cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postharvest water quality affects vase life of cut Dendranthema, Dianthus, Helianthus, and Zinnia

Abstract Water quality can have a significant impact on the vase life of cut flowers. The effects of vase solution pH and electrical conductivity (EC) on the vase life and postharvest characteristics of Dendranthema L. ‘Naru Lavender’, Dianthus L. ‘Burgundy Sangria’, Helianthus L. ‘Sunbright’, and Zinnia L. ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ were investigated. Vase life of Dendranthema increased to 14.6 d in acidic solutions from 6.1 d for distilled water. Solution uptake of cut Dendranthema was also greater in acidic solutions (94 mL) compared to distilled water (76 mL). There was no significant difference in vase life of Dendranthema when solution EC ranged from 0.50 dS m−1 (21.7 d) to 4.00 dS m−1 (19.3 d) of NaCl; however, all solutions with NaCl resulted in a longer vase life than distilled water. For Dianthus the use of buffers to alter pH reduced vase life from 24.4 d for the non-buffered control to 19.9 d for the citrate buffered solutions, but no effect of actual pH was noted. Additionally, increasing the EC from 0.00 to 4.00 dS m−1 decreased vase life by 10 d. Cut Zinnia stems were not influenced by solution pH, but as EC increased from 0.00 to 4.00 dS m−1 vase life decreased from 10.6 to 6.8 d. Helianthus vase life was not affected by EC, but decreasing pH increased vase life by 1.1 d when stems were held in acidic solutions compared to basic solutions. The use of commercial holding solution reduced the negative effects of high EC on salt-sensitive Dendranthema, Dianthus, and Zinnia and increased solution uptake. For Dendranthema vase life was 24.6 d when held in preservative at an EC of 2.50 dS m−1, while it was reduced to 17.4 d without preservative at the same EC. For Helianthus, solutions with preservative had a solution uptake 10 mL greater than solutions without preservative. In general, stems with longer vase lives also had a high incidence of necrotic leaves and petals, petal wilt and bent neck. In conclusion, each species had unique reactions to the vase solution treatments, but the general effects were consistent: high solution pH or EC or the use of buffers either had no effect or reduced vase life and the use of floral preservatives increased vase life.
The Struggle for the Heartland: Hybrid Geopolitics in the Transcaspian

Geopolitical rivalry in the Transcaspian region is irreducible to competition for Caspian oil and gas. Nor has the rivalry between East and West dissolved into an alliance in the “war on terror”. It is part of a broader process of expansion into the former Soviet republics, particularly in Central Asia, to integrate them into competing economic, military and security structures. In this process, the Transcaspian region itself is not the ultimate object of the competition; rather, global hegemony. Thus, processes of integration appear to have been accompanied by opposite processes of containment. I propose the notion of hybrid geopolitics to explicate this dual process, examined primarily through military expansion across the continent, in the form of military aid and bases, strategic alliances, security arrangements and arms trade.
Glucocorticoid use and serum lipid levels in US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Objective It has been generally perceived that glucocorticoids adversely affect serum lipid levels, although results of prospective studies have suggested the contrary. In this study, we sought to examine the relationship between glucocorticoid use and lipid profiles in a nationally representative sample of subjects. Methods Using data from 15,004 participants ages 20 years and older in The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), we examined the relationship between glucocorticoid use and serum lipid profiles. Glucocorticoid use was determined from the household interview regarding prescription medication use. We used multivariate linear regression to adjust for age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, energy fraction from protein and carbohydrates, and total energy intake. Results Glucocorticoid use was associated with a higher serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level and a lower ratio of total cholesterol-to-HDL cholesterol among subjects ages 60 years or older (multivariate difference 9.0 mg/dl [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.9, 14.1] and −0.6 mg/dl [95% CI −0.9, −0.3], respectively) but not among those younger than age 60 years (multivariate difference −1.5 mg/dl [95% CI −5.4, 2.5] and 0.1 mg/dl [95% CI −0.3, 0.5], respectively). Correspondingly, glucocorticoid use was associated with a higher serum apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) level and a lower Apo A-I:Apo B ratio (multivariate difference 12.1 mg/dl [95% CI 2.9, 21.3] and 0.16 mg/dl [95% CI 0.03, 0.29], respectively) only among subjects ages 60 years or older. Inhalation/intranasal glucocorticoid use was also associated with a higher serum HDL cholesterol level (multivariate difference 4.9 mg/dl [95% CI 0.3, 9.5]) only among subjects ages 60 years or older. Conclusion Our results suggest that glucocorticoid use is not associated with an adverse lipid profile in the US population and may be associated with a favorable lipid profile among persons ages 60 years or older, in concordance with previous prospective studies.
Teaching and Teacher Education: Complexity Redux

Using narrative inquiry, these authors explored the diverse types of reasoning that seem to direct stakeholders’ approaches to educational decision-making. They labeled these approaches as simple, complicated, and complex. They begin their account by explaining the attributes of narrative inquiry that guided their work. Through the scholarly space their conversations created, they charted distinctions within the field of education between simple, complicated, and complex reasonings and solutions. They then turned to a selection of anchor texts from existing scholarship that furthered their grasp of these three approaches and their application to educational challenges. As suggested by the title, their ultimate leanings favored complexity. In combination, their ideas strengthened a claim that the choice of a decision making option differentially influences policy and classroom actions.
Demand, Supply, and Price Relationships for the Broiler Sector, with Emphasis on the Jack-Knife Method

Parameters of a simultaneous equation model of the broiler sector were estimated by 2SLS, OLS, and JK procedures as proposed by Tukey and Hartley and Hartley. Results indicate that 2SLS and OLS methods may significantly underestimate the standard errors of the coefficients. N THIS study estimates of a simultaneous equation model for the broiler sector' which allowed for simultaneity between quantity and price were computed by ordinary least squares (OLS), two-stage least squares (2SLS), and jack-knife (JK) procedures, as proposed by Tukey [9] and modified by Hartley and Hartley [4]. Four relationships are included in the model. One is the demandsupply identity; the other three are (1) the supply of broilers, (2) the demand for broilers, and (3) the margin between the retail and farm prices of broilers. Use of the JK method is emphasized in this study. Its primary objective is to overcome the bias of estimating the standard errors of the coefficients by asymptotic procedures such as 2SLS. The power of this technique could be important in an evaluation of the simultaneity between demand and supply because the bias is commonly in the form of underestimation. Since the Hartley-Hartley extension of the JK procedure is relatively new, it may be helpful to indicate here how the sequences of timeseries observations are analyzed. Suppose for purposes of illustration that five annual timeseries observations are being analyzed and that quantity is being regressed on price. That is, q=a+Bp is the expected value form of the regression model. Further, suppose the length of time-series sections to be analyzed is 3-the value of k.
A SOCIAL NETWORK ANALOGY DEPICTS INTERSTATE FACTORS EFFECTING THE DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SOVIET UNION

This paper uses a social network approach to explore converging world‐systems hypotheses regarding the effects of increasing integration of socialist countries into the capitalist world economy since the height of the Cold War. Research on interdependence and other power relations among states in the world order cite the development of Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and their expanding numbers as evidence of an evermore sophisticated network in which countries have unique positions related to their functioning in the world order. Theories of International Development and International Relations suggest that at the beginning of the Cold War, capitalist states and socialist states functioned in effectively mutually exclusive realms. The balance of power between the US and the USSR perpetuated a world order in which, for the most pan, capitalist states did not engage in political or economic relations with socialist states and vice versa.
The role of cyclic AMP in the control of elasmobranch ocular tapetum lucidum pigment granule migration

We have studied the effect of adding cAMP to dogfish ocular tapetum lucidum tissue maintained in vitro. Normally, under conditions of dark-adaptation, tapetal pigment granules attain an aggregated state, exposing highly reflective cellular plates (which contain crystalline guanine) to incident illumination. The reflected light from these plates is believed to function in the visual process by increasing photoreceptor photon capture under low light conditions. Upon illumination, the pigment granules attain a dispersed state, occluding the reflective surfaces. We found that this occlusion may be mimicked in dark-adapted tissue in vitro by adding cAMP, or by the use of agents believed to increase intracellular cAMP concentrations such as forskolin and IBMX. Additionally, aggregation of pigment in light-adapted tissue transferred to darkness is inhibited by such agents. The results of this and previously published studies indicate that the processes of pigment aggregation and dispersal in vivo are under the control of the neural retina through the probable mediation of either hormonal or direct neural communication.
Psychosocial factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders: an evolving phenomenon.

Abstract The psychosocial aspect of functional gastrointestinal disorders have a long and complicated investigative history. Emerging from the 1930s when the observations of individual investigators and clinicians was the norm we have evolved in the last 25 years to an increasingly sophisticated era of scientific observation using standardized nosology, validated psychometric instruments and have made use of emerging technology such as brain imaging, barostat testing and other technologies. The application of the scientific method to help improve out understanding of the relationship of psychosocial factors as they relate to gastrointestinal illnesses is slowly but surely revolutionizing gastroenterology practice. It is the purpose of this paper to review the history of “Psychosomatic Gastroenterology” to review the dimensions of psychosocial factors as they relate to gastroenterology and to review the emerging technologies which are helping us to develop this knowledge. Finally we will attempt to speculate on where the field will be going in the future.
Inflow occlusion pulmonary embolectomy in the modern era of cardiac surgery.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 to 300,000 PEs are diagnosed annually in the United States: approximately 1 per 1000 persons per year. Additionally, PE is associated with 50,000 to 100,00 0death sannually. 1 Operativ eintervention ,although rarely performed, is indicated in patients with massive embolism resulting in hemodynamic instability. Massive embolism is defined as a PE associated with systolic pressures less than 90 mm Hg or a 40 mm Hg or greater decrease from baseline for longer tha n1 5minutes. 2 Patient swit hsuc hemboli cburde nofte nrapidly progress to refractory hypotension and subsequent cardiopulmonary arrest. This patient population may benefit from surgical embolectomy.
Algebraic Treatment of Subsidiary Conditions in Dual Resonance Models

Abstract The Ward-like identities previously proposed in order to eliminate unphysical states (ghosts) from dual amplitudes and generalized by Virasoro, are investigated within the context of the projective operator language. We are able to generalize further Virasoro's result to the case of amplitudes with different internal trajectories and to release his unphysical condition on the external masses. A purely algebraic treatment of the problem of ghost cancellation is also presented and shown to provide cancellation of ghosts up to the third excited level.
Pooled Analysis of Liver Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From a Multi-institution Study

among the 69 treatments included mostly CTC grade 1-2 toxicity with only one grade 3, two grade 4 and one grade 5 toxicity. There was no difference in the toxicity based on the primary site. Conclusions: Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with 1-3 liver metastases with a limited toxicity profile. Author Disclosure: B. Goodman: None. H. Cardenes: None. P. Helft: None. M. Maluccio: None.
Actions of Picture Groups on CAT(0) Cubical Complexes

A class of groups, called picture groups, is defined. Richard Thompson’s groups F, T, and V are all picture groups. Each picture group is shown to act properly and isometrically on a CAT(0) cubical complex. In particular, all picture groups are a-T-menable.
ENTWINED PRACTICES: ENGAGEMENTS WITH PHOTOGRAPHY IN HISTORICAL INQUIRY

The status of photographs as keystones of historical explanation has become a topic of urgent intellectual and cultural interest around the world, at the same time as methods of shaping historical narratives are also changing in ways that compel attention to the employment of photographs in historiography. By exposing the questions we ought to raise about all historical evidence, photographs reveal not simply the potential and limits of photography as a historical source, but the potential and limits of all historical sources and historical inquiry as an intellectual project. As the papers in this issue make apparent, this is precisely the promise and ultimate potential of the historical study of photographs—that it pushes their interpreters to the limits of historical analysis. This essay, which serves as an introduction to the Theme Issue, contextualizes issues raised by the articles and offers a critical synthesis of their impact on future scholarship about photography in historical analysis.
Eating Disorder Prevalence and Symptoms for Track and Field Athletes and Nonathletes

The general purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and symptoms of eating disorders (ED) for 412 high school, university, and elite male and female track and field athletes and higher- and lower-active nonathletes. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (Garner, 1991) to assess ED symptoms and the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnosis (Mintz, O'Holloran, Mulholland, & Schneider, 1997) to assess ED prevalence. We found that: (a) the women had greater Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction symptoms and a higher prevalence of ED than the men, (b) nonathletes reported greater Body Dissatisfaction symptoms than the athletes, (c) higher-active nonathletes had a higher prevalence of ED than the athletes and lower-active nonathletes, (d) the high school athletes had greater Ineffectiveness and Maturity Fears symptoms than the college and elite athletes, and e) there were no sport-group differences (i.e., middle/long distance, sprint, and field) for either ED symptoms or pre...
A primordial, solar He–Ne signature in crustal fluids of a stable continental region

Abstract Primordial He and Ne have been historically regarded as signatures of mantle plumes that are expressions of a largely undegassed lower mantle. A complementary degassed upper mantle is widely invoked to explain low He with high heat flow at mid-ocean ridges, but recent work demonstrates that this is not required. Here, we report He and Ne data from deep Michigan Basin brines that clearly reveal a primordial solar-like component in this stable continental region, where the presence of mantle plumes is highly unlikely. We suggest that this primordial signature can be accounted for by a shallow refractory reservoir in the Archean subcontinental lithospheric mantle and that primordial He and Ne does not necessarily reflect the presence of mantle plumes, with their associated undegassed lower mantle reservoir.
The Far-Infrared Polarization Spectrum: First Results and Analysis

We present data on the polarization of the thermal emission from Galactic Clouds at 60 micrometers, 100 micrometers, and 350 micrometers. There are examples of rising polarization spectra in dense cloud cores [P(350 micrometers/P(100 micrometers) approximately equal to 2], and falling spectra in cloud envelopes [P(350)/P(100 micrometers) approximately equal to 0.6]. We also present data showing that the relationship, P(tau), between polarization and optical depth in cloud cores is different from that in cloud envelopes. We review the principles governing the far-infrared polarization spectrum and discuss applications to the data on P(lambda) and P(tau). We conclude that the cloud envelopes we have observed must contain two populations of grains that differ in their polarization efficiencies and in their emission spectra. We propose a model for cloud envelopes in which the contrasting populations reside in domains of different mean temperatures where the warmer domains contain the aligned grains.
Nonenzymatic oxidative steps accompanying action of the cytochrome P450 enzymes StaP and RebP in the biosynthesis of staurosporine and rebeccamycin.

In the biosynthesis of the indolocarbazole natural products staurosporine and rebeccamycin, a complex set of oxidative transformations results in dimerization and oxidative cross-linking of a pair ...
Reducing Variation in Advanced Logic Technologies: Approaches to Process and Design for Manufacturability of Nanoscale CMOS

This paper presents an overview of process variation effects, including examples of mitigation strategies and test methods. Experimental and theoretical comparisons are presented for 45 nm and 65 nm RDF. SRAM matching and interconnect variation is discussed for both 65 nm and 45 nm, including examples of process and design mitigation strategies. Use of ring oscillators for detailed measurement of within-wafer and within-die variation is illustrated for 65 nm and 45 nm products.
Beyond Essentialism and Complementarity: Toward a Theological Anthropology Rooted in Haecceitas:

The field of theological anthropology has experienced something of an impasse in recent decades as a result of the critical challenges that have arisen from developments in feminist theory and poststructuralist philosophy. This article explores the possibility that an approach to theological reflection on the human person rooted in the philosophical and theological innovations of John Duns Scotus in the development of his principle of individuation (haecceitas) can offer new resources for avoiding the pitfalls of essentialism and complementary.
Clinical Psychology Graduate Students’ Opinions about Prescriptive Authority: A Discussion of Medical Versus Psychological Training Models

This study examined current clinical psychology doctoral students’ interest in gaining prescriptive authority and opinions about potential training options. Three hundred and sixty-three students completed an exploratory survey via electronic mail distributed by the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) listserv. Our results suggest that the majority of these students are at least somewhat interested in gaining prescriptive authority, as well as willing to add three or four graduate-level courses and 6 to 12 months to their internship or post-doctoral positions for psychopharmacology training. Most of the students surveyed felt that training should resemble a medical training model. Implications of these findings are discussed, particularly within the context of the current psychological and medical training models.
hnRNP L regulates differences in expression of mouse integrin α2β1

There is a 2-fold variation in platelet integrin α2β1 levels among inbred mouse strains. Decreased α2β1 in 4 strains carrying Itga2 haplotype 2 results from decreased affinity of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L) for a 6 CA repeat sequence (CA6) within intron 1. Seven strains bearing haplotype 1 and a 21 CA repeat sequence at this position (CA21) express twice the level of platelet α2β1 and exhibit an equivalent gain of platelet function in vitro. By UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation, hnRNP L binds more avidly to CA21, relative to CA6. By cell-free, in vitro mRNA splicing, decreased binding of hnRNP L results in decreased splicing efficiency and an increased proportion of alternatively spliced product. The splicing enhancer activity of CA21 in vivo is abolished by prior treatment with hnRNP L–specific siRNA. Thus, decreased surface α2β1 results from decreased Itga2 pre-mRNA splicing regulated by hnRNP L and depends on CA repeat length at a specific site in intron 1.
An integrated methodology for operations analysis of computer integrated manufacturing systems: Application to an FMS for manufacture of medical instruments

This paper contributes a novel methodology for operations analysis of computer integrated manufacturing systems. The methodology employs an integrated set of personal computer-based manufacturing systems modelling software, and is conducted in three stages. The methodology is illustrated in detail for analysis of materials flow and staffing for a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) installed at a medical instruments manufacturing plant. First, a rough-cut capacity and materials flow analysis was performed using a queueing model. Second, a detailed analysis of FMS system characteristics was conducted by creating and analysing a discrete-event simulation model. Finally, a graphical animation package was used to verify previous results and provide visual feedback on FMS system performance. Analysis results were obtained rapidly and conveniently, and were used to advise manufacturing managers regarding FMS operating policy. This analysis methodology can be applied to a wide range of computer integrated manufacturing systems and manufacturing cells.
A neural network approach to transform image coding

A neural network approach is presented for transform image coding. It is shown that the three steps in the conventional transform image coding, i.e. the unitary transform of spatial domain image data, the quantization of the transform domain data and the binary coding of the quantized data, can be unified into a one-step optimization problem. Then, the optimization problem is solved by an appropriately constructed Hopfield neural network whose input is the spatial domain image data and whose output is binary codes. A practical circuit implementation is given to perform the transform image coding. the circuit has rM2 neurons, where r is the bit-rate, in bit/pixel, of the coding and M2 is the size of the images. Each neuron consists of only a non-linear voltage amplifier, a linear voltage-controlled current source, a d.c. current source, a linear passive resistor, a linear passive capacitor, and a weighted voltage summer which can be made of a single op amp with some linear passive resistors. Moreover, each neuron is locally connected with no more than b - 1 other neurons by wires, where b is the maximum bit allocated to a transform domain coefficient. Therefore, our proposed approach is particularly suitable for low-bit-rate image coding and VLSI implementation. Furthermore, the analogue and parallel nature of our approach matches perfectly the high-speed requirement of real-time image coding.
Ultracompact nonreciprocal optical isolator based on guided resonance in a magneto-optical photonic crystal slab

We design an ultracompact optical isolator with normal incident geometry that operates with a bandwidth that is substantial for a device of this size. For operation in a telecommunication wavelength of 1.55 μm, the thickness of the device is less than 1 μm and the device supports an operating bandwidth of 400 GHz over which the minimum contrast ratio exceeds 25 dB. Our design utilizes guided resonance in a photonic crystal slab to enhance magneto-optical effects, and exploits interference effects among multiple resonances to create desired transmission spectral line shapes.
Plasma membrane proteins ofDictyostelium: The spore coat proteins

Spore coats were isolated following germination ofDictyostelium discoideum spores. They were found to contain five major proteins of apparent molecular weights of 60,000 (SP60), 68,000 (SP68), 70,000 (SP70), 96,000 (SP96), and 200,000 (SP200). Of these SP68 and SP96 were found to be glycoproteins. Analysis of the tryptic and chymotryptic fingerprints indicated that the major spore coat proteins are independent gene products and not derived by proteolytic cleavage of common percursors. These spore coat proteins are the major newly synthesized proteins seen in membranes late in development and account for the majority of the changes seen in membranes during culmination. They can be observed in membranes isolated from spores, most likely while in transit to the spore coat. SP60, SP68, and SP70 appear to be on the outer face of the spore coat since they are sensitive to proteolysis by Pronase added to intact spores while SP96 and SP200 are protected until the spore case is broken during germination. The spore coat proteins are not found in stalk cells or in several mutant strains blocked in spore formation including one strain, HL-6, which undergoes many of the biochemical differentiations of culmination but forms only stalk cells. The spore coat proteins do accumulate in a spore shape mutant, HU26, which forms small round spores rather than ellipsoid ones. Characterization of the spore coat proteins further defines the changes in membrane proteins during development ofDictyostelium and the processes of terminal differentiation in spores.
Beyond Secrecy: New Privacy Protection Strategies for Open Information Spaces

When the US government erected export-control barriers against the cryptographic technology used to ensure data confidentiality, a coalition of privacy advocates joined IT companies to get those barriers removed and enable widespread adoption of encryption for privacy protection. The most fundamental challenge to 20th century privacy laws is more social than technical - adding to the stream of personal data is a new wave of user-generated content in the form of blogs. Access control and security techniques will remain vital to privacy protection - access control is important for protecting sensitive information and, above all, preserving anonymity.
Age dependent sensitivity of the rat retina to the excitotoxic action ofN-methyl-D-aspartate

Abstract We have found that the rat retina can be isolated atraumatically and incubated ex vivo for up to 24 h without showing signs of histological deterioration, and that retinas from adult or aged rats can be isolated as successfully as those from immature rats. In the present study we used this preparation to show that rat retinal neurones at postnatal day zero (PND 0) are relatively insensitive to the excitotoxic action of the glutamate agonist, N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), then gradually show increasing sensitivity that peaks at about PND 9 and declines from PND 15–30 after which it remains at a low level up to the last time point studied (10 months of age). This is consistent with other developmental NMDA receptor data and underscores the need for caution in using immature in vitro central; nervous system (CNS) tissue preparations as a basis for interpreting the role of NMDA receptors in adult neurological diseases.
The mutagenic effects of diepoxybutane in wild-type and mutagen-sensitive mutants of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Genetics tests reported here demostrate that among the DEB-induced mutants on 2 X-chromosome loci, viz. y and w , at a minimum, one-third are chromosome deletions. Among 11 MMS-sensitive mutants tested, 9 are also somatically sensitive to DEB. In addition direct genetic tests established that the capacity to repair DEB damage induced in sperm is impaired in females homozygous for 2 mutagen-sensitive mutants. By inference the same is also the case in females homozygous for 3 other mutagen-sensitive mutants.
Long-term hyperalgesia induced by neonatal β-endorphin and morphiceptin is blocked by neonatal Tyr-MIF-1

Male rats were injected s.c. once daily during the first week of life with beta-endorphin (BE), morphiceptin, the antiopiate Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2), or one of the two opiate peptides in combination Tyr-MIF-1. Pups treated with neonatal BE removed their tails from a series of increasingly hot water baths significantly faster than controls on day 9, confirming our earlier studies. In addition, we found that Tyr-MIF-1 blocked this effect of BE. At 4.5 months, latency to lick a hindpaw in the hot-plate test was significantly faster in groups given BE alone, morphiceptin alone, or the control vehicle than in any of the 3 groups given Tyr-MIF-1. At 6 months the two groups given opiate peptides alone showed faster tail-flick latencies than the controls and the groups given Tyr-MIF-1. These results indicated that the long-term nociceptive changes induced by the opiate peptides were opposite to those induced by Tyr-MIF-1. Mean tail-flick latencies of the groups on day 9 correlated well with hot-plate and tail-flick scores in adulthood, indicating that the effects of the peptides were persistent. The neonatal peptide treatments did not differentially affect the analgesia induced by the stress of footshock or warm-water swim. Rats given either of the opiate peptides alone tended to fall off a rotorod faster than those in the other groups. These results support the role of Tyr-MIF-1 as an antiopiate and further illustrate the long-term effects of neonatally administered peptides.
Risk assessment of drugs, biologics and therapeutic devices: present and future issues†

Purpose The current US system for detecting adverse effects of therapeutics (drugs, devices and biological products) is suboptimal. This report presents the results of an expert workshop on assessing therapeutic risks. This is the second of five workshops coordinated by the Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) to address the management of therapeutic risks relative to potential benefits. Methods The workshop included academic, industry, government and constituency-based leaders. The focus was on the postapproval phase and procedures in the US, but relevant international issues and attendees were included. Results Substantial deficiencies in the current US system for risk assessment were delineated. Improving the system will involve research into methods to improve risk assessment, enhancement and consolidation of data-handling systems, education of healthcare workers, allocation of financial resources and building of constituencies. Conclusions We need leadership on multiple levels for global coordination of risk assessment. We can then begin to fill gaps and produce benefits for industry, health authorities, government agencies, healthcare providers, and most important, the public. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Interplanetary Orbital Transfers via Electrical Engines

The Hohmann transfer theory, developed in the 19th century, is the kernel of orbital transfer with minimum propellant mass by means of chemical engines. The success of the Deep Space 1 spacecraft has paved the way toward using advanced electrical engines in space. While chemical engines are characterized by high thrust and low specific impulse, electrical engines are characterized by low thrust and hight specific impulse. In this paper, we focus on four issues of optimal interplanetary transfer for a spacecraft powered by an electrical engine controlled via the thrust direction and thrust setting: (a) trajectories of compromise between transfer time and propellant mass, (b) trajectories of minimum time, (c) trajectories of minimum propellant mass, and (d) relations with the Hohmann transfer trajectory. The resulting fundamental properties are as follows:
Structural Proteomics of Eukaryotic Gene Families.

INTRODUCTION. Genome sequencing projects have already determined nearly complete genome sequences of several organisms, including human. The products of these genes are widely recognized as the next generation of therapeutics and targets for the development of pharmaceuticals. While identification of these genes is proceeding quickly, elucidation of their three-dimensional (3D) structures and biochemical functions lags far behind. In some cases, knowledge of 3D structures of proteins can provide important insights into evolutionary relationships that are not easily recognized by sequence alignment comparisons. Thus, structure determination by NMR or X-ray crystallography can sometimes provide key information regarding protein fold class, locations and clustering of conserved residues, and surface electrostatic field distributions that connect a protein sequence with potential biochemical functions. The resulting limited set of putative biochemical functions can then be tested by appropriate biochemical assays.
Measurement of the ozone absorption cross-section at the 253.7 nm mercury line

The absorption cross-section of ozone at 253.7 nm is frequently used as a standard for the entire UV wavelength range. The presently accepted value is 1.147 x 10 to the -17th/sq cm, which is known with an uncertainty of about 2 percent. The cross-section has been recently measured by simultaneously monitoring the ozone pressure, the impurities in the ozone gas, the gas temperature, and the UV beam intensity. The cross-section at room temperature was found to be 1.137 x 10 to the -17th/sq cm having an uncertainty of + or - .7 percent. The improved accuracy will aid a number of ozone experiments including the in situ photometers and Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet instruments.
Separation and Characterization of Cord Serum Lipoproteins

Summary: Blood was collected from the umbilical cords of infants with a 1-min Apgar score of 9 or 10. Total cord serum lipoproteins were isolated by ultracentrifugation, at a density of 1.220 g/ml. The isolated serum lipoproteins were then separated by gel filtration chromatography on 6% agarose. The overall recovery of the separated lipoprotein cholesterol was 90% or greater. In cord serum, four lipoprotein peaks were found, whereas three peaks were present in adult lipoproteins. The major lipoproteins of cord serum correspond to low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were heterogeneous in cord serum. After gel filtration chromatography, the distribution of cord serum cholesterol is about 5% in peak 1, 10% in peak 2, 40% in peak 3 (LDL), and 45% in peak 4 (HDL). An additional difference between the lipoproteins isolated from cord serum and those from adult serum was the slower electrophoretic mobility of cord serum VLDL in agarose gel. Speculation: The fetus, during the later stages of pregnancy, accumulates fat at an accelerating rate. Triglycerides, synthesized by the liver, are secreted as VLDL and transported to adipose tissue for degradation, probably by lipoprotein lipase. The heterogeneity of cord blood VLDL and the presence of a significant amount of an intermediate lipoprotein fraction (designated peak 2) may be related to a partial metabolic block in the conversion of VLDL lipoproteins to smaller lipoproteins such as LDL.
Event-triggered state estimation in vector linear processes

This paper considers a distributed estimation problem in which a sensor sporadically transmits information to a remote-observer. An event-triggered approach is used to trigger the transmission of information from the sensor to the remote-observer. The event-trigger is chosen to minimize the mean square estimation error at the remote-observer subject to a constraint on how frequently the information can be transmitted. This problem was studied by O.C. Imer et al. [1] and M. Rabi et al. [2] where the observed process was a scalar linear system over a finite time interval. This paper extends those earlier results by relaxing the prior assumption that the initial condition is zero-mean with no measurement noise. It extends those earlier results to vector linear systems through a computationally efficient way of computing sub-optimal event-triggering thresholds.
EMBRYOGENESIS IN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY - OR, HOW TO MAKE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES EMBRYO

Abstract Embryo technologies have not as yet contributed to practical conservation of rare wildlife species. Production of young following artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been sporadic, and it is now clear that biological differences among species limit our abilities to adapt these techniques easily to rare species. Nonetheless, there is encouraging progress at two levels. First, there is more acceptance that rare wildlife species safely tolerate the manipulations necessary to collect basic reproductive information or to test artificial breeding. This has increased access to rare animal populations and helped develop organized captive breeding programs, many of which emphasize the need for more research. Secondly, a gradually developing database about how these species reproduce is driving more systematic experimentation and artificial breeding attempts. Studies in our laboratory focus on producing embryos in vivo or in vitro. When essential information is available on fundamental reproductive processes, and, especially when comparative data are available from a domesticated animal model, then AI techniques are adapted to the endangered species. When few data are available, then studies emphasize using IVF (often in combination with in vitro oocyte maturation) to examine the factors regulating embryo formation and viability. These strategies are illustrated by recent progress involving (i) AI of select species of cervids, felids and mustelids, (ii) oocyte maturation in felids and (iii) IVF and ET in felids. Offspring have been produced, but perhaps more important are the answers to fundamental and mechanistic questions about why some wildlife species thrive and others do not. If reality-based conservation is defined as a continual data-gathering process that assimilates any and all information ultimately useful for preserving species, then embryo technologies are making considerable contributions to conservation biology.
Chronic opioid antagonist treatment increases μ and δ receptor mediated spinal cord opioid analgesia

Abstract Chronic systemic treatment with the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, increased the analgesic potency of intrathecally administered opioid agonists at spinal μ and δ receptors, but not at ϰ receptors. These results indicate that, contrary to a previous report, opioid receptors in the spinal cord display up-regulation and supersensitivity and are no different in this regard from supraspinal receptors.
Influence of blood dilution on the findings of platelet aggregates in native venous blood fixed by edta-formalin.

Abstract Healthy subjects and an heterogeneous group of patients were investigated by the Wu and Hoak test performed with low and high dilution of blood in the test mixtures (1:1 and 1:25 respectively). In normal subjects no significant difference was observed between the results obtained by the two procedures. Abnormal platelet aggregate ratio (P.A.R.) observed in patients with the 1:1 diluted test appeared to be normalized in almost all cases when using the 1:25 diluted test. Abnormal P.A.R. values observed in both procedures were not significantly associated with vascular thrombotic disorders. These results suggest that platelet aggregates as detected by the Wu and Hoak test may be formed in vitro through an interaction of formalin with undiluted non-specific plasma factors.
HIV/AIDS, Drug Abuse Treatment, and the Correctional System

ABSTRACT This paper deals with in-prison prevalence and transmission of HIV U.S. Prisons have high concentrations of injection drug users (IDUs); rates of HIV are high among new admissions and IDUs are the second largest group at risk for HIV infection; high-risk methods of transmission (such as anal sex and needle sharing) occur with some frequency within prisons; potential correctional costs for HIV/AIDS medical services are likely to exceed the resources for the system itself. Incarceration affords opportunities to deliver HIV prevention, to test different models for prevention, and to test vaccines as they become available in a relatively controlled environment. The distribution of condoms and syringes, and parallel increases in tuberculosis and related perils are also discussed.
Molecular dissection of purinergic P2X receptor channels.

The P2X receptors (P2XRs) are a family of ATP-gated channels expressed in the plasma membrane of numerous excitable and nonexcitable cells and play important roles in control of cellular functions, such as neurotransmission, hormone secretion, transcriptional regulation, and protein synthesis. P2XRs are homomeric or heteromeric proteins, formed by assembly of at least three of seven subunits named P2X 1 -P2X 7 . All subunits possess intracellular N-and C-termini, two transmembrane domains, and a relatively large extracellular ligand-binding loop. ATP binds to still an unidentified extracellular domain, leading to a sequence of conformational transitions between closed, open, and desensitized states. Removal of extracellular ATP leads to deactivation and resensitization of receptors. Activated P2XRs generate inward currents caused by Na + and Ca 2 + influx through the pore of channels, and thus mediate membrane depolarization and facilitation of voltage-gated calcium entry in excitable cells. No crystal structures are available for P2XRs and these receptors have no obvious similarity to other ion channels or ATP binding proteins, which limits the progress in understanding the relationship between molecular structure and conformational transitions of receptor in the presence of agonist and after its washout. We summarize here the alternative approaches in studies on molecular properties of P2XRs, including heteromerization, chimerization, mutagenesis, and biochemical studies.
Evaluation of concrete reinforcements using magnetostrictive sensors

In this paper, a review is presented of various applications of the magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technology to the nondestructive evaluation of steel reinforcing bars and seven-wire strands. MsSs have been applied to the detection of corrosion in and out of concrete, the quantification of corrosion, the detection of debonding, the measurement of tensile stress, the monitoring of concrete curing, the monitoring of wire breakage, and the location of broken or fractured wires. A review of the MsS technology is given along with an assessment of the utility of the technology in the above-mentioned applications.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
IRS-1 expression and activation are not sufficient to activate downstream pathways and enable IGF-I growth response in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells

IGF-responsive breast cancer cells activate insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 after IGF-I treatment. To determine if IRS-1 expression was sufficient to enable IGF-responsiveness, two IGF-I unresponsive breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-435A and MDA-MB-468) were transfected with IRS-1. While IGF-I caused tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in both transfected cell lines, increased MAP kinase activity was not seen. IGF-I treatment of 435A IRS-1 transfected cells resulted in minimal increased PI3 kinase activity associated with IRS-1, while IRS-2/PI3 kinase was greatly reduced. In MDA-MB-468 IRS-1 transfected cells, IGF-I caused increased IRS-1 associated PI3 kinase activity compared to parental cells, but at levels far below those observed in IGF-responsive MCF-7 cells. The transfected cells were also not responsive to IGF-I in monolayer growth. Thus, IRS-1 expression and activation alone are insufficient to mediate a proliferative response to IGF-I in breast cancer cells, and it is likely that maximal activation of downstream signaling pathways must also occur.
Photoelectrons and a Corpuscular Quantum Theory of the Scattering of X-rays

LORENTZ gives the radius of the spherical electron as ke2/mc2, where the value of k depends on the assumptions made as to the distribution of the electricity in the sphere and as to the manner in which it is held together. The value of k, however, is of the order unity for the various assumptions. The writer has recently shown, in a paper on a corpuscular theory of the scattering of X-rays (Phys. Rev. 22, 233, 1923), that if an X-ray corpuscle be considered tentatively as a mathematical point moving with the speed of light, and if the value of k be taken as (8/3), then the electron has a radius such that the mass-scattering coefficient for X-rays in matter is that given by Thomson's theory, namely, 0.2 per gram for the light elements.
In vitro evolution of preferred topoisomerase II DNA cleavage sites.

Abstract Topoisomerase II is an essential enzyme that is the target for several clinically important anticancer drugs. Although this enzyme must create transient double-stranded breaks in the genetic material in order to carry out its indispensable DNA strand passage reaction, the factors that underlie its nucleotide cleavage specificity remain an enigma. Therefore, to address the critical issue of enzyme specificity, a modified systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) protocol was employed to select/evolve DNA sequences that were preferentially cleaved by Drosophila melanogastertopoisomerase II. Levels of DNA scission rose substantially (from 3 to 20%) over 20 rounds of SELEX. In vitro selection/evolution converged on an alternating purine/pyrmidine sequence that was highly AT-rich (TATATATACATATATATA). The preference for this sequence was more pronounced for Drosophila topoisomerase II over other species and was increased in the presence of DNA cleavage-enhancing anticancer drugs. Enhanced cleavage appeared to be based on higher rates of DNA scission rather than increased binding affinity or decreased religation rates. The preferred sequence for topoisomerase II-mediated DNA cleavage is dramatically overrepresented (∼10,000-fold) in the euchromatic genome of D. melanogaster, implying that it may be a site for the physiological action of this enzyme.