cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of methyl methanesulfonate on mouse sperm chromatin structure and testicular cell kinetics.

Effects of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) on mouse testicular cell kinetics and sperm chromatin structure were determined flow cytometrically. Mice were exposed to a single ip injection of saline containing 0 or 150 mg/kg MMS, Relative ratios of 1N, 2N and 4N testicular cells were not affected until 22 days postexposure. Ratios of 1N cell types were altered from 13 to 22 days and were near normal by 25 days. This study revealed an MMS induced alteration of chromatin structure in testicular, elongated spermatids by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), a flow cytometric measure of the susceptibility of acridine orange stained sperm DNA to denaturation in situ. The SCSA also detected alterations in cauda sperm chromatin structure at 3 days, which was 8 days prior to alterations in sperm head morphology, indicating the increased sensitivity of the SCSA. SCSA data were practically similar whether measuring either fresh or frozen/thawed sperm, or whether measured by two different types of flow cytometers: a) laser driven, orthogonal optical axis; or b) low cost mercury arc lamp system with epiillumination. The data support the model of Sega and Owens [Mutat Res 111:227–244:1983] that MMS alkylates cysteine -SH groups in sperm protamines, thereby destabilizing sperm chromatin structure and leading to broken chromosomes and mutations. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethical Principles that Make the World and its Economy More Equal

Abstract No doubt, the global economic (and political) structure is very unequal. The paper begins by demonstrating the various dimensions of this inequality as they relate to economic measures such as per capita GDP, degree of consumption and ownership, health measures, education, and power and influence in various global organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and others. Next, the paper, supporting a more equal global economic and political structure, investigates the various instruments in welfare economies and ethics theory that can be utilized to justify a sort of distributional change that could lead to more global equality. Finding various economic and ethical instruments associated with utilitarianism, Pareto Optimality and the Hicks–Kaldor compensation test less than satisfactory in dealing with and advocating sufficient global distributional changes, we will investigate ethical principles developed by John Rawls in both h...
Instabilities in the Görtler model for wall bounded flows

Abstract The original Gortler model is analyzed with no-slip boundary conditions on the wall. These conditions have historically been the most difficult to treat. It is proved that the principle of exchange of stabilities holds, that is, the first unstable eigenvalue has imaginary part equal to zero. The techniques used involve factoring positive operators.
Long-term patterns of axon regeneration in the sciatic nerve and its tributaries.

Abstract The present study determines the numbers of axons that regenerate after sciatic nerve transection in the rat. The transections are done by removing either 4 mm or 8 mm the nerve. The axons are counted in the gap and distal stump of the sciatic nerve and in 5 of its tributaries. Survival time is 9 months which we define as long-term to allow comparison with short-term data obtained after a much shorter survival. The first findings is that the numbers of axons in the gap and distal stump are different in the 2 transection paradigms. For the 4 mm paradigm, more axons than normal appear in the gap and only a fraction of these pass into the distal stump. For the 8 mm paradigm, the numbers of axons in the gap are normal and the numbers in the distal stump do not deviate far from these. Thus by changing only the length of the segment of removed nerve, one causes major differences in the numbers of axons that regenerate. Second the numbers of axons that regenerate in tributary nerves that innervate muscle have a different pattern than the numbers that regenerate into cutaneous nerves. Thus the factors that control axonal numbers must be different in the 2 types of nerves. Finally, axons that regenerate into tributary nerve do not, by and large, regenerate in concert with those in the distal stump of the parent nerve. Thus the factors that control axonal numbers in the tributary nerves must be different from those that control the numbers in the distal stump of the parent nerve.
Changes in protein level for bobwhite quail

SUMMARY Limited information exists concerning the dietary requirements of bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), and producers who rear this species for sport shooting and stocking could benefit from such information. In this experiment, 576 two-week-old bobwhite quail were divided among 6 treatment groups and randomized into 8 replications with 12 birds/replicate. A 26, 24, or 22% CP diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) was fed to 4 or 6 wk of age, followed by the introduction of a 20% CP diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) fed through 8 wk of age. Birds and feed were weighed on a biweekly basis. No differences were observed in BW or gain of birds fed the 3 CP regimens from 2 wk until introduced to a 20% CP diet. Feed consumption was significantly decreased in the 22% CP group that was introduced to the lower CP diet (20%) after 2 wk. Although this treatment exhibited a marginally low protein intake as compared with the other treatments, growth performance remained uncompromised. Period FCR appeared to be unaffected by dietary CP regimen, but overall FCR for the 8-wk period was highest for birds on the 26% CP regimen (3.824), whereas the 22% CP regimen was intermediate (3.768), and the 24% CP regimen provided the best FCR (3.639). Therefore, bobwhite quail appear to be unaffected by major dietary changes in protein level and a 26% CP diet may provide adequate nutrition for the 0- to 2-wk starting period, followed by a 24% CP diet for a 2- to 4-wk period, and a 20% CP diet thereafter.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: background and guidelines for diagnosis, staging and management.

291. 49. Tosi P, Zamagni E, Cangini D, Tacchetti P, Offidani M, Ronconi S, et al. Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaws: incidence in a homogeneous series of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma treated with zolendronic acid. Blood 2005;
Lysophospholipase and the metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholine in isolated bovine rod outer segments.

Abstract Incubation of bovine rod outer segments (ROS) with radiolabeled palmitic acid (16:0) and lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPC) radiolabeled in either the fatty acid or the oholine group indicated the presence of a lysophospholipase activity that is unaffected by Ca 2+ . In the presence of ATP, Mg 2+ and CoA an acyl CoA:lysophospholipid acytransferase activity is evident, and free fatty acids, including those released by lysophospholipase activity, are esterified to membrane phospholipids. At low concentrations of lysoPC, 68% of it is acylated to form phophatidylcholine (PC) and 24% is converted to glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and fatty acid per hour. As the concentration of lysoPC increases lysophospholipase activity increases, acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity decreases, and the proportion of lysoPC converted to PC decreases. The rate of production of lysophospholipids in vitro under phospholipase A-stimulatory conditions exceeds the rate at which it can be removed by 5–10-fold. This suggests the possibility that an early step in light, anoxia- or hypoxia-induced damage to photoreceptor cells may be activation of the phospholipase A endogenous to ROS.
Factors governing onset of local instabilities in fire exposed steel beams

Abstract This paper presents critical factors that influence the onset of local buckling in steel beams when exposed to fire conditions. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model, capable of accounting for critical factors that influence local instability in fire exposed steel beams is developed. This model is applied to investigate the effect of beam-slab interaction, strength properties (Grade) of steel, and presence of fire insulation on the onset of local instability, and resulting capacity degradation in fire exposed steel beams. Results from numerical simulations are utilized to evaluate failure of beams under different limit states including flexure, shear, sectional instability and deflection. These results infer that web instability can occur at early stages of fire loading, leading to faster degradation of shear capacity and premature failure of steel beams before attaining flexural capacity. Also, results from the analysis indicate that the contribution of concrete slab to shear capacity can counterbalance the adverse effect of web local instability to a certain degree. Overall, neglecting the effect of fire-induced web local instability can lead to unconservative design in steel beams or girder subjected to high shear loading and/or local instabilities.
Data structures and perceptual structures

In this paper, we propose a visualization architecture which explicitly incorporates guidance based on principles of human perception, cognition, and color theory. These principles are incorporated in rules which the user can select during the visualization process. Depending on the higher-level characteristics of the data, the rule constrains the way in which the data are mapped onto visual dimensions. The purpose of these rules is to help insure that structures in the data are faithfully represented in the image, and that perceptual artifacts are not erroneously interpreted as data features.
Cell surface antigen in bilharzial bladder tumours.

Summary— Detection of the ABO (H) blood group in the urothelium in cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a good indicator of the future behaviour of these tumours. Since conventional histopathological and clinical examination in bilharzial bladder carcinoma shows a clinical staging error rate of 37.2%, we used the specific red cell adherence (SRCA) technique to study the cell surface antigens in 28 patients over a 5-year period. A prediction rate of 63.6 to 84.6% was obtained when correlated with clinical behaviour.
On “Ultraproducts in topology”

Abstract We correct an error in the above-mentioned paper and provide a solution to an open problem contained therein.
Lower socioeconomic status among men in relation to the association between job strain and blood pressure.

Objectives This study attempted to determine whether the association between job strain (high job demands plus low job control) and blood pressure among men varies by socioeconomic status. Methods The cross-sectional associations between job strain and ambulatory blood pressure, by level of education, occupational status, and income, and the interaction between job strain and these measures of socioeconomic status were assessed by multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, race or ethnicity, body mass index, alcohol use, smoking, standing position, and worksite for 283 men, aged 30-60 years, from eight worksites in New York City. Results A substantial association between job strain and work ambulatory blood pressure was found among men with lower socioeconomic status, ranging from 2.7-11.8 mm Hg systolic to 1.9-6.1 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure, depending upon the measure of socioeconomic status examined. However, in the groups with high socioeconomic status, the association between job strain and ambulatory blood pressure at work was much smaller, the range in blood pressure being 0-5.3 (systolic) and 0.2-2.1 (diastolic) mm Hg. Two of the 10 tests of the interaction between job strain and socioeconomic status had a P-value of <0.05. Conclusions These data provide evidence that the relationship of job strain with blood pressure is greater among men with lower socioeconomic status.
Tests and Description of Beam Containment Devices and Instrumentation - A New Dimension in Safety Problems

The destructive capability of the beam power of some accelerators was dramatically demonstrated in a series of tests at SLAC using an 18 GeV e- beam at average powers ranging from 165 to 880 kW. The purpose of the experiments was to examine a series of devices which simulated beam stoppers, protection collimators and burnthrough monitors as presently applied at SLAC. Specific attention was given to the recording of burnthrough times, temperature behavior, and to the analysis of failure modes. A summary of the test data is presented. The design of an extensive electronic system to prevent damage to mechanical devices and to detect onset of destruction is discussed. Various sensors are connected to integrating and peak reading circuits to form power, beam verification and errant beam monitors. Burnthrough monitors shut down the accelerator if damage occurs to critical items. New features such as self-checking, protected wiring and rapid on-line calibration are described.
TYPE-ONE PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE4 Regulates Pavement Cell Interdigitation by Modulating PIN-FORMED1 Polarity and Trafficking in Arabidopsis

In plants, cell morphogenesis is dependent on intercellular auxin accumulation. The polar subcellular localization of the PIN-FORMED (PIN) protein is crucial for this process. Previous studies have shown that the protein kinase PINOID (PID) and protein phosphatase6-type phosphatase holoenzyme regulate the phosphorylation status of PIN1 in root tips and shoot apices. Here, we show that a type-one protein phosphatase, TOPP4, is essential for the formation of interdigitated pavement cell (PC) pattern in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaf. The dominant-negative mutant topp4-1 showed severely inhibited interdigitated PC growth. Expression of topp4-1 gene in wild-type plants recapitulated the PC defects in the mutant. Genetic analyses suggested that TOPP4 and PIN1 likely function in the same pathway to regulate PC morphogenesis. Furthermore, colocalization, in vitro and in vivo protein interaction studies, and dephosphorylation assays revealed that TOPP4 mediated PIN1 polar localization and endocytic trafficking in PCs by acting antagonistically with PID to modulate the phosphorylation status of PIN1. In addition, TOPP4 affects the cytoskeleton pattern through the Rho of Plant GTPase-dependent auxin-signaling pathway. Therefore, we conclude that TOPP4-regulated PIN1 polar targeting through direct dephosphorylation is crucial for PC morphogenesis in the Arabidopsis leaf.
Experiments conducted in the context of the strain-space formulation of plasticity ☆

Abstract The experiments reported here were conducted using the framework of the strain-space formulation of plasticity. A servohydraulic multiaxial testing machine was used to perform combined axial-torsional experiments on a thin-walled cylindrical aluminum specimen. The specimen was machined from extruded aluminum 1100 tubing, and annealed at 650 °F for 1 h. Conical epoxy sections were molded on the ends of the specimen for gripping. The specimen was loaded at strain rates under 20×10−6 per minute. An offset strain of 5×10−6 was used to define yield. A novel technique for identifying yield surfaces is introduced, which makes use of an experimentally measured focal point through which all yield probes are made to pass. Yield surfaces were obtained both in stress space and in strain space at various stages of plastic deformation. Although all strains were under 1%, the inelastic states included situations in which the origin in stress space lies outside the elastic region. The yield surfaces in both spaces were found to change shape considerably with deformation, usually developing a region of high curvature near the preload point and a region of low curvature on the opposite side of the yield surface. Experiments were also designed and conducted to test the validity of a prescription for identifying plastic strain in the context of the strain-space formulation. Changes in plastic strain were induced under incremental loading conditions and measured using the prescription. To within experimental error, the measured plastic strain increments satisfy the normality condition. The plastic strain increments are consistent with a flow rule of the type postulated in the strain-space formulation of the theory. The experimental results lend support to the constitutive theory and to the prescription for identifying plastic strain.
Thrasymachus and Legalism

Concerning Thrasymachus' position in Plato's Republic I scholars are divided into two groups: Those who believe that Thrasymachus' position is self-consistent, and those who argue that it isn't. Among those who belong to the first group are Kerferd and Hourani.1 In the second group we have Maguire.2 Those who belong to the first group disagree as to Thrasymachus' true position. Kerferd argues that the true Thrasymachean position concerning justice is that justice is another's good, while Hourani argues that justice is obedience to the laws. The problem arises because Thrasymachus makes the following three statements about justice: (1) Justice is the interest of the stronger. (2) Justice is obedience to the laws. (3) Justice is the good of another.3 Kerferd argues against (2) and finds (3) to be continuous to (1), but broader. Hourani argues against (1), and thus against (3), since he agrees with Kerferd that (3) does not introduce a new concept, but represents a broadening of (1). What I propose to do in this paper is not to discuss Thrasymachus' true position, nor whether his position concerning justice makes up a self-consistent whole or not. I want only to supply further evidence in order to show that Kerferd's view that Thrasymachus was not a legalist is correct.4 Hourani writes:
Mechanisms of Resistance of Hepatocyte Retinoid X Receptor α-Null Mice to WY-14,643-induced Hepatocyte Proliferation and Cholestasis

Peroxisome proliferators, such as the lipid-lowering fibrates that function as agonists for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), induce liver tumors in rodents and may produce cholestasis in humans. Considerable attention has focused on peroxisome proliferator-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, a phenomenon not noted in man, whereas limited studies examine fibrates and other therapeutic drugs that induce cholestasis, a common finding in humans. Moreover, the mechanisms by which fibrates induce hepatocyte proliferation and cholestasis are still not fully understood. We have examined the role of hepatocyte retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), an essential partner of PPARα, in modulating WY-14,643-induced hepatocyte proliferation and cholestasis. WY-14,643 treatment induced hepatomegaly in wild type (WT) mice that was also accompanied by induction of the expression of cyclins D1, D3, A2, and B1 and Cdc2 as well as inhibition of Wee 1. Such changes were either absent or greatly reduced in hepatocyte RXRα-null mice. Furthermore, neither WY-14,643 treatment nor RXRα deficiency affected apoptosis, indicating the importance of PPARα/RXRα in regulating Wee 1-mediated Cdc2/cyclin B1 expression for cells to enter into mitosis. WY-14,643 treatment also induced cholestasis and liver injury, which is evidenced by induction of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic bile acid levels in WT mice. Hepatocyte RXRα deficiency protected the mice from WY-14,643-induced liver injury. WY-14,643-mediated induction of the small heterodimer partner, Mrp3, and Cyp3a11 levels was greater in hepatocyte RXRα-null than in WT mouse livers suggesting enhanced repression of bile acid synthesis and increased efflux of bile acids into blood for renal excretion as well as hydroxylation of bile acids because of hepatocyte RXRα deficiency. These data establish a crucial role of hepatocyte RXRα in regulating WY-14,643-mediated cell cycle progression as well as bile acid homeostasis.
Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Stiffness

Few studies have evaluated the results of revision of well-fixed components for stiffness, and some authors have recommended against this intervention based on poor reported results. Thirty-five consecutive patients underwent revision of both femoral and tibial components for stiffness. At a mean of 54.5 months (range, 25-134), the mean arc of motion improved by 44.5° from a preoperative mean of 53.6° to a postoperative mean of 98.1° (P < .0001). The arc of motion improved by more than 30° in 75% (24/32) of patients evaluated at a minimum of 2 years. Seventeen (49%) of the 35 patients required a further intervention for stiffness or sustained a complication. These results suggest that revision total knee arthroplasty for stiffness can be performed with a reasonable expectation of improvement, although the risk of complications and additional operative procedures is substantial.
Low pH of Irradiated Sucrose in Induction of Chromosome Aberrations

SEVERAL reports have dealt with the deleterious effects on biological objects of irradiated sugars, or foods containing them. Some people have even implied possible harmful consequences as a result of consuming these irradiated products. Because current research programmes involve the use of radiation as an agent for preserving food, some of the reports should be further investigated to establish clearly the incidence, nature and conditions in which deleterious effects are induced. We are therefore studying damage to chromosomes in the root tip of Vicia faba caused by treatment with irradiated sucrose solutions, one of the subjects included in a report by Holsten, Sugii and Steward1.
Treatment and costs associated with anemic chronic kidney disease patients.

ABSTRACTObjective: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current therapeutic options afforded to anemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and the costs of these interventions.Methodology: Literature search of articles within Ovid MEDLINE between 1996 and 2007 that pertained to the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients.Results: Early detection and treatment of anemia associated with CKD has proven to provide positive cognitive and physical effects. Treatment options that increase iron storage and availability within the body and production of erythropoietin can assist in anemic CKD patients in achieving recommended levels of hemoglobin. Acknowledgement of the potential side effects associated with the medications selected to treat anemia can help in avoiding additional injury to the patient and thus reduce healthcare expenditure. A limitation of this review is that the search was performed within a single database.Conclusions: Health care providers can play an acti...
Improving Perceptual Judgments under Emotional States

System operators in complex environments (e.g., nuclear power control rooms) often make decisions while under periods of high emotional arousal. Emotional state has been shown to affect the time and quality of decision-making, but more examination is needed. Raddatz et al. (2007) found that participants under positive emotion made less accurate perceptual judgments in perspective displays than participants under negative and neutral emotion (all used “first-look” instructions). Results were consistent with Tiedens & Linton (2001) framework suggesting that positive emotion induces overconfidence and less motivation to question initial judgment. The current study investigated whether instructional set could attenuate the detrimental effect of positive emotion. Using “objective” instructions (implying a “right” answer), positive participants made more accurate perceptual judgments than negative or neutral participants. Further, positive participants were significantly more accurate under objective instructio...
Solid and liquid thermal expansion and structural observations in the quasicrystalline Cd84Yb16 compound

The structure of single-grain Cd84Yb16 samples aligned along the twofold and fivefold axes has been followed from 300 to 1050 K using high-energy synchrotron X-rays. The quasicrystal phase is stable up to its melting temperature of 914 K and has a large linear thermal expansion of 37.1 ppm K−1 over this temperature range. The samples melt congruently over a temperature range of less than 1 K. The liquid is 7% less dense than the solid and, upon cooling from the melt, the quasicrystal phase directly solidifies within a 1 K interval. The amount of undercooling achieved, about 5–25 K, was dependent on the cooling rate. The total scattering function of the liquid is consistent with a dilute liquid Cd structure. These results agree with suggestions that the structure of the liquid must undergo reordering in order to form the solid phases. However, there is no compelling evidence for icosahedral short-range order in the liquid prior to the formation of the quasicrystalline structure.
An Approach to a Faculty Professional Development Seminar.

This chapter examines Hillsborough Community College's approach to imparting to its faculty members an understanding of the community college as an educational institution.
A Glucurono(arabino)xylan Synthase Complex from Wheat Contains Members of the GT43, GT47, and GT75 Families and Functions Cooperatively

Glucuronoarabinoxylans (GAXs) are the major hemicelluloses in grass cell walls, but the proteins that synthesize them have previously been uncharacterized. The biosynthesis of GAXs would require at least three glycosyltransferases (GTs): xylosyltransferase (XylT), arabinosyltransferase (AraT), and glucuronosyltransferase (GlcAT). A combination of proteomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed three wheat (Triticum aestivum) glycosyltransferase (TaGT) proteins from the GT43, GT47, and GT75 families as promising candidates involved in GAX synthesis in wheat, namely TaGT43-4, TaGT47-13, and TaGT75-4. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using specific antibodies produced against TaGT43-4 allowed the immunopurification of a complex containing these three GT proteins. The affinity-purified complex also showed GAX-XylT, GAX-AraT, and GAX-GlcAT activities that work in a cooperative manner. UDP Xyl strongly enhanced both AraT and GlcAT activities. However, while UDP arabinopyranose stimulated the XylT activity, it had only limited effect on GlcAT activity. Similarly, UDP GlcUA stimulated the XylT activity but had only limited effect on AraT activity. The [14C]GAX polymer synthesized by the affinity-purified complex contained Xyl, Ara, and GlcUA in a ratio of 45:12:1, respectively. When this product was digested with purified endoxylanase III and analyzed by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography, only two oligosaccharides were obtained, suggesting a regular structure. One of the two oligosaccharides has six Xyls and two Aras, and the second oligosaccharide contains Xyl, Ara, and GlcUA in a ratio of 40:8:1, respectively. Our results provide a direct link of the involvement of TaGT43-4, TaGT47-13, and TaGT75-4 proteins (as a core complex) in the synthesis of GAX polymer in wheat.
Towards the neuronal correlate of visual awareness

Abstract Several encouraging developments towards identifying the neuronal correlate of visual awareness have emerged recently. Increasingly sophisticated behavioral paradigms permit the study of visual awareness in human as well as in non-human primates. In patients with anatomically restricted lesions in striate and extrastriate cortex, highly informative deficits of visual awareness are observed. Similar deficits can be obtained in normal obgservers with a novel class of psychophysical displays. Taken together, these results suggest that the contents of visual awareness of reflect neuronal activity in certain extrastriate, but not in striate, visual cortical areas.
THE SOLUBILITY OF QUARTZ AND CLAY IN FELDSPAR1

The literature on the subject is completely reviewed. The method used involved the addition of increasing amounts of kaolin to fixed amounts of feldspar and the addition of increasing amounts of quartz to fixed amounts of feldspar. All compositions were examined microscopically and the presence of undissolved kaolin was shown by the appearance of mullite needles, while the presence of undissolved quartz was shown by the presence of cristobalite. Soda feldspar is a better solvent for both quartz and clay than potash feldspar. The solution of quartz in soda feldspar starts at about 1350°C and increases with the temperature until at 1425°C. 32 parts of quartz per 100 of feldspar are dissolved. The solution of quartz in high potash feldspar does not start until 1400°C and only 4 parts are soluble at 1425°C to every 100 parts of feldspar. The solution of clay in soda feldspar starts at 1225°C and increases with the temperature until at 1425°C thirty-six parts are soluble. The solution of clay in high potash feldspar starts at 1250°C and at 1425°C the solubility is 20.5 parts per 100 of feldspar. The solution of quartz in porcelain bodies starts at the same temperature as it does in the pure feldspar which the body contains. The amount of solution per unit of feldspar is much greater. The general trend of one of the boundary lines in the ternary system K2O-A12O3-SiO2 has been found.
Stress-strain-time-birefringence relations in photoelastic plastics with creep

The above is an exploratory study started in September 1961 with a view to solving the time dependent stress and strain distributions in structural problems through optical model analysis. The present analysis, however, is restricted to monotonically increasing uniaxial loading. Finally, “optical creep parallels mechanical creep” is the basis on which this analysis is built.
Soil compaction and topsoil removal effects on soil properties and seedling growth in Amazonian Ecuador

Abstract The effects of soil compaction and topsoil removal on soil physical and chemical properties, and growth of planted trees were investigated. The study was conducted during an oil extraction project in tropical moist forest on a Typic Paleudult in Amazonian Ecuador. The forest was being cleared by bulldozers that compacted the subsoil and scraped away the topsoil. Compaction and topsoil removal resulted in a 70% increase in bulk density, with a 23% increase caused by subsoil compaction alone. There were also significant decreases in organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content, total porosity and base saturation, and an increase in cation exchange capacity. Both compaction and topsoil removal caused a decrease in macroporosity of the subsoil and reduced water availability. Seedlings of each of three mature canopy tree species (Cedrelinga cateniformis (Fabaceae), Caryodendron orinocense (Euphorbiaceae) and Virola elongata (Myristicaceae), were planted in undisturbed soil, compacted subsoil and uncompacted subsoil. Growth responses to soil compaction and topsoil removal, measured over 9 months, were not consistent among species. Height growth was reduced in all species but diameter growth decreased only in Cedrelinga cateniformis. Subsoil compaction reduced height growth and increased mortality of only one species, and topsoil addition to compacted subsoil did not generally increase growth. Fertilization had the most consistently positive effect on growth. The results of this study confirm that many soil physical and chemical factors are altered by compaction and topsoil removal, but do not reveal clear effects of these changes on tree seedling growth. Although the most consistent result was reduced height growth in compacted subsoil with topsoil removed compared with undisturbed soil, this decrease cannot be attributed consistently to either soil compaction or topsoil removal.
A note on small organism diffusion around an attractive center: A mathematical model

A mathematical model of small organism diffusion around an attractive center is presented. The diffusion equation includes a forcing term which creates a virtual flow of organisms toward the center. Owing to the attractive force, the organisms tend to collect in “swarms” or “patches” notwithstanding the diffusive motion of surrounding water.
New and critical aspects of 1/f noise variability in advanced CMOS SoC technologies

New and critical aspects of flicker (1/f) noise variability dependence to (i) process halo doping (ii) voltage bias and (iii) oxide thickness are presented. In addition, the effect of narrow width on noise variability and non-1/f conditions due to ultra-small geometries are also studied. A new compact model which captures the noise variability under all the above conditions has been developed and integrated into SPICE. The proposed model provides realistic design margins leading to improved noise yield in low power analog/RF circuits for System-on-Chip (SoC) applications.
Symptomatic thoracic spinal cord herniation: case series and technical report.

Although initially reported in 19901, idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) remains an enigmatic disease with incompletely described presentation and unknown etiology. There is little consensus on treatment algorithms, surgical technique, and little data on clinical outcomes. ISCH patients normally present with an atypical myelopathy2–17 including motor or sensory symptoms, incontinence, gait difficulty or Brown-Sequard syndrome, in addition to possible thoracic radiculitis from nerve root entrapment or distortion. Radiographic findings may be also difficult to interpret because findings may be subtle or mimic an arachnoid cyst.18–20 The chronic atypical presentation and diagnostic challenge often leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21 There is little consensus on the management for asymptomatic ISCH17. However, the literature anecdotally supports surgical intervention in patients with ISCH and myelopathy symptoms that are not attributable to another cause. Multiple surgical techniques to repair ISCH have been described.16, 21–28 Most methods describe reduction of the herniation and patching of the defect with various materials. Finally, clinical outcomes in patients with ISCH remain anecdotal. Some report rapid improvement for all patients while others paint a more conservative prognosis.2, 5–8, 10, 12, 16, 21, 22, 29–32 In this manuscript, we review the Washington University School of Medicine experience with ISCH and report the unusual presentations of the myelopathy, history of remote trauma, imaging progression over time, operative pearls and technique (with an instructional video) and clinical outcomes.
Formation of nascent DNA molecules during inhibition of replicon initiation in mammalian cells.

Abstract X-irradiation of mammalian cells with moderate doses (100–1000 rads) inhibits the initiation of DNA replicons. This inhibition is observed as depressed amounts of radioactivity at low molecular weights when the DNA from the cells is analyzed by velocity sedimentation in alkaline sucrose gradients at 30 min after irradiation. There is no detectable effect on chain elongation and joining of those molecules that do initiate replication; this is indicated by the presence of the same amounts of radioactivity in nascent DNA molecules of high molecular weights from control and irradiated cells. The labeling of DNA molecules that initiated replication before irradiation continues unhindered for more than 60 min after irradiation, which is observed as peaks of radioactivity at high S values in alkaline sucrose gradients from irradiated cells. These data indicate that DNA replication in mammalian cells proceeds by continuous joining of nascent molecules that initiate almost simultaneously at origins at various distances from one another. Some of the interorigin distances are much greater than others, implying that large replicons make up a significant component of mammalian DNA.
An investigation into an optical mark reader

Examining boards and large institutes can afford to purchase optical mark readers to analyse and mark multiple-choice answer sheets, but is there a cheaper alternative to these expensive commercially produced devices? This was the problem that I decided to investigate for my Electronic Systems A-level project.
The “singing-acting” child: thelaryngologist's perspective-1995

Summary A survey of pediatric otolaryngologists about voice disorders in children suggests that ∼1% of children examined were noted to have voice problems, and in only one fifth of these children (0.2%) were the voice problems related to professional use of the voice, such as singing. Direct flexible laryngoscopy was the sole method of examination for 80% of the children examined by these pediatric specialists. Voice therapy for 6 months was generally recommended (88%). The survey represents an estimated clinical experience of > 160,000 children per year, and it achieved a response rate of 40% of pediatric otolaryngologists (48/120). Results suggest that the use of video and stroboscopy for examination of the pediatric voice would enhance understanding and assure correct diagnosis and treatment.
Postcolonial theory and organizational analysis : a critical engagement

A review is presented of the book “Postcolonial Theory and Organizational Analysis: A Critical Engagement,” edited by Anshuman Prasad.
The effects of serum and urinary cortisol levels of topical intranasal irrigations with budesonide added to saline in patients with recurrent polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery

BackgroundThe delivery of topical intranasal corticosteroid sprays has traditionally been the primary method of treating recurrent nasal polyposis. An emerging treatment for polyposis is budesonide...
Connected components and temporal association in airport surface radar tracking

MIT Lincoln Laboratory, under sponsorship of the FAA, has installed a modified Raytheon pathfinder x-band marine radar at Logan Airport in Boston, Mass. and has developed a real- time surveillance system based on the pathfinder's digitized output. The surveillance system provides input to a safety logic system that will ultimately activate a set of runway status lights. This paper describes the portion of the surveillance system following the initial clutter- rejecting preprocessing, described elsewhere. The overall mechanism can be simply described as a temporal constant false alarm rate front end followed by binary morphological operations including connected components feeding a scan-to-scan tracker. However, a number of refinements have been added leading to a system which is close to being fieldable. Both the special difficulties and the current solutions are examined. The radar hardware as well as the computational environment are discussed. An overview of the clutter rejection preprocessing is given, as well as physical and processing related challenges associated with the data. Algorithmic description of the current system is presented and its real-time implementation outlined. Performance statistics and envisioned algorithmic improvements are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adsorption of casein onto alkali treated bentonite

The adsorption measurements of casein onto alkali treated bentonite were performed at room temperature and fixed pH (11.8) with an object to study the mode of casein adsorption at the alkali treated bentonite surfaces. The adsorption isotherm was found to have a Langmuir nature. The adsorption was pH dependent and increased with a decrease in temperature. The adsorption was quite sensitive to the presence of Cl - , SO 4 2- , and PO 4 3- ions and showed many interesting variations with increasing concentrations of the added anions. Various kinetic and adsorption parameters such as the adsorption coefficient, rate constants for adsorption and desorption, diffusion constant, and penetration rate constant were calculated.
Relation between mammary cancer growth kinetics and the intervals between screenings

The purpose of this study was to consider the time interval for periodic mammographic screening for breast cancer. One hundred fifteen breast cancers occurring in 10,128 women receiving over 30,000 mammograms over a four year period were reviewed. Tumors were diagnosed at three time intervals: 1) first screening (39/115); 2) annual examination (27/115); and 3) at an examination that occurred less than twelve months from a previous annual examination (10/115). Also, there were tumors that grew to palpable dimensions and were self-detected between annual examinations (39/115). Our opinion is that screening intervals should be individualized to each patient according to risk factors and suspicious mammographic findings. Further, there is a significant number of breast cancers that grow too fast to be detected effectively by annual mammography. Suspicious mammographic findings did not exist before these cancers reached palpable dimensions. Other risk factors characterizing the hosts who develop these fast growing cancers are yet to be determined. Cancer 43:857–862, 1979.
Effects of Thyroid Hormones on the Guinea Pig1

The adminsitration in vivo of thyroxine, its analogues or derivatives, or 131I did not cause any changes in oxygen uptake by liver homogenates in the absence or presence of glycerophosphate or fructose-l,6-diphosphate. Also, no alteration either in rates of oxidation of glycerophosphate, succinate, choline, β-hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, pyruvate and L (+) lactate or in the oxidative phosphorylating efficiency of mitochondria from liver or kindey of this species was noted. Glycerophosphate, succinate and choline dehydrogenase activities in mitochondria from liver, kidney, heart, brain and spleen were unaltered after the administration of thyroxine, its analogues or derivatives, or 131I. The cytochrome c concentration of mitochondria also failed to respond to the treatment. Glucose-6- phosphate phosphohydrolase activity in microsomes was found within the normal range in various thyroid hormone states. The activities of malic enzyme, NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an...
Variability in milk composition of the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius)

Abstract 1. 1. Ferret milk composition was analyzed among individuals, over time, and across teat pairs. 2. 2. Females differed in fat, protein, and lactose concentrations. 3. 3. Protein and fat concentrations varied over the course of lactation. 4. 4. Lactose was the only measured component which differed across teat pairs.
Blocking eIF5A modification in cervical cancer cells alters the expression of cancer-related genes and suppresses cell proliferation

Cancer etiology is influenced by alterations in protein synthesis that are not fully understood. In this study, we took a novel approach to investigate the role of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF5A in human cervical cancers, where it is widely overexpressed. eIF5A contains the distinctive amino acid hypusine, which is formed by a posttranslational modification event requiring deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH), an enzyme that can be inhibited by the drugs ciclopirox and deferiprone. We found that proliferation of cervical cancer cells can be blocked by DOHH inhibition with either of these pharmacologic agents, as well as by RNA interference-mediated silencing of eIF5A, DOHH, or another enzyme in the hypusine pathway. Proteomic and RNA analyses in HeLa cervical cancer cells identified two groups of proteins in addition to eIF5A that were coordinately affected by ciclopirox and deferiprone. Group 1 proteins (Hsp27, NM23, and DJ-1) were downregulated at the translational level, whereas group 2 proteins (TrpRS and PRDX2) were upregulated at the mRNA level. Further investigations confirmed that eIF5A and DOHH are required for Hsp27 expression in cervical cancer cells and for regulation of its key target IκB and hence NF-κB. Our results argue that mature eIF5A controls a translational network of cancer-driving genes, termed the eIF5A regulon, at the levels of mRNA abundance and translation. In coordinating cell proliferation, the eIF5A regulon can be modulated by drugs such as ciclopirox or deferiprone, which might be repositioned to control cancer cell growth.
Primary aldosteronism and its variants

Time for primary reviews 33 days. Primary aldosteronism is an adrenal abnormality in which there is an excessive production of aldosterone above that required for electrolyte homeostasis which is not driven by known stimulators of aldosterone secretion, although these may retain some degree of modulatory activity on aldosterone secretion. In the early years following the description of primary aldosteronism, the etiology was ascribed to the autonomous production of aldosterone by an adrenal adenoma for which surgical treatment resulted in the resolution of the hypokalemia and cure or improvement of the hypertension in many cases [1]. At this time the possibility of aldosteronism due to adrenal hyperplasia was not recognized. The traditional clinical picture was characterized by salt-sensitive hypertension associated with hypokalemia and suppression of renin secretion [1]. A major emphasis in the selection of patients for consideration for diagnostic procedures for primary aldosteronism was the presence of spontaneous or easily-induced hypokalemia, resulting in an underestimation of the incidence of primary aldosteronism [2, 3]. Once identified, normokalemic primary aldosteronism was found to be common; many patients with primary aldosteronism are normokalemic most of the time [2, 4, 5]. The widespread commercial availability of methods to easily measure aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) allowed the screening of patients with essential hypertension, irrespective of the serum potassium, and has led to the recognition that primary aldosteronism has higher prevalence than previously recognized [2, 6, 7]. Various stimulatory and localization maneuvers have led to the recognition that there are several types of primary aldosteronism with variable response to surgery [8–10]. The purpose of this mini review is to succinctly address the issues of prevalence, sub types and pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism so that appropriate therapy may be chosen. Curable forms of hypertension have a special appeal for …
Children's Conceptions of AIDS: A Developmental Analysis

Examined causal reasoning about AIDS in children representing three major phases of cognitive development: prelogical, concrete logical, and formal logical thinking. 60 Ss (age groups: 5-7 years, 8-10 years, and 11-13 years) were administered the Concepts of AIDS Protocol. Responses were scored using the developmentally ordered Concepts of Illness Category System. The data confirm that, as a group, children's causal thinking about AIDS parallels the ways in which children think about illness in general. More specifically, the data could be organized in terms of 6 major categories or ways in which children conceptualize AIDS and its causes. The findings provide an initial empirical foundation for AIDS education curricula.
Histogramic in-motion mapping for mobile robot obstacle avoidance

Histogramic in-motion mapping (HIMM) is introduced as a new method for real-time map building with a mobile robot motion. HIMM represents data in a two-dimensional array, called a histogram grid, that is updated through rapid in-motion sampling of on-board range sensors. Rapid in-motion sampling results in a map representation that is well-suited to modeling inaccurate and noisy range-sensor data, such as those produced by ultrasonic sensors, and requires minimal computational overhead. Fast map building allows the robot to use immediately the mapped information in real-time obstacle-avoidance algorithms. The benefits of this integrated approach are quick, accurate mapping and safe navigation of the robot toward a given target. HIMM has been implemented and tested on a mobile robot. Its dual functionality was demonstrated through numerous tests in which maps of unknown obstacle courses were created, while the robot simultaneously performed real-time obstacle avoidance maneuvers at speeds of up to 0.78 m/s. >