cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of microsomal enzyme inducers on the soluble enzymes of hepatic phase II biotransformation.

Abstract Numerous xenobiotics induce microsomal enzymes such as cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases, epoxide hydrolase, and UDP-glucuronyltransferase by causing an increase in enzyme synthesis. Since induction of soluble enzymes involved in phase II biotransformation has not been thoroughly studied, effects of the following microsomal enzyme inducers on three important soluble enzymes were examined: phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), isosafrole (ISF), pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and trans-stilbene oxide (TSO). Representative microsomal enzymes of phase I pathways were examined simultaneously to indicate effective induction. The inducers selected produced the expected increases in hepatic cytochrome P-450 (75–170%), ethylmorphine (200–260%), and benzphetamine (100–260%) N-demethylation, benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation (300%), ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (2700%), and styrene oxide hydration (100–270%). The soluble conjugative enzymes studied were glutathione S-transferase, N-acetyltransferase, and sulfotransferase. Glutathione conjugation of 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, and sulfobromophthalein was increased by TSO (100–160%), BHA (60–80%), ISF (60–80%), and PB (60–80%). β-Naphthylamine N-acetyltransferase activity was increased by PCN and 3-MC (60 and 40%, respectively). Only PCN was able to enhance sulfotransferase. Sulfation of 2-naphthol, taurolithocholate, and dehydroepiandrosterone was increased by 28, 111, and 140%, respectively. In conclusion, while microsomal enzymes could be readily induced, activity of soluble phase II enzymes was increased to a much lesser extent. Of the inducers studied, PCN was the most effective at increasing activity of soluble enzymes.
Development of a Wireless Sensor Network to Quantify Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations in Swine Housing

Previous research by our team to develop a wireless hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detection system for use in swine housing indicate a multi-point detection system is needed to characterize in-house H2S concentrations both spatially and temporally during slurry agitation. Pulsed fluorescence H2S analyzers, while highly accurate at H2S concentrations less than 20 ppm, require asynchronous sampling to accommodate multiple measurement points with a single analyzer. Additionally, pulsed fluorescence H2S analyzers are not designed to measure the high H2S concentrations associated with burst releases during deep-pit swine manure agitation. The dynamic nature of the environment necessitates simultaneous sampling of multiple points with a sensor that can respond to very high (100 – 500 ppm) H2S concentrations. This can be accomplished through the use of electrochemical sensors that have demonstrated the ability to perform similarly to pulsed fluorescence at high concentrations. The objective of this project was to develop a wireless H2S sensor network that can be used to characterize the spatial distribution of H2S that workers and swine in pork production facilities are exposed to in different facility types during different operating conditions. The wireless H2S sensor network developed in this project was designed to meet the following operational criteria: a) less than 5% sensor drift per 1000 ppm-hours, b) up to 50 m range, c) data collection interval less than 90 seconds, and e) H2S detection range of 0-500 ppm.
Characterization of an abscisic acid carrier in suspension-cultured barley cells

The uptake of [ 3 H]-abscisic acid in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Heartland) cell cultures was found to be mediated through both non-saturable and saturable components. The kinetic parameters of the saturable component, determined at pH 4.5 and 21° C, showed a K m for natural or (+).ABA of 1.3 ± 0.7 μM and an apparent V max of 7.0 ± 2.8 nmol g −1 cells h −1 . The carrier showed a strong preference for the natural enantiomer of ABA as compared to the unnatural one. Other substances tested, e.g. amino acids, organic acids, and other growth regulators, did not appear to interfere with the carrier-mediated uptake of ABA. At low external concentrations of ABA (below 2.0 μM), the saturable component was greater than the diffusion component
Discounts on Financially-Stressed Farmland Sales in Two Counties of Northern Illinois

Many involved in agricultural finance including appraisers, FHA, FCS and other lenders, sellers, and buyers are aware that forced sale of property usually results in less than fair market value; however, this discount has not previously been systematically measured. This study compares two actual sets of sales during the same time period and same geographic area with similar characteristics: (1) the first set is of financially-distressed sales; and (2) the second set consists of farms sold at fair-cash-market value. The data show that the discount for financially-distressed sales is 28 percent. This clearly is a very significant amount. A subset of estate sales also shows a significant discount. It is hypothesized that the behaviors causing the discounting are the seller's pressing need for liquidity and the seller's desire for a quick sale, and qualified buyers being aware of this quick sale need.
OBJECT RELATIONS AND THE FAMILY SYSTEM IN BULIMIA: A THEORETICAL INTEGRATION

This paper presents an integration of object relations theory and family systems theory in the conceptualization of bulimia. It is based primarily on Winnicott's construct of the maternal “holding environment,” and Klein's formulation of ego deficits at the level of part-object relations, as they apply to the family as a whole. We propose that in bulimic families there are transgenerational developmental deficits and adaptations which determine the level and quality of intrapsychic experience within individuals, as well as the interpersonal relationships and dynamic functioning of the larger family system.
New Methods in Mathematical Programming---Optimal Flow Through Networks with Gains

The special class of linear programs described as network flow problems includes many of the special structure optimization problems in such areas as assignment, transportation, catering, warehousing, production scheduling, etc. Besides the physical motivation of the flow description, this class of problems possesses conceptually simple, and computationally elegant, solution techniques originated by Dantzig, Ford, Fulkerson, et al. This paper describes a generalization of this class of problems to “process-flow networks,” or “flow with gains,” in which flow in any branches of the network may be multiplied by an arbitrary constant, called the branch gain, before leaving the branch and flowing into the remainder of the network. This generalization permits the description of networks in which different kinds of flow may be converted one to another, without “constant returns to scale.” Among other interesting problems, this model includes the metal-processing problem, the machine-loading problem, financial budgeting, aircraft routing, warehousing with “breeding” or “evaporation,” the two-equation capacitated linear program, etc. The solution method here described and proved is a natural extension of Ford and Fulkerson's technique or specialization of the primal-dual method and retains much of the physical motivation and easy computational aspect of their technique, a direct starting solution is usually available, and optimization of the imbedded linear program the restricted primal problem can be accomplished without the use of the simplex technique. Conceptually, the solution procedure consists of the following steps Find the incrementally cheapest loop in the network that will absorb flow Establish as much additional flow into the network along this route as possible Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the desired flow is established, or until infeasibility is discovered The solution technique includes a maximal-flow procedure and produces a “min-cut equals max-flow” theorem for networks with gains. Additional features, such as piece-wise linear convex costs, parametric studies, network “tearing,” mixed boundary conditions, etc., may be easily incorporated in the algorithm.
Synthesis, Conformational Analysis, and Biological-Activity of the 1-α,25-Dihydroxy-10,19-Dihydrovitamin D3 Isomers

Abstract The synthesis of the four 1α,25-dihydroxy-10,19-dihydrovitamin D 3 stereoisomers (8-11) is described starting from 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (1c) . Acetic acid-catalyzed cycloreversion of 1 α-hydroxylated 3,5-cyclovitamin D compound 14, produced by allylic oxidation of the intermediate cyclovitamin 13, afforded 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 3-acetate (16) and its 5E-isomer 17 . Catalytic hydrogenation of 16 produced 10,19-dihydrovitamin acetates 20 and 21, whereas the same reaction of 17 resulted in the formation of 5E-isomers 22 and 23 . The analogous saturation of the 10,19-double bond in 14 gave 10( S ), 19- and 10( R ), 19-dihydrocyclovitamins 18 and 19 which after cycloreversion with acetic acid yielded different stereoisomeric pairs of 10,19-dihydrovitamin acetates 21, 23, 20, and 22, respectively. The stereochemistry and solution conformations of the A-ring of the 3-acetates 20-23 and their parent alcohols 8-11 were studied using 1 H NMR data. The A-ring chair population ratios of these stereoisomers were determined by the method of correlation of the observed coupling constants with the limiting values derived from cyclohexanol. The obtained results were confirmed by evaluation of interaction energies introduced by A-ring substituents and calculation of the free energy differences between the respective dihydrovitamin conformers. Conformational analyses of 10,19-dihydrovitamins were also carried out on model compounds 24-27 by using force-field calculations. Biological activity in vivo revealed that the 1 α,25-dihydroxy-10( S ), 19-dihydrovitamin D 3 (9) followed by the 1α,25-dihydroxy-10( S ), 19-dihydro-( 5E )-vitamin D 3 (11) to be the most active, while the 10(R)-isomers 8 and 10 possessed little or no activity. In vitro , the compounds possessing the most equatorial 1-hydroxyl, i.e., the 10( R )-isomers, were found most active, and the least equatorial were the least active.
Quantifying immunohistochemical staining of phospho-eIF2α, heme oxygenase-2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase in oligodendrocytes during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract As a consequence of inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), stress responses are induced in many cells within the CNS, however, those that occur within the primary pathological target, the oligodendrocyte, are not fully established. Recently, we found that phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α), an inhibitor of protein translation associated with the stress response, is expressed in a greater number of oligodendrocytes in EAE animals compared to controls. However, since numerous oligodendrocytes in control animals also expressed phospho-eIF2α, a method was developed to detect expression levels within oligodendrocytes that did not rely on the number of oligodendrocytes that were stained. This method utilized a high dilution of the primary antibody so that the staining density was kept below a maximum plateau which could eliminate expression differences. Furthermore, the staining density within oligodendrocytes, as determined by image analysis, was corrected by the background density or that within neurons. In either case, the density of staining was greater in oligodendrocytes from EAE animals versus controls. The expression of heme oxygenase-2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase also were examined, but unlike phospho-eIF2α, neither was increased in oligodendrocytes from EAE animals compared to controls. In summary, a protocol involving a high dilution of primary antibody and image analysis revealed that the expression of phospho-eIF2α within oligodendrocytes was increased in EAE animals compared to control animals.
Inhibitory effects of calmodulin antagonists on urinary enzyme excretion in rats after nephrotoxic doses of mercuric chloride.

Prochlorperazine, a phenothiazine antiemetic, has been reported to protect rats against mercuric chloride (HgCl/sub 2/)-induced nephrotoxicity. Mercuric ion and 12 other divalent metal ions of toxicologic importance inhibit the activity of calmodulin, a ubiquitous intracellular calcium receptor and regulatory protein, at physiologically relevant concentrations. Phenothiazines, including prochlorperazine, are reversible calmodulin antagonists, and as such they interact with divalent calcium at the level of calmodulin. It was of interest therefore to evaluate the comparative effects of several phenothiazines on HgCl/sub 2/-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Evaluation of Extraction Conditions and Use of HPLC‐MS for the Simultaneous Determination of Acrylamide and its Primary Metabolite, N‐Acetyl‐S‐(2‐carbamoylethyl)cysteine, in Human Urine

Abstract Extraction conditions were evaluated for the simultaneous determination of acrylamide and its primary metabolite, N‐Acetyl‐S‐(2‐carbamoylethyl)cysteine (NACEC), in human urine. Acrylamide is an animal carcinogen and a human neurotoxicant; and it is widely used within industry. The toxicity of acrylamide makes it a health concern, and the use of its metabolite, NACEC, as a biomarker of exposure would be of value in the prevention of occupational diseases. Sample preparation studies evaluating several different types of solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and different buffered or acidic matrices of standing urine samples were conducted. Measurement of acrylamide and NACEC was by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a mobile phase gradient. Detection for quantification was by single ion monitoring using electrospray mass spectrometry (MS). A basic method validation, using the final optimized SPE conditions, was conducted. Recovery studies of fortified urine samples ...
Some New Covariance Structure Model Improvement Statistics

Model modification in covariance structure analysis through reducing constraints can have an impact on the estimates of the maintained free parameters if the model is reevaluated. Three new statist...
When is a father really gone? Paternal-child contact in father-absent homes.

This research uses unique longitudinal data to examine the dynamics of the father’s presence or absence during a child’s first few years of life and consider the extent to which overt father-presence/absence statistics mask a continuing contact with the child’s father or other potential father figures. I document the extent to which (1) substantial proportions of children born to younger mothers never have had a biological father residing in the home, (2) “net” levels of fathers’ absence at various postbirth points mask significant “gross” flows of fathers in and out of the household, and (3) large proportions of children in homes lacking the biological father have potentially significant contact with absent fathers or new father figures.
Depression in pregnancy and the postpartum period: balancing adverse effects of untreated illness with treatment risks.

The author reviews the risks and benefits of untreated maternal depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period and its effects on the well-being of the mother and infant. She then discusses the significant role psychiatrists can play in detecting and managing maternal depression as a primary m
EVIDENCE FOR THE ROLE OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE IN MAINTAINING THE OOCYTE MEIOTIC ARREST IN PRE-ANTRAL FOLLICLES

Abstract The study was designed to clarify the physiological role of FSH in maintaining the meiotic arrest in vitro of oocytes derived from intact and from hypophysectomized hamsters. The sensitivity to FSH in maintaining the meiotic arrest of oocytes during incubation of preantral follicles of adult golden hamsters was estimated: log doseresponse curves were characterized by an ED50 of about 0.2 pg FSH ml (= 1 μ U ) . After hypophysectomy oocytes of the pre-antral follicles were screened for the presence of a germinal vesicle (GV). The breakdown of the GV (GVBD) rose from 0 on day 0 to 48.8 ± 13.8% on day 1, to 55.9 ± 6.8% on day 2 and to 64.3 ± 7.4 on day 6 (p FSH ml (= 10 μ U ) still demonstrated the inhibiting effect of FSH on the meiotic resumption: 13.4 ± 4.3% (day 0), 36.9 ± 16.3% (day 1), 38.7 ± 21.0% (day 2) and of 38.1 ± 12.6% (p > 0.1) on day 6. These results demonstrate that very low doses of FSH are able to maintain the meiotic arrest in oocytes of pre-antral follicles of the golden hamster and that deprivation of FSH by hypophysectomy involves a disappearance of GV oocytes to a certain extent.
Effect of sterol alterations on conjugation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sterol auxotrophic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were grown and allowed to conjugate on media supplemented with various sterols. The mating efficiency of the auxotrophs is perturbed by the replacement of the normal yeast sterol, ergosterol, with other sterols. After 4 h of mating, cells grown on ergosterol exhibited a 30-fold higher productive mating efficiency than those cells grown in stigmasterol. Aberrant budding by the conjugants was enhanced following incubation on stigmasterol and other non-ergosterol sterols. Using light and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that there is a reduced ability for stigmasterol-grown cells to undergo cytoplasmic fusion during conjugation. Many of the mated pairs remained adherent but prezygotic even after 12 h of incubation. The addition of ergosterol to cells previously grown on stigmasterol rescued the organisms, allowing for zygote formation and normal budding.
Single Dose Comparison of the Relative Bioavailability of Phenytoin Suspension and Extended Capsules

There is presently only one preparation of phenytoin approved for once-daily dosing--extended phenytoin sodium capsules. We have observed many hospitalized patients switched from either this preparation or the intravenous form of phenytoin to phenytoin oral suspension. The bioavailability and single dose pharmacokinetics of extended phenytoin sodium capsules (Dilantin Kapseals) and phenytoin oral suspension (Dilantin oral suspension) were compared in seven healthy adult volunteers. Each subject was administered both three 100-mg Dilantin Kapseals (276 mg free acid) and 11 ml (275 mg) Dilantin-125 oral suspension in a randomized cross-over design with a 1-week washout period between preparations. Blood samples were drawn over 78 h after the administration of each preparation for determination of serum phenytoin concentration. In addition, total urinary output was collected for 48 h. Statistical analysis consisted of a comparison of the area under the curve (AUC) from time zero to 48 h and time-to-peak concentration using a two-tailed paired t test at a level of significance of p less than 0.05. The total alpha level was 0.10. No significant differences were found between the two preparations. The power of detecting a 15% difference in AUC was 0.80, and the power of detecting a 5-h difference in time to peak was 0.52. Following is a summarization of the pharmacokinetic parameters (capsules mean +/- 1 SD; suspension mean +/- 1 SD).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stress Field Evolution under Mechanically Simulated Hull Slamming Conditions

The effect of repeated loading from mechanically simulated hull slamming on foam core sandwich composites was investigated utilizing a novel technique that simultaneously measured temperature and displacement while cyclic loading occurred. Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques were combined using a single infrared camera for characterization of the foam core. Improved stress fields with TSA results were found through deformation compensation. Initial work approximating hull slamming conditions mechanically utilizing a custom device were performed. Mechanically loading offers several benefits over water impact investigations, including easy access to the sample during the slamming event, an unobstructed optical path, and accelerated testing. Evolving stress fields under long-duration, repeated simulated hull slamming loading were observed around a growing delamination crack between the foam core and skin.
Fas function and tumor progression: Use it and lose it

Recent studies have provided evidence that Fas and FasL interactions are important in the control of malignant disease and that changes in the level of Fas expression can determine immune escape and therapeutic responses.
Remote and local forcing of a coastal lagoon: The Virginia Coast Reserve

Abstract The effects of local and remote wind forcing of water level heights in the Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) are examined in order to determine the significant forces governing estuarine motions over subtidal time scales. Recent (1996–2008) data from tide and wind stations in the lagoon, a tide station to the north at Sandy Hook, NJ, and one offshore wind station at the Chesapeake Light Tower are examined. Sea surface height spectrum calculations reveal significant diurnal and semidiurnal tidal effects along with subtidal variations, but a suppressed inertial signal. Sea-surface heights (SSH) with 2–5 day periods at Wachapreague, VA are coherent with those at Sandy Hook and lag them in time, suggesting that southward-propagating continental shelf waves provide subtidal variability within the lagoon. The coherence between lagoon winds and sea surface height, as well as between winds and cross-lagoon sea height gradient, were significant at a relatively small number of frequency and wind direction combinations. The frequencies at which this wind forcing occurs are the tidal and subtidal bands present to the north, so that lagoon winds selectively augment existing SSH signals, but do not generate them. The impact of the wind direction is closely related to the geometry of the lagoon and bounding landmasses. The effect of wind stress is also constrained by geometry in affecting the cross-lagoon water height gradient. Water levels at subtidal frequencies are likely forced by a combination of local wind forcing, remote wind forcing and oceanic forcing modified by the complex topography of the lagoon, shelf, and barrier islands.
Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake: Context Matters

Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) fluxes regulate ATP generation, contribute to the regulation of apoptosis, and when very large can play a role in buffering changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, fundamental disagreements on the extent and speed of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria have been reported. The reliability and consistency mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake measurements is consequently critical for our understanding of cell biology and pathology in cells from all tissue including heart, neurons, and kidney. Importantly, measurement of Ca2+ movement across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) has been dramatically enhanced by the molecular identification of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX). First, we quantitatively analyze cardiac mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake experiments from the literature. We then interpret the results with respect to measurements conducted on recent MCU candidates which suggest that the conductance of a single MCU is ∼6-7 pS (in 105 mM [Ca2+]). Our quantitative analysis suggests three clear findings: 1. Under physiological conditions, Ca2+ influx into mitochondria is small and is dwarfed by other cytosolic Ca2+ extrusion pathways; 2. MCU-dependent Ca2+ uptake appears to be dependent on [Ca2+]i under physiological conditions; 3. There appear to be hundreds of MCU channels per mitochondrion but they are predominantly closed under physiological conditions. We conclude that under physiological conditions mitochondria do not act as a significant Ca2+ buffers in heart despite being capable of substantial Ca2+ accumulation if non-physiological conditions favor prolonged levels of high extra-mitochondrial [Ca2+].
Metoclopramide-induced tardive dyskinesia in an infant

We describe a 1-year-old girl who developed orofaciolingual stereotypy at age 2 months after a 17-day treatment with metoclopramide for gastroesophageal reflux. The stereotypy, documented by sequential videos, persisted for at least 9 months after the drug was discontinued. This patient represents the first documented case of tardive dyskinesia in an infant. We also review previous reports of tardive dyskinesia in children.
Emergency response team: Hurricane Georges in Key West.

Hurricane Georges (category 2) struck Key West, Florida, on September 25, 1998. Lower Florida Keys Hospital, which serves Key West and the Lower Keys, had previously been evacuated of inpatients and staff. An emergency response team composed of three emergency medicine (EM) physicians and four EM nurses was sent at the request of the state to maintain emergency department (ED) operations at the hospital. Eighty-six patients presented to the ED during the 72-hour period. Medical problems accounted for the majority of visits (52.3%), with minor trauma next (41.9%). Initially, patients requiring hospitalization were evacuated, but as the storm neared, this was stopped. Six patients required hospitalization at Lower Florida Keys Hospital during the period that evacuations were unavailable. Four deaths occurred during the 24-hour period. Complicating factors included environmental conditions, limited laboratory and radiologic studies, limited medication stocks, and closure of local pharmacies before and after ...
The Occurrence and Feeding Pattern of Phytobia (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in White Ash

Roots of white ash were excavated and examined for larvae of Phytobia from September through June. The 2nd instar appeared to be the overwintering stage in south-central Pennsylvania. Emergence of a larva from a root was observed in June. An unusual feeding pattern for Phytobia was found in white ash.
Characterization of the Transmission of the Elekta Stereotactic Body Frame (ESBF) and Accounting for it During Treatment Planning

Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure the transmission of the Elekta Stereotactic Body Frame (ESBF) and treatment table, to calculate the transmission of the frame in the Eclipse Treatment Planning System (TPS) using analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA), and to demonstrate a simple method of accounting for this transmission in treatment planning. A solid water body phantom was imaged inside the ESBF and planned with multiple 3D-CRT fields using AAA using both 6-MV and 16-MV energies. In the first set of plans, the frame and table were included in the “Body” contour and, therefore, used in the dose calculations. In the second set of plans, the frame and the table were not included in the “Body” contour and, therefore, were not incorporated in the calculations. The latter simulated a setup in which there was no frame or table. Eclipse TPS will only incorporate data from the CT set in calculations, if it is included in the “Body” contour. The plans were treated under two conditions: one with the phantom in the ESBF and one without the frame on a specially designed table. This table allows all the beams to enter the phantom without passing through any attenuating material (i.e., table or frame). Transmission of the frame and table was determined by the ratio of the measurements with the frame and table to the measurements without them. To validate the accuracy of the calculation model, plans with homogeneous phantom and a heterogeneous plan were compared with the measurements. The transmission of the frame varies from 89–94% depending on the angle of the beams and whether they also intercept the table. The AAA algorithm calculated the transmission of the frame and table to within 2% of the measurements for all gantry angles. Validation results showed that AAA can calculate the dose to the target to within 2% of the measured value. The attenuation caused by the ESBF must be accounted for in the planning process. For Eclipse, the frame should be contoured and included in all calculations. This can be done easily and accurately.
Role of Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieves in Styrene Epoxidation

Manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves having 2 × 2 tunnel structure (OMS-2) and synthesized by different methods were used for studying styrene oxidation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) ...
Aggregation of organic matter by pelagic tunicates1

Three genera of pelagic tunicates were fed concentrates of natural seston and an axenic diatom culture. Fresh and up to 4-day-old feces resemble flocculent organic aggregates containing populations of microorganisms, as described from highly productive parts of the ocean, and older feces resemble the nearly sterile flocculent aggregates which are ubiquitous in surface waters. Fresh feces consist of partially digested phytoplankton and other inclusions in an amorphous gelatinous matrix. After 18 to 36 h, a population of large bacteria develops in the matrix and in some of the remains of phytoplankton contained in the feces. From 48 to 96 h, protozoan populations arise which consume the bacteria and sometimes the remains of the phytoplankton in the feces. Thereafter only a sparse population of microorganisms remains, and the particles begin to fragment. Water samples taken in or below dense populations of salps and doliolids contained greater numbers of flocculent aggregates than did samples from adjacent stations.
In vivo bone formation by human bone marrow stromal cells: effect of carrier particle size and shape.

Successful closure of bone defects in patients remains an active area of basic and clinical research. A novel and promising approach is the transplantation of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), which have been shown to possess a significant osteogenic potential. The extent and quality of bone formation by transplanted human BMSCs strongly depends on the carrier matrix with which cells are transplanted; to date, hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) supports far more osteogenesis than any other matrix tested. In order to further improve the technique of BMSC transplantation, we studied whether commercially available HA/TCP particles, clinically approved as an osteoconductive material and commercially available as particles measuring 0.5-1.0 mm diameter, is an optimum matrix for promoting bone development by BMSCs. HA/TCP and HA particles of varying size were sieved into a variety of size ranges, from <0.044 mm to 1.0-2.0 mm. Transplants were formed by mixing 40 mg aliquots of particles with cultured passaged human BMSCs. They were placed in subcutaneous pockets in immunocompromised Bg-Nu-XID mice and harvested 4 or 10 weeks later. The transplants were examined histologically; the presence of bone within each transplant was evaluated using histomorphometry or blindly scored on a semiquantitative scale. Transplant morphology and the amount of new bone varied in a consistent fashion based on particle size and shape. Transplants incorporating HA/TCP particles of 0.1-0.25 mm size demonstrated the greatest bone formation at both 4 and 10 weeks; larger or smaller particles were associated with less extensive bone formation, while a size of 0.044 mm represented a threshold below which no bone formation could be observed. Flat-sided HA particles measuring 0.1-0.25 mm formed no bone. The differences in bone formation were not attributable to the differences in cell attachment among the groups. Instead, the size and spatial and structural organization of the particles within BMSC transplants appear to determine the extent of bone formation. These findings provide necessary information for the successful clinical application of BMSC transplantation techniques.
Ex ante contracting with endogenously determined communication plans

In this paper we introduce a new model of ex ante contracting for economies with asymmetric information to examine endogenously determined communication plans for information sharing in the interim stage. In contrast to the models used in previous research, in the present model agents negotiate not only on a contract of state contingent allocations but also on a communication plan, a set of rules describing how agents will reveal part of their private information at the interim stage to execute the trade contracts. We prove a result about the nested structure of the set of allocations implementable by various communication plans and establish the existence of core strategies for this cooperative game under various regularity conditions.
Progress Toward a Solution-Imidized, UV-Curable NLO-Pendent Model Compound

The goal of this research is to prepare a nonlinear optical polymer with extended useful life. Progress toward the preparation of a soluble, solution-imidized, UV-curable, NLO pendent model compound with be presented.
Open-access metabolomics databases for natural product research: present capabilities and future potential

Various databases have been developed to aid in assigning structures to spectral peaks observed in metabolomics experiments. In this review article, we discuss the utility of currently available open-access spectral and chemical databases for natural products discovery. We also provide recommendations on how the research community can contribute to further improvements.
On flows induced by diffusion in a stably stratified fluid

Abstract It is shown theoretically and observed experimentally that spontaneous motions are set up in a stably stratified diffusive fluid in a container whose side-walls are not vertical. The fluid streams up or down the inclined walls in a kind of boundary layer whose Reynolds number is inversely proportional to the Prandtl number. Distributions of velocity and density are found, together with the mass transport in the layer. The same phenomenon results in convective transport along narrow fissures inclined to the vertical that can greatly exceed the diffusive transport associated with the overall gradient. This is particularly so when the fissure is almost horizontal; the convective mass transport is found to be proportional to the cube of the average density gradient along the fissure and to the ninth power of the fissure width.
CRACK INITIATION AND EXTENSION IN STEEL FOR SHORT LOADING TIMES

Conditions d'instabilite d'une fissure dans un acier a haute resistance pour des temps de charge aussi courts que 25 μs, etudiees en utilisant un essai dynamique de flexion un-point. La resistance a la propagation peut croitre de facon marquee avec l'avance de la fissure
Levels of moralisation: a new conception of moral sensitivity

Moral sensitivity has generally been interpreted in a normative sense, as the ability to notice moral features present in a situation. This paper outlines an alternative, descriptive conception of moral sensitivity: the levels of moralisation model. This model describes four qualitatively distinct levels at which a preference can be held: no moralisation; moralisation for the self; moralisation for others; and public expression of moralisation. Empirical research supporting the existence of these levels as well as processes that move a preference across the levels are discussed. In addition, the practical utility of the model is demonstrated with regard to moral education and conflict resolution programs.
Metabolism of intravenously injected cadmium-binding protein.

Summary Metallothionein was induced in rats in response to cadmium and labeled in vivo with either 109Cd, 14C or 35S. The labeled proteins were isolated from liver tissue and their metabolism was investigated after i.v. injection in rats. Tissue distribution and urinary excretion of cadmium from 109Cd-metallothionein and 109CdCl2 were different. The deposition of cadmium in kidney was higher than in liver and a significant urinary excretion of the metal was observed when administered in the form of metallothionein. In kidney and in urine 109Cd remained bound to metallothionein. The distribution and excretion of the protein moiety was very similar to that of the metal. However, gel filtration of kidney soluble fraction and urine indicated some degradation of the protein.
SESAME: Scalable, Environment Sensitive Access Management Engine

As computing technology becomes more pervasive and mobile services are deployed, applications will need flexible access control mechanisms. Although lots of researches have been done on access control, these efforts focus on relatively static scenarios where access depends on identity of the subject. They do not address access control issues for pervasive applications where the access privileges of a subject not only depend on its identity but also on its current context and state. In this paper, we present the SESAME dynamic context-aware access control mechanism for pervasive applications. SESAME complements current authorization mechanisms to dynamically grant and adapt permissions to users based on their current context. The underlying dynamic role based access control (DRBAC) model extends the classic role based access control (RBAC). We also present a prototype implementation of SESAME and DRBAC with the Discover computational collaboratory and an experimental evaluation of its overheads.
Minimally invasive atlantoaxial fixation with a polyaxial screw-rod construct: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Posterior C1-C2 fusion with polyaxial screw and rod fixation has become an accepted means of atlanto-axial stabilization. We describe a novel technique for minimally invasive placement of C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pedicle screws for polyaxial screw-rod stabilization. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient presented with a history of chronic neck pain, as well as a 6-month history of weakness and paresthesias involving her left hand. An Os Odontoideum was present on computed tomographic imaging of the cervical spine. Significant instability was noted on flexion-extension imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated mild T2 signal change within the spinal cord. TECHNIQUE: Under fluoroscopic guidance, serial dilators were passed through a 2.5 cm paramedian skin incision to allow placement of an expandable tubular retractor. The exposure was centered on the C2 lateral mass. After expansion of the retractor and further subperiosteal dissection, the C1 and C2 lateral masses were visible permitting placement of a polyaxial screw rod construct. This procedure was carried out bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Placement of C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screws using minimally invasive techniques is technically feasible.
The Black Sheep of the Pink Flock: Labels, Stigma, and Bisexual Identity

Drawing on 17 months of participant observation in Lexington, Kentucky, this article details how bisexuality is conceptualized by Lexingtonians, as well as the impact of these conceptualizations. Bisexuals are understood to be dangerous and hypersexual, and bisexuality to be illegitimate and limiting. These cultural constructions then create a stigmatized, ‘dirty’ identity that affects the entire structure of sexuality by (1) keeping people from identifying as bisexual and (2) keeping people from accepting bisexual identities in others. Ironically, it therefore seems that bisexual identity serves in many ways to strengthen the sexual binary through its very existence.
Vibrotactile Threshold Shift during Magnitude-Estimation Scaling on the Hand: Effects on Magnitude-Estimation Responses and Scaling Behavior:

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether threshold shifts occurred during magnitude-estimation scaling of suprathreshold stimuli presented to the thenar eminence of the right hand. Possible relationships of the vibrotactile threshold shifts to suprathreshold stimulus intensity, magnitude-estimation responses, and over-all scaling behavior were explored. A single group of 14 subjects whose ages ranged from 18 to 22 yr. participated. Each subject performed two magnitude-estimation tasks. In one of the tasks threshold of sensitivity was determined after every suprathreshold numerical response of the subject. If a threshold shift was recorded, threshold was allowed to return to pretest baseline level before continuation to the next suprathreshold stimulus presentation. Analysis showed that threshold shift did occur during vibrotactile magnitude-estimation scaling on the hand and that it was related to suprathreshold stimulus intensity. Results also showed that the subjects' numerical magnitud...
Investigation Concerning the Solubility of Dental Cements

Solubility tests of eight dental cements showed that the rate of solubility can be fitted to a mathematical expression that indicates that solubility decreases exponentially in time. Solubility was increased by continually presenting fresh liquid, unsaturated with solute, to the cement-water interface. A liquid absorption test was developed to give an additional criterion for the life of dental cements.
A transform technique for multivariable, time-varying, discrete-time, linear systems

It is shown that a transform technique developed for single-input, single-output time-varying, discrete-time, linear systems can be meaningfully extended to multivariable systems.
Magnetotransport in Co-doped ZnO nanowires.

Electrical and magnetotransport measurements were performed on individual Co-doped ZnO dilute magnetic semiconductor nanowires. The electron transport studies show that the electron mobility could be as high as 75 cm2/(V·s), and we observed positive magnetoresistivity (MR) at low magnetic field and negative MR at higher magnetic field. s−d exchange-induced spin splitting of the conduction band could account for positive MR while suppression of weak localization of impurity centers could account for the negative MR. Lowering the carrier concentration in these nanowires through the application of a gate voltage tends to induce a larger magnitude MR as well as additional fine structure in the MR curves.
Concurrent consideration of product usability and functionality: Part II – customising and validating design guidelines for a consumer product (Mountain Touring Bike)

The purpose of the second part of the paper was to develop integrated design guidelines for a specific consumer product. For our study, a Mountain Touring Bike (MTB) is used as an example. The procedures and the generic guidelines described in the first part of the paper were applied in developing design guidelines for the bike. A rigorous analysis was carried out to determine and evaluate the importance of different relevant design dimensions. A series of statistical tests were conducted in order to test the hypotheses that the guidelines do ensure the usability and functionality of the product.
A scenario-based reliability analysis approach for component-based software

This paper introduces a reliability model, and a reliability analysis technique for component-based software. The technique is named Scenario-Based Reliability Analysis (SBRA). Using scenarios of component interactions, we construct a probabilistic model named Component-Dependency Graph (CDG). Based on CDG, a reliability analysis algorithm is developed to analyze the reliability of the system as a function of reliabilities of its architectural constituents. An extension of the proposed model and algorithm is also developed for distributed software systems. The proposed approach has the following benefits: 1) It is used to analyze the impact of variations and uncertainties in the reliability of individual components, subsystems, and links between components on the overall reliability estimate of the software system. This is particularly useful when the system is built partially or fully from existing off-the-shelf components; 2) It is suitable for analyzing the reliability of distributed software systems because it incorporates link and delivery channel reliabilities; 3) The technique is used to identify critical components, interfaces, and subsystems; and to investigate the sensitivity of the application reliability to these elements; 4) The approach is applicable early in the development lifecycle, at the architecture level. Early detection of critical architecture elements, those that affect the overall reliability of the system the most, is useful in delegating resources in later development phases.
A Multimedia Traffic Classification Scheme for Intrusion Detection Systems

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) have become widely used tools for ensuring system and network security. Among many other challenges, contemporary IDS have to cope with increasingly higher bandwidths, which sometimes force them to let some data go by without being checked for possible malicious activity. This paper presents a novel method to improve the performance of IDS based on multimedia traffic classification. In the proposed method, the IDS has additional knowledge about common multimedia file formats and uses this knowledge to perform a more detailed analysis of packets carrying that type of data. If the structure and selected contents of the data are compliant, the corresponding stream is tagged accordingly, and the IDS is spared from further work on that stream. Otherwise, an anomaly is detected and reported. Our experiments using Snort confirm that this additional specialized knowledge results in substantial computational savings, without significant overhead for processing non-multimedia data
A Stakeholder Approach to Strategic Management

The purpose of this chapter is to outline the development of the idea of "stakeholder management" as it has come to be applied in strategic management. We begin by developing a brief history of the concept. We then suggest that traditionally the stakeholder approach to strategic management has several related characteristics that serve as distinguishing features. We review recent work on stakeholder theory and suggest how stakeholder management has affected the practice of management. We end by suggesting further research questions.
Humour's role in the relation between attributional style and dysphoria

The present study empirically investigated the role of adaptive and maladaptive components of humour in the relation between attributional style and dysphoria. Four hundred eighteen students (134 m...
Genomic Analysis Reveals Mycoplasma pneumoniae Repetitive Element 1-Mediated Recombination in a Clinical Isolate

Mycoplasmas are cell wall-less bacteria that evolved by drastic reduction of the genome size. Complete genome analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae revealed the presence of numerous copies of four distinct large M. pneumoniae repetitive elements (RepMPs). One copy each of RepMP2/3, RepMP4, and RepMP5 are localized within the P1 operon (MPN140 to MPN142 loci), and their involvement in sequence variation in adhesin P1 and adherence-related protein B/C has been documented. Here we analyzed a clinical strain of M. pneumoniae designated S1 isolated from a 1993 outbreak of respiratory infections in San Antonio, TX. Based on the type of RepMPs within the P1 operon, we classified clinical isolate S1 as type 2 with unique minor sequence variations. Hybridization with oligonucleotide arrays revealed sequence divergence in two previously unsuspected hypothetical genes (MPN137 and MPN138 loci). Closer inspection of this region revealed that the MPN137 and MPN138 loci harbored previously unrecognized unique RepMP1 sequences found only in M. pneumoniae. PCR and sequence analyses revealed a recombination event involving three RepMP1-containing genes that resulted in fusion of MPN137 and MPN138 reading frames and loss of all but a short fragment of another RepMP1-containing locus, MPN130. The multiple copies of unique RepMP1 elements spread throughout the chromosome could allow vast numbers of sequence variations in clinical strains. Comparisons of amino acid sequences showed the presence of leucine zipper motifs in MPN130 and MPN138 proteins in reference strain M129 and the absence of these motifs in the fused protein of S1. The presence of tandem leucine and other repeats points to possible regulatory functions of proteins encoded by RepMP1-containing genes.