cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enteral leucine supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and visceral tissues of neonatal pigs through mTORC1-dependent pathways

Leucine (Leu) activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to upregulate protein synthesis (PS). To examine enteral Leu effects on PS and signaling activation, 5-d-old piglets were fed for 24 h diets containing: 1) low protein (LP), 2) LP supplemented with Leu (LP+L), or 3) high protein (HP). PS in skeletal muscles, heart, liver, pancreas, and jejunum, but not kidney, were greater in LP+L than LP, but lower than HP. In longissimus dorsi muscle, protein kinase B phosphorylation was similar in LP and LP+L, but lower than HP. Although less than HP, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) association with regulatory associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin was greater in LP+L than LP, resulting in higher S6K1 and 4EBP1 phosphorylation. Feeding LP+L versus LP decreased 4EBP1·eIF4E and increased eIF4E·eIF4G formation, but not to HP. Similar results were obtained for S6K1 and 4EBP1 phosphorylation in gastrocnemius, masseter, heart, liver, pancreas, and jejunum, but not kidney. eIF2α and elongation factor 2 phosphorylation was unaffected by treatment. Our results suggest that enteral Leu supplementation of a low protein diet enhances PS in most tissues through mTOR complex 1 pathways.
Adrenal insufficiency in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract Purpose Failure of the adrenocortical system after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) has never been reported, to our knowledge. This study was undertaken to examine the incidence and response to treatment of adrenal insufficiency in the RAAA population. Methods A 6-year retrospective analysis was carried out on data for all patients admitted after RAAA repair. A cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) was performed in patients with unexplained postoperative hypotension. Patients with adrenal insufficiency were given stress dose hydrocortisone, followed by slow hydrocortisone taper. Results Twenty of 26 patients admitted after RAAA repair survived longer than 1 week. Nine of these 20 patients underwent CST because of unexplained hypotension, and six patients were found to have adrenal insufficiency. Compared with the three patients with normal CST and the 11 patients with normotension who did not require testing, patients with adrenal insufficiency had greater preoperative hypotension (83% vs 29%; P = .05), greater operative blood loss (7.0 ± 1.6 L vs 3.0 ± 0.9 L; P = .003), longer lower extremity ischemia time (5.0 ± 2.3 hours vs 1.3 ± 0.5 hours; P = .025), and lower intraoperative urine output (0.8 ± 0.4 mL/kg/hr vs 2.1 ± 0.6 mL/kg/hr; P = .023). No difference in length of stay (40 ± 18 days vs 35 ± 26 days), major complications (27% vs 32%), or overall mortality (17% vs 15%) was demonstrated with steroid therapy. Initiation of steroid therapy enabled weaning of vasopressor support within 48 hours in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions Adrenal insufficiency was identified in 67% of patients with RAAA with unexplained postoperative hypotension given a CST. Predictors of adrenal insufficiency after RAAA repair include preoperative hypotension and a complicated operative course. Steroid therapy can limit vasopressor dependence, and is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality.
Which young adults are most likely to use withdrawal? The importance of pregnancy attitudes and sexual pleasure.

Abstract Objectives Use of withdrawal (coitus interruptus) has consequences for reproductive health, but few nationally representative studies exist. We (1) examined patterns of withdrawal among 15- to 24-year-old women and men, and (2) explored withdrawal's associations with sociodemographic, psychological, and sexual factors. Study design Using data from the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth, we assessed reports of any and only withdrawal use at last sexual episode in the last month from 3517 sexually active 15 to 24 year-old women and men at risk of unintended pregnancy. Logistic regression documented associations with withdrawal. Results Fourteen percent of young women and 17% of young men reported any use of withdrawal at last sex; 7% and 6%, respectively, reported only use of withdrawal. Though associated with few sociodemographic factors, withdrawal was significantly linked with pregnancy- and condom attitudes. In regression models, compared to those who said they would be upset if they discovered they were pregnant, young women who said they would be pleased about a pregnancy were 2.2–2.6 times as likely to have used any/only withdrawal (p Conclusions At their last sexual episode, a greater proportion of young adults used withdrawal in conjunction with other methods than by itself. The psychological and sexual variables of orientation toward pregnancy and attitudes about condoms and pleasure were more strongly linked with withdrawal practices than most sociodemographic variables. Implications statement Since a substantial minority of young adults use withdrawal, providers may wish to speak directly to contraceptive clients about this method, though they should distinguish between only versus any withdrawal use. Practitioners may also be well served by assessing and responding to pregnancy orientation and pleasure attitudes in contraceptive counseling.
High-performance liquid chromatographic assay of biphenyl metabolism by hepatocytes cultured in an embryo/hepatocyte co-culture medium.

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been modified for the evaluation of both Phase I and II metabolism of biphenyl by hepatocytes maintained in an embryo/hepatocyte co-culture medium. Extracts of the media, before and after hydrolysis of conjugates, are directly injected onto the HPLC and the major hydroxylated metabolites plus unmetabolized biphenyl are detected by fluorescence after separation under gradient or isocratic conditions. The method is almost free of interferences and is relatively simple and rapid. In the case of the monohydroxylated derivatives, the minimum media concentrations which can be measured are 7 to 20 n m (0.07 to 0.2 pmol on-column). Recoveries from culture medium to which known amounts of biphenyl and metabolites had been added were quantitative (90–103%) and the reproducibility good (interassay CV
Recent Experimental Results on Surfactant Drag Reduction

Certain surfactant solutions are drag reducing in turbulent shear flows. Because they “self-repair” after mechanical degradation, they are very attractive for reducing pumping energy losses in recirculating water applications such as district heating and cooling systems. Some surfactant systems reduce drag below the Virk limiting drag reduction asymptote for high polymers. The surfactant asymptote is 40% below that for polymers and the limiting velocity profile slope for highly drag reducing surfactant systems is about twice that for polymers. Like polymers, surfactants show low turbulence intensities normal to the wall and may exhibit zero Reynolds stresses requiring the postulation of an “elastic” stress to satisfy the total stress balance. The influences of counterion chemical structure and shear on microstructures, rheology and therefore drag reduction of cationic surfactant solutions are also addressed. Viscoelasticity, high extensional/shear viscosity ratios and threadlike microstructures have been proposed as necessary physical criteria for surfactant drag reduction. Recently, however, several non-viscoelastic drag reducing surfactant solution systems (zero first normal stress differences, no recoil and no stress overshoot) have been reported. Most drag reducing surfactant solutions have extensional to shear viscosity ratios of 100 or more. However, two solutions with a low ratio in the shear/extensional rate range of 20∼1000 s−1 have been observed. The ratio tends to increase at higher extensional rates, however, so the second criterion may be valid. Finally, cryo-TEM images of some drag reducing surfactant micelle microstructures which lacked threadlike structures in the quiescent state have been observed. However, Zheng et al. [1] showed that vesicle microstructures in the quiescent state can change to threadlike micelles under shear, supporting the third criterion.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Determinants of immunity to murine salmonellosis: studies involving immunization with lipopolysaccharide‐lipid A‐associated protein complexes in C3H/HeJ mice

We have earlier demonstrated that the C3H/HeJ Salmonella hypersusceptible mouse can be protected against infection with this organism by prior immunization with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-lipid A-associated protein (LAP) complexes, but not with LPS alone. In the current studies, protection has been shown to correlate with the induction of LPS-specific antibody in immunized mice. LPS was demonstrated to be a relevant target antigen for Salmonella immunity since C3H/HeJ mice were afforded higher survival rates when they were challenged with Salmonella that shared the same LPS O-antigen as the vaccine. Although low levels of LPS-specific antibody can be detected 14 days after immunization with LAP-LPS, significant antibody is present only after 21–28 days. In addition, anti-LAP specific antibodies can be detected after 14 days of immunization with LAP-LPS. Adoptive transfer of either day 28 anti-LAP-LPS immune serum or day 28 LAP-LPS immune splenocytes alone to naive recipients affords mice minimal, if any, survival against lethal S. typhimurium LT2 challenge. In contrast, transfer of day 28 anti-LAP-LPS immune serum and day 28 LAP-LPS immune splenocytes together is able to transfer Salmonella immunity to naive C3H/HeJ mice. Further, equivalent transfer of only day 28 anti-LAP-LPS immune serum to C3H/HeJ mice immunized 7 days previously with LAP-LPS provides protection similar to that found in mice adoptively transferred with immune cells and serum. These results suggest that a host cellular factor or factors responsive to LAP-LPS, in addition to day 28 anti-LAP-LPS immune serum, may contribute to the protection afforded C3H/HeJ mice following immunization with LAP-LPS.
Toward highly capable neuromorphic autonomous robots: beobots

We describe a new mobile robotics platform specifically designed for the implementation and testing of neuromorphic vision algorithms in unconstrained outdoors environments. The new platform includes significant computational power (four 1.1GHz CPUs with gigabit interconnect), a high-speed four-wheel-drive chassis, standard Linux operating system, and a comprehensive toolkit of C++ vision classes. The robot is designed with two major goals in mind: real-time operation of sophisticated neuromorphic vision algorithms, and off-the-shelf components to ensure rapid technological evolvability. A preliminary embedded neuromorphic vision architecture that includes attentional, gist/layout, object recognition, and high-level decision subsystems is finally described.
Resonant impurity scattering in a strongly correlated electron model.

Scattering by a single impurity introduced in a strongly correlated electronic system is studied by exact diagonalization of small clusters. It is shown that an inert site which is spinless and unable to accomodate holes can give rise to strong resonant scattering. A calculation of the local density of state reveals that, for increasing antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, d, s and p-wave symmetry bound states in which a mobile hole is trapped by the impurity potential induced by a local distortion of the antiferromagnetic background successively pull out from the continuum.
Matrix isolation study of excimer laser-induced photooxidation processes

Abstract Excimer laser irradiation of matrices containing either N 2 O or O 2 has led to O atom production, and subsequent reaction with a second reactant species. Small hydrocarbons and diborane were employed in different experiments for reaction with the photolytically produced O atoms. Distinct products were observed for each system, and in each case the oxidation reaction was quenched by the matrix prior to formation of the final combustion product for the system in question. However, the exothermicity of the reaction in each case was sufficiently great that the probable initial reaction product, such as ethylidene in the reaction of O with propyne, could not be stabilized but reacted further via decomposition or hydrogen shift. In the reaction of O + B 2 H 6 , HBO is identified as an early reaction product, lending support to the mechanism postulated from earlier research.
Determination of thermodynamic dissociation constants of local anaesthetic amines: influence of ionic strength

Theoretical calculations, based on the Debye-Huckel theory, indicate that for weak monoprotic bases that do not involve a hydroxyl group (B) a stoichiometric pKa determined at any ionic strength compatible with an accurate determination (μ <0·10) should be no different from the thermodynamic pKa. The pKa's of two local anaesthetic amines were determined at several ionic concentrations. The resultant independence of the acidic dissociation constants on ionic concentration supports the theoretical considerations. The implications of these results in local anaesthetic research are discussed.
Mood and behavioral effects of physostigmine on humans are accompanied by elevations in plasma beta-endorphin and cortisol

Administration of physostigmine to normal volunteers produced significant elevations in plasma cortisol and beta-endorphin immunoreactivity as well as alterations in mood, cognition, and behavior. These observations might be explained by a cholinergically mediated stress syndrome. However, peak elevations in plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (but not in plasma cortisol) were significantly correlated with physostigmine-induced increases in depression ratings. These results suggest that a cholinergically mediated beta-endorphin pathway may be involved in the observed affective changes.
Stimulation of c-ras expression by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

A series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) administered on the expression of c-ras. Differences in c-ras expression between control and TCDD treated groups were determined by immunoassay of p21ras protein, or indirectly measured by the specific binding of 3H-GTP to hepatic plasma membrane preparations. Intraperitoneal injection of sublethal doses of TCDD significantly elevated (P<0.05, Student t test) levels of hepatic p21ras protein in Sprague-Dawley rats and TCDD sensitive C57BL/6J mice. Such an increase occurred at an early stage of poisoning in the C57BL/6J mice. The earliest increase was detectable 6 h after dosing, and the difference became statistically significant by 12 and 24 h after dosing. TCDD treatment increased levels of a 21Kd protein found in the in vitro translation products of RNA purified from guinea pig liver. This protein was identified as a c-ras protein based upon its ability to bind GTP, precipitation by a polyclonal antibody against the rasHa and Ki proteins and subsequent SDS-PAGE which showed a single protein band of ≈21Kd.
Hot spot evaluation of photovoltaic modules

Hot-spot heating occurs in a photovoltaic (PV) module when its operating current exceeds the short-circuit current of a shadowed or faulty cell in a cell-string. This shadowed/faulty cell could overheat due to reverse bias and become a fire or electrical hazard. Currently, there are three different test methods used in the industry to identify and address this issue. These three methods are based on the UL 1703 (intrusive) standard, ASTM E2481-06 (non-intrusive) standard and IEC 61215 (non-intrusive) standard. Comparing and identifying the best test method [in terms of time, cost and complexity] is of great value to the consumers, PV module manufacturers and test laboratories such as ASU-PTL. The objective of this paper is to compare these three methods in order to identify the best test method for the modules composed of low and/or high shunt resistance cells. In this work, 18 modules composed of low and high shunt resistance cells were investigated in each of the test methods. Out of eighteen (9 mono-Si and 9 poly-Si) modules tested, sixteen modules (9 poly-Si and 7 mono-Si) passed the hotspot tests of all the three standards. The other two modules (mono-Si with voltage limited cells) passed in the ASTM and IEC methods, but failed in the UL method. These two failures in the UL method may be explained in terms of standard's worst-case assumption (open-circuited diodes) of non-sharing of the stress current by the installed bypass diodes of the modules and/or the extended test duration required in this standard.
Differential regulation of glucose transporter gene expression in adipose tissue of septic rats

To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the sepsis-induced enhanced glucose uptake, we have examined the levels of GLUT4 and GLUT1 mRNA and protein in the adipose tissue of septic animals. Rats were challenged with a nonlethal septic insult where euglycemia was maintained and hexose uptake in adipose tissue was markedly elevated. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from epididymal fat pads indicated differential regulation of the mRNA content for the two transporters: GLUT1 mRNA was increased 2.6 to 4.6-fold, while GLUT4 mRNA was decreased by 2.5 to 2.9-fold. Despite the difference in mRNA levels, both GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein were down regulated in plasma membranes (40% and 25%, respectively) and microsomal membranes (42% and 25%, respectively) of the septic animals. The increased glucose uptake cannot be explained by the membrane content of GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein. Thus, during hypermetabolic sepsis, increased glucose utilization by adipose tissue is dependent on alternative processes.
POLYHEDRAL CONVEX CONES AND THE EQUATIONAL THEORY OF THE BICYCLIC SEMIGROUP

To any given balanced semigroup identityv w a number of polyhedral convex cones are associated. In this setting an algorithm is proposed which determines whether the given identity is satisfied in the bicylic semigroup BC Dh a; b j a 2 b D aba D a; ab 2 D bab D bi
Enzymatic regulation of glucose catabolism by Lactobacillus plantarum in response to pH shifts in a chemostat

The influence of medium pH on the regulation of glucose catabolism by Lactobacillus plantarum 8014 was examined in anaerobic chemostat cultures. When L. plantarum was grown in a chemostat at pH 5.5, and the pH shifted to pH 7.5, acetate was produced in addition to lactate and acetoin. After the shift, acetate kinase and NAD-dependent lactate dehydrogenase activities increased while the acetoin dehydrogenase and alpha-acetolactate synthase activities decreased. The high acetate kinase activity together with low acetoin dehydrogenase and alpha-acetolactate synthase activities may explain why L. plantarum made more acetate at the expense of acetoin in response to alkaline conditions.
Evaluations of AODV and DSR for QOS requirements

A set of wireless mobile nodes communicate with each other without using any fixed infrastructure in mobile ad hoc network (MANET). MANET devices usually communicate in a seamless manner. There are multiple routing protocols that have been developed for MANETs. There is a need to support VoIP applications in MANETs as they gain popularity and require an efficient routing protocol. Many voice applications have strict requirements such as delay, jitter, etc. This work evaluates the performance of AODV and DSR by comparing the results while supporting VoIP applications with regular HTTP and FTP applications. IEEE 802.11n has been used at link layer for all the nodes and servers in evaluated network. An extensive set of performance experiments with a wide variety of settings has been conducted and findings based on results are concluded for these protocols.
A useful synthesis of nopaline, a crown gall tumor metabolite

Abstract Nopaline, a reductive conjugate of arginine and α-ketoglutaric acid found in plant tumors incited by Argobacterium tumefaciens , has been synthesized. Three routes were studied. Reduction of L-arginine and α-ketoglutaric acid with sodium cyanoborohydride gave an 80% yield of the diastereomers nopaline and isonopaline. This was by far the best method. The synthetic mixture of diastereomers is capable of replacing purified natural nopaline in biological experiments.
Beam optics for electron scattering parity-violation experiments

Parity-violating electron scattering experiments at intermediate energies measure asymmetries in the 10−6 – 10−5 range and therefore require stringent control of false asymmetries. One of the primary sources of such asymmetries is the combined effect of helicity-correlated changes in a certain beam property, accompanied by a change in the detector response. Careful control of the beam, including the optical properties of the acceleration and transport system, is required in order to reduce these false asymmetries to a manageable level. Developments in beam optics associated with the HAPPEX and G0 experiments at Jefferson Lab are presented.
Cellular membranes: the isolation and characterization of the plasma and smooth membranes of HeLa cells.

Abstract A method is described for preparation of membrane fractions from the 4000 g supernatant fluid, obtained from a Dounce homogenate of HeLa cells, using a discontinuous sucrose gradient (20–45% sucrose). Two fractions were obtained, the plasma membranes and the smooth internal membranes that appeared by electron microscopy to be free of nuclei, mitochondria, lysosomes, microsomes, ribosomes, dense bodies, or other recognizable cellular elements. The integrity of the plasma membranes were preserved as shown by electron microscopic examination; ruptured cellular envelopes were seen by phase microscopy. The degree of purity of the plasma membranes was shown by high increase in specific activity of the 5′ nucleotidase over the cellular homogenate of 120 fold. An ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphodiesterase were also found in the plasma membranes, giving a 30-fold, 21-fold, and 6-fold purification respectively. The 5′ nucleotidase, strongly bound to the plasma membranes, was located exclusively in these membranes. The yield of plasma membranes based on recovery of this enzyme was 40–50%. The absence of mitochondria, microsomes, and smooth membranes from the plasma membrane fraction was revealed by the failure to detect succinic dehydrogenase, esterase, and UDPase, respectively. The plasma membranes were characterized by a high molar ratio of cholesterol/phospholipid (1.05) which is similar to that found in myelin, and erythrocyte stroma. This ratio in the smooth membranes (0.06) illustrates the large difference in composition between these membranes and the plasma membranes. In contrast to the plasma membranes, found as a pellet below the 45% sucrose, the smooth internal membranes were found above the 25% sucrose level. They contained 61% lipid; the plasma membranes had only 29% lipid. Neither fraction contained appreciable amounts of RNA, but both had cholesterol, hexosamine, and sialic acid. The smooth internal membranes had the highest content and specific activity of UDPase, a Golgi enzyme. but the 5′ nucleotidase and ATPase, the plasma membrane enzymes, and succinic dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme, were not detected. Other enzymes found in the smooth membranes included alkaline phosphatase, esterase, and phosphodiesterase. The amino acid composition of the protein contained in the two membrane fractions was similar; the protein of the smooth internal membranes was characterized by 151 basic amino acid residues per 1000 residues and 221 acidic residues while the plasma membrane protein contained 193 basic and 188 acidic residues per 1000 amino acid residues. The glutamic acid content exceeded the other amino acids in both fractions.
Human pharmacokinetics of long term 5-hydroxytryptophan combined with decarboxylase inhibitors.

L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) and its major metabolites 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleaceticacid (5HIAA) were measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid from neurological patients receiving steady state treatment with 5HTP. There was accumulation of 5HT in blood platelets and 5HIAA in plasma in all patients, despite concomitant administration of the L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors, carbidopa and benserazide. There was no correlation between the 5HTP dose and the circulating concentrations of the amino acid or its metabolites. Preliminary comparison of the biochemical and therapeutic effects of carbidopa versus benserazide suggest that 5HTP: carbidopa is superior to 5HTP: benserazide. A direct proportionality between plasma 5HTP concentrations and the levels of 5HTP in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid was found. The binding to serum proteins of 5HTP in the clinically relevant concentration range of 10 to 100 µM was investigated; 19% of circulating 5HTP was bound to serum proteins. 5HTP did not displace protein-bound tryptophan in serum.
Noninvasive Hair Sampling and Genetic Tagging of Co-Distributed Fishers and American Martens

Abstract Estimation of abundance is important for assessing population responses to management actions. Accurate abundance estimates are particularly critical for monitoring temporal variation following reintroductions when the management goal is to attain population sizes capable of sustaining harvest. Numerous reintroductions have taken place in the Great Lakes region of North America, including efforts to restore extirpated fishers (Martes pennanti) and American martens (M. americana). We used a DNA-based noninvasive hair-snaring method based on one trap design and trapping -grid configuration, and evaluated capture–mark–recapture (CMR) analytical approaches to simultaneously estimate population size for co-distributed fishers and American martens in a 671-km2 area of the Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. We included harvest as a final recapture period to increase probability of recapture and to evaluate potential violations of geographic closure assumptions. We us...
Reaction of 1,2-bis(2,6-dicarboxypyridin-4-yl)ethyne and imidazole with Cu(II) generates a discrete complex not a coordination polymer: crystal structure of [μ-4,4′-(1,2-ethynediyl)-bis(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)-N, O, O′-μ-N′, O′′, O′′′]-diaqua-bis(imidazole)-dicopper(II)

Reaction of 1,2-bis(2,6-dicarboxypyridin-4-yl)ethyne and imidazole with Cu(II) produces crystals containing a discrete complex of [μ-4,4′-(1,2-ethynediyl)-bis(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)-N, O, O′-μ-N′, O′′, O′′′]-diaqua-bis(imidazole)-dicopper(II) complex (1), [(C16H4N2O8)(C3H4N2)2(H2O)2Cu2] instead of a linear coordination polymer. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 5.3763(8) A, b = 18.522(3) A, c = 11.4827(7) A, β = 93.705(3) ° and Z = 2. The complex sits on a center of symmetry such that the two halves of the molecule are related by inversion symmetry. The molecules pack in layers in which the molecules are joined by intermolecular N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds between imidazole and carboxylate groups and O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds between carboxylate groups and water.
Narrating the Generative Life

Generativity is an adult’s concern for and commitment to promoting the well-being of future generations. Analyzing lengthy life-narrative interviews of late-midlife adults, we examined the extent to which a particular kind of life story is empirically linked to self-report measures of generativity and other indices of psychosocial adaptation in midlife. The results showed that highly generative adults are significantly more likely than their less-generative counterparts to construe their lives as variations on a prototypical redemption narrative, wherein the story’s protagonist (a) enjoys an early advantage in life, (b) exhibits sensitivity to the suffering of other people, (c) develops a clear moral framework, (d) repeatedly transforms negative scenes into positive outcomes, and (e) pursues prosocial goals for the future. The psychological and cultural features of redemptive life stories are considered, as are the problems and potentialities of life-narrative research in psychological science.
Contact toxicity of insecticides applied to fall cankerworm reared on artificial diet.

The fall cankerworm, Alsophila pometaria (Harris), defoliates deciduous trees over wide areas of North America (Craighead 1950). Trees generally recover from attack, but some mortality has been reported on 43,000 acres in Pennsylvania (Doerner 1969). Aerial applications of carbaryl at 1 lb/acre have been successful against fall cankerworm in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey (Doerner 1969).
Relationship between Optical Intensity, Fluctuations and Pulse Propagation in Random Media

We show that the optical field-field correlation function with frequency in a random medium is the Fourier transform of the time-of-flight distribution. This is demonstrated for light transmitted through a polystyrene slab containing titania particles by fitting the measured frequency dependence of the correlation function of fluctuations in intensity using the measured transmitted picosecond pulse profile.
A double-cos-site vector containing a multiple cloning site flanked by T7 and T3 RNA polymerase promoters

A double-cos-site cosmid vector, c2XMCS, contains a multiple cloning site (MCS) with fifteen restriction sites flanked by phage T7 and T3 RNA polymerase promoters. The two cos sites in the cosmid vector enable the construction of cosmid libraries from unfractionated partial digests of genomic DNA. This simple construct combines the efficiency of a double-cos-site cosmid with the versatility provided by the MCS from pBluescript.
A conceptual framework for designing and building Web-based Revenue-sharing Collaboration Systems (WRCS) in supply chain management

Good collaboration plays an important role in effective supply chain management. The main obstacle to collaboration within a supply chain is the conflict between each enterprise's local optimisation and the chain's global optimisation. We show that with relationships, trust, contracts and other social factors, the sharing and reallocation of revenue can be used to align with the objectives of each member of the supply chain management, from local to global optimisation. We propose a Web-based Revenue-sharing Collaboration System (WRCS) that takes advantage of Information Technology (IT) in the digital economy. We outline the WRCS scheme, which includes four components: 1) measuring performance, 2) monitoring performance and revenue reallocation, 3) Global Optimisation Algorithm (GOA), 4) reconfiguration (planning, forecasting and recommendation). We identify the technology and system requirements for WRCS and illustrate the difference between Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) systems and WRCS. The challenges, impediments and enablers for the implementation of the proposed collaboration system are also discussed.
Charge imbalance and magnetic properties at the Fe 3 O 4 / BaTiO 3 interface

The electronic structure and physical properties at the interface in the superlattice ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}/{\text{BaTiO}}_{3}$ were investigated by using the first-principles all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. The loss of half metallicity of bulk ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}$ in the multiferroic superlattice ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}/{\text{BaTiO}}_{3}$ is related to the charge imbalance effect at the interface. The effect of strain strongly influences the Fe magnetic moments and the spin-polarized carriers at the interface. Oxygen vacancies are shown to recover the almost half-metallic ground state in the superlattice. The effects of the charge imbalance, the strain, and the oxygen vacancies at the interface in the superlattice ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}/{\text{BaTiO}}_{3}$ can be applied to designing better multifunctional oxide-based systems.
Keeping the other candidate guessing: Electoral competition when preferences are private information

We analyze a, model of two candidate competition in which candidate and voter preferences are private information. If candidates simultaneously commit to policy platforms the uncertainty about candidate preferences reinforces the incentive for platform divergence. After a candidate observes the other candidate’s stance but before she learns about voter preferences she may face regret about her choice. This ex post irrationality suggests that a 1 period model may not capture the relevant incentives. In a multi-period proposal game in which candidates first make non-binding public proposals and then they make binding public proposals (similar to Ledyard, 1989) we find that candidates are uninformative during the first stage, as they have a disincentive to reveal their preferences to the opposing candidate. This finding offers an explanation for candidate ambiguity or inconsistency early in an election which does not involve efforts to deceive voters. Candidates may be trying to keep their opponent guessing. With a strong pre-election commitment technology, candidates can only be deterred from this type of behavior if they anticipate that a sizeable number of voters (more than a majority) will vote contrary to their preferences over policy.
Über fluorhaltige Komplexe. VIII. Fluorohydroxokomplexe des Germaniums und Zinns

Es wird uber die Darstellung der bisher nicht bekannten Komplexe [SnF4(OH)2]2–, [SnF2(OH)4]2– und [GeF5OH]2– berichtet. Die Salze werden mit den Hexafluoroverbindungen und dem Komplex [SnF5OH]2– verglichen. K2[SnF2(OH)4] zeichnet sich durch eine bemerkenswerte Stabilitat aus, so das eine Isolierung der Komplexe [SnF(OH)5]2– und [SnF3(OH)3]2– nicht gelang. Die wichtigsten IR-Banden der Komplexe werden mitgeteilt und zugeordnet. The preparation of salts containing the complex ions [SnF4(OH)2]2–, [SnF2(OH)4]2–, and [GeF5OH]2– is described. The [SnF2(OH)4]2– ion has such a marked stability that the isolation of [SnF(OH)5]2– and [SnF3(OH)3]2– complexes has not been achieved. The IR spectra of the new ions are communicated and discussed. The isolated salts are compared with hexafluoro and [SnF5OH]2– compounds.
Tides of Mississippi Sound and the adjacent continental shelf

Abstract Hourly water level and current data were collected in Mississippi Sound and the adjacent continental shelf from April 1980 to October 1981. Amplitudes and epochs of the principal tidal constituents were calculated for each location. The data were used to construct cotidal charts and describe characteristics of the predominant diurnal tide. The pattern of the diurnal partial tides on the shelf is explained by reflection of first-class waves propagating normal to the coast. The period of the K 1 tide equals the inertial period just offshore of Mississippi Sound. The resulting diurnal shelf currents are Sverdrup waves with typical speeds of 5–10 cm s −1 . The tidal wave is transformed into a rectilinear shallow water wave as it enters the tidal inlets of Mississippi Sound. The form number of the shelf currents changes from 8·5 to 2·1 in the inlets due to enhancement of the semidiurnal currents. This is a result of continuity constraints, which transform currents in the inlets. Within Mississippi Sound, the tidal waves shoal and become increasingly progressive in response to bottom friction.
Efficacy and tolerability of the use gabapentin for migraine prophylaxis in children

Aims To study the efficacy and tolerability of the use Gabapentin for Migraine prophylaxis in children Methods It is a retrospective study looking at the case records of patients seen at a tertiary Paediatric Neurology Unit in whom Gabapentin was used for migraine prophylaxis. Results There were 12 children with a mean age of 13 Years and 5 months (Age range from 9 Years 6 months to 16 years and 5 months) in whom Gabapentin was used for prophylaxis of migraine symptms. In 3 out 12 it was the first drug tried for migraine prophylaxis and was successful in decreasing the frequency and severity of headache in 2 of these children. It was discontinued in 1 child due to the side-effect of nausea. In 9 out 12 Gabapentin was used only after one or more drugs used for migraine prophylaxis like Pizotifen, Propranolol, Topiramate, Amitriptyline or Sodium Valproate had been tried earlier. The agents which had been tried earlier were withdrawn either because of poor response to treatment or because of side effects. In 5 of these children Gabapentin had been helping in decreasing the severity and frequency of headaches. There were 4 children where Gabapentin had not proven to be effective and in all of them no other drug used for migraine prophylaxis was successful; non pharmacological measures were successful in resolving the headache symptoms in 2 of these children. Conclusion Gabapentin is an effective agent for Migraine Prophylaxis in children. Side effects were infrequent and noted in only 1 out 12 children.
The effect of total parenteral nutrition on the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the rat.

Abstract The effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) upon the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) in rats has been studied. At doses of 50 or 100 μg/kg, TPN-fed, TCDD-treated rats demonstrated a weight gain similar to that of TPN-fed controls, but died at Days 13–17 following treatment. Gross examination of moribund animals revealed icterus, thymic atrophy, increased adipose tissue depots, and enlarged livers. The liver weights ranged from two to three times those from TPN-fed control animals. Histologically the livers were severely necrotic. Most cells which were not necrotic were markedly swollen and disorganized. Extensive vacuolization of hepatocytes and cystic areas containing cell debris were also prominent features. Whereas glycogen stores were depleted, the total content of water, lipid, protein, RNA, and DNA in the livers was increased. Alterations in cytochrome P -450-associated monooxygenase activities were also observed. Statistically significant increases in serum iron, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and cholesterol were found in the TPN-fed, TCDD-treated animals. Serum protein, glucose, and triglycerides were significantly decreased except in a few severely moribund animals in which hyperglycemia was observed. The results in the TPN-fed, TCDD-treated rats were compared with TCDD-treated rats fed a chow diet ad libitum . At the same dose of TCDD, the liver damage in the TPN-fed, TCDD-treated rats was histologically more severe.
Bioequivalency of Doxycycline Products

The bioavailability of three different brands and three different dosage forms of doxycycline was studied in normal subjects. Single doses, equivalent to 200 mg of doxycycline, were administered to six subjects in a crossover design as the innovator's intravenous solution given orally (Treatment A), the innovator's capsule product (Treatment B), a noninnovator's capsule product (Treatment C), the innovator's oral suspension product (Treatment D), and a second noninnovator's capsule product (Treatment E). All dosage forms contained doxycycline as the hyclate, except the suspension which contained the nonhyclate form. Serum levels were determined periodically over 48 hr, and cumulative urinary excretion was measured concurrently over a 120-hr collection period. No statistically significant differences were observed in any in vivo indicator of bioequivalence when the three capsule products were compared. Consequently, they were judged to be bioequivalent. When these capsule products were compared to the oral solution, no statistically significant differences were observed. However, when the capsules and the suspension were compared, statistically significant differences were found in the rate of absorption. In vitro dissolution tests were also conducted on the three brands of capsules, and times required to achieve 50% dissolution showed rank-order correlation with corresponding absorption rate constants.
Mentorship in otolaryngology residency: The resident perspective†

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess the current state of mentorship in otolaryngology residency. Study Design: Internet-based anonymous survey of chief residents in otolaryngology residency. Methods: Nonidentifying demographic information, career plans, and general questions about residency experience were queried. Participants were asked to rate their mentorship experience in general and specifically with regard to research, personal quality of life, and career preparation. Responses were scored using a five-point ordinal Likert scale, with higher scores representing more favorable responses. Results: The survey was completed by 47 (17.2%) respondents. Eighteen respondents (38%) were assigned an official faculty mentor, and 23 respondents (49%) were assigned a research mentor during their residency. Thirty-nine respondents (83%) reported receiving meaningful mentorship from faculty who were not officially assigned mentors. Overall, 18 respondents (38%) were neutral or not satisfied with the mentorship they received during residency. Statistically significant higher scores were noted for mentorship in career preparation (median, 4) versus mentorship in research (median, 4; P < .001) and resident quality of life (median, 3; P < .001). Lower scores were noted for availability of mentorship in preparation for a career in private practice versus academic medicine (median, 4 vs. 5; P < .001). Residents who were officially assigned mentors reported statistically significant higher scores with regard to satisfaction with the overall mentorship experience (median, 4 vs. 3; P = .05) and different aspects of mentorship in career preparation and research training. Conclusions: The current study reveals variability in the mentorship experience in otolaryngology residency. Potential deficiencies may exist, including absence of formal mentorship in some residency programs. Increased attention to mentorship, especially with regard to research, career preparation, and quality of life may improve the overall residency experience.
The Zebrafish Insertion Collection (ZInC): a web based, searchable collection of zebrafish mutations generated by DNA insertion

ZInC (Zebrafish Insertional Collection, http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/ZInC/) is a web-searchable interface of insertional mutants in zebrafish. Over the last two decades, the zebrafish has become a popular model organism for studying vertebrate development as well as for modeling human diseases. To facilitate such studies, we are generating a genome-wide knockout resource that targets every zebrafish protein-coding gene. All mutant fish are freely available to the scientific community through the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC). To assist researchers in finding mutant and insertion information, we developed a comprehensive database with a web front-end, the ZInC. It can be queried using multiple types of input such as ZFIN (Zebrafish Information Network) IDs, UniGene accession numbers and gene symbols from zebrafish, human and mouse. In the future, ZInC may include data from other insertional mutation projects as well. ZInC cross-references all integration data with the ZFIN (http://zfin.org/).
Predictive value of objective esophageal insufflation testing for acquisition of tracheoesophageal speech.

This prospective study was undertaken to assess the predictive value of esophageal insufflation on the acquisition of tracheoesophageal (TE) speech. Fourteen total laryngectomy patients were evaluated prior to tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) using objective esophageal pressure measurements. These patients then were followed prospectively for 6 to 13 months. Speech was assessed at the time of prosthesis fitting, at 1 month, at less than 6 months, and at greater than 6 months post-TEP. No patient underwent pharyngeal myotomy. Pre-TEP esophageal insufflation pressure was associated (P = .065) with successful TE speech at the time of prosthesis fitting, but was not associated with successful TE speech acquisition after 6 months. This study's results suggest that patients with poor pre-TEP esophageal insufflation test results will usually obtain successful TE speech given adequate time and training, even without pharyngeal myotomy.
Notifiable infectious disease reporting awareness among physicians and registered nurses in primary care and emergency department settings

This study examined knowledge about notifiable infectious disease reporting among physicians and registered nurses (RNs) in primary care and emergency department settings in King County, Washington. In 2005, a total of 165 physicians and 170 RNs completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge, training and feedback regarding notifiable infectious disease reporting. Only 55% of the physicians and 63% of the RNs were aware of reporting procedures within their institution. Awareness was higher when employer-provided training had been provided. Our findings indicate that employer training can improve reporting knowledge.
Efficient signal processing on a VLSI array

The authors derive efficient parallel algorithms on a VLSI array for several signal and image processing tasks. The parallel architecture has n/sup 2/ memory modules storing the input data which is accessed by n PEs. They consider several signal processing tasks such as k selection, median filtering, labeling 0/1 image, etc. For these problems, linear speedup is obtained, compared to a single-processor system. For the k selection problem they also provide an efficient parallel solution using log transformation on the data. The expected time of this method is O(n) with a small constant factor. The proposed array is suitable for general-purpose signal processing and can be implemented in VLSI using a limited chip set. >
Analytical and numerical investigation of the flow past the lateral antennular flagellum of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii

SUMMARY Analytical and numerical methodologies are combined to investigate the flow fields that approach and pass around the lateral flagellum of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii . Two cases are considered, the first being that of a free-flicking flagellum and the second corresponding to a flagellum fixed inside a small bore tube. The first case is the natural one while the second corresponds to the experimental configuration investigated by Mellon and Humphrey in the accompanying paper. In that study the authors observed a hydrodynamic-dependent asymmetry in the spiking responses recorded from single, bimodally sensitive local interneurons (Type I) in the crayfish deutocerebrum, whereby the direction of an abruptly initiated flow of freshwater (or odorant) past the flagellum resulted in consistently larger numbers of spikes in response to the hydrodynamic stimulation when the flow direction was proximal-to-distal. In this communication we show that the proximal-to-distal and the distal-to-proximal flows produced in the flagellum-in-tube experiment correspond closely to the flows associated with the downward and upward flicks, respectively, of a free-flicking flagellum. We also show from calculations of the drag forces acting on the putative mechanoreceptor sensilla circumferentially distributed around a free-flicking flagellum that there are at least three sources of hydrodynamic asymmetry possibly related to the electrophysiological asymmetry observed: (i) the sense of the drag forces acting on medial and lateral mechanoreceptors changes in the same way for both with change in flick direction; (ii) during a downward (an upward) flick, a ventral (dorsal) mechanoreceptor experiences a larger drag force magnitude than a dorsal (ventral) mechanoreceptor; (iii) because of the difference in speeds between downward and upward flicks, the magnitudes of the drag forces acting on medial, lateral and ventral mechanoreceptors during a downward flick are about two times larger relative to the forces acting on medial, lateral and dorsal mechanoreceptors during an upward flick. All three of these naturally occurring hydrodynamic asymmetries are correctly reproduced in the flagellum-in-tube experiment.