cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic CharacterizationlcrDGene Family: Molecular Evolutionary Aspects of Pathogen-Induced Hypersensitivity☆

Hrp(hypersensitivity response and pathogenicity) genes encode signal-peptide independent transporter molecules that function in the Type III secretion pathway and are present in a number of plant pathogenic bacterial species. These Hrp transporter molecules largely export harpin and other virulence factors across the bacterial membrane and onto theHrploci are part of a largerlcrD family which encode the low calcium response proteins. Members of this family serve to transport a number of diverse virulence factors in a variety of enteric and other purple bacteria species both pathogenichrp-induced pathogenicity by different plant pathogenic bacterial species is the result of a single evolutionary event or evolved independently, cladistic analyses were performedlcrD gene family. The results of these studieslcrD orhrpgeneslcrD homologues which comprised the other twohrptransporter genes do not capture the phylogenetic history of their host bacteriallcrD gene was horizontally introduced into each of four different plant pathogenic species which may have resulted from four independent transfer events. This monophyletic partitioning ofhrpgenes precludes their use as reliable taxonomic markers while further supporting the current notion thathrptransport
CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA DUE TO 21-HYDROXYLASE (21-OHase) DEFICIENCY: PHENOTYPE/GENOTYPE CORRELATIONS IN NEWBORN SCREENING. † 553

CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA DUE TO 21-HYDROXYLASE (21-OHase) DEFICIENCY: PHENOTYPE/GENOTYPE CORRELATIONS IN NEWBORN SCREENING. † 553
Combined Genetic Attenuation of Myelin and Semaphorin-Mediated Growth Inhibition Is Insufficient to Promote Serotonergic Axon Regeneration

After CNS injuries, axon growth inhibitors from the myelin and the scar tissue at the injury site are considered major impediments to axon regeneration. The presence of several classes of inhibitors with multiple members in each class suggests functional redundancy in growth inhibition. To test redundancy within the myelin inhibitory pathway, we analyzed raphe spinal serotonergic (5-HT) axon regeneration in mice deficient in two major myelin inhibitors, Nogo and MAG, and their common receptor NgR1 (or NgR). After a complete transection spinal cord injury, there was no significant enhancement of 5-HT axon regeneration beyond the injury site in either Nogo/MAG/NgR1 triple mutants or NgR1 single mutants. Occasional, genotype-independent traversal of 5-HT axons through GFAP-positive tissue bridges at the injury site implicates GFAP-negative lesion areas as especially inhibitory to 5-HT axons. To assess the contribution of class 3 Semaphorins that are expressed by GFAP-negative meningeal fibroblasts at the injury site, we analyzed mice deficient in PlexinA3 and PlexinA4, two key receptors for class 3 Semaphorins, with or without additional NgR1 deletion. No enhanced regeneration of 5-HT or corticospinal axons was detected in PlexinA3/PlexinA4 double mutants or PlexinA3/PlexinA4/NgR1 triple mutants through a complete transection injury. In contrast with previous reports, these data demonstrate that attenuating myelin or Semaphorin-mediated inhibition of axon growth is insufficient to promote 5-HT axon regeneration and further indicate that even attenuating both classes of inhibitory influences is insufficient to promote regeneration of injured axons through a complete transection spinal cord injury.
Children's acquisition and reversal behavior in a probability learning situation as a function of programed instruction, internal-external control, and schedules of reinforcement

Abstract A three-choice, contingent task was used with 192 fifth and sixth graders in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design combining instruction (programed instruction on selected probability concepts vs no programed instruction), locus of control (internal vs external), and schedules of reinforcement (33, 66, and 100%). The dependent measures were the percentage of correct acquisition responses, of correct reversal responses, and of pattern responses, as well as posttests on probability concepts. The major findings of the study were associated with schedule of reinforcement. In acquisition and reversal, Ss under 100% reinforcement during acquisition tended to maximize the greatest, followed by the 66 and 33% conditions, in that order. The ordinal relationship among schedules was the exact reverse of the maximizing approach for the pattern responses. A partial reinforcement effect was obtained in reversal. Evidence indicated that programed instruction and locus of control affected maximizing behavior, patterning behavior, and resistance to extinction (though these variables did not interact with reinforcement schedule in the predicted direction). Finally the posttest data showed that instructed Ss did learn more relative to noninstructed Ss.
Dominant affectors in the calmodulin network shape the time courses of target responses in the cell.

Abstract In endothelial cells nitric oxide synthase is a dominant affector in the calmodulin network by virtue of its ability to bind a significant fraction of limiting intracellular calmodulin. We have investigated how this affector function influences the kinetics of calmodulin-dependent signaling in cells co-expressing the synthase and a fluorescent calmodulin target analog similar in its interactions with calmodulin to myosin light chain kinase. The synthase binds (Ca2+)4-calmodulin with a Kd value of ∼0.2 nM and an association rate constant of ∼1.5 × 105 M−1 s−1. These values are, respectively, 10- and 100-fold smaller than the corresponding values for the analog. Thus, when Ca2+ is added to a mixture of calmodulin, target analog and synthase in vitro a large fluorescence transient with a relaxation time of ∼600 s is observed as (Ca2+)4-calmodulin is rapidly bound to the analog and then slowly captured by the higher affinity synthase. A rapid increase in the free Ca2+ concentration elicits similar transient analog responses in cells expressing the cytoplasmic target analog and either a wild-type membrane bound or mutant cytoplasmic synthase. Transient responses are not observed in cells co-expressing the fluorescent analog and a mutant T497D synthase unable to bind calmodulin. These results demonstrate that dominant affectors in the calmodulin network shape both the magnitudes and time courses of target responses in the cell.
Zur Existenz gleichseitiger Dreiecke in H-Ebenen

It is shown, by indicating how to construct one with ruler and gauge, that there are equilateral triangles in absolutes planes which need not satisfy the circle axiom. However, it is not possible to construct an equilateral triangle with given base in absolute planes, even if they satisfy bachmann'sLotschnittaxiom or the Archimedean axiom.
Planes of sharp pelvic dissection for primary, locally advanced, or recurrent rectal cancer.

In the design of operations for rectal cancers, the focus is often on circumventing the local extent of disease and leaving the pelvis free of cancer. The local extent of disease may range from minimal intramural invasion to the direct extension of a primary tumor to pelvic sidewall structures, e.g., the internal iliac vessels. In the absence of distant spread, understanding the planes of pelvic anatomy may allow the knowledgeable surgeon to cure patients who would otherwise be declared unresectable. We present the four planes (and one rare situation) available for sharp dissection which allow for the resection of all but a few cases of locally advanced disease. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 18:199–206, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Pethidine: 1982

Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the clinical pharmacokinetics of pethidine (meperidine) since it was reviewed by Mather and Meffin in 1978. This review attempts to evaluate recent information and assess the potential clinical implications. Pethidine is eliminated mainly via biotransformation — norpethidine, norpethidinic acid and pethidinic acid being the major metabolites. Blood clearance of this drug is approximately 800 to 900ml/min in healthy volunteers (elimination half-life 3 to 8 hours). Clearance appears to be reduced postoperatively in surgical patients by approximately 25% but is reduced by about 50 % in patients with cirrhosis. Oral bioavailability averages 56 % in healthy subjects, but increases to 80 to 90% in cirrhosis. The free fraction of pethidine is 0.2 to 0.4, the plasma concentration of α1-acid glycoprotein being its most important determinant. Studies (primarily in patients following abdominal surgery) suggest that blood pethidine concentrations of 0.5 to 0.7 μg/ml are required for analgesia. The minimum analgesic concentration appears to be quite consistent within an individual, but varies between patients. Importantly, the concentration-analgesic response relationship for pethidine is extremely steep, with concentration differences as small as 0.05 μg/ml representing the difference between no analgesia and complete suppression of pain. Dosage regimens of pethidine which produce variable or fluctuating blood concentrations can be expected to achieve inconsistent relief of pain. Therefore, the use of continuous intravenous infusions of pethidine appears to be a rational new approach to acute pain management. Further studies assessing the effect of metabolites, protein binding, age, personality and source of pain on the pethidine concentrationanalgesic response relationship are needed.
Fabrication and optical characterizations of gold nanoshell opal

We fabricated three-dimensional photonic crystals by self-assembling gold nanoshells via forced sedimentation method. Gold nanoshells with a diameter of 458 nm (418-nm silica core and 20-nm gold shell) were synthesized and self-assembled into a 5-μm-thick opal structure. We observed reflection peaks at 710 and 1240 nm, which are believed to be from the complete three-dimensional photonic band gap and the (111) directional gap, respectively. Theses results were in good agreement with the photonic band-structure calculations done by the finite-difference time-domain method. Angle-resolved reflectivity measurements were also performed to investigate the existence of the complete three-dimensional photonic band gap.
Parametric effects on the onset of flooding in flat-plate geometries

Abstract Flooding of countercurrent stratified steam-water flow in flat-plate geometries is investigated. Both local and global effects of condensation on the onset of flooding are discussed, based on the results of top and bottom flooding tests. The influence of the channel depth and inclination angle on the flooding velocity is also explored. An envelope model, which considers flooding to be the limiting condition for countercurrent flow, is presented and compared with extensive data at various inclinations. Quite good agreement is shown at the nearly horizontal and moderately steep inclinations, but the onset of flooding in nearly vertical flow is expedited by significant droplet entrainment, and thus takes place earlier than the theory predicts.
Current-induced switching in a single exchange-biased ferromagnetic layer

We demonstrate current-induced switching effects in a single exchanged-biased ferromagnetic layer. A nanodomain can be switched within the ferromagnetic layer by a spin-polarized current injected through a point contact. The high resistance of the hysteretic switching is due to the formation of a domain wall between the nanodomain and the rest of the layer. The switching behavior observed in a single layer is a type of spin-transfer torque effect which is the inverse effect of domain-wall magnetoresistance. At room temperature, nonhysteretic switching behavior with a broad switching current density range is observed.
R&D AND CAPITAL MARKETS

The substantial growth of R&D expenditures over the last two decades, together with the continuous substitution of knowledge (intangible) capital for physical (tangible) capital in corporate production functions, has elevated the importance of R&D in the performance of business enterprises. At the same time, however, the evaluation of corporate R&D activities by investors is seriously hampered by antiquated accounting rules and insufficient disclosure by corporations. Despite the fact that the expected benefits of R&D stretch over extended periods of time, corporate investments in R&D are immediately written off in financial reports, leaving no trace of R&D capital on balance sheets and causing material distortions of reported profitability. After a brief review of statistics documenting the growth and economic importance of corporate R&D in the U.S., the article presents a comparison of R&D disclosure regulations among industrialized nations that shows U.S. rules to be the least flexible in allowing management discretion in how they measure and report R&D. Next the author surveys the large and growing body of empirical research on R&D, which provides strong testimony to the substantial contribution of R&D to corporate productivity and shareholder value. Moreover, despite widespread allegations of stock market “short termism” throughout the 1980s and early '90s, the research indicates “unequivocally” that capital markets consider investments in R&D as a significant value-increasing activity. But if investors clearly demonstrate a willingness to take the long view of R&D, there is also evidence of undervaluation of some R&D-intensive companies—particularly those with low profitability—as well as other potential costs to corporations and investors stemming from inadequate public information about R&D. To help correct the reporting biases and distortions of R&D, the author offers some suggestions for investors and analysts that follow R&D-intensive companies. In particular, he proposes (1) adjustment of reported data to reflect the capitalization and amortization of (instead of expensing) corporate R&D and (2) the use of various quantitative measures for gauging research capabilities and output, including citations of the firm's patents and measures indicating the share of current revenues coming from products developed within recent years.
Magnetic Structure of Magnesium Chromite

The magnetic structure of the normal cubic spinel Mg${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ (${a}_{0}=8.335$ \AA{}) was investigated by means of neutron diffraction. Two distinct transitions to magnetically ordered states were found at \ensuremath{\sim}16 and \ensuremath{\sim}13.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The reflections associated with the 16\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K transition are explained by a class of noncollinear antiferromagnetic structures with a magnetic unit cell identical with the chemical cubic unit cell. The most symmetric of these high-temperature ($H$) structures belongs to the space group $P\overline{4}{2}^{\ensuremath{'}}{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. The $H$-structure reflections appeared with different intensities relative to the nuclear reflections in three samples and did not appear at all in two other samples. The low-temperature ($L$) reflections associated with the 13.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K transition are explained by either of two nonequivalent noncollinear antiferromagnetic $L$ structures which belong to space groups ${P}_{2b}{2}^{\ensuremath{'}}{2}^{\ensuremath{'}}{2}_{1}$ and ${P}_{2b}222$ with a magnetic unit cell ($2{a}_{0}, 2{a}_{0}, {a}_{0}$). The intensities of the $L$ reflections relative to the intensities of the nuclear reflections varied somewhat among the five samples. It is suggested that the $H$ and $L$ structures represent two different phases which coexist below 13.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The intensities of the magnetic reflections ($H+L$) are accounted for by a magnetic moment of about $2.2{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ per ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$.
Plasma cleaning of TCO surfaces prior to CdS/CdTe deposition

We describe a hollow cathode plasma formed within a heated pocket deposition (HPD) source covered with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO)-coated substrate. Super-hydrophilic behavior and little change in TCO transmission of TCO substrates exposed to the plasma are observed. The “plasma cleaner” source was placed in-line with the CSU advanced deposition system (ARDS), and CdS and CdTe films were deposited on both plasma and conventionally cleaned substrates. Plasma-cleaned substrates result in improved cadmium sulfide films without pinholes after plasma exposure times as short as 5 sec. Cells formed with plasma cleaned substrates display improved V OC , fill factor, and efficiency.
Spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings in congenital lumbar spinal stenosis

AIM: To investigate whether congenital lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS) is associated with a specific degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. METHODS: The lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging studies of 52 subjects with CLSS and 48 control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. In each examination, the five lumbar levels were assessed for the presence or absence of circumferential or shallow annular bulges, annular tears, anterior or posterior disc herniations, epidural lipomatosis, Schmorl’s nodes, spondylolisthesis, pars defects, and stress reactions of the posterior vertebral elements. RESULTS: Compared to control individuals, subjects with CLSS exhibited increased incidence of circumferential and shallow annular bulges, annular tears, disc herniations and spondylolisthesis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CLSS is associated with increased incidence of degenerative changes in specific osseous and soft-tissue elements of the lumbar spine.
Lifetime-based pH sensors: indicators for acidic environments.

Abstract We characterized the pH-dependent intensity decays of three fluorophores, Oregon green 514 carboxylic acid, Cl-NERF, and DM-NERF, using frequency-domain fluorometry, with the objective of identifying lifetime-based sensors for low pH values. These three probes were originally designed as dual excitation wavelength–ratiometric probes, with high photostability and high quantum yields in aqueous solutions. We found that their fluorescence intensity decays were strongly dependent on pH. Moreover, global intensity decays analysis reveals that these probes have double exponential intensity decays at intermediate pH values and that the decay time amplitudes are greatly dependent on pH. The longer lifetime components originated from the unprotonated forms and the shorter components from the protonated forms. Both forms can emit fluorescence at intermediate pH values. The apparent pKavalues were also determined from the titration curves of phase angles and modulations versus pH for the purpose of pH sensing. The apparent pKavalues range from pH 3 to 5, a range where lifetime-based sensors are not presently reported. Since these probes show low pKavalues and display substantial phase and modulation changes with pH, they are suitable as lifetime-based pH sensors to monitor the pH changes in acidic environments. One potential application of these probes is to trace the pH in different cellular compartments.
Realization of a near-perfect antireflection coating for silicon solar energy utilization

To harness the full spectrum of solar energy, Fresnel reflection at the surface of a solar cell must be eliminated over the entire solar spectrum and at all angles. Here, we show that a multilayer nanostructure having a graded-index profile, as predicted by theory [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 66, 515 (1976); Appl. Opt. 46, 6533 (2007)], can accomplish a near-perfect transmission of all-color of sunlight. An ultralow total reflectance of 1%-6% has been achieved over a broad spectrum, λ=400to1600 nm, and a wide range of angles of incidence, θ=0°-60°. The measured angle- and wavelength-averaged total reflectance of 3.79% is the smallest ever reported in the literature, to our knowledge.
Design, Synthesis, Antiviral Activity, and Pre-Formulation Development of Poly-L-Arginine-Fatty Acyl Derivatives of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

The objective of this work was to design conjugates of anti-HIV nucleosides conjugated with fatty acids and cell-penetrating poly-L-arginine (polyArg) peptides. Three conjugates of polyArg cell-penetrating peptides with fatty acyl derivatives of alovudine (FLT), lamivudine (3TC), and emtricitabine (FTC) were synthesized. In general, the compounds exhibited anti-HIV activity against X4 and R5 cell-free virus with EC50 values of 1.5-16.6 μM. FLT-CO-(CH2)12-CO-(Arg)7 exhibited EC50 values of 2.9 μM and 3.1 μM against X4 and R5 cell-free virus, respectively. The FLT conjugate was selected for further preformulation studies by determination of solution state degradation and lipid solubility. The compound was found to be stable in neutral and oxidative conditions and moderately stable in heated conditions.
Synthesis of Some P-Trifluoromethyl-Substituted (Silylamino)phosphines, N-Silylphosphoranimines, and Phosphazenes

Treatment of P-chloro-substituted (silylamino)phosphines, (Me3Si)2NP(R)Cl, with the trifluoromethylating agent, [(Et2N)3PBr+](CF3-) [generated in situ from CF3Br and (Et2N)3P], readily affords the ...
Using the Quartet Property to design recursively expandable optical switches

Many designs and topologies have been introduced for optical multistage interconnections networks (optical MINs). One of the promising topologies that is regular and can be used in large optical switches is the family of networks that have the Quartet property. The Quarter property is a new property of a class of equivalent MINs. This class of networks includes Omega Network, Flip network, Baseline network, Reverse Baseline network, Indirect Binary n-Cube network and some other networks which are topologically isomorphic to them. Some MINs with the Quartet property such as Omega Network and Baseline Network have topologies that recursively can be expanded or reduced with an exponential growth of a factor of four. We are going to use this characteristic of these networks in the construction of our optical switch. The Quartet topology is a unique MIN in which a fiber channel is used instead of a set of wires. Through advancements in fiber optic channels with high bandwidth, this topology is a perfect candidate for optical multistage interconnections networks and optical switches. This paper presents the design for a Quartet switch with recursive growth based on an Omega network.
Bacterial infections in HIV-infected children

Summary As demonstrated from the information presented here, early HIV infection in infants and children leads to both B- and T-cell dysregulation that places the child at risk for significant serious bacterial infections and often recurrent minor bacterial diseases (infections commonly encountered in immunocompetent children, but much less often). Two large prospective studies designed to determine the impact of passive immunization on the incidence of these infectious complications also have pointed out the relatively common frequency with which these infections occur and, resultantly, the impact that these infections, both serious and non-serious, must have on the quality of life of these afflicted children. Interventional strategies based on the use of passive immunization in the form of IVIG, prophylactic antibiotics, and active immunization with bacterial polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines already have been applied or are in development. Some of these approaches already have demonstrated efficacy, but none are without potential flaws and they may not address the problems associated with a profoundly immunosuppressed population of children. The development of effective antiretroviral therapy, with subsequent preservation of immune function, will go a long way toward making the above named strategies more successful for preventing both serious and minor bacterial infections.
Coded modulation for digital communications over Rayleigh fading channels

A signal-design method based on the integration of coding and modulation, noncoherent demodulation, and soft-decision decoding is described. The integrated coding/modulation approach provides robust signal designs for digital communications over rapidly fading channels that may be encountered in medium- and long-range, horizontal-path acoustic telemetry. The structure of the corresponding demodulator/decoder is described, and the error rate performance of the resulting system is evaluated for Rayleigh fading signal statistics. Of special interest is the use of concatenated coding for forming codes of large distance, and an example is given using dual-k codes. The performance gains that are achieved by the integrated coded modulation approach relative to conventional uncoded signal designs are also illustrated. >
Multiple-scale habitat modeling approach for rare plant conservation

Multiple-scale habitat assessment for rare plants is an important component of conservation and development planning. It is challenging, however, due to lack of information synthesis on the ecology of rare plants, lack of effective approaches for habitat assessment at multiple spatial scales, and lack of spatial data for relevant environmental attributes and scales. A multiple-scale habitat modeling approach was developed to meet this need. Regional-, landscape-, and site-scale habitat models were developed for eight rare plant species found in southern Texas, USA. The models were partially validated and used for planning of rare plant conservation and highway construction. Regional-scale habitat models were used to predict, based on coarse-scale geographic information system (GIS) data, spatial distribution of areas containing potential habitat of rare plant species and the probability of encountering potential rare plant habitats. Site-scale models, based on synthesis of the literature and field investigations, were developed for field survey and mapping of rare plant habitats to enable accurate assessment of potential and present habitat suitability of specific locations using fine-resolution field data on soil, landform and vegetation structure. The greatest need for assessing the presence and potential habitat of rare plants is at the landscape scales. Thus, landscape-scale models were developed for spatially explicit assessment of potential and present habitat suitability, based on site-scale models but using GIS and remote sensing-based data. These models can be used as effective tools for conservation planning, monitoring and management of rare plant habitat, as well as for reduction of land use conflicts and development cost. The processes of model development and application synthesizes the diffuse literature, identifies knowledge and data gaps to guide future research, and provides a framework for assimilating new information acquired in the future to improve habitat assessment.
Bound indoleacetic Acid in Avena coleoptiles.

When C(14) carboxyl indoleacetic acid (IAA) is transported through Avena coleoptile sections a fraction of the activity becomes bound. The nature of this bound IAA has been investigated. Upon extraction with solvents and chromatography a substance having the R(F) of IAA in 4 solvents was detected. No evidence could be found for the formation of indoleacetyl conjugates. In pea stem sections subjected to a similar experimental regime good evidence was obtained for the occurrence of conjugates. When IAA was supplied exogenously to coleoptile sections floating in solutions the occurrence of conjugates was shown to be dependent on the presence of the primary leaf. In its absence no conjugates could be detected.On grinding coleoptile sections and subsequent centrifugation at 240 x g the radioactivity was found to be in the tissue fraction as opposed to the supernatant. The radioactivity cannot be removed from the tissue by extraction with water, buffer solution or treatment with ribonuclease. It is readily removed by 10% urea, crystalline trypsin and chymotrypsin. It is therefore concluded that IAA becomes bound to a protein. Bound IAA does not appear to be able to cause growth in Avena coleoptile sections.
Reinstating inquiry into mechanized flapping-wing flight - Realizing the integrity of the ornithopter

In response to the need for both smalland large-scale, manned and unmanned, agile, acrobatic, multifunctional aircraft capable of hovering, VSTOL, multidirectional flight and greater maneuverability, this paper advances the integrity of research and development into flapping-wing technology (FWT). Arguments in defense of mechanized flapping-wing flight vehicles (ornithopters) are overviewed, arid reasons are given for why the time has come for the design and development of functional ornithopters. "Although at first sight very simple., the flappingwing design zs in reality far more complex than either the fixed wing aircraft or the helicopter ... Flapping wing aircraft are very much a thing of the future. " Keith Sherwin, 1971. l The limited flight performance of contemporary aircraft premised on conventional flight
NEUTRON ACTIVATION STUDIES OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS: MANGANESE AND COPPER.

A detailed description of a procedure is presented for estimation of non-dialyzable manganese and copper in biological fluids by neutron activation. A 1-ml sample of serum or cerebrospinal fluid is serially dialyzed against 10-ml aliquots of ammonium barbituric acid buffer, pH 7.35, in a period of less than 3 hr. The dialyzed samples are then irradiated and analyzed for manganese and copper by γ-ray spectroscopy. Analysis of sera obtained from 30 adult, apparently healthy male subjects, revealed concentration of non-dialyzable manganese as 1,3 ± 0.2 μg% and that of copper 164 ± 41 μg%. Bloods collected from eight hospitalized male subjects with clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction revealed serum manganese elevations over those of normal male levels. These manganese elevations apparently were not related to elevations of sera transaminase concentrations. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of 12 hospitalized male subjects without known organic disease of central nervous system and with normal cerebrospinal fluid protein revealed the following non-dialyzable concentrations: manganese 0.4 ± 0.12 μg% and copper 27.8 ± 16.1 μg%.
A histochemical study of certain plant viruses by means of the Sakaguchi reaction for arginine.

Abstract Detailed directions are given for the use of the Sakaguchi color reaction for arginine in locating virus in cells. The crystallike cell inclusions in tobacco leaves infected with tobacco mosaic virus, which are known to be composed mainly or entirely of tobacco mosaic virus, gave a very strong Sakaguchi reaction. The vacuolate X-bodies in these leaves usually did not give a detectable reaction. Host nuclei gave a visible reaction, presumably because of the arginine content of the nuclear nucleoprotein. The highest concentration of tobacco mosaic virus was usually observed in the cytoplasm of epidermal and hair cells. Less frequently virus was found to be most concentrated in the palisade parenchyma cells. In sugar beet leaves infected with curly top virus, the virus is known to be concentrated in the phloem; the phloem of such infected leaves gave a much stronger Sakaguchi reaction than did the phloem of healthy sugar beet leaves.
Effect of central catecholamine alterations on the hypothermic response to 6‐hydroxydopamine in desipramine treated rats

The hypothermia observed in rats kept in a cold environment after the intracisternal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine was enhanced by desipramine. Since pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine virtually eliminated the temperature fall in response to a subsequent dose of 6-hydroxydopamine, brain catecholamines were implicated in the response. Preferential reduction of brain noradrenaline antagonized the hypothermia after 6-hydroxydopamine in desipramine-treated rats to a greater extent than did the preferential reduction of dopamine. The results indicate the importance of noradrenergic fibres in this hypothermic response, but do not exclude an involvement of brain dopaminergic pathways.
Demography, Migration and the Economy at a Regional Level: Recent Evidence from Catalonia

In the last decade Spain had one of the highest immigration levels in the European Union and Catalonia was one of the most important destinations within the country. Immigration drove a strong and fast population growth and rejuvenated the population of the region. The world economic crisis is probably going to mark a turning point in international migration trends and has already caused a sharp decrease in Spanish and Catalan immigration flows. However, Catalonia is historically a very intriguing example of the close links that exist between demographic trends, migration movements and economic development. Around the mid 1800s the region was one of the first in Europe to experience a demographic transition and as a consequence it was affected early on by low levels of natural population change and by imbalances in the age structure. Moreover, Catalonia’s economy has almost always been one of the most dynamic in Spain. The main consequence of the diverging trends in demography and the economy has been the recurrent need for large immigration flows in periods of sustained economic growth. From this point of view, Catalonia is a meaningful example for all the European regions with a structurally low fertility and dynamic economic systems. The main aims of this paper are to analyse the interplay between demographic, migratory and economic factors during the last decade in Catalonia and try to infer their possible future interactions, according to the results of innovative regional projections implemented for EU and EFTA countries.
Why do adolescents become involved with the child welfare system? Exploring risk factors that affect young adolescents

Abstract An exploratory study that investigated the circumstances of adolescents' involvement with the child welfare system was conducted. Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being, a cluster analysis was performed on 831 youths, aged 11–16 years old, who were reported to child welfare authorities for abuse and/or neglect. The aims of the study were to identify how precipitating risk factors affecting caregivers and youth clustered together, and then to explore what demographic and maltreatment-related factors distinguished these clusters. The results show that three clusters exist, each characterized by distinct sets of either parental or youth risk factors, or an absence of these risk elements all together. In addition, each cluster was also characterized by distinct types of maltreatment. Reports of neglect corresponded to the cluster that evidenced high rates of caregiver risk factors, while rates of physical abuse accompanied the cluster that displayed high rates of youth behavior problems. The issues surrounding developing or enhancing specific intervention strategies for young adolescents at jeopardy for involvement with child welfare are discussed.
Motor tics of the head and neck: surgical approaches and their complications.

Motor tics of the head and neck, especially hemifacial spasm and spastic torticollis, are the substance of this paper. Forty-six cases are presented, and surgical techniques are described.
Incidence of Incipient Contralateral Hernia During Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Background: In addition to its well-known benefits of decreased postoperative pain and shorter recovery time, laparoscopic hernia repair has the major advantage of allowing the surgeon to explore the side contralateral to the clinically diagnosed hernia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of incipient unsuspected contralateral hernia during totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy and to analyze the risks and benefits of identifying these hernias at the time of the initial surgery. Methods: We did a retrospective review of the charts of all of the 724 male patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP repair of 958 groin hernias between September 1991 and September 1999. The initial clinical impression of the existence of unilateral or bilateral hernias was noted and compared to our operative findings. The same surgeon performed all the repairs. Exploration of the contralateral side was performed in a systematic fashion. A second mesh prosthesis was placed if a contralateral hernia was found. Results: Bilateral hernia repair was performed on 234 patients (32.3%). In 62 of them (11.2%), the contralateral hernia was diagnosed only at the time of the procedure. Operative time ranged from 14 to 185 min (median, 38.6). The operative time for the contralateral exploration ranged from 2 to 5 min (median, 2.8). The rate of complications was 4.1%, but no complications were directly related to the exploration of the asymptomatic side. Conclusion: Our study shows that a large number of inguinal hernias are undiagnosed by physical examination (11.2%). Systematic contralateral exploration using the TEP approach is safe and does not greatly increase the operative time. Early identification and repair of a contralateral hernia obviates the need for reoperation, reduces overall costs to the health care system, and eliminates any further work loss for the patient.
Longest Insect Dormancy: Yucca Moth Larvae (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) Metamorphose After 20, 25, and 30 Years in Diapause

Fully grown larvae of Prodoxus y-inversus (Riley) undergo diapause in hardened cysts in the sterile tissue of Yucca baccata Torrey fruits. Dormancy normally lasts from early summer until the following May, but when optimal climatic cues, particularly winter chilling, are not received, the diapause is maintained. Larvae of the 1969 generation were collected in April 1970 in southern Nevada and held in winter conditions that varied but were warmer than those to which the population was adapted in Nevada. More than 180 individuals emerged synchronously following the 16th and 17th winters. Temperature data suggested that the intensity of winter chilling is the primary factor initiating diapause development and that after many years in diapause larvae are conditioned to respond to temperature regimes that were not acceptable for development in the early years of diapause. To test these hypotheses, larvae were held in constant warm temperatures for 4–5 yr, then exposed to a variety of winter conditions. Additional large groups eclosed following their 20th (151 adults) and 25th (125 adults) winters. X-rays before the 30th winter indicated that few larvae remained, and 14 moths emerged following 30 yr in diapause.
Parameterization and Observability Analysis of Scalable Battery Clusters for Onboard Thermal Management

Although the battery surface temperature is commonly measured, the core temperature of a cell may be much higher hence more critical than the surface temperature. The core temperature of a battery, though usually unmeasured in commercial applications, can be estimated by an observer, based on a lumped-parameter battery thermal model and the measurement of the current and the surface temperature. Even with a closed loop observer based on the measured surface temperature, the accuracy of the core temperature estimation depends on the model parameters. For such purpose, an online parameterization methodology and an adaptive observer are designed for a cylindrical battery. The single cell thermal model is then scaled up to create a battery cluster model to investigate the temperature pattern of the cluster. The modeled thermal interconnections between cells include cell to cell heat conduction and convection to the surrounding coolant flow. An observability analysis is performed on the cluster before designing a closed loop observer for the pack. Based on the analysis, guidelines for determining the minimum number of required sensors and their exact locations are derived that guarantee the observability of all temperature states.
Probing the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt Chemical Analysis of a Roman Period Egyptian Mummy

Discusses the analysis and interpretation of a Roman period mummy from the World Heritage Museum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Small samples of wrapping fabric, wooden board, and crystallized resins were taken from the feet of the mummy. Embalming resins were analyzed and characterized by FABMS (fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry). The resin was found to be based on pine pitch (oxidized forms of abietic acid were identified). The wrapping fabrics were analyzed by macroscopic examination, solubility, and longitudinal and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Inner wrapping fabrics were found to be woven from flax fiber, but the outer bundle was made from ramie. Bone fragments were collected and characterized by stable isotope analysis. The analysis of the mummy's delta13C (a measure of the ratio of carbon isotopes 13 and 12) from collagen and carbonate sources were consistent with a C3 type diet (bread and onions) as opposed to a C4 diet.
EFFECTS OF IONOPHORE A23187 ON OOCYTES OF COMANTHUS JAPONICA (ECHINODERMATA: CRINOIDEA)*

Micromolar amounts of divalent cation ionophore A23187 stimulate full grown (but unfertilizable) oocytes of Comanthus japonica to undergo a cortical reaction that is incomplete: first, cortical granule contents ejected at exocytosis do not coalesce but remain as individual blebs just outside the oocyte; and, second, about a fourth of the cortical granule population does not undergo exo-cytosis and remains in the cortical cytoplasm. Of the cortical granules remaining in the oocyte, some have unreacted contents and others have morphologically modified contents. Fine structures are compared among unreacted cortical granules, internally-reacted cortical granules, extracellular blebs of cortical granule material and normal fertilization membranes. The comparison strongly suggests that the outer dense layer and inner fibrous layer of the normal fertilization membrane are derived, respectively, from the dense patches and from the matrices of the cortical granules.
The composition of glycoproteins and activities of glycosidases in bronchoalveolar lavages from smoking baboons.

The composition of glycoproteins and the activities of glycosidases were studied in bronchoalveolar lavages from both smoking and nonsmoking baboons. After separation from cells by centrifugation, the cell-free lavage from smokers had significantly (P < 0.05) greater amounts of total hexoses, hexosamine and fucose and lesser amounts of sialic acid as percent of protein than in materials from controls. A six-fold increase (P < 0.003) inβ-N-acetylhexos-aminidase and a two-fold increase (P < 0.01) inβ-glucuronidase activities were noted in lavages from smokers. The activity of intracellularβ-galactosidase for the smokers was nine-fold less (P < 0.003) than for the controls. Since these enzymes are important in glycoprotein metabolism, a study of their activities should contribute to understanding the effect of smoking on connective tissue of lung.
Influenza type B neuraminidase can replace the function of type A neuraminidase.

Influenza A and B viruses do not form reassortants with each other, presumably due to selection at either the RNA or protein level. Although differences in the promoter sequences of type A and B viruses have been studied, selection at the protein level has not been addressed. In this paper we describe experiments to determine whether differences in structure and/or function of the neuraminidase (NA) protein preclude formation of A/B NA reassortants. Influenza type A (N9) NA or B/Lee/40 NA expressed from plasmids can support multicycle growth of a NA-deficient type A virus (NWS-Mvi), indicating that their function in tissue culture is similar. To determine whether the type A or B NA supplied in trans can be incorporated into the virion of NWS-Mvi, the virus grown in NA-expressing cells was purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. In each case there was a peak of NA activity coincident with the virus peak, indicating that some NA protein is packaged into the virion. The experiments suggest that, in spite of large sequence differences, the functions of the head, stalk, signal-anchor, and cytoplasmic domains of type A and B NAs are similar in tissue culture. Thus, lack of formation of A/B NA reassortant viruses is not due to restriction at the protein level.
Psychological Functioning of Children and Adolescents With Eosinophil-Associated Gastrointestinal Disorders.

This study examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and adjustment among children with eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) compared with an age-matched sample without acute or chronic illness. Participants were youths aged 2 to 18 years. Children and caregivers completed measures of psychological symptoms and HRQOL. Significant group differences were found for child report of depressive, as well as anxiety, symptoms. Significant group differences were also found for caregiver report of psychological symptoms and social skills. Finally, based on parent and youth report, HRQOL and greater school absenteeism were associated with EGID diagnosis.
Sodium Pentobarbital Versus α-Chloralose Anesthesia Experimental Production of Substantially Different Slopes in the Transmural CP/ATP Ratios Within the Left Ventricle of the Canine Myocardium

Background Transmural analyses of the creatine phosphate (CP)/ATP ratio in various lamina of the canine myocardium have previously revealed significant variations in the CP/ATP ratio, with the subendocardial layer displaying a decreased ratio relative to the subepicardial layer. Without exception, these results were obtained under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia. These findings have been interpreted to imply that the normal endocardium may be operating in the oxygen-limited domain or that there are transmurally varying set points for the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Methods and Results In this work, we examine the effect of the anesthetic regimen on the transmural CP/ATP ratio within the left ventricular wall of the canine myocardium using spatially localized 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and an open-chest model. Two anesthetics were compared, α-chloralose and sodium pentobarbital. Under sodium pentobarbital, the CP/ATP ratio ranged from 1.92±0.06 to 2.51±0.08 from endocardium to epicar...
Is Nessie a Naga?: Buddhism in the West and Emerging Strategies of Importation

In 2014 Lama Gelongma Zangmo of Scotland sparked curiosity when she suggested that the Loch Ness monster or “Nessie” is actually a naga––a fantastic creature from Buddhist mythology. Visitors to her Tibetan practice center on the shores of the Loch will be able to leave offerings to Nessie. Without exaggerating the significance of these offerings within the larger context of Zangmo’s practice, this article suggests that efforts to ritually incorporate Nessie into a Buddhist cosmology is an index of broader changes in Buddhism’s arrival to the West. First, Zangmo’s open discussion of cosmology, ritual, and supernatural beings is a marked distinction from “Protestantized” Western Buddhism, which has historically presented Buddhism as a rational and philosophical alternative to Christianity. This suggests that Buddhists in the West have become less concerned with conforming to Protestant notions of “proper” religion. Second, Zangmo’s praxis is significant to broader patterns of how Asian religions adapt to Western topography. Whereas Asian immigrants have sometimes re-imagined Asian sacred sites in Western countries, Zangmo was taken the opposite strategy of “Buddhicizing” a local monster. This suggests that similar transformative moves can be expected as a globalized world continues to transplant religious traditions from one continent to another.