cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fitting dynamic models to epidemic outbreaks with quantified uncertainty: A primer for parameter uncertainty, identifiability, and forecasts

Mathematical models provide a quantitative framework with which scientists can assess hypotheses on the potential underlying mechanisms that explain patterns in the observed data at different spatial and temporal scales, generate estimates of key kinetic parameters, assess the impact of interventions, optimize the impact of control strategies, and generate forecasts. We review and illustrate a simple data assimilation framework for calibrating mathematical models based on ordinary differential equation models to time series data describing the temporal progression of case counts relating to population growth or infectious disease transmission dynamics. In contrast to Bayesian estimation approaches that always raise the question of how to set priors for the parameters, this frequentist approach relies on modeling the error structure in the data. We discuss issues related to parameter identifiability, uncertainty quantification and propagation as well as model performance and forecasts along examples based on phenomenological and mechanistic models parameterized using simulated and real datasets.
Clinical Assessment of Child and Adolescent Sleep Disorders

To properly assess sleep disorders in the child and adolescent, a practitioner should be well versed in sleep disorders medicine, pediatric and adolescent medicine, child and adolescent development, behavioral medicine, and psychopathology. The history must be taken with care and in great detail to sort among the many different causes of sleeplessness, sleepiness, and sleep-associated abnormal behaviors. There are many features of these disorders peculiar to the various age groups under discussion. Therefore, in addition to general medical considerations, age, developmental level, psychological factors, and circadian functioning must be taken into account. Physical findings and specialized sleep laboratory study results may further guide the clinician.
New Genetic Syndromes

First, the good news: there are no new genetic syndromes. This should result in a very short chapter for this book but, as usual, there is counterbalancing bad news: more than 2000 genetic syndromes have been described and more are being added each month.
Strawberry Disease Management

Strawberry is affected by many diseases around the world and their economic importance often is determined by cultural systems and varieties used, local environment, and limitations on availability and effectiveness of management strategies. This chapter reviews the currently available control measures and strategies, with emphasis on use of resistant varieties and non-chemical disease management. It is in necessity that a general treatise is presented, stressing strategies that should not become obsolete and that are useful in many, if not most, strawberry-growing regions of the world. One or more disease control strategies are generally emphasized because of local needs and restrictions. A great deal of information has been included which should give the reader a fuller understanding of strawberry diseases and their control, aspects of control strategies that are not readily apparent to the casual reader, interactive effects of pathogen, strawberry variety, and environment, and a large body of references pertinent to these areas. This review should be useful to growers, consultants, and researchers interested in developing disease management strategies for strawberry culture.
Serosurvey for Influenza Virus Subtypes H3N8 and H3N2 Antibodies in Free-Ranging Canids in Pennsylvania, USA

Canine influenza virus (CIV) subtypes H3N8 and H3N2 are endemic among domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) populations in the northeastern US. Infection of free-ranging carnivores with influenza virus has been sporadically reported. Generalist mesocarnivores that exploit anthropogenic, peri-urban habitats share a wide interface with domestic dogs that allows for the transmission of infectious disease. To investigate the potential exposure of free-ranging canids to CIV in Pennsylvania, US, serum samples were obtained from freshly killed coyotes (Canis latrans, n=67), grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus, n=8), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes, n=5) from 24 counties. Animals were harvested during the January–February 2017 hunting season. We failed to detect antibodies to CIV subtypes H3N2 and H3N8 by using hemagglutination inhibition assays validated for domestic dogs. Results suggest CIV was not endemic in free-ranging canid populations in Pennsylvania or that prevalence was too low to be detected by our limited sample size.
Spectral transitions for the square Fibonacci Hamiltonian

Author(s): Damanik, D; Gorodetski, A | Abstract: We study the spectrum and the density of states measure of the square Fibonacci Hamiltonian. We describe where the transitions from positive-measure to zero-measure spectrum and from absolutely continuous to singular density of states measure occur. This shows in particular that for almost every parameter from some open set, a positive-measure spectrum and a singular density of states measure coexist. This provides the first physically relevant example exhibiting this phenomenon.
Dihydroartemisinin–Ferriprotoporphyrin IX Adduct Abundance in Plasmodium falciparum Malarial Parasites and the Relationship to Emerging Artemisinin Resistance

Previously (Heller, L. E., and Roepe, P. D. Quantification of Free Ferriprotoporphyrin IX Heme and Hemozoin for Artemisinin Sensitive versus Delayed Clearance Phenotype Plasmodium falciparum Malarial Parasites. Biochemistry, DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00959, preceding paper in this issue), we quantified free ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FPIX) heme abundance for control versus delayed clearance phenotype (DCP) intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum malarial parasites. Because artemisinin drugs are activated by free FPIX, these data predict that the abundance of long-hypothesized toxic artemisinin drug-FPIX covalent adducts might differ for control versus DCP parasites. If so, this would have important repercussions for understanding the mechanism of the DCP, also known as emerging artemisinin resistance. To test these predictions, we studied in vitro formation of FPIX-dihydroartemisinin (DHA) adducts and then for the first time quantified the abundance of FPIX-DHA adducts formed within live P. falciparum versus the stage of intraerythrocytic development. Using matched isogenic parasite strains, we quantified the adduct for DCP versus control parasite strains and found that mutant PfK13 mediates lower adduct abundance for DCP parasites. The results suggest improved models for the molecular pharmacology of artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs and the molecular mechanism of the DCP.
Die neue Ottomotorengeneration Duratec HE von Ford Teil 1

Im neuen Ford Mondeo wird die neue Motorenbaureihe Duratec HE zunachst mit 1,8 l Hubraum in zwei Leistungsstufen mit 81 kW und 92 kW sowie einer 2,0-l-Version mit 107 kW debutieren. Spater folgen weitere Ausbaustufen, so dass der Motor acht verschiedene Motorenfamilien von Ford ersetzt und in 20 Fahrzeugen eingesetzt wird. Im Folgenden werden die Entwicklung, das Motorkonzept und die Konstruktion des Motors dargestellt. Der zweite Teil des Beitrags wird in der MTZ 11/2000 erscheinen. Dort werden die Motorabstimmung und das Motormanagement des neuen Duratec-HE-Motors thematisiert.
Think Pink! Dialectical Tensions in Survivor Discourse About Corporate Support of Breast Cancer Awareness:

This study adopted a dialectical approach to explore the discourse of breast cancer survivors as they talked about and made sense of corporate involvement in promoting and sustaining breast cancer ...
Photon surfaces for robust, unbiased volumetric density estimation

We generalize photon planes to photon surfaces: a new family of unbiased volumetric density estimators which we combine using multiple importance sampling. To derive our new estimators, we start with the extended path integral which duplicates the vertex at the end of the camera and photon subpaths and couples them using a blurring kernel. To make our formulation unbiased, however, we use a delta kernel to couple these two end points. Unfortunately, sampling the resulting singular integral using Monte Carlo is impossible since the probability of generating a contributing light path by independently sampling the two subpaths is zero. Our key insight is that we can eliminate the delta kernel and make Monte Carlo estimation practical by integrating any three dimensions analytically, and integrating only the remaining dimensions using Monte Carlo. We demonstrate the practicality of this approach by instantiating a collection of estimators which analytically integrate the distance along the camera ray and two arbitrary sampling dimensions along the photon subpath (e.g., distance, direction, surface area). This generalizes photon planes to curved "photon surfaces", including new "photon cone", "photon cylinder", "photon sphere", and multiple new "photon plane" estimators. These estimators allow us to handle light paths not supported by photon planes, including single scattering, and surface-to-media transport. More importantly, since our estimators have complementary strengths due to analytically integrating different dimensions of the path integral, we can combine them using multiple importance sampling. This combination mitigates singularities present in individual estimators, substantially reducing variance while remaining fully unbiased. We demonstrate our improved estimators on a number of scenes containing homogeneous media with highly anisotropic phase functions, accelerating both multiple scattering and single scattering compared to prior techniques.
The role of goals and goal barriers in predicting the outcomes of intentional actions in the contexts of narrative text

ABSTRACTPredictions about human behaviour can be influenced by the presence and status of goals. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an active goal and barriers to that goal on pr...
Racial and political resistance: an examination of the sociopolitical action of racially marginalized youth.

This paper reviews recent literature on racially marginalized youth’s sociopolitical action in the United States by highlighting three trends regarding the nature of, the factors shaping, and the implications of youth action. First, we trace the nature of racially marginalized youth’s individual/interpersonal action, collective action, and digital action. Then, we describe the sociopolitical, sociocultural, and contextual domains that shape their sociopolitical action. Importantly, we examine the significant implications for the mental health of youth, particularly as these actions have both positive and negative results. Finally, we highlight recent advances in the measurement of racially marginalized youth’s sociopolitical action while imploring the field for more holistic and intersectional approaches to both measurement and theory.
Follow-up after failed newborn hearing screening: Parental and primary care provider awareness.

Abstract Purpose The current loss to follow-up rate after failed newborn hearing screening (NBHS) is 34.4%. Previous studies have found that lack of parental and primary care provider (PCP) awareness of NBHS results are significant contributors to loss to follow-up. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with parental and PCP awareness of NBHS results. Materials and methods Retrospective cohort study. A survey asking about demographics and knowledge of NBHS testing and results was offered to parents in the waiting room of an urban pediatric primary care office. Included were biological parents ≥18 years of age of children ≤10 years of age born in Pennsylvania. Each child's chart was reviewed for PCP documentation of NBHS results. The odds of knowing NBHS results were evaluated using logistic regression. Results The survey was completed by 304 parents. 74.0% were aware of their child's NBHS results. Child age ≥1 year old (OR: 0.49, 95%CI[0.29, 0.82], P = 0.007) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 0.38, 95%CI[0.16, 0.89], P = 0.03) were associated with decreased odds of a parent knowing NBHS results. In addition, fewer fathers knew the results of their child's NBHS compared with mothers (OR: 0.33, 95%CI[0.18, 0.62], P Conclusions Factors associated with parents not knowing NBHS results included being the parent of an older child, Hispanic, or the father.
Facilitating Test Status Information Communication in the Time of COVID-19

The Coronavirus 2019 pandemic has strained nearly every aspect of pathology practice, including preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic processes. Much of the challenges result from high demand for...
Dynamic Behavior of T-beam Resonator With Repulsive Actuation

Electrostatic MEMS transducer driven by repulsive force is an attractive possibility and has advantages of avoiding the pull-in instability, tuning the natural frequency, and achieving high sensitivity by applying high enough voltages. In this work, a “T”-shaped beam, which is formed by attaching a secondary beam perpendicular to a primary cantilever at the tip, is introduced and its nonlinear dynamics is analyzed. A reduced-order model is derived from mode shapes formed from electromechanical coupling effects respectively. Generalized forms of forced Mathieu equation of motion are derived, and then, dynamic behaviors are investigated through the theory of multiple scales. The resonant responses, including both primary and principal parametric resonances, reveal softening behavior originating from quadratic and cubic nonlinearities in the governing equation. The behavior of the T-beam is compared with traditional cantilever structure. The resonance under repulsive force demonstrates that the T-beam has several advantages over a traditional cantilever: Lower natural frequency but higher resonant responses can improve the signal-to-noise ratio; with an attached micropaddle, the T-beam has a larger surface for absorption of targeted analytes for mass sensing. We conclude that an electrostatic MEMS resonator with a “T”-shaped beam is potentially appropriate for the new generations of sensors and actuators.
Variability is not uncertainty; mobility is not flexibility: Clarifying concepts in pastoralism studies with evidence from Tajikistan

As the “new rangeland paradigm” took shape in the 1990s, climatic variability in pastoral ecosystems was often discussed as “uncertainty”, and the essential mobility of pastoral systems was argued to be possible only with flexible land access rights. These context-specific principles have increasingly been globalized in analyses of diverse pastoral systems. While new understandings of the role of uncertainty and flexibility in pastoral systems have been unquestionably beneficial for particular contexts, uncertainty has been problematically embraced as intrinsically central to pastoral systems. This paper combines a critical review of the literature and field work in Tajikistan’s Rasht Valley to bring into clear relief differences between variability and uncertainty, on the one hand, and mobility and flexibility, on the other. This allows us to see that livestock mobility is a strategy to cope with environmental variability in all pastoral contexts. Flexibility, however, is a strategy to cope with environmental uncertainty that is only present in a subset of pastoral contexts. Importantly, flexibility is not a required precondition for mobility. These realizations carry important implications for governance in pastoral settings. Due to the many challenges of building flexibility into property systems, pastoral land governance should be developed by looking for predictability, and efforts to maintain flexibility should be judicious and empirically well-justified.
Findings from Interviews with Insurance Operators

This chapter aims to explore the perception of insurance operators towards the viability of Takaful in India. Due to the non-existence of takaful companies in India, insurance companies are essential respondents since they are the Takaful products’ potential suppliers. A convenient sampling and purposive sampling method are used for selecting the insurance companies as the respondents. The interview technique is the sole method used to collect the findings for this research. Twenty-nine interviews have been conducted, of which 15 respondents are from life insurance operators and 14 from general insurance operators. The interview results have highlighted eight strengths, four weaknesses, five opportunities, and five threats if Takaful is offered in India. Also, the insurance operators have discussed how to overcome weaknesses and threats.
Some Aspects of Semilinear Elliptic Equations on ℝn

In this expository paper, I intend to give a partial survey of semilinear elliptic equations on ℝ n.
Molecular Cloning and Tissue Distribution of Keratocan BOVINE CORNEAL KERATAN SULFATE PROTEOGLYCAN 37A

Previous studies showed that the keratan sulfate-containing proteoglycans of bovine corneal stroma contain three unique core proteins designated 37A, 37B, and 25 (Funderburgh, J. L., Funderburgh, M. L., Mann, M. M., and Conrad, G. W.(1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 14226-14231). Degenerate oligonucleotides designed from amino acid sequences of the 37A protein were used to screen a cDNA expression library from cultured bovine keratocytes. A cDNA clone coding for keratocan, a 37A protein, was isolated and sequenced. The deduced keratocan amino acid sequence is unique but related to two other keratan sulfate-containing proteins, lumican (the 37B core protein) and fibromodulin. These three proteins share approximately 35% amino acid identity and a number of conserved structural features. Northern hybridization and immunoblotting of tissue extracts found keratocan distribution to be more limited than that of lumican or fibromodulin. Keratocan is abundant in cornea and sclera and detected in much lesser amounts in skin, ligament, cartilage, artery, and striated muscles. Only in cornea was keratocan found to contain large, sulfated keratan sulfate chains. Keratocan, like lumican, is a core protein of a major corneal proteoglycan but is present in non-corneal tissues primarily as a non-sulfated glycoprotein.
Introduction to Microbial Control

Pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, protozoans, and nematodes, are commonly isolated from insect and other invertebrate hosts. Their natural occurrence in invertebrate populations contributes to the regulation of injurious pests of humans and their crops, households and domestic animals. These entomopathogens have potential for biological (i.e., microbial) control programs (Steinhaus, 1956), and many of them have been exploited for insect pest control through inoculative, inundative and augmentative releases (Lacey et al., 2001).
Vygotsky's Thinking: Its Relevance to Learning and Education

L. S. Vygotsky, the renowned Russian psychologist and methodologist, is well known to educators for his concept of zone of proximal development (ZPD) and emphasis on social interaction in learning....
The Gacaca Experiment: Rwanda's Restorative Dispute Resolution Response to the 1994 Genocide

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/drlj Part of the Courts Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, International Law Commons, Law and Society Commons, Legal History, Theory and Process Commons, Military, War and Peace Commons, Other Law Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, and the Rule of Law Commons
Convenient Assay for Staphylococcal Nuclease by the Metachromatic Well-Agar-Diffusion Technique

The metachromatic agar-diffusion (MAD) microslide technique was adapted for quantitative assay for staphylococcal thermonuclease in heterogeneous systems, such as milk and broth. When an enzyme-containing solution was placed in a well cut in the agar, a bright pink halo was obtained. The diameter of the pink zone of hydrolysis was related to time and temperature of incubation and to nuclease concentration. Concentrations of nuclease as low as 0.005 μg/ml and as high as 2.0 μg/ml were conveniently determined after 3 hr at 37 C.
The Astrologer's Apparatus A Picture of Professional Practice in Greco-Roman Egypt

L'A. demontre que dans le cas de l'Egypte greco-romaine, il est possible de reconstruire les details des consultations d'astrologie et de montrer la place de cette pratique dans les temples a partir de tables planetaires en papyrus
Medical Errors Affecting the Pediatric Intensive Care Patient: Incidence, Identification, and Practical Solutions

The complexity of patient care and the potential for medical error make the pediatric ICU environment a key target for improvement of outcomes in hospitalized children. This article describes several event-specific errors as well as proven and potential solutions. Analysis of pediatric intensive care staffing, education, and administration systems, although a less "traditional" manner of thinking about medical error, may reveal further opportunities for improved pediatric ICU outcome.
The performance and application of high speed long life LH2 hybrid bearings for reusable rocket engine turbomachinery

Data are presented for two different experimental programs which were conducted to investigate the characteristics of a hybrid (hydrostatic/ball) bearing operating in liquid hydrogen. The same bearing design was used in both programs. Analytical predictions were made of the bearing characteristics and are compared with the experimental results when possible. The first program used a bearing tester to determine the steady state, transient, and cyclic life characteristics of the bearing over a wide range of operating conditions. The second program demonstrated the feasibility of applying hybrid bearings to an actual high speed turbopump by retrofitting and then testing an existing liquid hydrogen turbopump with the bearings.
Stereotyping of the elderly: A functional approach

In two studies, we investigated the functions served by stereotyping of the elderly. Theoretical analysis suggested that stereotyping of the elderly may serve a cognitive economy function (that is, by reducing processing demands on the perceiver), an ego protective function (that is, by protecting the self from perceived threats), and/or a social function (that is, by helping identify with a social in-group). We designed interventions, intended to reduce stereotyping of the elderly, based on these three hypothesized functions and administered them to male and female college students. The results showed that, compared to a no-intervention control, the ego protection intervention effectively reduced stereotyping in an illusory correlation task for women. By contrast, the ego protection intervention appeared to have a stereotype-arousing effect for men. A second study involving only the ego protection intervention generally replicated these basic findings. We discuss possible sources of these differential effects, as well as implications of this research for a functional approach to stereotyping.
High performance direct methanol polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) using Pt‐Ru electrocatalysts and perfluorosulfonic acid membranes provide high performances if operated above 100°C with optimized catalyst layers. A decal transfer method is used to apply thin‐film catalyst/ionomer composite layers to Nation® membranes. A Nation 112 membrane/electrode assembly operating on 5 atm oxygen at 130°C yields a current of 670 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V cell voltage. Peak power density is 400 mW/cm2. The same cell operating on 3 atm air at 110°C yields 370 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V and provides a maximum power density of 250 mW/cm2.
Budget reform theory: a guideline for successful budget reform ∗

The findings of previous research have enabled scholars to develop theories about what types of things need to be done to create successful budget reforms. The author examines redirection, a budget reform implemented recently in the state of Georgia. He indicates that this reform has been successful at accomplishing its stated goals. The author then reveals that redirection meets most of the recommendations offered by budgeting theory about how to develop a successful reform. In so doing, the author provides the first test of the postulates made by budget reform theorists. The practical implications of the findings are given.
Dynamic braking on diesel-electric locomotives

The increasing prominence of the diesel-electric locomotive on American railroads has given new impetus to the use of dynamic braking. Originally intended as a means of controlling both passenger and freight train speed on mountain grades, it has been refined to the point where it is increasingly used for controlling freight train speed in relatively level territory. A recent refinement of braking control takes advantage of additional traction motor capacity available at lower speeds. Extensive service tests have demonstrated the operational and economic value of this form of braking.
A 19F nuclear magnetic resonance study of the interaction between cytochrome c and cytochrome c peroxidase

Summary The reaction between ferrocytochrome c and yeast cytochrome c peroxidase was studied using cytochrome c derivatives specifically trifluoroacetylated at single lysine amino groups. The only modifications that decreased the reaction rate were those of lysines immediately surrounding the heme crevice, lysines 13, 25, 79, and 87. Modification of lysines 22, 55, 88, and 99 had no effect on the reaction. The 19F chemical shifts of the cytochrome c derivatives trifluoroacetylated at lysines 13, 79, and 87 were not changed upon complex formation with cytochrome c peroxidase, indicating that no detectable conformational changes occurred. The cytochrome c trifluoroacetyl groups had the same T1 values in the paramagnetic fluorocytochrome c peroxidase complex as in the diamagnetic reduced form of the complex, indicating that they were more than 2.3 nm from the paramagnetic iron atom in cytochrome c peroxidase. This is consistent with a separation of at least 1.5–2.0 nm between the iron atom of cytochrome c and the iron atom of cytochrome c peroxidase.
Small (< or = 3-cm) renal masses: detection with CT versus US and pathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivities of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) for detection and characterization of surgically verified small renal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cancer underwent CT and US before partial nephrectomy or enucleation; 205 renal masses were removed (92% were <3 cm). Detection rates and accuracy of CT and US in the characterization of renal morphology were correlated with lesion size. RESULTS: CT and US detection rates for lesions of 0-5 mm were respectively 47% and 0%; 5-10 mm, 60% and 21%; 10-15 mm, 75% and 28%; 15-20 mm, 100% and 58%; 20-25 mm, 100% and 79%; and 25-30 mm, 100% and 100%. Among the lesions 10-35 mm, 80% and 82% were correctly characterized with CT and US, respectively. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of lesions under 1 cm were not detected with either modality. Neither CT nor US was superior in the characterization of lesions 3 cm or less. CT and particularly US s...
Religion and the Aramaic Incantation Bowls

The corpus of Late Antique Aramaic incantation texts is defined. The issues in this field are identified as explicating the language of the Aramaic dialects used for these texts, correlating the religious identity of their authors with the dialects and the scripts used for them, the level of the authors’ literacy, and explaining the magic praxis of the bowls and their demonology. The pagan, Judaic, Mandaean, Christian, and Zoroastrian content of these texts is surveyed. It is noted that the nature of this content tends to be explained in terms of syncretism and popular religion.
Millimeter-wave scattering from neutral and charged water droplets

We investigated 94 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) scattering from neutral and charged water mist produced in the laboratory with an ultrasonic atomizer. Diffusion charging of the mist was accomplished with a negative ion generator (NIG). We observed increased forward- and backscattering of MMW from charged mist, as compared to MMW scattering from an uncharged mist. In order to interpret the experimental results, we developed a model based on classical electrodynamics theory of scattering from a dielectric sphere with diffusion-deposited mobile surface charge. In this approach, scattering and extinction cross-sections are calculated for a charged Rayleigh particle with effective dielectric constant consisting of the volume dielectric function of the neutral sphere and surface dielectric function due to the oscillation of the surface charge in the presence of applied electric field. For small droplets with radius smaller than 100 nm, this model predicts increased MMW scattering from charged mist, which is qualitatively consistent with the experimental observations. The objective of this work is to develop indirect remote sensing of radioactive gases via their charging action on atmospheric humid air.
Biochemical studies of aminopeptidase polymorphism in Mytilus edulis. II. Dependence of reaction rate on physical factors and enzyme concentration.

Enzymatic parameters of aminopeptidase-I that may be sensitive to temperature and solute variations were investigated to provide a functional explanation for specific activity differences among genotypes in natural populations. The effect of temperature on the apparent Kmof l-leucyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide and the dipeptide phenylalanyl-glycine was small, especially between 10 and 25 C. The apparent Kmvaried only between 36.7 and 49.8 µM at these temperatures and the six common genotypes did not differ in temperature-dependent substrate affinities. While pH had a significant effect on Km, no differences among genotypes were observed. Activation enthalpies were also identical among genotypes. Thermal inactivation was slowest at 15 C and the same for all genotypes. Of 18 tested amino acids, only phenylalanine inhibited aminopeptidase-I; KIvalues ranged from 1.2 to 0.8 mM and were the same for all genotypes. Small differences among genotypes were detected in the inhibitory effect of zinc. The concentration of aminopeptidase-I enzyme was the same for all genotypes in a population exposed to oceanic salinity, but the concentration of Lap94/94was 15% lower than that of other genotypes in a population experiencing estuarine salinity. Genotypes with the Lap94allele exhibited higher apparent kcat values in all population samples. The probable genotype-dependent effects of enzyme concentration and kcat differences are discussed with regard to maintenance of the polymorphism and genetic differences among populations.
Surface energetics of calcium carbonates using inverse gas chromatography

Abstract Various calcium carbonate samples were characterized by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution. The interactions between the samples and hydrocarbon probes, C5–C10 were related to the retention volume in gas chromatographic experiments. The surface energetics of chalk, marble and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) were determined in terms of the apolar component of the surface free energy γSLW and the differential enthalpy of adsorption, −ΔHA∘. These results were evaluated with respect to bulk chemical composition, BET surface area and pore structure. The results suggest that physi- and chemisorbed water bound at surface sites and within the pore structure significantly influence the surface properties of the calcium carbonates. The values of γSLW and −△HA∘ after redeposition of the water adlayer suggested reversibility of the water sorption process and the resulting changes in the energetics of the surfaces. Values of γSLW for the chalk samples in the initial state were 140–180 mJ m−2, whereas the marble and PCC were ≈55mJ m−2. Removal of bound and pore water by heating at elevated temperatures caused a progressive increase in the γSLW to ≈250 mJ m−2 for the PCC sample. The γSLW of the chalk sample also increased but to a much lesser extent. △HA∘ values for the samples followed the trend chalk>marble>PCC.
Rat bite fever in a pet lover.

Abstract Rat bite fever is an uncommon bacterial illness resulting from infection with Streptobacillus moniliformis that is often transmitted by the bite of a rat. The cutaneous findings in rat bite fever are nonspecific but have been described as maculopapular or petechial. We describe a 9-year-old girl with acrally distributed hemorrhagic pustules, fever, and arthralgias. Diagnosis was delayed because of difficulty in identifying the pathologic organism. She was successfully treated with 10 days of ceftriaxone. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:330-2.)
A critical analysis of the historical and contemporary status of minority languages in Zimbabwe

Although a voluminous amount of literature addresses language-in-education policy in Africa, one area in which the literature remains sparse is the role of minority languages in education. This article presents an overview of complex issues regarding the hegemony claims of different minority language groups in Zimbabwe. Given the relatively small research base dealing explicitly with controversies in the promotion of minority languages as the media of instruction, this article uses archival and historical literature to trace intricate controversies about language in education within minority African languages groups. This article argues that the interrelationships between the dynamics of the state, ethnic composition, and history vary considerably and impact the success of minority language policies.
Use of Aluminum Sulfate to Reduce pH and Increase Survival in Fingerling Striped Bass Production Ponds Fertilized with Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Abstract Previous studies revealed inorganic nitrogen (300 μg/L) and phosphorus (30 μg/L) additions thrice weekly is effective in controlling the density of Prymnesium parvum, a flagellated haptophytic golden alga with ichthyotoxicity in fish culture ponds. However, increased pH resulting from this treatment is also toxic to fry and fingerlings of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. We evaluated the efficacy of aluminum sulfate (alum) in lowering pH in ponds fertilized for P. parvum control. The effects of alum on dissolved N and P concentrations, as well as the efficacy of this fertilization treatment for P. parvum control, were also examined. Striped Bass fingerlings (27.93 mm total length) were raised for 42 d in 10 plastic-lined ponds (0.1 ha) fertilized for P. parvum control. Five ponds received alum applications at a rate of 1 mg/L for each 1 mg/L phenolphthalein alkalinity when afternoon pH was ≥9.0. The remaining five ponds served as controls and received no alum. Among alum ponds, morning pH was reduc...
Functional role of cysteine residues in the (Na,K)-ATPase α subunit

The structural-functional roles of 23 cysteines present in the sheep (Na,K)-ATPase alpha1 subunit were studied using site directed mutagenesis, expression, and kinetics analysis. Twenty of these cysteines were individually substituted by alanine or serine. Cys452, Cys455 and Cys456 were simultaneously replaced by serine. These substitutions were introduced into an ouabain resistant alpha1 sheep isoform and expressed in HeLa cells under ouabain selective pressure. HeLa cells transfected with a cDNA encoding for replacements of Cys242 did not survive ouabain selective pressure. Single substitutions of the remaining cysteines yielded functional enzymes, although some had reduced turnover rates. Only minor variations were observed in the enzyme Na(+) and K(+) dependence as a result of these replacements. Some substitutions apparently affect the E1 E2 equilibrium as suggested by changes in the K(m) of ATP acting at its low affinity binding site. These results indicate that individual cysteines, with the exception of Cys242, are not essential for enzyme function. Furthermore, this suggests that the presence of putative disulfide bridges is not required for alpha1 subunit folding and subsequent activity. A (Na,K)-ATPase lacking cysteine residues in the transmembrane region was constructed (Cys104, 138, 336, 802, 911, 930, 964, 983Xxx). No alteration in the K(1/2) of Na(+) or K(+) for (Na,K)-ATPase activation was observed in the resulting enzyme, although it showed a 50% reduction in turnover rate. ATP binding at the high affinity site was not affected. However, a displacement in the E1 E2 equilibrium toward the E1 form was indicated by a small decrease in the K(m) of ATP at the low affinity site accompanied by an increase in IC(50) for vanadate inhibition. Thus, the transmembrane cysteine-deficient (Na,K)-ATPase appears functional with no critical alteration in its interactions with physiological ligands.
The scaling of basicranial flexion and length.

Based on correlations between the cranial base angle (CBA) and the index of relative encephalization (IRE, calculated as the cubed root of brain volume divided by basicranial length), several recent studies have identified relative brain size as the factor most responsible for determining basicranial flexion in primates. IRE, however, scales with positive allometry relative to body mass, unlike the negatively allometric relationship between brain volume and body mass. This poses new questions concerning the factors underlying the correlation between IRE and CBA. Specifically, if basicranial flexion represents a spatial solution to the problem of housing a large brain within a neurocranium of limited size, then why is it that the problem is greatest in those species whose brains are smallest relative to body mass? To address this question, the scaling relationships of IRE and the measurements used to calculate it were examined in 87 primate species. It was found that the positive allometry of IRE is due to the fact that its denominator, basicranial length (BL), scales with very strong negative allometry relative to body mass. The scaling relationship of BL may reflect the fact that the noncortical components of the brain (i.e., diencephalon, mesencephalon, medulla) also scale with strong negative allometry relative to body mass, perhaps because of energetic constraints. Importantly, BL and these three brain components scale isometrically against each other. Thus, although cranial base flexion may be an adaptation to accommodate the size of the brain relative to basicranial length, the reason why that adaptation is necessary is not the evolution of a large brain, but rather the evolution of a short cranial base. In so far as basicranial length is affected by the strong negative allometry of the diencephalon, mesencephalon and medulla, the scaling relationships of these brain components are therefore indirectly responsible for the evolution of basicranial flexion.
Multiple Myeloma: Defining the High-Risk Patient and Determining the Optimal Treatment Strategy

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, with approximately 21,000 new diagnoses each year. The prognosis for MM is variable and depends on several factors. This chapter highlights the clinical and pathological features of multiple myeloma to help define the “high-risk” patient. The authors also review clinical trial data in an effort to delineate the optimal treatment strategy for this group of patients. While more research in this field is needed, the available evidence supports the use of bortezomib as induction therapy and maintenance for high-risk patients with multiple myeloma.
Cyanide poisoning and antidotes

Abstract : We read with interest the review article by Reade et. al titled, Review article: Management of cyanide poisoning. The article was a succinct review of current treatment guidelines for cyanide treatment. We concur with several of the authors' recommendations that had not been clearly stated in other reviews or reports. In particular, we agree that in cyanide-induced cardiac arrest, patients should receive hydroxocobalamin preferentially and repeat dosing as needed. We also agree that based on adverse effects alone, hydroxocobalamin might be better choice for cyanide toxicity; in addition, we not e a comparative study has been report3d comparing sodium nitrite with hydroxocobalamin.
Use of Soybean Hulls in Broiler Litter-Based Diets Fed to Beef Cattle

Abstract Gurung, N.K. and Rankins, Jr., D.L. 2001. Use of soybean hulls in broiler litter-based diets fed to beef cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 19: 193–201. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing com with soybean hulls (SH) in broiler litter (BL)-based diets on nutrient digestibilities and growth rate. Trial 1: 32 predominantly Angus steers (initial body weight = 274±16 kg) were fed one of four diets over a 112-day period (four steers/pen; two pens/diet). The diets were as follows: 1) 500 g/kg BL and 500 g/kg cracked, corn (corn), 2) 500 g/kg BL, 375 g/kg corn and 125 g/kg SH, 3) same as # 2 and 4) 500 g/kg BL, 250 g/kg corn and 250 g/kg SH. Diets 1, 3 and 4 were supplemented with 1.55 kg of chopped Coastal Bermuda grass hay per steer per day. Diet 2 received no hay. Total, daily dry matter intake and average daily gains were increased by hay supplementation (P<0.05). Addition of soybean hulls increased average daily gains in a linear manner (P<0.05). Soybean hull addition had a qua...
Cocaethylene exposure during the brain growth spurt period: brain growth restrictions and neurochemistry studies

The concurrent use of alcohol and cocaine has recently attracted attention in the medical research field due to the prevalence of this drug abuse pattern and the exclusive formation of a pharmacologically active substance, cocaethylene (CE). This is the first study to examine the neuroteratogenic effects of cocaethylene exposure during the brain growth spurt (part of the third trimester equivalent) on brain growth restrictions and neurochemical profiles. For the brain growth restrictions study, three groups of artificially reared rat pups were given daily injections of 0, 10 or 20 mg/kg cocaethylene (s.c.) from postnatal days (PDs) 4 through 9. One group of normally reared pups (suckle control) also was used. These pups were perfused on PD 10 and the brains were removed and weighed (forebrain, cerebellum and brainstem). For the neurochemistry study, five groups of artificially reared pups were used and were treated identically to those in the brain growth restrictions study, with the exceptions that animals assigned to acute cocaethylene treatment groups did not receive cocaethylene from PDs 4 through 8 and all animals in this study were sacrificed on PD 9 by decapitation. One suckle control group was included to control the possible artificial rearing effects on the neurochemical measures. Blood and fresh brain tissues (cortex, subcortical structures, cerebellum and brainstem) were collected for blood cocaethylene concentration and neurochemical analyses using GC/MS and HPLC techniques, respectively. The statistical analyses indicated that daily administration of 10 or 20 mg/kg cocaethylene, but not 0 mg/kg cocaethylene, significantly restricted the brain growth (brain weights) in all three brain regions assessed. Furthermore, cocaethylene administration from PDs 4 through 9 produced region-specific alterations in various neurotransmitter concentrations. The changes in neurotransmitter levels were not a function of the responses to the last cocaethylene injection on PD 9, since the outcomes between six days of cocaethylene treatment (PDs 4 to 9) and one day acute treatment (PD 9) were notably different. Furthermore, the artificial rearing procedure appeared to produce significant alterations in various neurotransmitter levels when compared with normally reared (suckle) controls. Collectively, these results suggest that cocaethylene is neuroteratogenic to the developing brain during the third trimester equivalent and the unique formation of cocaethylene resulting from the concurrent use of alcohol and cocaine may represent an increased risk to the developing brain beyond the intrinsic neuroteratogenic effects of cocaine and alcohol individually.
Neutrinos may pull their own weight in the universe

How many neutrinos are enough? The answer depends on what you need them for. If you want to find them and measure their energy, preferably in a proton decay detector, 1017 must go through the detector to yield just a few records of the particles' passing. But according to a study by physicists at a NASA laboratory, if you're interested in calculating a neutrino's rest mass, the dozen or so the detector catches are sufficient and could help provide an explanation for the “missing mass” that may fill most of the Universe.
Kinetic Preference for Oriented DNA Binding by the Yeast TATA-Binding Protein TBP

In solution, the TATA box binding protein from S. cerevisiae (yTBP) is only minimally oriented when bound to the adenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP) and the yeast CYC1 promoter. At equilibrium, approximately 60% of the complexes are assembled in the orientation observed within crystal structures; 40% are assembled in the opposite orientation. Here we use stopped-flow fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the association kinetics of the two TBP·TATA box orientational isomers. Kinetics were determined by monitoring FRET between a unique tryptophan residue engineered into either the C- or the N-terminal stirrup of the conserved C-terminal subunit of yeast TBP (yTBPc) and an aminocoumarin moiety appended either upstream or downstream of the TATA box. Together, these constructs permitted a simultaneous yet independent monitor of the kinetics of TBP binding in both orientations. Not only did our results provide an independent confirmation of the free energy difference between the two orienta...
Leading Student Groups to the Soviet Union

Student tours to the Soviet Union are a refreshing alternative to Russian language study programs in Moscow and Leningrad. In the first place, everyone can participate in a tour, regardless of previous Russian language training. In addition, student tours are shorter and therefore less costly, more leisurely, and the itinerary and dates are flexible. A tour to the Soviet Union has its rewards for both students and director: (1) For those students who have only seen textbook Russian, a trip to Russia will be the high point of their language study. (2) For the leader, a tour enhances Russian language skills.
A column procedure for the esterification of organic acids with diazomethane at the microgram level

Abstract A simple procedure is described in which micro- and submicrogram amounts of organic acids can be converted to methyl esters with diazomethane. The gas, generated in only micromole amounts, contacts the acids which have been applied to a column of Celite contained in a capillary. The resultant esters are then eluted for chromatographic analysis. The entire procedure can be done in less than 5 min.
Relationship between Academic Achievement and Measured Career Interest: Examination of Holland's Theory:

The present study was designed to examine Holland's hypothesis that person-environment congruence relates positively to academic achievement. The sample of 157 nontraditional premedical students completed Holland's Self-directed Search interest inventory. The students were enrolled in the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program, which is designed to increase the number of qualified applicants who are underrepresented in the medical profession. Using scores on Holland's inventory students were classified as congruent or incongruent. A cumulative grade point average and a science grade point average were calculated for each student. An analysis of variance supported Holland's Congruence-achievement hypothesis. Congruent students did in fact achieve significantly higher cumulative GPA and science GPA than did incongruent students. Implications for counseling and academic advisement as well as further research are discussed.