cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertical spatial coherence of backscatter from bubbles

A basic formalism is developed to treat the vertical spatial coherence of backscatter from wind-generated microbubbles beneath the ocean surface. This formalism treats signals multiply scattered by the sea surface and the subsurface scatterers, as well as absorption in the bubble layer. Approximate solutions are obtained for the case of narrow beamwidth sources and are applied to study the influence of measurement system and environmental parameters on coherence. Using bubble densities derived from acoustic backscatter data, the coherence is found to depend strongly on source frequency and beam pattern. The primary environmental effect is due to the increase in both bubble density and penetration depth below the surface that occurs with increasing windspeed. At high wind speeds, the vertical coherence is sufficiently dependent on the scatterer depth distribution to provide a viable means of studying this phenomenon.
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Revised Form Symptom Validity Scale–Revised (MMPI–2–RF FBS–r; also known as Fake Bad Scale): Psychometric characteristics in a nonlitigation neuropsychological setting

This study examined fundamental psychometric characteristics of the Symptom Validity Scale–Revised (FBS–r) in a nonforensic sample of 303 neuropsychological referrals. FBS–r had a reliability (internal consistency) of .747 and two higher order factoral dimensions (Somatic Complaints and Optimism/Virtue). FBS–r had a discordant factor structure: Optimism/Virtue (7 items) was negatively related to Somatic Complaints (21 items) and undercut FBS–r measurement consistency (reliability). FBS–r scores, which purportedly reflect symptom exaggeration, are affected by as much as 23 T-score points on test items that are negatively related to symptom reporting. These data suggest that the FBS–r produces ambiguous scores reflecting two underlying dimensions that warrant additional research.
Candidate Genes Associated with Tumor Regression Mediated by Intratumoral Il-12 Electroporation Gene Therapy

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is one of the most effective cytokines for treating malignancy. Intratumoral delivery of the murine Il-12 gene, using electroporation, has been found effective in inducing regression of established tumors in mice, and more effective than intramuscular injection of this gene by electroporation, but what is not known is the molecular mechanism by which IL-12 exerts an antitumor effect. To define these candidate genes, the gene expression profiles of tumors treated with and without intratumoral Il-12 electroporation gene therapy were analyzed by cDNA array. Mig (Cxcl9), Stat1, and IRF7 are the three genes that are the most altered at the level of expression after administration of Il-12 via intratumoral electroporation, when subjected to further characterization by Northern blot, Western blot, and immunostaining. The results from Northern blot and immunostaining analyses indicate that intratumoral delivery of the murine Il-12 gene via electroporation induces accumulation of IRF7 in the nuclei of tumor cells and upregulates Mig and Stat1 expression by 15- and 5-fold, respectively, compared to intratumoral electroporation of control plasmid DNA. Intramuscular injection of the same Il-12 gene using electroporation upregulates Mig and Stat1 by only 6- and 2.9-fold, respectively, but does not induce any IRF7 accumulation in the nuclei. Further functional analyses of Mig indicate that expression in tumors can induce CD4+ but not CD8+ T cell infiltration. Further functional analysis of Stat1 indicates that a lack of Stat1 expression inhibits the Il-12-mediated induction of IP10, a known antiangiogenic gene. These data suggest that these three genes may positively correlate with the antitumor efficacy of intratumoral Il-12 electroporation gene therapy.
A general construction for expressing repetition

Fortunately, this note has been completely forgotten. It was written when people were still proposing new programming-language constructs. The one presented here may have little to recommend it, but it was no worse than many others.
Zinc nutrition and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells: implications in atherosclerosis

Little is known about the requirements and function of zinc in maintaining endothelial cell integrity, especially during stressful conditions, such as the inflammatory response in cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that zinc requirements of the vascular endothelium are increased during inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis, where apoptotic cell death is also prevalent. Apoptosis is a morphologically distinct mechanism of programmed cell death which involves the activation of a cell-intrinsic suicide program, and there is evidence that factors such as inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor [TNF]) and pure or oxidized lipids are necessary to induce the cell death pathway. Because of its constant exposure to blood components, including prooxidants, diet-derived fats, and their derivatives, the endothelium is very susceptible to oxidative stress and to apoptotic injury mediated by blood lipid components, prooxidants, and cytokines. Thus, it is likely that the cellular lipid environment, primarily polyunsaturated fatty acids, can potentiate the overall endothelial cell injury by increasing cellular oxidative stress and cytokine release in proximity to the endothelium, which then could further induce apoptosis and disrupt endothelial barrier function. Our data suggest that zinc deficiency exacerbates the detrimental effects of specific fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid) and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, on vascular endothelial functions. We propose that a major mechanism of zinc protection against disruption of endothelial cell integrity during inflammatory conditions, is by the ability of zinc to inhibit the pathways of signal transduction leading to apoptosis and especially mechanisms that lead to upregulation of caspase genes.
Is Our Leaders Learning

When Leaders Learn and When They Don't: Mikhail Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung at the End of the Cold War. By Malici Akan. Albany, NY: SUNY University Press, 2008. 194 pp., $18.95 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-7914-7304-7). In this intriguing and empirically rich book, Akan Malici argues that the most important variable in international relations (IR) is how political leaders view themselves and each other. Theories of international politics tend to slide by this point, Malici suggests, and so are unable to escape chronic under-specification. The oft-cited methodological problem of making leaders preferences visible is, to Malici, perfectly surmountable, and he makes his case with the study of two consequential leaders during a time of international systemic change: Mikhail Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung at the end of the Cold War. Malici's approach is to take the speeches leaders give as demonstrative of their “operational codes”: the core beliefs an individual holds about the nature of the political universe and their place within it. Speeches are scanned for indicators—specifically, transitive verbs—of who the political leader believes has power and how it can best be employed. Quantitative summaries of these beliefs are …
The D2/D3 Agonist PD128907 (R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-Tetrahydro-4- Propyl-2H,5H-(1)Benzopyrano(4,3-b)-1,4-Oxazin-9-ol) Inhibits Stimulated Pyloric Relaxation and Spontaneous Gastric Emptying

Background Enteric neuronal dopamine (DA) inhibits acetylcholine release and gastric motility; this has been thought to be mediated via neuronal dopamine-2 receptor (D2R). The aim of this study was to investigate the modulation of gastric motility by the dopamine-3 receptor (D3R). Methods Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Pyloric relaxation in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) was assessed in an organ bath in the presence of varying concentrations of a selective D3R agonist, PD128907. Gastric emptying was assessed by the phenol red method after rats were treated with varying doses of PD128907 or DA with and without a selective D3R antagonist, l-nafadotride. Results Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of D3R in the myenteric neurons in the rat pylorus. D3R activation reduced EFS-induced relaxation of pyloric strips in a dose-dependent manner and significantly delayed gastric emptying compared with vehicle. The D3R antagonist partially reversed the effect of DA on gastric emptying. Conclusions Our data suggest a novel role for D3R in regulation of gastric motility. D3R activation delays gastric emptying, an effect that may be due to impairment of pyloric relaxation. D3R antagonists therefore hold promise as useful agents for treatment of gastric motility disorders.
84 Linking environmental forcing, kelp forest habitat dynamics, and community structure in the northeast pacific

Habitat-forming species of large brown macroalgae (e.g., kelps) often differ from associated benthic species in resource requirements, sources of disturbance, and dispersal ability. Differences in environmental drivers and demographic processes may cause these habitats to fluctuate at spatial and temporal scales that differ from the “optimal” scale that would promote maximum abundance of any particular associate species. As a result, the spatiotemporal dynamics of habitat may exert important effects on benthic community structure and composition. To quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), a key habitat-former in the NE Pacific, I analyzed a 34-year monthly time series of estimated canopy biomass spanning ∼1500 km of coastline (7° of latitude) and digital maps of annual maximum canopy cover. Canopy biomass varied interannually at dominant periods of 4–5 y, 11–13 y and ∼20 y, and spatial scales ranging from local (∼30 km) to mesoscale (∼100–150 km) and regional (∼330 km). Temporal dynamics were strongly related to basin-scale climate fluctuations (El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation) and spatial patterns were correlated with coastline geomorphology. Digital canopy maps reveal that changes in biomass are associated with shifts in the spatial structure of the kelp habitat. Long-term subtidal community monitoring data from areas with markedly different spatial and temporal scales of kelp forest habitat structure reveal a complex but important influence of habitat dynamics on the distribution of life histories within kelp-associated communities. Future changes in the dynamics of Pacific climate fluctuations may have important implications for kelp forest community structure.
Sitting at the virtual poker table: A prospective epidemiological study of actual Internet poker gambling behavior

Internet gambling is a potential object of addictive behavior and consequently an important concern for public health. Epidemiological analyses of Internet gambling are necessary to determine the extent of public health threat. This paper reports the results of the first prospective epidemiological study of actual Internet poker gambling behavior. Participants were 3445 Internet gambling service subscribers who enrolled during February 2005. Data include two years of recorded poker outcomes (i.e., chips bought and sold) for each poker session played. Among our sample, we identified two subgroups of poker players. Approximately 95% of the sample bought a median of @?12 worth of chips at each of two poker sessions per week during a median duration from first to last bet of six months. A smaller subgroup (i.e., 5%) of most involved poker players bought a median of @?89 worth of chip at each of 10 sessions per week during a median duration from first to last bet of 18 months. In addition to level differences, we report the differences in patterns of behavior observed between these two subgroups. The analyses presented in this paper suggest that the majority of Internet poker players moderated their behavior based on their wins and losses. A minority of most involved players did not show such moderation. These results have important implications for both gambling-and addiction-related research.
Scheduling of Multistage Batch Processes under Utility Constraints

We present a novel discrete-time mixed-integer programming (MIP) formulation for the simultaneous batching and scheduling in multiproduct multistage processes under utility constraints. In addition to processing units and storage vessels, we consider utilities such as cooling water, steam, and electricity that are available in limited quantities. Since different tasks often share the limited utilities at the same time, we use a common time-grid approach. Further, the proposed method handles the batching decisions (the number and sizes of batches) seamlessly without the usage of explicit batch-selection variables. To preserve batch identity in storage vessels, we introduce a new class of inventory variables and constraints. Our approach is the first to address limited utilities for simultaneous batching and scheduling in multistage processes.
Recovery from major depression: the role of support from family, friends, and spiritual beliefs

Objective: Many of the risk factors for major depression are not amenable to change. The present study was designed to identify factors associated with recovery from depression that could be targets for clinical intervention. Method: Sixty-two psychiatric in-patients who met diagnostic criteria for major depression were interviewed while hospitalized and re-interviewed 3 months after discharge. Analyses examined the relationship between depression and three sources of emotional support: family, friends, and spiritual beliefs. Results: Depression severity at baseline was the most consistent predictor of depression severity and diagnosis at follow-up. Patients who had recovered from depression by the time of the follow-up assessment reported higher perceived emotional support from family and friends at baseline. Support from friends, support from family and a composite of emotional support were significant predictors of depression beyond the effects of initial depression severity. Conclusion: Aspects of emotional support were significantly associated with depression outcome.
S-matrix theory for nanostructure resonances

Abstract A general theory of coherent propagation of an electron through a multimode nanostructure is developed in terms of the S-matrix connecting the outward mode amplitudes to the inward mode amplitudes. The quasi-local stares and associated transmission/reflection resonances arise from poles of the eigenvalues of the S-matrix as a function of complex electron energy. In a quasi-level's energy range, the density of states within the nanostructure, given by the energy dependence of the associated eigenvalue, is just such as to accommodate one electron in the filled states. The connection with Levinson's theorem, for bound states within the nanostructure, is discussed.
Acute Regulation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Response to Nerve Growth Factor

: PC12 cells possess specific receptors for both nerve growth factor and epidermal growth factor, and by an unknown mechanism, nerve growth factor is able to attenuate the propagation of a mitogenic response to epidermal growth factor. The differentiation response of PC12 cells to nerve growth factor, therefore, predominates over the proliferative response to epidermal growth factor. We have observed that the addition of nerve growth factor to PC12 cells rapidly produces a decrease in surface 125I-epidermal growth factor binding capacity. Unlike previously described nerve growth factor effects on 125I-epidermal growth factor binding capacity, which required several days of nerve growth factor exposure, the decreases we report occur within minutes of nerve growth factor addition: A 50% decrease in 125I-epidermal growth factor binding capacity is evident at 10 min. This rapid nerve growth factor response is concentration dependent; inhibition of 125I-epidermal growth factor binding is detectable at nerve growth factor levels as low as 0.2 ng/ml and is maximal at approximately 50 ng/ml, consistent with known ranges of biological activity. No demonstrable differences in the rate of epidermal growth factor receptor synthesis or degradation were observed in cells acutely exposed to nerve growth factor. Scatchard analysis revealed that acute nerve growth factor treatment decreased the number of both high-and low-affinity 125I-epidermal growth factor binding sites, while the receptor affinity remained unchanged. We have also investigated the involvement of various potential intracellular mediators of nerve growth factor action and of known intracellular modulatory systems of the epidermal growth factor receptor for their capacity to participate in this nerve growth factor activity.
Glomerular ultrastructure in kidneys from some northern mammals

Abstract 1. 1. The renal glomerular capillaries of nine species of northern mammals were studied electron microscopically. 2. 2. The basement membrane of the hibernating Arctic ground squirrel average 4200 A in width, which was twice the wisth of that found in the control. 3. 3. A central dense lamina was found in all species but was of greatest density in the black bear. 4. 4. Diaphragms at the podocytic slit-widths were found in all species except the harbor seal. 5. 5. The plasma membrane of the epithelial cells in all species showed an extracellular polysaccharide coat.
Distance Referencing: Real-Time Conference Tools

Computer technology has become an integral part of library services. One of the most exciting and rapidly growing techniques is desktop conferencing. Real-time conference tools can be used as a cost-effective way to expand reference services via the Internet and to benefit patrons who are not able to come to the library. Desktop conferencing technology is currently the most convenient and efficient tool used to create a remote reference desk environment. This technology has been improving and the potential for these Internet conference applications are encouraging. A current guide to desktop real-time conference tools both for PC and Mac OS is presented.
Prompting Electrical Energy Conservation in Commercial Users

This study evaluated the effectiveness of prompting and an ancillary self-monitoring procedure for increasing energy conservation behavior. Specifically, posters were installed in men's restrooms on a college campus with the aim of prompting users to turn off lights upon leaving the room. Three observations per day were I made in ten rooms over a 44-day period. A multiple-baseline design showed successive reductions in percentage of times the lights were on when rooms were unoccupied of 63%, 46%, and 50% after 12, 23, and 33 days of baseline, respectively, in three groups of rooms. Characteristics of the intervention that should have contributed to its efficacy include clear specification of the desired behavior, close temporal and spatial contiguity between the prompt and target behavior, and provision of feedback via the self-monitoring component.
Sensor fusion for human safety in industrial workcells

Current manufacturing practices require complete physical separation between people and active industrial robots. These precautions ensure safety, but are inefficient in terms of time and resources, and place limits on the types of tasks that can be performed. In this paper, we present a real-time, sensor-based approach for ensuring the safety of people in close proximity to robots in an industrial workcell. Our approach fuses data from multiple 3D imaging sensors of different modalities into a volumetric evidence grid and segments the volume into regions corresponding to background, robots, and people. Surrounding each robot is a danger zone that dynamically updates according to the robot's position and trajectory. Similarly, surrounding each person is a dynamically updated safety zone. A collision between danger and safety zones indicates an impending actual collision, and the affected robot is stopped until the problem is resolved. We demonstrate and experimentally evaluate the concept in a prototype industrial workcell augmented with stereo and range cameras.
Vertical Vibration of a Deep Bed of Granular Material in a Container

A deep bed of granular material (more than six layers of particles) was subjected to sinusoidal, vertical vibrations. Several phenomena were observed depending on the amplitude of excitation. These included heaping, surface waves, and arching; the transitions from one state to another involved various dynamic instabilites and bifurcations. The paper includes a description of these phenomena and the characteristic properties associated with each in addition to measurements of the transitions from one phenomena to another.
Development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using nanoparticle-based printing inks

ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy is now a well-established analytical tool for obtaining rapid and compound specific information for chemical analysis. However, Raman scattering  inelastic scattering of photons - cross sections are typically of the order of 10 -30 cm 2 per molecule and thus Raman signals are usually weak. In Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) the signals can be greatly amplified by using specially structured metallic (usually Ag, Au, and Cu) substrates. SERS substrates can be fabricated by a variety of methods. Here, we report a method for fabricating SERS substrates from commercially available silver nanoparticle based printing inks. For dilute inks (~ 12% Ag by weight) the method involves the airbrushing of inks on heated (~100 o C) quartz or polymer substrates followed by heating at 170 C for about 20 minutes. The heating treatment removes the polymer coating used to prevent aggregation of Ag particles in the colloidal suspension and allows partial si ntering of particles. More concentrated inks (~ 20  30% Ag by weight) can be applied to various substrates at room temperature followed by the thermal treatment. SERS spectra of Rhodamine 6G, and E -carotene molecules are reported. SERS amplification factors of more than 10
Monoclonal Antibody Studies of Rabies in Insectivorous Bats of the United States

Isolates of rabies virus from terrestrial animals in six geographically separate rabies enzootic areas of the United States were examined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to the viral N protein. Characteristic differences in immunofluorescence reactions permitted the formation of five antigenically distinct reaction groups from the 328 isolates tested. Distinctive reaction patterns were also identified for isolates from four species of bats. These observations were used to determine the role of infected bats in 19 cases of rabies that had occurred in terrestrial animals living in areas free of enzootic rabies in terrestrial wildlife and to estimate the contribution of infected bats to rabies in cats and foxes in the United States. The findings suggest that monoclonal antibodies can be used to study the prevalence, distribution, and transmission of rabies among wildlife species.
Direction of Predator Turning, a Neglected Cue to Predation Risk

Assessed risk for prey should depend not only on distance from a predator, but also on probability that it has been detected. If an indirectly approaching predator close enough to pose a threat suddenly turns toward prey, risk increases because the joint probability that the predator has detected and will attack is raised abruptly. I conducted field experiments on the effect of a predator turning toward prey on escape behaviour by simulating a predator, slowly approaching adult keeled earless lizards, Holbrookia propinqua, on linear paths that did not lead directly toward them, but bypassed them by various distances. At the minimum bypass distance for a path, I stopped and turned directly toward a lizard or directly away. The effect of turning varied dramatically with bypass distance. Regardless of tum direction, almost all lizards fled for very close approaches and no lizards fled for sufficiently large bypass distances. At intermediate distances a greater proportion of prey fled when I turned toward them than away from them. Possible cues used by lizards to assess risk are direction of turning per se and increased visibility of eye and facial features or other morphological correlates of orientation. Ydenberg & Dill's (1986) optimality model of escape behaviour can account for the results if prey can continually assess rapidly changing risk. By turning toward prey, an indirectly approaching predator may suddenly shift from outside to within the break-even point for risk and cost of escape, thereby eliciting flight.
Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Transit Signal Priority and Late-Bus Recovery at Signalized-Intersection Level

Transit priority systems have the potential to improve transit performance and address capacity constraints by giving priority to transit movements over other traffic. This research focused on the effectiveness of conditional transit priority or the manipulation of traffic signal timing plans to reduce delay of late transit buses. The integration of two transportation subsystems—traffic signals and public transit systems—was studied. These subsystems interact along a congested corridor where they share a common roadway infrastructure and transit signal priority (TSP) regulates the interaction between traffic signals, passenger traffic, and buses. Previous research has focused on the evaluation of bus TSP performance at the route level. In practice, it is important to understand not only TSP performance at the route level but also the impact of TSP at the level of the traffic signal intersection (e.g., to allow progression in major cross streets). TSP can significantly improve performance at specific inter...
A simplified procedure for cyclic nucleotide radioimmunoassay and its application to human blood leukocytes.

Abstract Rapid treatment of leukocyte suspensions was found to be an effective alternative to acid treatment in the preparation of these cells for radioimmunoassay of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP. A 2-sec heating to boiling temperature, followed by sonication and micropore filtration, was employed. This procedure adequately inactivated or removed enzymes and binding proteins that can alter cyclic nucleotide concentrations or otherwise interfere with the radioimmunoassay. Moreover, heating in this manner did not appear to affect the stability of cyclic nucleotides or cause significant formation of cyclic GMP from endogenous GTP. Recovery of cyclic nucleotides after heating and filtration was high (89–96%), making possible the measurement of both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP in small cellular samples. Variation in cyclic nucleotide recovery was small (±2–4%SD), therefore individual recovery determinations were unnecessary.
Infectious Disease Threats: What Are We to Do?

Over the past fifty years there has been a dramatic change in many of the infectious diseases that we diagnose and treat. A half century ago, we were just beginning to be armed with therapies that were effective for such common diseases as tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus infection, community-acquired pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Therapies became widely available and it appeared that we had conquered many of the infectious disease problems that had plagued patients for centuries. Expectations arose that physicians should be able to treat and cure all infectious diseases. Antibiotics were the new miracle, and the public began to believe that all you needed was an antibiotic to feel better when you got sick. The example of S aureus is a good one for us to learn from. In the 1940s, penicillin was discovered and became an extremely effective treatment for S aureus. Within a few years, resistance to penicillin began to arise, but by the late 1950s the antibiotic methicillin was developed that effectively treated penicillin-resistant S aureus infections. It didn’t take long for resistance to form tomethicillin, occurringwithin a few years. By the late 1960s, MRSA was present in the United States, but was found only rarely as a hospital-acquired infection, and then over the next decade, as an infection seen in injection drug users. By the late 1990s MRSA began appearing as an infection in the community, not confined to patients with hospital exposure or injection drug use. Now community-acquired MRSA is common, and the assumption is that all S aureus infections are MRSA until proven otherwise. Vancomycin has been the gold-standard drug for the treatment of MRSA but now a strain of vancomycin-resistant S aureus has emerged. Another example of the times we live in is the emergence and dominance of Clostridium difficile infection. Clinical infection with C difficilewas first recognized in the late 1970s. It was almost always seen in the setting of antibiotic use and was considered a hospital-acquired organism. We have learned over the past 2 decades that there are many more risk factors for C difficile beyond antibiotics, including advanced age,
Presenting symptoms of myocardial infarction predict short- and long-term mortality: The MONICA/KORA Myocardial Infarction Registry

Background It is unknown whether clinical outcomes differ with specific symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective of this study was to investigate the association between 13 self-reported symptoms and 28-day case fatality or long-term all-cause mortality in patients with AMI. Methods The sample consisted of 1,231 men and 415 women aged 25 to 74 years hospitalized with a first-time AMI recruited from a population-based AMI registry. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between symptom occurrence and 28-day case fatality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the effects on long-term mortality. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, type of AMI, diabetes, prehospital delay time, and reperfusion therapy. Results The median observation time was 4.1 years (interquartile range 15 years). Twenty-eight-day case fatality was 6.1%, and long-term mortality was 10.6%. Patients who experienced fear of death (odds ratio [OR] 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.47), diaphoresis (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25-0.82), or nausea (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.95) had a significantly decreased risk of dying within 28 days, whereas syncope (OR 5.36, 95% CI 2.65-10.85) was associated with a higher risk. A decreased risk for long-term mortality was found for people with pain in the upper abdomen (hazard ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.97), whereas dyspnea was related to an increased risk (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% CI 1.11-2.06). The absence of chest symptoms was associated with a 1.85-fold risk for long-term mortality (95% CI 1.13-3.03). Conclusions Specific symptoms are associated with mortality. Further research is required to illuminate the reasons for this finding.
Geomydoecus thomomyus Complex (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae) from Pocket Gophers of the Thomomys talpoides Complex (Rodentia: Geomyidae) of the United States and Canada

Eight species of Geomydoecus from pocket gophers of the Thomomys talpoides complx are described and illustrated: G. thomomyus (McGregor) from 24 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. t. rostralis Hall and Montague); G. craigi n. sp. from T. monticola J. A. Allen and 9 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. t. levis Goldman); G. biagiae n. sp. from 8 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. t. columbianus V. Bailey); G. betleyae n. sp. from T. monticola , 2 T. mazama Merriam sspp. and 2 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. m. mazama ); G. thaeleri n. sp. from 11 T. mazama sspp. and 1 T. talpoides ssp. (type host, T. m. glacialis Dalquest and Scheffer); G. dakotensis Price and Emerson from T. t. rufescens Wied-Neuwied; G. fuchsi n. sp. from 5 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. t. fuscus Merriam); and G. duchesnensis Price and Emerson from 4 T. talpoides sspp. (type host, T. t. uinta Merriam). A key is provided for the identification of these eight taxa.
Evaluation of multisensor quantitative precipitation estimation methodologies

The use of weather sensing radar measurements along with corresponding gauge data in multisensor applications seek to provide reliable estimates of rainfall rate and accumulation versus single radar. Radar rainfall estimators have a number of advantages over gauges including the ability to observe precipitation over wider areas within shorter timeframes and providing advanced warning of impending precipitation events. The radar reflectivity-rainfall (Z-R) relations are traditionally used for quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE).
The mitochondrial common deletion in Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders

The mitochondrial 4977-bp common deletion has been reported in some studies to occur exclusively or with increased frequency in the midbrain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Other studies could not confirm these results; rather, it was suggested that the mitochondrial common deletion is associated with aging in the midbrain and not PD. One possible explanation for these conflicting results is the difficulty in quantifying mitochondrial DNA deletions or mutations in the whole midbrain or substantia nigra (SN) while only a subset of midbrain neurons degenerate in PD. In addition, none of the studies has addressed the cell types with the common deletion within the midbrain. In this study we used in situ hybridization to detect the common deletion in sections of midbrain from patients with PD, multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), age-matched controls, and individuals of different ages. The results demonstrated that the mitochondrial common deletion accumulated primarily in neurons but not glia in both the SN and other midbrain regions. There was no significant difference in the number or distribution of neurons with the common deletion or the average of the mean densities (AMD) of staining with the common deletion in nigral neurons among patients with PD, MSA-P, PSP, DLB, or age-matched controls. In addition, there was no difference in the number or distribution of neurons with the common deletion in nigral neurons between any age group, although there was a tendency for the common deletion to increase in the non-nigral neurons in older patients. These data indicate that accumulation of the 4977-bp common deletion in mitochondrial DNA in midbrain occurred primarily in neurons, and by this cytological approach, it was not associated with nigral neurodegeneration in the common movement disorders or aging.
Understanding the causes of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is one of our most important public health problems. It is a common, tragic, and devastating mental illness that typically strikes young people just when they are maturing into adulth...
Release-recapture estimates of the population density of Ephestia cautella (Walker) in a commercial peanut warehouse

Abstract Seasonal trends in adult Ephestia (= Cadra) cautella (Walker) population density in an in-shell peanut storage facility were estimated from suction trap catches adjusted for recapture rates. Recapture rates the 1st day after release were 7% of females and 20% of males in an unstocked warehouse and 31% of males in a stocked warehouse; total recoveries were 11, 32 and 50%, respectively. Mating frequencies were generally between 46 and 75%. However, low mating frequencies (21–35%) during periods of low population density could have been partially due to the trapping of males. Every 4 weeks the E. cautella population increased roughly two-fold in the unstocked ware-house (scattered peanuts remaining) and 37-fold in the stocked warehouse. Since breeding was continuous, generations overlapped.
Promoting clean hands among children in Uganda: A school-based intervention using ‘tippy-taps’

Objective To measure the efficacy of a tippy-tap-based handwashing programme in promoting handwashing rates in elementary schools in rural Uganda.
Alterations of the mucosal immune system due to Cryptosporidium parvum infection in normal mice

The mechanism with which the immune system of an immunocompetent host responds to Cryptosporidium parvum infection is still poorly understood. We have therefore investigated the immune response of adult immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice at Days 6 and 10 to postinfection during a self-limiting C. parvum infection. We evaluated the immune changes at the levels of intestinal intraepithelium and lamina propria as well as mesenteric lymph nodes. At Day 6 postinfection, there was a decrease in the production of IFN-gamma, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 by in vitro mitogen-stimulated intraepithelial lymphocytes. Moreover, an increase in the number of gammadelta-TCR+, CD8+, and cytoplasmic IgE+ cells in intestinal lamina propria was found. Concomitantly, a significant decrease in the number of cytoplasmic IgA+ and IgG+ cells was observed. These phenotypic changes may be associated with the cytokine-producing profile (decreased IL-4, IFN-gamma, and IL-10) by lamina propria lymphocytes. At Days 6 and 10 postinfection cytoplasmic IgA+ and IgG+ cell numbers remained. Nevertheless, the production of IL-5 and IL-10 by intraepithelial lymphocytes was higher than the noninfected control values; these changes may be associated with the decreased CD4+ cell numbers. In mesenteric lymphocytes IgG and IgA production in vitro was elevated while no changes were observed in cytokine production except for a significant decrease in IL-5. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that an immunocompetent defense mechanism leading to a successful recovery from C. parvum infection involved changes of T(H1)- or T(H2)-type cytokine production as well as alterations of the lymphocyte subpopulation at mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues.
Archaeological Assemblage Variability in Fishing Locales of the Western Snake River Plain

This article describes assemblage variability at fishing localities on the Western Snake River Plain. Four assemblage types are recognized on the basis of artifact categories and non-artifactual remains which assist in definition of site function and seasonality.
Evaluation of an Interview Process for Admission Into a School of Pharmacy

Objective. To evaluate the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) admissions interview process at North Dakota State University (NDSU).Methods. Faculty pairs interviewed candidates using a standardized gradin...
Finite elements for near-singular systems — an overview

Abstract Error estimation and mesh-placement methods are evaluated for near-singular boundary-value problems. An improved algorithm is introduced to locate and accurately represent steep fronts over many orders of magnitude. The Taylor collocation method, applied to high-order ODEs, provides lower truncation errors, smaller matrices, and less round-off error than the Lagrange collocation method. This is demonstrated for singular-perturbation and Chemotaxis boundary-value problems. A more detailed analysis, with additional results, is provided by Koster et al. (1992).
Cocaine-induced increases in medial prefrontal cortical GABA transmission involves glutamatergic receptors.

Abstract A recent study showed that cocaine-induced sensitization is associated with an increase in GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. Since previous studies have demonstrated that sensitization is associated with enhanced medial prefrontal cortex glutamatergic transmission, the present study examined the role of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid/kainate (AMPA/KA) receptors in cocaine-induced increases in medial prefrontal cortex GABA levels. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received four daily injections of saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.) or cocaine (15 mg/kg). One day later, animals were infused with NMDA or AMPA/KA antagonists 3-[(R)-2 carboxypiperazin-4-yl]-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX), respectively, into medial prefrontal cortex via microdialysis probe for 60 min before receiving systemic challenge injections of saline or cocaine. Cocaine-sensitized animals showed an increase in extracellular medial prefrontal cortex GABA levels that was blocked by prior medial prefrontal cortex infusion of DNQX, but not CPP. These data indicate that enhanced medial prefrontal cortex GABA transmission seen in cocaine-sensitized animals involves glutamatergic stimulation of AMPA receptors.
DHHC Protein S-Acyltransferases Use Similar Ping-Pong Kinetic Mechanisms but Display Different Acyl-CoA Specificities

DHHC proteins catalyze the reversible S-acylation of proteins at cysteine residues, a modification important for regulating protein localization, stability, and activity. However, little is known about the kinetic mechanism of DHHC proteins. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fluorescent peptide-based assay for protein S-acylation activity was developed to characterize mammalian DHHC2 and DHHC3. Time courses and substrate saturation curves allowed the determination of Vmax and Km values for both the peptide N-myristoylated-GCG and palmitoyl-coenzyme A. DHHC proteins acylate themselves upon incubation with palmitoyl-CoA, which is hypothesized to reflect a transient acyl enzyme transfer intermediate. Single turnover assays with DHHC2 and DHHC3 demonstrated that a radiolabeled acyl group on the enzyme transferred to the protein substrate, consistent with a two-step ping-pong mechanism. Enzyme autoacylation and acyltransfer to substrate displayed the same acyl-CoA specificities, further supporting a two-step mechanism. Interestingly, DHHC2 efficiently transferred acyl chains 14 carbons and longer, whereas DHHC3 activity was greatly reduced by acyl-CoAs with chain lengths longer than 16 carbons. The rate and extent of autoacylation of DHHC3, as well as the rate of acyl chain transfer to protein substrate, were reduced with stearoyl-CoA when compared with palmitoyl-CoA. This is the first observation of lipid substrate specificity among DHHC proteins and may account for the differential S-acylation of proteins observed in cells.
Bone Adaptation to a Mechanical Loading Program Significantly Increases Skeletal Fatigue Resistance

Using a mechanical loading program to induce bone adaptation, we found that small ( 100-fold. This indicates that a moderate exercise program may be an effective preventative strategy for stress fractures. Introduction: There are currently limited preventative strategies for stress fractures. Because stress fracture risk is directly influenced by skeletal properties, it has been hypothesized that modification of these properties using a mechanical loading program may positively influence risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bone changes associated with a mechanical loading program can enhance skeletal fatigue resistance. Materials and Methods: Site-specific mechanical loading was performed on one forearm of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats using the axial compression loading model. Loading was performed 3 days/week for 5 consecutive weeks to induce adaptation. The loaded and nonloaded ulnas in each animal were removed after the loading program, and their material and structural properties were determined. The ulna pairs were subsequently loaded until fatigue failure at the same constant peak axial load. Results: Mechanical loading induced consistent and predictable changes in the structural properties of loaded ulnas, with the largest change being a nearly 2-fold increase in midshaft minimum second moment of area (IMIN). The mechanical-loading induced bone changes resulted in a >100-fold increase in fatigue resistance in loaded ulnas, with resistance being exponentially related to the structural properties of the ulna. Conclusions: This study found that by enhancing the structural properties of a bone through a mechanical loading program, its fatigue resistance could be significantly improved. This indicates that an exercise program aimed at modifying bone structure may be used as a possible prevention strategy for stress fractures.
Passive damping of laminated composite materials with engineered defects

Constrained layer damping (CLD) methods provide significant damping in laminated composite materials in bending modes. CLD treatments also provide damping mechanisms in axial modes in structures with significant free edges. Where free-edges are absent such as in cylinders or plates with fixed edges, the damping of axial modes in the structure is limited and damping of bending modes is reduced. This paper investigates an alternate passive geometric treatments that improve damping in constrained layer composite materials. In particular, the effect of including strategically-placed geometric anomalies or wrinkles in laminated composite materials is presented. Correct placement of the anomalies result in increased damping in axial modes due to the three-dimensional stress state created in the viscoleastic layer near the anomaly. Because this method does not depend on strain energies created at the free edge, effective damping of axial modes in cylinders may be realized. A closed-form solution is derived that can be used to conduct parametric design studies. Design parameters include defect placement, defect geometry, and composite material properties.
Heavy flavor production and heavy flavor induced correlations at RHIC

Abstract Detailed studies of the heavy quark interaction with the strongly coupled QGP created at RHIC provide crucial information in understanding the properties of the medium. The STAR experiment, equipped with a large acceptance Time Projection Chamber, Time of Flight detector, Electromagnetic Calorimeter and the undergoing upgrade with the Heavy-Flavor Tracker, has the capabilities to study heavy flavor hadron production with the dense medium in all different directions. We will present a few highlights of the current STAR heavy flavor measurements and will also briefly review the STAR future heavy flavor physics program.
Drug-induced impairment of renal function

Pharmaceutical agents provide diagnostic and therapeutic utility that are central to patient care. However, all agents also carry adverse drug effect profiles. While most of these are clinically insignificant, some drugs may cause unacceptable toxicity that impacts negatively on patient morbidity and mortality. Recognizing adverse effects is important for administering appropriate drug doses, instituting preventive strategies, and withdrawing the offending agent due to toxicity. In the present article, we will review those drugs that are associated with impaired renal function. By focusing on pharmaceutical agents that are currently in clinical practice, we will provide an overview of nephrotoxic drugs that a treating physician is most likely to encounter. In doing so, we will summarize risk factors for nephrotoxicity, describe clinical manifestations, and address preventive and treatment strategies.
Oxidative damage to mouse lens in culture. Protective effect of pyruvate.

Abstract Studies have been conducted to examine the feasibility of preventing oxyradical-dependent oxidative stress to mouse lens in culture, using pyruvate as an antioxidant. The extent of oxidative damage to the tissue was assessed by measurement of the status of Na+–K+ ATPase dependent active transport of rubidium 86Rb+. The tissue levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and catalase were also determined. While the measurement of 86Rb+ uptake provides an assessment of the integrity of the primary active transport system, measurement of the other components reflects the status of intracellular oxidative stress. ATP measurement also reflected on the overall status of metabolic integrity. Incubation of the lens with xanthine (XA)/xanthine oxidase (XO) system had an adverse effect on all these parameters. Incorporation of pyruvate was strikingly protective. The protective effect of pyruvate is apparently due to its ability to scavenge ROS generated in the medium with the possibility of its action on tissue metabolism as well. The findings are hence considered useful for further studies on the prevention of oxidative stress to tissues by exogenous supplementation with pyruvate, specially the human lens where the biochemistry of its antioxidant mechanisms is similar to the mouse lens, contrary to the rat lens.