cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioluminescent imaging reveals divergent viral pathogenesis in two strains of stat1-deficient mice, and in αßγ interferon receptor-deficient mice

Pivotal components of the IFN response to virus infection include the IFN receptors (IFNR), and the downstream factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1). Mice deficient for Stat1 and IFNR (Stat1−/− and IFNαsγR−/− mice) lack responsiveness to IFN and exhibit high sensitivity to various pathogens. Here we examined herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) pathogenesis in Stat1−/− mice and in IFNαsγR−/− mice following corneal infection and bioluminescent imaging. Two divergent and paradoxical patterns of infection were observed. Mice with an N-terminal deletion in Stat1 (129Stat1−/− (N-term)) had transient infection of the liver and spleen, but succumbed to encephalitis by day 10 post-infection. In stark contrast, infection of IFNαsγR−/− mice was rapidly fatal, with associated viremia and fulminant infection of the liver and spleen, with infected infiltrating cells being primarily of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. To resolve the surprising difference between Stat1−/− and IFNαsγR−/− mice, we infected an additional Stat1−/− strain deleted in the DNA-binding domain (129Stat1−/− (DBD)). These 129Stat1−/− (DBD) mice recapitulated the lethal pattern of liver and spleen infection seen following infection of IFNαsγR−/− mice. This lethal pattern was also observed when 129Stat1−/− (N-term) mice were infected and treated with a Type I IFN-blocking antibody, and immune cells derived from 129Stat1−/− (N-term) mice were shown to be responsive to Type I IFN. These data therefore show significant differences in viral pathogenesis between two commonly-used Stat1−/− mouse strains. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that Stat1−/− (N-term) mice have residual Type I IFN receptor-dependent IFN responses. Complete loss of IFN signaling pathways allows viremia and rapid viral spread with a fatal infection of the liver. This study underscores the importance of careful comparisons between knockout mouse strains in viral pathogenesis, and may also be relevant to the causation of HSV hepatitis in humans, a rare but frequently fatal infection.
Protective behavioral strategies, social norms, and alcohol-related outcomes

The present study examined the unique contributions of protective behavioral strategies and social norms in predicting alcohol-related outcomes. Participants were 363 students from a large public university in the Midwest who reported at least one binge-drinking episode (5+/4+ drinks for men/women in one sitting) in the past 30 days. Data were collected 1/2010-3/2011. We used SEM to test models where protective behavioral strategies (PBS) and social norms were predictors of both alcohol use and alcohol-related problems, after controlling for the effects of gender. Both PBS and descriptive norms had relationships with alcohol use. PBS also had a relationship with alcohol-related problems. Overall, the findings suggest that PBS and social norms have unique associations with distinct alcohol-related outcomes.
Interest rate restrictions and deposit opportunities for small savers in developing countries: An analytical view

This article argues that by forcing financial intermediaries (FI) to substitute implicit interest for monetary interest payments, deposit rate ceilings may increase the cost of savings mobilisation, especially from non‐wealthy households. This mechanism may partially explain the lack of small savers’ deposit opportunities in developing countries. A simple model is used to elucidate this mechanism, as well as the effects of financial technology, intensity of competition, and external funding on an FI's savings mobilisation operations.
The core congruence on a monoid

The core congruence is defined and its properties studied. It is shown that every fundamental regular monoid can be faithfully represented by its action by translations on its set of left congruences.
On approximations to the inverse student’s-t distribution function

The inverse of the Student's t-distribution is often needed in computer simulation and applied statistics, e.g, in generating random variates from t-distributions and in computing tables needed for statistical procedures which do not assume known variances. The t-distribution algorithm of Dudewicz and Dalal (1972) can be used to approximate the inverset t distribution function. The author notes an algorithm for evaluation of this inverse d.f. which can be implemented in a fast, accurate and short computer program. The error analysis is also reported. An application is considered for the problem of testing the hypothesis that a sequence of random variates follows Student's-t distribution.
Past, Present, and Future Research Avenues for Metformin: A Literature Review.

Objective: To review why metformin is considered first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and review newer avenues of research currently being evaluated. Data Sources: The Cochrane Li...
Epigenetic Reversion of Breast Carcinoma Phenotype Is Accompanied by Changes in DNA Sequestration as Measured by AluI Restriction Enzyme

The importance of microenvironment and context in regulation of tissue-specific genes is well established. DNA exposure to or the sequestration from nucleases detects differences in higher order chromatin structure in intact cells without disturbing cellular or tissue architecture. To investigate the relationship between chromatin organization and tumor phenotype, we used an established three-dimensional assay in which normal and malignant human breast cells can be easily distinguished by the morphology of the structures they make (acinus-like versus tumor-like, respectively). We show that these phenotypes can be distinguished also by sensitivity to AluI digestion in which the malignant cells resist digestion relative to nonmalignant cells. Treatment of T4-2 breast cancer cells in three-dimensional culture with cAMP analogs or a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor not only reverted their phenotype from nonpolar to polar acinar-like structures but also enhanced chromatin sensitivity to AluI. By using different cAMP analogs, we show that cAMP-induced phenotypic reversion, polarization, and shift in DNA organization act through a cAMP-dependent protein-kinase A-coupled signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibitory antibody to fibronectin produced the same effect. These experiments underscore the concept that modifying the tumor microenvironment can alter the organization of tumor cells and demonstrate that architecture and global chromatin organization are coupled and highly plastic.
Coding properties of peak and average response rates in American cockroach olfactory sensory cells

The response of phasic neurons is often measured in terms of average spiking rates over arbitrarily selected time intervals. Averages taken over inappropriate intervals may severely reduce the information content of data, as we show here using response data from female American cockroach peripheral olfactory cells. We demonstrate that a 100-ms period around the peak response contains the best information for discriminating among odors at moderate to high concentrations. Further, the 100-ms post-peak response period contains the best information at low concentrations, as well as in situations where it is important to minimize errors in misidentifying the quality of an odor. Averaging the data over the full 0.5 s stimulus period degrades the odor separation qualities of the data.
Consumer-Interest Study in Higher Education: A Conceptual Analysis of an Emerging Discipline

The study of the consumer interest in higher education is currently represented by departments, program areas, and curricula with a wide variety of titles (e.g., “consumer economics” and “consumer affairs”) and emphases (e.g., consumer purchase decisions and public policy formulation. This diversity of titles and emphases is indicative of the current lack of agreement concerning the focus, scope and direction of the field as a whole. The authors propose a disciplinary rationale which integrates the many approaches to consumer-interest study while distinguishing it from the traditional disciplines to which it is most closely related: economics, home economics, and marketing. It is argued that consumer-interest study has a distinct content focus and distinct dimensional properties which qualify it for separate disciplinary status. The authors further propose that the emerging discipline be known as “consumer science” since that title appropriately encompasses both the field's current characteristics and its anticipated development.
The Lincoln dental caries study I. The incidence of dental caries in persons with various mental disorders

In a study investigating the incidence of dental caries in various subdivisions of mental subnormality at the Lincoln State School for the mentally subnormal, it was found that the mentally defective patients had a lower decay rate than the mentally retarded and the lower the IQ, the lower the decay rate.
Abundance and Single-Cell Activity of Heterotrophic Bacterial Groups in the Western Arctic Ocean in Summer and Winter

Environmental conditions in the western Arctic Ocean range from constant light and nutrient depletion in summer to complete darkness and sea ice cover in winter. This seasonal environmental variation is likely to have an effect on the use of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by heterotrophic bacteria in surface water. However, this effect is not well studied and we know little about the activity of specific bacterial clades in the surface oceans. The use of DOM by three bacterial subgroups in both winter and summer was examined by microautoradiography combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. We found selective use of substrates by these groups, although the abundances of Ant4D3 (Antarctic Gammaproteobacteria), Polaribacter (Bacteroidetes), and SAR11 (Alphaproteobacteria) were not different between summer and winter in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The number of cells taking up glucose within all three bacterial groups decreased significantly from summer to winter, while the percentage of cells using leucine did not show a clear pattern between seasons. The uptake of the amino acid mix increased substantially from summer to winter by the Ant4D3 group, although such a large increase in uptake was not seen for the other two groups. Use of glucose by bacteria, but not use of leucine or the amino acid mix, related strongly to inorganic nutrients, chlorophyll a, and other environmental factors. Our results suggest a switch in use of dissolved organic substrates from summer to winter and that the three phylogenetic subgroups examined fill different niches in DOM use in the two seasons.
The Social Context of Perceived Drought Vulnerability1

This paper examines perceptions of drought vulnerability among residents of the southern San Joaquin Valley portion of Kern County, California. The area is unique in the western United States because of its complex water delivery infrastructure and its intensive level of agricultural production supported by agricultural labor. The area is interesting to rural sociologists because it was part of Goldschmidt's research on the social implications of agribusiness. We argue that the relationship between resource production and social stratification suggested by Goldschmidt's research presents some important implications for understanding perceptions of resource scarcity in the present day. We explore perceptions of drought vulnerability by several dimensions of stratification—primary occupation, location of residence, length of residence, household income, and racial/ethnic background. While our findings illustrate that agricultural owners/operators perceive the greatest levels of concern about severe drought, the unique character of agricultural production in the area is related to perceptions of vulnerability among broader segments of the local population. The findings suggest that dependence upon existing water utilization patterns may present substantial obstacles to effective drought policy and planning.
Discrimination, Choice, and Group Inequality: A Discussion of How Allocative and Choice-Based Processes Complicate the Standard Decomposition

Abstract The usual approach to the study of group inequality proposes a decomposition of the average difference in rewards for the two groups into a component that is "explained" by differences in the level of "endowments" of the two groups and a component that is "unexplained," because it arises from different "rates of return" to "endowments." A well-known controversy surrounds the problematic description of this latter component as the effect of discrimination, problematic because a portion of this term may be attributed to differences in unmeasured "endowments." This paper directs attention to a second problem with the standard approach, namely, its failure to take the process of resource acquisition explicitly into account in the computation of the decomposition. That group membership affects resource acquisition as well as the conversion of resources into rewards is hardly a new idea in sociology, but the subtleties underlying this idea have inhibited theoretical efforts to integrate it systematically with the decomposition literature. This paper addresses the role of institutional constraint and rational responses to these constraints by modeling six distinct mechanisms that can lead to unequal group outcomes.
Reporters Confront the President: Sustaining a Counterpoised Situation.

Participants frequently must sustain counterpoised definitions of the situation in which they participate. This study reports an analysis of reporters’ efforts to sustain both a “presidential” and “press” definition of the presidential press conference by balancing deference for the President with critical confrontation.
Oxidation of indoleacetic acid by 1,10-phenanthroline—manganese complexes

Abstract 1,10-Phenanthroline catalyzes the oxidation of indoleacetic acid in the presence of manganese ions and oxygen. The reaction occurs at mild conditions and appears to involve the superoxide anion radical.
Model investigation of NO 3 secondary organic aerosol (SOA) source and heterogeneous organic aerosol (OA) sink in the western United States

Abstract. The relative importance of NO 3 -initiated source and heterogeneous sink of organic aerosol in the western United States is investigated using the WRF/Chem regional weather and chemistry model. The model is run for the four individual months, representing the four seasons, of January, May, August, and October, to produce hourly spatial maps of surface concentrations of NO 3 , organic aerosol (OA), and reactive organic gases (ROG, a sum of alkene species tracked in the lumped chemical mechanism employed). These "baseline" simulations are used in conjunction with literature data on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass yields, average organic aerosol composition, and reactive uptake coefficients for NO 3 on organic surfaces to predict SOA source and OA heterogeneous loss rates due to reactions initiated by NO 3 . We find both source and sink rates maximized downwind of urban centers, therefore with a varying location that depends on wind direction. Both source and sink terms are maximum in summer, and SOA source dominates over OA loss by approximately three orders of magnitude, with large day-to-day variability. The NO 3 source of SOA (peak production rates of 0.4–3.0 μg kg −1 h −1 ) is found to be significantly larger than the heterogeneous sink of OA via NO 3 surface reactions (peak loss rates of 0.5–8 × 10 −4 μg kg −1 h −1 ).
Like: Collecting and Collectivity*

OCTOBER 132, Spring 2010, pp. 71–98 © 2010 October Magazine, Ltd. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, Andy Warhol made frequent reference to his general tendency toward liking. “I like everything,” he liked to say.1 In response to questions about his favorite movie star or artist, he would say things such as, “I just like everyone,” or, “I like them all.”2 This unusual aptitude for liking did not go unnoticed by his friends and associates. For instance, in recalling his collaborations with Warhol, Ronald Tavel (who wrote the scenarios for several Warhol films, including Vinyl [1965], Horse [1965], Kitchen [1965] and The Life of Juanita Castro [1965]) remembered that he always fought with Warhol about whether the films had to be boring or not. The problem, Tavel suggested, was that Warhol just didn’t
Dinosaur National Monument: the Evolution of a Federal Reserved Water Right

: Dinosaur National Monument, in northwestern Colorado, has become a test case in the establishment of a federal reserved water right to instream flows. For the first time, the Interior Department was forced to rigorously defend its claims in a watershed where the federal government did not control the upstream reaches. Inadequate quantification of minimum flow requirements, court orders, and an apparent Congressional ban on the spending of Water Resources Program funds by the Park Service to quantify its water rights have already placed the Service in a difficult position to protect instream flows for maintaining the ecological integrity of the Monument. As late as 1983, administrators of the Park Service were divided over their legal strategy, many wanting to pursue a policy of claiming “natural, historic” flows rather than “minimum” flows. The conditional right to instream flows panted to the Park Service in 1978 was subject to quantification within five years. That deadline has been extended, but it is not likely that the case will reach final settlement this decade. Until the design and conduct of federal water rights quantifications better integrate public policy and law with science, the principle lesson from Dinosaur may have to be repeated.
Her-2/neu altered peptide ligand-induced CTL responses: Implications for peptides with increased HLA affinity and T-cell-receptor interaction

In this study, we developed two Her-2/neu-derived E75 altered peptide ligands (APLs) that demonstrate increased affinities for the HLA-A*0201 allele compared with wild-type E75 peptide. The APLs contain amino acids from E75(369–377), an immunodominant Her-2/neu-derived peptide, and preferred primary and auxiliary HLA-A*0201 molecule anchor residues previously identified from combinatorial peptide library screening with the recombinant molecule. CTL lines were generated against wild-type E75 peptide (KIFGSLAFL) and APLs by multiple rounds of peptide stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HLA-A2+ antigen normal individuals. CTL lines raised on wild-type E75 peptide cross-reacted with APLs and similarly, CTL lines raised on APLs cross-reacted with wild-type E75 peptide, as measured by IFN-γ ELISpot and target cell lysis assays. One of five individuals demonstrated specificity for APL 2 (FLFGSLAFL), whereas APL 5 (FLFESLAFL)-specific responses were observed from all five individuals tested. Molecular models of the E75, APL 2, and APL 5/HLA-A2 complexes indicated that the substitution of glycine with glutamic acid at position four of APL 5 resulted in the presentation of a large, negatively charged side chain that interacts with the outer edge of the HLA-A2 antigen alpha helix and is freely available to interact with cognate T-cell receptors. The results of this study further substantiate the concept that rational design of T-cell epitopes may lead to stronger peptide immunogens than natural, wild-type peptides.
Anatomic Correlates of Reversible Restrictive Lung Disease

A 19-year-old woman presented with lifelong asthma. Pulmonary function studies revealed a mixed restrictive-obstructive pattern, with significantly decreased elastic recoil as demonstrated by a pressure-volume study. Upon administration of inhaled bronchodilator, however, the patient's lung volume and compliance returned to normal, illustrating the rare phenomenon of reversible restrictive lung disease. Open lung biopsy revealed respiratory bronchiolitis, confirming the suspected involvement of small airways. Mechanisms of reversible restriction, specifically alveolar duct constriction, are discussed. The authors speculate on the observed relation between anatomic and physiologic abnormalities.
An affine point-set and line invariant algorithm for photo-identification of gray whales

This paper presents an affine point-set and line invariant algorithm within a statistical framework, and its application to photo-identification of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). White patches (blotches) appearing on a gray whale's left and right flukes (the flattened broad paddle-like tail) constitute unique identifying features and have been used here for individual identification. The fluke area is extracted from a fluke image via the live-wire edge detection algorithm, followed by optimal thresholding of the fluke area to obtain the blotches. Affine point-set and line invariants of the blotch points are extracted based on three reference points, namely the left and right tips and the middle notch-like point on the fluke. A set of statistics is derived from the invariant values and used as the feature vector representing a database image. The database images are then ranked depending on the degree of similarity between a query and database feature vectors. The results show that the use of this algorithm leads to a reduction in the amount of manual search that is normally done by marine biologists.
Advances in minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients

Surgery has changed dramatically over the last several decades. The emergence of MIS has allowed pediatric surgeons to manage critically ill neonates, children, and adolescents with improved outcomes in pain, postoperative course, cosmesis, and return to normal activity. Procedures that were once thought to be too difficult to attempt or even contraindicated in pediatric patients in many instances are now the standard of care. New and emerging techniques, such as single-incision laparoscopy, endoscopy-assisted surgery, robotic surgery, and techniques yet to be developed, all hold and reveal the potential for even further advancement in the management of these patients. The future of MIS in pediatrics is exciting; as long as our primary focus remains centered on developing techniques that limit morbidity and maximize positive outcomes for young patients and their families, the possibilities are both promising and infinite.
Squatter Rehabilitation Projects that Support Home-Based Enterprises Create Jobs and Housing

Abstract This paper examines how home-based enterprises (HBEs) in squatter settlements benefit from rehabilitation. High unemployment and lack of affordable housing for the urban poor are some of the most pressing problems in less developed countries. To curb both problems, international donor agencies urge governments to employ policies that combine shelter provision with job creation. Such policies can relax building codes, making housing affordable and remove barriers that inhibit the growth of the informal sector. Governments are also encouraged to cooperate with non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and residents in an effort to create jobs and provide affordable housing. Mathare 4A Housing Project is employing such policies and has managed to produce upgraded and affordable shelter by relaxing building codes and using inexpensive, local building materials. The Project supports existing HBEs, creates jobs and raises standards of living. The rehabilitated enterprises have better shelter and infrastructure, are more efficient, accessible and competitive, and have diversified the neighborhood economy.
Newton iteration acceleration of the Nash game algorithm for power control in 3G wireless CDMA networks

In wireless communication systems, each user's signal contributes to the interference seen by the other users. Given limited available battery power, this creates a need for effective and efficient power control strategies. These strategies may be designed to achieve quality of service (QoS) or system capacity objectives, or both. We show how the power control problem is naturally suited to formulation as a noncooperative game in which users choose to trade off between signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) error and power usage. Koskie (2003) studied the static Nash game formulation of this problem. The solution obtained led to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. In this paper we present a novel distributed power control strategy based on the Newton iteration used to solve the corresponding algebraic equations. That method accelerates the convergence of the Nash game algorithm owing to the quadratic convergence of the Newton iterations. A numerical example demonstrates the efficiency of the new algorithm.
Dilatant till layer near the onset of streaming flow of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica, determined by AVO (amplitude vs offset) analysis

A powerful seismic technique that exploits the phase of the ice-bottom reflections shows that soft till is widespread beneath a West Antarctic ice stream very close to the onset of streaming flow. The amplitude vs offset (AVO) method measures the change in amplitude of the reflection as a function of increasing angle of incidence. For a decrease in acoustic impedance with depth, the reflection phase is negative at low angles of impedance but positive at intermediate angles. The change in phase by 180° is an obvious and robust measure of the relative acoustic impedance contrasts. This technique is only usable when there is a change in phase vs offset, conditions which obtain for “UpB-type” tills (high water pressures and porosity, low compressional- and shear-wave velocities, similar to those observed at Upstream B camp). I have applied this technique to the far upstream regions of Ice Stream C and find that a dilatant ( and presumably deforming), relatively thick (meters) till layer has formed beneath the ice stream within tens of km of the region identified as the transition from inland flow to ice-stream flow. These results suggest that the onset of rapid basal motion is linked to the formation of this deforming subglacial layer.
Computational Geometry in a Curved World

We extend the results of straight-edged computational geometry into the curved world by defining a pair of new geometric objects, thesplinegon and thesplinehedron, as curved generalizations of the polygon and polyhedron. We identify three distinct techniques for extending polygon algorithms to splinegons: the carrier polygon approach, the bounding polygon approach, and the direct approach. By these methods, large groups of algorithms for polygons can be extended as a class to encompass these new objects. In general, if the original polygon algorithm has time complexityO(f(n)), the comparable splinegon algorithm has time complexity at worstO(Kf(n)) whereK represents a constant number of calls to members of a set of primitive procedures on individual curved edges. These techniques also apply to splinehedra. In addition to presenting the general methods, we state and prove a series of specific theorems. Problem areas include convex hull computation, diameter computation, intersection detection and computation, kernel computation, monotonicity testing, and monotone decomposition, among others.
Decompressive craniectomy for elevated intracranial pressure and its effect on the cumulative ischemic burden and therapeutic intensity levels after severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can cause brain ischemia and compromised brain oxygen (PbtO2 < or = 20 mm Hg) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE We examined whether decompressive craniectomy (DC) to treat elevated ICP reduces the cumulative ischemic burden (CIB) of the brain and therapeutic intensity level (TIL). METHODS Ten severe TBI patients (mean age, 31.4 +/- 14.2 years) who had continuous PbtO2 monitoring before and after delayed DC were retrospectively identified. Patients were managed according to the guidelines for the management of severe TBI. The CIB was measured as the total time spent between a PbtO2 of 15 to 20, 10 to 15, and 0 to 10 mm Hg. The TIL was calculated every 12 hours. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate changes associated with DC. RESULTS DC was performed on average 2.8 days after admission. DC was found to immediately reduce ICP (mean [SEM] decrease was 7.86 mm Hg [2.4 mm Hg]; P = .005). TIL, which was positively correlated with ICP (r = 0.46, P < or = .001), was reduced within 12 hours after surgery and continued to improve within the postsurgical monitoring period (P </= .001). The duration and severity of CIB were significantly reduced as an effect of DC in this group. The overall mortality rate in the group of 10 patients was lower than predicted at the time of admission (P = .015). CONCLUSION These results suggest that a DC for increased ICP can reduce the CIB of the brain after severe TBI. We suggest that DC be considered early in a patient's clinical course, particularly when the TIL and ICP are increased.
Terrorism Preparation by Michigan Law Enforcement Agencies

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, compelled most Americans to imagine the unimaginable. Increased interest was focused on lessons learned, specifically if local law enforcement agencies had made appropriate organizational changes to manage potential terrorism events. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of law enforcement officers in the state of Michigan regarding organizational changes post 9/11. A total of 247 law enforcement officers participated in the study by completing three instruments, the Police Unit Assessment of Terrorism (PAT) Scale, Domestic Unit Assessment of Terrorism (DAT) Scale, and a short demographic survey. The officers who perceived their work load had increased since 9/11 were more likely to have more positive perceptions on both the PAT and DAT.
An analysis of firm relocation patterns in metropolitan Denver, 1974–76

This paper examines geographic patterns of firm relocation in the Denver metropolitan area and factors responsible for the decision to move. A sample of 106 manufacturing, commercial, and service enterprises that relocated between 1974 and 1976 are analyzed. Major relationships between selected business operational characteristics, distance moved, and reasons for relocation are discussed. A comparative analysis of firms is undertaken to examine significant differences in relocation and new site selection factors by origin-destination, type of industry, and type of operation. Firm growth is identified as the primary stimulus for relocations and as an important force limiting spatial searches for alternative locations. Market centrality, site economics, and agglomeration economies are shown to be major constraints governing the selection of new sites. Several major issues associated with governmental policy influences upon firm relocations are considered briefly within the context of the empirical results.
Nutrition education improves morale and self-efficacy for middle-aged and older women

This study aimed to improve dietary compliance, attitudes, morale, and self-efficacy for 58 community-residing women ages 54–83 years regarding heart healthy dietary practices using a randomized control group design in two North Carolina counties. Questionnaires administered prior to Visits 1 (Baseline) and 4 (Day 90) and three 3-day food records were completed within 1 week of Visit 1 and 28–30 days thereafter. Treatment included two individual counseling sessions using pre-tested materials: Controls received corresponding mailings. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, correlations, and paired sample t-tests. Collective (total group) and control morale improved (p ≤ 0.01). The efficacy construct “ability to choose healthy foods” improved collectively (p < 0.0001). Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the ability to follow special dietary regimens collectively and by group. Treatment Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.03) with the ability to choose healthy foods and morale. No...
Formation of 2-methyltryptophan in the biosynthesis of thiostrepton: Isolation of S-adenosylmethionine: Tryptophan 2-methyltransferase

Abstract l -2-Methyltryptophan was found to be an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic thiostrepton. It was isolated from growing cultures and resting cells of Streptomyces laurentii in trapping experiments after the application of labeled l -methionine or l -tryptophan. Its formation from l -tryptophan and S-adenosylmethionine was studied in a cell-free extract of S. laurentii. Although several attempts to purify the soluble methyltransferase by standard methods failed, some of its characteristics could be determined in the crude extract. The enzyme has a sharp pH optimum at pH 7.8. The apparentKm value for S-adenosylmethionine is 120 μ m and the Ki value for S-adenosylhomocysteine is 480 μ m . The enzyme is not stereoselective with respect to d - or l -tryptophan, but the d -isomer is converted at a slower rate than the l -isomer. Indolepyruvic acid is also methylated, while indole is not a substrate. The methyl group is transferred with retention of its configuration, contrary to most other methyltransferase reactions.
Parental Models of Infancy: A Note on Gender Preferences for Firstborns

In past research individuals and couples without children have consistently expressed a preference for a male firstborn. Recent social changes have generated some expectation for a shift toward more equality of preference. The present study confirms a continuing preference for male firstborns in a population of couples expecting a first child. There was an increase in the number of subjects who would not specify a preference. When subjects were also asked to state a belief about gender of the fetus, most expectant mothers, but not their husbands, believed they were carrying males. These results have implications for future research on gender preference and for predicting sex ratios at birth should methods of gender preselection become available.
Effect of caponization on central nervous system monoamines in the Japanese quail

Abstract 1. 1. Depletion of brain regional norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) after alpha methylparatyrosine (AMT), and serotonin (5HT) were measured in intact and caponized adult male Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ). 2. 2. Telencephalon, diencephalon, and cerebellum DA was depleted by AMT treatment, but brain stem was not affected. 3. 3. AMT-induced depletion of NE was greatest in telencephalon, diencephalon, and brain stem of capons. 4. 4. Neither caponization nor AMT affected brain regional 5HT. 5. 5. The results from this work indicate that caponization will affect catecholamine dynamics in brain regions other than the hypothalmus.
Efficiency of Growing Broilers to a Heavier Weight

Abstract THE vast growth of our nation’s broiler industry in the last two decades has been geared to the production of a three pound bird which now can be grown in about nine weeks on seven pounds of feed. With the faster growing, more efficient broiler of today, a study was conducted to determine if production efficiency could be increased by rearing the birds to a heavier weight. It is believed that a good market can be developed for heavy broilers or light roasters if their production can be shown to be economical. PREVIOUS WORK Little work has been reported on this phase of broiler production. Using birds that required approximately 10½ weeks and 8½ pounds of feed to reach a 3-pound body size, Heady et al. (1956) have shown how optimal market weights depend upon the ratio of broiler prices to feed costs. Smith (1959), in a more recent study,…
The thurston boundary of teichmuller space and complex of curves

Let S be a closed orientable surface with genus g ≥ 2. Let T (S) be the Teichmuller space and C (S) the complex of curves. We write PML (S) to denote the Thurston boundary of T (S), and 6∞C (S) to denote the Gromov boundary of C (S). Let UML (S) be the quotient space of PML (S) by forgetting measure with the quotient map u. Let L be a fixed Bers constant. For σ ∈ T (S), let Φ(σ) be a pants decomposition whose total length is bounded by L, where all pants curves are geodesics in σ. Suppose that σi ∈ T (S) converges to [ l ] ∈ PML (S). Consider the decomposition ul =l1∪l2 ∪c∪lm as a finite disjoint union of minimal laminations. Suppose that αi is a pants curve in Φ(σ i). In this thesis we show: (1) If Φ(σ i) converges to a geodesic lamination ν in Hausdorff metric topology, then u([ l ]) ⊂ ν. (2) Suppose that l1 is a simple closed curve. Consider an annular covering Y of S in which a neighborhood of l1 lifts homeo-morphically. Suppose that α i meets l1 for all i. Then the absolute value of algebraic intersection number |a1 · ai| approaches to ∞, where a1 is a lift of α 1 which connects the two boundaries of Y and so is ai. (3) Suppose that l2 is not a simple closed curve. Let F be the essential subsurface of S which is filled by l2 Let bi be a component of αi ∩ F. We can define a simple closed curve bdi from bi in a canonical way. Then the geodesic representative of bdi converges to l2 in UML (F). (4) In particular, if l is a filling lamination then αi converges to u([ l ]) in C (S) ∪ 6∞C (S), where u([ l ]) is considered as an element of 6∞C (S).
Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) sees the substance-abusing patient with the spouse to arrange a daily "sobriety contract" in which the patient states his or her intent not to drink or use drugs and the spouse expresses support for the patient's efforts to stay abstinent. BCT also teaches communication and increases positive activities. Research supports three conclusions. First, BCT for both alcoholism and drug abuse produces more abstinence and fewer substance-related problems, happier relationships, fewer couple separations and lower risk of divorce than does individual-based treatment. Second, domestic violence is substantially reduced after BCT for both alcoholism and drug abuse. Third, cost outcomes after BCT are very favorable for both alcoholism and drug abuse, and are superior to individual-based treatment for drug abuse. The Institute of Medicine (1998) documented a large gap between research and practice in substance abuse treatment. BCT is one example of this gap. BCT has relatively strong research support, but it has not yet become widely used.
Performance of Localization and Orientation Using Wideband Antenna Arrays

Accurate position determination is essential for location-aware wireless networks. Time-of-arrival (ToA) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) are two of the most commonly used relative measurements for localizing nodes with unknown positions. In this paper, we consider a localization problem using wideband antenna arrays, which can provide both ToA and AoA information. Since orientation of the array may be unknown, we develop a model for jointly estimating the position and the orientation. Then we apply equivalent Fisher information analysis to derive the squared position and orientation error bounds, the fundamental limits for localization and orientation accuracy, respectively. Our result for localization using wideband antenna arrays reveals a surprising fact that AoA measurements do not improve localization accuracy beyond that achieved by ToA measurements.
The nature and fate of natural resins in the geosphere. IX Structure and maturation similarities of soluble and insoluble polylabdanoids isolated from Tertiary Class I resinites.

Abstract Soluble polylabdanoids were isolated from five Tertiary Class I resinites by sequential extraction and were characterized by 13 C and 1 H NMR spectroscopy and Py–GC–MS. The structure and maturation characteristics of soluble extracts were strikingly similar to those observed for polylabdanoids in the native resinite. Soluble and insoluble materials undergo parallel geotransformation processes similar to those observed previously, including (i) exomethylene and total olefinic carbon depletion, (ii) double bond redistribution as indicated by ∑C14/∑C15 pyrolysis product ratios and (iii) A-ring defunctionalization. Resonances at 138 and 127 ppm in 13 C NMR spectra were shown to be those of aromatic and olefinic structures in mature samples, indicating that double bond content had been overestimated in the past. Proton NMR analyses have revealed several structural features previously unobserved. Resonances at 5.3 ppm of mature polymers were assigned to trisubstituted olefins in cyclized/cross-linked polylabdanoids. Further evidence in support of this pathway is derived from 13 C NMR spectra, from which an increase in aliphatic carbon content paralleling the loss of olefinic structures was observed.
The use of ion exchangers for the determination of physicochemical properties of substances, particularly radiotracers, in solution. III. The radiocolloids of zirconium and niobium☆

Abstract The marked differences between cation-exchange adsorption and radiocolloidal adsorption by a synthetic cation-exchanger have been shown experimentally. The tracer elements studied were Zr 95 and Nb 95 in salt solutions of alkaline earth nitrates. It was shown that the differences between exchange adsorption and colloidal adsorption could be examined by means of the distribution coefficients. The composition of the alkaline earth nitrate solutions was varied by addition of nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, fluosilicic, and oxalic acids. From the data, the relative strengths of some of the complex ions of Zr and Nb were deduced. The applications of radiocolloidal adsorption phenomena for the separation and purification of elements by an ion exchanger were discussed.
The potential use of the enhanced nonlinear properties of gold nanospheres in photothermal cancer therapy

Background and Objective Laser photothermal therapy (PTT) is practiced at the moment using short laser pulses. The use of plasmonic nanoparticles as contrast agents can decrease the laser energy by using the optical property of the nanoparticles and improve the tumor selectivity by the molecular probes on the particle surface. In this study, we aim at selective and efficient PTT by exploiting the nonlinear optical properties of aggregated spherical gold nanoparticles conjugated to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies using short NIR laser pulses. Study Design/Materials and Methods Spherical gold nanoparticles are synthesized and conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies to specifically target HSC oral cancer cells. The nanoparticles are characterized by micro-absorption spectra and dark field light scattering imaging. Photothermal destructions of control and nanoparticle treated cancer cells are carried out with a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser at 800 nm with a pulse duration of 100 femtoseconds and repetition rate of 1 kHz. Results The laser power threshold for the photothermal destruction of cells after the nanoparticle treatment is found to be 20 times lower than that required to destroy the cells in the normal PTT, that is, without nanoparticles. The number of destroyed cells is quadratically dependent on the laser power. The number of dead cells shows a nonlinear dependence on the concentration of gold nanoparticles that are specifically targeted to cancer cells. Conclusions The energy threshold and selectivity of PTT can greatly benefit from the use of the plasmonic enhanced nonlinear optical processes of spherical gold nanoparticles conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies. The quadratic dependence of the photothermal efficiency on the pulsed NIR laser power indicates a second harmonic generation or a two photon absorption process. The observed nonlinear dependence on the gold nanoparticle concentration suggests that aggregated nanospheres are responsible for the observed enhanced photothermal destruction of the cells. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:747–753, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recovery from Automation Error after Robot Neglect

Automation is a robot's ability to control itself without operator intervention. Advances in automation have resulted in a phenomenon called robot neglect (Crandall & Goodrich, 2003) in which a robot operator infrequently attends to an automated robot. Robot neglect becomes a problem when automation fails and the robot operator is not attending to the robot. This work outlines a set of guidelines for aiding an operator faced with robot neglect followed by automation failure. The guidelines focus on how video replay of the incidents leading up to the failure may help the operator overcome inattention and regain situation awareness. Complications with this approach in past research are addressed.
Near Strangulation as a Result of Hair Tourniquet Syndrome

Hair tourniquet syndrome has been a recognized clinical entity for many decades. In this syndrome, hair becomes tightly wrapped around an appendage, usually that of an infant. Body parts involved include the finger, toe, penis, clitoris, and uvula. The end result of necrosis is also well documented. In this report, an 11-month-old girl with hair tourniquet syndrome causing signs and symptoms of an acute strangulation is presented.
Exploration of structure-antifouling relationships of capsaicin-like compounds that inhibit zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) macrofouling

Abstract Macrofouling of aquatic man-made structures by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) poses significant economic burdens on commercial freshwater shipping and facilities utilising raw water. The negative environmental impact of some current antifouling technologies has limited their use and prompted investigation of non-organometallic and non-oxidising antifoulants as possible environment-friendly alternatives. The plant-derived natural product capsaicin and 18 other compounds with one or more capsaicin-like structural features were tested for their potential to inhibit zebra mussel byssal attachment at a single high concentration of 30 μM. Of these, three compounds displaying the highest levels of attachment inhibition where selected for further concentration-response testing. This testing revealed that capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamide), N-vanillylnonanamide, and N-benzoylmonoethanolamine benzoate all inhibited byssal attachment with potency values (EC50) in the micromolar range. ...
The Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol on Performance and Bone Development in the Turkey Poult

Abstract The effect was studied of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2 D3] at various levels of vitamin D3, with adequate or inadequate dietary calcium, on performance and bone development in turkey poults. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 lasted 16 days and was a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement using a low calcium diet (.7%), with dietary levels of vitamin D3 of 450, 900, 1,800, and 3,600 ICU/kg of diet and with or without 10 μg of dietary l,25-(OH)2 D3. Experiment 2 lasted 14 wk and was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with vitamin D3 levels of 900 or 2,700 ICU/kg of diet, calcium levels at 58 or 100% of the National Research Council requirement (which varies with age), and with or without 10 μg/kg of dietary l,25-(OH)2 D3. In Experiment 1, increasing levels of vitamin D3 and l,25-(OH)2 D3 supplementation significantly increased bone ash. Pairwise contrasts at specific vitamin D3 levels indicated that this effect of l,25-(OH)2 D3 was greater at lower levels of vitamin D3. In Experiment 2, the 2,700-ICU level of vitamin D3 decreased the incidence of rickets at 3 wk and partially ameliorated a calcium deficiency, as indicated by an increase in growth at the 2,700-ICU level of vitamin D3 in calcium-deficient diets from 8 to 14 wk. Vitamin D3 by calcium interactions on rickets at 14 wk of age and bone ash at 3 and 14 wk were similar and indicated also that vitamin D3 partially ameliorated a calcium deficiency. In general, the addition to the diet of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 increased bone ash and decreased the incidence of rickets in diets deficient in calcium but high in vitamin D3. There is very little evidence in the present study that indicates that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 has any effect on tibial dyschondroplasia.