cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic infection of nude mice by murine K papovavirus.

Summary Nude (nu/nu) mice were inoculated intracranially with 106.5 newborn mouse 50% lethal doses of K virus and were studied over a period of 28 weeks using serological methods, virus assay and immunohistological staining for viral antigens. K virus infection of nude mice, although clinically asymptomatic, was slowly progressive despite prompt IgM and IgG antibody response. The highest titres of K virus infectivity were reached in spleens, kidneys and intestines. Vascular endothelial cells represented the major site of viral replication, as has been shown to be the case in immunologically normal mice, with extensive involvement of intestinal capillaries. In addition, however, unlike immunologically normal mice, nude mice inoculated with K virus developed multifocal infection of renal tubular epithelial cells. Nude mice did not develop histologically detectable evidence of central nervous system involvement by K virus, and K virus infection did not result in neoplasia. Infected vascular endothelial cells and renal tubular epithelial cells in animals studied at 16 and 27 weeks after inoculation were grouped in scattered clusters, suggesting local spread of infection. The present study indicates that nude mice with preserved B cell function but impaired T cell-mediated immunity are able to limit systemic dissemination of K virus but are unable to prevent local progression of infection by cell-to-cell spread. K virus is capable of altering its cellular tropism during chronic infection.
The Economy of the Earth: Philosophy, Law, and the Environment, 2nd edition

The Economy of the Earth: Philosophy, Law, and the Environment, 2nd edition Mark Sagoff New York, NY, Cambridge University Press, 2007, xi + 266 pp., cloth, $80.00, paper, $27.99 ISBN 978-052168713...
Succession of mutations in the Sabin strain of type 3 poliovirus replicating in the central nervous system of monkeys.

Abstract Sabin strains of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) undergo limited genetic changes during replication in cell cultures, the gastrointestinal tract of vaccinees, and the central nervous system of monkeys. Some of these changes are associated with loss of attenuation markers. Here we report the dynamics of mutant accumulation in the Sabin strain of poliovirus type 3 inoculated intraspinally into monkeys. Thr → Ile reversion in amino acid 6 of VP1 (2493 C → U) occurred within the first few days postinoculation (p.i.), but decreased on later days and completely disappeared by Day 17 p.i. 472 U → C reversion in the 5′-untranslated region appeared to accumulate slower and by Day 17 completely substituted for the vaccine-type nucleotide at this site. These results indicate that experimental infection of the central nervous system of monkeys consists of early and late phases in which a different genetic constitution of the virus is favored. In several isolates one additional neurovirulent revertant was found: a Phe → Ser at amino acid 91 of VP3 (2034 U → C). Since this mutation was never detected in vaccine lots and is strongly selected against in cell cultures at temperatures below 38.5°, it does not threaten the safety of OPV.
Regulation of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α-mediated Transcription

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha, NR2A1) is required for development of the liver and for controlling the expression of many genes specifically expressed in the liver and associated with a number of critical metabolic pathways. Among the genes regulated by HNF4alpha are the xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochromes P450, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and sulfotransferases thus making this transcription factor critical in the control of drug metabolism. HNF4alpha, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, binds as a homodimer to direct repeat elements upstream of target genes. However, in contrast to many other nuclear receptors, there is no convincing evidence that HNF4alpha is activated by exogenous ligands, at least in the classic mechanism used by other steroid and metabolic nuclear receptors. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that HNF4alpha has a fatty acid embedded in its putative ligand binding site that may not be easily released or displaced by exogenous ligands. HNF4alpha, as a general rule, controls constitutive expression of many hepatic genes but under certain circumstances can be subjected to regulation by differential co-activator recruitment, by phosphorylation and by interaction with other nuclear receptors. The ability of HNF4alpha to be regulated offers hope that it could be a drug target.
On-line separations combined with MS for analysis of glycosaminoglycans

The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) family of polysaccharides includes the unsulfated hyaluronan and the sulfated heparin, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate. GAGs are biosynthesized by a series of enzymes, the activities of which are controlled by complex factors. Animal cells alter their responses to different growth conditions by changing the structures of GAGs expressed on their cell surfaces and in extracellular matrices. Because this variation is a means whereby the functions of the limited number of protein gene products in animal genomes is elaborated, the phenotypic and functional assessment of GAG structures expressed spatially and temporally is an important goal in glycomics. On-line mass spectrometric separations are essential for successful determination of expression patterns for the GAG compound classes due to their inherent complexity and heterogeneity. Options include size exclusion, anion exchange, reversed phase, reversed phase ion pairing, hydrophilic interaction, and graphitized carbon chromatographic modes and capillary electrophoresis. This review summarizes the application of these approaches to on-line MS analysis of the GAG classes.
Limbs vs. Jaws: Can They Be Compared?

Current experimental research on mammalian limb muscle structure and function is compared to that on mammalian jaw muscles. Two major areas of comparison are stressed: structural and functional. Comparisons of limbs and jaws are made from the point of view of the impact of recent studies on simple mechanical models of limb/jaw muscle function. Limb muscle structure is compared to jaw muscles at the level of muscle architecture, muscle histochemical and motor unit properties, and the organization of motor units into neuromuscular compartments. Such comparisons reveal that although limb muscles and jaw muscles might be organized in similar ways, fundamental differences exist, both in terms of muscle structure and the functional conclusions which have been based on studies of muscle structure. The comparisons also demonstrate that much recent evidence from structural studies have had little direct impact on simple models of muscle function but a much larger influence on the assumptions of the models. Comparisons of limb/jaw muscle function from kinematic and EMG studies, indicate that many masticatory strategies are used by different mammals but the basic problems of posture and locomotion have been met with essentially similar solutions, even among diverse mammalian groups. The results of such comparisons demonstrate that both limb and jaw muscle function are sufficiently complex that new or re-vitalized models are needed if the relationship between structure and function are ever to be understood.
The effects of serum osmolarity on cerebrospinal fluid volume flow.

Abstract The effects of changes in serum osmolarity on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation were studied in cats. CSF production rates were measured by ventriculocisternal perfusion both before and after intravenous infusion of glucose solutions. Infusion of glucose, hyperosmolar with respect to serum, increased serum osmolarity and caused a decrease in CSF formation rate; conversely, infusion of hypoosmolar solutions lowered serum osmolarity and increased CSF formation. CSF production and serum osmolarity were found to be linearly related. A 1% serum osmolarity change resulted in a 6.7% change in CSF formation. CSF formation increased by 130% with a serum osmolarity of 265 m0sm/1 and was undetectable with serum of 380 m0sm/1.
Discussion on: “Development and Experimental Verification of a Mobile Client-Centric Networked Controlled System”

The paper by A. Tzes, G. Nikolakopoulos and I. Koutroulis examines mobile client-centric network control motivated by the potential use of General Purpose Radio Service (GPRS) over mobile phone infrastructures for control applications. The authors in this work begin to address two key requirements for control utilizing GPRS, namely the need for clientcentric communication and tolerance of variable and large periods of delay which is the primary contribution. Linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques for closed-loop system stability analysis with delay are presented along with simulation, experimental tracking and network performance results showing their applicability. Additionally, the experiments demonstrate one of the first tests of a GPRS network for a simulated control application.
A comparative study of water balance in three species of quail—I. Water turnover in the absence of temperature stress

1. 1. Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), California (Lophortyx californicus), and Gambel's quail (Lophortyx gambelii) which generally occupy humid, mesic and xeric areas, respectively, were compared with respect to water balance. Total daily water turnover (6–10 per cent of body weight) determined from measurements of all major avenues of water input and water output, was similar in these species during ad lib. consumption of distilled water. 2. 2. During water limitation or deprivation, these species show degrees of physiological adaptation to water shortage that are correlated with the availability of water in their usual habitats. Minimum water requirements of quail are one-quarter to one-third of the ad lib. water input.
Networking at the second Interactome Meeting.

In late August and early September of this year, the second Cold Spring Harbor Interactome Networks meeting was held at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Hinxton, UK). Twice as many people parti...
EFFECTS OF COLD STORAGE ENVIRONMENT ON COLOR OF EXPOSED LEAN BEEF SURFACES

A model system approach utilizing a wind tunnel designed to control temperature, humidity and air velocity was used to evaluate the effects of cold storage conditions on the color of exposed lean beef surfaces. Measurements made on the stored samples included: evaluation of pigment oxidation rate by reflectance spectrophotometry, objective color measurement in standard CIE and Munsell units using a color difference meter, and weight loss. The rate of metmyoglobin (Mb+) formation or browning increased with increasing temperature and air velocity. Low relative humidity, however, did not promote Mb+ formation. The lightness index of beef was highly correlated with water loss and initial pigment concentration. At high humidity and low air velocity, pigment oxidation was accelerated, and this may be attributed to stimulated bacterial growth under these conditions. Relative humidity near 90%, air velocity near 0.5 mps, and near freezing temperature appeared to represent the best environment for beef color maintenance. Consumers';perception of good beef color, as evaluated by a trained panel, showed that lower levels of Mb+ were tolerated when higher surface pigment concentrations were present and surface desiccation occurred. A regression equation showing the relationship between visual color scores and surface pigment concentration, extent of surface desiccation, and Mb+ concentration was developed. From the regression equation for Mb+ formation and desiccation rates as affected by storage conditions, color scores as a function of storage time can be predicted and storage conditions for color maintenance can be optimized.
Antibodies to West Nile Virus: A Double-Edged Sword

Antibodies, although critical for host defense against West Nile virus (WNV), can both neutralize and enhance viral infection. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Pierson et al. dissect these opposing effects and demonstrate that, when 120 epitopes are available per WNV virion, approximately 25 are occupied by antibody at 50% neutralization. At lower occupancies, enhancement of infection dominates; at higher ones, neutralization ensues. These results are important for WNV vaccine design and for potential therapeutic use of antibodies to WNV.
Audience and Voice in Current L1 Composition Texts: Some Implications for ESL Student Writers.

Abstract Many freshman writing programs use an inductive approach to writing instruction. Students are encouraged to discover form in the process of writing. This approach views the acquisition of writing skills as a tacit, unconscious process we find problematic for students whose first language is not English. Drawing from 10 widely used freshman writing textbooks, our study demonstrates the problem of implicitness which exists in regard to two notions central to writing instruction in the United States: “voice” and “audience.” Both notions, as presented in these textbooks, are predicated on a set of assumptions that do not translate well in L2 classrooms because they draw heavily on shared cultural knowledge that is often inaccessible to nonnative students. Our article calls attention to ways in which textbook presentations of these concepts disadvantage L2 student writers. We propose that a discipline-oriented approach to freshman composition will facilitate an easier grasp of these concepts. Such an approach will expose students to the particularities of specific disciplines and provide a more clearly defined discourse community within which to form their views and responses. Knowing for whom they write will create a clearer sense of audience for these students and enable them to present clearer and strongly individualized voices.
Groundwater quality near an underground coal gasification experiment

Abstract Groundwater sampling and analysis have been carried out at the site of an underground coal gasification experiment conducted near Gillette, Wyoming. Water from more than 12 wells in the vicinity of the experiment has been sampled before, during, and up to 25 months following gasification. Water samples were analyzed for a variety of characteristics, including the presence of 70 inorganic species, phenolic materials and volatile and semivolatile organics. We find a greatly increased concentration of organic materials, particularly phenols, just outside the burn boundary and a variety of inorganic species issuing from within the residual ash bed. All detectable contaminants rapidly decreased in concentration with distance, although above-background levels of some materials were detected 30 m (100 ft.) from the burn zone within three days of the gasification. Several important contaminants showed a large decrease in concentration with time due, probably, to adsorption. Our results suggest a simple physical picture of the development of groundwater pollution near an underground coal gasifier.
Dispersion of compound muscle action potential in hereditary neuropathies and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Distal compound muscle action potential (DCMAP) dispersion, defined as a DCMAP duration > or = 9 ms, and proximal-distal (P-D) CMAP dispersion are considered useful in the electrodiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Distal and P-D CMAP dispersion have not been fully studied in hereditary neuropathies, and it is not known whether these measures distinguish hereditary from acquired demyelination. We compared DCMAP duration and P-D CMAP dispersion in 91 genetically characterized hereditary neuropathies and 33 subjects with CIDP. DCMAP dispersion was more frequent in nerves affected by CIDP (41.5%) than in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)1A (24.4%), CMT1B (7.4%), hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) (10.5%), or CMTX (9.8%). P-D CMAP dispersion was more frequent in CIDP (27.7% of nerves) than in hereditary neuropathies (16.3%) when applying American Academy of Neurology (AAN) criteria; however, its frequency was similar in CIDP and the hereditary neuropathies using the more restrictive criteria of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). Although dispersion is more common in CIDP than in the hereditary neuropathies, DCMAP and P-D dispersion occur in at least one motor nerve in a significant proportion of hereditary neuropathies, and cannot be used in isolation to distinguish acquired from hereditary demyelination.
Impact of Employment and Caregiving Roles on the Well-Being of People with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

ObjectiveThis study examined the associations between social roles [namely, employment and caregiving] and health status, quality of life, physical functioning, and depression in individuals 50+ years of age with and without fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS].MethodsSeventy people with FMS [93 percent female, mean age 60 years] and 76 people without FMS [67 percent female, mean age 68 years] completed questionnaires and assessments, including the Composite Physical Function scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II.ResultsAlthough the FMS group had significantly poorer outcomes overall, roles predicted better outcomes among the FMS group when compared with the non-FMS group. Specifically, linear regressions revealed that, for the FMS group, increased roles were positively associated with better health status, quality of life, and physical functioning, as well as fewer depression symptoms. For the non-FMS group, number of roles was positively linked with depression and not significantly associated with any of the ot...
Multi-person tracking from sparse 3D trajectories in a camera sensor network

We describe and evaluate a vision-based technique for tracking many people with a network of stereo camera sensors. The technique requires lightweight local communication and is suitable for crowded scenes where targets are frequently occluded and where appearance based modeling techniques fail. In our approach, multiple stereo sensors individually estimate the 3D trajectories of salient feature points on moving objects. Sensors communicate a subset of their sparse 3D measurements to other sensors with overlapping views. Each sensor fuses 3D measurements from nearby sensors using a particle filter to robustly track nearby objects. We evaluate the technique using the MOTA-MOTP multi-target tracking performance metrics on real data sets with up to 6 people and on challenging simulations of crowds of up to 25 people with uniform appearance. Our method achieves a tracking precision of 10-30 cm in all cases and good tracking accuracy even in crowded scenes of 15 people.
Administration of kainic acid and colchicine alters μ and λ opiate binding in rat hippocampus

Abstract Quantitative in vitro autoradiography was used to assess the effects of kainic acid (KA) and colchicine (COL) on μ and λ opiate binding in the rat hippocampus. Rats were treated with either systemic KA, a neurotoxin that damages CA 3 pyramidal cells and causes seizures and wet-dog shakes, or intrahippocampal COL to destroy dentate granule cells and their mossy fibers, or both toxins. Moderate levels of μ binding were detected in the pyramidal layer and in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare; binding was greater in the ventral hippocampus. Levels of μ binding were markedly increased in all regions 48 h after treatment with KA. Two weeks after COL treatment, there was a modest decrease in μ binding; COL plus KA gave results similar to COL alone. Dense λ binding was present over the mossy fibers in the stratum lucidum, but was absent over the pyramidal layer. In contrast to μ binding, λ binding was greater in the dorsal hippocampus. KA alone had little effect on λ binding, whereas COL alone caused large decreases. KA plus COL caused even larger decreases in λ binding, to as much as 85% below control. These results demonstrate that μ and γ binding are localized to different parts of the hippocampus, respond differently to neurotoxin lesions, and likely serve different roles in this brain region. The number of μ sites is responsive to the release of enkephalin; these receptors appear to be linked to opiate-induced hippocampal seizure activity, especially wet-dog shakes. λ sites may serve as autoreceptors on mossy fibers.
ON THE UNCERTAINTIES IN THE RATE COEFFICIENTS FOR OH REACTIONS WITH HYDROCARBONS, AND THE RATE COEFFICIENTS OF THE 1,3,5-TRIMETHYLBENZENE AND M-XYLENE REACTIONS WITH OH RADICALS IN THE GAS PHASE

Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reactions of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) and m-xylene with the OH radical relative to 10 reference compounds were measured yielding (57.3 ± 5.3) × 10-12 and (22.0 ± 2.7) × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, respectively (uncertainties are 2σ). These uncertainties arise from a combination of the uncertainty of the reference rate coefficients and experimental errors; thus, the average uncertainty for the rate coefficients of the 10 reference compounds must be less than or equal to the scatter observed in this study. For 16 and 21 measurements with TMB and m-xylene, the observed scatter was ±10% and ±12%, respectively. The average of the uncertainties is significantly smaller than the uncertainties that are frequently assumed or recommended, which range from ±15 to 35%. Absolute rate coefficients for the reaction of TMB and m-xylene with ozone are also reported. Relative rate coefficients for reaction with OH for di-n-butyl ether, methylcyclohexane, cyclopentane, toluene, and cycl...
Combined Image Processing Techniques for Characterization of MRI Cartilage of the Knee

A common manifestation of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the morphological degeneration of articular cartilage. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the potential to visualize and analyze quantitatively morphology such as cartilage thickness and volume. The purpose of this work was the development of new image processing techniques and application of existing ones for the intra and inter-subject quantitative analysis of cartilage of the knee. The process consists of MRI acquisition, cartilage segmentation, shape-based interpolation of segmented cartilage, segmentation of bone, volume registration based on bone structures, analysis, and visualization. The process is semi-automatic, the segmentation which is based on Bezier splines and edge detection requires interaction. Different shape interpolation methods were compared. The registration is based on shape matching and can be rigid-body and elastic. The analysis comprises cartilage volume and thickness calculations. The visualization allows the depiction of cartilage thickness maps overlaid on MR images or in three dimensions (3D). The cartilage segmentation and shape-based interpolation techniques were validated visually and based on the volumetric measurements of images of porcine knees which cartilage volume were directly measured using a saline displacement method. The registration technique was validated visually and using manual landmark registration
Antagonistic pleiotropy, mutation accumulation, and human genetic disease

The antagonistic pleiotropy theory of senescence is the most convincing theoretical explanation of the existence of aging. As yet, no locus or allele has been identified in a wild population with the features predicted by the pleiotropic theory. Human genetic diseases offer the opportunity to identify potentially pleiotropic alleles/loci. Four human genetic diseases—Huntington's disease, idiopathic hemochromatosis, myotonic dystrophy, and Alzheimer's disease—may exhibit pleiotropic effects and further study of these diseases might result in the identification of pleiotropic genes causing aging. Inability to find an early life selective benefit associated with these disease-causing alleles would favor the major alternative genetic explanation for aging, the mutation accumulation theory.
Fostering Personal Teaching Efficacy Through Staff Development and Classroom Activities

Abstract The effectiveness of the DARE to be You (DTBY) teacher training for enhancing feelings of personal teaching efficacy was assessed for 241 control or training-group teachers using a pretest, posttest, and 9-month follow-up design. Examined was the relation between personal and general teaching efficacy, satisfaction with and investment in teaching, and integration of roles. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for personal and teaching efficacy and the four teacher self-perception measures, using a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Level of involvement with the DTBY classroom activities was related to efficacy judgments. The study provides support for the value of the DTBY training and the importance of addressing teaching efficacy issues within staff development programs aimed at curricular innovation.
Accuracy of Range-Range and Range-Sum Multilateration Systems

A recent paper [1] described a novel procedure for assessing the accuracy of hyperbolic multilateration systems for the case of uncorrelated ranging errors. Basically the procedure reduced the problem of assessing accuracy to that of calculating the moments and products of inertia of a simple mass constellation. This paper derives analogous results for range-range and range-sum multilateration tion systems. It also extends the results to take account of an independent position fix (e. g., barometric altitude). The new results have numerous uses. For example, the results make crystal clear the relative accuracies of the hyperbolic, range-range, and range-sum techniques. The results also make it easy to understand the salient accuracy characteristics of practical satellite-based and ground-based multilateration systems. Finally, the results provide a basis for deriving new bounds on the performance of range-range and range-sum systems.
Broadband Silicon Photonic Electrooptic Switch for Photonic Interconnection Networks

We present a silicon photonic microring resonator electrooptic switch, demonstrate error-free switching of single-channel data rates up to 40 Gb/s, and characterize the device using bit-error-rate and power penalty metrics. We experimentally verify penalty-free switching of single-channel data rates up to 10 Gb/s, and low-penalty switching up to 40 Gb/s, firmly establishing the feasibility of this switch for high-performance photonic networks-on-chip.
Toxicokinetics and toxicity of a mixture of sediment-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to the amphipod Diporeia sp

Amphipods, Diporeia sp., were exposed to a reference sediment dosed with two radio- labeled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and sediments dosed with a mixture of PAHs at four concentrations: 21.4, 41.0, 119.6, and 327.0 nmol g-I dry sediment, as the molar sum of the PAH congeners. Diporeia sp. were sampled for mortality and toxicokinetics for up to 26 d. Signif- icant sediment avoidance was observed at the highest dose out to 6 d of exposure. The toxicity for the mixture was 38 * 3% after 19 d of exposure at the highest dose, 327 nmol g-I dry sediment as the molar sum of the PAHs. The measured organism concentration required to produce the mor- tality at day 19 was 2.9 pmol g-I as the sum of the bioaccumulated PAHs. The uptake clearance (g dry sediment g-' organism h-I) from sediments for the radiotracers increased with dose to an apparent plateau. Uptake clearance is the conditional constant relating the contaminant flux into the organism to the contaminant concentration in the referenced environmental compartment, in this case the sediment. This enhanced bioavailability with dose occurred even in the absence of overt effects and in the absence of changes in the measured partition coefficients for phenanthrene (273 + 98) and pyrene (540 + 212), between the freely dissolved radiotracers in interstitial water and the sediment particles. These changes in bioavailability with changes in PAH concentration suggest that predictions of bioaccumulation of PAH congeners from sediments under different field con- centration conditions will not be possible with standard partitioning relationships.
Machine-assisted discovery of relationships in astronomy

High-volume feature-rich data sets are becoming the bread-and-butter of 21st century astronomy but present significant challenges to scientific discovery. In particular, identifying scientifically significant relationships between sets of parameters is non-trivial. Similar problems in biological and geosciences have led to the development of systems which can explore large parameter spaces and identify potentially interesting sets of associations. In this paper, we describe the application of automated discovery systems of relationships to astronomical data sets, focusing on an evolutionary programming technique and an information-theory technique. We demonstrate their use with classical astronomical relationships – the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and the Fundamental Plane of elliptical galaxies. We also show how they work with the issue of binary classification which is relevant to the next generation of large synoptic sky surveys, such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). We find that comparable results to more familiar techniques, such as decision trees, are achievable. Finally, we consider the reality of the relationships discovered and how this can be used for feature selection and extraction.
α-Benzyl-N-methylphenethylamine (BNMPA), an impurity of illicit methamphetamine synthesis : pharmacological evaluation and interaction with methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a popular drug of abuse, readily synthesized in clandestine laboratories. Illicitly obtained methamphetamine is frequently impure, containing various purposefully added diluents and adulterants, as well as impurities of manufacture and origin. Few impurities have been studied in vivo and limited information exists concerning their pharmacology/toxicology. One such impurity of manufacture is alpha-benzyl-N-methylphenethylamine (BNMPA). Acute toxicity and spontaneous activity (locomotor) studies were conducted with this compound alone and in combination with S(+)-methamphetamine (METH) in male, ICR mice. In the acute toxicity studies, BNMPA was evaluated for convulsant activity. While BNMPA also produced some behavioral disturbances similar to those seen with methamphetamine (e.g., stereotopy) at doses greater than 30 mg/kg, no tonic-clonic convulsions were noted until pre-terminal convulsion at 50 mg/kg. METH alone produced tonic-clonic convulsions at terminal doses of 70 mg/kg. When BNMPA was given in combination with METH, there was no readily apparent change in the convulsion profile from that of METH given alone. In spontaneous activity studies, doses of BNMPA ranging from 1 mg/kg to 50mg/kg failed to alter locomotor activity significantly from controls though 5 mg/kg METH alone significantly increased spontaneous activity. In addition, increases in spontaneous activity elicited by 5 mg/kg METH were not affected when METH was given with 5 mg/kg BNMPA. While BNMPA appears to have toxic effects in the central nervous system (CNS), the failure to affect locomotor activity or alter either METH-induced increases in spontaneous activity or METH-induced convulsions suggests that the two agents are producing their effects through distinct mechanisms.
The effects of taste and caloric perceptions on the eating behavior of restrained and unrestrained subjects

The present study explored the phenomenon of counterregulatory eating in chronic dieters by manipulating taste and caloric-information cues of a preload and taste of subsequent ad libfood. The results replicated the “restraint breaking” phenomenon reported by Herman and Mack (1975) and supported the hypothesis that this behavioral pattern is cognitively mediated. In addition, sensitivity to taste was found in restrained subjects when their chronic restraints were bypassed. These results were related to previous eating research, and their implications for self-control and dieting were examined.
Characteristics of academically-influential children: achievement motivation and social status

The contributions of academic achievement motivation and social status to peer-reported academic influence were explored in a sample of 322 children in grades three through five. Latent moderated structural equation modeling indicated that children who value academics are more likely to be rated by peers as academically influential. Social status also explained variability in academic influence, with well-liked and/or perceived popular children receiving more influence nominations than children low in social status. Additionally, social status moderated the relationship between motivation and influence such that children who were high in both academic value and social status were more likely to be nominated as academically influential than children low in those constructs. Contrary to expectations, academic self-efficacy was unrelated to peer-reported academic influence.
Abdominal CT predictors of fibrosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing surgery.

To determine which abdominal CT findings predict severe fibrosis and post-operative pain relief in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Pre-operative abdominal CTs of 66 patients (mean age 52 ± 12 years, 53 % males) with painful CP who underwent the Whipple procedure (n = 32), Frey procedure (n = 32) or pancreatic head biopsy (n = 2), between 1/2003-3/2014, were evaluated. CT was evaluated for parenchymal calcifications, intraductal calculi, main pancreatic duct dilation (>5 mm), main pancreatic duct stricture, and abnormal side branch(es). The surgical histopathology was graded for fibrosis. CT findings were evaluated as predictors of severe fibrosis and post-operative pain relief using regression and area under receiver operating curve (AUC) analysis. Thirty-eight (58 %) patients had severe fibrosis. Parenchymal calcification(s) were an independent predictor of severe fibrosis (p = 0.03), and post-operative pain relief over a mean follow-up of 1-year (p = 0.04). Presence of >10 parenchymal calcifications had higher predictive accuracy for severe fibrosis than 1-10 parenchymal calcification(s) (AUC 0.88 vs. 0.59, p = 0.003). The predictive accuracy of >10 versus 1-10 parenchymal calcifications increased after adjusting for all other CT findings (AUC 0.89 vs. 0.63, p = 0.01). Parenchymal calcification(s) independently predict severe fibrosis and are significantly associated with post-operative pain relief in CP. The presence of >10 parenchymal calcifications is a better predictor of severe fibrosis than 1-10 parenchymal calcification(s). • Parenchymal calcifications in chronic pancreatitis independently predict post-operative pain relief • Intraductal calculi and MPD dilation are not associated with post-operative pain relief • Better patient selection for pancreatic resection surgery in painful chronic pancreatitis
Smell identification in individuals at clinical high risk for schizophrenia

Smell identification deficits exist in schizophrenia, and may be associated with its negative symptoms. Less is known about smell identification and its clinical correlates in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. We examined smell identification, symptoms
A Novel Algorithm for Normalizing Noisy Arabic Text

In this paper, an algorithm to normalize noisy text, which only focuses on the Arabic language, is introduced. Although there have been many theories that discuss Arabic text processing, there has not been, so far, one theory that focuses on noisy Arabic texts. Additionally, this paper introduces a new similarity measure to stem Arabic noisy document. The need for such a new measure stems from the fact that the common rules applied in stemming cannot be applied on noisy texts, which do not conform to the known grammatical rules and have various spelling mistakes. Thus, the proposed normalization algorithm automatically group words after applying the similarity measure. In order to make sure of such a theory of algorithm, the new normalization technique is evaluated by the under-stemming errors reduction technique introduced by Paice.
Property Analysis of Denim Fabrics Made on Air-jet Weaving Machine Part II : Effects of Tension on Fabric Properties

In the second part of the study, 3/1 left-hand twill denim fabrics were woven with different filling yarns. The yarn characteristics are correlated to filling tension. Experimental results have shown that yarn count, twist multiplier, hairiness, friction coefficient and other yarn properties have effects on filling tension and filling tension affects the fabric properties. Fabric properties — fabric weight, thickness, air permeability, dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, drapeability, stiffness, wrinkle recovery, tear strength and tensile strength — were tested. It was found that tension had significant effects on some fabric properties. The relationships between fabric properties and filling tension were established.
Demystifying China's Defence Spending: Less Mysterious in the Aggregate

China's limited transparency concerning its defence spending harms strategic trust, but foreign analysts often lose sight of important realities. Specific details remain unclear, but China's defence spending overall is no mystery – it supports PLA modernization and personnel development as well as its announced objectives of securing China's homeland and asserting control over contested territorial and maritime claims, with a focus on the Near Seas (the Yellow, East, and South China seas). This article offers greater context and perspective for Chinese and Western discussions of China's rise and concomitant military build-up through a nuanced and comprehensive assessment of its defence spending and military transparency.
Second Life in education: A review of publications from its launch to 2011

The purpose of this review was to explore how Second Life ( SL) has been discussed, investigated and applied in education from its launch to present. Two research questions guided the review: (1) what are the annual publication number and its percentage of empirical studies?; (2) what are the characteristics of the empirical studies regarding the academic levels, subject areas, pedagogical frameworks, evolution of research foci, research methods and sample sizes? A total of 107 papers from 68 refereed journals were reviewed. The findings of the review indicated that SL research has outgrown merely envisioning SL for educational purposes and switched to empirical explorations. Most of the empirical studies were conducted in college settings. The research had been most frequently carried out in teacher education, language education, business, hospitality and tourism and computer disciplines. The most recent research focus was to find out issues, problems and factors that might affect SL-based learning as well as the relevant solutions. This study can contribute to the discussion on the instructional use of SL by providing researchers with a summary of previous attempted studies. Several recommendations for future research are provided based on the findings. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic Second Life (SL) is currently the most mature and popular virtual world being used in education., SL has been used by educators to teach and supplement classes., There are rich anecdotal stories, conference presentations and scholarly publications concerning what educators have been doing in SL., What this paper adds An overview of the development and evolution of SL-related research in education from its launch to present., Answers to questions, such as 'is the educational implementation of SL still in its infancy?,' 'what were the subject areas and academic levels that have been explored by researchers?' and 'has the research foci evolved throughout the years?', Assistance to researchers for identifying and locating areas for future explorations., Implications for practice and/or policy There are studies, reports and stories that exemplify how SL can be used for language teaching, business, hospitality and tourism, computer studies and so on., Educators and researchers in K-12 and adult education can pay more attention to using SL as an instructional tool., Educators and researchers in the fields such as chemistry and mathematic can explore more about the instructional use of SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Annual variation of midlatitude precipitation

Abstract Annual variation of midlatitude precipitation and its maintenance through divergent water vapor flux were explored by the use of hydrological variables from three reanalyses [(NCEP–NCAR, ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA), and Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1)] and two global precipitation datasets [Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP)]. Two annual variation patterns of midlatitude precipitation were identified: Tropical–midlatitude precipitation contrast: Midlatitude precipitation along storm tracks over the oceans attains its maximum in winter and its minimum in summer opposite to that over the tropical continents. Land–ocean precipitation contrast: The annual precipitation variation between the oceans and the continent masses exhibits a pronounced seesaw. The annual variation of precipitation along storm tracks of both hemispheres follows that of the convergence of transient water vapor flux. On the other hand, t...
Kidney injury biomarkers and urinary creatinine variability in nominally healthy adults

AbstractEnvironmental exposure diagnostics use creatinine concentrations in urine aliquots as the internal standard for dilution normalization of all other excreted metabolites when urinary excretion rate data are not available. This is a reasonable approach for healthy adults as creatinine is a human metabolite that is continually produced in skeletal muscles and presumably excreted in the urine at a stable rate. However, creatinine also serves as a biomarker for glomerular filtration rate (efficiency) of the kidneys, so undiagnosed kidney function impairment could affect this commonly applied dilution calculation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has recently conducted a study that collected approximately 2600 urine samples from 50 healthy adults, aged 19–50 years old, in North Carolina in 2009–2011. Urinary ancillary data (creatinine concentration, total void volume, elapsed time between voids), and participant demographic data (race, gender, height, and body weight) were coll...
Order recognition of continuous-phase FSK

In this paper we study a set of distinguishing features based on approximate entropy. The set identifies the order of continuous-time frequency shift keyings in the joint presence of carrier offset, asynchronous sampling and symbol intervals, correlated fast fading and additive white Gaussian noise. Performance of the approximate-entropy-based features is compared to the performance of wavelet-based feature. For fair comparison of the features, both the approximate-entropy- based and wavelet-based features are classified by support vector machines. Major benefit of employing support vector machines is that they are able to train themselves using a very few realizations. Also, no a priori information is required about carrier phase, symbol rate and carrier amplitude.
Contemplating what I would do if someone got in my house: intentions of older homebound women living alone.

There is little research guiding interventions to help old homebound women prepare to manage an intrusion event. During a phenomenological study of the experience of reaching help quickly, I compared intentions during a possible intrusion event for 9 women subscribing to a personal emergency response system and 5 nonsubscribers. The phenomenon of contemplating what I would do if an intruder got in my home had 4 components. Only 2 personal emergency response system subscribers voiced the definitive intention to use the personal emergency response system. Findings underpin a new empirical perspective of competence grounded in situations relevant to living alone at home rather than specific tasks of daily living. Language: en
Response of the bear to endotoxin.

SummaryAnesthetized bears were administered intravenous injections of E. coli endo-toxin. Systemic hypotension, portal hypertension, tachycardia and acidosis were regularly observed. Hepatic lesions similar to the dog were noted. These results, relatively unique to the bear, resembled selected findings previously reported from this laboratory in dogs, cats and monkeys. The observations stress the complexity of species reactions to endo-toxin and suggest the operation of common mechanisms in the various species.
Core–Shell Nanostructured Catalysts

Novel nanotechnologies have allowed great improvements in the syn-thesis of catalysts with well-controlled size, shape, and surface properties. Transition metal nanostructures with specific sizes and shapes, for instance, have shown great promise as catalysts with high selectivities and relative ease of recycling. Researchers have already demonstrated new selective catalysis with solution-dispersed or supported-metal nanocatalysts, in some cases applied to new types of reactions. Several challenges remain, however, particularly in improving the structural stability of the catalytic active phase. Core–shell nanostructures are nanoparticles encapsulated and protected by an outer shell that isolates the nanoparticles and prevents their migration and coalescence during the catalytic reactions. The synthesis and characterization of effective core–shell catalysts has been at the center of our research efforts and is the focus of this Account.Efficient core–shell catalysts require porous shells that allow free a...
Refinements of and commentary on the silver staining techniques of Fernández-Galiano.

The original ammoniacal silver carbonate staining technique and subsequent modification developed by Fernandez-Galiano are useful for investigating ciliate protozoan systematics and/or ciliate cortical structure and morphogenesis. The technique is complicated, however, by both uncertainties arising from the need to count drops of reagents and subjective control of the staining intensity. I have resolved these complications by defining volumes of reagents rather than using drops and by defining a range of staining times. I also comment on various steps of the techniques. My techniques are simplified and refined to produce consistent, high quality staining results.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of Ge Nanocrystals

Organic layer capped Ge nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by an arrested-growth method within supercritical octanol. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) from the Ge NCs dispersed in N,N‘-dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) was observed during potential scans or pulses through the annihilation of electrogenerated oxidized and reduced species. The light emission intensity was higher during the oxidation scans and pulses, suggesting that the reduced forms were more stable than the oxidized ones. The ECL spectrum was obtained by potential stepping between the potentials for oxidation and reduction. The ECL spectrum was red-shifted from the photoluminescence spectrum by ∼200 nm, which implied, in agreement with previous studies, ECL emission predominantly via surface states and the importance of the surface passivation on ECL.
Persistence to Graduation for Students with Disabilities: Implications for Performance-Based Outcomes.

The study sought to determine whether students with disabilities are disadvantaged because of state and institutional performance-based policies providing incentives for 4-year graduation. In a lon...
Cone biopsy: An outpatient procedure

In view of hospital costs, 108 cone biopsies performed on 104 women from 1974 to 1978 at the Shands Teaching Hospital were analyzed retrospectively in order to determine if cone biopsy could be done as an outpatient surgical procedure. No contraindications were found for the majority of patients in eliminating overnight postoperative stay if there were no immediate complications at the time of operation or in the recovery room. Twenty-two subsequent outpatient conizations have confirmed these findings.