cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evolutionary model of premenstrual syndrome

PMS has existed at least since the beginning of medical writing, and is estimated to affect large proportions of women worldwide. But the etiology remains unknown, diagnostic definition and methods vary tremendously, and treatment is wholly symptom-oriented. This poor state of understanding has been attributed to a lack of theoretical perspective. The current work provides such a theoretical perspective from an evolutionary paradigm. PMS is not evolutionarily adaptive in and of itself. Rather, it is part of a cyclic pattern that results from the cessation of heightened, positive physical and sociobehavioral states that are evolutionarily favored during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle for some women. When the advantage of these positive states diminishes, they cease, causing relatively lower states that are subjectively experienced as symptoms. In its clinical extreme, this is PMS. However, eons of evolution would result in modern women who are choosy about the conditions under which they reproduce. Thus, women whose conditions suggest a high probability of successful immediate reproduction are expected to experience the heightened, positive states during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle to attract mates and fertilizations; these women will experience symptoms premenstrually. But women whose conditions suggest a low probability of successful immediate reproduction are expected to experience the heightened, positive states during the premenstruum to retain mates, accrue or maintain resources, and/or otherwise improve their conditions; these women will experience symptoms during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle ("pseudo-PMS"). In addition, the heightened states are expected to shift in response to changes in conditions throughout women's lives, being expressed at whatever point is most evolutionarily beneficial given current conditions. This suggests that our conceptualization of PMS should be reframed within a facultative (condition-sensitive), evolutionary model. It also generates predictions both within- and between women that should elucidate the syndrome.
Congenital absence and hypoplasia of pedicles in the thoracic spine

A case of thoracic pedicle aplasia of T12 coincident with pedicle hypoplasia at T11 is reported. The authors review the literature on thoracic pedicle deficiency and discuss the computed tomography (CT) findings in the thoracic pedicle aplasia/hypoplasia spectrum.
Paint-only is equivalent to scrub-and-paint in preoperative preparation of abdominal surgery sites.

Background Antiseptic preoperative skin site preparation is used to prepare the operative site before making a surgical incision. The goal of this preparation is a reduction in postoperative wound infection. The most straightforward technique necessary to achieve this goal remains controversial. Study design A prospective randomized trial was designed to prove equivalency for two commonly used techniques of surgical skin site preparation. Two hundred thirty-four patients undergoing nonlaparoscopic abdominal operations were consented for the trial. Exclusion criteria included presence of active infection at the time of operation, neutropenia, history of skin reaction to iodine, or anticipated insertion of prosthetic material at the time of operation. Patients were randomized to receive either a vigorous 5-minute scrub with povidone-iodine soap, followed by absorption with a sterile towel, and a paint with aqueous povidone-iodine or surgical site preparation with a povidone-iodine paint only. The primary end point of the study was wound infection rate at 30 days, defined as presence of clinical signs of infection requiring therapeutic intervention. Results Patients randomized to the scrub-and-paint arm (n = 115) and the paint-only arm (n = 119) matched at baseline with respect to age, comorbidity, wound classification, mean operative time, placement of drains, prophylactic antibiotic use, and surgical procedure (all p > 0.09). Wound infection occurred in 12 (10%) scrub-and-paint patients, and 12 (10%) paint-only patients. Based on our predefined equivalency parameters, we conclude equivalence of infection rates between the two preparations. Conclusions Preoperative preparation of the abdomen with a scrub with povidone-iodine soap followed by a paint with aqueous povidone-iodine can be abandoned in favor of a paint with aqueous povidone-iodine alone. This change will result in reductions in operative times and costs.
Chromatin: Mysteries solved?

Over the past few years we have seen enormous progress in uncovering the critical roles that chromatin structure has on the control of gene expression, the regulation of developmental processes, an...
High-pressure differential thermal analysis measurements of the melting curve of lithium

Abstract The pressure effect on the melting behavior of lithium has been measured by observing the latent heat signatures of melting and freezing using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Samples were repeatedly melted and recrystallized at selected pressures up to 15 GPa in a multianvil press. Despite the weak DTA signals due to small sample sizes at high pressure, the melting and freezing temperatures were clearly determined from the derivatives of the DTA traces. We measured a drop in the melting temperature between 9 and 12 GPa, yielding a maximum at 10(2) GPa and 245(2) ∘C. This work highlights both the successes and failures of recent theoretical models for the melting behavior of this and related systems.
Structure studies on Tl-2122 and Tl-2223 superconductors

Abstract Substantial differences in the superconducting transition, both in width and onset temperature, for the same structure-type have been observed in “pseudo-flux” grown crystals in the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O system. These differences have been attributed to stoichiometry variations arising from cation site substitution, primarily the replacement of Ca 2+ with Tl 3+ between the Cu-O 2 layers. Several crystals belonging to the Tl-2122 (Tl 2 CaBa 2 Cu 2 O 8 with c ⋍ 29 A ) and the Tl-2223 (Tl 2 Ca 2 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 10 with c ⋍ 36 A ) structure-type have been examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Tl-2122 phase has 15 to 28% Tl for Ca substitution while the Tl-2223 phase has only 8–9% substitution in the particular crystals examined. In addition, both phases also show a large variation in the Tl site occupancy (88 to 100%). Such cation disorder is consistent with the observed small differences in lattice parameters reported by various investigators in crystals of this system.
N-acetyl cysteine inhibits induction of no production by endotoxin or cytokine stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages, C6 glial cells and astrocytes.

Abstract The present study underscores the importance of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, in inhibiting the induction of NO production by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cytokines in peritoneal macrophages, C6 glial cells and primary astrocytes. LPS, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interferon-gama (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) alone or in combinations induced the production of NO to different degrees. NAC when added 2 h earlier to the addition of these stimuli potentially blocked the increase in NO production in macrophages, astrocytes and C6 glial cells. The decrease in NO production by NAC was accompanied by a decrease in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, in iNOS protein detected by immunoblot analysis with antibodies against iNOS, and in iNOS mRNA determined by reverse-transcriptase coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Time course studies show that inhibition was maximum when NAC was added 2 h prior to the addition of LPS and the degree of inhibition decreased progressively with the increase in time interval when NAC was added after the addition of LPS. In addition to NAC, another antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was also found to inhibit the induction of NO production effectively. Since activation of NF-κB is necessary for the induction of iNOS, we examined the effect of NAC on the activation of NF-κB. Inhibition of LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by NAC in rat peritoneal macrophages suggests that the inhibitory effect of NAC on the induction of iNOS is due to the inhibition of NF-κB. Besides NO, NAC also blocked the production of TNF-α in rat peritoneal macrophages activated with endotoxin. These results suggest that expression of iNOS and TNF-α in macrophages do involve oxygen radicals. The importance of these results in relation to controlling various harmful effects of cytokines released by activated macrophages and glial cells is discussed.
Mercury in Geologic Reference Samples

The mercury contents of 109 reference samples of 12 organizations have been determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The homogeneity of mercury in the six USGS samples issued in 1964 was tested twice, a year apart, using unopened bottles of samples. The analysis of variance of these data in the form of a design with a single variable of classification showed that the mercury contents of the 12 sets can be considered homogeneous at F0.95 and that 10 of these sets can be considered homogeneous at F0.90, a more stringent test. Data for other reference samples were generally obtained using Youden Squares. This experimental design was used so that we could determine the significance of the variation attributable to some cause on the days on which mercury was determined, to the order in which the determinations were made on the several days, and to the mercury contents of the samples in each design. For the latter, one may assume that the mercury contents of samples will differ and that a significant F ratio may be obtained. For the principal variable of classification, the variation attributable to some cause on the days on which mercury was determined was significant for only 1 of 9 analyses of variance of sets of data but we have not been able to explain the cause of the significance. The mercury contents of the several types of samples, except for micas, dunites, and perhaps the granodiorites, depend on the origin of the samples. The mercury contents of ande-sites and basalts of continental origin are higher than those for similar samples originating in island arcs or the circum-Pacific belt. We conclude that the high and extremely variable mercury content of W-1 is probably due to mercury resulting from the use of mercury fulminate detonators in the quarry prior to the collection of the sample.
Nitrogen fixation potential of beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) compared with other grain legumes under controlled conditions

Greenhouse experiments were done under favorable conditions to compare effective bean symbioses with cowpea and soybean symbioses and with N-fertilized controls. Growth, N-accumulation, nodulation, acetylene reduction, hydrogen evolution and the effect of native rhizobia on symbiotic performance were evaluated. Relative N accumulation (in symbiotic plants relative to N-fertilized plants) was higher for soybean (43%) than for the other symbioses (25–39%) at four weeks, but from four to six weeks both soybean (96%) and cowpea (92%) accumulated relatively more N than did beans (56–78%). Inferior performance of beans could not be atributed to differences in acetylene reduction or nodule weight, but bean nodules were smaller and more numerous and evolved more hydrogen (Relative energetic efficiency was 0.5 to 0.7 in bean, 0.95 in cowpea and soybean). Relative N accumulation was influenced by N accumulation characteristics of the fertilized plants as well as the symbiotic plants. The vegetative N-fixation period of early maturing beans was shorter than for cowpeas of similar maturation date; the beans flowered earlier and had a longer pod-filling period. There was no evidence that the common bean symbiosis was more sensitive than the others to competition from native rhizobia. With mixed populations of effective rhizobia, hydrogen evolution in otherPhaseolus species (P. acutifolius, P. coccineus, P. filiformis, P. lunatus) was similar to that inP. vulgaris and higher than in cowpea or soybean. Although failure to establish effective nodulation is often considered the reason for poor N-fixation by common bean in the field, the species may be genetically predisposed to poor fixation because of symbiotic inefficiency and the short vegetative fixation period.
The Reaction of 1,3‐Butadiene with Ethyl Diazopyruvate. Syntheses of Salicylates and of Nezukone

The Rh-catalyzed reaction of 1,3-butadiene with ethyl 3-diazopyruvate leads, inter alia, to a dihydro-oxepinecarboxylate whose oxidation and functinal-group manipulation produce salicylates. Wittig reactions on the acylcyclopropane accompanying the dihydrooxepine yields acrylates whose pyrolyses afford cycloheptadiene-carboxylates. Oxidation and functional-group transformation produces the natural tropone, nezukone.
Separation and study of corrinoid cobalt-ligand isomers by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Vitamin B 12 belongs to a group of complex organo-cobalt compounds, the corrinoids. “Complete” corrinoids, such as B 1 2 , contain a nucleotide as the cobalt α-(lower)ligand. This nucleotide is also connected to the periphery of the corrin ring. The “incomplete” corrinoids, in contrast, contain simple cobalt α-ligands, such as water or cyanide. Using analytical reverse-phase and anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have been able to study the behavior of several aquocyano-“incomplete” corrinoids: three isomeric cobinic acid pentaamides, cobinamide, and cobyric acid, all of which exist as thermally unstable isomers, which separate daring HPLC. All but one of these corrinoids gave isomer mixtures of 1:1, the exception giving mixtures of 2:1 to 3:1.The separated stereoisomers had different retention times and were collected from analytical columns for further study.
A Primer on the Evolution of Therapeutic Engagement in MFT: Understanding and Resolving the Dialectic Tension of Alliance and Neutrality. Part 1—Retrospective: The Evolution of Neutrality

Alliance and neutrality are the two fundamental constructs defining therapeutic engagement. Although both are critical to positive clinical process and outcome, they become much more difficult to effectively balance in relational therapies. In many ways they coexist in an unrecognized dialectic tension. A history of the evolution of neutrality in relational therapies is provided. Evolutionary iterations of relational therapy have experimented with different formulations of the neutrality-alliance mix. We critique these hybrid conceptualizations of neutrality as they relate to the therapeutic alliance. In a second paper, we propose multipartiality and enactments as a dynamic, engaged neutrality that represents a fully realized relational advocacy. Together, the papers provide a primer on therapeutic engagement in MFT.
Quantitation of antibody binding to cell surface antigens by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract An X-ray spectrometric method has been developed to quantitate antibody binding to whole cell surfaces in order to obtain a distribution of binding within a population of cells. The method involves incubation of target cells with ferritin-labeled antibody. Analysis of prepared samples in a modified transmission electron microscope with an X-ray detector and data analysis equipment, yields quantitative results on the binding of labeled antibody to individual cells. The binding of anti-2,4-dinitrophenol serum to Chinese hamster ovary cells with attached 2,4-dinitrophenol haptens was measured by X-ray spectrometry. Measurements of attached hapten by a radioisotopic marker correlated with the X-ray spectrometric determination of bound antibody. The use of synchronized cells in metaphase and G1 phases of the cell cycle permitted investigations into the binding per unit surface area. The distribution of antibody binding among a given population of cells was related to the surface area of the cells.
X-ray crystal structure of disazo dyes. Part 1: C.I. Disperse Orange 29

Abstract Crystals of C.I. Disperse Orange 29, a disazo dye, were grown from a methanol solution and the X-ray structure was solved from 2484 independent reflections to R = 0.0497. Results showed that the crystal examined exists in the triclinic space group P1. Interestingly, the structure generated possessed a syn conformation, unlike 4-phenylazoazobenzene which is known to exist in the anti conformation.
Some experiences using MIL‐STD‐105 in the united states air force

The historical and, to some extent, the current role of attribute inspection sampling in the United States Air Force is described. Some insight into consideration culminating in revisions made to the original MIL-STD-105 sampling plans is provided. These revisions were motivated from a practitioner's perspective rather than that of a statistical expert. Some significant administrative applications within the Air Force are described, and a practical method, based on the total amount of inspection, is given for distinguishing between sampling plans that have a fixed risk level (i.e., common value on the OC curves).
Behavioral states of premature infants: implications for neural and behavioral development.

Nine premature and 28 full-term infants were observed in their homes for 7 hr when they were 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-term, and the sleeping and waking states displayed by these infants were compared. For these comparisons, the observation day was divided into two mutually exclusive contexts: times when the baby was alone and times when the baby was with the mother. The premature infants spent more time alone (mean of 5.4 hr a day) than the full-terms (4.6 hr). Over the total 7-hr day, the premature infants spent more time in alert, nonalert waking activity, and sleep-wake transition than the full-terms, and they spent less time in drowse and total sleep. These results clearly indicate that, at the same post-term ages, the sleep-wake states of premature infants differ markedly from those of full-terms. Four states showed significant Group × Context interactions indicating that state differences between premature and full-term infants were also a function of the context in which the infants were observed. For example, the prematures exhibited more fuss or cry and more drowse when alone; whereas the full-terms exhibited more of these states when with their mothers. This finding of context-related differences between prematures and full-terms has implications for the conflicting reports in the literature, as heretofore the states of prematures and full-terms have been compared from observations made in a single situation. The results indicate that prematures exhibit significant commonality in their neurobehavioral development through the early post-term period despite heterogeneity among them in their exposure to prenatal, perinatal, and early postnatal stresses.
Decomposition kinetics of soil carbon of different age from a forest exposed to 8 years of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration

Abstract Ecosystem exposure to elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration can often leads to increased ecosystem carbon (C) fluxes, as well as greater net primary production. Changes in the soil C pool with elevated [CO 2 ] are more difficult to measure and therefore remain poorly understood. In this study, we carried out a series of laboratory soil incubations, in order to determine whether 8 years of ecosystem exposure to elevated [CO 2 ] altered decomposition dynamics of two age classes of soil C in a temperate coniferous forest. Our objectives were to determine whether there were differences in the decomposition kinetics of soil C up to 8 years old (C post-tr ) and soil C older than 8 years (C pre-tr ), in the absence of concurrent plant activity. We collected soil from the Duke Forest Free Air CO 2 Enrichment site in North Carolina and incubated whole and crushed (all macroaggregates dispersed) soil from two depth increments (0–5 cm and 5–15 cm) for 102–127 days. We found that mineral soil from the treatment plots had higher respiration rates in the absence of concurrent plant activity than mineral soil from plots under ambient CO 2 conditions. These differences in respiration rate were only significant in 0–5 cm soil and could be largely explained by higher initial respiration rates of soil collected from the CO 2 -treated plots. Disruption of soil macroaggregates did not result in a difference in efflux rate in soil from this forest under ambient or elevated CO 2 conditions at either depth. The specific respiration rate of C post-tr was higher than that of C pre-tr in the top 5 cm of soil, while the opposite was true for 5–15 cm of soil. Even though C post-tr was assimilated by the ecosystem more recently than C pre-tr , their decay constants were similar at both depths. These results suggest that, in the absence of plant activity, the mineralization of soil C of different ages in this forest may be under similar biological and/or biochemical control. Therefore, if the higher initial rates of decomposition of C post-tr seen in these experiments are sustained in the field, greater labile pool size of recently added C, and potentially faster cycling of this pool, may in part explain higher soil respiration rates and limited soil C accumulation under elevated [CO 2 ] in this forest.
Ornithine as a precursor of glutamate and GABA: uptake and metabolism by neuronal and glial enriched cellular material.

The uptake and metabolism of (U-14C) L-omithine by several cellular preparations was examined and compared to corresponding data for glutamine and α-ketoglutarate. Five fractions were obtained from the cerebellum of 10-to 14-day-old mice; two fractions were enriched in astrocyte cell bodies, whereas one was comprised primarily of granule cell bodies, and another was enriched in nerve terminals. Metabolic studies were also conducted on two synaptosomal preparations prepared from rat cerebral tissue. The uptake of ornithine by the cerebellar fractions was mediated by one or two saturable transport systems with apparent Km values between 50 and 200 μM. Uptake inhibition experiments indicated that ornithine is transported primarily, if not exclusively, by the basic amino acid carrier(s), and that glutamine is transported in part by this carrier. Ornithine was metabolized to proline, glutamate, and to a lesser extent aspartate, glutamine and GABA. Under the conditions of our experiments, the cell bodies metabolized ornithine somewhat more readily than did the nerve terminal enriched fraction obtained from the mouse cerebellum. Our data indicate that the conversion of ornithine to GABA occurs predominantly, if not exclusively, via the pathway involving glutamate rather than putrescine. In comparison to data for glutamine and α-ketoglutarate, the metabolism of omithine to glutamate was slow. Although the results of our study are consistent with the hypothesis that ornithine serves as a metabolic precursor of the neurotransmitter pools of glutamate and GABA, our data do not support a major role for omithine in this capacity. Based on a comparison of the availability of omithine, glutamine and α-ketoglutarate, and the rates at which they are each transported into synaptosomes and metabolized therein to glutamate and GABA, our data suggest that glutamine and α-ketoglutarate are used more extensively to replenish these transmitter pools.
Nonenzymatic decarboxylation of pyruvate.

Abstract Triton X-100, retinol, retinoic acid, retinal, hexane, dithiothreitol, mercaptoethanol, and some other commercially available chemicals caused nonenzymatic decarboxylation of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate. “Lipids” obtained from human or pigeon liver homogenates using isopropanol/hexane also had very high nonenzymatic decarboxylating activity on these two α-ketoacids; most of this activity could be traced to the hexane (Eastman) used in the extraction. Optimum pH of the reaction with dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol was 7–8 and with the other chemicals around 10, but considerable activity was present at pH 7–8. Liver homogenates had a scavenger effect on the decarboxylating activity of Triton X-100 and of dithiothreitol. Dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol at high concentrations (> 1 m m ) also had a scavenger effect on the decarboxylating activity of the “lipids.” Pretreatment of Triton X-100, dithiothreitol, retinol, and the “lipids” with catalase markedly decreased the decarboxylating activity, while treatment with boiled catalase failed to do so. The results suggest that these compounds contain oxidizing contaminants, perhaps peroxide derivatives. Powerful oxidizing impurities have been reported in Triton X-100 from various sources by Y. Ashani and G. N. Catravas (1980, Anal. Biochem, 109, 55–62). Such peroxide derivatives may cause nonenzymatic decarboxylation of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate, presumably by a mechanism similar to the well-known nonenzymatic decarboxylation of α-ketoacids by hydrogen peroxide. In the absence of catalase and/or other protective agents against reactive oxygen derivatives, these chemicals would interfere in the assays of pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex which depend on the release of 14CO2 from α-[1-14C]ketoacids.
Mechanistic study on the thermal decomposition of polybenzoxazines : Effects of aliphatic amines

The thermal degradation of a series of polybenzoxazines based on bisphenol A and various aliphatic amines has been studied. Using the hyphenated techniques of thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the mechanisms of thermal decomposition have been proposed. It is also proposed that the Mannich base in polybenzoxazines plays a significant role in the thermal degradation of polybenzoxazines. The contribution of hydrogen bonding to the degradation mechanism of the Mannich base has been examined. The proposed mechanisms have also been supported through the thermal degradation study of benzoxazine model dimers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1935–1946, 1998
The Viking Seismic Experiment

A three-axis short-period seismometer is now operating on Mars in the Utopia Planitia region. The noise background correlates well with wind gusts. Although no quakes have been detected in the first 60 days of observation, it is premature to draw any conclusions about the seismicity of Mars. The instrument is expected to return data for at least 2 years.
Dissociating pitch and loudness interactions between audition and touch

In this talk I review a series of studies focused on characterizing the relationship between audition and touch. We perceive the frequency and intensity of environmental oscillations (sounds and vibrations) using both modalities. Audio-tactile interactions in the frequency domain are frequency-specific and bi-directional: Interaction patterns support the existence of shared (supramodal) frequency representations. In contrast, audio-tactile interactions in the intensity domain reveal a separate set of integration rules. Thus, a pair of auditory and tactile inputs combines differently depending on the perceptual task (i.e., pitch vs. loudness discrimination). That distinct rules govern the integration of auditory and tactile signals in pitch and loudness perception implies that the two processes rely on separate neural mechanisms. Other perceptual processes combining auditory and tactile signals, like stimulus detection or spatial localization, may also adhere to unique integration rules that reflect dissociable neural mechanisms. These results underscore the complexity and specificity of multisensory interactions.
Rhizoma Peanut Responses to Harvest Frequency and Nitrogen Fertilization on Louisiana Coastal Plain Soils

Despite limitations in stand establishment, rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) is the only sustainable, productive, high-quality, perennial, warm-season legume available for the Coastal Plain of the lower Gulf Coast Region. Management to enhance productivity could increase acceptance of this relatively unexploited forage. Yield responses of rhizoma peanut to harvest frequency and N fertilization on Louisiana Coastal Plain soils were evaluated. Nitrogen rates of 0, 85, and 170 kg ha⁻¹ were applied to a Dexter loam soil (Ultic Hapludalfs) in a greenhouse experiment. At three field locations, N rates were 0, 110, and 220 kg ha⁻¹ and harvest frequencies were 30 and 60 d. Soils were the Dexter loam, Tangi silt loam (Typic Fragiudults), and Bowie fine sandy loam (Plinthic Paleudults). In the greenhouse, N accumulated in herbage (30 g kg⁻¹ with 170 kg N ha⁻¹ vs. 20 g kg⁻¹ for the control) with a subsequent linear yield increase. In the field, the only responses to N fertilizer were small increases in N concentration of rhizomes plus stubble. Interactions of harvest frequency and location on herbage yield indicated effects of weather. This effect is illustrated by the 790 kg ha⁻¹ advantage of the 30-d harvest frequency on the Tangi silt loam in May–June vs. the 1930 kg ha⁻¹ advantage of the 60-d harvest frequency on the Bowie fine sandy loam in July–August. Thus, on the Louisiana Coastal Plain, yield of rhizoma peanut is not likely to be increased by N fertilization, and harvest frequency or length of regrowth period is not a reliable determinant of yield. Published as Louisiana Agric. Exp. Stn. article 98-92-0124.
The recent evolution of a pseudogene: diversity and divergence of a mitochondria-localized small heat shock protein in Arabidopsis thaliana.

In this study we examined the evolution of the genes for three organelle-localized small heat shock proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana: the chloroplast-localized (CP) protein HSP21 and two mitochondria-localized (MT) proteins, HSP23.5 and HSP23.6. We found that the CP protein and one of the MT proteins, HSP23.6, are evolving under purifying selection to maintain function. In contrast, the gene for HSP23.5, the other MT protein, is highly variable within A. thali- ana, and in some accessions or ecotypes this gene may be a pseudogene. HSP23.5 and HSP23.6 are related via a segmen- tal duplication event, and the presence of orthologs of each gene in other species within the Brassicaceae indicates that the duplication generating HSP23.5 and HSP23.6 may have occurred as much as 20 million years ago. This is considerably longer than the 4 million year half-life of gene duplicates (functional genes as well as pseudogenes) reported by some studies. Our results are consistent with the prediction that after gene duplication one gene duplicate can be maintained for some time under relaxed selection while it accumulates random mutations. By capturing a pseudogene in the making our study provides important information on how pseudogenes are formed. Resume´ : Dans ce travail, les auteurs ont examinel'evolution des genes codant pour trois petites proteines de choc ther- mique localisees dans les organites chez Arabidopsis thaliana, soit la proteine chloroplastique HSP21 et deux proteines mi- tochondriales, HSP23.5 et HSP23.6. Il a etetrouveque la proteine chloroplastique et l'une des proteines mitochondriales, HSP23.6, etaient sous l'effet d'une selection purificatrice pour maintenir leur fonction. Par contre, le gene codant pour HSP23.5, l'autre proteine mitochondriale, etait tres variable chez A. thaliana et, chez certaines accessions ou ecotypes, ce gene est possiblement un pseudogene. Les genes HSP23.5 et HSP23.6 sont presents sur un segment d'ADN dupliqueet il existe des orthologues de ces deux genes chez d'autres brassicacees, ce qui indique que la duplication ayant donnenais- sance aHSP23.5 et HSP23.6 pourrait remonter jusqu'a` 20 millions d'annees. Cela est beaucoup plus que la demi-vie de 4 millions d'annees qui a eterapportee dans certains travaux sur des genes dupliques (tant des genes fonctionnels que des pseudogenes). Les resultats de ce travail sont en accord avec la prediction selon laquelle, suite a une duplication genique, une copie est maintenue pendant un certain temps, sous faible selection, periode pendant laquelle s'accumulent des muta- tions aleatoires. En capturant un pseudogene en devenir, cette etude apporte une information importante sur la genese des pseudogenes. Mots-cles: evolution des familles de genes, proteines de choc thermique, pseudogene, ecotypes d'Arabidopsis thaliana. (Traduit par la Redaction)
The Internet of Things--A survey of topics and trends

The Internet of Things is a paradigm where everyday objects can be equipped with identifying, sensing, networking and processing capabilities that will allow them to communicate with one another and with other devices and services over the Internet to accomplish some objective. Ultimately, IoT devices will be ubiquitous, context-aware and will enable ambient intelligence. This article reports on the current state of research on the Internet of Things by examining the literature, identifying current trends, describing challenges that threaten IoT diffusion, presenting open research questions and future directions and compiling a comprehensive reference list to assist researchers.
Vanadium haloperoxidase-catalyzed bromination and cyclization of terpenes.

Marine red algae (Rhodophyta) are a rich source of bioactive halogenated natural products, including cyclic terpenes. The biogenesis of certain cyclic halogenated marine natural products is thought...
At both ends of care: South Indian hindu widows living with daughters and daughters-in-law in Southern California

Abstract Based on interviews with South Indian Hindu immigrant widows and the daughters and daughters-in-law they live with in Southern California, this article makes visible the care-giving and care-receiving roles of such widows, especially in relation to the household roles of these widows' daughters and daughters-in-law. The article explains the variability of the widows' care roles by focusing on three specific phenomena distinguishing their First World experience from that of paid, immigrant care workers: 1) a greater need for non-monetary resources than for monetary payment; 2) a ‘care shift’ from giving to receiving care as they age; and 3) an ability to move from one adopted/adoptive household to another. These phenomena suggest that the same forces of modernization, (post)industrialization, and globalization that have circumscribed many Third World women's status in First World households have simultaneously diversified the status and role of middle-class, South Indian Hindu widows living in the...
Dynamic and static contributions to the zero-field splitting term of divalent nickel in fluosilicate crystals

Abstract Previously published electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data for Ni 2+ (3d 7 ) in hydrated and deuterated crystals of zinc and nickel fluosilicate have been re-analyzed to separate the static and dynamic contributions to the fine-structure (or axial zero-field-splitting) term D in the spin-Hamiltonian. While the Debye parameters of ZnSiF 6 ·6H 2 O and ZnSiF 6 ·6D 2 O were determined in an earlier low-temperature study 1 , those of the undiluted nickel crystals, for which good data between 4 and 77 K is lacking, have been estimated here by comparison of the data above 60 K with those for the corresponding zinc compounds. The numerical results indicate that the measured values of D are composed of a negative dynamical contribution produced by the rotational motions of the water ligands, together with both negative and positive static contributions produced by the water ligands, and the more distant [SiF 6 ] 2− and [Ni.6H 2 O] 2+ complexes, respectively. A point-charge calculation shows the contribution of the latter to be roughly +2.5 cm −1 in NiSiF 6 ·6H 2 O. The exceptionally large temperature variations of D in these crystals is attributed to the near-cancellation of the positive and negative static contributions, leaving the effect of the dynamical contribution dominant.
Feeding neophobia and ecological plasticity: a test of the hypothesis with captive sparrows

The hypothesis that quantitative differences in neophobia underlie varitaion in ecological plasticity was tested by comparing feeding responses of wild-caught immature song, Melospiza melodia, and swamp, M. georgiana, sparrows in captivity. The song sparrow is a habitat generalist and good colonizing species, while the swamp sparrow specializes on marsh habitats. As predicted by the neophobia hypothesis, captive swamp sparrows showed a greater hesitancy to feed in the presence of a variety of novel objects than did song sparrows. Swamp sparrows made significantly more approaches to the food source without feeding when a novel object was present. There was a consistent difference in latency among individuals within each species. Habituation reduced latencies in the most neophobic sparrows, but sometimes almost a week of constant exposure was required before swamp sparrows fed without hesitation.
Photochemical reactions initiated by and influencing ozone in unpolluted tropospheric air

This paper presents theoretical arguments in favour of OH-concentrations larger than 10 6 molecules cm ?3 in the sunlit lower troposphere even if allowance is made for heterogeneous removal of OH, HO 2 and HNO 3 molecules. The OH-concentrations, presented in this paper, were calculated considering for the first time the photochemical effect of both scattered and direct radiation at ground levels and adopting recent accurate data for the quantum efficiency of O( 1 D) production in the ozone photolysis near 310 nm. The significant role played by OH in the atmospheric carbon, nitrogen and possibly sulphur cycles is discussed. Low background mixing ratios of NOx molecules (< 10 ?9 ) in the unpolluted atmosphere are calculated. The oxidation of NH3, initiated by the reaction with OH, may provide a significant source of tropospheric NOx-molecules, if its rate constant is about 10 ?13 cm 3 s ?1 near the ground. The conversion of NO 2 into HNO 3 , followed by heterogeneous removal of HNO 3 , is the most important tropospheric sink for NO x -molecules. The photodissociation of ozone in ultraviolet light between 300 and 330 nm, which leads to the formation of the excited O( 1 D) atom, “drives” several sequences of reactions treated in this study. Several chains of reactions, involving carbon and nitrogen compounds, lead to large rates of formation and destruction of ozone in the troposphere. These rates partly balance each other. Whether there is a net production or destruction of ozone in the troposphere cannot be determined at present. Ozone is a very active, catalytic component in the tropospheric chemical systems. Globally, the combustion source of CO for the year 1970 is more than 20% of the natural source of CO as provided by the oxidation of biologically produced CH 4 . For middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere the combustion source is about equal to the natural source. However, too little is known about homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions affecting the methane oxidation products. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01951.x
Stability of the Arch of the Foot

We defined the relative contributions of six ligaments in stabilizing the arch of the foot: plantar aponeurosis, long-short plantar ligaments, plantar calcaneonavicular ligament (spring ligament), medial talocalcaneal ligament, talocalcaneal interosseous ligament, and tibionavicular portion of the deltoid ligament. Nineteen fresh-frozen human foot specimens were used. A load of 445 N was applied axially to simulate standing-at-ease posture. Three-dimensional positions of tarsal bones before and after ligament sectioning were determined with the use of a magnetic tracking device. The motions were presented in the form of screw axis displacements, quantitating rotation, and axis of rotation orientation. After sectioning one structure, the arch did not collapse on any specimen and there was no obvious change by visual inspection. There were, however, measurable changes in tarsal bone position. Metatarsal-to-talus total rotation difference was greatest with spring ligament and deltoid ligament sectioning, with an average of 2.1 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees and 2.0 degrees +/- 0.2 degree difference, respectively. Calcaneus-to-talus rotation difference was greatest with talocalcaneal interosseous ligament sectioning, with an average of 1.7 degrees +/- 1.5 degrees. The spring ligament, deltoid ligament, and talocalcaneal interosseous ligament were most important for arch stability.
‘Solid–fluid–gas’: the state of knowledge on carbon-sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in Africa

Abstract The perception that agroforestry systems have higher potential to sequester carbon than comparable single-species crop systems or pasture systems is based on solid scientific foundation. However, the estimates of carbon stock of agroforestry systems in Africa — reported to range from 1.0 to 18.0 Mg C ha−1 in aboveground biomass and up to 200 Mg C ha−1 in soils, and their C sequestration potential from 0.4 to 3.5 Mg C ha−1 yr−1–are based on generalizations and vague or faulty assumptions and therefore are of poor scientific value. Although agroforestry initiatives are promising pathways for climate-change mitigation, rigorous scientific procedures of carbon sequestration estimations are needed for realizing their full potential.
The 66 kDa component of yeast SF1, stimulatory factor I, is hsp6O

Abstract DNA polymerase epsilon stimulatory factor I (SFI) has been shown to contain three peptides, p66, p37 and p13. Two of these components have been identified. The p66 gene was cloned by using a p66 antibody to screen a lambda gt11 library. A portion of the gene was sequenced and confirmed to encode p66 by the presence of protein sequence corresponding to that of p66 tryptic peptides. The gene was identified as HSP60 by a homology search of GenBank. Tryptic peptides of p37 were sequenced and identified as belonging to yeast translation initiation factor 4A by a homology search of PIR. The HSP60 gene maps to chromosome XII.
Part-selection triptych: A representation, problem properties and problem definition, and problem-solving method

In part-selection problems, parts are selected from catalogs and connected to meet the following problem requirements: functionality, specifications, and constraints. This paper formally defines the part-selection problem, enumerates a set of design properties that are useful during a search for a design solution, and provides an algorithm for solving part-selection problems based on a novel set of operators for manipulating portions of the design space.
Two-trocar cholecystectomy by strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis (SLIC).

Background and objectives Until the advent of singleincision laparoscopic surgery, few advances were aimed at improving cosmesis with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Criticisms of the single-incision laparoscopic surgery technique include a larger incision and increased incidence of wound-related complications. We present our initial experience with a novel technique aimed at performing strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis (SLIC) for cholecystectomy. Methods Twenty-five patients with biliary symptoms were selected for SLIC cholecystectomy. Access to the abdomen was obtained with a 5-mm optical trocar in the left upper quadrant and a 5-mm trocar in the umbilicus. Retraction was performed by a transabdominal suture in the dome of the gallbladder and a needlescopic grasper. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, operative time, length of stay, pathology results, and short-term complications at follow-up were prospectively recorded. Results The 25 female patients had a mean age of 34.3 years and mean body mass index of 24 kg/m(2). American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ranged from 1 to 3. The mean operative time was 51.3 minutes. Pathology revealed chronic cholecystitis in all patients. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. The only complication was one ultrasonography-documented deep vein thrombosis. All 25 planned SLIC cholecystectomies were successfully completed. Conclusions SLIC cholecystectomy is feasible and safe. This technique decreases the cumulative incision length, as well as the number of incisions, leading to very desirable cosmetic results in patients with a favorable body habitus and surgical history.
Correlation of Nanomechanical and Mineral Properties of Human Osteoarthritic Meniscal Attachments

Meniscal horns attach the meniscus to the underlying subchondral bone. Successful meniscal replacements must maintain horn attachments of the menisci, hence recent studies have been aimed at characterizing the material properties of the ligamentous horn attachments. In order to mimic material properties in tissue engineered meniscal replacements, we must understand how these properties are influenced by mineral and matrix constituents. Additionally, understanding how osteoarthritis alters the meniscal horn attachments may elucidate appropriate design considerations of such tissue engineered replacements. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between mechanical and mineral properties of osteoarthritic meniscal attachments.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Allele-Specific Gene Silencing in Two Mouse Models of Autosomal Dominant Skeletal Myopathy

We explored the potential of mutant allele-specific gene silencing (ASGS) in providing therapeutic benefit in two established mouse models of the autosomal dominantly-inherited muscle disorders, Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and Central Core Disease (CCD). Candidate ASGS siRNAs were designed and validated for efficacy and specificity on ryanodine receptor (RyR1) cDNA mini-constructs expressed in HEK293 cells using RT-PCR- and confocal microscopy-based assays. In vivo delivery of the most efficacious identified siRNAs into flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles was achieved by injection/electroporation of footpads of 4–6 month old heterozygous Ryr1Y524S/+ (YS/+) and Ryr1I4895T/+ (IT/+) knock-in mice, established mouse models of MH with cores and CCD, respectively. Treatment of IT/+ mice resulted in a modest rescue of deficits in the maximum rate (∼38% rescue) and magnitude (∼78%) of ligand-induced Ca2+ release that occurred in the absence of a change in the magnitude of electrically-evoked Ca2+ release. Compared to the difference between the caffeine sensitivity of Ca2+ release in FDB fibers from YS/+ and WT mice treated with SCR siRNA (EC50: 1.1 mM versus 4.4 mM, respectively), caffeine sensitivity was normalized in FDB fibers from YS/+ mice following 2 (EC50: 2.8 mM) and 4 week (EC50: 6.6 mM) treatment with YS allele-specific siRNA. Moreover, the temperature-dependent increase in resting Ca2+ observed in FDB fibers from YS/+ mice was normalized to WT levels after 2 weeks of treatment with YS allele-specific siRNA. As determined by quantitative real time PCR, the degree of functional rescue in YS/+ and IT/+ mice correlated well with the relative increase in fractional WT allele expression.
Amyloid $sZ-protein stimulates parallel increases in cellular levels of its precursor and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) in human cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells

The amyloid β-protein (Aβ) which accumulates in cerebral vascular and senile plaque deposits in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is proteolytically derived from a larger precursor protein, the amyloid β-protein precursor (AβPP). AβPP is a member of a multigene family which includes amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2). Recently, we showed that Aβ1-42, but not the shorter Aβ1-40 induces cellular levels of AβPP in degenerating cultured human cerebrovascular smooth muscle (HCSM) cells. Here we report that Aβ1-42 stimulates a parallel increase in the cellular levels of APLP2 in cultured HCSM cells. in contrast, the levels of smooth muscle cell α-actin or total cellular protein did not appreciably change. These findings suggest a common regulatory mechanism for increased levels of HCSM cellular AJPP and APLP2 in response to pathologic Aβ1-42 induced stress.
The failure of relationship between men and women in Love's labor's lost

(1981). The failure of relationship between men and women in Love's labor's lost. Women's Studies: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 65-81.