cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
(CAG)*(CTG) repeats associated with neurodegenerative diseases are stable in the Escherichia coli chromosome.

(CAG)n·(CTG)n expansion is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Repeat instability has been extensively studied in bacterial plasmids, where repeats undergo deletion at high rates. We report an assay for (CAG)n·(CTG)n deletion from the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene integrated into the Escherichia coli chromosome. In strain AB1157, deletion rates for 25–60 (CAG)·(CTG) repeats integrated in the chromosome ranged from 6.88 × 10–9 to 1.33 × 10–10, or ∼6,300 to 660,000-fold lower than in plasmid pBR325. In contrast to the situation in plasmids, deletions occur at a higher rate when (CTG)43, rather than (CAG)43, comprised the leading template strand, and complete rather than partial deletions were the predominant mutation observed. Repeats were also stable on long term growth following multiple passages through exponential and stationary phase. Mutations in priA and recG increased or decreased deletion rates, but repeats were still greatly stabilized in the chromosome. The remarkable stability of (CAG)n·(CTG)n repeats in the E. coli chromosome may result from the differences in the mechanisms for replication or the probability for recombination afforded by a high plasmid copy number. The integration of (CAG)n·(CTG)n repeats into the chromosome provides a model system in which the inherent stability of these repeats reflects that in the human genome more closely.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Venous Access vs. the External Jugular Vein as the Initial Approach to the Patient with Difficult Vascular Access

Abstract Background: Traditionally, Emergency Physicians (EPs) have used the external jugular (EJ) vein to gain vascular access in patients who have failed nursing attempts at peripheral access. Recently, some EPs have used ultrasound (USIV) to gain peripheral access. Study Objective: This study seeks to determine which initial approach by EPs would lead to greater success. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study of all adult patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) between June and December 2007. Inclusion criteria were failed nursing attempts at peripheral access (at least three). EPs were 2 nd - or 3 rd -year residents who had previously performed more than five each of EJs and USIVs. Patients were randomized into either an initial EJ or USIV approach. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled, 32 in the ultrasound group, 28 in the EJ group. Fifteen different EPs performed access. Initial Success: USIV 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68–93%) vs. EJ 50% (95% CI 33–67%), p=0.006. Success if EJ visible: USIV 84% vs. EJ 66% (p = 0.18). Overall success, including data from the crossover pathway: a total of 41 lines were successfully placed by ultrasound out of 46 attempts (89%) vs. 18 out of 33 for EJ (55%), p=0.001. In total, 59/60 patients (98%) had a peripheral i.v. successfully placed. The percentage of functioning lines when the patient left the ED was: USIV 89% (95% CI 72–96%) vs. EJ 93% (95% CI 68–98%), p=0.88. Conclusion: As an initial approach to all patients with difficult venous access, ultrasound-guided peripheral lines are superior to the EJ approach. However if the EJ was visible, there was no difference in success among the initial approaches. Both techniques, when used together, could achieve peripheral vascular access in 98% of difficult access patients.
Glacial climate in the tropics

During glacial cycles, different parts of the Earth cool by different amounts. A growing collection of evidence has begun to show that cooling in the tropical oceans was greater than previously thought. In his Perspective, Broecker discusses the oxygen isotope evidence reported by Schrag et al. (p. 1930) that indicates that the cooling in deep tropical water was close to the freezing point.
Purulent Pericarditis After Transbronchial Biopsy

A 28-year-old woman experienced hypotension and unresponsiveness. She had undergone bronchoscopy with needle biopsy 2 weeks before admission to evaluate hilar lymphadenopathy given suspicion of sarcoidosis. She had an elevated white blood cell count of 28,000/μL and a serum creatinine level of 4.0 mg/dL. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis resulted in removal of 400 mL of yellow-green purulent material that grew Streptococcus milleri, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Peptostreptococcus species. Pericardiectomy and mediastinal washout were performed. Subsequently, her condition rapidly improved. She returned home after 26 days of admission. At 12-month follow-up, the patient had made a full recovery.
The making of Chinese Central Asia

Abstract The article demonstrates how Clarmont P. Skrine, who served in 1922–1924 as British Consul-General in Kashgar (Xinjiang), constructed the descriptive narrative in his well-known 1926 book, Chinese Central Asia. The extensive archive of Skrine's letters and other writings makes it possible to compare the book with its sources and learn about authorial intent, self-censorship, and literary devices. It may be possible to apply the methodology of this example to other Western accounts about Central Asia in order better to establish their strengths and weaknesses as historical sources.
The adoption of coke-smelting by the British iron industry, 1709–1790

The application of coal to the production of pig iron was one of the important innovations af the British Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth century. Coal (in the form of coke) was first used to make pig iron at the Coalbrookdale furnace of Abraham Darby around 1709 and was in continuous use there after that date.’ Other ironmasters did not adopt the new technique until the early 1750s and actually increased their charcoal-smeiting capacity in the interim, constructing at least twenty-two new charcoal furnaces during the period 1720-1755.2 The standard interpretation of the iron industry’s failure to adopt coke-smelting before mid-century was first advanced by T. S. Ashton in his classic history of the iron industry3 and has gone largely unchallenged by other scholars.4 Ashton argued that the technical limitations of coke-smelting, particularly the poor quality of the product, prevented its adoption for nearly a haIf-century.’
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 14C-MMB4 DMS administered intramuscularly to Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits.

1,1′-Methylenebis[4-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]-pyridinium] dimethanesulfonate (MMB4 DMS) is currently under development for the treatment of chemical warfare organophosphorus nerve agent poisoning. The...
Tolerance of tropical common bean genotypes to manganese toxicity: Performance under different growing conditions

Abstract Manganese (Mn) toxicity is an important constraint to the production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical and subtropical soils. Amelioration of Mn toxicity by soil modification is difficult in Andosols, and liming of acid soils is often not feasible for small farmers. Substantial genetic variation for Mn tolerance exists in bean germplasm, but is difficult to assess in field trials due to interactions with several environmental factors. The objectives of this study were to identify sources of genetic tolerance to Mn toxicity and to compare their performance using three growing conditions. Contrasting genotypes were evaluated for Mn tolerance by 1) biomass accumulation under Mn stress in solution culture, 2) biomass accumulation under Mn stress in silica sand culture, and 3) seed yield of plants grown in Mn‐amended soil. Genotypes varied substantially in Mn tolerance: A‐283, BAT‐795, Dore de Kirundu, IPA‐7419, Carioca, G‐12896a, and NEP BAYO 22 were susceptible, while Argentino, BAT...
Gluon Condensation from Trace Anomaly in Quantum Chromodynamics

Condensation of the operator ${({{G}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}}^{a})}^{2}$ in quantum chromodynamics is shown by constructing the effective potential through the trace anomaly equation. Effects of Wilson loop on the condensation are also studied.
Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis for Highway Bridge Superstructures

The most popular type of bridge in service today is the concrete deck on steel-girder composite bridge. A finite-element model is built to analyze the superstructure of this type of bridge under working load conditions. The deflections along a test bridge are computed by using this method; the results obtained are close to the experimental data. The concrete deck of the bridge is analyzed using nonlinear finite elements, of which the analytical procedure is described in detail. A comparison is also made between this method and the traditional transformed area method.
Top-down modulation of preattentive processing: Testing the recovery account of contingent capture

One highly controversial issue with respect to preattentive processing concerns the degree to which the preattentive detection of “singletons” elicits an involuntary shift of spatial attention (i.e., attentional capture) that is immune from top-down modulation. According to the “pure-capture” perspective, preattentive processing drives the allocation of spatial attention in a purely bottom-up manner, in order of relative salience. According to the “contingent-capture” perspective, preattentive processing can produce attentional capture, but such capture is contingent on whether the eliciting stimulus carries a feature property consistent with the current attentional set. Pure-capture proponents have recently argued that the evidence for contingencies in attentional capture actually reflects the rapid disengagement and recovery from capture. Two spatial cueing experiments tested the rapid recovery by measuring (1) compatibility effects associated with irrelevant distractors and (2) inhibition of return to ...
The proof of concept for profiles retrievals from CrIS radiances using a deterministic method

Different aspects of the remote sensing inverse problem in operational environment are thoroughly discussed and various ambiguities in prevalent stochastic method namely optimal estimation method (OEM) are pointed out. To overcome these obscurities, a deterministic method namely regularized total least squares (RTLS) is proposed. For demonstration purposes, water vapor profiles retrievals from simulated Suomi-NPP CrIS hyperspectral measurements are considered. Synthetic CrIS radiances are generated using a line-by-line radiative transfer model (GENSPECT) with realistic radio-sonde profiles and US standard atmosphere as inputs. Our findings show that the current stochastic method, even with additional deterministic constraints (truncated singular value decomposition) applied on top of OEM, is unable to produce useful retrieval results, i.e., posterior error is more than the a priori error. In contrast, RTLS is able to produce deterministically unique results commensurate with the available information content in the measurements, which could result in a paradigm shift in operational satellite inversion.
Determination of optical constants of thin film coating materials based on inverse synthesis

A versatile method for determination of the optical constants is described that can be applied to a variety of coating materials. It is based on the use of an optical thin film synthesis program to adjust the constants of dispersion equations until a good fit is obtained between measured and calculated spectral transmittance and/or reflectance curves. The sensitivity of the determination can be increased by a suitable combination of measurement quantities. Because more than the minimum amount of data can be used, sensitivity to measurement errors and the chances of obtaining multiple solutions can both be reduced. To illustrate the method optical constants are determined of MgF2, ZnS, MgO, Inconel, and Si films in the visible part of the spectrum and of ITO films in the 0.4–12.0-μm range.
[2-Butyl-4-(4-tert-butyl-benz-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-idene]chlorido[(1,2,5,6-η)-cyclo-octa-1,5-diene]iridium(I).

In the title compound, [IrCl(C8H12)(C17H25N3)], the IrI ion has a distorted square-planar coordination geometry. The N-heterocyclic carbene ligand has an extended S-shaped conformation. The butyl group was refined using a two-part 1:1 disorder model. In the crystal, three unique weak C—H⋯Cl contacts are present. Two of these form a motif described as R21(6) in graph-set notation, while a third forms an R22(8) motif about a crystallographic inversion center. The result is a chain structure which extends parallel to the crystallographic a axis.
Gelation of perfluorinated liquids by N-alkyl perfluoroalkanamides.

Gels comprised of low-molecular-mass organic gelators (LMOGs), N-alkyl perfluoroalkanamides [F(CF2)mCONH(CH2)nH; FmNHn], and several perfluorinated liquids are described. The gelation ability of the amides has been compared to that of two analogous alkyl perfluoroalkanoates. The properties of these gels have been correlated with the N-alkyl and (to a lesser extent) perfluoroalkyl chain lengths in the FmNHn by X-ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering. The gels are thermally reversible and require generally very low concentrations ( 1 year, thus far. The incompatibility of the fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon segments causes the LMOGs to aggregate into lamellae within the fibrils that constitute the basic unit of the gel networks. IR spectroscopic studies of these gels indicate that additional ordering within the aggregate units is enforced by intermolecular H-bonding...
Review article:Pronominalization in American Sign Language

L'A. veut montrer que la structure du systeme pronominal de la langue des signes americaine est tres semblable aux systemes referentiels des autres langues. Il decrit d'abord les caracteristiques de la nature des pronoms de la langue des signes americaine pour ensuite analyser les proprietes de la grammaire de cette langue
ANTITHROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTES: ECTOPIC EXPRESSION OF UROKINASE-TYPE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR IN PLATELETS

Arterial occlusive disorders are a leading cause of human morbidity. We hypothesized that ectopic expression of fibrinolytic proteins in platelets could be used to favorably alter the hemostatic balance at sites of thrombosis. To test our hypothesis, we directed murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator transgene expression to platelets using a platelet factor 4 promoter. Urokinase was selectively expressed and stored in the platelets of these mice. These transgenic mice had altered platelet biology and a bleeding diathesis similar to that seen in patients with Quebec platelet disorder, affirming the role of ectopic urokinase expression as the etiology of this inherited disease. These mice were resistant to the development of occlusive carotid artery thrombosis in the absence of systemic fibrinolysis and displayed rapid resolution of pulmonary emboli. Moreover, transfusion of urokinase-expressing platelets into wild-type mice prevented formation of occlusive arterial thrombi. These studies show the feasibility of delivering fibrinolytic agents to sites of incipient thrombus formation through selective storage in platelets and offer a new strategy to prevent thrombosis and hemorrhage.
Temperature-tuned phase-matching properties of LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/ for Ti:sapphire laser frequency doubling

The temperature-tuned phase-matching properties for type-I frequency doubling of a tunable Ti:sapphire laser (740-900 nm) were measured in lithium triborate (LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/). The wavelength dependence of the phase-matching angle, angular bandwidth, and spectral bandwidth in the 740-890-nm fundamental wavelength region at room temperature were also determined. Temperature-tuned phase-matching wavelengths for fixed phase-matching angles were measured from 20 to 213 degrees C. Temperature bandwidths of 7.8 and 15.3 degrees C-cm were obtained from the room temperature data at 886- and 760.5-nm phase-matching, respectively. >
Possible role of non-bonding Pπ oxygen orbitals by orbital Kondo effect in high-Tc superconductivity

Abstract The possible role of the pπ oxygen orbitals in high temperature superconductivity is discussed by considering those scattering processes between conduction electrons in which one pπ orbital occurs in the intermediate states. The responsible coupling is the off-diagonal Coulomb coupling between atomic and bond charges, which is enhanced by Kondo-type correlation effects of orbital origin. Considering the 1:2:3 compound the role of the bridging oxygens between the planes and chains is discussed.
Oxytocin and object preferences in the male prairie vole

The neuropeptide oxytocin has been previously associated with social attachment behaviors in various species. Studies in socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and other species have implicated oxytocin in partner preferences and other social behaviors. In the present study male prairie voles were injected intraperitoneally with either oxytocin or the selective oxytocin antagonist, L-368,899, and were assessed for object preference (for small inanimate toys) 30-min after injection. Object preferences were assessed in animals tested alone or in the presence of their sibling cage mate. Saline-treated controls displayed preferences for the novel object, both when tested alone and in pairs, while oxytocin-treated voles did not demonstrate an object preference, regardless of whether tested alone or in pairs. Finally, oxytocin antagonist treated voles showed preference for the novel object, but only when tested in pairs. These data support a possible involvement of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in object preference.
L-α- Methyl-β-hydrazino-β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic Acid: Relative Lack of Antidecarboxylase Activity in Adrenals

In rats previously treated with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, the administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan results in increases in concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine in kidney, brain, and adrenal glands. When the peripheral L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, L-α-methyl-α-hydrazino-β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (HMD) is administered prior to 5-hydroxytryptophan, the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in kidneys does not rise, that of the brain increases slightly, and that of the adrenal rises markedly. This indicates that although the adrenal gland is a peripheral organ, it does not respond in the typical manner to the antidecarboxylase action of HMD. These results suggest that HMD does not gain free access into the adrenal medulla and that a possible "blood-adrenal barrier" may exist to this compound.
Mass transfer in laminar—boundary‐layer flows with finite interfacial velocities

Asymptotic expressions are presented in this paper for the mass transfer Nusselt number in both forced- and free-convection laminar-boundary-layer flows with large interfacial velocities directed toward the surface. The analysis is valid for arbitrary surface geometries and includes transfer in a variable properties fluid. It is shown, in addition, how these asymptotic formulas may be used in conjunction with the Nusselt number for zero interfacial velocities to estimate the rate of mass transfer for the intermediate regions.
Motor Proteins: Myosin Mechanosensors

Mechanosensation is emerging as a general principle of myosin motors. As demonstrated in a recent study, the single-headed myosin I molecule is an exquisite mechanosensor, able to sense strain over a very small force range.
Resolution of mixtures of proteins by means of zone electrophoresis in sucrose density gradients

Abstract Column electrophoresis in a sucrose density gradient has been used in the study of a variety of protein preparations, namely, ( a ) a crude mixture of staphylococeal extracellular proteins, ( b ) streptolysin S, ( c ) streptokinase, ( d ) an acid deoxyribonuclease, and ( e ) galactose oxidase. The results show that the technique is capable of providing useful analytical information and that it is a valuable preparative method for purification of enzymes and other proteins.
Positive regulation of the BRCA1 promoter.

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1gene, presumably leading to loss of function, confer susceptibility to breast and ovarian neoplasms and are thought to be responsible for approximately 2.5–5% of all breast cancers. It has been suggested that alternative mechanisms, such as disruption of transcription, may also be involved in the suppression of BRCA1 gene expression/function in breast cancers. Therefore, we initiated studies on the BRCA1 transcriptional promoter. Utilizing systematic promoter deletions and transient transfection assays, a 36-base pair region was determined to be important for the positive regulation ofBRCA1 transcription. Deletion of this positive regulatory region resulted in a significant loss of promoter activity. Utilizing DNA binding assays, proteins with specific affinities for the positive regulatory region were detected. Disruption of the DNA-protein complexes could affect normal BRCA1 transcription and may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.
Measurement of forearm blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography: influence of hand blood flow during sustained and intermittent isometric exercise

The requirement for using an arterial occlusion cuff at the wrist when measuring forearm blood flows by plethysmography was tested on a total of 8 subjects at rest and during and after sustained and intermittent isometric exercise. The contribution of the venous effluent from the hand to the forearm flow during exercise was challenged by immersing the arm in water at 20, 34, and 40 degrees C. Occlusion of the circulation to the hand reduced the blood flow through the resting forearm at all water temperatures. There was an inverse relationship between the temperature of the water and the proportion in the reduction of forearm blood flow upon inflation of the wrist-cuff, ranging from 45 to 19% at 20 degrees to 40 degrees C, respectively. However, during sustained isometric exercise at 10% of the subjects maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) there was no reduction in the measured forearm flow when an arterial occlusion cuff was inflated aroung the wrist. Similarly, there was no alteration in the blood flow measured 2 s after each of a series of intermittent isometric contractions exerted at 20% or 60% MVC for 2 s whether or not circulation to the hand was occluded nor of the post-exercise hyperemia following 1 min of sustained contraction at 40% MVC. These results indicate that a wrist-cuff is not required for accurate measurement of forearm blood flows during or after isometric exercise.
Simple energy minimization for huge Lennard-Jones clusters by dramatic parameter reduction

Abstract We have designed several schemes to reduce the number of parameters in the problem of minimizing the total energy of Lennard-Jones clusters. We will discuss our schemes development in three dimensions. The value of our work lies in the simplicity with which it provides a new approach to problems involving huge Lennard-Jones clusters.
Distributed coordination of multi-agent systems for coverage problem in presence of obstacles

This paper presents new algorithms for distributed deployment of a network of multi-agent systems to minimize prescribed cost function. It is assumed that the so-called “operation cost” of distinct agents can be different. The problem is investigated for both cases of an obstacle-free environment and a fixed-obstacle environment. For the former case, the center multiplicatively weighted Voronoi (CMWV) configuration is introduced, and it is shown to be the optimal configuration. A distributed coverage control is also provided which guarantees that the configuration of the agents converges to this optimal configuration. For the case of a fixed-obstacle environment, the visibility-aware multiplicatively weighted Voronoi (VMW-Voronoi) diagram is introduced and a motion coordination strategy is presented to achieve the desired objective. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in both cases.
Transmural Ventricular Pressures and Pulsus Paradoxus in Experimental Cardiac Tamponade

SUMMARY Transmural pressures were measured from both cardiac ventricles before, during and after experimental cardiac tamponade in open chest dogs. During the control and recovery periods, the transmural pressures were positive in both ventricles. During tamponade, the transmural diastolic pressures became negative in both ventricles. In a series of closed chest dogs, subatmospheric transmural pressures were measured during cardiac tamponade from both atria and both ventricles. With severe tamponade, the intrapericardial pressure exceeded the right ventricular systolic pressure, and with very severe tamponade, even the left ventricular transmural systolic pressure was negative. In the control and recovery tracings, inspiration was accompanied by an increase in the pulmonary arterial pulse pressure and a simultaneous decrease in the aortic pressure pulse. This phenomenon was exaggerated during cardiac tamponade. The implications of this finding regarding the genesis of pulsus paradoxus were discussed.
Symposium on the Economic Status of African-Americans

F ew measures of the fidelity of the United States to the ideals that it espouses are as sensitive as the economic and social condition of African-Americans. Brought by force to a new continent, enslaved, freed, denied education, segregated, and savagel, suppressed, African-Americans entered the 20th century with vast deficits of both education and financial capital. Gradually and with painful slowness they have been vouchsafed the prerequisites of full participation in American economic life: schooling, skilled jobs, entry into the professions and management, and full political and civil rights. Some progress has been made, although by every measure the economic status of black Amnericans remains far short of that of whites and Asian-Americans. In the last decade or so, however, the economic progress of blacks has slowed, and by some indicators ground has been lost. The gap between African-Americans and the rest of the population is large, but gaps of similar size have persisted among various groups. However, other suclh differences occasion little national angst, because no group in the United States other than blacks endured the lash of slavery and for so long and so universally suffered the humiliation and soul-destroying effects of segregation. In 1944, the Swedish economist Gunnar Myrdal took stock of the status of African-Americans in his magisterial study, The American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy. In 1985, the National Academy of Sciences determined to support a similarly comprehensive review of the social and economic progress of African-Americans. This study, A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society, was issued in 1989 after considerable internal controversy and delay. It painted a decidedly mixed picture. It reported considerable
(Re)Branding the Big Easy Tourism Rebuilding in Post-Katrina New Orleans

This article draws on primary and secondary data to provide insight into the processes and conflicts over efforts to brand New Orleans as an entertainment destination from the 1990s to the present. The author identifies the key actors and organized interests involved in branding New Orleans, the rationale and logic of branding, and marketing strategies used to enhance place distinctiveness. The second half of the article describes the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans's tourism sector and examines efforts to rebrand the city. The article points to the problems, contradictions, and unpredictabilities of urban branding. This analysis provides an important opportunity for theoretical development and offers a unique perspective for understanding urban branding as a contested and conflictual process of homogenization and diversification.
Compressed sensing of autoregressive processes

Suppose the signal x ∈ R n is realized by driving a d-sparse signal z ∈ R n through an arbitrary unknown stable discrete-linear time invariant system H, namely, x(t) = (h a z)(t), where h(·) is the impulse response of the operator H. Is x(·) compressible in the conventional sense of compressed sensing? Namely, can x(t) be reconstructed from sparse set of measurements. For the case when the unknown system H is auto-regressive (i.e. all pole) of a known order it turns out that x can indeed be reconstructed from O(k log(n)) measurements. The main idea is to pass x through a linear time invariant system G and collect O(k log(n)) sequential measurements. The filter G is chosen suitably, namely, its associated Toeplitz matrix satisfies the RIP property. We develop a novel LP optimization algorithm and show that both the unknown filter H and the sparse input z can be reliably estimated. These types of processes arise naturally in Reflection Seismology.
Agricultural injury among rural California public high school students.

OBJECTIVES: The University of California, Davis Youth Agricultural Injury Study characterized the farm work and agricultural injury experience among rural California Central Valley public high school students enrolled in an agricultural sciences curriculum. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of agricultural injury among students from 10 California Central Valley high schools during the 2001-2005 school years. RESULTS: Of 1,783 subjects, 946 (53.1%) reported farm work in the previous year, including 97 (10.3%) reporting at least one farm work-related injury in the preceding year. After adjustment for sex, ethnicity, and hours spent in farm work, injury risk was associated with large-animal operations (OR 4.15; 95%CI: 1.18, 14.65), feeding large animals (OR 2.38; 95%CI: 1.15, 4.96), mixing chemicals (OR 1.86; 95%CI: 1.15, 3.03), welding (OR 2.09; 95%CI: 1.17, 3.72), non-use of seatbelts, and frequent riding in the back of an uncovered pick-up truck. Risky attitudes toward farm safety were significantly associated with injury. Girls were more likely to suffer an animal-related injury and boys to suffer injury related to motor vehicles, machinery, or tool use. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents are at similar risk to adults for agricultural injury. Although limitations on hazardous tasks and time spent on farm work are likely to be the most efficacious means for reducing injury, education will play an important role. Educational measures should include inculcating healthy safety-related attitudes and focus on hazardous tasks, such as those involving animals (for girls) and motor vehicles and machinery (for boys). Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Evolution of communication with a spatialized genetic algorithm

We extend previous work by modeling evolution of communication using a spatialized genetic algorithm which recombines strategies purely locally. Here cellular automata are used as a spatialized environment in which individuals gain points by feeding from drifting food sources and are 'harmed' if they fail to hide from migrating predators. Our individuals are capable of making one of two arbitrary sounds, heard only locally by their immediate neighbors. They can respond to sounds from their neighbors by opening their mouths or by hiding. By opening their mouths in the presence of food they maximize gains; by hiding when a predator is present they minimize losses. We consider the result a 'natural' template for benefits from communication; unlike a range of other studies, it is here only the recipient of communicated information that immediately benefits.A community of'perfect communicators' could be expected to make a particular sound when successfully feeding, responding to that same sound from their neighbors by opening their mouths. They could be expected to make a different sound when 'hurt' and respond to that second sound from their neighbors by hiding.Suppose one starts from a small set of 'Adam and Eve' strategies randomized across a cellular automata array, and uses a genetic algorithm which operates purely locally by cross-breeding strategies with their most successful neighbors. Can one, in such an environment, expect evolution of local communities of 'perfect communicators'? With some important qualifications, the answer is 'yes'.
The self-organization of step-pools in mountain streams

Abstract Spontaneous, autogenic self-organization has been described in numerous geomorphic systems, but it has not been investigated in detail with respect to coarse bedforms in general or step-pools in particular. In this paper, we review the spatial organization of step-pool systems and present example evidence of step-pool development as an autogenic self-organization process. We then outline the mathematical language for defining spatially divergent self-organization and test these ideas using two unique field examples from Oregon (Andrews Experimental Forest) and California (Baxter Creek), where step-pools developed from planar beds in artificially manipulated channels. Results show that step-pool development is consistent with a spatially divergent self-organization phenomenon. Entropy increases as initially undifferentiated planar channels diverge into steps and pools, then declines when a series of steps and pools of consistent size and spacing is established, signifying stability in the system. The self-organization process is accompanied by increasing flow resistance and decreasing slope (through increasing the “vertical sinuosity” of the step-pool profile and creation of low- or negative gradient pool areas), suggesting a minimization of stream power. The self-adjustment of the step-pool bed profile over time represents another manifestation of a general process that results in rhythmic patterns on the surface of Earth.
Diverse binding modes, same goal: The receptor recognition mechanism of botulinum neurotoxin.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most deadly toxins known. They act rapidly in a highly specific manner to block neurotransmitter release by cleaving the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex at neuromuscular junctions. The extreme toxicity of BoNTs relies predominantly on their neurotropism that is accomplished by recognition of two host receptors, a polysialo-ganglioside and in the majority of cases a synaptic vesicle protein, through their receptor-binding domains. Two proteins, synaptotagmin and synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2, have been identified as the receptors for various serotypes of BoNTs. Here, we review recent breakthroughs in the structural studies of BoNT–protein receptor recognitions that highlight a range of diverse mechanisms by which BoNTs manipulate host neuronal proteins for highly specific uptake at neuromuscular junctions.
Leptotrichia buccalis hemagglutination in cell binding and salivary inhibition studies.

Abstract : The characteristic hemagglutination (HA) of Leptotrichia buccalis was used for measuring its attachment to various human cells and for determining if saliva contained hemagglutination inhibition (HI) factors. The microbial strain utilized displayed the characteristic EM morphology of L. buccalis. Sonicated preparations of the organism were tested for HA activity before and after adsorption with human cells. Buccal epithelial cells, RBC, HeLa and embryonic kidney cells all bound the HA fragments of the organisms. The bacterial fragments on the cells could be observed by fluorescent antibody testing. The fragments were released from the cells used for adsorption with chelators and, upon addition of CaCl2, the HA activity returned. Whole saliva displayed hemagglutination inhibition activity in a manager suggesting a binding site interaction. The similarity of the HA activity of L. buccalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum are discussed as are the relationships of cell binding to colonization of the organisms and immunopathology to host cells.
Balanced Salt Solution in the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Shock: Studies in Dogs

Previous studies show a decreased mortality from hemorrhagic shock when Ringer's lactate solution is given intravenously in addition to replacement of shed blood. The improved survival rate seems related to restoration of a disproportionate extracellular fluid reduction occurring with hemorrhagic shock. 1 The objectives of this study were (1) to define some of the physiological effects of the treatment of hemorrhagic shock with blood replacement and Ringer's lactate solution, and (2) to investigate the theoretical objection that Ringer's lactate solution may aggravate lactic acidosis when used to treat shock. Materials and Methods Twenty-four previously splenectomized mongrel dogs ranging in weight from 17 to 26 kg (38 to 58 lb) were anesthetized with pentobarbital given intravenously and breathing was controlled by a respirator using room air. Bilateral femoral artery and vein and external jugular vein cannulizations were done. Mean femoral arterial blood pressure and pulse rate were monitored continuously with a
Defining Natural Categories in Acoustic Signals: Comparison of Three Methods Applied to ‘Chick‐a‐dee’ Call Notes

Identifying units of behavior is a universal problem in ethology. Here we compare three different techniques for identifying natural categories among notes in the chick-a-dee call of the black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus). The combinatorial nature of ‘chick-a-dee’ calls, in which different note combinations are presumed to convey different messages, makes a problem of note classification especially relevant. The three techniques we used were (1) multidimensional scaling of inter-note similarities derived from two-dimensional cross-correlation of digital spectrograms, 2) visual sorting of notes by human observers, and 3) k-means cluster analysis based on a principal components analysis of 14 measured acoustic features. The three methods yielded generally concordant results, with closest agreement between the multidimensional scaling and visual classifications. We discuss possible mechanisms of information coding and perception, and the significance of these for the chick-a-dee call system. The techniques we employed provide powerful, complementary tools for the analysis of variation in acoustic communication signals.
What It Takes to Avert a Regional Crisis: Understanding the Uzbek Government’s Responses to the June 2010 Violence in South Kyrgyzstan

Uzbekistan played an important role during the June 2010 interethnic violence in South Kyrgyzstan by tightly controlling borders, allowing thousands of Kyrgyzstani refugees to cross into Uzbek territory, assisting in the shipment of international humanitarian assistance to Kyrgyzstan, and collaborating with the osce in the investigation of the causes of the violence. What explains Uzbekistan’s approach to the unrest in South Kyrgyzstan? Some scholars suggest that Uzbekistan’s response was shaped largely by external actors such as Russia. Others posit that domestic pressures account for the response. This article advances an alternative explanation: Tashkent’s response was largely a result of a consensus achieved at two levels: international and domestic. In explaining the impact of domestic level, the article emphasizes the role of bureaucratic politics—competition among various government agencies.
Ascorbic acid catabolism by gut microflora: studies in germ-free and conventional guinea pigs

Abstract The role of gut microflora in ascorbic acid catabolism was investigated in both conventional and germ-free guinea pigs. In vitro studies demonstrated extensive degradation of the vitamin by fresh feces, cecal, and colonic contents of conventional guinea pigs. Direct injection of [1- 14 C] ascorbic acid into the cecum of conventional guinea pigs in vivo yielded a 70% recovery of the label as respiratory 14 CO 2 within 6 hr compared with only 5% recovery following injection into the virtually sterile peritoneum in a comparable group of conventional guinea pigs. Thus, ascorbic acid not absorbed prior to reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract stands to be extensively decarboxylated by microflora in the cecum. In a companion study of germ-free guinea pigs, 10% of an administered dose of [1- 14 C] ascorbic acid was expired as 14 CO 2 within 36 hr post-injection following intraperitoneal injection compared with 16% recovery in a matched group of conventional animals injected at the same site. Results of this series of studies suggest that hepatic decarboxylation and gut microflora, in tandem, contribute to ascorbic acid decarboxylation in this species.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) content of liver with hemorrhagic shock.

SummaryNicotinamide adenine dinucleotides were determined in the liver of rats subjected to three stages of hemorrhagic shock and treatment. Total nucleotide content was decreased in all stages. The oxidized form, NAD+, appeared to decrease more rapidly than the reduced form, NADH; however this was likely the result of a shift from oxidized to reduced state due to decreased tissue perfusion. Increased enzymic degradation of NAD did not appear to be the mechanism whereby NAD content was lowered; NADase activity of shock liver was not different from that of control liver. These results also indicate that the decreased NAD content in shock is restored to normal by nonspecific treatment by replenishment of circulatory volume.The authors are grateful for the technical assistance of Betty Henton and the clerical assistance of Gail Perry.
The nature and correlates of deterrents to leaving a relationship

The nature and correlates of perceived deterrents to leaving a relationship were examined in a sample of both partners (N= 314) from gay male, lesbian, and heterosexual couples. Partners rated the extent to which self-identified features of their relationship were regarded as either attractions to the relationship or deterrents to ending that relationship. The deterrents identified included features that were also identified as attractions as well as unique features that functioned as barriers to leaving. Satisfaction with the relationship tended to be positively correlated with deterrents that were attractions but negatively correlated with deterrents that were barriers. Differences between gay male/lesbian partners and heterosexual partners were found in the kinds of deterrents identified but not in the link between deterrents and relationship satisfaction.
Measurement of ancient cosmogenic 21Ne in quartz from the 28 Ma Fish Canyon Tuff, Colorado

Abstract Measurement of 21 Ne in quartz from the 28 Ma buried Fish Canyon Tuff of Colorado yielded a maximum of 2.75±0.57×10 6 21 Ne atoms (g SiO 2 ) −1 above nucleogenic and modern concentrations. This quantity represents cosmogenic 21 Ne produced on the Fish Canyon Tuff surface prior to the deposition of the overlying Carpenter Ridge Tuff. Ancient 21 Ne was isolated through the analysis and identification of (1) background 21 Ne produced from α-particle interactions or inherited; and (2) cosmogenic 21 Ne produced from modern radiation. Multiple samples of Fish Canyon Tuff shielded during both exposure periods, 28 Ma ago and in modern time, yielded the background that was then subtracted from all samples. Likewise, samples of Fish Canyon exposed today, but well below the Fish Canyon–Carpenter Ridge contact and therefore shielded 28 Ma ago, yielded a modern component that was also removed from all sample concentrations. The presence of an ancient cosmogenic isotope in a buried surface has several potential applications, including the quantification of paleoelevation, paleolatitude, and pre-Quaternary erosion rates.
Pulsar: A Qualitative Study of a Substance Abuse Prevention Program:

The purpose of this study was to explore the risk, protective factors, and resiliency characteristics of students selected to participate in the Police, Public Educators and Peers Utilizing the Leadership Skills of Students At Risk/As Resources (PULSAR) program. The study is significant as it employed qualitative methods and a resiliency-focused framework to evaluate a substance abuse prevention program. Findings revealed that the PULSAR program: facilitated self-reflection on student negative attitudes toward substance abuse and positive attitudes toward school; allowed students to gain skills that addressed individual needs; and fostered relationships between the students and adult facilitators in a safe environment. These results speak to increased protective factors and resiliency characteristics, but were not found to be constant with each student. Implications for continued research on the PULSAR program are addressed.
Effect of Noise on the Mathematical Parameters that Describe Isothermal Seed Germination

A mathematical model is proposed to describe the isothermal germination rate of seeds as a function of time. All environmental parameters were held constant with the exception of the sound-pressure level and the frequency of the impinging sound waves. Each single frequency sound has its own set of mathematical parameters that describe the differential germination rate as a function of time. Frequencies of 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 9000 hertz as well as broad band noise, all at 100 decibels, were used in the experiments.
SIMPLICITY IN COMPACT ABSTRACT THEORIES

We continue [2], developing simplicity in the framework of compact abstract theories. Due to the generality of the context we need to introduce definitions which differ somewhat from the ones use in first order theories. With these modified tools we obtain more or less classical behaviour: simplicity is characterized by the existence of a certain notion of independence, stability is characterized by simplicity and bounded multiplicity, and hyperimaginary canonical bases exist.
A Conserved Motif in the ITK PH-Domain Is Required for Phosphoinositide Binding and TCR Signaling but Dispensable for Adaptor Protein Interactions

Binding of the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) to the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain of the Tec family protein tyrosine kinase, Inducible T cell Kinase (ITK), is critical for the recruitment of the kinase to the plasma membrane and its co-localization with the TCR-CD3 molecular complex. Three aromatic residues, termed the FYF motif, located in the inner walls of the phospholipid-binding pocket of the ITK PH domain, are conserved in the PH domains of all Tec kinases, but not in other PH-domain containing proteins, suggesting an important function of the FYF motif in the Tec kinase family. However, the biological significance of the FYF amino acid motif in the ITK-PH domain is unknown. To elucidate it, we have tested the effects of a FYF triple mutant (F26S, Y90F, F92S), henceforth termed FYF-ITK mutant, on ITK function. We found that FYF triple mutation inhibits the TCR-induced production of IL-4 by impairing ITK binding to PIP3, reducing ITK membrane recruitment, inducing conformational changes at the T cell-APC contact site, and compromising phosphorylation of ITK and subsequent phosphorylation of PLCγ1. Interestingly, however, the FYF motif is dispensable for the interaction of ITK with two of its signaling partners, SLP-76 and LAT. Thus, the FYF mutation uncouples PIP3-mediated ITK membrane recruitment from the interactions of the kinase with key components of the TCR signalosome and abrogates ITK function in T cells.
Erosion behavior of prestrained and aged 2024 aluminum

Abstract Specimens of 2024 aluminum alloy were solution treated and aged at 190 °C for varying times up to a maximum of 100 h. Solution-annealed specimens were also strained to 3% and 6% prior to aging. The erosion behavior of these specimens was studied in a sand-blast-type test rig. The tests were conducted under ambient conditions with 125 μm angular silicon carbide particles impacted with a velocity of 50 m s−1 and at an angle of 30° to the specimen surface. Erosion behavior was studied with respect to the variations in microstructure and the resulting mechanical properties. It is found that erosion rate increases with straining prior to aging and it decreases with both the increase in ductility as well as the precipitate size.