cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synchrony of estrous swelling in captive group-living chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Recent findings suggest that menstrual synchrony may occur in humans and is more dependent on factors of close personal association than simple prox imity. Part I of this study analyzed the estrous cycles of 10 captive group living chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed in two separate groups in the same building. Each group contained at least one male. The mean discrepan cies for (1) the approximate day of ovulation (last day of maximum swelling) and (2) the day of onset of estrous swelling were determined for all possible pairs within groups and compared to the mean discrepancies of pairs between groups. With respect to the probable day of ovulation, the mean discrepancy of animals caged together was 8.0 days and that of animals caged separately was 10. 7 days. Comparing the onset of estrous swelling, the mean between groups was 10.4 days, whereas females caged together averaged only 5.7 days. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated a significant group effect in the onset of estrous swelling (F = 5.68,p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between the animals caged together and those caged separately with respect to the last day of maximum swelling (F = 1.37, NS). Part II of the study compared the onset of the first postpar tum estrus (PPE) to the onset of estrus in cagemates. During a 6-year period, 13 females exhibited 33 PPEs while in social contact with cycling females. Of 86 paired comparisons, the PPE onset of 43 (50%) occurred with in 6 days of the swelling onset of a cagemate. The results suggest that, as in other species (including humans), the social contact and time spent together influence the synchrony of chimpanzee estrous cycles, especially in terms of swelling onset. The synchrony of estrous swelling and possible mediation by olfactory and/or hormonal cues are discussed as they relate to chimpanzee social structure and female reproductive strategy.
Role of endogenous glutathione in the metabolism of glyceryl trinitrate by isolated perfused rat liver

Abstract Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) metabolism in perfused rat livers: (1) proceeded extremely rapidly with a half-time of approximately 1 min(inrecirculating perfusions); (2) was drastically inhibited (98 per cent) by bromobenzene pretreatment in vivo of rats; (3) was enhanced (42 per cent) by phenobarbital in vivo ; and (4) was not altered by GTN tolerance. In non-recirculating experiments, GTN metabolism did not proceed at a constant rate, and the livers were only capable of degrading a fixed amount of GTN (about 70 m-moles/kg wet weight of liver). High concentrations of GTN perfused through the isolated rat liver resulted in an 85 per cent depletion of endogenous liver glutathione and an 80 per cent decrease in ATP. These results are hypothesized to be consistent with the fact that GTN metabolism in perfused rat livers appears to be dependent on the endogenous glutathione (GSH) reserve. High concentrations of GTN decrease liver ATP by inhibiting mitochondrial phosphorylation. The low ATP interferes with GSH synthesis and results in a net depletion of liver GSH and therefore a decreased ability to continuously degrade GTN.
Channel identification for high speed digital communications

A channel identification problem arises in high speed digital communication systems that transmit information over time-dispersive channels such as telephone channels and radio channels. This paper deals with algorithms for performing the channel identification rapidly in conjunction with the signal detection to recover the information. The stability and convergence properties of the algorithms are demonstrated.
The dexamethasone suppression test in depressive, non-depressive and schizoaffective psychosis.

Abstract The authors examined the 24-h plasma cortisol response to dexamethasone in 19 patients with co-existing depressive and psychotic features and in 12 non-depressed patients with only psychotic features. The rate and degree of abnormal dexamethasone suppression was greatest in patients who met RDC criteria for primary depressive disorder. Patients who met criteria for schizoaffective — mainly schizophrenic — depressed and other psychotic disorders did not differ from each other in their response to dexamethasone. These data suggest that the DST may have utility in the diagnostic evaluation of some patients with depressive and psychotic features.
Mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein (the so-called nutcracker syndrome): repair by a new stenting procedure.

Abstract Compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta has been termed the nutcracker syndrome. Although often asymptomatic, this syndrome may result in varicocele, ovarian vein syndrome, and rarely LRV hypertension, pelviureteral varices, hematuria, and flank pain. Previous surgical approaches have included nephrectomy, variceal ligation, nephropexy, or renocaval reimplantation. We report a new LRV stenting procedure that provided relief for a young woman incapacitated by daily left flank pain and microscopic hematuria. Phlebography of the LRV revealed mesoaortic compression associated with a pressure gradient of 12 mm Hg and preferential outflow down large pelviureteral varices. At operation compression of the LRV was corrected with an external stent of reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene. The patient was asymptomatic and free of hematuria for 9 months after operation and follow-up phlebography documented normal renocaval flow, elimination of the pressure gradient, and reduction of the pelviureteral varices. This represents the first description in the vascular surgical literature of this venous compression syndrome, which has been recognized in previous urologic and radiologic reports reviewed herein. Vascular surgeons should be cognizant of the nutcracker syndrome, and we recommend this new stenting procedure as a more simple and physiologic therapy than previous approaches to this problem. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:415-21.)
Mode of Inheritance of Resistance to Induced Erythroblastosis in Chickens

Abstract IN A previous report (Waters et al., 1958) an analysis of mortality from virus-induced erythroblastosis within progeny of individual sires and dams representing six different inbred lines of chickens provided some evidence for genetic segregation of genes responsible for resistance and susceptibility. It was suggested that resistance to erythroblastosis was a dominant trait dependent for expression on a single pair of autosomal genes. The present experiments were designed to test this hypothesis. Gross et al. (1959) describe the characteristic lesions and provide an extensive list of references on erythroblastosis. Burmester et al. (1959a) describe the disease-response in chickens inoculated with strain RPL 12 virus and resulting in erythroblastosis and visceral lymphomatosis. Suffice it to say here that erythroblastosis is a malignant neoplastic disease of the bone marrow, it is easily induced experimentally in susceptible chickens but not readily transmitted from chicken to chicken under natural conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The …
A test of Cramer's (1999) help-seeking model and acculturation effects with Asian and Asian American college students

The generalizability of K. M. Cramer's (1999) help-seeking model was examined for Asian and Asian American college students. The construct of acculturation was then added to Cramer's model to determine if it would improve the model fit. Asian and Asian American (n = 202) students completed help-seeking measures and behavioral and value-based measures of acculturation. White (n = 336) students completed only help-seeking measures. Although path analyses showed that Cramer's model fit both samples, structural invariance analysis indicated differential model functioning between groups that can be primarily attributed to self-concealment, a concept central to understanding Asians' and Asian Americans' attitudes toward help seeking. The addition of acculturation, especially adherence to Asian value, to Cramer's model improved model fit.
Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate: Two-year prostate-specific antigen and biopsy results

Abstract Objectives Percutaneous cryosurgical ablation of the prostate (CSAP) was performed on patients with localized or locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate. To assess local disease control, post-treatment biopsy and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were obtained at 3 and 24 months post-treatment. Methods From June 1990 through May 1994, CSAP was performed 448 times on 383 patients under Institutional Review Board protocols. A urethral warming catheter was used for all procedures. A total of 239 patients were followed for a minimum of 21 months after treatment. None of this group had received prior local treatment. The group consisted of patients who were newly diagnosed and treated solely with cryotherapy (virgin); the remainder had been on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) prior to CSAP. Results Biopsies were obtained from 114 patients at 21 months or more after treatment. In the virgin group, 79% had a negative biopsy after one or more treatments, and 88% of the ADT group are negative after one or more treatments. Overall, 69% had a negative biopsy after one treatment and 82% had a negative biopsy following one or more CSAP treatments. Of a group of 163 patients, PSA data were evaluable at 21 months or more after treatment. In the virgin group, 60% had a PSA 0.4 ng/mL or less, and 77% had a PSA 1.0 ng/mL or less. In the ADT group, 40% had a PSA 0.4 ng/mL or less, and 69% had a PSA value of 1.0 ng/mL or less.Complications were minimal, the most common one being urethral tissue sloughing, which occurred in 10% of patients. Conclusions CSAP appears to be effective in obtaining local control as measured by biopsy and PSA 21 months or more post-treatment. When retrospectively comparing our results with recently published radiotherapy series, CSAP was more effective in obtaining nadir PSA values 1.0 ng/mL or less and negative biopsies at 21 months or more after treatment.
In-hospital and postdischarge venous thromboembolism after vascular surgery

Objective Recent single-center reports demonstrate a high (up to 10%) incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) after major vascular surgery. Moreover, vascular patients rarely receive prolonged prophylaxis despite evidence that it reduces thromboembolic events after discharge. This study used a national, prospective, multicenter database to define the incidence of overall and postdischarge VTE after major vascular operations and assess risk factors associated with VTE development. Methods Patients with VTE who underwent elective vascular procedures (n = 45,548) were identified from the 2007-2009 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The vascular procedures included carotid endarterectomy (CEA; n = 20,785), open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair (n = 361), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR; n = 732), open abdominal aortic (OAA) surgery (n = 6195), endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR; n = 7361), and infrainguinal bypass graft (BPG; n = 10,114). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to ascertain risk factors associated with VTE. Results VTE was diagnosed in 187 patients (1.3 %) who underwent aortic surgery, with TAAA repair having the highest rate of VTE (4.2%), followed by TEVAR (2.2%), OAA surgery (1.7%), and EVAR (0.7%). In this subgroup, pulmonary embolisms (PE) were diagnosed in 52 (0.4%) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 144 (1%). VTE rates were 1.0% and 0.2% for patients who underwent a BPG or CEA, respectively. Forty-one percent of all VTEs were diagnosed after discharge. The median (interquartile range) number of days from surgery to PE and DVT were 10 (5-15) and 10 (4-18), respectively. On multivariable analyses, type of surgical procedure, totally dependent functional status, disseminated cancer, postoperative organ space infection, postoperative cerebrovascular accident, failure to wean from ventilator ≤48 hours, and return to the operating room were significantly associated with development of VTE. In those experiencing a DVT or PE, overall mortality increased from 1.5% to 6.2% and from 1.5% to 5.7% respectively ( P Conclusions Postoperative VTE is associated with the type of vascular procedure and is highest after operations in the chest and abdomen/pelvis. About 40% of VTE events in elective vascular surgery patients were diagnosed after discharge, and the presence of VTE was associated with a quadrupled mortality rate. Future studies should evaluate the benefit of DVT screening and postdischarge VTE prophylaxis in high-risk patients.
Flexible AC transmission

The operation and components of the flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) are described. FACTS, designed to overcome the limitations of the present mechanically controlled AC power transmission systems, uses reliable, high-speed power electronic controllers. Its benefits are examined. These include greater control of power, so that it flows on the prescribed transmission routes; secure loading of transmission lines to levels nearer their thermal limits; greater ability to transfer power between controlled areas, so that the generation reserve margin may be reduced; prevention of cascading outages by limiting the effects of faults and equipment failure; and damping of power system oscillations. >
A nonarbitrary behavioral criterion for conservation of illusion-distorted length in five-year-olds

The apparent length of two unequally long sticks was perceptually reversed by placing them in a Mueller-Lyer illusion. After providing S with the information necessary to discount the illusory effect, he was asked to solve a problem which required him to choose either the physically longer or shorter of the two sticks. Choice of stick provided a behavioral criterion for conservation which was achieved by a majority of children. It was also inferred that criteria relying solely on linguistic competence or based entirely upon feedback procedures will misdiagnose conservation.
COVERT REFUSAL OF FOLLOW UP HOME CARE: A POTENTIAL DANGER IN EARLY DISCHARGE OF INFANTS. ▴ 1542

One of the AAP recommendations for the early discharge of neonates is a home or clinic visit within 24-48 hours after discharge. We have instituted this practice because of our high risk, inner city, nursery population, but have found that about 15% are not seen for the following reasons: non approval by third party providers of the home visit (7%) and deliberate attempt of the mother to prevent home follow up care (8%) by refusing entry to the visiting nurse or giving a false home address. To determine the profile of the latter group (Refused), we reviewed their infants' charts and compared them to a randomly selected group who received home care (Follow Up). Statistical analysis was by chi square or Student “t” test. Despite the institution of home follow up of early discharged infants, a significant number will not be seen because of deliberate, covert refusal of the mother for such visits. A profile of this group of mothers is presented which may guide healthcare givers in evaluating the suitability of infants for early discharge. Table
Fractures of the lumbar spine.

T HE FORCES OF injury that act on the lumbar spine are similar to other spinal sites. They are compression, flexion, extension, torsion, and shear. They may occur alone but often occur in combination. The force and direction of injury, the integrity of the spine, and the position of the spine at the time of injury as well as other factors determine the result of the spinal injury. Fractures of the lumbar spine may be associated with fractures of the thoracic and even cervical spines.
Synthesis and characterization of a series of trans-[(CO)5M{Ph2PX(CH2)3NCHC6H4-o-O}]2M′ (M = Mo; X = NH or M = Cr, W; X = CH2; M′ = Ni, Cu, Zn) complexes and the X-ray crystal structure of trans-[(CO)5MO{P(OCH2CMe2CH2O)NH(CH2)2-NCHC6H4-o-O}]2Cu

A series of heterotrinuclear complexes of the type trans-[(CO)5M-{Ph2PX(CH2)3NCHC6H4-o-O}]2M′ (M = Mo; X = NH; M′ = Ni, Cu or M = Cr, W; X = CH2; M′ = Ni, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized either by the reactions of coordinated P-donor ligands (X = NH) or by the sequential reactions of the metals with the free ligands (X = CH2). Spectroscopic studies of the complexes (IR, UV-VIS and multinuclear NMR) indicate that their solution conformations are quite different from those of the previously studied trans-[(CO)5MO{R2PNH(CH2)2NCHC6-H4-o-O}]2M′ (R2 = OCH2CMe2CH2O, Ph2; M′ = Ni, Cu) complexes. These studies also indicate that the coordination geometries of Ni2+ and Zn2+ in these complexes are different. The Ni2+ ion is in a square planar coordination environment while the coordination geometry of the Zn2+ is most likely tetrahedral. The molecular structure of trans-[(CO)5Mo{P(OCH2CMe2CH2O)NH(CH2)2-NCHC6H4-o-O}]2Cu has been determined. The complex crystallizes from a THF-methanol mixture in the triclinic space group P1 (crystal data: a 6.613(2), 9.725(4), c 18.725(7) A; α 93.65(3), β 99.07(4), γ 102.85(4); Z = 1). The Cu2+ is coordinated to two o-salicylaldiminate groups in a trans square planar geometry, and the Mo is coordinated to five carbonyls and a P-donor group in a distorted octahedral geometry. The conformation of the bridging group in the complex is very different from that observed in other heterotrinuclear complexes due to the lack of phenyl-bis(o-salicylaldiminato)metal stacking interactions.
Materials Testing of a Lithium Ion Battery Separator for Use in Finite Element Analysis

The use of lithium-ion batteries in the automotive industry has become increasingly popular. As more hybrid and electric vehicles take to the road an understanding of how these batteries will behave structurally will be of greater concern. Impact testing can give a valuable overview of the strengths and weaknesses of a batteries design, however, these tests can be time consuming, expensive, and dangerous. Finite element analysis can deliver a reliable low cost approximation of physical testing results. The accuracy of FE results depends greatly on the mathematical representation of the material properties of Li-ion battery components. In this study, the material properties of polymer thin film used as a separator between an anode and a cathode are tested experimentally under various temperatures and strain rates. Experimental results were used to develop a constitutive model for semi-crystalline polymers that is well suited for the finite element analysis.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Conformationally constrained farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists: Alternative replacements of the stilbene.

To further explore the optimum placement of the acid moiety in conformationally constrained analogs of GW 4064 1a, a series of stilbene replacements were prepared. The benzothiophene 1f and the indole 1g display the optimal orientation of the carboxylate for enhanced FXR agonist potency.
Cytology and organization of rat cerebellar organ cultures

Roller tube cultures of parasagittal cerebellar slices were taken from young rats aged 9-11 days, and maintained in vitro for 1-2 weeks. Morphological aspects of cell types and synaptic relationships in such organ cultures were examined at light and electron microscopic levels. Some neurons were marked by intracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase for subsequent identification of their connection patterns. Cytoarchitecture of the cerebellar cortex was largely preserved in the organ cultures. Dendritic trees of Purkinje cells exhibited isoplanar organizations that often resembled their orientation at the time of explanation. Other cerebellar neurons, namely granule cells, Golgi cells, basket cells, stellate cells, all differentiated within the organ cultures. In addition, some neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei remained viable during the period of culture. Mossy fibers most probably of cerebellar nuclear origin were found terminating on the dendrites of granule cells and Golgi cells. Quite unexpected were certain types of direct synapses of afferent fibers on short necked spines arising from Purkinje cell smooth dendrites and somata. Such terminals resembled climbing fibers. They were most likely modified mossy fiber afferents, since the organ cultures did not include neurons of the inferior olive which are well spearated from the cerebellar mass at postnatal stages. These "ascending" mossy fibers presumably occupied postsynaptic surfaces that were either vacated by deafferentation or induced by the afferent fibers themselves. Intracellularly labeled Purkinje cells had widely distributed axonal collateral branches. Labeled axons were distributed within the Purkinje cell layer. Several recurrent Purkinje cell axon collaterals stained with reaction products of horseradish peroxidase tracer were followed at the ultrastructural level. In one case, labeled terminals were examined in an area of approximately 2 mm2. Terminals of Purkinje cell collaterals formed symmetric synapses with somata of basket cells and dendrites of Golgi cells, but not Purkinje cell somata. Some large boutons of serially traced Purkinje cell axon collaterals formed asymmetric contacts with profiles interpreted as Golgi cell dendrites. In contrast to the apparent axonal sprouting in cerebellar organ cultures, maturation of dendritic processes remained static. Astroglia cells of diverse shapes were observed following immunocytochemical staining with antisera to glia filament proteins. The distribution patterns of immunoreactive astrocytes changed dramatically in cerebellar slice cultures maintained for 3-6 weeks in vitro.
Globally analytic triangularization of a matrix function

Abstract A well-known fundamental theorem of Schur guarantees that every constant matrix A is unitarily similar to a triangular matrix. If A(t) is a matrix-valued function analytic on [ a, b ] with real eigenvalues, it is shown in this paper via a constructive algorithm that there exists a unitary matrix U(t) analytic on [ a, b ] such that U∗(t)A(t)U(t) is triangular. In the process of doing so, we also show that the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process preserves global analyticity. A similar algorithm which preserves periodicity works also for a periodic analytic matrix.
Application of the Graphic Correlation method to Pliocene marine sequences

Abstract Biostratigraphy — the use of paleontological evidence to establish relative chronologies, forms the cornerstone of many sedimentary geological investigations. Several different approaches to biochronology are available. Traditional interval zones, defined on lowest and/or highest occurrences of selected taxa, are used to place bodies of rock in a relative chronological framework. Fossil datum levels, which are more numerous than zones, are often used as chronohorizons for correlation purposs. The Graphic Correlation method, like interval zonations, synthesizes information from a number of different taxa but does not assume synchrony of any one taxon. A magnetobiostratigraphic model for deep-sea Pliocene sequences has been constructed by graphic correlation of Deep Sea Drilling project cores from the North Atlantic (606), Caribbean Sea (502), South Atlantic (516), Tasman Sea (590), Equatorial Pacific (573) and North Pacific (577). All cores are hydraulic piston cores which contain abundant planktonic foraminifers, calcareous nannofossils and which record many of the magnetic reversals expected in the Pliocene. The model is based on internally consistent paleontologic data gathered by the author. This study demonstrates the advantages of graphic correlation over conventional biostratigraphic procedures. Accurate inter-regional correlations can be made between core sites without resorting to multiple microfossil zonations and without invoking synchrony of fossil events. Important results of this study are: (1) many Pliocene planktonic foraminifer and calcareous nannofossil events are diachronous by more than 0.20 m.y., (2) Globorotalia truncatulinoides first occurs in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 0.50 m.y. earlier than previously reported, (3) a previously undetected hiatus of short duration (0.38 m.y.) exists just above the Cochiti subchron at DSDP 577A.
Secondary processes active in electrical breakdown of gases

Electrical breakdown and spark breakdown being defined, the advantages of studying breakdowns using asymmetrical gaps are indicated. Then denoting the principal mechanisms active in breakdown, a number of exemplary breakdown processes are described in detail as revealed by modern techniques. The examples indicate the very sensitive nature of the breakdown process in regard to state of electrodes, gaseous purity, etc., as well as emphasizing the great care needed in designating the breakdown mechanism in any given case.
A controlled study of disodium cromoglycate in the treatment of bronchial asthma

Abstract Disodium cromoglycate, a chromone derivative, has been shown by others to prevent or diminish the asthmatic attack induced by allergenic exposure and to diminish or relieve the symptoms of asthma in a number of controlled clinical trials. A double-blind crossover study with 27 trials was carried out: In 17 trials the drug was identified as helpful, in 4 the placebo was regarded as helpful, and there was no opinion in 6. This is strong evidence that disodium cromoglycate is effective in relieving symptoms in asthma (p =
Nanos functions to maintain the fate of the small micromere lineage in the sea urchin embryo

The translational regulator nanos is required for the survival and maintenance of primordial germ cells during embryogenesis. Three nanos homologs are present in the genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, all of which are expressed with different timing in the small micromere lineage. This lineage is set-aside during embryogenesis and contributes to constructing the adult rudiment. Small micromeres lacking Sp-nanos1 and Sp-nanos2 undergo an extra division and are not incorporated into the coelomic pouches. Further, these cells do not accumulate Vasa protein even though they retain vasa mRNA. Larvae that develop from Sp-nanos1 and 2 knockdown embryos initially appear normal, but do not develop adult rudiments; although they are capable of eating, over time they fail to grow and eventually die. We conclude that the acquisition and maintenance of multipotency in the small micromere lineage requires nanos, which may function in part by repressing the cell cycle and regulating other multipotency factors such as vasa. This work, in combination with other recent results in Ilyanassa and Platynereis dumerilii, suggests the presence of a conserved molecular program underlying both primordial germ cell and multipotent cell specification and maintenance.
Temperature Measurement of Microscopic Areas Within a Simulated Head/Tape Interface Using Infrared Radiometric Technique

This study concerns the infrared measurement of steady-state and transient temperatures of microscopic areas within the contact region formed by a magnetic tape passing over a simulated recording head. This research demonstrates that the tape surface temperature can be measured within specific limits of response time and sensitivity. Due to its high tranmissivity in the relevant infrared band, sapphire was chosen as the material to be used in the fabrication of a simulated recording head. A Barnes RM2A infrared microscope was the principle radiometer used, while a best effort was made in scanning with an AGA Thermovision 750. The friction force versus load characteristics of the head-magnetic tape interface were also observed. The high speed measurements were divided into two regimes; non-contact hydrodynamic film region, and tape-head contact regime. The temperature measurements displayed a strong correlation with the measured friction force versus load curve. Almost no temperature rise was found in the noncontact hydrodynamic film region while a temperature rise of a few degrees Celsius was found when there was tape-head contact. The results with the AGA Thermovision 750 were consistent with the measurements obtained with the Barnes RM2A.
Signal acquisition and analysis for cortical control of neuroprosthetics

Work in cortically controlled neuroprosthetic systems has concentrated on decoding natural behaviors from neural activity, with the idea that if the behavior could be fully decoded it could be duplicated using an artificial system. Initial estimates from this approach suggested that a high-fidelity signal comprised of many hundreds of neurons would be required to control a neuroprosthetic system successfully. However, recent studies are showing hints that these systems can be controlled effectively using only a few tens of neurons. Attempting to decode the pre-existing relationship between neural activity and natural behavior is not nearly as important as choosing a decoding scheme that can be more readily deployed and trained to generate the desired actions of the artificial system. These artificial systems need not resemble or behave similarly to any natural biological system. Effective matching of discrete and continuous neural command signals to appropriately configured device functions will enable effective control of both natural and abstract artificial systems using compatible thought processes.
Re-evaluation of the role of corpora cardiaca in calling and oviposition behaviour of giant silk moths

Abstract Re-investigation of the role of the corpora cardiaca in the reproductive behaviour of the giant silkmoths, Hyalophora cecropia and Antheraea polyphemus, showed that this pair of glands plays no essential role, either in “calling” behaviour by virgin females or in increased oviposition due to mating. Removal of corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complexes, either from diapausing pupae or from freshly eclosed adult females, had no effect on the calling behaviour or on its timing in either species. Moreover after mating, these operated females laid eggs in the typical mated oviposition pattern. Furthermore, females in which there was only a nervous connection between the brain and the abdomen but no haemolymph circulation called normally and oviposited after mating. Although the corpora cardiaca were not essential for calling behaviour, hormogenates of corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complexes and blood from calling or ovipositing females induced a typical “calling” response in 30–60% of the isolated virgin H. cecropia abdomens tested. This activity was not species-specific as it was also found in Manduca sexta, but the restriction of major activity to corpora cardiaca extracts and haemolymph suggested that a neurosecretory factor may modulate the normal neural control of calling behaviour.
SU‐FF‐J‐142: Sensitivity of Treatment Assessment to Different PET Normalization Techniques

Purpose: Assessment of treatment outcome based on PETimaging requires accurate and robust patient‐specific normalization of tracer uptake. This study investigates the sensitivity of treatment response as a function of various PETimaging normalization methods. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients undergoing molecular targeted therapy received [18F]FLT (cellularproliferation marker) PET/CT scans that were acquired pre, mid and post therapy. SUV normalization was performed using body weight (BW), body surface area (BSA), and lean body mass (LBM). Dependence of treatment response outcome on the normalization technique was evaluated both experimentally and analytically. Additional normalization of the SUVs was performed using an external reference source comprised of Ge‐68 to reduce the inherent variations in scanner stability. Robustness of treatment response outcome was assessed by evaluating ratios of both corrected and uncorrected SUVs. Results: The absolute mean values of the SUVs were 2.3 ± 0.8, 1.4 ± 0.4, and 0.05±0.02 for BW, LBM, and BSA respectively. Despite a substantial difference in their values, the treatment response ratios between the post and pre scans were found to be within 0.3% on average for all types of SUV normalizations. For the largest weight change of about 6%, the difference between treatment response ratios was less than 1% for SUVs based on BSA versus LBM and it was about 3%for SUVs based on BSA versus BW. After reference source normalization, the treatment response ratios shifted by 5.5%. For post and mid scans, the treatment response ratios shifted by −2.4% after reference source normalization. Conclusions: The type of SUV normalization technique used does not affect treatment response assessment unless there is a significant change in weight. On the other hand, the treatment response is influenced by normalization with the external reference source.
Sulfonate-sulfur can be assimilated for fermentative growth

Bacterial assimilation of sulfonate-sulfur under anaerobic conditions has been demonstrated. Two different bacteria able to grow fermentatively using sulfonate-sulfur as sole sulfur source were isolated by enrichment culture; neither were able to utilize sulfonates as sole source of carbon and energy for growth. The isolate of Clostridium pasteurianum assimilated the sulfur of isethionate (2-hydroxyethanesulfonate), taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonate), or p-toluenesulfonate. A facultatively fermentative Klebsiella strain did not utilize the sulfur of any of these sulfonates, but assimilated cysteate-sulfur; in contrast, when growing by aerobic respiration, the range of sulfonates able to serve as sulfur source was greater. Both bacteria displayed a preferential utilization of sulfate-sulfur to that of the sulfonates tested. Thus, bacterial assimilation of sulfonate-sulfur during anaerobic growth has direct parallels with features until now recognized only for aerobic assimilatory processes.
Role of progesterone in mobility, fixation, orientation, and survival of the equine embryonic vesicle.

Luteal progesterone was removed by an injection of prostaglandin F2α or bilateral ovariectomy on Day 12 of pregnancy in pony mares. The embryonic vesicle remained mobile in the uterus until loss occurred on Days 13, 13, 15, or 19 in four prostaglandin-treated mares and Days 15, 17, 19, or 26 in four ovariectomized mares. Exogenous progesterone given daily, starting on Day 12, maintained pregnancy until Day 40 in five of five prostaglandin-treated and three of four ovariectomized mares. During two-hour mobility trials on Day 14, embryonic vesicles in mares without luteal or exogenous progesterone (n = 9) moved to a different uterine segment less frequently (mean number of location changes per two-hour trial: 7.2 ±1.0 vs 10.4 ±1.1, P < 0.05) and were observed more often in the uterine body (14.9 ±2.9 vs 8.9 ±1.3, P < 0.10) compared to vesicles in mares with a progesterone influence (n = 15). Of mares that still had a vesicle present on Day 18, fixation occurred by Day 17 in all (1212) mares under the influence of luteal or exogenous progesterone but failed to occur in the three mares that were not under progesterone influence. Progesterone replacement was started on Day 16 in three mares that received prostaglandin F2α on Day 12 and still had a vesicle on Day 16. The vesicle was maintained and continued to develop in all three mares, indicating that the vesicles were viable four days after PGF2α treatment. However, fixation tended to be delayed (P < 0.15) and orientation of the embryo proper was altered (P < 0.005) compared to mares that were continuously under the influence of progesterone. The results demonstrated the importance of luteal progesterone to mobility, fixation, orientation, and survival of the embryonic vesicle.
On the nature of the interchain coupling in (SN)x

Abstract Electronic structure calculations for (SN) x suggest: (i) the dominant σ interchain interactions in a 1 02 plane are not due to S…S interactions; (ii) the interactions in a 1 02 plane lead to band splittings for the upper bands of about 1 eV for σ-type and 0.5 eV for π-type; (iii) the interaction in a 100 plane results primarily from π electrons yielding a splitting of the π bands of about 1 eV; (iv) the possibility of a novel effect associated with the Peierls instability.
Paleolithic Technology and Human Evolution

Human biological and cultural evolution are closely linked to technological innovations. Direct evidence for tool manufacture and use is absent before 2.5 million years ago (Ma), so reconstructions of australopithecine technology are based mainly on the behavior and anatomy of chimpanzees. Stone tool technology, robust australopithecines, and the genus Homo appeared almost simultaneously 2.5 Ma. Once this adaptive threshold was crossed, technological evolution was accompanied by increased brain size, population size, and geographical range. Aspects of behavior, economy, mental capacities, neurological functions, the origin of grammatical language, and social and symbolic systems have been inferred from the archaeological record of Paleolithic technology.
Consequences of the Rehnquist Court's Federalism Decisions for Congressional Lawmaking

Scholars generally agree on the doctrinal significance of the Rehnquist Court's post-1990 federalism decisions, but there is less agreement about the consequences of these decisions. A previous study examined the direct consequences of these decisions, by inquiring into the extent to which Congress was able to revise and reenact statutes that were struck down by the Court, but it left unexamined the effects on Congress's ability to legislate in other areas. This article assesses the indirect consequences of these decisions by tracing their effects on the drafting of and debate over bills other than the ones directly invalidated by the Court. It turns out that these decisions have had only a limited effect on Congress's ability to draft constitutionally acceptable legislation, but they have had an important effect on the debate over the passage of several pieces of legislation, whether by handing opponents arguments to oppose the bills or by providing members of Congress with means to explain voles that would otherwise be difficult to defend. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Glutathione-coordinated [2Fe–2S] cluster: a viable physiological substrate for mitochondrial ABCB7 transport

The glutathione-coordinated [2Fe–2S] cluster is demonstrated to be a viable and likely substrate for physiological iron–sulfur cluster transport by Atm1p, a mitochondrial ABC export protein. Flow cytometry and colorimetric assays demonstrate a quantitative methodology for study of metal translocation proteins and their proteoliposome products.
Duration of frication noise required for identification of English fricatives.

Natural speech consonant–vowel (CV) syllables ([f, s, θ, s, v, z, F] followed by [i, u, a]) were computer edited to include 20–70 ms of their frication noise in 10‐ms steps as measured from their onset, as well as the entire frication noise. These stimuli, and the entire syllables, were presented to 12 subjects for consonant identification. Results show that the listener does not require the entire fricative–vowel syllable in order to correctly perceive a fricative. The required frication duration depends on the particular fricative, ranging from approximately 30 ms for [σ, z] to 50 ms for [f, s, v], while [θ, F] are identified with reasonable accuracy in only the full frication and syllable conditions. Analysis in terms of the linguistic features of voicing, place, and manner of articulation revealed that fricative identification in terms of place of articulation is much more affected by a decrease in frication duration than identification in terms of voicing and manner of articulation.
Models of Relapse of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis

To establish models for studying recurrence of visceral leishmaniasis, a growing problem in T cell-deficient patients, two approaches were investigated: treatment of euthymic BALB/c mice with quiescent Leishmania donovani infection with T cell-depleting or anti-cytokine antibodies and serial observation of acutely infected nude BALB/c mice after an initial antileishmanial response induced by amphotericin B treatment. In chronically infected euthymic mice, maintenance of acquired immunity and prevention of relapse required CD4 cells and a multicytokine-dependent mechanism involving endogenous interleukin-2, interferon-'}', and tumor necrosis factor-a. Acutely infected nude mice responded to amphotericin B with a ?;85% reduction in liver parasite burdens; however, after a brief lag, visceral infection readily recurred in the posttreatment period. Both models may be useful for testing experimental interventions designed to reduce relapse of previously controlled visceral leishmaniasis in T cell-deficient hosts. Despite being rendered clinically quiescent by drug therapy or a spontaneous immune response [1,2], visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is nevertheless prone to relapse. Increasing parasite drug resistance or suboptimal treatment regimens (or· both) likely contribute to relapse in otherwise healthy persons [3]. In areas in which the disease is endemic, however, recrudes­ cence is also now recognized as a growing clinical problem in 2 T cell-impaired populations: CD4 cell-deficient patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection [4] and patients treated with immunosuppressive agents [5]. Relapse in such persons is not surprising because successful host defense in visceral leishmaniasis is T cell- dependent [6', 7] and because visceral parasites are probably seldomly elimi­ nated entirely by either drug treatment or the immunologic mechanisms of spontaneously acquired resistance [7]. To experimentally investigate relapse ofkala-azar in T cell­ deficient hosts, we have developed two models in Leishmania donovani-infected animals. One model uses chronically in­ fected euthymic mice subjected to depletion of T cells or rele­ vant cytokines and the other uses T cell-deficient nude mice that have responded to prior chemotherapy. Both models should be helpful in future testing of experim~ntal interventions de­ signed to reduce relapse of kala-azar in T cell-impaired pa­ tients.
The Role of Endogenous Opioids in Moderate Exercise Training-Induced Enhancement of the Secondary Antibody Response in Mice

Background and Purpose. Moderate exercise training (60%–80% of maximal oxygen uptake) enhances the secondary antibody response. The mechanism underlying this enhancement, however, has not been determined. In moderate doses, endogenous opioids such as enkephalins enhance antibody response. Furthermore, serum concentrations of endogenous opioids increase in response to exercise, and training programs augment this effect. Therefore, the enhancement of the secondary antibody response induced by moderate exercise may be brought about, in part, by endogenous opioids. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) on the enhancement of secondary antibody response induced by moderate exercise in young mice. Subjects and Methods. C57BL/6 mice immunized to human serum albumin (HSA) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: naltrexone, placebo, or control (received no intervention). Then, the mice in each group were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (treadmill running at 15 m/min, 0° slope, 5 days per week for 8 weeks) or a non-exercise group. At the end of 8 weeks, booster immunization was given, and the mice in the exercise group continued to exercise. Ten days later, when high levels of antibodies are produced in secondary antibody response, anti-HSA antibodies in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. With naltrexone implantation, mice that exercised showed a depression of secondary antibody response as compared with mice that exercised and either received a placebo or did not receive any intervention. Discussion and Conclusion. Endogenous opioids may play a role in the enhancement of the secondary antibody response observed after moderate exercise.
Mode of Instruction and Memory Test Performance

Cross-cultural literature suggests that schooling's effect on cognitive test performance is due to school's reliance on instruction using language removed from its everyday context, in contrast with informal instruction using demonstration of skills. The present study takes advantage of variability in use of verbal instruction and demonstration by mothers teaching their 9-year-olds, in order to test the relation of mode of instruction to memory test performance. In study 1, with 31 children from a society (Highland Mayan) in which much of children's learning occurs through observation, maternal mode of instruction was highly predictive of performance on two verbal memory tests. However, mode of instruction was unrelated to performance on two scene memory tests. Thus, mode of instruction has specific predictiveness to verbal memory skills but not memory performance in general. Study 2 replicated study 1 with 30 U.S. children, and found that the U.S. mothers provided more verbal instruction and less demonst...
Network-level metric measuring delay propagation in networks of interdependent systems

The development and acquisition of complex systems that are driven, in part, by system-of-systems requirements remains a challenge in the defense sector due to complexities in both program management and engineering design. The interdependencies between component systems often result in complex networks that, while enabling capabilities that are beyond those of individual systems, also increase risk and its consequences. When systems are interdependent, disruptions in the development of one system can easily propagate to systems directly or indirectly dependent on them. Characteristics of component systems, interdependencies, and risk can lead to disruptions that propagate differently in different networks. This paper presents an approach to compare the performance of such networks with respect to their ability to arrest the propagation of disruptions. A network-level metric enables the comparison of different network topologies that provide the same capability but have different risk properties.
American Indians Abroad: The Mythical Travels of Mrs. Penobscot and King Hendrick

Why have two portraits ostensibly of American Indians visiting England—a Penobscot woman circa 1605 and a Mohawk sachem circa 1740—been so frequently reprinted with misleading captions, when the woman, though anonymous, was in fact English and the man, often confused with an earlier Mohawk leader, never went abroad? Here are the answers.
Controlled Clinical Trial of Interpersonal Psychotherapy Versus Parenting Education Program for Depressed Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE: Antenatal depression is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression, with a 10%–12% prevalence in all pregnancies. Rates of depression are higher for pregnant women with chronic stressors, financial and housing problems, and inadequate social support. Despite the prevalence and associated family and infant morbidity, there are no controlled clinical treatment trials regarding this topic, to the authors’ knowledge. APA has identified treatment of depression during pregnancy as a priority for clinical guidelines. METHOD: A 16-week bilingual controlled clinical trial compared a group receiving interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum depression to a parenting education control program. Fifty outpatient antepartum women who met DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to interpersonal psychotherapy or a didactic parenting education program. Thirty-eight women remained in the study and were included in the data analysis. Depressed mood was measured with the Edin...
Hot Electron Effects on Thermionic Emission Cooling in Heterostructures

The energy conversion between electrons and phonons in a heterostructure is studied for thermionic cooling by using the hot electron approximation. Calculations show that the energy exchange rate between electrons and phonons should be small for a net cooling power, and the layer length should be in the range of submicron for effective cooling.