cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Antibodies Against JC Virus in Patients With Refractory Crohn's Disease and Effects of Natalizumab Therapy.

Background & Aims Natalizumab, a humanized antibody against the α4 integrin subunit, effectively induces and maintains remission in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) refractory to conventional treatments. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare but fatal brain infection caused by John Cunningham (JC) virus and has been associated with natalizumab use. We assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for antibodies to JC virus in serum of patients with refractory CD who were candidates for, or already were receiving, natalizumab. We also assessed the effects of natalizumab treatment of these patients. Methods In a retrospective study, we analyzed clinical charts from 191 patients with CD (74 males; mean age, 38.7 y; mean duration of disease, 14.9 y) tested for serum JC virus antibody from December 2012 through May 2014 at 2 medical centers in the United States. We calculated JC virus antibody prevalence and compared the characteristics of patients who tested negative vs those who tested positive, to identify risk factors. We also assessed the rate of subsequent natalizumab use, surgery, and seroconversion during natalizumab therapy. Results A total of 129 of the patients (67.5%) tested positive for serum JC virus antibody. Multivariate analysis showed that past use of thiopurine was a risk factor for testing positive for JC virus antibody (odds ratio, 7.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.0−30.4; P = .003). Twenty-two of the patients who tested negative for JC virus antibody (35.5%) and 16 of the 129 patients who tested positive (12.4%) had been treated with natalizumab. Cox regression analysis determined that natalizumab use was the only factor associated with avoiding subsequent surgery (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.06−0.98). Seroconversion (from testing negative to positive for JC virus antibody) occurred in 1 of the 22 patients (4.5%) who initially tested negative during natalizumab therapy. Conclusions The prevalence of CD patients exposed to JC virus is comparable with that of the general population. In this retrospective study, prior thiopurine use was associated with an increased risk for testing positive for JC virus antibody. Natalizumab use reduced the risk of subsequent surgery.
Optical Properties of Phthalocyanine and Naphthalocyanine Compounds

Phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanins, and their derivatives are frequently used as light modulating materials. These compounds, with their stable planar square structure and highly delocalized π-electron system, are being used in numerous technological applications, such as pigments in chemical sensors, and more recently as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. The nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of these compounds are of particular importance. Using density functional method (DFT), we calculated the optical properties of phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine complexes with Si as a central atom. We examined the effect of hydrophilic axial substituents and the size of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons surrounding the porphyrazine-Si kernel on the optical properties of title molecules. Both UV-vis and RSA spectra are calculated and are compared with available experimental results. The time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) with the B3LYP functional predicts that the characteristic UV-vis absorption maxima are blue-shifted; however, the relative error is almost constant for phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine compounds. The TDDFT triplet-triplet absorption spectra of Si-phthalocyanine and Si-naphthalocyanine complexes reproduce experimental data well.
Revisiting the Micro and Small Enterprise Sector in Kenya

The purpose of this article is to review the state of the literature on the Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) sector in Kenya to examine how entrepreneurs affect economic growth and development. First, it provides a brief assessment of Kenya’s development prospects in the 21st century. Second, it interrogates the literature with regard to some of the theoretical and empirical studies performed on the microenterprise sector in the global south on a general level, and in Kenya, from 1970–2009. Third, it discusses the important role of women in economic development and entrepreneurship.
Effects of systemic infusions of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1 on glucose metabolism in the rat: Relationship to endogenous glucose production and peripheral tissue glucose uptake

This study was performed to characterize and compare the actions of insulin on hepatic glucose production and peripheral glucose utilization during infusions of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and a combination of IL-1 and TNF in the rat. The euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was combined with a primed-constant tracer infusion of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-purified 3H-3-glucose for estimation of whole-body glucose appearance and utilization rates; 14C-deoxyglucose (14C-DG) uptake was also measured in specific tissues following intravenous bolus administration. As expected, acute endotoxemia resulted in a significant reduction of glucose infusion during the clamp procedure (insulin concentration, 100 microU/mL), suggesting decreased insulin action. Similarly, infusion of TNF decreased the rate of glucose infusion necessary to maintain euglycemia. However, differences between endotoxin- and cytokine-treated rats were noted in whole-body glucose appearance (or disappearance) rates. Whereas endotoxin infusion predominantly decreased whole-body glucose uptake, suggesting diminished utilization in skeletal muscles, cytokine infusions were associated with a measurable hepatic glucose output despite hyperinsulinemia. In contrast, both cytokine and endotoxin administration decreased the rate of 14C-DG uptake by muscle tissue. These results demonstrate that TNF, IL-1, and endotoxin can induce a state of insulin resistance when infused continuously; the results also emphasize the complexity of regulation of glucose homeostasis during infection and sepsis.
Constructing positive futures: Modeling the relationship between adolescents’ hopeful future expectations and intentional self regulation in predicting positive youth development

Abstract Intentional self regulation and hopeful expectations for the future are theoretically-related constructs shown to lead to positive youth development (PYD). However, the nature of their relationship over time has not been tested. Therefore, this study explored the associations between hopeful future expectations and intentional self regulation in predicting positive developmental outcomes. Participants were in Grades 7, 8, and 9 of the 4-H Study of PYD (N = 1311), a longitudinal study involving U.S. adolescents. A cross-lagged panel analysis using Structural Equation Modeling assessed the relations among hopeful future expectations and intentional self regulation across time in predicting PYD. Results indicated that earlier hopeful expectations for the future may be influential for later intentional self-regulation abilities, although both constructs were strong predictors of PYD in middle adolescence. We discuss implications for research and practice of hopeful expectations in adolescents’ constructions of their positive futures.
Response to: “Comments on ‘Ideal Behavior of Water Solutions of Strong Electrolytes and Non-electrolytes at High Concentrations’ by A.A. Zavitsas {Journal of Solution Chemistry 39, 301–317 (2010)}” by A. Apelblat

Apelblat and I agree that “non-ideality is often reduced to deviations from Raoult’s law.” He also agrees that my treatment of the experimental data produces results consistent with Raoult’s Law and “fulfills the purpose very satisfactorily.” He also states “However, if the activity coefficient γ1(x1) is identically equal to unity for any x1, this does not mean that the system is thermodynamically ‘ideal’ but only indicates the possibility of compensation between the enthalpy and entropy terms as often is observed in organic mixtures.” Granting that such fortuitous, but exact, compensation is conceivable so that the activity of water is equal to unity over wide ranges of concentration, one has to consider the probability that such fortuitous exact compensation occurs with every single one of the numerous cases I have treated. It would seem unlikely that such lucky coincidence would occur in every single case. Referring to organic mixtures that can show such compensation occasionally is not relevant to solutions of table salt in water. I certainly agree with Apelblat that “the hydration number is a rather inadequately defined quantity.” This is why very different hydration numbers are obtained by different techniques, e.g., diffraction studies (neutron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, EXAFS, etc.), dielectric relaxation, diffusion coefficients, electrostriction, spectroscopic measurements (IR, NMR), colligative properties, molecular dynamics simulations, ion-water gas-phase clusters, etc. This is emphasized in my article. To avoid confusion, I felt it appropriate to give HT some kind of a different name. I gave it the designation “thermodynamic hydration number” not to indicate that it is “more worthy and certain” than other hydration numbers, but because HT values agree remarkably well with the number of water molecules adhering to the solute by binding energies greater than about 56 kJ·mol−1. There was no attempt on my part to imply that HT is better than “hydration numbers” reported by others, as Apelblat seems to suggest. Apelblat asserts that it would be “strange” if we start calling hydration numbers “ ‘ultrasound’ hydration number” or “ ‘spectroscopic’ hydration number”, etc. Doing
Large-scale traction-produced structures in deep-water fan-channel conglomerates in southern Chile

The Lago Sofia conglomerate lenses in the Upper Cretaceous Cerro Toro Formation of southern Chile represent a channel-levee facies on a north-to-south-oriented deep-sea fan that formed between the rising cordillera to the west and the South American craton to the east. The enclosing Cerro Toro flysch represents overbank and pelagic deposits. Most of the conglomerates have features developed by tractive transport; they are moderately well sorted, imbricated, and have both horizontal and inclined internal stratification. Large-scale dunes up to 4 m high are present. Fabrics and bedding styles considered typical of gravity flows are less common. Features produced by traction transport apparently were developed in the gravel by rolling, sliding, and saltation as the bedload component of highly turbulent, probably low-density, turbidity currents flowing in a confined channel.
Facilitating effective radiation safety workshops: adult learning theories.

One of the primary responsibilities of radiation safety officers and staff is to maintain a continuing learning environment for their businesses and institutions. In the current business climate, there continues to be a trend for shorter and shorter training classes for regulatory-required radiation safety training. The workshop has often been utilized to assist in providing information, required training, awareness issues, as well as a forum for question and answer periods in a shorter (e.g., 1-4 h) format. In an effort to facilitate more effective workshops, a literature review of basic adult learning theories and research was performed. This review identified four adult learning inquiry areas that encompass various assumptions, theories, processes, and practical approaches as well as research areas. Each of these areas of inquiry is discussed, compared, contrasted, and summarized. From this evaluation, key principles related to educating adults in a workshop environment are identified. This collection of concepts can be considered and practically applied when developing radiation safety learning workshops. Health Phys.
We Could Have Done a Better Job: A Qualitative Study of Medical Student Reflections on Safe Hospital Discharge

Because safe transitions of care are critical to patient safety, it is important to prepare physician trainees to assist in patient transitions from the hospital. As part of a discharge skills workshop for medical students, a brief reflective exercise was used to understand student perceptions of discharge problems and encourage application of classroom learning. Written reflections completed before and after the workshop were analyzed qualitatively to identify barriers to discharge observed on clinical clerkships and evaluate how the discharge skills workshop influenced student understanding of safe discharges. Students also completed a quantitative evaluation of the workshop. Seventy-eight of the 96 students (81%) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who participated in the discharge skills workshop volunteered to submit their written reflections. Eighteen themes were identified within two domains (barriers to safe discharges and solutions to improve discharges). The most commonly cited barrier was the sense that the discharge was rushed or premature. Three of the barrier themes and six of the solution themes were related to the importance of communication and collaboration in safe discharges. Students reported that the reflective exercise personalized the learning experience (mean 3.27 ± 0.86 on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 4 (a lot)). Students observed barriers to safe discharges on their clerkships related to poor communication, insufficient time spent planning discharges, and lack of patient education. Brief reflection encouraged students to apply lessons learned in a didactic session to consider solutions for providing safer patient care.
Automated multiscale elastic image registration using correlation

We present an automatic, multi-resolution correlation based approach for elastic image registration. The technique presented assumes no a priori information (such as landmarks or segmentation), which makes it suitable for a wide class of image registration tasks. We also present preliminary results of the technique on a variety of images.
Radiation of the land snail genus Sagda (Pulmonata: Sagdidae): comparative morphology, biogeography and ecology of the species of north‐central Jamaica

The radiation of the endemic Jamaican land snail genus Sagda is examined through analysis of the comparative shell morphology, anatomy, ecology and biogeography of the four species inhabiting north-central Jamaica: S. centralissp. nov., S. spei, S. bondi and S. montegoensis. The species are all rather similar in their morphology and ecology. The shells show some differences in the presence or absence of internal lamellae, the position of the lamellae, the form of the depression in the centre of the base, the regularity of sculpture (low ribs) and the pattern of microsculpture. Slight differences in the form of the radular teeth are found between some species. The structure of the secondary ureter is peculiar: in all species it is open shortly behind the mantle collar, then branches into two closed tubes which open separately on the outside of the mantle collar. Despite its great complexity, the reproductive system is rather uniform among species; differences are seen in the number of pockets that form spines on the spermatophore. The complex, three-branched spermatophore is formed within the entire epiphallar branch of the penis, whereas the appendicular branch apparently assumes the copulatory function. When inactive, all species are found associated with rocks or, less commonly, among leaf litter. Activity occurs primarily at night and mostly on leaf litter rather than rocks. The snails eat dead plant material, including a variety of plant species. All species (with the possible exception of S. montegoensis) are ovoviviparous. They overlap broadly in the range of climates occupied. The geographic ranges of the four species are overlapping, although Sagda bondi has a parapatric distribution in relation to the western species S. grandis. Fossil and subfossil evidence shows that shifts in the ranges of the species have occurred in the late Quaternary; Pleistocene-Holocene environmental changes, habitat destruction by man, and possibly other environmental changes during historical times are probably involved. Radiations of other land snail groups on tropical islands have generally produced greater morphological and ecological differentiation than in Sagda. Allopatric or parapatric species distributions appear to be more common in other land snail radiations.
Thermal modification of partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Purpose: Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common, representing 10% to 28% of all ACL tears. Untreated partial tears of the ACL may go on to complete rupture in up to 42% of cases, and as few as 30% of patients return to their preinjury activity level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal modification for the treatment of partial tears of the ACL. Type of Study: A prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. Methods: Thirteen patients with a partial tear of a native ACL were treated with thermal modification of the ACL. All patients had a preoperative office examination significant for an end-point to Lachman examination and pivot-glide. All patients had bilateral preoperative KT-1000 measurements. All tears were confirmed by arthroscopy to constitute a 50% or less loss of structural integrity of the ligament. The ACL underwent thermal modification using the Oratec thermal probe (Oratec Interventions, Menlo Park, CA), and was examined by intraoperative KT-1000 testing. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months by office examination and functional outcome scoring. Results: KT-1000 arthrometer testing revealed a mean side-to-side difference of 4.35 mm preoperatively (SD = 1.1 mm). At the most recent follow-up, averaging 23 months (range, 18 to 28 monts), 10 patients had a negative Lachman examination and no pivot-shift. Two patients had persistent grade II Lachman and complaints of giving way 3 months postoperative. Both patients underwent ACL reconstruction. One patient was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 10 patients, all patients achieved full extension, and the average flexion range of motion was 131° (SD = 5.6). Compared with the preoperative KT-1000 arthrometer testing, the most recent evaluation revealed a decrease in mean side-to-side difference to 1.9 mm (SD = 1.5 mm). At most recent follow-up, the mean Lysholm score was 96.3 (SD = 4.4), the mean Tegner score was 6.1 (SD = 1.2), and the mean Cincinnati score was 94 (SD = 3.0). Conclusions: With cautious application, thermal modification may be a viable treatment option for partial tears of the ACL in a select subset of patients. Further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Case Series Study (no or historical control group).
An efficient hybrid UTD-CSB-VWF approach for the analysis of large reflector antennas

A relatively efficient and accurate hybrid analysis for predicting the radiation patterns of large reflector antennas illuminated by realistic feeds is developed in this paper. The problem is decomposed into three main parts. First, the measured radiation pattern of the feed with the reflector absent is represented in terms of a spherical vector wave function expansion. The latter expansion directly provides the equivalent sources on the smallest mathematical spherical surface that encapsulates the feed; these equivalent sources generate the same fields external to the encapsulated sphere (with the feed absent) as those produced by the original feed. Secondly, an analytic continuation of the encapsulating sphere into complex coordinate space allows the fields generated by the equivalent sources on the complex sphere to be represented by a discrete sum of complex source beams which then illuminate the reflector. Finally it is possible to use an analytic continuation of the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for calculating the reflection and diffraction of each complex source beam by the reflector surface and its edge, respectively, after the latter are continued into complex space. Most importantly, the reflection and diffraction of only a few complex source beams contribute to the reflector radiation pattern in any given direction thereby making the method highly efficient as well as more accurate when compared to the conventional numerical physical optics integration over the large reflector surface. Examples will be presented to illustrate the concept of this hybrid approach.
Signal Integrity Analysis of High-Speed Interconnects by Using Nonconformal Domain Decomposition Method

3-D interconnect techniques in multilayer very large scale integration design, such as stacked layers and various chip-stacking systems, have paved the way for the improvement of integrated circuit density and operation speed. However, these techniques often accompany with impedance discontinuities that induce signal integrity (SI)/power integrity and electromagnetic interference effects. Consequently, SI analysis serves as one of the key guidelines of chip-package-board design in deep submicrometer technology. However, full-wave numerical analysis of 3-D high-speed and high-density interconnects is also considered to be a great challenge. In this paper, a nonconformal domain decomposition method with second-order transmission condition for SI analysis of high-speed interconnects on a multiscale multilayer printed circuit board is presented. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method are first witnessed by modeling a six-layer two-trace differential pair. Then we study a 14-layer 16-trace interconnect model to demonstrate the efficiency of the method. Eye diagrams of the two models are also presented in the time-domain SI analysis.
Deriving a probabilistic syntacto-semantic grammar for biomedicine based on domain-specific terminologies

Biomedical natural language processing (BioNLP) is a useful technique that unlocks valuable information stored in textual data for practice and/or research. Syntactic parsing is a critical component of BioNLP applications that rely on correctly determining the sentence and phrase structure of free text. In addition to dealing with the vast amount of domain-specific terms, a robust biomedical parser needs to model the semantic grammar to obtain viable syntactic structures. With either a rule-based or corpus-based approach, the grammar engineering process requires substantial time and knowledge from experts, and does not always yield a semantically transferable grammar. To reduce the human effort and to promote semantic transferability, we propose an automated method for deriving a probabilistic grammar based on a training corpus consisting of concept strings and semantic classes from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), a comprehensive terminology resource widely used by the community. The grammar is designed to specify noun phrases only due to the nominal nature of the majority of biomedical terminological concepts. Evaluated on manually parsed clinical notes, the derived grammar achieved a recall of 0.644, precision of 0.737, and average cross-bracketing of 0.61, which demonstrated better performance than a control grammar with the semantic information removed. Error analysis revealed shortcomings that could be addressed to improve performance. The results indicated the feasibility of an approach which automatically incorporates terminology semantics in the building of an operational grammar. Although the current performance of the unsupervised solution does not adequately replace manual engineering, we believe once the performance issues are addressed, it could serve as an aide in a semi-supervised solution.
Crystallographic and magnetic structure of Pr2Fe17N2.8

Abstract A neutron Rietveld refinement study of nitrided Pr2Fe17 at room temperature and at 4 K shows that the basic Th2Zn17 structure is maintained, with the N atoms occupying the interstitial 9e sites. Pr2Fe17N2.8 is rhombohedral, space group R3m, with a = 8.776(1) A , c = 12.649(2) A at 4 K and a = 8.794(1) A , c=12.668(2) A at 295 K. At both temperatures the easy magnetization direction is perpendicular to the c axis.
Nurturing Emergent Readers Through Readers Theater

Readers theater is a familiar literacy strategy for children who can read independently; however, it can also be used with younger children who have not yet developed independent reading skills. The purpose of this article is to adapt the concept of readers theater for use with emergent readers. It focuses first on defining readers theater and its many benefits, particularly in the areas of literacy development. Finally, it includes suggestions for successfully implementing a readers theater program with young children. Three-year-old Joey and his classmates love pigs and consider The Three Little Pigs folktale to be the height of suspense, action and drama. These children naturally extend the tale into their play by building houses where giggling ‘‘pigs’’ hide from a big bad wolf that can never quite blow the house down. Like children’s play, imagination drives drama. The world of the theater is a world of suspending our disbelief and pretending that we are in a place and time removed from reality. Imagination is also one of the hallmarks of childhood and it is this skill that drives the fantasies of young children like Joey. Drama holds both power and potential in early childhood programs because of its ability to harness a child’s well-honed imagination and use it to enhance learning. The children’s sociodramatic play with The Three Little Pigs required them to use problem solving and motor skills in building block houses, develop understandings of story structure in reenacting parts of the tale and provided opportunities to enter, retell and recreate the tale’s drama. Joey’s teacher further extended the children’s involvement with The Three Little Pigs through a modified version of readers theater. Readers theater is a type of drama that holds particular potential with young children because of its strong connections to literacy development and the ease with which it can be implemented. However, readers theater is underused with young children, in part because of the mistaken belief that only readers can participate. This article defines readers theater, focusing on how it can be used with emergent readers. It describes some of readers theater’s characteristics and the benefits that make it appropriate for the early childhood classroom and concludes with specific suggestions for implementation.
Classic squares and broadcast squares

Abstract Classic squares are a new class of Latin squares that are closely related to broadcast squares. Broadcast squares have practical application to implementing broadcast communication on a point-to-point network such that no processor must receive messages faster than it can process them. Algorithms for generating classic squares and for transforming them into broadcast squares are given.
Instructed learning in the auditory localization pathway of the barn owl

A bird sings and you turn to look at it a process so automatic it seems simple. But is it? Our ability to localize the source of a sound relies on complex neural computations that translate auditory localization cues into representations of space. In barn owls, the visual system is important in teaching the auditory system how to translate cues. This example of instructed plasticity is highly quantifiable and demonstrates mechanisms and principles of learning that may be used widely throughout the central nervous system.
Identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infections in mice via breath analysis using secondary electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (SESI-MS)

Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a serious health threat, causing an estimated 11 000 deaths per year in the United States. MRSA pneumonias account for 16% of invasive infections, and can be difficult to detect as the current state-of-the-art diagnostics require that bacterial DNA is recovered from the infection site. Because 60% of patients with invasive infections die within 7 d of culturing positive for MRSA, earlier detection of the pathogen may significantly reduce mortality. We aim to develop breath-based diagnostics that can detect Staphylococcal lung infections rapidly and non-invasively, and discriminate MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), in situ. Using a murine lung infection model, we have demonstrated that secondary electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (SESI-MS) breathprinting can be used to robustly identify isogenic strains of MRSA and MSSA in the lung 24 h after bacterial inoculation. Principal components analysis (PCA) separates MRSA and MSSA breathprints using only the first component (p < 0.001). The predominant separation in the PCA is driven by shared peaks, low-abundance peaks, and rare peaks, supporting the use of biomarker panels to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of breath-based diagnostics.
The first-integral method to study the Burgers?Korteweg?de Vries equation

In this paper, applying the theory of commutative algebra, we propose a new approach which we currently call the first-integral method to study the Burgers–Korteweg–de Vries equation.
DETERMINATION OF COMPONENT MOTIONS IN A MOTOR-OPERATED VALVE USING HOUSING VIBRATION☆

Abstract This paper is concerned with diagnosing the construction of motor operated valves (MOVs) based on their performance in previous runs. One part of the signature that reveals condition is valve travel, which is to be determined non-invasively. The technique described here is based on the determination of valve stem rotation through the analysis of gear meshing forces. These forces are, in turn, determined from the vibrations they produce in the MOV housing. These vibrations are interpreted as forces through inverse filtering of the received signals. The gear mesh force signals are, in turn, related to gear rotation through frequency demodulation. Experimental results from a laboratory set-up indicate that this procedure leads to acceptable estimates of shaft rotation and valve travel.
Concentration and grain size effects on thermal migration of silver in aluminum

Abstract Experiments have been performed to messure the heat of transport for thermal diffusion of silver in aluminum with the emphasis on examining the concentration dependence of this quantity and determining the effect of grain size on the measured value for a particular concentration. It was determined that δQ δInC = −0.62 kcal/mole from analysis of data for a 0.1 atom per cent alloy and a 2 atom per cent alloy. A grain size effect was found as evidenced by a larger heat of transport measured in single crystals for the 2 per cent alloy with no measurable effect in the 0.1 per cent alloy.
Large-scale regional variation in cooperation and conflict among queens of the desert ant Messor pergandei

To determine the extent and geographical distribution of alternative social systems in the desert ant Messor pergandei, we conducted a large-scale study within the species' range in the United States. We found that that queen social behaviours are extraordinarily diverse, resulting in three distinct colony social systems distributed in different geographical regions. Experiments show that these differences arise from variation in queen behaviours at two distinct times in the colony life cycle, and are likely to result from underlying genetic differences between regions. Results from our population genetics analyses and the biogeography of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts suggest that the different queen social behaviours may have evolved in previously isolated populations, with their current distributions explained in part by subsequent range expansions rather than local adaptation in situ. However, regions with alternative social forms currently meet in contact zones where gene flow and natural selection on alternative social systems should occur. The degree of geographical variation in social behaviours exhibited by M. pergandei results in an opportunity to study the role that gene flow, local adaptation, genetic drift and past history can play in the evolution of behaviour.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Changes in body temperature rhythms of infected New Zealand albino rabbits

Abstract It has been shown by telemetry that uninfected New Zealand Albino rabbits exhibit a diurnal rhythm in body temperature. The maximum temperature occurred just before or during the dark period, and the lowest temperature during the light period. Preliminary data also suggested that there is a diurnal rhythm in water consumption, fecal and urine output. After these rabbits were infected with the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense , body temperature was significantly decreased. The diurnal rhythm in body temperature was maintained; however, the period of maximum temperature shifted from the dark into the light. Although the evidence is very preliminary, it is also suggested that the diurnal rhythms in water uptake, fecal and urine output were also maintained. Finally, the shift in the high and low time points of the daily body temperature curve during infection were reversed after chemotherapy, and the original (uninfected) curved restored.
ABL fusion oncogene transformation and inhibitor sensitivity are mediated by the cellular regulator RIN1

ABL gene translocations create constitutively active tyrosine kinases that are causative in chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia and other hematopoietic malignancies. Consistent retention of ABL SH3/SH2 autoinhibitory domains, however, suggests that these leukemogenic tyrosine kinase fusion proteins remain subject to regulation. We resolve this paradox, demonstrating that BCR-ABL1 kinase activity is regulated by RIN1, an ABL SH3/SH2 binding protein. BCR-ABL1 activity was increased by RIN1 overexpression and decreased by RIN1 silencing. Moreover, Rin1(-/-) bone marrow cells were not transformed by BCR-ABL1, ETV6-ABL1 or BCR-ABL1(T315I), a patient-derived drug-resistant mutant, as judged by growth factor independence. Rescue by ectopic RIN1 verified a cell autonomous mechanism of collaboration with BCR-ABL1 during transformation. Sensitivity to the ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib was increased by RIN1 silencing, consistent with RIN1 stabilization of an activated BCR-ABL1 conformation having reduced drug affinity. The dependence on activation by RIN1 to unleash full catalytic and cell transformation potential reveals a previously unknown vulnerability that could be exploited for treatment of leukemic cases driven by ABL translocations. The findings suggest that RIN1 targeting could be efficacious for imatinib-resistant disease and might complement ABL kinase inhibitors in first-line therapy.
Use of a single compartment LCEC cell in the determinations of biogenic amine content and turnover.

Abstract Content and specific radioactivity of the biogenic monoamines and content of their precursors and metabolites were simultaneously determined in CNS tissue extracts with a high pressure liquid chromatography system (HPLC). The content of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, homovanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethyleneglycol and the turnover rate of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were measured in discrete rat brain regions using a one compartment electrochemical detector cell coupled to a C18-reverse phase HPLC column. The small fluid volume dead space of the cell allows the direct and precise collection of individual peaks for determining specific radioactivites. This method is especially suitable for central nervous system tissue samples from 8–20 mg wet weight and the sensitivity of the system in its routine configuration is approximately 2 pmol. This method for determinations of turnover is appropriate for investigations of animals in sensitive behavioral paradigms.
EEN KROON IN DE LONG

Uit de vergetelheid gerukt: Chevalier Jackson, de endoscopist die als eerste duizenden voorwerpen uit longen, luchtwegen, slokdarmenmaag verwijderde. door dr. Frank Heynick
Effect of Increased Substrate Availability on Fatty Acid Synthesis in the Growth Retarded Fetus

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased substrate (glucose) availability will enhance fatty acid synthesis in the growth retarded rat fetus. At 17 days of gestation, 19 time-dated pregnant rats had one uterine artery ligated, leading to growth retardation (IUGR) in the fetuses located on the uterine horn supplied by the ligated artery. The uterine artery of the opposite uterine horn was left untouched, resulting in appropriately grown fetuses, which served as controls. At 21 days of gestation the animals were infused with either 20% dextrose or 0.9% saline via a maternal jugular vein catheter for 4 hr. Fetal organ fatty acid synthesis was measured by maternal 3H2O injection. In the growth retarded saline infused fetus, specific activity for 3H (representing rate of fatty acid synthesis) was significantly lower in fetal liver, lung and carcass. Dextrose infusion resulted in increased fatty acid synthesis in both control and IUGR fetuses in all tissues cited above. The specific activity in glucose infused IUGR fetal organs equalled that of saline infused control fetuses. The data indicate that maternal glucose infusion resulted in an increased rate of fatty acid synthesis, in IUGR fetuses; consequently, the deficit in fatty acid synthesis in the IUGR fetus (compared to appropriately grown control fetuses) was abolished.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOME ENZYMES INVOLVED WITH PUTATIVE NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN THE HUMAN VISUAL SYSTEM

Summary Levels of protein and activity of several enzymes were determined in different portions of the visual system of the human brain. The enzymes studied were total cholinesterase (TChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), pseudocholinesterase (ChE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAc), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and N-methyltransferase (NMT). Brains of 17 patients were obtained at autopsy. The specimens were divided into 3 groups. One group consisted of the brains of subjects who were mentally normal prior to death. The second group of subjects had been diagnosed as chronic schizophrenics and the third had an organic brain syndrome. Each group included males and females. Subjects with an organic brain syndrome were significantly older than subjects in either of the other two groups. There were no significant differences in protein among the 3 groups for most of the visual areas. All enzyme activity was expressed per g of protein. TChE, AChE, and ChE activity varied markedly within the visual system, being usually lowest in the optic nerve and highest in the superior colliculus. There were no significant differences in TChE or AChE among the diagnostic groups. Unexpectedly, ChE was elevated in some brain areas in the chronic schizophrenic group. This finding needs further confirmation in a drug free group. ChAc did not differ significantly among the 3 diagnostic groups and, in general, was low throughout the visual system but highest in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate. MAO activity was not significantly different among the 3 patient groups. Its activity in the gray matter was only slightly higher than in the white matter of the visual system. NMT activity was extremely low (about 0.1% the activity of the other enzymes) throughout all areas studied and did not differ significantly between areas or diagnostic groups.
SPACE AND TIME IN S-MATRIX THEORY

Basic elements of a theory of measurements of space-time correlations are developed within the framework of a strictly mass-shell $S$-matrix theory. The "$i\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ rule" for the resolution of pole singularities is derived from a macroscopic mass-shell causality condition. The experimental and theoretical significance of form factors is discussed from the point of view of analytic $S$-matrix theory. They are defined as constructs of mass-shell functions, and the conditions under which they can be ascribed approximate experimental significance are examined. The possibility that asymptotic field theory is contained within analytic $S$-matrix theory is briefly discussed.
Two Types of Potassium Current in Rabbit Cultured Schwann Cells

Voltage-gated outward currents were studied in rabbit cultured Schwann cells with the 'whole-cell' configuration of the patch-clamp method. Four components of such currents were identified. The first, which was abolished by replacement of the external chloride ions by the large impermeant anion gluconate, was identified as a chloride current. The second and third were identified as potassium currents. One type of potassium current was reduced substantially by either 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or tetraethylammonium ion (TEA). Its sensitivity to blocking by 4-AP was highly voltage-dependent: the equilibrium dissociation constant (K) was threefold greater when measured at +10 mV than when measured at -40 mV (where it was about 80 microM). The second type of potassium current was relatively insensitive to 4-AP, but was blocked by TEA. The TEA sensitivity of the two types of potassium currents was similar and displayed no obvious voltage-dependence (K approximately 200 microM). The fourth component of current was not reduced by 4-AP or TEA at concentrations less than 10 mM. Whether or not this last component is a potassium current is unclear.
An Improved Pretreatment for Mineralogical Analysis of Samples Containing Organic Matter1

Organic matter removal is accomplished rapidly and efficiently without removing carbonates by treating samples with a sodium hypochlorite solution. Quantities of organic matter left in samples by this treatment are commonly less than remain after hydrogen peroxide treatment of acidified samples.
Correlation between microstructure and thermionic electron emission from Os-Ru thin films on dispenser cathodes

Osmium-ruthenium films with different microstructures were deposited onto dispenser cathodes and subjected to 1000 h of close-spaced diode testing. Tailored microstructures were achieved by applying substrate biasing during deposition, and these were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy before and after close-spaced diode testing. Knee temperatures determined from the close-spaced diode test data were used to evaluate cathode performance. Cathodes with a large {10-11} Os-Ru film texture possessed comparatively low knee temperatures. Furthermore, a low knee temperature correlated with a low effective work function as calculated from the close-spaced diode data. It is proposed that the formation of strong {10-11} texture is responsible for the superior performance of the cathode with a multilayered Os-Ru coating.
Human resource management in South Africa: A macro-economic audit

There should be no doubt in the minds of important economic decision-makers that the widely reported lack of international competitiveness of the South African economy must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Low levels of labour productivity are often listed as one of the major reasons for the lack of international competitiveness. This paper attempts to research the macro aspects of human resource management in South Africa as an essential element of the current debate on the level of competitiveness. The findings of the research clearly indicate a need for the formulation and implementation of a more effective and cohesive strategy on macro human resource management. Opsomming Daar is geen twyfel by belangrike ekonomiese besluitnemers dat die gebrek aan intemasionale mededingendheid van die Suid Afrikaanse ekonomie, gesien teen die agtergrond van die wye publisiteit wat dit tans geniet, dringend aandag moet ontvang. Lae produktiwiteitsvlakke word gewoonlik uitgewys as een van die vemaamste bydraende faktore tot die gebrek aan intemasionale mededingendheid. Die artikel poog om die stand van makro menslike hulpbronnebestuur as 'n vemame element van die huidige debat oor mededingendheid, na te vors. Die bevindinge van die navorsing toon bate duidelik 'n behoefte aan die formulering en implementering van 'n meer doelmatige en samehangende strategic vir makro menslike hulpbronnebestuur.
Volume regulation of cultured, transformed, non-pigmented epithelial cells from human ciliary body ☆

Abstract Electronic cell sizing has been used to measure the volume of cells suspended in isosmotic and in hyposmotic solutions of identical ionic composition. Without inhibitors, the cells displayed a regulatory volume decrease (RVD) following anisosmotic cell swelling with a time constant (τ) of 6·3±0·9 min (mean ± s.e. ). The RVD was markedly impaired by substituting gluconate for external Cl−, and τ was prolonged by: (i) reducing the chemical gradient favoring K+ loss (by elevating the external [K+] and blocking the Na, K-exchange pump), (ii) blocking the K+ channels with Ba2+, (iii) blocking Cl− channels and Cl − HCO 3 − exchange with DIDS, and (iv) removing external HCO 3 − . Withdrawing HCO 3 − may have altered the RVD either directly by inhibiting a Cl − HCO 3 − antiport, or indirectly by affecting intracellular pH. The regulatory volume response of ODM Cl-2/SV40 cells is in several respects qualitatively similar to that of non-pigmented epithelial cells of the intact ciliary body. These common characteristics suggest that the cultured cells can serve as a useful model for studying solute and fluid transport across the human ciliary epithelium. The basis for the RVD is likely to be activation of separate K+ and Cl− channels, with or without the parallel operation of coupled K+/H+ and Cl − HCO 3 − antiports.
One-year objective and functional outcomes of a randomized clinical trial of vaginal mesh for prolapse

Objective The purpose of this study was to show 12-month outcomes of a randomized trial that compared vaginal prolapse repair with and without mesh. Study Design Women with stage ≥2 prolapse were assigned randomly to vaginal repair with or without mesh. The primary outcome was prolapse stage ≤1 at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and complications. Results All 65 evaluable participants were followed for 12 months after trial stoppage for mesh exposures. Thirty-two women had mesh repair; 33 women had traditional repair. At 12 months, both groups had improvement of pelvic organ prolapse-quantification test points to similar recurrence rates. The quality of life improved and did not differ between groups: 96.2% mesh vs 90.9% no-mesh subjects reported a cure of bulge symptoms; 15.6% had mesh exposures, and reoperation rates were higher with mesh. Conclusion Objective and subjective improvement is seen after vaginal prolapse repair with or without mesh. However, mesh resulted in a higher reoperation rate and did not improve 1-year cure.
Study on Direct-Driven Wind Power System Control Strategy

The development of direct-driven wind power system using permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is very fast, and the back-to-back converter has been paid much attention for its excellent performance. The work principle of the generator-side converter (GSC) and control strategy of PMSG are explained in detail, and the steady-state and dynamic performances are analyzed by simulation. The experimental prototype is built to achieve generation and motor state operation, and the vector control of PMSG is realized by generator-side converter. The simulation and experiment results show that using PWM converter as generator-side converter for direct-driven wind power system with PMSG, can achieve good control performance for PMSG and provide possibility to supply excellent power energy transmitted to power grid.