cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of Selected Perennial Small Grain Cultivars, to Greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract. Twelve perennial small grain cultivars were examined for eight characteristics favorable to management of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). A greenbug-susceptible variety of hard red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., and a greenbug-resistant hard red winter wheat variety were used as checks. Eight of the 12 perennial small grain cultivars (including X Triticosecale spp. / Thinopyrum intermedium // X Triticosecale spp., X Triticosecale spp. / Thinopyrum ponticum // X Triticosecale spp., Thinopyrum ponticum / Triticum aestivum var. Eltan, X Agrotriticum spp. (PI550715) / Tripsacum dactyloides var. Spitzer, and Hordeum vulgare var. MT2 / Tripsacum dactyloides var. Spitzer) had at least one favorable greenbug management characteristic. Cultivars that included X Triticosecale spp. and either Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey or T. ponticum wheatgrass in their genetic background had the most favorable characteristics.
ROLE OF DELAY IN SAMPLE PROCESSING AND OTHER FACTORS IN INTERPRETATION OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) CELL COUNTS IN TRAUMATIC LUMBAR PUNCTURE (LP) FOR SUSPECTED MENINGITIS (M)

276 LP attempts were examined prospectively by physician questionnaire and medical record review. Factors occurring at the time of LP as well as time required for CSF receipt at the laboratory (DEL) were compared with clinical and laboratory variables. Occurrence of traumatic LP increased with decreasing experience level of person performing LP (p=0.04) and with younger patient age (p=0.0002). DEL averaged 28 min, with 73% of samples ≤ 30 min DEL but 11.5% ≥ 60 min DEL. A standard correction formula using CSF RBC count and blood RBC and WBC counts for specimens with ≥ 10,000 CSF RBC resulted in 11/15 (73%) of non-M samples with negative corrected CSF HBC. Percent fresh RBC ranged from 0 to 100 and did not correlate with DEL (r=0.02). 2 of 48 M patients had negative or normal corrected CSF WBC with this formula. DEL did not correlate with corrected CSF WBC. Linear regression analysis with multiple independent variables (CSF RBC, blood WBC, blood RBC, CSF WBC, and DEL) failed to produce a meaningful correction formula (r=0.47 with best fit). Over-correction of CSF WBC is likely to occur in traumatic LP and is not explained by DEL. Determination of percent fresh RBC in CSF is not helpful in interpretation of traumatic LP in suspected M. Mathematical models to correct CSF WBC for trauma are not clinically useful and should not be used.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma in Young Patients: a Population-Based Appraisal

Although international studies of young gastric cancer patients have mainly reported favorable survival outcomes compared with older patients, US-based experiences have shown a wider spectrum of outcomes. We examined the impact of young age (under 45 years) on the presentation and survival outcomes of gastric adenocarcinoma. A total of 33,236 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were identified within the 1988–2006 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Multivariate regression analysis of relative survival was performed to adjust for covariate effects using generalized linear models. Young patients were more likely than older patients to have advanced nodal and distant metastatic disease at presentation (P < 0.001 for both). Unadjusted relative survival analysis demonstrated younger patients to have favorable stage-stratified survival when compared with middle-aged and older patients. These findings persisted after adjusting for covariates. After stratifying for receipt of cancer-directed surgery, younger age was associated with more favorable stage-stratified relative survival. This is the largest US population-based study of age-related gastric cancer outcomes. Although young patients with gastric cancer present with more advanced disease, their adjusted stage-stratified relative survival is more favorable than that of older patients. This study supports a stage-dependent treatment approach in younger populations.
The method of uncertainty quantification and minimization using polynomial chaos expansions

Abstract Reliable simulations of reacting flow systems require a well-characterized, detailed chemical model as a foundation. Accuracy of such a model can be assured, in principle, by systematic studies of individual rate coefficients. However, the inherent uncertainties in the rate data leave a model still characterized by a kinetic rate parameter space which will be persistently finite in its size. Without a careful analysis of how this uncertainty space propagates into the model predictions, those predictions can at best be trusted only semi-quantitatively. In this work, we propose the Method of Uncertainty Minimization using Polynomial Chaos Expansions (MUM-PCE) to quantify and constrain these uncertainties. An as-compiled, detailed H 2 /CO/C 1 –C 4 kinetic model and a set of ethylene combustion data are used as an example. In this method, the uncertainty in the rate parameters of the as-compiled model is quantified. Then, the model is subjected to a rigorous mathematical analysis by constraining the rate coefficients against the combustion data, as well as a consistency-screening process. Lastly, the uncertainty of the constrained model is calculated using an inverse spectral technique, and then propagated into a range of simulation conditions to demonstrate the utilities and limitations of the method.
The velocity structure of the lunar crust.

Seismic refraction data, obtained at the Apollo 14 and 16 sites, when combined with other lunar seismic data, allow a compressional wave velocity profile of the lunar near-surface and crust to be derived. The regolith, although variable in thickness over the lunar surface, possesses surprisingly similar seismic properties. Underlying the regolith at both the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro site and the Apollo 16 Descartes site is low-velocity brecciated material or impact derived debris. Key features of the lunar seismic velocity profile are: (i) velocity increases from 100–300 m s−1 in the upper 100 m to ∼ 4 km s−1 at 5 km depth, (ii) a more gradual increase from ∼ 4 km s−1 to ∼ 6 km s−1 at 25 km depth, (iii) a discontinuity at a depth of 25 km and (iv) a constant value of ∼ 7 km s−1 at depths from 25 km to about 60 km. The exact details of the velocity variation in the upper 5 to 10 km of the Moon cannot yet be resolved but self-compression of rock powders cannot duplicate the observed magnitude of the velocity change and the steep velocity-depth gradient. Other textural or compositional changes must be important in the upper 5 km of the Moon. The only serious candidates for the lower lunar crust are anorthositic or gabbroic rocks.
Correction to: Foy KC, Miller MJ, Moldovan N, Carson III WE, Kaumaya PTP. Combined vaccination with HER-2 peptide followed by therapy with VEGF peptide mimics exerts effective anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. OncoImmunology 2012; 1:1048-1060.

In the research paper published in Issue 1, Volume 7 of OncoImmunology, a panel from Figure 8 was accidently submitted as part of both Figure 8 and Figure 7. The correct version of Figure 7, with i...
X-ray Absorption Studies on Electronic Spin State Transitions of Fe(II) Complexes in Different Media

The molecular structures for thermal activated and photoinduced electronic spin state of [Fe(pic){sub 3}]Cl{sub 2}{center_dot}EtOH (pic = {alpha}-picolylamine) in ethanol solution are studied using EXAFS and optical absorption spectroscopies. Structural studies of the thermally activated spin state in this compound were also conducted on the crystalline solid. The experimental results show that the Fe-N bond length change in [Fe(pic){sub 3}]Cl{sub 2}{center_dot}EtOH solution is similar to that observed in the crystalline solid for the thermally activated spin state where the Fe-N bond distances are 2.00 {+-} 0.02 and 2.20 {+-} 0.02 A for the low spin and the high spin states respectively. However, photoexcitation of the low spin state [Fe(pic){sub 3}]Cl{sub 2}{center_dot}EtOH in solution at 10 K generated a metastable intermediate with a structure different from either the high spin or the low spin state. The analysis of the experimental data indicates that the Fe-N bond distances in this intermediate are divided into two sets with average bond distances of 1.94 {+-} 0.04 and 2.11 {+-} 0.04 A. This phenomenon is attributed to a Jahn-Teller distortion of the octahedral structure probably due to electron transfer between the solvent and the solute molecules or to an intermediate state with triplet character stabilizedmore » by a pseudo D{sub ah} field. 26 refs., 11 figs.« less
Prevention of hyperhydricity in oregano shoot cultures is sustained through multiple subcultures by selected polysaccharide-producing soil bacteria without re-inoculation

Previous studies from our laboratory showed that several non-specific, polysaccharide-producing soil bacteria could be effectively used to prevent hyperhydricity. In this study, prevention of hyperhydricity of shoot cultures of oregano clonal line O-1 was investigated over multiple subculture cycles without re-inoculation of shoots. Results clearly indicate that hyperhydricity was prevented in oregano shoot cultures over eight subculture cycles without any re-inoculation after the initial inoculation with several polysaccharide-producing bacteria in the first cycle. Hyperhydricity-related parameters of subculture cycles 7 and 8, reported in this manuscript, showed that the water content was significantly reduced in response to all bacteria tested. The total phenolics content, on a fresh-weight and dry-weight basis, was stimulated significantly by all bacterial treatments except Pseudomonas stutzeri in the seventh cycle. The chlorophyll content was significantly stimulated in all treatments on a fresh-weight basis in the two subculture cycles. On a dry-weight basis, except for P. stutzeri, the bacterial species tested induced significant increases in chlorophyll content. Plant growth in response to all bacteria was reduced. In spite of growth reduction, the numbers of shoot nodes available for propagation were not reduced and all the shoot tissues were unhyperhydrated. These results also suggested that prevention of bacteria-mediated hyperhydricity may be linked to survival of bacteria in the stem, which may be carried through to the next subculture. Acclimation studies showed that bacteria-containing shoots performed better and further strengthened the case for use of non-pathogenic, polysaccharide-producing bacteria for hyperhydricity control in commercial plant tissue cultures.
Vascular calcification presenting as necrosis of penis in patient with chronic renal failure

An unusual presentation of metastatic calcification as gangrene of the penis is reported in a patient with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Calcification of the vessels of the penis was documented radiographically and pathologically. Recognition of the possible occurrence of this complication becomes of great importance in younger patients on dialysis or with kidney transplants.
Reactivation of prethrusting, synconvergence normal faults as ramps within the Ordovician Champlain-Taconic thrust system

We present new geologic maps of the Lake Champlain region of west-central Vermont and east-central New York State. This region contains a shallow-crustal section of an Ordovician foreland basin and a far-traveled thrust system that transported the Upper Cambrian-Lower Ordovician platform-sequence, allochthonous rise-facies pelites and arenites and Middle Ordovician basinal shales and flysch. Early foreland and shelf sections are cut by post-depositional cross faults within the thrust system, and the required stratigraphic throw across the cross faults is not matched by the amount they offset the thrust planes. As thrust structures, these cross faults control structural style and kinematics by laterally bounding regions that contrast sharply in amount of thrust imbrication, duplexing, and net transport. The dominant set of normal faults in the autochthon, which had time-correlative slip with the thrust-system cross faults, is oriented parallel to the paleotrench, though there is also a subordinate transverse, linking set. The normal faults developed in response to the migrating flexural forebulge during convergence between the Laurentian margin and the accretionary prism above an outboard-facing subduction zone. Within the thrust system, any prethrust normal faults that were parallel to the paleotrench are largely masked by thrust structures. However, an out-of-sequence thrust, which emplaced shelf rocks above the westernmost allochthon and surrounding parautochthonous shale, may have localized on a paleotrenchparallel normal fault in the outer shelf. We also identify a postthrust normal fault that significantly obscures the original thrust map pattern. Reactivation of synconvergence, prethrust, flexure-induced normal faults adequately explains many otherwise puzzling stratigraphic and structural relationships in the Taconic foreland.
Inhibition of non-dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area by benzodiazepines: relationship to A10 dopamine cell activity.

Abstract Previous electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that non-dopaminergic (non-DA) neurons within the substantia nigra pars reticula (SNR) are extremely sensitive to the inhibitory effects of GABA and GABA-mimetic drugs, including benzodiazepines, whereas dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC) are less sensitive to these compounds and may be influenced indirectly by SNR neurons. The interactions between A10 DA and non-DA neurons within the adjacent ventral tegmental area (VTA) are not as well characterized. In the present experiments, single unit recording and microiontophoretic techniques were used to determine the effects of benzodiazepines on DA and non-DA neurons in the VTA of chloral hydrate anesthetized rats. Diazepam, administered intravenously (i.v.), potently inhibited non-DA, SNR-like cells within the VTA. The effects of diazepam on A10 DA cells were more variable than those observed on non-DA, SNR-like cells in this region, but 77% of such cells showed moderate to marked excitation. Both of these effects were reversed by the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788; on many cells, this agent produced marked rebound effects beyond the original basal firing rates. However, when administered alone, Ro 15-1788 exerted no effect on either cell population. Microiontophoretic administration of the benzodiazepines chlordiazepoxide and flurazepam resulted in marked inhibition of non-DA SNR-like cells, but produced either mild inhibition or no effect on A10 DA cells; excitation of DA cells was never observeb even though the same neuron was excited by i.v. diazepam. These findings suggest that benzodiazepines act directly upon non-DA, SNR-like cells in the VTA to produce inhibition of activity and a disinhibition of A10 DA cells. This relationship makes it unlikely that benzodiazepines would enhance feedback inhibition of DA cells following neuroleptic administration. In fact, when administered following haloperidol, i.v. diazepam failed to reverse haloperidol-induced increases of A10 DA cell firing; if anything, diazepam further depolarized the cell. If antipsychotic drugs produce their clinical effects, in part, by including depolarization inactivation of DA cells, then benzodiazepines might be a useful adjunctive therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Drug exposed infants and their mothers: facts, myths, and needs.

There is much interest in the use and abuse of chemicals by pregnant women. Although maternal chemical use if believed to be harmful to the fetus and has become the basis for criminal prosecution of mothers, obtaining accurate information about the incidence and consequences of prenatal exposure is difficult. This article critically examines the research on incidence and consequence of chemical use and offers suggestions for providing services to this vulnerable population for health care social workers in policy and practice positions.
Inelastic Buckling of a Deep Spherical Shell Subject to External Pressure

Abstract : The report is concerned with the investigation of the inelastic buckling of a deep spherical shell subject to a uniformly distributed external pressure. The geometry of the shell is considered to be axisymmetrical while the shell thickness may vary as a function of the polar angle. The edge of the shell is supported elastically. The material of the shell is assumed to satisfy the generalized Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain relations and a power law of steady creep. The analysis is based on Sanders' nonlinear theory of thin shells expressed in an incremental form and Hill's theory of inelastic bifurcation. Computations are carried out by a numerical iterative procedure associated with a finite difference method. Solutions are sought for both the axisymmetrical inelastic buckling and the asymmetrical bifurcation.
SALL4 Is a Novel Diagnostic Marker for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors

The diagnosis of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) sometimes can be challenging without ancillary markers. Here we performed an immunohistochemical study of a novel stem cell marker SALL4 in a large series of 110 primary testicular GCTs (65 pure and 45 mixed) containing the following types of tumors and/or tumor components: 50 intratubular germ cell neoplasias (ITGCNs), 62 classic seminomas, 2 spermatocytic seminomas, 39 embryonal carcinomas (EC), 5 pediatric and 26 postpubertal yolk sac tumors (YST), 7 pediatric and 25 postpubertal teratomas, and 5 choriocarcinomas. We compared SALL4 with OCT4 in all GCTs, and SALL4 to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and glypican-3 in all YSTs. To test SALL4 specificity, 23 testicular non-GCTs (10 Leydig cell tumors, 4 Sertoli cell tumors, 3 adenomatoid tumors, 3 paratesticular rhabdomyosarcomas, 2 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and 1 rete testis papillary cystadenoma) and 275 nontesticular tumors (158 metastatic carcinomas, 12 metastatic melanomas, 11 primary and 2 metastatic mesotheliomas, and 72 primary and 20 metastatic sarcomas) were also stained for SALL4. All ITGCNs, classic seminomas, and ECs demonstrated strong SALL4 and OCT4 staining in more than 90% tumor cells. All 31 YSTs (5 pediatric and 26 postpubertal) showed strong positive SALL4 staining in more than 90% tumor cells but had negative OCT4 staining. Both spermatocytic seminomas showed positive SALL4 staining in 80% to 95% tumor cells in all 3 types of tumor cells with weak-to-moderate staining intensity. Mononucleated trophoblastic cells were variably positive for SALL4 staining in all 5 choriocarcinomas. Focal SALL4 staining was seen in 4 of 7 pediatric and 23 of 27 postpubertal teratomas. OCT4 staining was not seen in any spermatocytic seminoma, choriocarcinoma, or teratoma. No SALL4 staining was seen in all 23 testicular non-GCTs. Of 275 nontesticular tumors, only 10 carcinomas and 1 sarcoma showed focal (<25% tumor cells) weak SALL4 staining. The only non-neoplastic cells within the testis stained with SALL4 were spermatogonia and few primary spermatocytes. AFP staining was seen in 29 of 31 YST but it was often focal and patchy. Although all 31 YSTs showed glypican-3 staining, 14 (45%) show staining in less than 30% tumor cells. Our findings indicate that SALL4 is a novel sensitive and relatively specific marker for testicular GCTs. SALL4 is a more sensitive marker than AFP and glypican-3 for YST.
Inhibition of Epstein-Barr Virus OriP Function by Tankyrase, a Telomere-Associated Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase That Binds and Modifies EBNA1

Tankyrase (TNKS) is a telomere-associated poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) that has been implicated along with several telomere repeat binding factors in the regulation of Epstein-Barr virus origin of plasmid replication (OriP). We now show that TNKS1 can bind to the family of repeats (FR) and dyad symmetry regions of OriP by using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and DNA affinity purification. TNKS1 and TNKS2 bound to EBNA1 in coimmunoprecipitation experiments with transfected cell lysates and with purified recombinant proteins in vitro. Two RXXPDG-like TNKS-interacting motifs in the EBNA1 amino-terminal domain mediated binding with the ankyrin repeat domain of TNKS. Mutations of both motifs at EBNA1 G81 and G425 abrogated TNKS binding and enhanced EBNA1-dependent replication of OriP. Small hairpin RNA targeted knock-down of TNKS1 enhanced OriP-dependent DNA replication. Overexpression of TNKS1 or TNKS2 inhibited OriP-dependent DNA replication, while a PARP-inactive form of TNKS2 (M1045V) was compromised for this inhibition. We show that EBNA1 is subject to PAR modification in vivo and to TNKS1-mediated PAR modification in vitro. These results indicate that TNKS proteins can interact directly with the EBNA1 protein, associate with the FR region of OriP in vivo, and inhibit OriP replication in a PARP-dependent manner.
Negotiating the Peaceful Expansion of the South African Electorate

Contrary to many predictions of instability, the expansion of the South African electorate in 1994 did not result in increases in political violence. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between two substantial socipolitical developments: structural property and labor guarantees during the transition process. The authors argue that the interplay of property, labor, and electorate expansion sets the stage for either a peaceful or a conflictual expansion of the electorate. The outcomes of the negotiations between the key political coalitions will ultimately determine if a decrease in the levels and rates of political violence in the polity will result. Thus, to explain changes in the levels and rates of political violence and ultimately the successful expansion to a more inclusive democracy, it is necessary to understand the negotiation dynamics that take place among competing political coalitions in South Africa.
Energy density and pressure of long wavelength gravitational waves

Inflation leads us to expect a spectrum of gravitational waves (tensor perturbations) extending to wavelengths much bigger than the present observable horizon. Although these gravity waves are not directly observable, the energy density that they contribute grows in importance during the radiation- and dust-dominated ages of the universe. We show that the back reaction of tensor perturbations during matter domination is limited from above, since gravitational waves of wavelength [lambda] have a share of the total energy density [Delta][rho]([lambda])/[rho] during matter domination that is at most equal to the share of the total energy density that they had when the mode [lambda] exited the Hubble radius H[sup [minus]1] during inflation. This work is to be contrasted to that of Sahni, who studied the energy density of gravity waves only insofar as their wavelengths are smaller than H[sup [minus]1]. Such a cutoff in the spectral energy of gravity waves leads to the breakdown of energy conservation, and we show that this anomaly is eliminated simply by taking into account the energy density and pressure of long wavelength gravitational waves as well as short wavelength ones. [copyright] [ital 1999] [ital The American Physical Society]
The development of the pars-intermedia and its role in the regulation of dermal melanophores in the larvae of the amphibian xenopus-laevis

The ontogenesis of biosynthesis of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-related peptides in the pars intermedia of Xenopus laevis tadpoles was studied. The results were related to the capacity of the animal to adapt to background color through regulation of pigment dispersion in dermal melanophores. Using immunocytochemical techniques with antisera to α-melanophore-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), it was revealed that this peptide first appeared at developmental stage 3738, just prior to the animal's ability to adapt to background. It was shown that pigment dispersion in melanophores between stages 33 and 39 was not dependent on melanotropins of pituitary origin. Using in vitro biosynthetic studies it was possible to follow POMC biosynthetic activity, its processing and the release of peptides from stage 48 onward. Among the newly synthesized peptides observed were a γ3-MSH-like peptide, des-N-α-acetyl-α-MSH, α-MSH, and two endorphin-like peptides. By stage 57 a biosynthetic pattern almost identical to that of the adult pars intermedia had evolved. It was concluded that stage 3940 is a critical stage in the simultaneous development of a number of the components involved in the neuroendocrine control of background adaptation.
Numerical Test Method for Random Chopped Fiber Composites

A two-scale approach for numerical determination of composite material constants using a finite element model is developed. A representative volume element is numerically generated using a modified sequential adsorption algorithm. To determine the strength of the composite material, progressive material degradation models are adopted for the matrix, fiber and the fiber/matrix interface. The epoxy resin is modeled with a modified von Mises criterion in which the effect of hydrostatic stress on yield is accounted for. The resin’s elastic constants degrade with increasing loading application. The glass fiber is modeled as an isotropic material whose failure is governed by the maximum strain criterion. A traction-separation type cohesive zone model is applied at the fiber/matrix interface. Validation of the presented model is achieved by comparing numerical simulations with experimental data. The effective material constants that have been homogenized by the numerical test approach can be applied for future structural analysis.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Differing time courses of spleen leukocyte MIF synthesis and cytotoxicity during rejection of a murine lymphoma allograft.

Abstract In vitro spleen leukocyte MIF synthesis and direct cytotoxicity were studied during growth and rejection of the EL-4 murine lymphoma in allogeneic tumor-bearing BALB/c mice to compare the time courses of these events. Rejection of EL-4 tumors occurred between 6 and 8 flays after intraperitoneal inoculation. Spleen leukocyte cytotoxicity measured by isotope release from chromium-51 labeled EL-4 target cells was first detected on day 6 and was maximal between days 11 and 18. In contrast, spleen leukocyte MIF synthesis stimulated by intact EL-4 cells was sometimes observed on day 11 and was maximal between 18 and 25 days after tumor challenge. These results show that maximal spleen cytotoxicity and MIF synthesis occur after completion of, rather than during ip tumor rejection and, in addition, that these two in vitro lymphocyte responses follow independent, significantly different time courses ( P in vitro correlates are mediated by distinct lymphocyte subpopulations.
Ultraviolet light absorber mobility in crosslinked coatings: Experiments and modeling

Abstract The diffusion of an ultraviolet absorber (UVA) across a concentration step change in an acrylic melamine clearcoat was measured via micro-ultraviolet spectroscopy. Concentration profiles were obtained after diffusion times of 4–200 h at steady temperatures of 70, 80, and 90 °C. The glass transition temperature of the coating was measured via dynamic mechanical analysis for each time–temperature pair, and T g was observed to increase with thermal aging, with a faster rate of increase at higher aging temperatures. The change in T g was modeled using a first-order dependence on the deviation from a long-time T g asymptote. The diffusion coefficient was then represented by a free volume expression, and the combination provided an accurate model of the measured concentration profiles. The time-dependent increases in glass transition temperature helped to explain why UVA diffusion does not alleviate concentration gradients created by photooxidation under natural weathering conditions.
Isometric contraction in glycerinated skeletal muscle of horseshoe crab and rabbit—II. Calcium and magnesium requirements for contraction

Abstract 1. 1. With glycerinated fibers from horseshoe crab skeletal muscle both Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions must be added for maximal isometric tension. One ion is not effective without the other. 2. 2. Rabbit fibers require only Mg2+ and this functions independently of added Ca2+. 3. 3. Soaking fibers in KC1, EDTA or EGTA, all of which remove Ca2+ and Mg2+, increases the demand for cations in both species. 4. 4. There is an inverse relationship in both animals between levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the fiber as measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and time required for onset of ATP-induced contraction. 5. 5. The amount of tension produced by ATP alone increases with increasing amounts of residual indigenous divalent cations. 6. 6. The higher the Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels in the fiber, the less additional tension is produced by adding these ions. 7. 7. Calculations were made as to the levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+ needed in both species for the onset of tension and also for maximum tension generation in the presence of ATP. 8. 8. Horseshoe crab appears to have three to five times wider tolerance for Ca2+ and Mg2+ and also requires more of each ion than rabbit. 9. 9. This might be related to differences in the speed of contraction for these two animals.
Dual role of para-phenyl substituents in aromatic imine ligand complexes of cobalt and iron

Abstract The voltammetric bahavior of bis complexes of CO(II) and Fe(II) with the ligand 2,6-bis-(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-4-phenyl-pyridine (terosite) has been studied in acetonitrile using D. C. and A. C. polarography and cyclic voltammetry. The cobalt(II) complex undergoes three one-electron reductions to the +1, 0 and −1 formal oxidation states, respectively, and one-electron oxidation to Co(site) 3+ 2 . The bis(terosite)iron(II) complex is reduced in two steps to the +1 and zero formal oxidation states and also exhibits a one-electron oxidation to Fe(site) 3+ 2 . Comparison of half-wave potentials with the corresponding complexes of cobalt and iron with the ligands 2,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridine (terpyridine) and 2,6-bis(2-pyridyl)4-phenylpyridine (terosine) shows that the ligand para phenyl groups can function as both weak electron donors and acceptors. Spectroscopic and magnetic data is also given.
The Relevance of Stock and Flow-Based Reporting Information In Assessing the Likelihood of Emergence from Corporate Financial Distress

A number of recent studies have shown that earnings information is less useful and value relevant when firms are financially troubled. This finding has given rise to the consideration of alternatives. In this paper, we examine the contributions of book value-based proxies (normal earnings and abandonment value) and flow-based proxies (earnings and operating accruals) to the assessment of the likelihood of emergence from financial distress. Our prior reasoning is that while book value-based proxies may provide information about potential future cash resources, flow-based proxies, because they capture the progress of reorganization efforts underway, as opposed to mere potential, should be relatively more useful in assessing the likelihood of emergence from distress. Our findings are consistent with this explanation. We document that the primary predictors of emergence are flow-based proxies—in particular, cash from operations, net of earnings.
Aortic barodenervation up-regulates α2-ADRENOCEPTORS in the nucleus tractus solitarius and rostral ventrolateral medulla : An autoradiographic study

Earlier findings have shown that alpha2-adrenoceptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius and rostral ventrolateral medulla modulate baroreflexes. The present study investigated whether attenuation of baroreflexes induced by surgical interruption of aortic baroafferents is related to an alteration of alpha2-adrenoceptor binding in these regions of the brainstem. In vitro autoradiography was utilized to assess the density and binding dissociation constant (affinity) of alpha2-adrenoceptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla and in the middle and rostral portions of the nucleus tractus solitarius of aortic-barodenervated and sham-operated rats. Compared to sham operation, aortic barodenervation caused an acute rise in mean arterial pressure and heart rate and a significant reduction in baroreflex sensitivity. Two days later, mean arterial pressure and heart rate of conscious aortic-barodenervated rats subsided to sham-operated levels, whereas the baroreflex sensitivity remained significantly (P<0.05) reduced when measured by phenylephrine (0.55+/-0.08 vs 1.26+/-0.07 ms/mmHg) or nitroprusside (0.43+/-0.06 vs 1.01+/-0.09ms/mmHg). Examination of brainstem coronal sections obtained from separate groups of rats 48 h after surgery and preincubated with [3H]rauwolscine (0.5-16 nM) revealed that labeling of alpha2 binding sites was saturable and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis of the saturation isotherms obtained from the three brain areas of sham-operated rats showed an uneven distribution of alpha2 binding sites; the rostral nucleus tractus solitarius exhibited the highest density and lowest affinity. Aortic barodenervation caused region-dependent changes in the binding activity of alpha2-adrenoceptors. These changes comprised significant (P<0.05) increases in the density of alpha2-adrenoceptors in the middle nucleus tractus solitarius (436+/-60 vs 240+/-50 fmol/mg protein) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (350+/-67 vs 194+/-35 fmol/mg protein) compared with sham-operated rats; no significant changes occurred in the rostral nucleus tractus solitarius. The affinity of alpha2 binding sites was not changed by aortic barodenervation in any of the three brain regions. These findings suggest that attenuation of baroreflexes produced by aortic barodenervation coincides with up-regulation of alpha2-adrenoceptors in brainstem areas that play critical roles in the control of cardiovascular functions.
Transformers, Inductors and Filters

Transformers, inductors and filters have continually played important roles throughout the field of electronics. Relatively crude electromagnetic devices were employed in early telephone and radio communication systems and today their vastly improved descendants are still found in most electronic systems. The sizes of electronic power transformers have been reduced through the development of new core materials and suitable hightemperature insulating materials. Design methods for audio and video transformers have been evolved which, in combination with improved core materials, made it possible to provide broad-band transformers having low distortion effects. Pulse transformers were developed for radar systems and made practical the hydrogen thyratron type pulse modulator. The performance characteristics of intermediate-frequency and radio-frequency transformers have been improved and their sizes reduced through the development of pressed-powdered iron and ferrite core materials. The linearity and stability of iron-cored inductors for filters have been improved through core materials development. Nonlinear inductors were made more nonlinear through the development of rectangular hysteresis loop magnetic alloys and ferrites, providing many new types of electromagnetic devices for electronic circuitry. Advances in electronics have made obsolete some applications of transformers and inductors but also have opened up other opportunities for inductive devices of novel or new characteristics.
Escherichia coli from urine of female patients with urinary tract infections is competent for intracellular bacterial community formation

Nearly 50% of women experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Studies with mice have revealed that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates invade superficial umbrella cells that line the bladder, allowing them to find a safe haven and subvert clearance by innate host responses. Rapid intracellular replication results in the formation of distinctive intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs). In this study, we evaluated whether UPEC strains cultured from the urine of women and classified as causing acute cystitis, recurrent cystitis, asymptomatic bacteriuria, or pyelonephritis could progress through the IBC cascade in a well-characterized mouse model of cystitis. Of 18 UPEC isolates collected from women, 15 formed IBCs. Variations in the size, number, and kinetics of IBC formation were observed with strains isolated from women with different clinical syndromes. Two of the three isolates that did not form IBCs when inoculated alone were able to do so when coinoculated with an isolate that was capable of generating IBCs. The mixed infections dramatically altered the behavior of the coinfecting bacteria relative to their behavior in a single infection. The study also showed that mice with five different genetic backgrounds can support IBC formation. Although UPEC isolates differ genetically in their virulence factors, the majority of UPEC isolates from different types of UTI proceed through the IBC pathway, confirming the generality of IBCs in UTI pathogenesis in mice.
A new species of Gymnotus (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae) from the Fitzcarrald Arch of southeastern Peru

Herein Gymnotus chaviro is described from the Alto Yurua (upper rio Jurua) of southeastern Peru, where it is locally abundant in terra firme streams and floodplain oxbow lakes, and occurs sympatrically and syntopically with the type species of the genus G. carapo. The new species is diagnosed by a unique combination of morphometric, meristic, and osteological traits, and a characteristic color pattern in which the dark band-pairs are unbranched and incompletely separated, and the pale inter-bands rarely reach to the dorsal mid-line on the anterior half of the body, being crescent-shaped in abdominal area. Gymnotus chaviro is a member of the G. carapo species group, with which it shares the presence of two pores in the dorsolateral portion of the preopercle, dark pigment bands with wavy margins that become broken and/or loose contrast with the ground color through growth, a clear patch at the caudal end of an otherwise darkly pigmented anal fin, and more than four arrowhead-shaped (anteroposteriorly compressed) teeth in the anterior portion of the dentary. Gymnotus chaviro is most similar in external appearance to G. curupira of lowland Western Amazonia in possessing a slender lateral profile (mean body depth less than 9% total length), a similar color pattern (median number of bands 19 with bands less distinct on dorsum), a large inter-orbital distance (mean greater than 41% head length), a broad head (mean head width greater than 65% head length) and a large mouth (mean mouth width greater than 43% head length). This new species can also be distinguished from G. curupira by the configuration of the preopercular pores, and by several meristic traits of squamation and fin rays. This is the first gymnotiform species described from the interior of the Fitzcarrald Arch, and the only gymnotiform species known to date that is endemic to this upland region of the western Amazon.
Advances in channel-adaptive video streaming

Despite the well-known challenges of variations in throughput, delay, and packet loss over the Internet, video streaming has experienced phenomenal growth, owing to the extensive research in video coding and transmission. In this paper, we review several recent advances for channel-adaptive video streaming that, we believe, will benefit the design of video streaming systems in the future. Employed in different components of the system, these techniques have the common objective of providing efficient, robust, scalable, and low-latency streaming video. Firstly, by allowing the client to control the rate at which it consumes data, adaptive media playout can be used to reduce receiver buffering and therefore average latency, and provide limited rate scalability. Secondly, rate-distortion optimized packet scheduling, a transport technique, provides a flexible framework to determine the best packet to send, given the channel behaviors, the packets' deadlines, their transmission histories, the distortion reduction associated with sending each packet, and the interpacket dependencies. Thirdly, at the source encoder, channel-adaptive packet-dependency control can greatly improve the error resilience of streaming video and reduce latency. Finally, we address the specific additional challenges for wireless video streaming. We consider three architectures for wireless video and discuss the utility of the reviewed techniques for each architecture. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation pathway of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene at high potential ☆

Abstract 2,5-Di-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene is a redox shuttle for overcharge protection of LiFePO4-based lithium-ion batteries with a working potential lower than 4.2 V versus Li+/Li. However, an irreversible decomposition occurs when the working potential is higher than 4.2 V versus Li+/Li. 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-1,4-di-tert-butoxybenzene was also investigated as a model molecule to further understand the possible degradation pathway of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethxybenzene. The experimental results strongly suggest that the irreversible reaction be related to the decomposition of O C bond in alkoxy substitution groups.
An exploratory study of brain function and structure in mucopolysaccharidosis type I: Long term observations following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)

Abstract Aim Although hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) arrests the cognitive decline in mucopolysaccharidosis type IH (Hurler syndrome, MPS IH), these children continue to have neuropsychological deficits as they age. Both compromised attention and effects on white matter have been observed in cancer patients who have had chemotherapy. Therefore, we explored the effects of disease and treatment on brain function in children with MPS I who have had HCT with those with attenuated MPS I treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Methods Subjects: 7 MPS IH participants at least 5 years post-HCT were compared with 7 attenuated participants who were treated with ERT. Measures: IQ, attention, spatial ability, and memory were assessed. Medical history and an unsedated MRI scan using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were acquired. Results Despite clinically equivalent IQ and memory, children with MPS IH had poorer attention span than those with attenuated MPS I as well as decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) of the corpus callosum. A relationship between attention scores and FA was found in the MPS IH group but not the attenuated group. FA was also related to the frequency of medical events. Interpretation In children with MPS IH, both the treatment and the disease affect attention functions associated with poor white matter integrity.
Liouville-type and uniqueness results for a class of sixth-order elliptic equations

On considere des equations de la forme Δ 3 u-PΔ 2 u+QΔu−Ru=0 ou P, Q et R sont des fonctions positives et C 2 dans E n et on demontre des resultats de type Liouville a l'aide des fonctions sous harmoniques definies sur les solutions et des inegalites de type Green
Religious affiliation and hiring discrimination in New England: A field experiment

Abstract This article describes a field experiment in which we sent fictitious resumes to advertised job openings in New England, in the Northeast region of the United States. We randomly altered the resumes to indicate affiliation in one of seven religious groups or a control group. Resumes that mentioned any religious affiliation received about one-quarter fewer phone calls than did the control group but there were no significant difference in e-mails received. Muslim applicants received one-third fewer responses from employers, either as phone calls or e-mails, than did the control group. There was also evidence of discrimination against atheists, Catholics and pagans. These findings are consistent with theoretical models of secularization and cultural distaste theory.
Effects of forebrain serotonin depletion on fenfluramine-induced taste aversions

Both nonspecific electrolytic and chemically specific 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions of the median and dorsal raphe nuclei of the rat potentiated the suppressive effects of pairing a single injection of fenfluramine HCl with the ingestion of a novel fluid. No general alterations in fluid intake were observed as a result of the lesion. Nor did the lesions cause any significant changes in body weight. Telencephalic serotonin content was reduced by 53%-57% in the lesion groups. The study suggests that although fenfluramine may act on serotonergic systems, the drug’s effectiveness in the conditioned aversion paradigm does not depend on the integrity of the ascending serotonergic projections of the raphe. The results described here are comparable to those reported previously when lithium chloride rather than fenfluramine was used to induce an aversion in serotonin-depleted rats.
Improving the graphic representation of means-end results

Abstract A common output of a means-end study is a tree-like network diagram often called a Hierarchical Value Map (HVM). An HVM presents a graphical representation of a set of means-end chains which can be thought of as an aggregate (e.g., market-level) cognitive structure map. Using concepts from statistical graphics, graphical perception theory and the semiology of graphics, we examine ways of improving the design of the HVM such that it better represents the original data in a clear and simple fashion. We compare the traditional HVM design to an alternative design format using data from an empirical study of ski destination choice. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the new format for theoretical research and strategic decision making.
Effect of alanine and dimethyl sulfoxide on the solubility of calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and calcium oxalate.

Abstract The solubility of calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and calcium oxalate at pH 6.5 and 8.6 was determined in aqueous solutions of alanine and dimethyl sulfoxide. Alanine increased the solubility of these salts at both pH levels while dimethyl sulfoxide decreased the solubility with the exception of calcium phosphate at pH 8.6. Thus, alanine prevents urolithiasis by retaining the inorganic components of calculi in their ionic forms while dimethyl sulfoxide prevents urolithiasis, but not by retaining the inorganic components of calculi in their ionic form.
Parametric instability of laminated composite plates with transverse shear deformation

Abstract The instability of composite laminated plates under uniaxial, harmonically-varying, in-plane loads is investigated. Both symmetric cross-ply laminates and antisymmetric angle-ply laminates are analyzed. The first-order shear deformation plate theory is used to model composite laminates. The resulting linear equations of motion are transformed into small, uncoupled sets of equations, and instability regions in the plane of load amplitude versus load frequency are determined using the finite element method. The effects of damping, ratio of edge length to thickness of the plate, orthotropy, boundary conditions, number of layers and lamination angles on instability regions are examined.
The independence of mass scales in inverse hierarchy models

Abstract In inverse hierarchy models, one attempts to “solve” the hierarchy problem by generating a large scale X from a theory with only a smaller scale M. Einhorn and Jones have argued, however, that M and X are essentially independent scales, even though the ratio appears to be calculable. We consider a model in which the same phenomenon occurs, and show that it is identical to the more familiar “near-Coleman-Weinberg” models. As the latter clearly have two independent scales, one put in by hand and the other generated by dimensional transmutation, we argue that inverse hierarchy models also have two independent scales, thus agreeing with the more detailed analysis of Einhorn and Jones.