cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon sequestration in wetland dominated coastal systems—a global sink of rapidly diminishing magnitude

Coastal vegetated wetlands have recently been identified as very important global C sinks but vulnerable to degradation by direct human alteration of their habitats. While their expanse is small globally, areal rates of C burial, or sequestration, are among the highest of Earth's ecosystems. There is considerable uncertainty in the magnitude of total global sequestration in these systems for two reasons: poor estimates of their global areas and high variability and uncertainty in areal rates of burial between systems. The magnitude of C burial in vegetated coastal systems has been decreasing rapidly over the past century due primarily to human disturbances such as dredging, filling, eutrophication, and timber harvest. These systems continue to be lost globally at rates ranging from 1% to 7% annually. We find that climate change including global warming, human engineering of river systems, continued agricultural expansion, and sea level rise will also negatively impact C burial of coastal vegetated wetlands. A decrease in global C burial in these systems will ultimately exacerbate CO2 emissions, and further contribute to climate change in the future.
Pictorially displayed metaphors as an assessment instrument

The accuracy of a novel assessment instrument compared with conjoint family interview derived diagnoses is reported. The assessment instrument consisted of seven illustrations containing disguised depictions of family organizational styles and two distractors. When forty-seven families were requested to select by agreement a favourite among the nine illustrations, twenty-seven chose a pattern concordant with a family therapist's formulation of the family's organizational style (χ2= 16.91, P <0.001). These findings support the feasibility of developing a similar instrument for use in clinical practice. Comments address the rationale of the instrument, the study, and possible implications of the findings.
Leukocytic transfer of immediate-type hypersensitiveness in man. V. Transfer of experimental sensitivity to Ascaris antigen.

SummaryFrom a human donor in whom immediate and delayed forms of sensitivity to Ascaris lumbricoides antigen had been experimentally induced, only the immediate type of sensitivity was transferred to one of 3 recipients by use of peripheral blood leukocytes. Markedly positive transfer reactions were obtained.
19F, 13C, and 1H NMR Investigations of Alkanes and Alkenes. II. 3-chloro-4-bromo-3,4,4-trifluorobutene-1

Abstract The compound 3-chloro-4-bromo-3,4,4-trifluorobutene-1 has been investigated using 19 F, 13 C and 1H NMR spectroscopy. All chemical shifts and twenty-eight coupling constants have been obtained for this compound. The protons (ABC) and fluorines (ABX) form a completely coupled system whose complexity is such that computer analysis of the spectra permits the determination of the relative signs of several of the coupling constants. Temperature and solvent effects on the coupling constants and chemical shifts were investigated. The sign of the geminal 1 H- 1 H coupling constant was found to depend on both temperature and solvent. The effect of solvent and temperature on rotation about the C 2 C 3 bond was also studied.
Conjoined crystals. II. Applications

Mixed crystals of glycerol monostearate and 1,2-propanediol monostearate (propylene glycol monostearate) (a useful composition of Conjoined Crystals, see Part 1) disperse readily in water, retaining this property for long periods of time. The effect of composition on retention of the α-crystalline form of the glycerol monoester in such dispersions is discussed.
Neural ensemble states in prefrontal cortex identified using a hidden Markov model with a modified EM algorithm

A modi"cation to the standard estimation}maximization algorithm is presented, that allows the identi"cation of neural ensemble states without predetermination of the number of states. Since the actual number of states a neural ensemble goes through in a given time period may vary from trial to trial, this represents a better description than using a predetermined, "xed number of states. The algorithm is used to identify ensemble states of simultaneously recorded neurons in the prefrontal cortex of behaving monkeys while they were freely viewing scenes containing multiple objects. We demonstrate that state transitions are correlated with behavioral and trial events. ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Incubation time in reptilian eggs

An allometric analysis of reptilian incubation time was performed. Incubation time increased with increasing egg mass (allometric exponent = 0.14, r2= 0.31). However, significant heterogeneity was found within the Reptilia for this character. If periods of developmental arrest are excluded the orders Crocodylia, Testudinata, and the suborder Serpentes have the shortest incubation times and the lizards the longest. Significant differences within lizard families were also observed (Iguanidae, Agamidae, Gekkonidae, and Lacertidae have shorter incubation times than the Varanidae and Teiidae). Preliminary analyses indicate the heterogeneity in incubation time observed within the Squamata is correlated with differences in brain mass; this is similar to findings for mammals. The variation in incubation time indicates the existence of differences in growth rates in reptilian groups and suggests a partial explanation for the observed distribution of viviparity within the Squamata.
An analysis of the fate of the chick wing bud apical ectodermal ridge in culture

Stages 20 and 25 chick apical ectodermal ridge have been cultured in nutrient medium containing fetal bovine serum and the tissues have been examined for dying cells at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr. By 12 hr, an average of 43% of the cells were dying. By 24 hr, stage 20 ridge had lost its integrity and stage 25 ridge contained an average of 50% dying cells. These results are in agreement with the observations of R. L. Searls and E. Zwilling (1964, Dev. Biol. 9, 38-55) on isolated stage 20 ridge. In subsequent experiments, ridge ectoderm was cultured in serum-containing medium to which insulin (5 micrograms/ml), transferrin (5 micrograms/ml), and selenium (5 ng/ml) or insulin (5 micrograms/ml) had been added. Under these conditions the ectoderms remained viable even after 24 hr in vitro.
Redback Rising: China's Bilateral Swap Agreements and Renminbi Internationalization

For several years now, China has implemented policies to promote the international use of its national currency, the Renminbi (RMB). As part of these efforts, the People's Bank of China (PBC) has negotiated 25 bilateral currency swap agreements (BSAs) with foreign central banks. These make it easier for firms in both China and its partner countries to settle cross-border trade and direct investment in RMB. We seek to explain why China and these countries cooperate via BSAs. We theorize that trade and direct investment interdependence relate to dyadic BSA cooperation via two mechanisms: financing insulation from international liquidity shocks and reduced transaction costs of cross-border exchange for local firms. Additionally, we expect the presence of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and bilateral investment treaties (BITs) will increase the probability of dyadic BSA cooperation. BSAs are natural extensions of these existing agreements. They represent an additional layer of state-level formal cooperation that further reduces barriers to cross-border trade and direct investment. Our empirical analysis finds that both de facto trade interdependence and de jure economic integration via PTAs and BITs increase the probability of BSA cooperation between China and partners.
Method to assess the ability of rough surfaces to eliminate slip in food viscometry

In squeezing flow viscometry the presence or absence of friction between the specimen and the plates has a dramatic effect on the flow curve characteristics. It is therefore proposed that the method can be used to test whether a given surface, with a particular rough finish, is effective to eliminate slip of a given self-lubricating food. The concept is demonstrated with experimental data of commercial samples of mayonnaise and mustard, which were pressed between pairs of parallel polished and rough metal plates in an imperfect squeezing flow array, and their force height relationship was recorded. In all the cases, the absolute magnitude of slope of the log-force versus log height plot was smaller than one. This shows that these two products are self-lubricating to such an extent that roughening of the plates surface, at least to the extent used in this work, can be an ineffective means to avoid slip. Similar results have been previously reported in three different kinds of tomato products, which suggests that the problem may not be limited to food emulsions.
Is lower esophageal contractility a reliable indicator of the adequacy of opioid anesthesia

Assessing the adequacy of anesthesia in the patient who is without neuromuscular blockade is usually based on somatic as well as sympathetic and hemodynamic responses to stimulation. Because somatic responses are lost in the patient with neuromuscular blockade, a method is needed to replace these signs as an indicator of inadequate anesthesia. This study attempted to determine the relationship between lower esophageal contractility and somatic signs in detecting inadequate fentanyl anesthesia in 20 patients who were undergoing coronary artery surgery and who were hemodynamically stable in the preoperative period. Premedication included midazolam, 0.05 mg/kg intramuscularly, and ranitidine, 2 mg/kg orally. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, 50 µg/kg, and maintained by an infusion of fentanyl, 0.2 µg · kg−1 · min−1. After endotracheal intubation, a disposable 24-F esophageal monitoring probe equipped with provoking and measuring balloons was inserted, and both the amplitude of provoked and the rate of spontaneous lower esophageal contractions were displayed and recorded. Inadequate anesthesia was indicated by defined somatic signs in response to noxious stimulation. The presence of these responses was correlated with the amplitude of the provoked and the rate of the spontaneous contractions at five specific times during the period preceding initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. A total of 208 episodes of stimulation were recorded: at insertion of the nasal temperature probe (n=8), at skin penetration by towel clips (n=25), at skin incision (n=20), at sternotomy (n=20), and during multiple episodes of electrocauterization (n=135). These provoked 23 somatic responses. The fentanyl concentration in plasma of the 20 patients during the study period was 30±10 ng/ml (mean±SD). The rate of the spontaneous contractions at times of response (6.0±4.8 contractions per 3-minuteperiod, mean±SD) was significantly greater than that at times of no response (2.6±3.0 contractions per 3-minute period), whereas there was no significant difference in the amplitude of provoked contractions (18.2±11.4 versus 16.2±8.5 mm Hg). The most favorable cutoff point was determined to be a rate of 6 contractions per 3-minute period. This produced a false-positive rate of 11.9% and a sensitivity (true-positive rate) of 52.2%. We conclude that the use of lower esophageal contractility is not reliable for detection of inadequate anesthesia when an opioid (fentanyl) is used as the primary anesthetic agent.
Combined effect of dextrose and sodium chloride on red cell osmotic fragility.

Observations indicating an enhancing effect of sodium on hemolysis of red cells suspended in dextrose solution prompted study of the mechanism of this effect. Osmotic fragility of red cells from normal subjects and from patients was measured in 5% dextrose solution (5D/W), 5% dextrose combined with various concentrations of sodium chloride (5D/NaCl), lithium chloride, and potassium chloride. The influence of ouabain on osmotic hemolysis in 5D/ NaCl was also studied, and the glucose content of ghost red cells was determined when incubated in 5% dextrose with 0.05% NaCl (5D/O.05NaCl), as compared with 5D/W. In the presence of minimal amounts of NaCl (0.05%) at pH 4.8, average hemolysis was greater than in the absence of NaCl, ie, 39% vs 24% in normal subjects (P < 0.02) and 40% vs 31% in a group of unselected patients (P < 0.05). When the pH was adjusted to 7.4 in the patient group, the results were 34% vs 21% (P < 0.05). The sodium-induced enhancement of hemolysis in dextrose solution was virtually duplicated when LiCl and KCl were substituted for NaCl (P < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively). On the other hand, in the presence of ouabain, the sodium-induced enhancement of hemolysis was abolished. The overall glucose content of ghost red cells incubated in 5D/0.05NaCl was 53% greater than in 5D/W (P < 0.005), whereas with ghost red cells depleted of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), it was only 32% greater (P < 0.01). These results suggest that glucose transport across the red cell membrane is enhanced by the sodium ion, presumably by triggering the membrane sodium-potassium ATPase system.
Chemorepulsion of Neuronal Migration by Slit2 in the Developing Mammalian Forebrain

Newborn cerebral cortical neurons migrate along radial glia to the cortical plate. Experiments using a collagen gel assay revealed that the choroid plexus repelled cerebral cortical neurons and olfactory interneuron precursors, which were mimicked by Neuro-2A cells. Fractionation of Neuro-2A-conditioned medium identified a protein of 190 kDa, equivalent to full-length Slit proteins. Indeed, it cross-reacted with an antibody against Slit2, suggesting that it is either Slit2 or another Slit protein. Further, Slit2, expressed in COS cells, repelled cerebral cortical neurons and olfactory interneuron precursors. Thus, Slit2, which is expressed by the choroid plexus and the septum, acts as a chemorepulsive factor for neuronal migration. These results suggest chemorepulsion as a guidance mechanism for neuronal migration in the developing forebrain.
Modelling and controlling uncertainty in optimal disassembly planning through reinforcement learning

Currently there is increasing consensus that one of the main issues differentiating the remanufacturing from the more traditional manufacturing processes is the need to effectively model and manage the high levels of uncertainty inherent in these new processes. The work presented in this paper formally establishes that the theory of reinforcement learning, one of the most actively researched areas in computational learning theory, constitutes a rigorous, effectively implementable modelling framework for providing (near) optimal solutions to the optimal disassembly planning (ODP) problem, one of the key problems to be addressed by remanufacturing processes, in the face of the aforementioned uncertainties. The developed results are exemplified and validated by application on a case study borrowed from the relevant literature.
Molecular Signatures of Tissue-Specific Microvascular Endothelial Cell Heterogeneity in Organ Maintenance and Regeneration

Microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) within different tissues are endowed with distinct but as yet unrecognized structural, phenotypic, and functional attributes. We devised EC purification, cultivation, profiling, and transplantation models that establish tissue-specific molecular libraries of ECs devoid of lymphatic ECs or parenchymal cells. These libraries identify attributes that confer ECs with their organotypic features. We show that clusters of transcription factors, angiocrine growth factors, adhesion molecules, and chemokines are expressed in unique combinations by ECs of each organ. Furthermore, ECs respond distinctly in tissue regeneration models, hepatectomy, and myeloablation. To test the data set, we developed a transplantation model that employs generic ECs differentiated from embryonic stem cells. Transplanted generic ECs engraft into regenerating tissues and acquire features of organotypic ECs. Collectively, we demonstrate the utility of informational databases of ECs toward uncovering the extravascular and intrinsic signals that define EC heterogeneity. These factors could be exploited therapeutically to engineer tissue-specific ECs for regeneration.
PREDICTION MODEL OF SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY EVOLUTION DUE TO MICROPITTING

Micropitting is often observed on hardened materials that are involved with rolling/sliding contact. Even though micropitting is not a catastrophic failure, it may lead to excessive wear or macroscopic pitting. Field experiences and lab testing results have demonstrated that micropitting has a strong correlation to surface topography. Surface asperity contact induces elevated stresses that in turn cause near surface material distress. In this study a micropitting prediction model, based on the contact stresses of rough surfaces, is proposed. Surface topography is modified due to micropitting. The modification of the surface topography causes a redistribution of the contact stresses. Consequently, the intervention between surface topography and the stress field may form a course of surface degradation, or the contact surface may reach steady state without generating any further micropits. The evolution of surface topography is demonstrated for different surface finishes. The comparative micropitting wear volumes and depths are summarized for these finishes.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Integrating amplifiers using cooled JFETs

It is shown how a simple integrating amplifier based on commercially available JFET and MOSFET switches can be used to measure photocurrents from detectors with noise levels as low as 1.6 x 10 to the -18th A/root Hz (10 electrons/sec). A figure shows the basic circuit, along with the waveform at the output. The readout is completely nondestructive; the reset noise does not contribute since sampling of the accumulated charge occurs between resets which are required only when the stored charge has reached a very high level. The storage capacity ranges from 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 9th electrons, depending on detector parameters and linearity requirements. Data taken with an Si:Sb detector operated at 24 microns are presented. The responsivity agrees well with the value obtained by Young et al. (1981) in the transimpedance amplifier circuit. The data are seen as indicating that extremely low values of NEP can be obtained for integration times of 1 sec and that longer integrations continue to improve the SNR at a rate faster than the square root of time when background noise is not present.
The influence op soil treatments on elemental composition of corn and on zinc soil tests on two Missouri soils 1

Abstract Corn (Zea mays L) was grown at three locations on soil treated with Zn at two levels of soil fertility. Corn leaves were sampled at 2 stages of growth and analyzed for several elements. Yields were measured and soils were analyzed for O.lN HCl and DTPA extractable Zn and by standard testing methods for other components. Zinc at 10 and 20 lb/A did not affect corn grain yields. The Zn treatments significantly increased leaf Zn concentrations. The influence of leaf sampling time differed between locations. The DTPA and O.lN HCl extractable soil Zn both reflected the Zn soil treatments. The DTPA appeared to extract a more soluble component of soil Zn which became more un‐extractable with time. In general, the extractable soil Zn was poorly correlated with Zn concentrations in the corn leaves. Under the conditions of the experiment the soil Zn levels as measured by the 2 extractants were a poor predictor of plant Zn when soil Zn levels were adequate.
Role of medical conditions in the exacerbation of self-injurious behavior: an exploratory study

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is common among people with severe mental retardation who may also have multiple complex medical problems coupled with communication difficulties. This combination of factors sometimes makes it difficult to obtain accurate and detailed medical histories. In this exploratory descriptive study of 25 patients with SIB, 28% had previously undiagnosed medical conditions that could be expected to cause pain or discomfort. Six of the 7 patients experienced decreased SIB with treatment of their medical conditions. In patients with SIB, impaired communication skills, and complex medical histories, medical conditions that may be associated with pain or discomfort must be a consideration in determining the etiology of the SIB.
Accretionary Processes in the Early Solar System: An Experimental Approach

Micrometer-size silicate flakes do not accrete during impacts in the velocity range 1.5 to 9.5 kilometers per second. Conventional accretionary theories for silicate bodies are applicable only to particles whose orbits are similar. Metal-silicate fractionation in the solar system may have been affected by differences in the accretionary behavior of the metal and silicate particles.
EFFECTS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE ON PROGESTIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE LUTEINIZED RAT OVARY.

A rapid 2-dimensional thinlayer chromatographic procedure has been described for the isolation and quantitative measurement of progesterone. The regulation of progesterone synthesis in lutein tissue obtained from rats pretreated by the PMS: HCG method of Parlow has been investigated. Addition of LH to the media in which ovarian slices were incubated produced highly significant (p <0.01) increases in synthesis of progesterone measured chemically. Specific activity of progesterone synthesized from acetate-l-l4C remained unchanged or was decreased by the action of LH in the medium. Similar effects were produced by LH administered intravenously to ovary donors 30 min before excision of ovaries. A reversal of these effects of LH occurred when an hour or more elapsed between initiation of the in vivo LH treatment and ovarian excision, regardless of the mode of administration of LH in vivo. Progesterone synthesis, measured chemically, was decreased considerably below the control level, whereas its specific activ...
Executive Job Demands: New Insights for Explaining Strategic Decisions and Leader Behaviors

Executive jobs vary widely in the difficulty they pose for their incumbents, yet research on top executives and strategic decision making has largely ignored this reality. We build on work in industrial/organizational psychology to develop the construct of executive job demands; discuss its major determinants; propose some of its key implications for strategic choices and leadership behaviors; and propose the usefulness of this construct in advancing research on numerous fronts, including agency theory, executive compensation, and upper echelons.
Transmission through aluminum of beta-particles emitted by infinitely-thick sources

Abstract The problem of determining the energy of beta-particles emitted from sources containing low concentrations of radioactive substances is examined. Transmission curves of beta particles emitted by “infinitely-thick” disc-shaped sources were obtained with two different detectors and compared to the curves similarly obtained for beta-particles coming from very thin “weightless” deposits on similar solid disc. Different matrix materials and beta-particle energies were used. The curves were studied for shape, secondary radiations and half-thickness. A series of curves were also obtained from four different potassium-salt thick sources, in order to investigate possible influences from variations of effective atomic number. No substantial difference was found between the curves corresponding to the three types of sources, in connection with half-thickness-maximum-energy relationship. Guiding rules are proposed for the determination of maximum beta-ray energies by means of absorption studies and half-thickness determination.
Transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized-zirconia calvarium prosthesis

Abstract Laser-based diagnostics and therapeutics show promise for many neurological disorders. However, the poor transparency of cranial bone (calvaria) limits the spatial resolution and interaction depth that can be achieved, thus constraining opportunity in this regard. Herein, we report preliminary results from efforts seeking to address this limitation through use of novel transparent cranial implants made from nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (nc-YSZ). Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of underlying brain in an acute murine model, we show that signal strength is improved when imaging through nc-YSZ implants relative to native cranium. As such, this provides initial evidence supporting the feasibility of nc-YSZ as a transparent cranial implant material. Furthermore, it represents a crucial first step towards realization of an innovative new concept we are developing, which seeks to eventually provide a clinically-viable means for optically accessing the brain, on-demand, over large areas, and on a chronically-recurring basis, without need for repeated craniectomies. From the Clinical Editor In this study, transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized-zirconia is used as an experimental “cranium prosthesis” material, enabling the replacement of segments of cranial bone with a material that allows for optical access to the brain on a recurrent basis using optical imaging methods such as OCT.
Up and down in Down syndrome: AMKL

Comment on Ge et al, page [1570][1] Children with Down syndrome (DS) show a remarkable predisposition to develop acute megakaryocytic leukemia. In this issue of Blood, Ge and colleagues identify a set of genes that are differentially expressed in DS versus non-DS megakaryocytic leukemias. These
Pyelonephritis and Bacteremia From Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus species have been uncommonly reported to cause clinically significant infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Lactobacillus bacteremia of renal origin remains a rare clinical entity. We describe a case of pyelonephritis and bacteremia from Lactobacillus acidophilus . To our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of pyelonephritis caused by Lactobacillus . We report the case of a 63 year old African American female who had a history of right sided nephrolithiasis and hydronephrosis with recent right ureteral stent placement. She was admitted with pyelonephritis and the ureteral stent was subsequently removed. A new right ureteral mass was discovered at the time of stent removal and biopsy revealed high grade urothelial carcinoma. Blood and urine cultures grew Lactobacillus acidophilus . Antibiotic therapy was directed according to susceptibility pattern. Lactobacillus should be considered as a pathogen when it is isolated (in the appropriate clinical setting) from at least two blood cultures or in one blood culture along with another source especially when the host has one or more predisposing conditions. Lactobacillus species are associated with unusual antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Lactobacillus should be a suspected pathogen in patients with bacteremia due to gram-positive rods whose condition does not improve with vancomycin therapy. doi:10.4021/jmc638e
Inhibition of ribulose diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase by xylitol 1,5-diphosphate

Summary Xylitol 1,5-diphosphate is a potent inhibitor of RuDP carboxylase/oxygenase activity. At an enzyme concentration of 400 μg/ml (less than 1 μM), RuDP carboxylase is inhibited 50% by 2 μM xylitol 1,5-diphosphate. The molar ratio of effector to enzyme is 2 to 1. The inhibition with respect to RuDP is mixed uncompetitive and noncompetitive. The response of enzyme to bicarbonate in the presence of xylitol 1,5-diphosphate is sigmoidal. The inhibition is time-dependent and pH-dependent, with a pKa for inhibition of about 8.6. RuDP oxygenase is inhibited at pH values below 9, but at pH 9 or above, neither RuDP oxygenase nor carboxylase is significantly inhibited. Xylitol 1,5-diphosphate does not produce a differential regulation of the RuDP carboxylase and oxygenase activities.
Synthetic mucin fragments: Benzyl 2-acetamido-6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-α-d-galactopyranoside and benzyl 2-acetamido-6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-3-O-[6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-β- d-galactopyranosyl]-2-deoxy-α-d-galactopyranoside

Abstract Glycosylation of benzyl 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranoside with 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -galactopyranosyl bromide, catalyzed by mercuric cyanide, afforded benzyl-2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-3- O -(2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-β- d -galactopyranosyl)-α- d -galactopyranoside ( 3 ). O -Deacetylation of 3 gave benzyl 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-3- O -β- d -galactopyranosyl-α- d -galactopyranoside which, on acetalation with benzaldehyde—zinc chloride complex followed by acetylation of the resulting dibenzylidene acetal, gave the disaccharide diacetate ( 7 ). Cleavage of the acetal groups of 3 and 7 in hot, 80% aqueous acetic acid furnished, respectively, the disaccharide tetraacetate ( 4 ) and diacetate ( 8 ). O -Deacetylation of 8 in methanolic sodium methoxide gave the disaccharide ( 9 ). Condensation of 4 or 8 with 2-methyl-(3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-α- d -glucopyrano)-[2,1- d ]-2-oxazoline, followed by O -deacetylation, afforded the title tri- and tetra-saccharides, 12 and 14 , respectively. The structures of compounds 9 , 12 , and 14 were established by 13 C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.
Analyzing B-vitamins in Human Milk: Methodological Approaches

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. However, there is insufficient information about the concentration of nutrients in human milk. For some nutrients, including B-vitamins, maternal intake affects their concentration in human milk but the extent to which inadequate maternal diets affect milk B-vitamin content is poorly documented. Little is known about infant requirements for B-vitamins; recommendations are generally set as Adequate Intakes (AI) calculated on the basis of the mean volume of milk (0.78 L/day) consumed by infants exclusively fed with human milk from well-nourished mothers during the first six months, and the concentration of each vitamin in milk based on reported values. Methods used for analyzing B-vitamins, commonly microbiological, radioisotope dilution or more recently chromatographic, coupled with UV, fluorometric and MS detection, have rarely been validated for the complex human milk matrix. Thus the validity, accuracy, and sensitivity of analytical methods is important for understanding infant requirements for these nutrients, the maternal intakes needed to support adequate concentrations in breast milk. This review summarizes current knowledge on methods used for analyzing the B-vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid, vitamin B-12, folate, biotin, and choline in human milk, their chemical and physical properties, the different forms and changes in concentration during lactation, and the effects of deficiency on the infant.
LC2 involvement in the assembly of skeletal myosin filaments.

The assembly of LC2-deficient myosin was studied under conditions where control and LC2-reassociated myosin assemble around the native length of about 1.5 μm. The aim of this work was to determine how loss of LC2 affects the assembly characteristics. The findings of this study can be summarized as follows: (a) LC2-deficient myosin assembles into two populations of filaments, one around 0.5 μm in length and the other around 1 μm in length. This suggests that loss of the LC2 perturbs the length-determining mechanism, (b) The population of filaments around 0.5 μm has a diameter around 14 nm and that around 1 μm a diameter around 22 nm. Neither diameter corresponds to the 18 nm obtained with the control and LC2-reassociated myosins, suggesting that the presence of LC2 may have a role in regulating the side-to-side assembly of the myosin rods, (c) Filaments assembled from LC2-deficient myosin tend to aggregate side-by-side, but not those assembled from control and LC2-reassociated myosin, (d) The presence of MgATP has no effect on the length distribution of LC2-deficient myosin filaments in contrast to the sharpening of the distribution observed with control and reassociated myosin.
The effect of β-carotene supplementation on the immune function of blood monocytes from healthy male nonsmokers☆

Although there is strong epidemiologic evidence that diets rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene are associated with a reduced incidence of cancer, the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. This article describes the effect of dietary beta-carotene supplementation on both the expression of functionally associated surface molecules on human monocytes and on the secretion of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by monocytes, all of which are involved in the initiation and regulation of immune responses involved in tumor surveillance. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was undertaken in which 25 healthy, adult male nonsmokers were randomly assigned to receive beta-carotene (15 mg daily) or placebo for 26 days, followed by the alternative treatment for a further 26 days. The expression of functionally related monocyte surface molecules was quantified by flow cytometry, and ex vivo secretion of TNF-alpha was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, before and after each treatment period. After dietary supplementation there were significant increases in plasma levels of beta-carotene and in the percentages of monocytes expressing the major histocompatibility complex class II molecule HLA-DR and the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen-3. In addition, the ex vivo TNF-alpha secretion by blood monocytes was significantly increased after supplementation. These findings suggest that moderate increases in the dietary intake of beta-carotene can enhance cell-mediated immune responses within a relatively short period of time, providing a potential mechanism for the anticarcinogenic properties attributed to beta-carotene.
Production and characteristics of some new β-agarases from a marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

Abstract Vibrio sp. strain JT0107 is one of the marine bacteria that secrete β-agarases which catalyze the hydrolysis of agarose. The optimum culture conditions for the production of some β-agarases have been determined. To increase agarase activity, aeration and a sufficient concentration of agarose are needed. One of the enzymes that the bacteria secreted into the culture medium was isolated and purified 39-fold using a combination of ultrafiltration and subsequent anion exchange column chromatography. The purified protein migrated as a single band (72 kDa) on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its isoelectric point was 4.7. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed a single N-terminal sequence that had no sequence identity to other marine bacterial agarases. This novel enzyme was found to be an endo-type β-agarase (EC 3.2.1.81) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the β-1,4 linkage of agarose to yield neoagarotetraose [O-3,6-anhydro-α- l -galactopyranosyl(1→3)-O-β- d -galactopyranosyl(1→4)-O-3,6-anhydro-α- l -galactopyranosyl(1→3)- d -galactose] and neoagarobiose [O-3,6-anhydro-α- l -galactopyranosyl(1→3)- d -galactose]. The optimum pH and temperature for obtaining high activity of the enzyme were at around 8 and 30°C, respectively. The enzyme did not degrade sodium alginate, λ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan or κ-carrageenan.
Techniques of posterior subaxial cervical fusion

Techniques of posterior cervical fixation have been augmented and refined over the past century to treat more effectively cervical instability arising from trauma, neoplasia, inflammatory conditions, and degenerative disease. Although adequate for many indications, posterior subluxation stabilization constructs perform best when used primarily to address flexion-type injuries. The integrity of the dorsal tension band is thereby reestablished. Posterior cervical fixation techniques may be subdivided into three general categories: (1) wire or cable constructs (including various interspinous wiring, facet wiring, sublaminar wiring, and wire/polymethylmethacrylate techniques; (2) interlaminar clamps; and (3) articular mass platescrew devices. This article details these techniques and their variations and presents a rationale for choosing a construct.
Induction of plasmacytomas that secrete monoclonal anti-peptide antibodies by retroviral transformation.

Abstract ABL-MYC, a retrovirus that coexpresses v- abl and c- myc , was used to infect six BALB/c mice that had been immunized twice with a KLH-conjugated peptide that consisted of the 18 carboxyterminal amino acids of protein kinase C-η (PKC-η). All mice developed transplantable, monoclonal plastomas, and five out of six plamacytomas secreted antigen-specific antibodies, even after transplantation. All these antibodies recognized PKC-η on Western blots of crude cell lysates and did not cross react with other isoforms of the PKC family.
Organizational determinants of violence in the workplace

Statistics show that incidents of violence in the workplace are on the rise. This article examines the effects of organizational structure on aggression and violence in the workplace. In the case of organizational aggression and violence, organizational factors interact with other behavioral determinants. Through a review of the literature, it was determined that structural characteristics can lead to such behavior when there is an incongruence of needs/expectations and environment between the individual and the organization. Individuals progress along a frustration-violence continuum until intervening action is taken by the individual or the organization to overcome obstacles to goals or expectations. A model provides support of this analysis.
Software for robotic simulation

Abstract The last few years have witnessed a large increase in use of computer graphics to simulate the robotic performance. The utilization of graphic simulation and programming has greatly enhanced the design, control, and productivity of robotic applications, especially in manufacturing. When designing and controlling robotic systems, computer graphics can be used to evaluate how the robot will react to and perform within the production environment before significant time, capital, and expense are incurred. Graphic simulation enables the designer not only to select the right robot but also to program it to perform the task in the most efficient way. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent advances in graphic techniques and to evaluate available software packages for simulating the motion of robots. The equipment associated with the software packages is also discussed.
Improved parity-declustered layouts for disk arrays

Recently, parity-declustered layouts have been studied as a tool for reducing the time needed to reconstruct a failed disk in a disk array [5, 9]. Construction of such layouts for large disk arrays generally involves the use of a balanced incomplete block design (BIBD), a type of subset system over the set of disks. This research has been somewhat hampered by the dearth of general results and constructions for BIBDs on large sets, and by inefficiencies in some parity-distribution methods that create layouts that are larger than necessary. We make progress on these problems in several ways. In particular, we •Demonstrate a new BIBD construction that generalizes some previous constructions and yields a simpler BIBD that is optimally small in some cases.•Show how relaxing some of the balance constraints on data layouts leads to constructions of approximately-balanced layouts that greatly increase the number of feasible layouts for large arrays.•Give a new method for distributing parity that produces smaller data layouts, resulting in tight bounds on the size of the data layouts derived from BIBDs.Our results use a variety of algebraic, combinatorial, and graph-theoretic techniques, and together greatly increase the number of parity-declustered data layouts that are appropriate for use in large disk arrays.
Noncollagenous (NC1) domain of collagen VII resembles multidomain adhesion proteins involved in tissue-specific organization of extracellular matrix

Type VII collagen (C7) is a stratified squamous epithelial basement membrane protein composed of three identical alpha chains, each consisting of a 145-kDa amino-terminal noncollagenous (NC1) domain and a 145-kDa carboxyl-terminal collagenous domain. Morphologic and biochemical studies have shown that tissue-specific aggregates of C7 dimers called anchoring fibrils may contribute to epithelial basement membrane organization and adherence by interacting with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as type IV collagen. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding most of the NC1 domain of C7. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed motifs characteristic of multidomain ECM proteins that contribute to the tissue-specific organization of ECM including a region of 7 1/2 sequential fibronectin type III (Fn III) homology repeats, a potential collagen-binding region homologous to the A domain of von Willebrand factor (vWf) and an RGD sequence. A purified C7 fusion protein containing these motifs specifically bound to type IV collagen in a functional assay. These results suggest that regions within the NC1 domain of C7 mediate interactions with lamina densa and dermal ECM proteins including type IV collagen. Structural mutations and autoepitopes in these regions may represent mechanisms for the development of defective basement membrane organization and adherence in genetic and autoimmune forms of epidermolysis bullosa.
The governing equations for moire interferometry and their identity to equations of geometrical moire

The equations prescribing the gradient and inclination of fringes in moire interferometry are derived from the basic laws of diffraction and interference. A vectorial representation of three-dimensional diffraction employs incidence and emergence vectors in the plane of the grating; the representation is especially well suited for this type of analysis. The corresponding equations for geometrical moire are derived by a remarkably direct vectorial method. The analyses prove that the patterns of moire interferometry and geometrical moire are governed by identical relationships.
Examining the positive effects of rapport building: When and why does rapport building benefit adult eyewitness memory?

Most investigative interviewing protocols recommend building rapport with cooperative adult witnesses to increase the accuracy of their reports. Although a few recent studies support the benefits of rapport building on adult witness recall, no study has examined whether the timing of rapport in relation to post-event misinformation affects recall accuracy, and whether these effects are related to witness anxiety levels throughout the interview. The present study provided two hundred and thirty-three undergraduates with a videotaped mock crime followed by building high or low rapport either before or after they received post-event misinformation. All witnesses were then interviewed about the mock crime. Results indicated that high rapport before misinformation increased the amount of accurate information reported in a subsequent witness interview compared to low rapport. However, these recall benefits were not due to a reduction in anxiety. Theoretical implications and practical recommendations for police interviewing practices are discussed.
Destroying the village to save it: corporate social responsibility, labour relations, and the rise and fall of American hegemony

The literature on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), produced largely by American business school academics, has, over the last generation, ignored an empirical record of corporate irresponsibility, especially in the area of employment relations. This neglect is puzzling given the skepticism of previous generations of CSR scholars and the importance these placed on labour-management cooperation. Arrighi’s (1994) theory of the rise and fall of hegemonic societies can explain this shift in perspective. According to Arrighi, American global economic hegemony emerged a century ago powered by its multi-divisional corporations, but the extraordinary autonomy exercised by this organizational form stimulated demands for the responsible use of its economic power. When American hegemony was still new and based on industrial development, the discourse on CSR focused on ‘the labour question’ in order to insure productivity and social peace. As the nature of American hegemony expanded after World War II, academic ...
ClioWeb, ClioRequest, and Clio Database: Enhancing Patron and Staff Satisfaction

Faced with increased demand from student and faculty for a speedier and more user-friendly method of obtaining materials from other institutions, the interlibrary loan (ILL) department sought to implement a management system which would accomplish the task. Students wanted remote interconnectivity to the system and staff wanted increased workflow efficiency, reduced paper work, and better data management. This paper focuses on Washington College's experience in selecting and implementing an interlibrary loan system, which would enhance student satisfaction as well as that of the library staff.
Microbial Behavior in a Heterogeneous World

Most microorganisms are motile during at least part of their life cycle, because they need to find optimal conditions in a patchy world. The sheer volume of microorganisms in the biosphere means that their motile sensory behavior also contributes to the global transformation and cycling of matter. How microorganisms move and how they orient themselves using environmental cues are integral to understanding the complex structure and function of microbial communities, but although motility in response to external stimuli was first described more than 120 years ago, understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved has only been achieved more recently.
Continuous-time differential dynamic programming with terminal constraints

In this work, we revisit the continuous-time Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) approach for solving optimal control problems with terminal state constraints. We derive two algorithms, each for different order of expansion of the system dynamics and we investigate their performance in terms of their convergence speed. Compared to previous work, we provide a set of backward differential equations for the value function expansion by relaxing the assumption that the initial nominal control must be very close to the optimal control solution. We apply the derived algorithms to two classical optimal control problems, namely, the inverted pendulum and the Dreyfus rocket problem and show the benefit of second order expansion.
A simple technique for quantitation of low levels of DNA damage in individual cells

Human lymphocytes were either exposed to X-irradiation (25 to 200 rads) or treated with H2O2 (9.1 to 291 microM) at 4 degrees C and the extent of DNA migration was measured using a single-cell microgel electrophoresis technique under alkaline conditions. Both agents induced a significant increase in DNA migration, beginning at the lowest dose evaluated. Migration patterns were relatively homogeneous among cells exposed to X-rays but heterogeneous among cells treated with H2O2. An analysis of repair kinetics following exposure to 200 rads X-rays was conducted with lymphocytes obtained from three individuals. The bulk of the DNA repair occurred within the first 15 min, while all of the repair was essentially complete by 120 min after exposure. However, some cells demonstrated no repair during this incubation period while other cells demonstrated DNA migration patterns indicative of more damage than that induced by the initial irradiation with X-rays. This technique appears to be sensitive and useful for detecting damage and repair in single cells.