cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of serum assays of iron status in postmenopausal women.

Purpose The aim of the study is to determine the reliability during a 2-year period of several newly developed iron-related assays to assess their potential for use in prospective epidemiologic studies. Methods We assessed the temporal reliability of several iron-related assays by using three serum samples collected at yearly intervals from 50 postmenopausal participants in a large prospective study. Results We observed high reliability coefficients for ferritin (0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.86), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69–0.87), sTfR/ferritin ratio (0.74; 95% CI, 0.62–0.83), and hepcidin (0.89; 95% CI, 0.84–0.94). In a subset of 30 women, lower reliability was observed for serum iron (0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.70), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (0.55; 95% CI, 0.34–0.73), total iron-binding capacity (0.60; 95% CI, 0.40–0.76), and serum transferrin saturation rate (0.44; 95% CI, 0.22–0.65). The reliability of anti-5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine autoantibody titers, a biomarker of oxidized DNA damage, one of the mechanisms by which iron is thought to impact disease risk, was very high (0.97, 95% CI, 0.5–0.99). Conclusions Our results show that some newly developed iron-related assays could be useful tools to assess iron–disease associations in prospective cohorts that collect a single blood sample.
Neither the HIV Protease Inhibitor Lopinavir-Ritonavir nor the Antimicrobial Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Prevent Malaria Relapse in Plasmodium cynomolgi- Infected Non-Human Primates

Plasmodium vivax malaria causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, and only one drug is in clinical use that can kill the hypnozoites that cause P. vivax relapses. HIV and P. vivax malaria geographically overlap in many areas of the world, including South America and Asia. Despite the increasing body of knowledge regarding HIV protease inhibitors (HIV PIs) on P. falciparum malaria, there are no data regarding the effects of these treatments on P. vivax's hypnozoite form and clinical relapses of malaria. We have previously shown that the HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV-RTV) and the antibiotic trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) inhibit Plasmodium actively dividing liver stages in rodent malarias and in vitro in P. falciparum, but effect against Plasmodium dormant hypnozoite forms remains untested. Separately, although other antifolates have been tested against hypnozoites, the antibiotic trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, commonly used in HIV infection and exposure management, has not been evaluated for hypnozoite-killing activity. Since Plasmodium cynomolgi is an established animal model for the study of liver stages of malaria as a surrogate for P. vivax infection, we investigated the antimalarial activity of these drugs on Plasmodium cynomolgi relapsing malaria in rhesus macaques. Herein, we demonstrate that neither TMP-SMX nor LPV-RTV kills hypnozoite parasite liver stage forms at the doses tested. Because HIV and malaria geographically overlap, and more patients are being managed for HIV infection and exposure, understanding HIV drug impact on malaria infection is important.
Heavy metal distribution in an urban wetland impacted by combined sewer overflow

The heavy metal content and distribution in an urban wetland affected by combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharge during dry conditions was evaluated. Metals identified in the CSO discharge were also measured upstream and downstream of the CSO. Metals were detected in the acid-extractable fraction of the wetland sediments and the roots of Phragmites australis plants. Sediment from the banks of a pool created by the CSO, and from a clay bed upstream were found to be moderately contaminated with Cu, Pb and Zn. Micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) of Phragmites roots from the CSO banks showed a correlation in the spatial distribution of Fe and Mn, attributed to the formation of mineral plaques on the root surface. Micro X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES) revealed that Cu and Zn were complexed with the organic ligands phytate and cysteine. The findings indicated that continuous discharge from the CSO is a source of heavy metals to the wetland. Metals bound to sediments are susceptible to remobilization and subsequent transport, whereas those associated with Phragmites roots may be more effectively sequestered. These observations provide insight into the behavior of heavy metals in urban areas where CSOs discharge into wetlands.
Sovereign Bond Ratings and Neoliberalism in Latin America

The importance of credit rating agencies (CRAs) in rating sovereign bonds has grown as developing countries increasingly issue bonds to attract foreign capital. Although in their methodologies CRAs claim that the initiation of neoliberal reforms influences bond ratings, given the secrecy surrounding ratings, it is unclear what impact reforms actually have on CRAs. Controlling for macroeconomic and political determinants, we use statistical analyses, as well as recent qualitative evidence, for some 16 Latin American countries from 1992 to 2003 to assess the effects of economic reforms on CRA decisions. We find that among neoliberal policies only trade liberalization positively and consistently impacts bond ratings. The relative ease of implementation along with the credible commitment to maintain trade policies help explain higher bond ratings. The results also show that inflation and bond defaults negatively affect CRA assessments. The findings provide reasons for optimism. Many economic policies, often politically difficult to implement, do not lead to higher ratings. Others that are relatively easy to implement do. Policy makers in Latin American countries have more options to lessen political tensions, lower the cost of capital, and increase its availability for investment and growth than previously predicted.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHODIESTERASE IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS

— Quantitative measurements of capacities of microgram-sized samples of tissue to hydrolyze adenosine 3′,5′-phosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3′,5′-phosphate (cyclic GMP) have been made in 32 discrete regions of the rabbit hypothalamus. The capacities to hydrolyze the two cyclic nucleotides were found to be distributed over a 3-fold range and to vary in parallel from region to region. Notable exceptions, however, were observed. A positive association was found between the capacity to hydrolyze cyclic AMP and the reported density of catecholaminergic innervation. No clear relationship was observed between the distributions of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities and that of other enzymes and neurotransmitters.
Design and application of a multicoefficient correlation method for dispersion interactions.

A new multicoefficient correlation method (MCCM) is presented for the determination of accurate van der Waals interactions. The method utilizes a novel parametrization strategy that simultaneously fits to very high-level binding, Hartree–Fock and correlation energies of homo- and heteronuclear rare gas dimers of He, Ne, and Ar. The decomposition of the energy into Hartree–Fock and correlation components leads to a more transferable model. The method is applied to the krypton dimer system, rare gas–water interactions, and three-body interactions of rare gas trimers He3, Ne3, and Ar3. For the latter, a very high-level method that corrects the rare-gas two-body interactions to the total binding energy is introduced. A comparison with high-level CCSD(T) calculations using large basis sets demonstrates the MCCM method is transferable to a variety of systems not considered in the parametrization. The method allows dispersion interactions of larger systems to be studied reliably at a fraction of the computationa...
Three fungi tested for control of the cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus

Abstract The fungi Metarrhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana , and Spicaria rileyi were tested in the laboratory, and the first two fungi also were tested in the field for infectivity to larvae of the cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus . Spore powders collected from laboratory-grown fungus cultures or a commercial formulation of B. bassiana were applied topically to the insects or mixed into the sand or soil pupation substrates. High spore concentrations of S. rileyi (987 × 10 9 /g in substrate) afforded no control of the insect after 14 days, but M. anisopliae (111 × 10 9 /g in substrate) and B. bassiana (186 × 10 9 /g in substrate) killed 100% of the larvae in 6 and 7 days, respectively. Furthermore, M. anisopliae which was allowed to dry out in soil and then kept in the air-dried state for 40 days was still able to infect newly introduced larvae and caused 100% mortality in 6 days. Only B. bassiana was pathogenic to adults. In a small field test using treated soil in containers, M. anisopliae killed 88% of the test insects in 7 days.
Building Sustainable Power Latino Scholars and Academic Leadership Positions at U.S. Institutions of Higher Learning

This article offers recommendations for Latino faculty members who wish to become academic administrators, for institutions of higher learning that want to recruit Latino administrators, and for the Hispanic community, which needs to move past its current seesaw regime of endurance and impatience and start applying gentle, but constant, pressure on universities to foster the development of Latino academic leaders.
A simple and inexpensive swivel joint for the infusion of unrestrained animals

Abstract A small, light, swivel joint suitable for use in the chronic infusion of small animals is described. Because the device is constructed almost entirely from tubing of various types, its fabrication requires no special skills or equipment, and its cost is very low.
Selected leadership demographics as predictors of continuity planning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings that describe any correlations between leadership demographic characteristics with that of the levels of business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) planning by surveying the academic department's continuity planners at two major research universities in Southern California. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology was a quantitative method utilizing a correlational research design (logistic regression). Survey data from a self-reporting web-based survey were analyzed. Findings – Analysis of five leadership demographic characteristics and four covariates reveals one statistically significant predictor of resiliency planning. Furthermore, close to one-quarter of the academic departments were found to have no BC or DR plan. Conversely, having a budget for resiliency planning was not found to be a significant predictor of resiliency planning. Research limitations/implications – This study was specifically limited to continui...
E-book Readers

ABSTRACT This article reviews e-paper display technology and then takes a look at three popular standalone e-book readers: Amazon's Kindle, iRex Technologies' iLiad, and the Sony Reader. Implications for these new generation e-book readers in medical libraries are also discussed.
Nonperturbative methods and extended-hadron models in field theory. III. Four-dimensional non-Abelian models

By analogy with the magnetic vortex of the Landau-Ginzburg theory of superconductivity, we construct extended models of hadrons with SU(2) Yang-Mills fields coupled to fermions and a spontaneous-symmetry-breaking scalar isospinor. These models are in four space-time dimensions.
Crystal Structure of an RNA Duplex [r(gugcaca)dC](2) with 3'-Dinucleoside Overhangs Forming a Superhelix.

Abstract Crystal structure of the RNA octamer duplex, [r(gugcaca)dC] 2, with space group I212121 and the cell constants a=24.29, b=45.25 and c=73.68A, has been determined and refined. The structural and packing architecture of the molecule consist of a highly bent six base paired duplex forming a right-handed superhelix stacked in tandem compared to an infinite pseudo- continuous column as is usually present in RNA crystal structures. The super helix could be formed by the head-to-head stacking (g1 over g1 and g9 over g9), the large bend and the twists at the junctions may also be responsible. The sugar-phosphate backbones of the 3′-end dinucleoside overhangs snuggly fit into the minor grooves of adjacent double helical stacks. The 3′-terminal deoxycytidines form antiparallel hemiprotonated trans (C·C)+ pairs with symmetry related deoxycytidines, while the penultimate adenines form base triples (a*g·c) with the capping g·c base pairs of the hexamer duplex with the adenine (a7) at one end being syn and at ...
ALUMINUM EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND P, Ca, AND Mg UPTAKE EFFICIENCY IN RED CLOVER CULT1VARS

Abstract Climatically controlled growth rooms were used to evaluate performance of 23 red clover cultivars in a nutrient culture system at 5 levels of Al (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM). The shoot and root growth of all the cultivars was reduced by Al. Considerable reduction in growth was observed at Al levels beyond 50 μM. The efficiency ratio (ER) (mg shoot dry matter per mg shoot element) for P declined with increasing Al. ER values for Ca and Mg declined slightly with increasing concentration of Al to 50 μM but then increased considerably with increasing Al. In the absence of Al, Redman, K4–184 and Chesapeake showed the highest ER for P, Ca and Mg, respectively. However, in the presence of 50 μM Al, Altaswede had the highest ER for P and Mg, and Redland showed the highest ER for Ca. In the presence of 50 μM Al, Florie, Norlac and Redmor gave the lowest ER values for P, Ca, and Mg. The growth and ER for P, Ca, and Mg in the presence or absence of Al appears to be different among the various red clover culti...
RNA synthesis in immature mouse oocyte development

Oocyte development in several nonmammalian species is characterized by the synthesis of large quantities of ribonucleic acids during lampbrush stages of meiosis. These are stored in the oocyte and used during later oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis. This autoradiographic study examined the incorporation and persistence of ribonucleic acid in mouse oocytes during comparable stages of development. At each age examined, fetal through juvenile, the radiolabeled RNA precursors were incorporated into mouse oocytes during the growth stages. The RNAase-digestible label appeared first over nucleoli and meiotic chromosomes, becoming cytoplasmic after 24 hours, and remaining cytoplasmic through all remaining stages. Once incorporated the label persisted during subsequent oocyte growth and maturation through preimplantation embryo stages with apparently undiminished levels. It is suggested that this persistently labeled RNA represents maternal RNA stored for use during early embryonic development.
The expression of CD23 in cutaneous non-lymphoid neoplasms.

Background: Cluster designation 23 (CD23) is generally used as a lymphoid marker. Its utility in cutaneous epithelial tumors has never been studied. In our routine practice, we observed that CD23 reacted strongly with eccrine and apocrine secretory coils. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of CD23 was performed in a total of 131 cases of apocrine, eccrine, follicular and other cutaneous non-lymphoid tumors. Results: CD23 expression was detected in all benign apocrine tumors and in half of benign eccrine tumors, particularly those derived from secretory coils. CD23 staining was seen in 42% (8/19) of microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC), while no staining was observed in tumor cells of desmoplastic trichoepithelioma, morpheaform basal cell carcinoma and syringoma. All mammary and extramammary Paget’s disease were labeled with CD23. In comparison, pagetoid Bowen’s disease, melanoma in situ and sebaceous carcinoma exhibited negative staining. In addition, CD23 reacted diffusely with cutaneous mucinous eccrine carcinoma in a manner similar to breast or colonic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: CD23 appears to be a reliable immunohistochemical marker of the eccrine/apocrine secretory coil and helpful in identifying sweat gland tumors of such origin. It is of ancillary value in differentiating MAC from its mimicker. CD23 is a useful addition to the diagnostic immunohistochemical panels for Paget’s disease.
A calmodulin and α-subunit binding domain in human erythrocyte spectrin

Human erythrocyte spectrin binds calmodulin weakly under native conditions. This binding is enhanced in the presence of urea. The site responsible for this enhanced binding in urea has now been shown to reside in a specific region of the spectrin β-subunit. Cleavage of spectrin with trypsin, cyanogen bromide or 2-nitro-5-thiocyanobenzoic acid generates fragments of the molecule which retain the ability to bind calmodulin under denaturing conditions. The origin of these fragments, identified by two-dimensional peptide mapping, is the terminal region of the spectrin β-IV domain. The smallest peptide active in calmodulin binding is a 10 000 Mr fragment generated by cyanogen bromide cleavage. Only the intact 74 000 Mr fragment generated by trypsin (the complete β-IV domain) retains the capacity to reassociate with the isolated α-subunit of spectrin. The position of a putative calmodulin binding site near a site for subunit-subunit association and protein 4.1 and actin binding suggests a possible role in vivo for calmodulin regualtion of the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton or for regulation of subunit-subunit associations. This β-subunit binding site in erythrocyte spectrin is found in a region near the NH2-terminus at a position analogous to the α-subunit calmodulin binding site previously identified in a non-erythroid spectrin by ultrastructural studies.
Analytical approach to heterogeneity correction factor calculation for brachytherapy

In brachytherapy treatment planning, the effects of tissue and applicator heterogeneities are commonly neglected due to lack of accurate, general, and fast three-dimensional (3D) dose-computational algorithms. A novel approach, based on analytical calculation of scattered photon fluxes inside and around a disk-shaped heterogeneity, has been developed for use in the three-dimensional scatter-subtraction algorithm. Specifically, our model predicts the central-ray dose distribution for a collimated photon isotropic source or brachytherapy “minibeam” in the presence of a slab of heterogeneous material. The model accounts for the lateral dimensions, location, composition, density, and thickness of the heterogeneity using precalculated scatter-to-primary ratios (SPRs) for the corresponding homogeneous problem. The model is applicable to the entire brachytherapy energy range (25 to 662 keV) and to a broad range of materials having atomic numbers of 13 to 82, densities of 2.7 g⋅cm −3 (Al) to 21.45 g⋅cm −3 (Pt) and thicknesses up to 1 mean free path. For this range of heterogeneous materials, the heterogeneity correction factors (HCFs) vary from 0.09 to 0.75. The model underestimates HCF when multiple scattering prevails and overestimates HCF when absorption dominates. However, the analytic model agrees with Monte Carlo photon transport (MCPT) benchmark calculations within 1.8% to 10% for 125 I , 169 Yb , 192 Ir , and 137 Cs for a wide variety of materials, with the exception of Ag. For 125 I shielded by Ag, where the mean discrepancy can exceed 25%, the error is due to K-edge characteristic x rays originating within the heterogeneity. The proposed approach provides reductions in CPU time required of 5×10 4 –10 5 and 100 in comparison with direct MCPT simulation and 1D numerical integration, respectively. The limitations of model applicability, as determined by the physical properties of heterogeneity material and accuracy required, are also discussed.
The effect of shear and plasticity on crack arrest characteristics in stiffened panels

Abstract Elastic Mode 1 and 2 stress intensity factors for stiffened, cracked plates were calculated for panels loaded both in tension and shear by the finite element method. The influence of stringer thickness, rivet spacing and stringer stress intensity factors and stringer stresses were analyzed. The influence of plastic deformation was studied for the case of tensile loading. The J- integral values and stringer stresses were calculated. Contrary to the elastic case, the stiffeners failed to provide much protection for the panels and did provide crack arrest.
Phase Change Material Particulate Flow Through a Rectangular Channel: Effect of Parachute-Shaped Particles on the Heat Transfer

This study presents numerical simulations of forced convection with parachute-shaped encapsulated phase-change material particles in water, flowing through a square cross-section duct with top and bottom iso-flux surfaces. The system is inspired by the gas exchange process in the alveolar capillaries between the red blood cells (RBC) and the lung tissue. The numerical model was developed for the motion of elongated encapsulated phase change particles along a channel in a particulate flow where particle diameters are comparable with the channel height. Results of the heat transfer enhancement for the parachute-shaped particles are compared with the circular particles. Results reveal that the key role in heat transfer enhancement is the snugness movement of the particles and the parachute-shaped geometry yields small changes in heat transfer coefficient when compared to the circular ones. The effects of various parameters including particle diameter and volume-fraction, as well as fluid speed, on the heat transfer coefficient is investigated and reported in this paper.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Spark ignition of near the lean limit CH4air mixtures at low pressures

Abstract The minimum spark ignition energy in methaneair mixtures was measured for pressures between 0.1 and 0.4 atm and methane concentrations near the lean ignition limits. Spark gap sizes between 2 and 10 mm and spark durations between 70 and 120 μs and a maximum spark energy of 600 mJ were used to identify lowest ignited methane concentrations. These concentrations were found in good agreement with previous measured lower limits of flammability using similar apparatus.
Dynamic analysis of finite linear elastic solids containing small elastic imperfections: Theory with application to asymmetric circular plates

Abstract Eigensolutions, Green's functions, and steady state responses of three-dimensional, homogeneous, isotropic, finite linear elastic solids, containing small linear elastic imperfections, are presented in this paper. The inhomogeneities are treated as perturbations to otherwise homogeneous solids, the spectral eigensolutions of which are known. The exact eigensolutions of the imperfect solid, formulated through the Betti reciprocal theorem, satisfy a set of integral equations from which both analytic perturbation formulas and a numerical iteration scheme are developed. Special emphasis is given to analysis of perfect, homogeneous, elastic solids that are spectrally degenerate . Finally, the vibration of circular plates with evenly spaced radial inclusions, which cause splitting of some of the repeated vibration modes, is analyzed both analytically and numerically for the eigensolutions.
Porokeratosis plantaris palmaris et disseminata

Porokeratosis plantaris palmaris et disseminata (PPPD) is a rare variant of porokeratosis. We report a second kinship with PPPD that typically appears first on the palms and soles and then gradually progresses to the extremities and trunk. We discuss clinical, histologic, pathogenetic, and therapeutic aspects of PPPD and review the literature concerning the histogenesis of cornoid lamella formation.
Optimal control in the critical phase of movement: A functional approach to motor planning processes

Abstract Grasping movements are often planned in a way that they end in a position where joints are in an anatomically medial position. This behaviour is termed the “end-state comfort” (ESC) effect ( Rosenbaum et al., 1990 ). We suggest that the anatomically medial position is favoured to control the most difficult part of the movement. In most experiments investigating ESC, objects have to be placed onto a target location, and the highest precision demand occurs at the end of the movement. Thus, ESC is confounded with movement difficulty. In this study, we dissociate movement difficulty and ESC. In our experiments, participants had to execute a task where the critical part of the movement was either at the end or at the beginning of the movement. Participants' grasping behaviour confirmed the hypothesis that movement planning is constrained by a goal for optimal control during the part of the movement that demands the highest precision, rather than by a goal to end in a comfortable state ( Rosenbaum, Chapman, Weigelt, Weiss, & van der Wel, 2012 ). We identified recall and movement plan generating processes of motor planning ( Cohen & Rosenbaum, 2004 ), that ensure the optimal control in the critical part of movement. Our results indicate that recall processes depend on motor experience which is acquired in different time scales. We suggest that motor planning processes are triggered only if the costs for executing movements controlled by recall processes exceed the costs for generating a motor plan.
Renalia hueberi, a new plant from the lower Devonian of Gaspé

Abstract A new genus and species, Renalia hueberi , is described from the Battery Point Formation, Gaspe Sandstone, Quebec. It consists of 1 mm wide axes, at least 11 cm long, bearing dichotomous lateral branches terminated by round to reniform sporangia. The sporangia dehisce along the distal margin and the line of dehiscence is bordered by thick-walled, rectangular cells. Spores are trilete, curvaturate and smooth to granulose. Renalia hueberi is superficially similar to the genus Cooksonia , but it differs from the presently known cooksonias in having both pseudomonopodial branching and dehiscent sporangia. It is interpreted however as being evolved from Cooksonia -like plants, and exhibits a sporangial position most comparable to that of the rhyniophytes and a mode of dehiscence characteristic of zosterophylls.
Fiber Tract Clustering on Manifolds With Dual Rooted-Graphs

We propose a manifold learning approach to fiber tract clustering using a novel similarity measure between fiber tracts constructed from dual-rooted graphs. In particular, to generate this similarity measure, the chamfer or Hausdorff distance is initially employed as a local distance metric to construct minimum spanning trees between pairwise fiber tracts. These minimum spanning trees are effective in capturing the intrinsic geometry of the fiber tracts. Hence, they are used to capture the neighborhood structures of the fiber tract data set. We next assume the high-dimensional input fiber tracts to lie on low-dimensional non-linear manifolds. We apply Locally Linear Embedding, a popular manifold learning technique, to define a low-dimensional embedding of the fiber tracts that preserves the neighborhood structures of the high-dimensional data structure as captured by the method of dual-rooted graphs. Clustering is then performed on this low-dimensional data structure using the k-means algorithm. We illustrate our resulting clustering technique on both synthetic data and on real fiber tract data obtained from diffusion tensor imaging.
Reducing the gender gap in the physics classroom: How sufficient is interactive engagement?

Previous research [Lorenzo et al., Am. J. Phys. 74, 118 (2006)] demonstrated that the difference in performance between male and female students can be reduced and even eliminated, in consistent fashion, by using interactive engagement techniques in the introductory physics classroom. The present paper describes similar studies in a different, large research university and finds that the use of interactive engagement techniques does not necessarily reduce the gender gap. Furthermore, in the environments studied, there is a gap in learning gains between male and female students $(pl0.01)$ whether partially or fully interactive classroom techniques are used. Our findings suggest that engaging students in interactive educational environments is not sufficient to reduce the gender gap, and we find instances where despite significant learning gains by all students, the gender gap is increased. There is indication that there are both student and instructor effects that impact the gender gap, which are the subjects of ongoing studies.
Nutritional Requirements and Diet Choices of the Pygmy Rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis ): A Sagebrush Specialist

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) comprises up to 99% of the winter and 50% of the summer diets of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). Few animals specialize on such plants as sagebrush, which contain high levels of plant chemicals that can be toxic. We investigated the nutritional requirements of pygmy rabbits and their ability and propensity to consume sagebrush alone and as part of a mixed diet. We compared diet choices of pygmy rabbits with that of a generalist forager, the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Pygmy rabbits had a moderately low nitrogen requirement (306.5 mg N/kg0.75/d), but a relatively high energy requirement, needing 750.8 kJ digestible energy/kg0.75/d to maintain their body mass while residing in small cages. They digested fiber in pelleted diets similarly to other small hindgut fermenters, but both cottontails and pygmy rabbits digested the fiber in sagebrush better than expected based on its indigestible acid detergent lignin content. Pygmy rabbits consumed more sagebrush than cottontails, regardless of the amount and nutritional quality of supplemental pellets provided. When consuming sagebrush alone, they ate barely enough to meet their energy requirements, whereas cottontails ate only enough sagebrush to meet 67% of theirs. Both rabbit species ate more sagebrush as the quality and quantity of supplemental pellets declined, and more greenhouse-grown sagebrush than sagebrush grown outside. Urine was more acidic when consuming sagebrush than when consuming pellets, indicating detoxification by the liver. Pygmy rabbits do not require sagebrush to survive, but seem to tolerate terpenes and other plant chemicals in sagebrush better than cottontails do.
Antibiotic Growth Promotion: Effects of Zinc Bacitracin and Oxytetracycline on the Digestive, Circulatory, and Excretory Systems of New Hampshire Cockerels

Abstract High (500 g./ton [907.2 kg.] of feed) and low (10 g./ton of feed) levels of zinc bacitracin (B) or oxytetracycline (OT) were incorporated into the diet fed specific-pathogen-free New Hampshire cockerels. Weights of the liver, heart, and kidneys were recorded, and weights and lengths of segments of the digestive system were recorded for birds about 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, with the following results: 1. Crop weight relative to live weight was increased by feeding bacitracin at either level. Gizzard weight was increased on diets supplemented with high levels of B or OT. 2. A diet containing 500 g. OT/ton of feed induced a significant increase in size of the proventriculus (at 2 and 8 weeks) and decreased weight of the liver (at 4 and 8 weeks). 3. Erratic growth patterns were noted for the other visceral organs, and occasional significant differences were observed among the various diets, e.g., at 2 weeks, heart and kidney weights were lowest in birds fed diets containing high and low levels of bacitracin, respectively. 4. Shapes (weight/10 units length) of the small intestine and cecum were altered significantly by both antibiotics. Cecum shape changed from thickest at 2 weeks to thinnest at 8 weeks in birds fed a high level of either antibiotic.
Is Methamphetamine Abuse a Risk Factor in Parkinsonism

Parkinsons disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with increased incidence in individuals beyond 50 years of age. The etiology of PD is currently not known, but it appears that environmental factors may play an important role. The molecular basis of PD is the nearly complete loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the basal ganglia (caudate/putamen). The decrease in dopamine levels is the result of degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. This biochemical deficit in the nigrostriatal pathway leads to the emergence of motor impairments typical of PD. Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug with increasing use in certain segments of the population in the United States and worldwide. In experimental animal models and human studies, METH administration has been shown to decrease markers of dopaminergic neuron terminal integrity in the basal ganglia. A long-standing question has been whether the reductions in dopaminergic markers induced by METH constitute degenerative changes or reflect drug-induced modulation. Resolving this question is important because the irreversible loss of dopaminergic function may increase the likelihood of Parkinsonism with advancing age.
Indolent B-cell malignancies: immune recognition and antiself.

B-cell malignancies appear to be ideal candidates for treatment with immunotherapeutic approaches. Monoclonal antibodies that target cell-surface determinants have been used as single agents in B-cell malignancies, in combination with chemotherapy, and coupled to other agents to create radioimmunoconjugates and immunotoxins. Another approach is to take advantage of the graft-vs.-lymphoma effect seen following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. To exploit this effect without inducing the complication of graft-vs.-host disease, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms whereby lymphoma cells escape T-cell-mediated responses. CD40 activation may offer a means of increasing the immunogenicity of lymphoma cells and of stimulating allogeneic T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Vaccination using tumor-specific antigens shows promise as a therapeutic strategy. Pre-clinical studies with immunoglobulin idiotype peptides have shown that humoral and cellular immune responses can be stimulated by ant...
Metal-loaded polystyrene-based activated carbons as dibenzothiophene removal media via reactive adsorption

Abstract To improve the desulfurization capability of activated carbons, new metal-loaded carbon-based sorbents containing sodium, cobalt, copper, and silver highly dispersed within the carbon matrix were prepared and tested at room temperature for dibenzothiophene (DBT) adsorption. The content of metals can be controlled by selective washing. The new adsorbents showed good adsorption capacities and selectivity towards DBT. The metals incorporated to the surface act not only as active sites for selective adsorption of sulfur-containing aromatic compounds, but also as structural stabilizers of the carbon materials, and as catalyst initiators in reactive adsorption. Depending on the reactivity of the metal used, the adsorption capacity of the activated carbons significantly varied. Cobalt and copper loaded carbons showed the highest uptakes, due to not-well defined catalytic synergetic effects. Besides, the presence of sulfur compounds in the structure of the carbon as a result of the sulfonic moiety of the precursor, results in sulfur–sulfur specific interactions leading to an enhancement in the adsorption capacity for DBT removal.
Convection fluid dynamics in a model of a fault zone in the earth's crust

Faulted regions associated with geothermal areas are assumed to be composed of rock which has been heavily fractured within the fault zone by continuous tectonic activity. The fractured zone is modelled as a vertical, slender, two-dimensional channel of saturated porous material with impermeable walls on which the temperature increases linearly with depth. The development of an isothermal slug flow entering the fault at a large depth is examined. An entry solution and the subsequent approach to the fully developed configuration are obtained for large Rayleigh number flow. The former is characterized by growing thermal boundary layers adjacent to the walls and a slightly accelerated isothermal core flow. Further downstream the development is described by a parabolic system. It is shown that a class of fully developed solutions is not spatially stable.
Diversity Rateless Round Robin for Networked FSO Communications

In this paper, we show how the Rateless Round Robin protocol can be applied in a free space optical communications network. We discuss explicit code designs for the Rateless Round Robin packet-level coding and show how the Rateless Round Robin can be extended to make integrated use of diversity to further enhance performance.
Grid sensitivity studies in hydraulically fractured low permeability reservoirs

The accuracy and hence the validity of reservoir simulation results largely depend on the grid system used in the simulation. It is observed that when there is a large difference in permeability between two adjacent layers, conventional grid systems do not accurately predict reservoir behaviors. Grid refinement is used near the well bore and fractures to better resolve the fluid flow between grid blocks. Logarithmically refined grids are commonly applied near the well bore region as there are large changes in pressure and saturation in this zone. Grid refinement must be applied even more carefully when dealing with the production of condensates. Effects of grid refinement on simulation results such as cumulative gas, cumulative oil, condensate–gas ratio (CGR) or gas–oil ratio (GOR), and planar pressure distribution were studied using a generic reservoir model with one horizontal well and one vertical planar fracture for wet gas, gas–condensate and black oil fluids. These results were generated using a full-feature compositional simulator. The results from these studies were used to develop empirical relationships between the dimensionless fracture conductivity and the grid size necessary to achieve converging results.
Estrogen regulated gene expression in response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancers: tamoxifen agonist effects dominate in the presence of an aromatase inhibitor.

Estrogens (E) and estrogen receptors (ER) are implicated in breast cancer growth and are targets of hormonal therapies. Such therapies commonly use aromatase inhibitors (AI) to block E production, or antiestrogens like tamoxifen (TAM), which targets ER. Here we compare genes in pre-and post-treatment tumor pairs of patients with ER+ tumors, that were treated preoperatively with the AI exemestane alone, or with exemestane plus TAM. The accompanying manuscript shows that tumors from patients treated with AI + TAM responded less well than tumors treated with AI alone. The present manuscript defines the E-signaling mechanisms underlying these differences, and describes genetic differences between hormone responsive versus intrinsically resistant ER+ tumors. Gene expression profiling was performed on paired tumor biopsies of individual patients before treatment, and after 4 months of treatment with AI or AI + TAM. Separately, E and TAM regulated genes were defined using a human breast cancer xenograft model. We demonstrate: (1) that AI alone alters global gene expression ∼5 times more than AI + TAM, and is 11 times more effective in modifying expression of E regulated genes; (2) among E regulated genes, there is little overlap between AI and AI + TAM treatment groups. AI + TAM preferentially induce genes, like androgen receptors, expressing TAM “E-like” agonist activity, or genes uniquely regulated by TAM. (3) A pre-treatment 25 gene signature of ER+ tumors may predict response or intrinsic resistance to endocrine therapies. We conclude that in the presence of exemestane, the agonist properties of TAM are paradoxically exposed, diminishing the effectiveness of combination therapy.
Pyroelectric PbTiO3 thin films for microsensor applications

Abstract Pyroelectric lead titanate (PbTiO3) thin films deposited by sol—gel processing have been characterized for possible use in microsensor applications. Based on a comparison of relevant properties with other IC-compatible pyroelectric materials, PbTiO3 possesses a very high pyroelectric coefficient over a wide operating temperature range. The measured pyroelectric coefficient at 297 K for PbTiO3, films with thicknesses ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 μm is in the range 75 to 96 nC/cm2K. This paper presents the first use of PbTiO, as a pyroelectric material integrated into a micromachined membrane structure. This composite structure offers a key advantage of implementing a low thermal mass for high-sensitivity pyroelectric detection. The measured blackbody voltage responsivity for a pyroelectric element with an active area of 4 × 10−5 cm2 at 297 K and a chopping frequency of 100 Hz is 2.2 × 104 V/W. The normalized detectivity D* at 100 Hz is 1.0 × 109 cm Hz 1 2 /W. The response time measured by the pulsed laser-beam method for a device area ranging from 2 × 10−6 to 7 × 10−4 cm2 is in the range 2–20 μs.
Analysis of reactions of the type pp → Δ++ + M at 28.5 GeV/c; role of pion exchange in high energy scattering

Abstract Reactions of the type p + p → Δ++ (1238) + M are studied at 28.5 GeV/c incident momentum. Cross sections of the various channels that constitute M suggest the importance of pion exchange at the Δ++ vertex.
DISASTER PLANNING: MANAGING THE FINANCIAL RISK

A disaster such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane, or flood can cause extensive damage to a library and its collection. Part of an effective disaster preparedness program is making sure your library will be able to absorb the financial risk should you need to replace or repair damaged materials. This article explores the various options for defraying the costs of a disaster, including self‐insurance, federal aid, and the different types of insurance coverage that are available.
Vestibular dysfunction in DFNB1 deafness.

Mutations of GJB2 and GJB6 (connexin-26 and 30) at the DFNB1 locus are the most common cause of autosomal recessive, nonsyndromic deafness. Despite their widespread expression throughout the vestibular system, vestibular dysfunction has not been widely recognized as a commonly associated clinical feature. The observations of vertigo accompanying DFNB1 deafness in several large families prompted our hypothesis that vestibular dysfunction may be an integral, but often overlooked, component of DFNB1 deafness. Our aim was to define the prevalence of vestibular dysfunction in Cases of DFNB1 deafness and Controls with other forms of deafness. We developed and used a survey to assess symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, medical, and family history was distributed to Cases with deafness due to pathogenic GJB2 and/or GJB6 mutations and deaf Controls without DFNB1 deafness. Our results showed: Surveys were returned by 235/515 Cases (46%) with DFNB1 mutations and 121/321 Controls (38%) without these mutations. The mean age of Cases (41) was younger than Controls (51; P < 0.001). Vestibular dysfunction was reported by 127 (54%) of Cases and was present at significantly higher rates in Cases than in deaf Controls without DFNB1 deafness (P < 0.03). Most (63%) had to lie down in order for vertigo to subside, and 48% reported that vertigo interfered with activities of daily living. Vertigo was reported by significantly more Cases with truncating than non-truncating mutations and was also associated with a family history of dizziness. We conclude that vestibular dysfunction appears to be more common in DFNB1 deafness than previously recognized and affects activities of daily living in many patients. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A median-filter-based ambiguity removal algorithm for NSCAT

A description is given of the baseline NSCAT (the NASA scatterometer) ambiguity removal algorithm and the method used to select the set of optimum parameter values. An extensive simulation of the NSCAT instrument and ground data processor provides a means of testing the resulting tuned algorithm. This simulation generates the ambiguous wind-field vectors expected from the instrument as it orbits over a set of realistic mesoscale wind fields. The ambiguous wind field is then de-aliased using the median-filter-based ambiguity removal algorithm. Performance is measured by comparison of the selected wind fields with the true wind fields. Results have shown that this median-filter-based ambiguity removal algorithm satisfies NSCAT mission requirements, and it therefore has been incorporated into the baseline geophysical data-processing system for NSCAT. >
Ideomotor apraxia: A review

Ideomotor apraxia (IMA) is a disorder traditionally characterized by deficits in properly performing tool-use pantomimes (e.g., pretending to use a hammer) and communicative gestures (e.g., waving goodbye). These deficits are typically identified with movements made to verbal command or imitation. Questions about this disorder relate to its diagnosis, anatomical correlates, physiological mechanisms involved, and the patients in whom IMA is best characterized. In this review, utilizing information presented at an international workshop, we summarize the present state of knowledge about IMA. We include insights on how to distinguish IMA from the other motor apraxias and confounding disorders. We discuss testing for IMA and the need for more rigorous tests that examine more elements, such as imitation, actual use, task selection, and recognizing proper use. From neurophysiological insights, we propose hypotheses of the necessity of networks in praxis performance. We also point out that more neurophysiological knowledge in humans might lead to a better understanding of how different brain structures may aid in the rehabilitation of praxis. While little is known about exactly how rehabilitation may be pursued, biological evidence warrants the further exploration of this issue.
Complexité et anthropologie

Aujourd’hui, la mathematique des systemes complexes offre divers outils a partir desquels on peut etudier les proprietes macroscopiques des interactions qui se manifestent dans une dimension temporelle. En dessinant les schemes d’interaction qui correspondent aux elements d’un systeme, on peut souvent decouvrir des proprietes qui emergent a un niveau superieur. Retrospectivement, il apparait remarquable que quelques idees simples tirees des analyses formelles des systemes complexes pourraient avoir ete si eclairantes dans divers champs de recherche. Bien que le concept de developpement progressif — et de contingence historique — ne soit pas nouveau en anthropologie, pour briser le sceau de la reification sur l’ordre social, il est necessaire d’aller au-dela des statistiques descriptives ou des modeles d’equilibre et d’explorer la contingence historique. Les reseaux qui se developpent sont inevitablement inscrits dans une voie; les etats ulterieurs sont contraints par le passe. Mais comme le revelent de nouvelles etudes, l’« agence » (agency), dans son sens le plus fort d’habilete a donner forme a de veritables innovations, peut surgir d’une forme ordinaire d’« agence » presentee par des individus qui s’adonnent a leurs activites quotidiennes reliees au commerce, au mariage et a la politique.