cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wiki Adoption and Use In Academic Library Technical Services: An Exploratory Study

With the establishment of Web 2.0 applications, libraries found themselves with new tools to manage organizational information, including wikis. While many reported their wiki successes, there is a lack of representation in the literature from academic library technical services departments. This article will explore the results of an exploratory quantitative study conducted in early 2009 regarding wiki adoption and use in these departments. The article will include a literature review outlining the history and concepts of Web 2.0, wikis, and wikis in library literature as well as a discussion on the implications of the results and suggestions for further research.
Constant pressure gas-driven displacement of a shear-thinning liquid in a partially filled radial Hele-Shaw cell: Thin films, bursting and instability

Abstract In this manuscript we present experimental data and quantitative analysis for the fingering instability along the interface of finite volume of Newtonian (mineral oil) and dilute shear-thinning non-Newtonian (high molecular weight polyisobutylene in mineral oil) fluids. The instability is generated by air penetrating the liquid in a radial Hele-Shaw cell geometry. The novel feature of the experiment is that the gas is driven at constant pressure generating an exponential gas area expansion independent of the presence of the instability. Furthermore, we show that the instability growth along the interface is proportional to te ω ξ t , or in other terms the instability growth rate is constant when the gas area expansion is considered. There are clear differences and similarities in the fingering growth rate, bursting time and film thickness properties when comparing Newtonian and shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids. It is surprising that similarities occur despite side branching for the shear-thinning liquids at higher pressures.
Development of production cycles for group technology environment with the Wagner-Whitin algorithm

Abstract Manufacturing organizations that produce several products are usually faced with a complex scheduling, product sequencing, and cycle of production formation problem. This paper is an empirical study which investigates the integration of scheduling, product sequencing, and cycles of production formation is a group technology environment. This study represents a methodology to provide tools in the form of multiple tables to assist managers in making decisions on order quantity size, the sequence in which the job should enter the work center, and determination of the common cycles of production time.
Neurosyphilis Presenting as a Focal Mass Lesion: A Case Report

A patient with subacute aphasia and hemiparesis was found to have a low density white matter lesion with mass effect on the computed tomographic (CT) scan. Serological examination and biopsy established the diagnosis of paretic neurosyphilis. This CT appearance has not previously been described in cases of neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis should be considered as a potentially treatable cause of a cerebral mass lesion.
Leukotriene A4 hydrolase haplotype, diet and atherosclerosis: a twin study.

Objective Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators generated from arachidonic acid, and genetic polymorphisms involved in leukotriene metabolism are implicated in atherosclerosis. The objectives of this study are to examine whether genetic variants in key leukotriene enzymes are associated with atherosclerosis, and whether dietary intake of competing leukotriene substrates modifies the effect of leukotriene variants on atherosclerosis.
Current Issues in Research on Fumonisins, Mycotoxins Which May Cause Nephropathy

The fumonsins are a series of mycotoxins produced by the ubiquitous corn (maize) contaminant, Fusarium moniliforme, and several other Fusarium species. Fumonisin B1 (FB1), the major component of the fumonisins, causes leukoencephalomalacia in horses, pulmonary edema in swine and hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and chronic interstitial nephritis in rats. Also, consumption of corn-derived food products contaminated with F. moniliforme has been correlated with increased risk of human esophageal cancer in epidemiological stumes in South Africa and China. In the kidneys of rodents, dietary exposure to FB1 produces a dose-related non-inflammatory nephrosis with regeneration at low doses. Individual cells die by induction of apoptosis. The fumonisins have chemcal structures analogous to sphingosine, a putative intracellular regulatory molecule, and a component of sphingolipids. The alkylamine structure of FB1 makes possible sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays based on pre-column de...
Hand and foot abnormalities associated with genetic diseases

Introduction The small bones and soft tissues of the hands and feet can be affected by systemic disorders, and frequently, the findings are quite unique and virtually diagnostic for some genetic or metabolic disorders.
Paramedic use of endotracheal tube introducers for the difficult airway

Objective. To evaluate the ability of paramedics to learn and apply the skill of introducer-aided oral intubation in the setting of the simulated “difficult airway.” The authors hypothesized that, following a brief introduction to the device, intubation success rates would not differ for traditional and introducer-aided intubations of an immobilized airway mannequin. Methods. During a paramedic recertification class, experienced paramedics were given a brief didactic introduction to the “bougie-like” Flex Guide endotracheal tube introducer (ETTI). The participants were then asked to intubate adult mannequins immobilized in the head-neutral position, with and without the ETTI. “Successful placement” was defined as completion of the procedure within 30 seconds and endotracheal tube position confirmed by the investigator with direct visualization. Results. For both traditional and ETTI intubations, 34 (97%) of the 35 paramedics successfully intubated within 30 seconds. The two unsuccessful intubation attempt...
Electrophysiologic study for ventricular arrhythmia: Effect on total and myocardial-specific creatine kinase activity

Abstract To determine the potential for myocardial injury during electrophysiologic study for ventricular arrhythmia, total creatine kinase and creatine klnase B-subunit enzyme activity were serially measured after the procedure in 24 patients. During electrophysiologic study 14 of the 24 patients had sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, 4 patients had nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, and 6 patients had no ventricular arrhythmia induced. Cardioversion was necessary because of hemodynamic collapse in 9 of the 14 patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Coronary heart disease was present in 14 of the 24 patients, in 9 of the 14 with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and in 7 of the 9 patients requiring cardioversion. Total creatine kinase was modestly elevated (greater than twice baseline or greater than normal, or both) 24 hours after electrophysiologic study in 10 (42%) of the patients. Electrophysiologic study with or without the induction of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was not associated with Increased creatine kinase B-subunit activity even in patients with coronary heart disease.
Translational implications of the parathyroid calcium receptor.

We live in the era of the Human Genome Project, human and mouse genetics, proteomics, evidence-based medicine, intelligent drug design, and a new “road map” for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that relies on multidisciplinary, translationally directed teams of basic scientists and clinicians focused on specific goals related to human health. Nonetheless, it is rare indeed that an unanticipated discovery in basic science leads within a decade to the development and commercialization of an entirely new therapeutic class of agents. It has been known for decades that serum calcium regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands . . .
Intragroup status and social presence in online fan groups

Low and high status member posts from online fan message board posts were examined. Low status members, as compared to high status members, were found to use more intimacy and immediacy social presence cues, including: praise for the group, self-disclosure, friendly and positive affective language, first person singular pronouns, and present tense verbs. Low status members were less likely than high status members to use articles, larger words, and discrepancy words. Lastly, low status members were rated as more likeable than high status members. The results suggest that low status members may strategically use social presence cues as a means of ingratiating themselves to the group.
Synthesis of ethyl zinc fluoroalkoxide complexes and the crystal structure of [EtZn(py){μ-OCH(CF3)2}]2

Abstract Fluorinated alkoxide complexes of zinc were synthesized for possible use as precursors to fluorine-doped ZnO films. Diethyl zinc reacted with fluorinated alcohols to form [EtZn(OR f )] n (R f = CH(CF 3 ) 2 , CMe 2 CF 3 , CMe(CF 3 ) 2 ) compounds. The [EtZn(OR f )] n compounds reacted with excess pyridine to yield the pyridine adducts [EtZn(py)(μ-OR f )] 2 . The X-ray structure of [EtZn(py){μ-OCH(CF 3 ) 2 }] 2 showed that it has virtual C i symmetry.
A fluorimetric assay method for the K plus-phosphatase associated with the (Na+ + K+)-activated ATPase.

1. 1. Data are presented which indicate that umbelliferone phosphate is a substrate for the K+-activated phosphatase which is found in preparations of (Na+ + K+)-activated ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3). 2. 2.|The hydrolysis of umbelliferone phosphate by this enzyme resembles that of p-nitrophenyl phosphate in that it requires Mg2+ and is activated by K+ and this activation is inhibited by ouabain. 3. 3. At low concentrations of K+, it is further activated by ATP in the presence of Na+ and this extra activation is inhibited by oligomycin. 4. 4. The fluorimetric assay method, which has previously been used in the determination of acid and alkaline phosphatases, is simple, convenient and highly sensitive.
Biological effects of tolytoxin (6-hydroxy-7-O-methyl-scytophycin b), a potent bioactive metabolite from cyanobacteria.

Tolytoxin, a macrocyclic lactone, is a potent antifungal antibiotic, exhibiting MICs in the range of 0.25 to 8 nanomolar. Tolytoxin also inhibits the growth of a variety of mammalian cells at similar doses, without specific inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. The effects in mammalian cells are primarily cytostatic, with cell death being time-and dose-dependent. Tolytoxin is highly toxic to mice, exhibiting an LD50 (ip) of 1.5 mg/kg. No antibacterial, antiviral, or hemolytic activities were observed.
Further Studies of Gravitationally Unstable Protostellar Disks

Models of the solar nebula reveal that it might have been gravitationally unstable, both early and later in its evolution. Such instabilities produce density waves and associated gravitational torques, which are potent agents of angular momentum transport. In previous work, we conducted a series of numerical simulations designed to quantify the effects of gravitational instabilities in a generalizable way (Tomley, Cassen, & Steiman-Cameron 1991). Here we present a second series of simulations in which we examine disks of greater size, increased star/disk mass ratio, and flatter surface density distribution than those in our initial study. The purpose is to represent disks at a later stage of evolution than those already studied, to test the quantitative relations derived in our earlier work and to explore the effects of mass ratio on the results. The new results indicate that the tendencies for unstable, uncooled disks to heat to stability and for dynamical evolution rates to be proportional to cooling rates are general characteristics of the behavior of gravitationally unstable disks. Nevertheless, there are quantitative, and (for strong cooling) even qualitative differences that are revealed in the new simulations, particularly with regard to the cooling rates at which clumping tends to occur.
Selection of embryos for day-3 transfer at the pronuclear-stage and pronuclear-stage cryopreservation results in high delivery rates in fresh and frozen cycles.

Purpose: Evaluate IVF-ET outcome data for a unique culture and cryopreservation strategy. Methods: Retrospective study of 92 patients. Embryos for day-3 transfer were selected at pronuclear-stage; all extra zygotes were cryopreserved at pronuclear-stage. Results: Delivery rates for Anonymous Oocyte Donation (Group I), patients <35 years (Group II), and 35–38 years (Group III) were 52.9%, 61.5%, and 51.7% for fresh and 38.5%, 33.3%, and 40.0% for frozen transfer. Deliveries per retrieval were 82.3%, 71.8%, and 58.6%. Only 0.88, 0.80, and 0.61 more zygotes were cultured than what were used for fresh transfer. Singleton, twin, and triplet rates were 64.6%, 31.2%, and 4.2% for fresh and 69.2%, 30.8%, and 0% for frozen. Conclusions: Selection of day-3 transfer embryos at the pronuclear-stage and cryopreservation of extra zygotes results in high delivery rates in fresh and frozen cycles. This approach optimizes deliveries per retrieval and provides many patients with more than one pregnancy per retrieval.
DETECTION OF THE PULSED RADIO SOURCE CP 1919 AT 13 cm WAVELENGTH.

High-frequency measurements suggest that the spectrum of the pulsating radio source is extremely steep.
The end of the world is not nigh

Popular fearmongers never let the facts ruin a good story, even though, this article reflects, history has proven the pessimists wrong. Pessimistic predictions in a range of areas including land, population, energy, economy and technology are deflated and a lively selection of “futurist howlers” spanning the last two centuries is provided by way of counsel for today’s futurists. The article concludes that the culture of pessimism is not only a dead end, it is patently false.
The influence of morphology in determining the decomposition of two salt marsh macrophytes

Annual decomposition rates of Spartina alterniflora height forms and Juncus roemerianus were determined in situ in three North Carolina salt marshes using the litter bag method. The decomposition of Spartina was significantly influenced by size, i.e., height form, with the taller plants which had greater amounts of stem tissue, being more resistant to decay. Instantaneous decay rates for short and medium Spartina were not significantly different at any site, but they were both significantly greater than that of the tall form at two of the three study sites. Juncus decomposed more slowly than Spartina during the first 8 months, but had decomposed as completely as all three height forms of Spartina at two of the study sites by the end of the 13-month study period. Constant submergence appeared to inhibit decomposition since there was twice as much undecomposed plant material remaining in bags placed in tidal creeks as in those on the marsh surface.
Russians and the Putin-Medvedev "Tandemocracy"

During the 2007-2008 election cycle, the victorious United Russia Party and Dmitri Medvedev pledged to continue the status quo, but voters also genuinely hoped that it would be Medvedev rather than Putin at the helm.
Characterization of a potential medium for 'biorelevant' in vitro release testing of a naltrexone implant, employing a validated stability-indicating HPLC method.

Abstract A variety of factors have been recognized that influence media optimization for drug release studies of implant dosage forms. Of primary importance is selection of a medium that physiologically mimics the milieu at the site of administration (a condition termed ‘biorelevance’). We describe in this paper, the characterization of Hanks’ balanced salts solution, with necessary modification, for application as a ‘biorelevant’ medium for in vitro release studies of a biodegradable, subcutaneous implant of naltrexone. A detailed investigation of changes in pH, osmolality and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum as a function of time and temperature was conducted. Variation in the parameters evaluated was found to be within acceptable limits. Validation of a simple and selective, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method for naltrexone was carried out to evaluate stability. The calibration curves were linear from 0.16 to 20.00 μg ml −1 . Imprecision and inaccuracy were less than 2% and no interference was observed from degradation peaks. Stability studies of naltrexone indicated the media should be replaced every 7–8 days for real-time testing. This was applied to an investigation of in vitro drug release. The method has been proven to be suitable for investigation of naltrexone released from the implant.
Relationship between tissue--phantom ratio and percentage depth dose

The relationship between the tissue-phantom ratio and central-axis percentage depth-dose data is derived. Relationships between the tissue-phantom ratio, tissue-maximum ratio, and tissue-air ratio are given. A simple model is developed which suggests that the degree to which the TPR and TMR are independent of distance from the source depends largely on the collimator/flattening-filter scatter.
Perinatal infections and fetal/neonatal brain injury

Purpose of reviewFetal and newborn brain injury causes lifelong morbidity for the survivors, with high emotional costs to the individual and the family plus a heavy economic burden for society. This is timely and relevant. Techniques are now available to prevent, detect, and treat those central nerv
Incorporation of Selenium into the Tissues of the Chick Embryo

Abstract Selenium appears to fall into a category of substances that have an effect on growth, and in a not completely explained fashion is related to sulfur metabolism (Desai et al., 1964). Congenital abnormalities (monstrosities) are known to occur in chick embryos or in chicks hatched from eggs laid by hens fed toxic amounts of selenium or grains containing these compounds (Tully and Franke, 1935). In contrast there is evidence that trace amounts of selenium are involved in the normal growth process in plants (Trelease and Beath, 1949), microorganisms (Pinsent, 1954) and fowl (Nesheim and Scott, 1958; Zalkin et al., 1960). General knowledge and understanding of the specific relationship between selenium and growth are limited. The chick embryo was selected as the experimental animal in the studies on growth and development since it is during the early embryo stages that a relatively rapid and profound developmental activity occurs when the plans…
Distancing Through Objectification? Depictions of Women’s Bodies in Menstrual Product Advertisements

Terror Management Theory has led to suggestions that humans may distance themselves from menstruation in order to avoid reminders of their own corporeality and mortality, and the objectification of women has received empirical support as one means to do so. A content analysis of 240 menstrual product advertisements published in Seventeen and Cosmopolitan over 12 years was undertaken to look for evidence of objectification. Idealized images of women were common, lending support to the idea that these tactics can be used to provide distance from reminders of our own mortality, but overtly sexualized images were less common. The fact that nearly half of the advertisements did not include images of women may provide even stronger support for this idea. This indicated that a sanitized female body is not just being paired with reminders of menstruation, we are, literally, removing the female body entirely in many instances.
Metabolic Activities in Extracts of Mesophyll and Bundle Sheath Cells of Panicum miliaceum (L.) in Relation to the C4 Dicarboxylic Acid Pathway of Photosynthesis

The activities of certain enzymes related to the carbon assimilation pathway in whole leaves, mesophyll cell extracts, and bundle sheath extracts of the C(4) plant Panicum miliaceum have been measured and compared on a chlorophyll basis. Enzymes of the C(4) dicarboxylic acid pathway-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and NADP-malic dehydrogenase-were localized in mesophyll cells. Carbonic anhydrase was also localized in mesophyll cell extracts. Ribose 5-phosphate isomerase, ribulose 5-phosphate kinase, and ribulose diphosphate carboxylase-enzymes of the reductive pentose phosphate pathway-were predominantly localized in bundle sheath extracts. High activities of aspartate and alanine transaminases and glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase were found about equally distributed between the photosynthetic cell types. P. miliaceum had low malic enzyme activity in both mesophyll and bundle sheath extracts.Isolated bundle sheath cells were capable of converting aspartate to oxalacetate at rates approaching the aspartate transaminase activity of bundle sheath extracts. The bundle sheath cells had a light induced CO(2) fixation of 23 mumoles of CO(2)/mg chl.hr in the absence of exogenous substrates.The photorespiratory enzymes, hydroxypyruvate reductase and glycolic oxidase, were about 3 fold higher in bundle sheath extracts than in mesophyll extracts when compared on a chlorophyll basis.
Developments in Linear Regression Methodology: 1959–l982

The developments in linear regression methodology that have taken place during the 25-year history of Technometrics are summarized. Major topics covered are variable selection, biased estimation, robust estimation, and regression diagnostics.
Usability Testing of a Web-Scale Discovery System at an Academic Library

Many academic libraries have either implemented or are considering a Web-scale discovery system, but few usability studies have been published in the library literature. This article describes the usability testing performed at Tulane University on the Primo discovery system. Several usability challenges were identified, particularly with the least experienced users; however, there is strong evidence that users adapt quickly to the new interface. Most usability challenges can be alleviated with simple terminology changes. Also, despite some struggles in the testing, users typically rated the system highly in both usability and quality of results.
ULTRASONIC AIDED EXTRUSION OF CNT-AND CNF-FILLED SBR COMPOUNDS AND PROPERTIES OF THEIR VULCANIZATES

Abstract Ultrasonically assisted single screw extrusion of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) up to 20 phr and carbon nanofibers (CNF) up to 35 phr was carried out. The effects of ultrasonic amplitude on processing characteristics, rheology, extractable amount, vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties, abrasion, electrical resistivity, and morphology were investigated. Ultrasonically treated compounds showed an increase in viscosity and unextractable content in both CNT- and CNF-filled compounds. A decrease in the induction time of curing with amplitude was observed in CNT-filled compounds. However, the induction time of CNF-filled compounds showed more complex behavior with amplitude. The final cure torque, crosslink density, modulus, and tensile strength showed a maximum at an intermediate amplitude in filled vulcanizates. An increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and a decrease in tan δ at Tg with amplitude were observed in CNF- and CNT...
Automated in vivo change analysis of tumor vasculature from two-photon confocal image time series

Automated methods are described for in vivo quantitation of changes in tumor vasculature. The tumor subsurface is imaged non-invasively over time with two-photon confocal microscopy aided by a variety of chronic animal window preparations. This results in time series of three-dimensional (3-D) image stacks for each specimen at high resolution (768x512x32 voxels, 8 bits/voxel, every 24 hours for 7 days), imaging depth and signal-to-background ratio. Next, automated image analysis allows detection and quantitation of vascular changes in a rapid and objective manner without manual tedium. We describe a fast new algorithm for fully automated 3-D tracing (50 seconds to trace a 10 MB stack on a Dell 1 GHz Pentium III personal computer). A variety of measurements including tortuosity, length, thickness, and branching order are generated and analyzed. Quantitative validation of the performance of the tracing algorithm against manual tracing resulted in 81% concordance. This enables a broader set of change analysis studies including testing the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies and deriving vessel growth parameters that may be correlated with physiological and gene expression profiles in tumor.
Sensory cortical re-mapping following upper-limb amputation and subsequent targeted reinnervation: A case report

This case study demonstrates the change of sensory cortical representations of the residual parts of the arm in an individual who underwent a trans-humeral amputation and subsequent targeted reinnervation (TR). As a relatively new surgical technique, TR restores a direct neural connection from amputated sensorimotor nerves to specific target muscles. This method has been successfully applied to upper-limb and lower-limb amputees, and has shown effectiveness in regaining control signals via the newly re-innervated muscles. Correspondingly, recent study results have shown that motor representations for the missing limb move closer to their original locations following TR. Besides regaining motor control signals, TR also restores the sensation in the re-innervated skin areas. We therefore hypothesize that TR causes analogous cortical sensory remapping that may return closer to their original locations. In order to test this hypothesis, cortical activity in response to sensory-level electrical stimulation in different parts of the arm was studied longitudinally in one amputated individual before and up to 2 years after TR. Our results showed that 1) before TR, the cortical response to sensory electrical stimulation in the residual limb showed a diffuse bilateral pattern without a clear focus in either the time or spatial domain; and 2) 2 years after TR, the sensory map of the reinnervated median nerve reorganized, showing predominant activity over the contralateral S1 hand area as well as moderate activity over the ipsilateral S1. Therefore, this work provides new evidence for long-term sensory cortical plasticity in the human brain after TR.
Administrative interventions on police shooting discretion: An empirical examination

Abstract In August, 1972, the New York City Police Department promulgated administrative shooting guidelines and shooting incident review procedures far more restrictive than former statutory “defense of life” and “fleeing felon” justifications for police shooting. Using a data base that includes all reported New York City police firearms discharges and serious assaults on police between 1971 and 1975, this article examines the effects of the new guidelines and procedures on shooting frequencies, patterns, and consequences. Great decreases in “fleeing felon” shootings, “warning shots,” and shooting-opponent injuries and deaths were found to be associated with the new rules. This change also appeared to have a favorable effect on line-of-duty officer deaths and serious injuries. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Apoptosis Induced by Mammalian Reovirus Is Beta Interferon (IFN) Independent and Enhanced by IFN Regulatory Factor 3- and NF-κB-Dependent Expression of Noxa

A variety of signal transduction pathways are activated in response to viral infection, which dampen viral replication and transmission. These mechanisms involve both the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), which evoke an antiviral state, and the triggering of apoptosis. Mammalian orthoreoviruses are double-stranded RNA viruses that elicit apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) are required for the expression of IFN-β and the efficient induction of apoptosis in reovirus-infected cells. However, it is not known whether IFN-β induction is required for apoptosis, nor have the genes induced by IRF-3 and NF-κB that are responsible for apoptosis been identified. To determine whether IFN-β is required for reovirus-induced apoptosis, we used type I IFN receptor-deficient cells, IFN-specific antibodies, and recombinant IFN-β. We found that IFN synthesis and signaling are dispensable for the apoptosis of reovirus-infected cells. These results indicate that the apoptotic response following reovirus infection is mediated directly by genes responsive to IRF-3 and NF-κB. Noxa is a proapoptotic BH3-domain-only protein of the Bcl-2 family that requires IRF-3 and NF-κB for efficient expression. We found that Noxa is strongly induced at late times (36 to 48 h) following reovirus infection in a manner dependent on IRF-3 and NF-κB. The level of apoptosis induced by reovirus is significantly diminished in cells lacking Noxa, indicating a key prodeath function for this molecule during reovirus infection. These results suggest that prolonged innate immune response signaling induces apoptosis by eliciting Noxa expression in reovirus-infected cells.
Ropes course training for youth in a rural setting: “At first I thought it was going to be boring ...”

Outdoor structured activities, such as Ropes Challenge Courses, are typically utilized as interventions for youth coming from urban settings. Evaluation of such programs is scanty at best. In this instance, the course experience is used as a prevention tool for high risk youth in a remote, rural setting of high unemployment, alcohol problems, and low income. The authors discuss the effectiveness of this approach, and the intended and unintended “consequences” for the rural community at large. The evaluation design relies on extensive qualitative methodology as well as quantitative methods to capture the unique nature of this rural project.
Association of l‐tryptophan and an illness resembling eosinophilic fasciitis: clinical and histopathologic findings in four patients with eosinophilia‐myalgia syndrome

The Centers for Disease Control has recently reported an association between the use of oral L-tryptophan preparations and a disease marked by severe myalgia, peripheral eosinophilia, and neuromuscular and cutaneous abnormalities. They have labeled the condition eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. We report here the clinical and histopathologic findings in 4 patients who developed an illness resembling eosinophilic fasciitis following the initiation of oral L-tryptophan supplementation.
Harvester ant sensitivity: In vitro and in vivo studies using whole body extracts and venom

Harvester ant stings by Pogonomyrmex maricopa (Pm) or Pogonomyrmex rugosus (Pr) resulted in serious reactions in 8 patients, 4 with generalized reactions and 1 with large local reactions. Exposure to one species in the genus Pogonomyrmex (P) appeared to cross-sensitize ant-sensitive patients to other species in the same genus as evidenced by skin testing and leukocyte histamine release, but these patients were less sensitive to extracts from other stinging Hymenoptera, including bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, and Formica ant. Pr ant venom was obtained by electrical stimulation of live ants for leukocyte histamine release studies. The venom preparation was considerably more effective in inducing histamine release than a body extract derived from gasters, the posterior abdominal segments. Rabbits immunized with an extract from one species produced precipitating antibodies against the injected extract withich cross-reacted with extracts from other species of harvester ant, but not with other stinging Hymenoptera. Humans and rabbits appear to react to certain genus-specific antigens present in Pogonomyrmex whole body extracts. Proper identification of the offending ant is crucial for proper testing and treatment of ant-sensitive patients.
Plasma interactions with high aspect ratio patterned surfaces: ion transport, scattering, and the role of charging

Etching of a patterned semiconductor surface in a plasma depends strongly on the transport of ion and neutral species between the features. Factors altering ion scattering at the sidewalls of high aspect ratio features, such as ion temperature, mask erosion, and charging, influence significantly the final profile shape. Models to describe the inelastic and reactive scattering at various surfaces, coupled to ion trajectory calculations in the sheath and between features, are used to illustrate the contribution of these factors to microtrenching and sidewall bowing. A transition in the profile shape from exhibiting microtrenching to having a rounded bottom is predicted as a result of plasma-induced charging in very high aspect ratio insulating masks.
PPAR‐γ AF‐2 Domain Functions as a Component of a Ubiquitin‐dependent Degradation Signal

The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) functions as the "master switch" in adipocyte development and is important in regulating glucose metabolism. PPAR-gamma is rapidly degraded in adipocytes by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway under basal and ligand-activated conditions. Proteasome inhibition increases PPAR-gamma activity, indicating disposal of PPAR-gamma by the ubiquitin proteasome system regulates PPAR-gamma activity. However, the signals and factors required for recognition of PPAR-gamma by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway are unknown. To begin understanding how the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway interacts with PPAR-gamma, we designed a series of constructs containing each PPAR-gamma domain expressed as a fusion protein with the GAL4 DNA-binding domain. The ability of each PPAR-gamma domain to alter the stability of the GAL4 DNA-binding domain and to undergo ubiquitylation was assessed via western blot analysis. In addition, luciferase reporter assays were used to assay PPAR-gamma transcriptional activity. Using this approach, we determined that the AF-1 and ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of PPAR-gamma are targeted to the proteasome for degradation. However, only the LBD is conjugated to ubiquitin. The AF-2 helix of the LBD is required for maximum ubiquitylation, but is not essential for ligand-dependent ubiquitin conjugation. Finally, luciferase reporter assays show a fully functional ubiquitin system is required for PPAR-gamma activation. These results indicate that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is an integral determinant of PPAR-gamma activity, targeting PPAR-gamma for proteasomal degradation via ubiquitin independent and ubiquitin dependent mechanisms.
The In Vivo Benefit of Ethoxyquin for Egg Yolk Pigmentation

Abstract An experiment was conducted with commercial egg production hens to determine whether or not ethoxyquin enhanced the utilization of xanthophyll during digestion. Egg yolk color was depleted by feeding a diet with white corn for 28 days. The addition of 1.1 and 2.2 mg of ethoxyquin to the water for 14 days resulted in a significant linear increase in excitation purity of egg yolk. The dominant wavelength of egg yolk color was not affected by the ethoxyquin. The increase in excitation purity indicated that ethoxyquin enhances xanthophyll utilization during the digestion and absorption process.
FINITE-PARTICLE REPRESENTATIONS AND STATES OF THE CANONICAL COMMUTATION RELATIONS.

Abstract A mathematical analysis is made of the existence of the formal number-of-particles operator N = ⩞a k ∗ a k for a representation of the canonical commutation relations, where ak is the kth annihilation operator. Using a natural rigorous definition of N as a limit of ⩞ k=1 n a k ∗ a k as n → ∞, it is shown that N exists in uncountably many inequivalent irreducible representations; they are all described here. With an alternative definition of N it is proved that N exists only in the zero-interaction (Fock) representation. A related result shows that every regular state of the Weyl algebra which has a finite number of particles with probability one is given by a density matrix in the zero-interaction representation.
Determination of Inorganics and Organics in Crawfish

Abstract This review covers selected results and discussion on the determination of heavy metals or inorganics and organics, mostly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in crawfish or crayfish.
Activation of T-cells by bryostatins: Induction of the IL-2 receptor gene transcription and down-modulation of surface receptors

Abstract Bryostatins are macrocyclic lactones isolated from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina . They are currently evaluated for putative antineoplastic activity. Bryostatins bind and activate protein kinase C (PK-C), the cellular receptor for the phorbol esters, and elicit PK-C-dependent cellular functions. Such functions include the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R). Northern blot hybridization with a human IL-2R and an IL-2 cDNA showed that bryostatin 1 (bryo 1), like the phorbol ester, PMA, activates the IL-2R gene. Activation with bryo 1 or PMA in the presence of a calcium ionophore, A23187, increased IL-2 message. These findings indicate that calcium mobilization is necessary for bryo 1 or PMA induced IL-2 gene expression. Unlike PMA, bryo 1 did not cause a vigorous proliferative response of T-lymphocytes unless A23187 was added to the cultures. A bryostatin congener, bryo 13, was inactive in the above assays. Short-term treatment of T-cells with bryo 1 and PMA resulted in an equivalent down-regulation of surface CD3 and CD4 receptors withour affecting the CD8 receptor. Bryo 1 or PMA mediated expression of surface IL-2R and T-cell proliferation induced by bryo 1 or PMA were sensitive to inhibition by the PK-C antagonists staurosporine (Sts) and H-7. In contrast, CD4 and CD3 down regulation were resistant to H-7, but could be blocked by Sts, although the Sts concentration required to block bryo 1 or PMA-induced down-modulation was 2.5-fold higher than required to inhibit IL-2R expression and T-cell proliferation. These results indicate that bryostatins activate T-cells through PK-C.
Moth tails divert bat attack: Evolution of acoustic deflection

Adaptations to divert the attacks of visually guided predators have evolved repeatedly in animals. Using high-speed infrared videography, we show that luna moths ( Actias luna ) generate an acoustic diversion with spinning hindwing tails to deflect echolocating bat attacks away from their body and toward these nonessential appendages. We pit luna moths against big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) and demonstrate a survival advantage of ∼47% for moths with tails versus those that had their tails removed. The benefit of hindwing tails is equivalent to the advantage conferred to moths by bat-detecting ears. Moth tails lured bat attacks to these wing regions during 55% of interactions between bats and intact luna moths. We analyzed flight kinematics of moths with and without hindwing tails and suggest that tails have a minimal role in flight performance. Using a robust phylogeny, we find that long spatulate tails have independently evolved four times in saturniid moths, further supporting the selective advantage of this anti-bat strategy. Diversionary tactics are perhaps more common than appreciated in predator–prey interactions. Our finding suggests that focusing on the sensory ecologies of key predators will reveal such countermeasures in prey.
Scalable loop self-scheduling schemes for heterogeneous clusters

Heterogeneous cluster systems (e.g., a LAN of computers) can be used for concurrent processing for some applications. However, a serious difficulty in concurrent programming of a heterogeneous system is how to deal with scheduling and load balancing of such a system that may consist of heterogeneous computers. Distributed scheduling schemes suitable for parallel loops with independent iterations on heterogeneous computer clusters have been proposed and analysed in the past. Here, we implement the previous schemes in MPI. We present an extension of these schemes implemented in a hierarchical Master Slave architecture and include experimental results and comparisons.
Minimally invasive mitral valve replacement: port-access technique, feasibility, and myocardial functional preservation.

Abstract Objective: This experiment examined the feasibility of minimally invasive port-access mitral valve replacement via a 2.5 cm incision. Methods: The study evaluated valvular performance and myocardial functional recovery in six mongrel dogs after port-access mitral valve replacement with a St. Jude Medical prosthesis (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, Minn.). Femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass and a balloon catheter system for myocardial protection with cardioplegic arrest (Heartport, Inc., Redwood City, Calif.) were used. The mitral valve was replaced through a 2.5 cm port in the left side of the chest, and the animals were weaned from bypass. Cardiac function was measured before and at 30 and 60 minutes after bypass. Left ventricular pressure and electrical conductance volume were used to calculate changes in load-independent indexes of ventricular function. Results: Each procedure was successfully completed. Recovery of left ventricular function was excellent at 30 and 60 minutes after bypass compared with the prebypass values for elastance (30 minutes=4.04 ± 0.97 and 60 minutes=4.27 ± 0.57 vs prebypass=4.45 ± 0.96; p = 0.51) and for preload recruitable stroke work (30 minutes=76.23 ± 4.80 and 60 minutes=71.21 ± 2.99 vs prebypass=71.23 ± 3.75; p = 0.45). Preload recruitable work area remained at 96% and 85% of baseline at 30 and 60 minutes ( p = not significant). In addition, transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated normal prosthetic valve function, as well as normal regional and global ventricular wall motion. Autopsy revealed secure annular-sewing apposition and normal leaflet motion. Conclusions: These results suggest that minimally invasive mitral valve replacement using percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic arrest is technically reproducible, achieves normal valve placement, and results in complete cardiac functional recovery. Minimally invasive mitral valve replacement is now feasible, and clinical trials are indicated. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997; 113:1022-31)
Changes in the Sharing of Drug Injection Equipment among Street-Recruited Injection Drug Users in Chicago, Illinois, 1994–1996

This study examines changes in the multi-person use of drug injection paraphernalia during the mid-1990s, a time of increasing awareness of HIV transmission modes and availability of prevention programs. Beginning in 1994, 794 street-recruited injection drug users in Chicago were interviewed and followed at 6 and 12 months postbaseline. Random-effects, pattern-mixture logistic regression models were used to determine correlates of five injection-equipment sharing practices, while accounting for repeated measurement and study attrition. At baseline, 45.7% of participants reported receptive syringe sharing in the previous 6 months. Syringe-mediated sharing was reported by 28.7% of participants and the sharing of cookers (65.1%), cotton filters (55.7%), and rinse water (46.9%) was common. During follow-up, the proportion of all sharing behaviors decreased significantly, especially receptive syringe sharing. Participation in a syringe exchange program was associated with reductions in receptive syringe sharing and syringe-mediated sharing, but not the sharing of cookers.
Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Bone Structure Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were first associated with disorders of bone in both adults and children in the late 1960s. The most severe manifestations of these disorders are osteopenia/osteoporosis, osteomalacia and fractures. Bone disease has been described in several groups of patients receiving AEDs. Groups identified as being more vulnerable to AED-associated bone disease include institutionalised patients, postmenopausal women, older men and children. Radiological and histological evidence of bone disease is found in patients taking AEDs. Numerous biochemical abnormalities of bone metabolism have also been described. The severity of bone and biochemical abnormalities is thought to correlate with the duration of AED exposure and the number of AEDs used. In monotherapy, the AEDs most commonly associated with altered bone metabolism are phenytoin, primidone and phenobarbital (phenobarbitone). To date there have been no reports of altered bone metabolism in individuals receiving the newer anticonvulsants (specifically lamotrigine, topiramate, vigabatrin and gabapentin). The mechanisms of AED-associated bone disease are not clearly elucidated; however, several theories have been proposed to explain the link. No definitive guidelines for evaluation or treatment have yet been determined.
Recurrent tethered cord: radiological investigation and management

Recurrent tethered cord (RTC) is almost the rule after the repair of myelomeningocele and quite frequent after the repair of lipomyelomeningocele, resulting from the adhesions of the placode within a too narrow spinal canal. About one-third of patients with myelomeningocele and 10 % of those with spinal lipoma develop symptomatic RTC, mainly caused by the ischemic–metabolic injuries due to the cord stretching. The goal of this review is to provide information about the pathophysiology, the radiological picture, and the management of RTV according to the pertinent literature and the authors’ experience. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) picture is characterized by a low position of the conus and by tethering of the spinal cord to the subcutaneous scar or to the inner surface of the spinal canal. The radiological work-up always includes brain MRI, to rule out other possible causes of late neurological deterioration (as shunt malfunction), and MRI of the whole spinal cord, to detect possible associated lesions (syringomyelia, dermoids, etc.). X-rays and/or computed tomography scan of the spine is required for the assessment of scoliosis or other bony malformations. The surgical treatment is planned after a multidisciplinary neurological, urological, orthopedic, physiatric, and radiological evaluation. The surgical detethering is carried out cautiously, possibly with electrophysiological intraoperative monitoring. Surgery ensures improvement or stability of the clinical picture in 70–80 % of cases, the remaining 20–30 % of patients needing multiple operations for their recovery. Complications may affect up to one-third of operated patients, being mainly represented by CSF leak, pseudomeningocele, and shunt malfunction.
Demographic Variables in Process/Reactive Schizophrenia Research: Noise or Signal?

A fundamental canon of research design is the necessity of maximizing variance from a primary source—i.e., the independent variable. In personality research, where the independent variable is often a characteristic of subjects-e.g., age, sex, or birth order—the canon is observed by imposing control on sources of secondary variance—e.g., education, socioeconomic status, or other demographic variables. Thus, by matching demographic characteristics among control and experimental subjects, signal is enhanced at the expense of systematic but irrelevant secondary noise. Similarly, investigators, have applied the canon to schizophrenia research in which the goal is to assess psychological and physiological functioning in diagnosed psychotics as compared to nonpsychotic controls with irrelevant demographic input held constant. However, problems of a conceptual and a tactical nature arise when the process/reactive (P/R) continuum is applied in order to enhance signal reception within the larger category of schizophrenia . Conceptual difficulties proceed from the uncertainty as to what constitutes primary variance in P/R. Granted that subjects can be reliably designated process or reactive, the fundamental substrate of that distinction is, as yet, an empirical question. Tactical problems arise in the choosing of a measure to represent P/R in the experimental design and the kinds of experimental control that each measure logically requires.