by the addition of 5% Cab-o-sil. Two special cells were constructed; one for small-size homogeneous samples and a second for coarse samples.
A fluorescent carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in human lens.

Abstract A fluorescent carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) has been identified in both human normal lenses and cataractous lenses. The total amounts of PhIP in normal lenses were 50·7 ± 36·0 pg (n = 7) while those of PhIP in senile and diabetic cataractous lenses were 143 ± 29·2 pg (n = 10) and 148 ± 55·0 pg (n = 10), respectively. Although it was not possible to strictly compare the contents of PhIP among normal, senile and diabetic lenses, due to the limited numbers of normal lenses available, the mean total amounts of PhIP in normal lenses were the lowest among normal, senile and cataractous lenses when allowing for differences in age. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between total amounts of PhIP in human lenses, and age of the lens, suggesting that the content of PhIP in human lens is increased with age. In all types of lenses, the concentrations of PhIP in the insoluble-protein fraction (pg mg-1 protein) were significantly higher than those in the water-soluble protein fraction. In addition, PhIP was formed when bovine lens was incubated at 37°C under the presence of creatinine and glucose for various time periods, and the yield of PhIP during incubation was found to be time-dependent. The results from our study suggest that PhIP may be one of the age-related fluorogens in the human lens.
Flow Cytometric DNA Analysis of Early Stage Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of DNA flow cytometry as a prognostic indicator for risk of recurrence and overall survival in patients with early stage adenocarcinomas of the uterine cervix. Methods. DNA flow cytometry was performed to determine ploidy, DNA index, and proliferative index in 66 women with stage IB and IIA pure mucinous adenocarcinomas of the cervix treated by primary surgical therapy with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Fifty-seven of 66 (86.3%) tissue samples were analyzable. Three sections were obtained from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks containing primary tumor. Flow cytometric results, along with other known prognostic variables for risk for recurrent disease and survival, were analyzed using the Cox regression proportional hazards model and survival curves generated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results. Of 57 interpretable samples, DNA ploidy patterns were 18 (27%) diploid, 8 (12%) tetraploid, and 31 (47%) aneuploid. Thirteen of 66 patients (20%) experienced recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 1.6 years. No significant correlation was noted between DNA ploidy and risk of recurrence ( P = 0.429). Multivariate analysis confirmed that positive metastatic lymph nodes were associated with risk of recurrence ( P 2 M% > 20%), measured as a continuous variable, was the only significant factor for tumor recurrence ( P = 0.002). Conclusion. DNA ploidy does not predict a patient's risk for tumor recurrence; however, a high proliferative index value warrants further investigation as a potential prognostic indicator for risk of recurrent disease in patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.
Trace conditioning with X-rays as an aversive stimulus

An aversion to saccharin flavored water (.1%) was conditioned in male albino rats using X-rays as the noxious stimulus. The time interval between CS (saccharin) and US (X-ray) was varied for different groups and it was noted that an aversion could be formed when these stimuli were separated by as much as 12 h. Additional groups were run with 4% sucrose as the CS and the maximum effective time interval between CS and US was approximately 6 h.
The Use of Flexor to Extensor Transfers for the Correction of the Flexible Hammer Toe Deformity

Flexor to extensor transfer is a useful means for the correction of a flexible hammer toe deformity. Although satisfaction rates have varied in the literature, this technique remains a useful tool in the surgeon’s armamentarium to improve toe deformity, decrease pain, and aid in shoe wear.
Elevated-temperature heavy-ion damage in (Co0.78Fe0.22)3V ordered alloy☆

Abstract Irradiation-induced changes in microstructure were studied in a (Co0.78Fe0.22)3V long-range-ordered alloy after bombardment with 4 MeV nickel ions at temperatures from 843 to 1023 K and damage levels from 10 to 70 dpa. Small cavities and Frank loops were developed, and particles of pre-existing VC phase were redistributed by the irradiation. Long-range order was retained under all irradiation conditions, but domain size was effectively reduced by the Frank loops that served as antiphase boundaries. Simultaneous injection of helium at a rate of 3 at.ppm/dpa and deuterium at a rate of 12 at.ppm/dpa during irradiation produced gas bubbles in the grain boundaries, increased the dislocation and cavity densities, reduced the mean cavity size, but had little effect on the ordered domain size or the redistribution of VC particles. Even with injected gases, swelling remained below 0.25%. It is deduced that swelling did not reach the rapid bias-driven state because the critical cavity size was large.
High temperature surface effects of He+ implantation in ICF fusion first wall materials

Abstract The first wall armor of the inertial confinement fusion reactor chambers must withstand high temperatures and significant radiation damage from target debris and neutrons. The resilience of multiple materials to one component of the target debris has been investigated using energetic (20–40 keV) helium ions generated in the inertial electrostatic confinement device at the University of Wisconsin. The materials studied include: single-crystalline, and polycrystalline tungsten, tungsten-coated tantalum-carbide ‘foams’, tungsten–rhenium alloy, silicon carbide, carbon–carbon velvet, and tungsten-coated carbon–carbon velvet. Steady-state irradiation temperatures ranged from 750 to 1250 °C with helium fluences between 5 × 1017 and 1 × 1020 He+/cm2. The crystalline, rhenium alloyed, carbide foam, and powder metallurgical tungsten specimens each experienced extensive pore formation after He+ irradiation. Flaking and pore formation occurred on silicon carbide samples. Individual fibers of carbon–carbon velvet specimens sustained erosion and corrugation, in addition to the roughening and rupturing of tungsten coatings after helium ion implantation.
An FEL-Based Microwave System for Fusion

This paper describes designs for 280-GHz and 560-GHz microwave sources based on free electron lasers (FELs). These 10-MW units are based on technology developed over the last 5 years. A first demonstration of high-average-power microwave production with an FEL system is expected in the Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX) facility. This paper gives details on the design and construction of that 250-GHz, 2-MW system and discusses specific applications for the Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT).
Association of the Green Stink Bug and the Yeast-Spot Disease Organism of Soybeans. III. Effect on Soybean Quality

Soybean seeds fed on late in their development by Acrosternum hilare (Say) displayed no significant damage to oil and protein content 9 and 18 months after harvest. Damage was not increased significantly in the presence of Nematospori coryli Peglion, the yeast-spot disease organism. Bean weight was affected by stink bug feeding alone and in 1 test also in the present of N. coryli .
Demonstration of a Posterior Atrial Input to the Atrioventricular Node During Sustained Anterograde Slow Pathway Conduction

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to demonstrate electrophysiologic evidence for the existence of different anatomic atrial input sites of fast and slow conduction pathways in patients with dual atrioventricular (AV) node physiology. Background. Although a separate posterior exit site exists for a retrograde slow AV node pathway, it remains unresolved whether a separate atrial input site into the AV node actually exists in patients with dual anterograde AV node pathway physiology. Methods. In 10 patients with dual AV node pathway physiology, atrial pacing at three chosen drive cycle lengths (DCL1, DCL2 and DCL3) was performed at an anterior site (A) just above the His bundle recording site and at a posterior atrial site (P) just below the coronary sinus ostium. DCL3 was chosen as the one cycle length that resulted in a long AH interval consistent with slow pathway conduction. The stimulus to His bundle conduction times (SH) at both sites (SHPand SHA, respectively) and their differences (ΔSH = SHP− SHA) at each of the three drive cycle lengths were analyzed. Results. The mean ± SD ΔSH values for DCL1 and DCL2 measured 9 ± 16 and 8 ± 18 ms, respectively, and the mean ΔSH value at DCL3 measured −34 ± 24 ms, which was significantly different from the mean ΔSH values at DCL1 and DCL2 (both p Conclusions. The significant change in the ΔSH (SHP− SHA) value during slow pathway conduction could be accounted for by a corresponding shift of anterograde input from an anterior to a posterior entry site to the AV node. These findings support the notion that a separate anterograde entry site of the slow pathway does exist in patients with dual AV node pathway physiology.
Enzyme thermostabilization by bovine serum albumin and other proteins: evidence for hydrophobic interactions

BSA stabilizes Streptococcus thermophilus beta-galactosidase against thermal inactivation and binds to the active enzyme subunits formed on heating. The mechanism of interaction and stabilization, however, is unknown, and it was investigated using different proteins. The results show that several proteins increased the enzyme half-life (t 1/2) at 64 degrees C in the presence of the substrate lactose. The best stabilizers were BSA (9-fold) and casein (6-fold). There was a significant correlation between enzyme half-life (t 1/2) and surface hydrophobicity of the proteins (So), of the form t 1/2 varies; is directly proportional to S0.5o. The surface hydrophobicity of the enzyme increased upon heating, while that of BSA declined. Heating enzyme and BSA together caused a net loss in surface hydrophobicity, indicating hydrophobic interactions, but there was no change in the absence of heating. Stabilization of the enzyme by BSA was markedly affected by chaotropic and kosmotropic salts. Stabilization was increased by 1 M Na2SO4 and reduced by 1 M NaBr; 1 M NaCl had little effect. None of the three salts increased the stability of the enzyme itself, indicating that the effect was on the enzyme-protein interaction. The results indicate that BSA stabilized the enzyme by hydrophobic interactions with the heated enzyme and that surface hydrophobicity is a major determinant of the extent of stabilization by a protein.
LccA, an Archaeal Laccase Secreted as a Highly Stable Glycoprotein into the Extracellular Medium by Haloferax volcanii

Laccases couple the oxidation of phenolic compounds to the reduction of molecular oxygen and thus span a wide variety of applications. While laccases of eukaryotes and bacteria are well characterized, these enzymes have not been described in archaea. Here, we report the purification and characterization of a laccase (LccA) from the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii. LccA was secreted at high levels into the culture supernatant of a recombinant H. volcanii strain, with peak activity (170 ± 10 mU·ml−1) at stationary phase (72 to 80 h). LccA was purified 13-fold to an overall yield of 72% and a specific activity of 29.4 U·mg−1 with an absorbance spectrum typical of blue multicopper oxidases. The mature LccA was processed to expose an N-terminal Ala after the removal of 31 amino acid residues and was glycosylated to 6.9% carbohydrate content. Purified LccA oxidized a variety of organic substrates, including bilirubin, syringaldazine (SGZ), 2,2,-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and dimethoxyphenol (DMP), with DMP oxidation requiring the addition of CuSO4. Optimal oxidation of ABTS and SGZ was at 45°C and pH 6 and pH 8.4, respectively. The apparent Km values for SGZ, bilirubin, and ABTS were 35, 236, and 670 μM, with corresponding kcat values of 22, 29, and 10 s−1, respectively. The purified LccA was tolerant of high salt, mixed organosolvents, and high temperatures, with a half-life of inactivation at 50°C of 31.5 h.
Regurgitation by Myzus persicae during Membrane Feeding: Its Likely Function in Transmission of Nonpersistent Plant Viruses

A detailed account of the membrane-feeding behavior of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is presented. Aphids can regurgitate ingested material during feeding activity. During regurgitation, the flow of material and the pulsing of the sucking pump are as regular as during ingestion, which indicates that the pump can function in either direction. Evidence for regurgitation, along with previous reports indicating that aphids test feed in plant epidermal cells during superficial probes, is interpreted as supporting a hypothesis of virus transmission by regurgitation. It is postulated that aphids acquire virus by ingestion, carry it internally in the alimentary canal, and inoculate it into plants by regurgitation.
Prospective, randomized trial comparing laparoscopic vs. conventional surgery for refractory ileocolic Crohn's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Surgeons have been reluctant to apply laparoscopic techniques to Crohn's disease surgery because of concerns with evaluating and excising inflamed tissue using laparoscopic methods Additionally in Crohn's disease surgery, laparoscopic techniques have not been demonstrated to have clear advantages over conventional ones. METHOD: We conducted a prospective, randomized trial in one surgical department comparing laparoscopic vs. conventional techniques in 60 patients (25 males), median age 34.4 (range 10–60.1) years, undergoing elective ileocolic resection for refractory Crohn's disease. Postoperatively, all patients underwent measurement of pulomnary function tests every 12 hours, and were treated identically on a highly controlled protocol with regard to analgesic administration, feeding, and postoperative care. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients assigned to laparoscopic and 29 to the conventional group, all had isolated Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum plus or minus the cecum. Median length of the incision was 5 cm in the laparoscopic group and 12 cm in the conventional group. Overall recovery of 80 percent of forced expiratory volume (one second) and forcec vital capacity was a median of 2.5 days for laparoscopic and 3.5 days for conventional (P=0.03). There was no difference in the amount of morphine equivalents used between groups postoperatively. Flatus and first bowel movement returned a median of 3 and 4 days, respectively, after conventional roscopicvs. 3.3 and 4 days, respectively, after conventional surgery (P=0.21). Median length of stay was five (range, 4–30) days for laparoscopic, and six (range, 4–18) days for conventional surgery. Major complications occurred in one patient in each group. Minor complications occurred in four laparoscopic and eight conventional patients (P<0.05). There were no deaths. Two laparoscopic patients were converted to conventional as a result of adhesions or inflammation. All patients recovered well and there were no clinical resurrences in the follow-up period (median, 20; range, 12–45 months). CONCLUSIONS: Within a single insititution, single surgical team, prospective, randomized trial, laparoscopic techniques offered a faster recovery of pulomary function, fewer complications, and shorter length of stay compared with conventional surgery for selected patients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.
Constructal Theory, Adaptive Motion, and Their Theoretical Application to Low-Speed Turbine Design

Adaptive fin motion has long been the evolutionary means by which birds, fish, and various water-dwelling mammals create a propulsive thrust to propel them either through air or water. During the past decade, this particular phenomenon of kinematic motion has been studied by various scholars to gain an understanding of how and why the large relative efficiencies and body accelerations are attained. Invariably, the studies are interested in gaining an understanding of the phenomena so that these motions and kinematics can be applied to engineering design efforts. Various groups have built propulsive devices that are intended to mimic motions of these highly efficient adaptive motion propulsors with various degrees of successes. This paper summarizes some of these findings, bridging constructal theory and adaptive motions, with emphasis on their application. It also presents results of a research effort made by the writers to incorporate these concepts into low Reynolds number flexible turbine design.
Pragmatism or Gaming the System? One School District’s Solution to Low Test Scores

In this era of accountability and high stakes testing, district and school administrators are vigilant in their attention to student test scores and the ramifications these have for district and school performance labels. In other words, no school or district wants to be labeled “low performing.” This case, based on a real situation, demonstrates the extremes a district and school may go to in an effort to ensure that student scores in a particular population group do not adversely affect a school’s or district’s accountability rating.
Assessing the Impact of Ca-mpaign Spending in Governors' Races

In this article, I explore the influence of candidate expenditures on gubernatorial election outcomes (a heretofore largely ignored topic). I find that spending by gubernatorial contestants dramatically influences the outcomes of these races, matching or even out-performing previously studied predictors of gubernatorial election outcomes. I then deal with two issues. First, I explore possible explanations of candidate expenditures in these contests and find that, among other things, out-party candidates are especially sensitive to spending limits, raising the normative concern that these limits insulate in-party candidates from competition. Second, I explore the possible endogeneity of candidate spending using a two-stage least squares, instrumental variables model. I find that once we account for this endogeneity, the relatively vulnerable position of outparty candidates becomes more acute. These findings expand our understanding of governors' races to include spending effects and emphasize the importanc...
EPIDEMIOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS OF RHINOVIRUS INFECTIONS.

SummaryThe epidemiology in 93 proved rhinovirus infections caused by 46 different serotypes among 7 different child or adult population groups studied during 3 successive respiratory disease seasons is described. Multiple serotypes were found to circulate simultaneously in the populations and sero-types tended to disappear and not to be represented in successive seasons. Essentially all patients with rhinovirus infection responded serologically. This response was extremely homotypic and appeared to persist, though in diminished amount, for at least 4 years. The low proportion of cases of common cold yielding a rhinovirus suggests either that the diagnostic efficiency of the virus isolation method is poor or that as yet undiscovered viruses may be responsible for the marjority of such illnesses or perhaps both situations prevail. About ½ of children with rhinovirus infection in the present study displayed lower respiratory tract involvement and their illness was diagnosed as croup, bronchitis, bronchioliti...
Biosynthesis of indoleisopropionic acid by Claviceps. Biological C-methylation involving an intact methyl group

Abstract (R)-Indoleisopropionic acid (I) [(2R)-(3-indolyl)-propionic acid], a metabolite of a Claviceps strain, is formed from l -tryptophan and the intact methyl group of l -methionine. Indoleacetic acid is not incorporated into indoleisopropionic acid. (2R,S), (3S,R)-3-methyltryptophan (β-methyltryptophan, isomer B) was efficiently incorporated, but no evidence for its formation by the organism could be obtained. A hypothetical scheme for the biosynthesis of indoleisopropionic acid is presented.
Dimensionality reduction of near infrared spectral data using global and local implementations of principal component analysis for neural network calibrations

The artificial neural network (ANN) learning algorithm is a strong alternative to traditional linear calibration methods used in near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The generalisation capacity of ANN can be effectively employed only when the ratio of available training samples to a number of neuron interconnection weights and biases (unknown regression parameters) is large. Traditionally, this ratio is increased by compressing X data to fewer variables using principal component analysis (PCA). An alternative method, local PCA compression, has been described in the literature. This approach overcomes the global linearity of PCA by performing dimensionality reduction in two steps: division of the data space into clusters and local compression of each cluster using PCA. This study compared global and local implementations of PCA compression in NIR calibration problems solved with ANN regression. Three data sets were used for development of control (based on PCA) and experimental (based on local PCA) ANN calibr...
On the importance of metal–oxide interface sites for the water–gas shift reaction over Pt/CeO2 catalysts

The mechanism of water–gas shift reaction at the three-phase boundary of Pt/CeO2 catalysts has been investigated using density functional theory and microkinetic modeling to better understand the importance of metal–oxide interface sites in heterogeneous catalysis. Analysis of a microkinetic model based on parameters obtained from first principles suggests that both the “Redox pathway” and the “Associative carboxyl pathway with redox regeneration” could operate on Pt/CeO2 catalysts. Although (1) only few interfacial Pt atoms are found to be catalytically active at low temperatures due to strong adsorption of CO and (2) interfacial O–H bond breakage is difficult due to the high reducibility of ceria, interface sites are 2–3 orders of magnitude more active than Pt (1 1 1) and stepped Pt surface sites and therefore effectively determine the overall activity of Pt/CeO2. The high activity of Pt/CeO2 interface sites originates from a significantly enhanced water activation and dissociation at interfacial oxygen vacancies.
3.3. Integrated models

Abstract Today there is an increased tendency to integrate different kinds of modeling methods so as to provide a more complete and accurate model of the total system being considered. Integrated modeling theory is discussed and examples provided.
UNESCO as an organizational carrier of civics education information

Abstract This paper analyzes UNESCO as an institutional carrier of civics education information throughout the world. The first section of the paper presents a brief history of civics education in UNESCO, illustrating the central role of UNESCO in civics education development. The second section presents findings from a cross-national analysis of UNESCO's effect on civics education material from 1955 to 1995 in 42 countries. Findings from this analysis indicate that UNESCO significantly influenced the extent to which these countries emphasize global civics content in their educational material. Results also suggest that wealthier countries in the analysis are more likely to emphasize civics content that is global in orientation. In addition, it appears that among these wealthier countries, Western European countries are less likely to emphasize global civics content.
The Impact of Corruption on GDP Per Capita

The paper studies the impact of corruption on the GDP per capita. A panel data covers the period between 2003 and 2011. The objective is to test the hypothesis that there is a strong negative impact of corruption on the GDP per capita. Three tests were conducted, the pool OLS, The Fixed Effect and the Random effect estimations. The main result of this study is that all three tests had shown strong statistically significant negative impact of corruption on the GDP per capita.
Mini-plication to treat small-angle strabismus: a minimally invasive procedure.

Background Mini-plication is a new rectus muscle tightening procedure for the correction of small-angle strabismus that can be performed under topical anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of mini-rectus muscle plication. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent mini-plication. In this procedure, 6-0 polyglactin 910 suture was secured to the central 3 to 4 mm of the muscle belly 5 mm posterior to the insertion and was then passed through the sclera just anterior to the muscle insertion to plicate the central portion of the muscle. This differs from the standard procedure, in which the entire width of the muscle is plicated. Two groups were analyzed: those who underwent mini-plication alone and those who underwent mini-plication after prior antagonist muscle–weakening surgery. Results Our review identified nine patients aged 5 to 78 years. Topical anesthesia was used for all adults, who experienced no local or systemic complications. Mini-plication reduced vertical and horizontal deviations an average (± SD) of 6.7 Δ ± 3.5 Δ . The mini-plication–only group (3 patients) had an average postoperative correction of 5.5 Δ ± 2.6 Δ ; the prior surgery group (6 patients), an average of 9 Δ ± 2.7 Δ . Diplopia was noted in 50% of the adults preoperatively and none postoperatively. All patients experienced a decrease in strabismus, with an average outcome of Δ of postoperative deviation. Conclusions Mini-plication, which can be performed under topical anesthesia, corrected small deviations and was especially useful for adult strabismus patients with diplopia.
Effect of hysteretic properties of superelastic shape memory alloys on the seismic performance of structures

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are characterized by unique superelastic behaviour which enables the material to recover its original shape after experiencing large deformations. This phenomenon provides ideal recentring capabilities which can be used in the passive control of structures subjected to earthquakes. However in seismic applications, the hysteretic properties of the material play an important role in determining the structural response. Research has shown that the hysteretic properties of SMAs are highly dependent on the chemical composition, the manufacturing process, and the loading strain rate. This paper focuses on investigating the effect of variability in the hysteretic properties of superelastic SMAs when used as passive control devices in structures subjected to earthquakes. The hysteretic properties of SMAs are assumed to be defined by three independent parameters. A sensitivity analysis and two case studies are conducted to examine the effect of variability of each parameter on the effectiveness of SMAs as restrainers for bridges and bracings for buildings. The outcomes of the studies show that the slope of the SMAs hysteresis has similar effect on the structural response (less than 10% in average) regardless of the type of SMA application. However, the effect of changing the hysteretic height is more pronounced in the case of SMA bracings compared to SMA restrainers. This illustrates that, in general, superelastic SMAs are relatively stable in their effectiveness in various structural applications despite the changes in their hysteretic properties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of lysosomal enzyme release from Mercenaria mercenaria granulocytes: a scanning electron microscope study.

Abstract A scanning electron microscope study of Mercenaria mercenaria granulocytes at 1 and 2 hr postchallenge with a 0.02-ml Millipore-filtered, sterile sea water suspension of heat-killed Bacillus megaterium at a concentration of 4 × 106 bacteria/ml revealed that (1) granulocytes challenged with bacteria revealed more and larger lysosomes protruding from their surfaces than those of the control groups; (2) release of intact lysosomes from granulocytes into serum occurred concurrently with phagocytosis; (3) enzymes released from discharged lysosomes acted on bacterial cell walls causing their partial degradation, thereby enhancing endocytosis; and (4) degranulation is a normal process but is greatly enhanced when stimulated by phagocytosis of bacteria. This study also demonstrated that lysosomes budded off from the plasma membrane of granulocytes into serum, although the actual biochemical mechanism(s) that causes the detachment of lysosomes from the plasma membrane and the subsequent lysis of the double-membraned lysosomes to release the hydrolases remains unresolved.
Elektrochemische Fluorierung. II. Untersuchung der Anodenvorgänge bei der elektrolytischen Fluorierung von Carbonsäuren in Fluorwasserstoff

Zur Klarung der Anodenvorgange bei der elektrochemischen „Perfluorierung” organischer Substanzen nach Simons werden niedere Carbonsauren in HF bis zur Stufe der Monofluorierung elektrolysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen den komplexen Charakter der Anodenprozesse und erlauben erstmalig ihre naherungsweise Abgrenzung. Der Einflus von Wasser auf die Elektrofluorierung und ein moglicher Angriff des Anodenmaterials wird erortert. Die auch in reinen Elektrolyten beobachteten und bisher nicht erklarten geringen Fluorausbeuten werden auf mehrere Ursachen zuruckgefuhrt: Sprengung von CC-Bindungen bei der Sekundarreaktion; Instabilitat einzelner Fluorierungsprodukte; anodische Oxydation der zu fluorierenden organischen Verbindung; durch die bisherige Bauart der Zellen bedingte anodische Ruckbildung von HF infolge Anwesenheit des kathodisch entwickelten Wasserstoffs an der Anode.
The dynamic spatial reconstructor: Investigating congenital heart disease in four dimensions

The Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor (DSR) is a high-temporal resolution, three-dimensional (3-D) X-ray scanning device based on computed tomography (CT) principles. It was designed for investigation of some problems inherent in current diagnostic imaging techniques, and to allow quantitative studies of cardiovascular structure and function. One of the research protocols in which DSR is currently used involves studying selected pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease. Initial results show that 3-D dynamic images can be obtained from these patients with minimal invasiveness and that these images may provide useful diagnostic information.