cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for genetic variation in worker task performance by African and European honey bees

The dramatic competitive advantage of the African honey bee over European bees in the neotropics comes in large part from their faster rates of colony growth and reproduction. In honey bees, brood production, and thus colony growth, are controlled by the workers. Thus, we tested for genetic differences between African and European workers in their preference for tasks associated with brood production by monitoring individual African and European workers cross-fostered in common colony environments. We additionally examined differences in the age of transition between tasks (age polyethism). Our data provide strong evidence for genetically based differences in a subset of tasks. African workers were more likely to collect and process pollen, the nutrient source for brood. They initiated pollen foraging at a younger age, but this result was not significant after Bonferroni adjustment. African and European workers showed no difference in brood-care task performance, and did not vary in the age at which they performed brood-care tasks. These data suggest that a significant part of the competitive advantage of this major invasive pest can be traced to a small subset of worker behaviors, those involving resource intake.
Fluid dynamics of local martian magma oceans

The evolution of a melt region produced by a large impact during Mars formation is addressed. While some impact induced melt is redistributed during crater excavation, sufficiently large impacts (much larger than basin forming impacts) generate an intact melt region which is retained beneath the excavation zone, i.e., a local magma ocean. Local magma ocean evolution depends on the effective rheology controlling large scale deformation of the solid part of the planet, mechanism of crystallization, and melt region size. Within the uncertainties of various parameters, two scenarios are possible. For sufficiently weak rheology or large melt region size, evolution is characterized by rapid extrusion and formation of a global magma ocean. For sufficiently strong rheology or small melt region size, in situ crystallization to a partially molten solid state occurs prior to isostatic adjustment. Subsequent to in situ crystallization, local magma ocean evolution depends on melt region size and efficiency of lateral redistribution compared to bulk conductive cooling. For large melt regions, lateral spreading occurs via plastic deformation and results in an asymmetric, global, partial melt layer. For small melt region size, viscous spreading viscous can result in bulk cooling below the solidus prior to formation of a global layer. A hypothesis for the origin of the hemispherical crustal dichotomy and Tharsis rise is suggested. The dichotomy is associated with a global partial melt layer produced by evolution of a large, local magma ocean. After dichotomy formation, evolution of a second, smaller, local magma ocean is related to Tharsis development.
Design Considerations for Venus Microprobes

Introduction T HE Venusian surface and lower atmosphere are interestingbut inhospitable environments that to date have been explored by 50to 350-kg probes. Sensitivity to environmental conditions is acute for smaller (and cheaper) vehicles, where the timescales for the vehicle to equilibrate thermally with its hostile surroundings are short and comparable to the free-fall descent time. I explore how small a Venus microprobe carrying a speci ed payload can be madeandstill useconventionallow-temperature(< 373K) electronics, with vehicle shape and size, insulation technology, and phasechange thermal ballast as free parameters. The envisionedscenario has an autonomousballoon1,2 (or “aerobot”)  oating at about 60-km altitude in the Venusian atmosphere, where ambient conditions are relatively benign (0.2 bar, 268 K). An aerobot with altitude control capability could descend to the surface for a short period, but a numberof technical challengesmust be overcome. A lower-risk approach for obtaining data on highpriority surface sites is to release small, expendable descent probes as the aerobotpasses overhead.Maximizing the number of sites that can be explored requires that these probes have a small mass. A low-mass probe, however,  rst will have a small thermal inertia and so will warm up quickly. Further, a small probe will fall slower and hence can warm to unsurvivabletemperaturesbefore the surface is reached. Design options to combat these challenges are 1) heavy probes, i.e., either larger, more capable probes or added mass ballast; 2) slender probes, giving higher ballistic coef cients and hence shorter descent times; 3) added insulation to slow the rate of heat leak into the probe; 4) added thermal ballast, such as a phase-changematerial; 5) increasedpackagingdensity of the probe systems themselves to maximize the ballistic coef cient; and 6) use of systems that can tolerate higher temperatures.4 Active cooling,5 likely to be neither practicable nor worthwhile on a small system such as a microprobe, has not been considered. Options 1 and 3 essentiallylead to solutionssimilar to the Pioneer Venus probes. Option 2 has potential, although increasing the slenderness of the probe also increases the wetted surface area (through whichheatcan leak) and increasesthemassof insulationrequiredfor a given insulationthickness.Option 4 has been used on Russian landers (in combinationwith 1 and 3). Note that, in this application,the common  gure of merit for thermal ballast, namely heat absorbed per kilogram,may not be the most appropriate,inasmuchas the material also acts as mass ballast.Option 6 is not explored in this Note.
A combined analytical singularity subtraction method and compact implicit differencing scheme for aerodynamic mixing

In spite of the rapid advances in both scalar and parallel computational tools, the large number and breadth of variables involved in both design and inverse problems make the use of sophisticated fluid flow models impractical. With this restriction, it may be concluded that an important family of methods for mathematical/computational development are reduced or approximate models. In this study, a combined perturbation/numerical modeling methodology is developed. The numerical portion of the model uses a compact finite difference scheme, while analytical solutions are used to resolve singular behavior that is inherent to this flow. Solutions are presented to illustrate the efficiency of this methodology.
Chloroplast targeting of FanC, the major antigenic subunit of Escherichia coli K99 fimbriae, in transgenic soybean.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of enteric diseases affecting livestock and humans. Edible transgenic plants producing E. coli fimbrial subunit proteins have the potential to vaccinate against these diseases, but have not reached their full potential as a renewable source of oral vaccines due in part to insufficient levels of recombinant protein accumulation. Previously, we reported that cytosol targeting of the E. coli K99 fimbrial subunit antigen resulted in FanC accumulation to ∼0.4% of total soluble protein in soybean leaves (Piller et al. in Planta 222:6–18, 2005). In this study, we report on the subcellular targeting of FanC to chloroplasts. Twenty-two transgenic T1 progeny derived from seven individual T0 transformation events were characterized, and 17 accumulated transgenic FanC. All of the characterized events displayed relatively low T-DNA complexity, and all exhibited proper targeting of FanC to the chloroplast. Accumulation of chloroplast-targeted FanC was ∼0.08% of total soluble leaf protein, or ∼5-fold less than cytosol-targeted FanC. Protein analysis of leaves at various stages of maturity suggested stability of chloroplast-targeted FanC throughout leaf maturation. Furthermore, mice immunized intraperitoneally with protein extract derived from transgenic leaves expressing chloroplast-targeted FanC developed significant antibody titers against FanC. This is the first report of subcellular targeting of a vaccine subunit antigen in soybean.
Some Mathematical Aspects of Geophysical Fluid Dynamic Equations

In this article we present the classical primitive equations of the ocean, and we summarize a number of results concerning the well-posedness of the associated boundary and initial value problems: some of the results havebeen known for about ten years or so, and some of the results correspond to very recent results which were proven during the past two years or so. Some indications are also given about the problems of the atmosphere, which are similar, and the coupled ocean and atmosphere.
Brief On the model-based control of networked systems

In this paper the control of linear plants, where the sensor is connected to a linear controller/actuator via a network is addressed. Both, state and output feedback, are considered and results are derived for both continuous and discrete plants. A key idea is that knowledge of the plant dynamics is used to reduce the usage of the network. Necessary and sufficient conditions for stability are derived as simple eigenvalue tests of a well-structured test matrix, constructed in terms of the update time h, and the parameters of the plant and of its model. These tests are extended to include network delay as well.
Isotope fractionation between galena and pyrite and between pyrite and elemental sulfur

Abstract Sulfur isotope fractionation between pyrite and galena and between pyrite and elemental sulfur was investigated. Isotope equilibrium was not achieved in 120 days at 400°C and 500°C, nor in 40 days at 600°C. Slow diffusion of sulfur isotopes in pyrite and the isotopic inhomogeneity of the pyrite crystals are probably responsible. By the techniques used so far, isotope equilibrium in systems containing pyrite cannot be reached in a reasonable amount of time at the temperatures investigated.
FADD self-association is required for stable interaction with an activated death receptor

Receptor-mediated programmed cell death proceeds through an activated receptor to which the death adaptor FADD and the initiator procaspases 8 and/or 10 are recruited following receptor stimulation. The adaptor FADD is responsible for both receptor binding and recruitment of the procaspases into the death-inducing signaling complex. Biochemical dissection of the FADD death effector domain and functional replacement with a coiled-coil motif demonstrates that there is an obligatory FADD self-association via the DED during assembly of the death-inducing signaling complex. Using engineered oligomerization motifs with defined stoichiometries, the requirement for FADD self-association through the DED can be separated from the caspase-recruitment function of the domain. Disruption of FADD self-association precludes formation of a competent signaling complex. On this basis, we propose an alternative architecture for the FADD signaling complex in which FADD acts as a molecular bridge to stitch together an array of activated death receptors.
TAKE ME TO YOUR LITER

Abstract The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that has not replaced its customary system of weights and measures with the metric system. However, an interest in metrication dating back to the earliest years of U.S. history can be traced through the continuing appearance of this topic in U.S. federal publications. While metric units have long been used as base units for officially defining U.S. customary units, and federal agencies have been ordered to develop and implement metric transition plans, general American acceptance of the metric system has been slow. U.S. metrication will continue to lag 1) if it is voluntary, not mandatory, 2) if there are no deadlines or if existing deadlines are pushed back, and 3) if emphasis remains on soft conversion rather than hard conversion or “thinking metric.” A selected metric bibliography is appended.
Teacher union legitimacy: Shifting the moral center for member engagement

This mixed-method case study explored teacher union members’ beliefs about the teacher union and their reasons for being active or inactive in the union. Findings suggest that teacher unions have gained pragmatic and cognitive legitimacy (Chaison and Bigelow in Unions and legitimacy. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 2002), but that participants’ perceptions of the union’s moral legitimacy (Chaison and Bigelow in Unions and legitimacy. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 2002) influenced their beliefs about the union. Specifically, participants’ beliefs about the union’s role in job protection, especially the protection of ineffective teachers, and social-professional supports (or lack of) strongly influenced their decisions to be active or inactive in the teacher union. These findings have implications for how effectively teacher unions are able to engage current members and sustain member engagement in the future.
The biosynthesis of ribonuclease and its accumulation in protein bodies in the cotyledons of mung bean seedlings

Germination and seedling growth of mung bean are accompanied by a 7- to 10-fold increase in the ribonuclease content of the cotyledons. The increase occurs during the first 4 days of seedling growth and precedes the senescence of the cotyledons. Separation of the RNases in the cotyledons by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates the presence of several minor bands in seeds imbibed for 24 hr. On the second day of seedling growth a new major band with an Rf of 0.76 is present. In 4- to 5-day old seedlings this major band accounts for nearly all the RNase activity in the tissue. The characteristics of this RNase show that it is a plant ribonuclease I (pH optimum of 5.0; MW 16,000; activity preferentially inhibited by purine nucleotides; no activity toward DNA; no phosphodiesterase activity). When the seedlings are grown in 66% D2O the RNase activity undergoes a density shift of 0.61% indicating that the increase in enzyme activity is due to the de novo synthesis of the enzyme molecules. A method is described for the isolation of protein bodies from protoplasts of storage parenchyma cells. Fractionation of protoplast lysates on Ficoll gradients results in the recovery of a high proportion (75%) of intact protein bodies. On these gradients RNase activity comigrates with α-mannosidase, a protein body marker enzyme indicating that the newly synthesized RNase accumulates in the protein bodies. We suggest that the synthesis of RNase in the cotyledons and its accumulation in the protein bodies indicates that protein bodies may function in the degradation of cellular macromolecules other than the reserves stored within them.
The Sweating Cognitions Inventory: A Measure of Cognitions in Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is a dermatological condition involving excessive sweating. Little research has been conducted on the psychological processes associated with this condition. A cognitive-behavioral approach would suggest that negative beliefs about the nature and consequences of sweating paradoxically increase sweating, and therefore maintain hyperhidrosis. The present research reports on the development and psychometric evaluation of the Sweating Cognitions Inventory (SCI), a self-report measure that assesses dysfunctional beliefs in hyperhidrosis. The SCI was administered to a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis (N = 226) as well as a student comparison group (N = 482). The SCI demonstrated good internal consistency and a stable, unidimensional factor structure in both samples. Sweating cognitions differentiated between the two groups, indicating discriminant validity. Correlations with comparison measures indicated that sweating cognitions were strongly related to sweating severity, and also to social anxiety and anxiety sensitivity. These results are consistent with our conceptualization that dysfunctional sweating cognitions can maintain and exacerbate excessive sweating. A cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of hyperhidrosis could advance our understanding of the condition and could lead to novel treatment approaches.
The Regulation of Hazards and Hazardous Behaviors

Risks to individuals engaged in "high risk" behaviors may be present because of the individual's own actions, as in the case of smoking. Alternatively, the risks may be present either because of factors in the environment such as carcinogens, or because of the causal actions of others, such as pollution by industries. Traditionally, justifications for policies that would control hazards and restrict hazardous behaviors have been based on paternalistic principles or on a theory of social justice. Arguments for both are criticized and rejected in favor of a third alternative rooted in utilitarian moral theory. It is argued that: (1) paternalism leads to unacceptable consequences because it would allow too much limitation of individual liberty by policy makers; (2) justice-based arguments are too abstract for public policy problems and often rest on questionable empirical assumptions; and (3) utilitarian suggestions about the use of cost-benefit analysis for the resolution of these health policy problems are more promising than available alternatives, because they provide a solid moral basis for allocating scarce resources and for controlling hazardous behaviors.
Pricing Contracts Under Uncertainty in a Carbon Capture and Storage Framework

Abstract Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been demonstrated as a viable option for reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere. We consider a situation where a tax on emissions is imposed on carbon dioxide (CO2) producers to encourage their participation in CCS. Operators of CO2 transportation pipelines and storage sites enter into individual contracts with emissions producers to store CO2. We study the problem of selecting the optimal price and volume of these contracts under both cost and emissions uncertainty to optimize the storage operator's expected profit.
A sharp error estimate for the numerical solution of multivariate Dirichlet problems

For the multidimensional Dirichlet problem of the Poisson equation on an arbitrary compact domain, this study examines convergence properties with rates of approximate solutions, obtained by a standard difference scheme over inscribed uniform grids. Sharp quantitative estimates are given by the use of second moduli of continuity of the second single partial derivatives of the exact solution. This is achieved by employing the probabilistic method of simple random walk.
DRR is a teenager

The fifteenth anniversary of the first SPIE symposium (titled Character Recognition Technologies) on Document Recognition and Retrieval provides an opportunity to examine DRR's contributions to the development of document technologies. Many of the tools taken for granted today, including workable general purpose OCR, large-scale, semi-automatic forms processing, inter-format table conversion, and text mining, followed research presented at this venue. This occasion also affords an opportunity to offer tribute to the conference organizers and proceedings editors and to the coterie of professionals who regularly participate in DRR.
Restless legs syndrome: what is it?

The condition is surprisingly common and often associated with periodic limb movement disorder. Symptom severity can range from annoying to virtually disabling. Recent advances in definition, evaluation, and treatment have made it possible to provide significant relief to many misdiagnosed, overlooked, or undertreated patients.
Investigation of the dependence of Barkhausen noise on stress and the angle between the stress and magnetization directions

Abstract The dependence of Barkhausen noise amplitude on stress, and on the angle between the stress and magnetization directions, has been investigated in specimens of AISI/SAE 4340, HY-80 and ASTM A-36 steels. In all three materials it was found that the Barkhausen noise amplitude measured with the magnetic field applied at 60° to the stress axis is independent of stress. This result is compared with the theory of elasticity which indicates that under a uniaxial or a pure bending stress, the normal component of a strain in steel is zero along the direction approximately 61° from the direction of the applied stress. It was also found that the Barkhausen noise follows the same angle dependence as that of the normal strain. These findings strongly indicate that the Barkhausen noise amplitude is directly dependent on the normal strain along the direction of the magnetization and not on the shearing strain. An explanation for such a direct normal strain dependence is given based on magnetoelastic energy. Possible application of this finding to quantitative nondestructive stress measurements is also discussed.
Vitamin B6 metabolism and homocysteine in end-stage renal disease and chronic renal insufficiency

c Homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Vitamin B6 deficiency may result in high tHcy levels, especially after a methionine load (PML). Therefore, we evaluated vitamin B6 metabolism and tHcy (fasting and PML) levels in patients with CRI and those on hemodialysis (HD) therapy before and during high-dose sequential vitamin B6 and folic acid supplementation in male patients (27 patients, HD, 17 patients, CRI) and 19 age-matched healthy controls. Vitamin B6 doses were 100 mg/d in patients with CRI and 200 mg/d in HD patients, plus folic acid (5 mg/d), for more than 3 months in each period. We analyzed vitamin B6 metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) and fasting tHcy in all cases and PML in subgroups of 11 HD patients and 14 patients with CRI. We found vitamin B6 deficiency and high tHcy (fasting and PML) levels in all patients. Plasma and RBC levels of pyridoxal and pyridoxal phosphate were abnormally low, whereas levels of pyridoxic acid (PA), an end product of vitamin B6 metabolism, were extremely high in both groups. Fasting and PML tHcy levels were partially resistant to vitamin B6 supplements, with different response patterns in HD patients and those with CRI. Thus, the PML defect was more responsive to folic acid in HD patients, whereas vitamin B6 partially reduced PML tHcy levels in patients with CRI. Resistance of tHcy to vitamin B6 treatment in patients with CRI and HD patients is not caused by poor absorption or low tissue stores. Rather, nonvitamin factors or potentially toxic PA levels may be implicated in abnormal vitamin B6 and/or tHcy metabolism during renal insufficiency. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Modeling and Testing for Heterogeneity in Observed Strategic Behavior

Experimental data have consistently shown diversity in beliefs as well as in actions among experimental subjects. This paper presents and compares alternative behavioral econometric models for the ...
Filth Flies as Transmitters of Endamoeba histolytica.

ConclusionsFrom the evidence cited above, it seems highly-probable that the filth flies studied play no important role as transmitters of trophozoites or cysts of E. histolytica by external carriage. However, the viability of cysts for periods as long as 3½ hours after initial ingestion and later dejection indicates a potential natural method of transmission.
Estimation of angiotensin peptides in biological samples by LC–MS method

The low abundance of angiotensin peptides in biological tissues such as the kidney cortex, adipose tissue, urine and plasma makes their detection and quantification a challenge. A few available methods used to quantify these peptides involve lengthy processes of sample preparation and are hardly quantitative. Here, we report a mass spectrometry approach for quantifying angiotensin peptides [Ang II, Ang-(1-7)] in the kidney cortex, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), urine and plasma of male mice. Tissue homogenates, urine and plasma samples were solid-phase extracted with C18 Sep-Pak cartridges and the proteinaceous compounds were eluted off. These extracted peptide samples were separated on a C18 column with a linear acetonitrile gradient and detection was carried out using a Q-ToF mass analyzer in the ESI+-MS ion mode based on retention time, accurate mass measurement of peptides, the isotope pattern of the doubly charged molecular ion, and quantification of peak area (or ion count) when referencing to the angiotensin peptide standards. The lower limit of quantification for each angiotensin peptide was 10 pg mg−1 with the percent recovery at 100.6%. The intra-batch precision for Ang-(1-7) and Ang II were 24.0 and 12.7%, respectively, with corresponding accuracy of 84.0–123.0% and 100.2–116.0%. Using this method, we determined the levels of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) in kidney cortex, eWAT, urine and plasma. Quantification of angiotensin peptides could help target subtle therapeutic changes against pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, kidney disease and hypertension.
Epaulet size and current condition in red-winged blackbirds: examining a semistatic signal, testosterone, immune function, and parasites.

AbstractSome sexually selected signals are thought to convey information about the current condition and genetic/epigenetic quality of the individual signaling, including the ability to resist parasites. However, it is unclear whether semistatic sexual signals that develop periodically and remain stable over protracted periods, such as avian breeding plumage, can relate to measures of current condition and health. We examined a semistatic signal (wing epaulet size) in male red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) during the breeding season and looked for relationships between this trait and circulating testosterone (T), hematocrit, bacteria-killing ability (BKA) of the blood, and the infection status, richness, and abundance of four functional categories of parasite. We found that epaulet size was positively related to circulating levels of T and ectoparasite infections. We found no relationships between T and parasite infections. In adult males there was a negative relationship between T and BKA, wher...
Novel Biologically Based Therapies for Multiple Myeloma

Despite improvements in complete responses and prolongation of overall and event-free survival with highdose therapy, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease in the majority of patients [I]. Thus, in order to overcome resistance to standard dose and highdose therapies and to improve patient outcome, approaches specifically targeting the mechanisms whereby MM cells grow and survive in the bone marrow (BM) are needed. We are attempting to derive novel biologically based therapies focused upon targeting the MM cell as well as its BM microenvironment [2]. Improved understanding of myeloma cell survival in its microenvironment has provided such new targets. Myeloma cells adhere to the extracellular matrix and to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), allowing myeloma cells to proliferate, survive and have anti apoptotic effects against conventional chemotherapies. These effects are partially mediated through various cytokine release, including IL-6, VEGF, TNF-a, and IGF-1. The molecular signals mediating these effects include the Ras/Raf MAPK cascade for proliferation and the PI3-K1Akt pathway which provides drug resistance signals. This understanding has now allowed us to evaluate novel therapies that not only directly target myeloma cells but also act on the bone marrow microenvironment, specifically, the molecular and cytokine targets, to overcome drug resistance. In the past three years, we have used the in vitro and in vivo animal model systems to define novel therapeutic agents directed at targets specific to both the MM cell and its microenvironment, and have then translated these studies from bench to bedside in the related clinical trials. Thalidomide and its analogous immunomodulatory agents (lMiDs), proteasome inhibitor PS341,
Fourier-representation method for electronic structure of chainlike systems: Restricted Hartree-Fock equations and applications to the (H)x chain in a basis of Gaussian functions.

Momentum-space equations of the restricted Hartree-Fock-Roothaan method for quasi-one-dimensional systems are given. Calculations based on Gaussian-type atomic functions are made for the simple model of an infinite linear chain of hydrogen atoms. Mathematical and computational implications of the formalism and properties of Gaussian atomic functions are discussed in view of future developments.
Influence of sequential solvation on metal-to-ligand charge transfer in bis(2,2′,2″-terpyridyl)iron(II) clustered with dimethyl sulfoxide

The first direct measurements of the contributions of individual solvent molecules to solvent reorganization associated with photoinitiated charge transfer in a coordination complex are reported fo...
Effects of microstructure on fracture toughness of high strength alloys

Abstract This brief and cursory discussion attempts to point out the more important microstructural factors, which may be expected to affect the toughness of high strength alloys, in which fracture occurs by void nucleation and coalescence. It is apparent from this discussion that a number of these microstructural factors need more extensive quantitative study. Perhaps the two most important at the present time are: in polyphase systems, the identification of the actual void nucleating panicles to determine if they can be eliminated without loss of strength; and the systematic investigation of particle-matrix interface strength and the factors which may influence it.
Neuroscience: plasticity and its limits.

How much can the adult brain compensate for injury to the senses of touch or vision, for example? The answer from the latest results on the visual system, involving damage to the retina, seems to be 'very little'.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous and intragastric cimetidine in horses. I. Effects of intravenous cimetidine on pharmacokinetics of intravenous phenylbutazone.

Cimetidine was administered intravenously and by the intragastric route to six mares at a dose of 4.0 mg/kg of body weight (bw). Specific and sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic methods for the determination of cimetidine in horse plasma and urine and cimetidine sulfoxide in urine are described. Plasma cimetidine concentration vs. time data were analysed by non-linear least squares regression analysis to determine pharmacokinetic parameter estimates. The median (range) plasma clearance (Cl) was 8.20 (4.96-10.2) mL/min.kg of body weight, that of the steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss) was 0.771 (0.521-1.15) L/kg bw, and that of the terminal elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) was 92.4 (70.6-125) minutes. The median (range) renal clearance of cimetidine was 4.08 (2.19-6.23) mL/min.kg bw or 55.4 (36.3-81.8)% of the corresponding plasma clearance. Cimetidine sulfoxide was excreted in urine and its urinary excretion through 8 h accounted for 12.0 (9.8-16.6)% of the plasma clearance of cimetidine. The median (range) extent of intragastric bioavailability was 14.4 (6.82-21.8)% and the maximum plasma concentration after intragastric administration was 0.31 (0.24-0.50) microgram/mL. Intravenous cimetidine had no effect on the disposition of intravenous phenylbutazone or its metabolites except that the maximum plasma concentration of gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone was less after cimetidine treatment.
Perturbative QCD calculations of heavy meson exclusive decays

Abstract We entertain the idea that decays of heavy mesons are perturbatively calculable. In the present study we confine our attention to decays of the B 0 into two charged pseudoscalars (and the corresponding B + decays), and to decays that are leading order in CKM factors, namely B 0 → D − D s + and D − π + , plus the B 0 → π − π + . We note that if the mass of the heavy quark is less than the mass of the heavy meson, then in general the decay amplitude can have an imaginary part. We also note that factorable graphs dominate non-factorable graphs more because of dynamical factors than color factors. Using a peaking approximation for the longitudinal momentum distribution of quarks in a heavy meson, and for plausible values of the parameters, we show that the perturbative calculation of the D − D s + and D − π + decays accords with experiment. For the π − π + decay, the imaginary part of the amplitude is large enough so that the calculated rate is near to values obtained by “non-perturbative” models. Regarding the form factors ƒ ± (q 2 ) of the B 0 → D − current, we show that while ƒ + has a monopole form and ƒ − a dipole form asymptotically, both may be best represented by dipole forms in the momentum transfer range relevant to B 0 decay.
The impact of abuse allegations in perceiving parricide in the courtroom

One hundred and seventy five undergraduates (105 females) read a fictional criminal trial summary of a parricide case in which the juvenile defendant alleged sexual abuse or physical abuse or did not allege abuse. An allegation of either type of abuse led to a greater likelihood of a manslaughter conviction than a murder conviction and greater pro-child ratings (e.g., sympathy toward the defendant) compared to no abuse allegations. Specific evaluations of the defendant mediated the verdict results. In addition, there was no support for the claim that perceptions are more heinous for sexual abuse than physical abuse allegations and only limited support that perceptions for this type of case result in women being more pro-child defendant than men. The discussion focuses on how abuse allegations impact jurors' decision-making processes in parricide cases.
Out-of-home placement of children and adolescents with severe handicaps: Behavioral intentions and behavior☆

This study tracked the thoughts and actions regarding out-of-home placement in 100 families who had a child or early adolescent with severe handicaps. Parents' behavioral intentions regarding out-of-home placement were assessed using a single item measure of placement tendency (The Placement Tendency Index) four times over a total period of approximately 6 years. Statistical models used to predict time until placement indicated that the Placement Tendency Index had modest predictive capacity in the long run, but increased predictive utility over shorter periods. Closer examination of the movement of scores from one wave of data collection to the next revealed three patterns, indicating variability in the speed and direction with which parents move along the scale.
EFFECTS OF ETHOXYQUIN ON AFLATOXIN–PRODUCING STRAINS OF Aspergillus parasiticus AND A. flavus

Seven isolates of A. parasiticus and A. flavus were grown for 10 days on a semi-synthetic medium containing 25–150 ppm ethoxquin antioxidant. In isolates producing B and G toxins, aflatoxin B levels increased 5–12 times over that of controls while G toxins decreased 32–97%. The increase in B toxins was not concentration-dependent, but the decrease in G toxins was. In isolates of A. flavus and A. parasiticus producing only B toxins, aflatoxin levels were depressed or remained unchanged. The effect of 100 ppm ethoxyquin on 15 isolates of A. parasiticus and A. flavus, including some altered in aflatoxin-producing capability by mutation, was examined. Among wild-type isolates of A. parasiticus G1 decreased 90% and G2, was completely inhibited; B1 increased 67–1100% and B2 increased 100–300%. Toxin synthesis was decreased 66–95% among wild-types and mutants of A. flavus and A. parasiticus producing only B toxins. Ethoxquin apparently had little or no effect on mutants which consistently produce very low levels of the aflatoxins. The results indicate that the use of ethoxyquin as a feed additive may aggravate potential mycotoxin hazards in contaminated feedstuffs.
Effect of rad50 mutation on illegitimate recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genes in the RAD52 epistasis group are involved in repairing DNA double-stranded breaks via homologous recombination. We have previously shown that RAD50 is involved in mitotic nonhomologous integration but not in homologous integration. However, the role of Rad50 in nonhomologous integration has not previously been examined. In the current work, we report that the rad50∆ mutation caused a tenfold decrease in the frequency of nonhomologous integration with the majority of nonhomologous integrants showing an unstable Ura(+) phenotype. Sequencing analysis of the integration target sites showed that integration events of both ends of the integrating vector in the rad50∆ mutant occurred at different chromosomal locations, resulting in large deletions or translocations on the genomic insertion sites. Interestingly, 47% of events in the rad50∆ mutant were integrated into repetitive sequences including rDNA locus, telomeres and Ty elements and 27% of events were integrated into non-repetitive sequences as compared to 11% of events integrated into rDNA and 70% into non-repetitive sequences in the wild-type cells. These results showed that deletion of RAD50 significantly changes the distribution of different classes of integration events, suggesting that Rad50 is required for nonhomologous integration at non-repetitive sequences more so than at repetitive ones. Furthermore, Southern analysis indicated that half of the events contained deletions at one or at both ends of the integrating DNA fragment, suggesting that Rad50 might have a role in protecting free ends of double-strand breaks. In contrast to the rad50∆ mutant, the rad50S mutant (separation of function allele) slightly increases the frequency of nonhomologous integration but the distribution of integration events is similar to that of wild-type cells with the majority of events integrated into a chromosomal locus. Our results suggest that deletion of RAD50 may block the major pathway of nonhomologous integration into a non-repetitive chromosomal locus and Rad50 may be involved in tethering two ends of the integrating DNA into close proximity that facilitates nonhomologous integration of both ends into a single chromosomal locus.
Outcomes analysis of daptomycin use in a community hospital.

This study was conducted to assess clinical and cost outcomes associated with the use of daptomycin. This objective was addressed through a consecutive patient chart review of the first 50 inpatients treated with daptomycin. Type of infection, identity of isolated pathogens, prior therapy, duration of therapy, length of hospitalization, cost of antibiotics, adverse events, and outcomes were evaluated. The analysis showed that mean patient age was 64 y, and mean length of hospitalization was 9.2 d. A total of 62% of patients had confirmed methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus infection. The mean duration of daptomycin therapy was 7.5 d; however, in patients given treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections, the mean duration of therapy was 6.1 d (n=15) and 7.1 d (n=16) for first- and second-line daptomycin therapy, respectively. The average course of daptomycin cost $727 (n=38) and $390 (n=11), respectively, in the subset of patients with renal insufficiency. In patients who did not respond to prior antibiotic treatment for a Gram-positive bacterial infection (n=26), the mean duration of prior therapy with antibiotics was 6.0 d and the cost was $287. For patients who were transitioned to outpatient daptomycin therapy (n=14), hospital charges were reduced by an estimated $102,340. In 48 patients (96%), infection was resolved with daptomycin therapy. Daptomycin was effective in resolving Grampositive infection in this aged patient population. Earlier identification of antibiotic failure, first-line use of daptomycin in patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections, and outpatient daptomycin therapy provided cost savings and improved clinical outcomes at this facility.
Commercial “Rose of Cedar” Oil, the Wood Oil of Port Orford Cedar, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murray) Parl. (Cupressaceae)

Abstract The essential oil of the wood of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, collected in Coos Co., Oregon and examined by GC/MS, is dominated by 14.33±5.80% α-terpineol.
Free software, economic 'realities', and information justice

Free and open source software (FOSS) is taking an increasingly significant role in our software infrastructure. Yet many questions still exist about whether a software economy based on FOSS would be viable. We argue that contemporary trends definitively demonstrate this viability. Claiming that an economy must be evaluated as much by the ends it brings about as by its size or vigor, we draw on widely accepted notions of redistributive justice to show the ethical superiority of a software economy based on FOSS.
The Status of Pulmonary Host Defense in the Neonatal Sheep: Cellular and Humoral Aspects

In consideration of the sheep neonate as a compromised host, we have examined the status of cellular and humoral pulmonary host defense components at selected developmental time points. The dynamic character of the early neonatal LFC population, reflected in changes in subpopulations and proliferative capacity, most probably contributed to the observed changes in in vitro cell function. While certain cell responses, e.g., blood and LFC PMN chemotaxis, appeared intact by day 1, others developed subsequently. The ability of AMs to elaborate a chemotactic factor(s) was first noted at day 21. Bacteria binding and killing presented a biphasic maturation pattern, with full competence not present until day 180. Although the in vitro binding and killing activity of day 8 LFCs was comparable to that of the adult, it may be a poor indicator of in vivo host defense capacity, given the relative paucity of endogenous opsonins at that age. In fact, the interdependence of mediators suggests that the sheep neonate may remain a compromised host during the first 3 months of life. Thereafter, cellular and humoral parameters begin to approximate those of adult sheep and by 180 days of life pulmonary defense, as assessed in this study, is fully developed.
Change in auditory asymmetry with amobarbital: Evidence of cerebral pharmacological asymmetry?

Eleven right-handed subjects were administered a dichotic listening test to assess cerebral hemispheric dominance, both under a drug-free condition and following systemic injection of the barbiturate, amobarbital. The finding of increased right ear advantage during the drug period reflects increased left cerebral dominance, and suggests that amobarbital may have an asymmetric, pharmacological effect on the two cerebral hemispheres.
Stereoselective synthesis of chiral IBR2 analogues.

Two stereoselective routes were developed to synthesize optically pure IBR2 analogues 1−16. The first features addition of N-Boc-3-bromoindole 26 to the sulfinamide 25, providing a 1:1 ratio of the separable diasteroisomers 27 and 28 in good yield. In a straightforward fashion, the sulfinamides 27 and 28 were conveniently converted into the key amines 39 and 47 over 8 steps, respectively, from which a series of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolinyl IBR2 analogues 1−14 containing fluorinated and trifluoromethylated benzyl groups were prepared. Another route highlights the highly enantioselective addition of indole to the sulfonyl amide 50 with bifunctional aminothioureas 57 and 58 as catalysts. After the reaction conditions were optimized, the desired sulfonyl amides (R)-55 and (S)-55 were obtained in 99% ee and 98% ee, respectively. Acylation of (R)-55 and (S)-55 separately and subsequent allylation gave compounds 60 and 63, respectively, which were further subjected to RCM to furnish compounds 61 and 64 and, after re...
Efficient algorithm for computing the time-resolved full-sky cross power in an interferometer with omnidirectional elements

We derive both time- and frequency-domain algorithms for the fast, approximate, numeric evaluation of the cross-correlation integral that appears in a variety of imaging applications. These algorithms possess a number of useful features. Their operation counts are linear in the amount (duration) of data to be processed, which allows them to be run quickly on small amounts of data, thereby allowing one to resolve time dependence in the sources being imaged. The algorithms also provide means by which to systematically increase or decrease their accuracy for increases and decreases in speed, respectively; that is to say, one can choose to obtain the result to lower accuracy and thereby obtain the result more quickly or with more modest computer requirements. The frequency-domain implementation is particularly fast and, on a 32-bit 1.8 GHz Pentium-M computer, has demonstrated the ability to synthesize full-sky cross-power images for a single baseline up to harmonic order 19, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 26 dB, at speeds of over 800 k sample/s.
Turbulent image reconstruction from a superposition model

Abstract Imagery through random atmospheric turbulence is modelled as a stochastic superposition process. By this model, each short-exposure spread function is a superposition of randomly weighted and displaced versions of (ideally) one intensity profile, e.g. an Airy disc. In principle, this allows an object scene to be reconstructed from but two short-exposure images, and without the need for a point reference source in the field. A computational approach has been found implementing the reconstruction of simple objects. Some computer-simulated demonstrations of the approach are given. Generalization of the approach to more complex objects is currently under development.
Factors influencing long-term pessary use: reply by the authors

Dear Editor, The publication in April 2010 by Matsubara et al. [1] showed a case series of patients who had complete uterine prolapse and were fitted with ring pessaries. The prolapse in these patients remained resolved even after the pessary removal. Our publication from January 2010 was cited in a subsequent letter to the editor by Matsubara et al. showing the importance of long-term follow-up and identifying factors contributing to successful pessary usage for over 1 year. We studied 150 women with pelvic organ prolapse using a pessary for over 1 year [2]. Of these 150 women, 115 (77%) continued using pessaries after 1 year and the remaining 35 (23%) discontinued usage. The reason for discontinuation was surgery in 25 women and pessary removal without further treatment in the other 10 women. Matsubara et al. wondered whether these 10 patients with pessary removal continued to have prolapse or whether the pessary management was discontinued because the prolapse disappeared or improved. These 10 women discontinued their pessary usage for various reasons: because of ulcerations, discomfort, or annoyance with their pessaries. Though some did show improvement of their prolapse symptoms after removal, we were unable to quantify this. The 12 gynecologists who had managed these 150 women did not all report complete POPQ examinations upon discontinuation of pessary usage. Our team agrees that a prospective longitudinal study should be performed to determine whether pessary usage can improve prolapse even after discontinuation. Our retrospective chart review did not have an adequate sample size to support or negate Matsubara et al.’s assertion that pessary use may be not only symptomatic relief but also, in some patients, a therapeutic option for uterine prolapse.
An Investigation of Solvent-Mediated Polymorphic Transformation of Progesterone Using in Situ Raman Spectroscopy

Many analytical techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Raman spectroscopy can be used to differentiate between crystalline polymorphs of the same chemical entity. While all of these techniques are routinely applied to off-line analysis of materials, Raman spectroscopy has the advantage over these other techniques in that Raman technology currently exists for in situ monitoring of the solid-phase behavior within a mixed suspension of liquid and solid. In this work, we present our results from an in situ Raman study, demonstrating the solvent-mediated polymorphic phase transformation of progesterone. In situ Raman analysis has shown that the appearance of Form I progesterone is always preceded by the formation of Form II progesterone. Phase transformation rates were found to increase monotonically as the temperature increases, which indicates that the polymorphic system is monotropic. Form I was found to be thermodynamically more ...