cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Buddhism-Based Exorcism and Spirit-Calling as a Form of Healing for Mental Problems: Stories from Vietnam

With nearly 80% of Vietnamese people holding Buddhist beliefs in some form, Buddhism-based healing is popular in Vietnam. Coupled with cultural stigma against seeking formal mental health services, Vietnamese people with psychological needs frequently seek different forms of healing at Buddhist temples, including exorcism and spirit-calling. In this article, I present case vignettes of exorcism and spirit-calling that I documented during my ethnographic study in Vietnam. Based on these cases, I will discuss the healing impact of spiritual activities like Buddhism-based exorcism and spirit-calling for Vietnamese people and implications for social work in Vietnam and elsewhere.
A micromethod for the determination of serum iron and serum iron-binding capacity.

A reliable method is described for the determination of serum iron and iron-binding capacity in microaliquots of serum, using modifications of the Ramsay methods and the Beckman-Spinco ultramicro analytical system.
Cerebrospinal fluid production rates determined by simultaneous albumin and inulin perfusion

Ventriculocisternal perfusions were carried out in monkeys using two indicator molecules simultaneously. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production rates using 3H-labeled inulin (mol wt 1300–1800) and 131I-labeled albumin (mol wt 69,000) were calculated to be 44.2 and 31.7 μ1/min, respectively. Using 14C-labeled inulin (mol wt 2500–3500) and 131I-albumin CSF production rates were 38.2 and 30.1 μ1/min. Brain tissue slices from the paraventricular regions of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles demonstrated an uptake of 14C-inulin two to five times greater than that of albumin. Inulin is lost from the ventriculocisternal system to a greater extent than has been previously recognized and this loss is probably related to molecular size. The importance of verifying the molecular weight of the index molecule is emphasized.
Embryonic stem cells without embryos

Two novel methods for generating mouse ES cells may represent more ethically acceptable methods for producing human ES cells.
Tracking the Evolution of Dengue Virus Strains D2S10 and D2S20 by 454 Pyrosequencing

Dengue virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus worldwide. In this study, we used pyrosequencing to analyze the whole viral genome of two mouse-adapted strains, D2S10 and D2S20, that induce a dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS)-like lethal disease in mice lacking the type I and/or type II interferon receptors. Previous experiments with D2S10 indicated that N124D and K128E mutations in the envelope protein were responsible for the severe disease induced in mice compared to its parental strain PL046. Here we demonstrate that D2S20 is more virulent than D2S10 and captured the presence of five key amino acid mutations – T70I, N83D, and K122I in envelope (E), and A62T in nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A) and G605V in nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) – that may account for this. These findings set the foundation for further dissection of the viral determinants responsible for dengue disease manifestations in mouse models.
Surface coil phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the intact eye

The feasibility of employing the surface coil probe technique for the non-invasive study of ocular tissue metabolism by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P NMR) in enucleated bovine, rabbit, human and rat globes is demonstrated. An assessment of individual phosphorus-metabolite contributions from ocular tissues, including the cornea, lens and iris, to the overall 31P NMR spectrum (NMR spectral acquisition parameters optimized for the lens region of the globe) was accomplished through the combination of surgical ablation and difference spectroscopy. The NMR measurements also provided tissue pH values for the lens and cornea. The strengths and limitations of the surface coil NMR method, which is particularly appropriate for in vivo metabolic studies of ocular tissues such as the lens, are discussed.
Resource allocation at the individual plant level

Abstract Although resource allocation studies are well represented in terrestrial plant ecological literature, such studies have been tangential, at best, for submersed aquatic macrophytes. Utilizing data from published studies, trends in the allocation of resources are examined for sexual and asexual propagation of both annual and perennial macrophytes, seasonal patterns in allocation and storage, specialization of structures for storing carbohydrates, and tissue nutrient allocation. The effect of environmental conditions on allocation patterns, leaf shape, and growth form are also discussed. Finally, a cost/benefit model of leaf construction and maintenance costs vs. lifetime yield is presented as an explanation of high leaf turnover rates in productive species.
Measurement of lower thermosphere using The Optical Profiling of the Atmospheric Limb (OPAL) CubeSat experiment

The Earth's lower thermosphere region between 90–140 Km is subjected to episodic energy and momentum forcing from the solar wind in the form of Joule heating and particle precipitation. This is believed to be the largest driver of global thermospheric temperature variability. In addition, this region is also subjected to the periodic and episodic energy and momentum forcing through tides, planetary waves and gravity waves generated in the lower atmosphere. These internal waves affect the temperature structure on many scales as they propagate up from the lower atmosphere into the thermosphere. However, the relative importance of these two coupling processes on the thermospheric temperature structure, on both regional and global-scales is poorly understood.
Instrumentation for the Thirty Meter Telescope

The Science Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (TMT) is nearing completion in its deliberations on defining a set of instrumentation capabilities for the first decade of operation. These are encapsulated in the SAC’s Science Requirements Document (SRD). We focus here on issues related to the challenges posed by the proposed first generation requirements for both seeing-limited, wide-field spectroscopy for the UV/optical and for integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy for the near infra-red (NIR).
Immunohistochemical evaluation of MYC expression in mantle cell lymphoma.

Aim To assess the validity and potential clinical utility of evaluating MYC protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
ICAMS: A New System for Automated Emulsion Data Acquisition and Analysis

ICAMS (Interactive Computer Assisted Measurement System) is designed to permit the acquisition and analysis of emulsion scan and measurement data at a rate much faster than any existing manual techniques. It accomplishes this by taking the burden of stage motion control and data recording away from the scanner and putting it onto the computer. It is a modern distributed network system, where a central PDP-11 computer running under RSX-11M V4 communicates with two-ported UNIBUS memory; each two-ported memory resides on the local intelligence of each independent ODS (Optical Data Station). The intelligence of each ODS is a 6512 microcomputer running under FORTH and enhanced with a floating point processor card. Each ODS is supported on ICAMS using the virtual memory features of FORTH, permitting full access to the disk storage facilities of the PDP system. To the scanner, each ODS is conversational and menu driven. To the physicist, utilities have been written that permit FORTRAN-77 programs to easily acquire and thus analyze the data base on the PDP-11.
Technology, Tradition, and Creativity in Apparel Designers: A Study of Designers in Three US Companies

AbstractTraditional design practices can be difficult to support in a digital world where information is abundant and instantaneous. Though apparel has a long tradition as a hands-on field, designers are increasingly using more CAD and Web technology for speed, accuracy, and cost savings. However, the need for innovation is critical for apparel companies to succeed in a market that has little differentiation. Finding a way to nurture a designer's creativity is an investment in human resources. This research explores the relationship between technology use, use of traditional hands-on methods, and the level of creativity in apparel designers. Twenty-nine apparel designers from three apparel companies responded to a survey to report use of technology or hand methods at work and home and also completed the Abbreviated Torrance® Test for Adults as a measure of creative ability. Results indicated that designers with the highest creativity level (7) participated in more diverse activities at work and at home, e...
Evaporation of Alpha Particles in the Interaction of High-Energy Protons with AgBr

A calculation of the energy spectra, angular distributions, and multiplicities of alpha particles evaporated in the interactions of AgBr with 1- and 2-GeV protons has been performed. A Monte Carlo evaporation calculation was combined with the results of the cascade calculation of Metropolis et al. to obtain these data. Special attention has been paid to the motion of the evaporating nuclei and the calculated spectra are obtained in the laboratory system. Consequently, a direct comparison with experiment is possible. The results are compared with the data of Katcoff and co-workers and good over-all agreement is obtained. In particular, the agreement of the calculated and experimental energy spectra below 15 MeV indicates that it is not necessary to invoke the principle of barrier reduction at high-excitation energies to account for the emission of low-energy $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles. The calculation predicts too few $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles with energies above 25 MeV, and it is concluded that the cascade process accounts, in part, for the high-energy portion of the spectrum.
Quantitative Prediction of Environmentally Assisted Cracking

It has long been recognized that the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and corrosion fatigue cracking susceptibility of various alloy and environment systems is dependent upon complex interactions between stress, material, and environmental parameters. This complexity can lead to scatter in cracking responses that, in turn, leads to difficulty in predicting the life of engineering structures. F.P. Ford was the 1995 recipient of the W.R. Whitney Award sponsored by NACE International. The present work is taken from his award lecture at CORROSION/95 held in March 1995 in Orlando, Florida. His lecture focused on how these interactions may be predicted quantitatively for ductile alloys in aqueous environments with knowledge of the cracking mechanism. This capability may lead to life prediction of critical structures in, for instance, boiling-water nuclear reactors (BWR).
Feedback regulation of Drosophila BMP signaling by the novel extracellular protein Larval Translucida

The cellular response to the Drosophila BMP 2/4-like ligand Decapentaplegic (DPP) serves as one of the best-studied models for understanding the long-range control of tissue growth and pattern formation during animal development. Nevertheless, fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding extracellular regulation of the ligand itself, as well as the nature of the downstream transcriptional response to BMP pathway activation. Here, we report the identification of larval translucida (ltl), a novel target of BMP activity in Drosophila. Both gain- and loss-of-function analyses implicate LTL, a leucine-rich repeat protein, in the regulation of wing growth and vein patterning. At the molecular level, we demonstrate that LTL is a secreted protein that antagonizes BMP-dependent MAD phosphorylation, indicating that it regulates DPP/BMP signaling at or above the level of ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, based on genetic interactions with the DPP-binding protein Crossveinless 2 and biochemical interactions with the glypican Dally-like, we propose that LTL acts in the extracellular space where it completes a novel auto-regulatory loop that modulates BMP activity.
Enzyme immunoassay of Dirofilaria immitis specific IgE in infected dogs

An ELISA procedure was developed for monitoring the specific IgE response in dogs to Dirofilaria immitis infection. The results of this assay correlated well with, and appeared to be more sensitive than, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. The IgE ELISA values of the positive reference serum and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test results showed that a serum to negative absorbance ratio of 1.45 was statistically significally significant for discrinimination and was used to evaluate the specific IgE response in the sera from 90 clinically diagnosed heartworm cases. This ELISA procedure was more sensitive, as it detected 78% of the 90 cases as compared to a detection rate of only 43–47% by IgG ELISA or IFA. Sera obtained from 28 experimentally infected dogs at 4-week intervals for 20 weeks post-infection, were assayed for D. immitis-specific IgE by ELISA. A group of the infected dogs was also treated with diethylcarbamazine during the course of infection. All the experimentally infected dogs developed a specific IgE response, with treated dogs generally responding earlier.
Fragile hearts: New insights into translational control in cardiac muscle

Current investigations focused on RNA-binding proteins in striated muscle, which provide a scenario whereby muscle function and development are governed by the interplay of post-transcriptional RNA regulation, including transcript localization, splicing, stability, and translational control. New data have recently emerged, linking the RNA-binding protein FXR1 to the translation of key cytoskeletal components such as talin and desmoplakin in heart muscle. These findings, together with a plethora of recent reports implicating RNA-binding proteins and their RNA targets in both basic aspects of muscle development and differentiation as well as heart disease and muscular dystrophies, point to a critical role of RNA-based regulatory mechanisms in muscle biology. Here we focus on FXR1, the striated muscle-specific member of the Fragile X family of RNA-binding proteins and discuss its newly reported cytoskeletal targets as well as potential implications for heart disease.
An experimental and analytical study of a four bar mechanism with links fabricated from a fiber-reinforced composite material

Abstract Computer simulations and experimental response data are presented for a 4-bar linkage made from a graphite-epoxy composite material with a ply layup of ±45°. A continuum theory is employed to model this fiber-reinforced laminate, and it accomodates orthotropic materials with differing densities, thickness and elastic properties. This mathematical model is embodied in a mixed variational principle which is the basis for a finite element analysis.
On Estimates of Historical North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity

Abstract In this study, an estimate of the expected number of Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs) that were missed by the observing system in the presatellite era (between 1878 and 1965) is developed. The significance of trends in both number and duration since 1878 is assessed and these results are related to estimated changes in sea surface temperature (SST) over the “main development region” (“MDR”). The sensitivity of the estimate of missed TCs to underlying assumptions is examined. According to the base case adjustment used in this study, the annual number of TCs has exhibited multidecadal variability that has strongly covaried with multidecadal variations in MDR SST, as has been noted previously. However, the linear trend in TC counts (1878–2006) is notably smaller than the linear trend in MDR SST, when both time series are normalized to have the same variance in their 5-yr running mean series. Using the base case adjustment for missed TCs leads to an 1878–2006 trend in the number of TCs that is weakly...
Growth hormone accelerates immune recovery following allogeneic T-cell–depleted bone marrow transplantation in mice

Abstract Objective To test in a murine model whether recombinant human growth hormone can promote immune recovery after allogeneic T-cell–depleted bone marrow transplantation. Materials and Methods Lethally irradiated (8.5 Gy) BALB/c mice (H2 d ) were transplanted with 5×10 6 T cell–depleted bone marrow cells from C57BL/6 mice (H2 b ). Recipient mice were injected intraperitoneally with recombinant human growth hormone (20 μg/dose/day) or saline for the first 4 weeks after transplantation. These animals were followed for phenotypic and functional immune recovery. Results Administration of human recombinant growth hormone improved the CD4 + T-cell counts in peripheral blood on day +14 (44±14 vs 33±7/μL blood, p p + T cells and B220 + B cells. The improvements in peripheral T-cell counts were at least partially as a result of enhanced thymopoiesis because there was an increase in total thymocytes after treatment with growth hormone. T-cell–depleted bone marrow recipients treated with growth hormone rejected the third-party grafts faster than those treated with saline control (median survival time: 20 days vs 26 days, p Conclusions These data demonstrated that recombinant human growth hormone can accelerate phenotypic and functional immune reconstitution following allogeneic T-cell–depleted bone marrow transplantation in mice.
Effect of lamp type and temperature on development, carbon partitioning and yield of soybean.

Abstract Soybeans grown in controlled environments are commonly taller than field-grown plants. In controlled environments, including liquid hydroponics, height of the dwarf cultivar “Hoyt” was reduced from 46 to 33 cm when plants were grown under metal halide lamps compared to high pressure sodium lamps at the same photosynthetic photon flux. Metal halide lamps reduced total biomass 14% but did not significantly reduce seed yield. Neither increasing temperature nor altering the difference between day/night temperature affected plant height. Increasing temperature from 21 to 27°C increased yield 32%. High temperature significantly increased carbon partitioning to stems and increased harvest index.
History of leucotomies in Greece

In order to present the social, scientific and institutional context which permitted the use of leucotomies in Greece, we have reviewed the Archives of the Medical Associations, the medical literature of the years 1946–56, a reader’s dissertation and the memoirs of two psychiatrists. More than 250 leucotomies were done in the two public psychiatric hospitals in Athens from 1947 to 1954, as well as 40 leucotomies in the public psychiatric hospital in Thessaloniki. Although aware of the side effects, psychiatrists justified the use of the procedure. The performance of leucotomies in Greece declined because of reports of the dangers of the operation and its unpredictable outcome for the patients, but mainly because of the encouraging results with psychotropic drugs in the early 1950s.
Automating ambulatory medical records: A claims-based medical profile

Abstract Whether we continue to have a fee-for-service medical system or federally sponsored universal health insurance, physicians and other providers will be required to submit billing documents or encounter forms to insurance carriers. Because modern payment systems convert billing data into machine-processable form, data from all providers can be linked to generate a summary of medical care. A medical profile derived from insurance data resembles those produced by operational computerized medical record systems (1, 2, 3). It too provides a clear snapshot listing the patient's past medical problems, the medications currently and previously dispensed, the laboratory and radiological examinations performed, and the previous hospitalizations and operations. Profiles are currently used to enhance communication among physicians in group practice and even to replace the traditional record for most patient visits (3). Since the claims-based profile contains information from all providers of care, communication among separate practices would be enhanced and unnecessary duplication of services could be reduced were it widely adopted.
Snow Cover in South Dakota: Statistical analysis of spatiotemporal diversity

Snow distribution and accumulation influence many human activities and the dynamic sustainability of ecological systems. Snow cover distribution analysis is a second research step towards creating a Atlas of Climate and Water Resources for SD (temperature analysis was presented last year). We analyzed the regional diversity of monthly total snowfall based on long-term data obtained from the High Plains Regional Climate Center for South Dakota. Multidimensional statistical methods were used, and the results presented for the State of South Dakota.The sets of initial matrixes were compiled with snow observations for the state. The first type of initial matrix of time series {Xt*n}, where t = number of years (67) and n = number of meteorological stations (25), contains 25 stations with mutual observational interval (1931-1998) of 67 winters. The second type of initial matrix {Xt*m}, where t = number of years (67) and m = number of months in a year, included seven initial matrixes.Statistical analysis allowed us to differentiate weather stations by temporal trends and spatial distribution for the time intervals 1931-1998. The average annual sum of total monthly snowfall (October-May) ranged from 25.5 to 53.5 inches for 25 stations trough this time interval. The most variable stations (Bowman Court House, Alexandria, Colony, Gordon, Clark, hot Springs and Eureka) were determined; their seasonality was described (the most variable months and correlation among months during period of snowfall) and their seasonal regime determined.
High dose oral amiodarone loading exerts important hemodynamic actions in patients with congestive heart failure

Objective. The purpose of this study was to use invasive monitoring to analyze the hemodynamic effects of both a large single dose and a 48-h loading regimen of amiodarone in patients with severe heart failure. Background. Amiodarone is frequently used as an antiarrhythmic agent in patients with congestive heart failure, but the impact of this agent on cardiac function remains controversial. Recent successful experience with a rapid oral load of amiodarone makes invasive testing of the hemodynamic effects of oral amiodarone in such patients now feasible. Methods. After baseline hemodynamic assessment (using balloon-tipped pulmonary artery catheters) and electrocardiographic measurements, 16 patients received 12.5 mg/kg body weight of amiodarone orally. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained hourly for 4 h. Patients then received this dose an additional seven times over the next 2 days. Hemodynamic variables and QRS, QT and PR intervals were measured after 48 h of treatment. Results. Vasodilation was seen between 1 and 3 h after drug administration. Systemic vascular resistance decreased 326 ± 135 dynes·S·cm−5, cardiac index increased 0.24 ± 0.08 liters/mm per m2and mean arterial pressure decreased 6 ± 3 mm Hg (mean ±SEM, all p < 0.05). After 48 h of amiodarone administration, heart rate decreased 23 ± 3 beats/min (p < 0.005), stroke volume increased 9 ± 3 ml (p < 0.005), cardiac index decreased 0.23 ±0.09 ml/min per m2(p < 0.05), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increased 4 ± 1 mm Hg (p < 0.01), right atrial pressure increased 3 ± 1 mm Hg (p < 0.005) and QT and PR intervals were markedly prolonged (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Although the first dose caused vasodilation, a complete loading regimen of amiodarone produced a decreased heart rate with elevated filling pressures and decreased cardiac index.
Synthesis of pentachloronitrobenzene‐14C6

Pentachloronitrobenzene-14C6 was synthesized in 81.7% yield by exhaustive chlorination of nitrobenzene-14C6. Hexachlorobenzene-14C6 was produced in 11% yield as a byproduct of the reaction.
Growth response of northern red-oak and yellow- poplar seedlings to light, soil moisture and nutrients in relation to ecological strategy

Abstract Northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) and yellow-poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) were grown from seed in containers for two seasons in six environments consisting of three levels of edaphic richness (high-moisture/high-fertility, high-moisture/low-fertility, low-moisture/high-fertility) and two light intensities (100%, 20% full sun). Seedling height, dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots, and projected leaf and root surface areas were measured at the end of the second growing season. Low levels of light, moisture, and fertility significantly reduced growth of both species, and effects of low moisture and low fertility were greater in full sun than in shade. Total dry-weight of yellow poplar was 36% greater than that of red oak under combined high levels of light, moisture, and nutrients, while total dry-weight of oak was 38–126% greater than that of poplar where at least one resource was at a suboptimal level. Reductions in growth for yellow-poplar due to low levels of all resources were greater than those for red oak, indicating greater stress tolerance for oak. Yellow-poplar had significantly greater shoot: root ratio and greater partitioning of leaf and root mass to absorbing surfaces compared to red oak. The relative tolerance of red oak to low resource levels and morphology suggests adaption to moderately unproductive environments (stress-tolerant strategy), while the characteristics of yellow-poplar (opportunistic capture of plentiful resources, maintenance of large absorbing surfaces) suggests adaptation to more productive environments (competitive strategy). The growth strategy of red oak is discussed in relation to ecological requirements for regeneration.
Label-free optical detection of anthrax-causing spores

An optical biosensor integrated with short peptide ligands for detection of Bacillus anthracis spores is described. A short peptide that can bind specifically to B. anthracis spores was synthesized and used as the ligand. With this approach, a minimum of 34 spores of B. anthracis, specifically captured on the sensor, were detected by measuring the laser light transmission intensity and verified by laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. The differential nature of measurement reduces the incidence of false positives. The detection process, from capturing B. anthracis spores on the sensor surface to laser transmission intensity measurements, required a short time of 35 min. This biosensor, with its simple instrumentation, ease of use, and short detection time, can enable the development of a portable device for rapid, label-free, specific, and quantitative detection of anthrax-causing spores.
Evaluation of the use of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants to survey Latino migrant farmworkers.

We describe the feasibility of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants (ADPAs) for data collection with 60 Latino migrant farmworkers. All participants chose to complete APDA surveys rather than using paper-and-pencil. No one left the study prematurely: two (3%) data cases were lost due to technical difficulties. Across all data .27% missing data were observed: nine missing responses on eight items. Participants took 19 minutes on average to complete the 58-question survey. The factor most influential for completion was education level. APDA methodology enabled both English- and Spanish-speaking Latino migrant farmworkers to become active research participants with minimal loss of data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:156–163, 2010
Resolution of Optic Nerve Edema and Improved Visual Function After Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration in a Patient With Osteopetrosis

PURPOSE: To describe the outcome of a patient with visual loss and optic nerve edema that resulted from osteopetrosis who underwent an optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 33-year-old man with osteopetrosis had bilateral visual field loss and optic nerve edema. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated open optic canals. Although a lumbar puncture showed a normal opening pressure, there were other findings that were suggestive of increased intracranial pressure. The patient elected to undergo a unilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration. RESULTS: After ONSF, the patient experienced markedly improved visual acuity, visual field, and optic nerve appearance. CONCLUSION: Individuals with visual loss and optic disk edema that is associated with osteopetrosis may benefit from ONSF if the optic canals appear to be open and the optic nerve edema is thought to be related to increased intracranial pressure.
Newly recorded tribe Eurylabini of subfamily Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in Korea

The tribe Eurylabini is included in the Korean fauna for the first time. We report an unrecorded genus and species of the tribe Eurylabini in Korean fauna: Eurylabus quadratusUchida. A description and photographs are provided.
Cytotoxic effects of WR-2721 on mouse testicular cells

WR-2721 (S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid) has been demonstrated to be cytotoxic to stem spermatogonia in the mouse. Five and 10 injections of 300 mg/kg killed sufficient numbers of stem cells to reduce sperm production 56 days after treatment by 16 and 43%, respectively. Single injections of 300 or 400 mg/kg of WR-2721 given 15 min after irradiation produced negligible toxicity to stem cells as measured by counts of repopulated tubules; 600 mg/kg reduced stem cell survival by 47%. Four daily injections of 300 mg/kg given 4, 3, 2, and 1 days prior to irradiation (with or without a fifth injection 15 min after irradiation) reduced stem cell survival by about 60%. The cytotoxic effects of WR-2721 on testicular stem cells at least partially explains the reduced protection factors observed in the testis with low doses of radiation and during fractionated treatments involving multiple injections of drug.
Flow cytometric evaluation of boar semen by the sperm chromatin structure assay as related to cryopreservation and fertility.

Abstract Boar semen from a heterospermic mating trial and semen cryopreserved by various methods were evaluated by the flow cytometric sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), which measures the susceptibility of sperm nuclear DNA to acid-induced denaturation in situ. Spermatozoa were treated with a pH 1.4 buffer and then stained with the metachromatic dye acridine orange. Acridine orange intercalated into double-stranded DNA (native) fluoresces green while single-stranded DNA (denatured) fluoresces red when excited with 488 nm light. The ratio of red to total fluorescence provides an index of normality/abnormality. The SCSA data on neat boar semen or semen in either Kiev-Merck or Pursel-Johnson extender and frozen directly on dry ice blocks or plunged into LN2 did not differ within individual boars. Therefore, chromatin structure, as measured by the SCSA, was not influenced differently by these 2 methods of semen cryopreservation. When semen from 6 boars was mixed in equal sperm numbers in six 3-way combinations and inseminated into at least 3 Duroc gilts per combination, 4 of the 6 combinations yielded 2 litters, while the remaining 2 combinations yielded 3 litters. The SCSA correctly predicted both the high and low fertility boars based on a ratio of offspring as deviated from the theoretical percentage. Thus, the SCSA was found to be a valuable adjunct method for evaluating boar cemen quality.
NEXAFS investigations of cyclooctatetraene on TiO2(001)

Abstract Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) was used to examine the nature of the adsorbed intermediate in the ring contraction of cyclooctatetraene (COT) to form benzene. Formation of aromatics by alkyne cyclotrimerization has been proposed to occur via a metallacyclopentadiene intermediate, and the chemistry of COT on reduced TiO 2 surfaces has been suggested to occur via a complex exhibiting a similar bonding motif, although COT has been ruled out as a significant intermediate in alkyne cyclotrimerization. The conjugated structure of COT makes it an excellent subject for NEXAFS study, because of the ability of this technique to provide information about molecular hybridization and surface–adsorbate interactions, especially for species with π-orbitals. We have therefore applied this technique to probe the adsorbed intermediates in ring contraction and partial hydrogenation reactions of COT, and have compared our results with theoretical excitation spectra calculated from different models using time dependent density functional theory. This combination of experiment and theory provides new insights into the nature of the adsorbed intermediate involved in ring contraction and hydrogenation reactions of COT.
Androgen and Estrogen (α) Receptor Distribution in the Periaqueductal Gray of the Male Rat

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been strongly implicated in numerous behaviors heavily influenced by the gonadal steroids estrogen and testosterone, including reproductive behavior, autonomic regulation, and antinociception. However, the location of receptors for these steroids within the PAG has not been carefully characterized. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to map the distribution of neurons immunoreactive for the androgen (AR) and estrogen receptor (α subtype; ERα) along the rostrocaudal axis of the PAG in the male rat. The results show that the PAG contains a large population of both androgen and estrogen receptor containing neurons. Neurons immunoreactive for either receptor were concentrated within the caudal two-thirds of the PAG. At midlevels of the PAG, ERα and AR immunoreactive neurons were located primarily within the dorsomedial and lateral PAG. In the caudal third of the PAG, immunoreactive cells were distributed primarily within the dorsal half. The distributions of ERα and AR were remarkably similar, and it is likely that some PAG neurons contain receptors for both gonadal steroids, similar to what has been previously reported for the male rat hypothalamus. The results of this study suggest that the PAG may provide the anatomical substrate for steroid mediated changes in nociceptive thresholds and reproductive behavior.
Charge-remote fragmentations: method, mechanism and applications

Abstract Charge-remote fragmentations are viewed as both a class of gas-phase ion decomposition reactions and as a method or approach to determining structures of biomolecules, surfactants and other lipophilic materials. Although they were first identified as decompositions of fatty acids, the processes are found in the fragmentations of steroids, prostaglandins, complex lipids, peptides, carbohydrates and certain anti-biotics. This article is a review of the subject, emphasizing material published since 1988. It covers research focused on both expanding the scope of charge-remote fragmentation and applying it to real problems. Questions on the details of mechanism and energetics are also addressed. The 1,4-elimination of H2 is still the favored mechanism of the cleavage of C@C bonds in saturated alkyl chains, but there are alternatives that deserve consideration.
Eosinophilic Hepatitis in an Adolescent During Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Treatment for ADHD

We describe here the case of an adolescent who developed eosinophilic hepatitis during treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse [Shire US Inc, Wayne, PA]). A 14-year-old boy presented to his primary care provider with abdominal pain and worsening jaundice. A diagnosis of hepatitis was made with biochemical markers, but evaluation failed to provide an etiology. Worsening hepatitis prompted hospitalization and initiation of steroids for presumed autoimmune hepatitis. A subsequent liver biopsy showed evidence of eosinophilic hepatitis. Known causes of eosinophilic hepatitis were ruled out, and a presumptive diagnosis of reaction to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate was made. Discontinuation of the medication led to resolution of the hepatitis and normalization of the liver biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic injury attributed to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
Tryptophan Fluorescence of Cells and Tissue in Esophageal Carcinoma

Cancer is a cellular process. The emission spectrum of tryptophan, which produces the strongest fluorescence in cells, was investigated in cells and tissues of a normal and malignant esophagus. Estimated fluorescence intensity per cell was about three times greater in cancerous cells than in normal cells. The fluorescence was also greater in cancerous tissue but the difference was attenuated, probably because of absorption and scattering. Cellular fluorescence from tryptophan may be useful for the detection of cancer in esophageal cells and tissues.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Benzoquinonide and Dehydrobenzoquinone Anions

The 364 nm photoelectron spectra of the dehydrobenzoquinone (1•-) and benzoquinonide (2-) anions are reported. For 1•-, the unambiguous assignment of the origin peak yields an electron affinity (EA...
Predator ontogeny determines trophic cascade strength in freshwater rock pools

Ontogenetic changes in consumers can influence the magnitude and outcome of direct and indirect ecological interactions. Although most research has focused on the consequences of qualitative changes in diet (i.e., shifts in trophic guild between life-history stages), quantitative effects of ontogeny, such as size-dependent per capita consumption rates, likely also influence food webs by modulating the relative importance of top-down control. I examined the effect of predator ontogeny on per capita consumption rates, selectivity between prey species, and the resulting food-web consequences using a system of freshwater rock pools on Appledore Island, Maine, USA. The rock pools house a simple tri-trophic food chain consisting of chlorophyte algae consumed by cladoceran grazers (Moina macrocopa and Daphnia pulex), which are then preyed upon by the aquatic insect Trichocorixa verticalis (Corixidae). Laboratory studies showed that Trichocorixa grows substantially during its life history, with size-dependent (i.e., allometric) increases in per capita predation rates (consuming both Moina and Daphnia). Predation rates were significantly higher on Moina than Daphnia in single-prey experiments and all instars of Trichocorixa significantly preferred Moina in choice experiments. In a mesocosm experiment, predation by Trichocorixa on zooplankters created a top-down trophic cascade by releasing phytoplankton from grazing and the strength of the cascade increased significantly with Trichocorixa life-history stage. A yearlong observational study of three rock pools in the field indicated that top-down interactions are present and strongly affect food-web dynamics in situ, as well. In particular, time-series modeling showed that increases in Trichocorixa biomass (due to ontogenetic growth and hatching) led to decreases in Moina population growth rates, which caused increases in phytoplankton population growth rates. Taken together, these results indicate that consumer ontogeny can affect food-web and ecosystem dynamics without qualitative niche shifts if per capita feeding rates change substantially over the consumer's life history. Given the prevalence of both allometrically scaling consumption rates and dynamically structured predator populations, top-predator demography may be an important driver of the trophic structure and dynamics of food webs.
The Generalizability of Multilevel Models of Burglary Victimization: A Cross-City Comparison

Abstract Recent criminal victimization studies have emphasized the interrelationship between individual and structural effects in explaining individuals' risks of victimization. But extant contextual victimization studies have yet to incorporate cross-city comparisons of individual- and neighborhood-level mixed-effect models. As a result, questions remain regarding the generalizability of the extant multilevel victimization models across cities or regions with different economies, histories, cultures, etc. The present study addresses the potential generalizability of empirical relationships from multilevel (individual- and neighborhood-level) models of burglary victimization across three cities by comparing the effects of individual-level sociodemographic and routine-activity variables, neighborhood-level social disorganization and concentration-of-poverty variables, and micro–macro interactions using data from Rochester, St. Louis, and Tampa-St. Petersburg. Contextual findings from multilevel burglary victimization models appear generalizable in several respects. First, mean burglary victimization risk varies significantly across neighborhoods in all cities examined, but the individual-level covariates of risk do not vary in their effects across neighborhood or city contexts. Secondly, much of the variability in burglary victimization risk across neighborhoods is accounted for by the inclusion of neighborhood-level covariates. Third, while many of these contextual effects reported appear city-specific in that associated p values vary and represent different levels of statistical significance, further inspection and comparison across cities of the confidence intervals of the effects reveals substantive consistency. In short, we conclude that our findings make a case for the generalizability of victimization theory across a variety of urban settings and provide a good illustration of possible limitations of relying solely on significance tests for conclusions.
Effect of substitutional doping on phonon spectra of YBa2(Cu1−xCox)3O7−δ

Abstract The effect of substitutional doping in the superconductor YBa 2 (Cu 1− x Co x ) 3 O 7−δ on infrared absorption spectra and Raman spectra have been studied for x = 0.0% to 4.0%. Simultaneously strong changes in both Raman and IR spectra were observed in the 500–700 cm −1 frequency region. Specifically the 500 cm −1 Raman frequency broadens and continuously shifts downward and the IR absorption line at 580 cm −1 also displays a general downward shift in frequency with an increase in Co content. These modes have been assigned to the A g and B 1u oxygen vibrations about Cu(1). Therefore evidence that Co preferentially goes into Cu(1) chain sites is supported. Additionally, the IR absorption modes indicate a structural phase transformation for Co concentrations between x = 2.0–3.0%, which is confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction measurements on our samples. The observed mode softening of the axial O(4) vibrations is consistent with previous neutron diffraction work showing bond length changes with Co substitution.
Baade and Zwicky: "Super-novae," neutron stars, and cosmic rays.

In 1934, two astronomers in two of the most prescient papers in the astronomical literature coined the term “supernova,” hypothesized the existence of neutron stars, and knit them together with the origin of cosmic-rays to inaugurate one of the most surprising syntheses in the annals of science.
Susceptibility Testing of Dermatophytes

The dermatophytes are a specialized group of fungi that infect the keratinized tissues of humans (hair, nails, and skin) and cause superficial infections. Although several studies have been conducted to develop methods to determine the susceptibilities of yeast and filamentous fungi, similar studies for dermatophytes have only recently taken place. We review how susceptibility testing of dermatophytes was developed and how it has already been applied to clinical samples. We also review recent advances in the development of disk diffusion and colorimetric methodologies for determining the antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes. With several agents now available for treating infections due to dermatophytes, susceptibility testing will serve as a valuable tool for clinicians as they choose the most appropriate treatment option. Studies are still needed to establish interpretive breakpoints for antifungal agents used in the treatment of superficial fungal infections.
Skeletal conformations and receptor binding of some 9,11-modified estradiols

The effect of the modification of the 9-11 positions on the skeletal conformation of estradiol (E2) has been analyzed by X-ray crystallography and MM2 molecular mechanics. The 11 beta-hydroxyl and 11-keto analogs of E2 maintained ring conformations which were similar to the natural hormone (E2). Introduction of a double bond at position 9-11 induced a flattening of the entire steroid molecule. An 11 alpha-hydroxyl group brought about significant changes in the alicyclic rings of E2. 9 beta-Estradiol and 11-keto-9 beta-estradiol formed ring conformations which were significantly bent from E2 (below the plane of the A-ring). Examination of the affinity of these C-ring analogs of E2 for the human estrogen receptor has shown extreme variations. A hydroxyl group placed either alpha or beta at the 11-position yielded ligands with vastly different and reduced affinities for the receptor. The low affinity of 11 alpha-hydroxyestradiol (1/300th of E2) may be due to the drastic structural change induced in the alicyclic portion of the molecule, as well as, to the steric or electrostatic effects of the alpha-hydroxyl group upon the receptor protein. An 11 beta-hydroxyl group diminished the receptor binding to 1/60th that of E2 without alicyclic ring distortions, whereas a 9-11 unsaturation reduced the binding to 1/5th although this steroid displayed a flattening of rings B, C, and D. The 11-keto function, which had little effect on the conformation of the estrogen nucleus, reduced the affinity of this ligand to 1/1000th that of E2. The negative bend at the C-ring of 11-keto-9 beta-estradiol and 9 beta-estradiol prevented these ligands from binding receptor. Some of the observed receptor interactions were related to structural alterations in the estrogen ring system induced by modifications on the 9-11 region.
Inhibition of thymidine kinase by cortisone.

SummaryIn vivo and in vitro studies revealed that incorporation of thymidine-3H into DNA was inhibited in Ehrlich ascites cells treated with cortisone 24 hr before. Incorporations of other DNA precursors were not inhibited. Thymidine kinase was markedly inhibited by pretreatment with cortisone. Other nucleoside kinases (except deoxyuridine kinase), thymidylate kinase, and DNA polymerase were not appreciably affected by the cortisone treatment.
Ceramic surface treatment and abrasion resistance: An experimental study

Abstract This study explores experimentally the relationship between pottery surface treatments (texture, slip/polish, resin, smooth, and smudge) and abrasion resistance. The surface treatments were applied to low-fired ceramic spheres and then abrasion resistance was measured by weight loss as the specimens were abraded in lapidary tumblers. In terms of total weight loss, slip/polished and textured spheres had the poorest abrasion resistance overall whereas smudged and resin-coated surface treatments provided the best. These results have implications for pottery performance in use, use–wear analysis, and the environmental degradation of pottery. Of particular note is that a resin coating, which is the best surface treatment in terms of abrasion resistance as well as several other performance characteristics, is often applied to pots investigated ethnographically, but it rarely observed on prehistoric ceramics because of biodegradation.