cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transplacental infection and embryonic death following maternal exposure to porcine parvovirus near the time of conception.

Each of 20 gilts (principals) from a commercial swine herd free of antibody for porcine parvovirus (PPV) was exposed intranasally and orally to PPV at the onset of gestation. The gilts were killed and necropsied 22±1 days later to determine the effect of the virus on their embryos. An equal number of gilts (controls) of the same status, from the same herd, and bred to the same boars, were treated similarly except for exposure to PPV. The following data were obtained at necropsy and from subsequent laboratory tests. Principals had 223 corpora lutea (8 to 16/gilt) and 203 embryos (6 to 16/litter). Porcine parvovirus-infected embryos (1 to 9/litter) were detected in 12 (60 per cent) of the 20 litters. Of the 203 embryos of principals, 169 were alive and 34 were dead and in various stages of decomposition and resorption. Both virus and viral antigen were detected in 7 of the live embryos (1, 1, 2, and 3 in 4 litters) and in 32 of the dead embryos. With 1 exception, infected live embryos were next to infected dead littermates in the uterus suggesting the beginning of intrauterine spread of the virus. Controls had 234 corpora lutea (9 to 15/gilt) and 217 embryos (9 to 14/litter). None of their embryos were infected with PPV and all but 3 were alive.
Distribution of Aflatoxin in Pistachios. 7. Sequential Sampling

Sequential sampling for aflatoxin testing in pistachios is evaluated using the aflatoxin distribution and Monte Carlo results previously obtained (J. Agric. Food Chem. 1999, 47, 3771-3775). The sequential protocol is modeled on the current EU test protocol by applying a three-step sampling, using 10, 20, and 30 kg sample averages. An acceptance level of 15 ng/g of total aflatoxin, under consideration for U.S. standards, is applied. Optimization leads to indifference regions of 2-30 ng/g for the first two steps. The resulting OC curve approximates that for a single 50 kg sample. The sequential protocol is applied to the results for a set of 1293 lots of the 1998 crop year, each tested with a single 10 kg sample. Ninety-five percent of the lots would have been accepted on the basis of the single test and 1.5% would have been rejected, whereas 3.5% of the lots would have required retesting.
Characterization of two xenopus somatic 5S DNAs and one minor oocyte-specific 5S DNA

Abstract The somatic 5S DNA from X. borealis (Xbs 5S DNA) and X. laevis (Xls 5S DNA) and a minor oocyte-specific 5S DNA from X. laevis (Xlt 5S DNA) have been purified, and individual repeating units have been cloned and sequenced. The two somatic 5S DNAs differ from the major oocyte 5S DNAs in having GC-rich spacers, homogeneous repeat lengths and no "pseudogenes." The somatic 5S DNAs from the two species have similar spacer sequences with differences due to single base changes and insertions/deletions. The spacer of the minor oocyte-specific 5S DNA (Xlt) has the AT-rich sequence characteristic of the major oocyte 5S DNAs from X. laevis and X. borealis, and contains one duplication that has diverged approximately 40%. Like the somatic 5S DNAs, Xlt 5S DNA has a homogeneous length repeat and a unique nucleotide sequence in its spacer. The presence of variable-length spacer regions in a multigene family correlates with variable numbers of a simple sequence in the spacer regions.
Antisense suppression of GABAA receptor β subunit levels in cultured cerebellar granule neurons demonstrates their importance in receptor expression

GABAA receptors in the CNS are pentameric molecules composed of α, β, γ, δ, e and θ subunits. Studies on transfected cells have shown that GABAA receptor β subunit isoforms can direct α1 subunit localization within the cell. To examine the role of selected subunits in governing GABAA receptor expression in neurons, cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells were grown with antisense or sense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) specific for the α1, β2 or γ2 subunits. These subunits are all expressed in granule neurons where they are thought to contribute to an abundant receptor type. Following ODN treatment, subunit expression and distribution were examined by western blotting, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. Treatment of the cultures with the antisense, but not the corresponding sense, ODNs reduced the levels of the targeted subunit polypeptides. In addition, the β2 antisense ODN reduced the level of the α1 subunit polypeptide without altering the level of its mRNA. In contrast, treatment with the β2 subunit antisense ODN did not alter γ2 subunit polypeptide expression, distribution or mRNA level. These findings suggest that the α1 subunit requires a β subunit for assembly into GABAA receptors in cerebellar granule neurons.
The effect of erythropoietin on the cardiovascular system

Summary: Partial correction of uraemic anaemia restores the baseline hyperkinetic haemodynamics toward normal, reduces left ventricular size and mass and improves exercise tolerance in dialysis patients. These effects may, in large part, be attributed to increases in haematocrit. Information on whether erythropoietin also acts directly on the heart, as it does on the peripheral vasculature, is not available. Also remaining unanswered is the question as to whether the effects of erythropoietin on the heart reduce cardiovascular mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In addition, we do not know whether complete (vs partial) correction of uraemic anaemia will further enhance the beneficial effect of erythropoietin, or whether such gains could be counterbalanced by side effects of erythropoietin, such as the development or exacerbation of hypertension. Studies in the peripheral vasculature suggest erythropoietin also acts directly on the vascular smooth muscle cells, exerting both vasopressive and growth effects. Better understanding of the mechanism and control of such non-erythropoietic actions of erythropoietin can optimize the beneficial effect and minimize the side effect of this hormone on the cardiovascular system.
Instability of a reversed field pinch without a conducting shell

The Reversatron RFP (R0/a = 50 cm/8 cm) has been operated without a conducting shell. RFP discharges and high aspect ratio spheromak discharges both terminate prematurely, because of global modes with n = 1 and n = 2, where n is the toroidal mode number. The n = 2 mode is dominant as seen in some ideal MHD simulations of the spheromak at high aspect ratio. A simple theoretical model shows the RFP to be unstable to the n = 1 tilt or shift modes, depending on the vertical field index. The time scale for growth of the n = 1 mode in the presence of a resistive wall is shown to be (R0/a)2 τv, where τv is the time for penetration of the vertical field. For the Reversatron, (R0/a)2 τv is shorter than the duration of the discharge.
Neural mechanisms of atrial fibrillation

Purpose of review—The autonomic nerve system is a potentially potent modulator of the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This review will briefly summarize the neural mechanisms of AF. Recent findings—Complex interactions exist between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system on the atrial electrophysiologic properties. Direct autonomic recordings in canine models demonstrated simultaneous sympathovagal discharges are the most common triggers of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and paroxysmal AF. Also, intrinsic cardiac autonomic nerve can serve as a sole triggering factor for the initiation of AF. Modulation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) by electrical stimulation has been tried as a treatment strategy clinically and experimentally. Recent studies showed that autonomic nervous system modulation can suppress the stellate ganglion nerve activity and reduce the incidence of paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias in ambulatory dogs. Summary—The autonomic nerve system influences the initiation and perpetuation of AF. Scientific advances toward a better understanding of the complex interrelationships of the various components of the ANS will hopefully lead to improvement of treatments for this common arrhythmia.
Fourier optics and coherent imaging techniques

General scalar diffraction theory forms the basis for providing use with a description of wave propagation for various coherent input field distributions. This theory leads to the development of the Fresnel and Fraunhofer approximations, which are the starting point for our treatment of optical Fourier image processing. Presented are imaging techniques used to record optical Fourier transforms of various input field distributions. Also presented are methods used to record optical matched spatial filters used in pattern recognition applications. Examples are given of optical Fourier transforms for different input fields, correlations resulting from pattern recognition studies, and designs of optical hybrid systems used in image processing and pattern recognition.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Role of the Loop in Binding of an Actinomycin D Analog to Hairpins Formed by Single-Stranded DNA

Our recent work has indicated that the potent antibiotic and antitumor agent actinomycin D has the ability to selectively bind and stabilize single-stranded DNA that is capable of adopting a hairpin conformation. This mechanism of DNA binding has been implicated in the drug's ability to inhibit transcription by HIV reverse transcriptase from single-stranded DNA templates. In this report, we studied the importance of the hairpin loop on the ability of the 7-amino analog of actinomycin D to selectively bind DNA hairpins. Binding dissociation constant (Kd) values were determined to be 0.22 +/- 0.11 microM for the hairpin formed from the single-stranded DNA 5'-AAAAAAATAGTTTTAAATATTTTTTT-3' (dubbed HP1). The hairpin stem without the loop resulted in binding with Kd = 2.6 +/- 0.9 microM. The drug showed low affinity for the HP1 strand fully duplexed to its complementary sequence (estimated to be at least Kd > 21 microM). Evaluation of 7-aminoactinomycin D binding to a library of thermodynamically characterized DNA hairpins revealed an affinity for the hairpin-forming sequence 5'-GGATACCCCCGTATCC-3' (dubbed ACC4) of Kd = 6.8 +/- 2.2 microM. Replacement of the terminal guanines of this sequence to generate 5'-ATATACCCCCGTATAT-3' resulted in a 10-fold increase in affinity for this hairpin compared to ACC4, to Kd = 0.74 +/- 0.06 microM. A molecular model of the ACC4actinomycin D complex reveals that significant interactions between the hairpin loop and the pentapeptide rings of the drug must occur during drug binding. Taken together, our data indicate that the composition of the stem-loop interface is critical for the selectivity of actinomycin D and its 7-amino analog for DNA hairpins and suggests that novel drugs may be designed based on selection for the desired hairpin composition.
Binding of curcumin and its long chain derivatives to the activator binding domain of novel protein kinase C.

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a central role in cellular signal transduction. The second messenger diacylglycerol having two long carbon chains acts as the endogenous ligand for the PKCs. Polyphenol curcumin, the active constituent of Curcuma longa is an anti-cancer agent and modulates PKC activity. To develop curcumin derivatives as effective PKC activators, we synthesized several long chain derivatives of curcumin, characterized their absorption and fluorescence properties and studied their interaction with the activator binding second cysteine-rich C1B subdomain of PKCδ, PKCe and PKCθ. Curcumin (1) and its C16 long chain analog (4) quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of PKCδC1B, PKCeC1B and PKCθC1B in a manner similar to that of PKC activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The EC50s of the curcumin derivatives for fluorescence quenching varied in the range of 4–11 μM, whereas, EC50s for TPA varied in the range of 3–6 μM. Fluorescence emission maxima of 1 and 4 were blue shifted and the fluorescence anisotropy values were increased in the presence of the C1B domains in a manner similar to that shown by the fluorescent analog of TPA, sapintoxin-D, confirming that they were bound to the proteins. Molecular docking of 1 and 4 with novel PKC C1B revealed that both the molecules form hydrogen bonds with the protein residues. The present result shows that curcumin and its long chain derivatives bind to the C1B subdomain of novel PKCs and can be further modified structurally to improve its binding and activity.
A high standard metabolic rate constrains juvenile growth.

Summary The allocation of energy to various components of an individual's energy budget is often viewed as a competitive process. As such, a tradeoff may exist between production (growth) and maintenance metabolism. One view of a potential tradeoff, termed “the principle of allocation”, suggests that individuals with lower maintenance metabolic expenditures may have higher growth rates. To determine whether such a tradeoff exists, I analyzed the relationship between growth rate and maintenance metabolism of 225 juvenile snapping turtles housed in the laboratory. I measured growth from hatching to 6 months of age, and then measured oxygen consumption and calculated standard metabolic rate. Mean growth rate was 0.19 g d − and mean standard metabolic rate (SMR) was 1.41 kJ d − . Maintenance metabolism and growth were negatively correlated after both were adjusted for body mass. The results support the “principle of allocation” theory: individuals with higher standard metabolic rates tended to have low growth rates.
White-coat hypertension and autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

Background White-coat hypertension, defined as high blood pressure (BP) on clinical assessment but normal BP elsewhere or on ambulatory measurement, is a common but poorly understood phenomenon. The current study asks whether individuals with white-coat hypertension have abnormal autonomic-cardiac regulation, similar to that observed in sustained or persistent hypertension. Methods Participants were men (ages 40 to 70 years; 63% white, 37% African American) not receiving any cardiovascular medications who were classified as persistent hypertensive ( n = 40), white-coat hypertensive ( n = 40), or normotensive ( n = 40) on the basis of clinic and daytime ambulatory BP, using a threshold criterion for hypertension of 140/90 mm Hg. Persistent and white-coat hypertensive subjects were matched on ethnicity and clinic BP, and white-coat hypertensive subjects and normotensive subjects were matched on race and daytime ambulatory BP. Frequency domain analysis of resting beat-to-beat heart rate variability (HRV) was used to estimate parasympathetic and sympathetic control of the heart. Results Relative to normotensive subjects, both persistent and white-coat hypertensive subjects had lower high-frequency (HF) ( P P P Conclusions These findings suggest similarities between persistent and white-coat hypertensive subjects reflecting attenuated parasympathetic control of the heart. In addition, the association between white-coat hypertension and autonomic dysregulation, particularly diminished parasympathetic tone, may serve as a mechanism for increased risk for cardiovascular events in affected individuals.
Regiosymmetric Dibutyl-Substituted Poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene)s as Highly Electron-Rich Electroactive and Luminescent Polymers

We report the synthesis of the dibutyl derivative of poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) as a regiosymmetric and soluble electroactive and photoluminescent conjugated polymer obtained in the neutral form by a Grignard metathesis coupling reaction. Molecular weights have been characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI−TOF) mass spectrometry, the latter showing end groups due to H/H, H/Br, and Br/Br termini. Solution-cast films of PProDOT-Bu2 are reddish-purple with a λmax value of 544 nm as deposited (576 nm after electrochemical annealing) and an electronic band gap of 1.8 eV. In solution, the polymer displays a strong deep red photoluminescence, and transient absorption studies reveal that direct excitation also affords a long-lived triplet state with low-to-moderate quantum efficiency. The photoluminescence is considerably weaker in the solid state, presumably due to rapid nonradiative decay at interchain trap sites. The polym...
Gender-specific predictors of genital herpes vaccine acceptance in a college population

Vaccines represent one promising method for reducing the sexually transmitted disease (STD) epidemic. This study evaluated whether influences on the decision to accept a genital herpes vaccine differed by gender. In all, 518 college students completed a questionnaire on sexual history, health beliefs, and acceptance of a potential genital herpes vaccine. Each predictor variable plus a gender interaction term were analysed in separate logistic regression models. Follow-up analyses were performed by gender for outcomes that displayed significant interactions. Results indicated that a prior history of an STD and increased perception of risk for acquiring genital herpes were significant predictors of vaccine acceptance for men, while younger age and concerns about vaccine safety were significant predictors for women. Endorsement of a vaccine strategy targeting sexually experienced people was an influential factor for both genders, but was a much stronger one for women. Results suggest that gender-specific strategies may be crucial to genital herpes vaccine acceptance.
SUMO-1: Ubiquitin gains weight

The highly conserved ubiquitin polypeptide functions by covalently modifying other proteins. This modification has a well-established role in facilitating substrate degradation by the proteasome and can regulate some proteins by ways other than targeting them to the proteasome. It has now emerged that proteins bearing only distant similarity to ubiquitin can also be attached to specific proteins. The consequences of most of these modifications are not yet understood. However, two recent papers on one ubiquitin-like protein, SUMO-1, demonstrate a role in targeting a protein crucial for nucleocytoplasmic trafficking to the nuclear pore complex. These and other recent findings suggest a much wider influence of the ‘ubiquitin system' on cell biology and raise intriguing regulatory and mechanistic questions.
Youth Sport Participation and Associated Sex Differences on a Measure of Spatial Ability

Sex-related differences on measures of spatial ability favoring males are commonly found in psychological studies. This study investigated the possible association of differential participation in ...
An Improved Method for Product Separation in Metathetical Reactions and its Demonstration for the Synthesis of Anhydrous Cesium Salts

In conventional metathetical reactions, product separation is based on solubility product differences, and the resulting products are often impure and require purification by recrystallization. A new approach to product separation is described that relies on the formation of an unstable, volatile by-product, such as NH4+CH3O—. This method provides very pure and anhydrous products in high yield and was demonstrated successfully for the syntheses of anhydrous cesium salts.
Dynamically consistent discrete Lotka–Volterra competition systems

Consider the difference equation competition system where , , , , and for all . This 2D map is derived using a non-standard finite difference method from the continuous time Lotka–Volterra competition system Then under the condition that and , the dynamics of the discrete system is almost the same as the continuous system. The difference equations are dynamically consistent with their continuous counterparts. The positivity of solutions, monotonicity of solutions and stability conditions of equilibria are all preserved.
Toward a Theology of Mental Illness

This article considers research describing religious attitudes toward mental illness, including assumptions that mental illness may be evidence of personal sin or demonic influence. These assumptions are critiqued based upon a review of relevant Scriptural passages. A reformulation of theological conceptions of mental illness is then proposed, focusing on the following themes: heroism in frailty, freedom in finitude, complexity in disorder, and the stranger in our midst. In conclusion, the article offers potential implications of theologies describing a passable God for an understanding of human suffering in general, and the suffering in mental disorder in particular.
Survival of the Faucet Snail after Chemical Disinfection, pH extremes, and Heated Water Bath Treatments

Abstract The faucet snail Bithynia tentaculata, a nonindigenous aquatic snail from Eurasia, was introduced into Lake Michigan in 1871 and has spread to the mid-Atlantic states, the Great Lakes region, Montana, and most recently, the Mississippi River. The faucet snail serves as intermediate host for several trematodes that have caused large-scale mortality among water birds, primarily in the Great Lakes region and Montana. It is important to limit the spread of the faucet snail; small fisheries equipment can serve as a method of snail distribution. Treatments with chemical disinfection, pH extremes, and heated water baths were tested to determine their effectiveness as a disinfectant for small fisheries equipment. Two treatments eliminated all test snails: (1) a 24-h exposure to Hydrothol 191 at a concentration of at least 20 mg/L and (2) a treatment with 50°C heated water for 1 min or longer. Faucet snails were highly resistant to ethanol, NaCl, formalin, Lysol, potassium permanganate, copper sulfate, Ba...
The marine natural-derived inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β phenylmethylene hydantoins: In vitro and in vivo activities and pharmacophore modeling

Abstract The Red Sea sponge Hemimycale arabica afforded the known (Z)-5-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-hydantoin (1). This natural phenylmethylene hydantoin (PMH) 1 and the synthetic (Z)-5-(4-(ethylthio)benzylidene)-hydantoin (2) showed potent in vitro and in vivo anti-growth and anti-invasive properties against PC-3M prostate cancer cells in MTT, spheroid disaggregation, and in mice models. To explore a possible molecular target of PMHs, the most potent synthetic analogue 2 has been virtually screened against various protein kinases. Molecular modeling study has shown that 2 can be successfully docked within the binding pocket of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) similar to the well-known GSK-3β inhibitor I-5. Several PMHs showed potent in vitro GSK-3β inhibitory activity with an IC50 range of 4–20 μM. The most potent analogue 3 showed a significant increase in liver glycogen level at the 5, 15, and 25 mg/kg dose levels, in vivo. Pharmacophore model was built and validated using in-house database of active and inactive GSK-3β inhibitors. The GSK-3β inhibitory activity of PMHs entitles them to be potential leads for the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorders, stroke, different tau pathologies, and type-2 diabetes.
Studies on flame retardant intumescent char: Part I

In recent years the concept of intumescent (insulative foamed) char has received renewed attention as a means to flame retard materials. In particular, breakthrough enhancements in thermal stability and compatibility have provided the necessary capability to perform in thermoplastics, e.g. polypropylene (Refs 1 and 2). As part of our efforts to develop optimized intumescent flame retardant (IFR) product technology, a study of the influence on effective char formation by metal oxide pigments has been started. Initial results show the existence of both synergistic and antagonistic behavior. Chemical and physical interactions are proposed to explain these results.
The Veneziano amplitude, current algebra and the electromagnetic pion form factor☆

Abstract A Veneziano amplitude for the virtual pion Compton scattering is written down and compared with the soft-pion amplitude. A soft-pion expression for the pion electromagnetic form factor is derived. The intercept of the I = 2 trajectory is calculated.
On convergence of series of random variables with applications to martingale convergence and to convergence of series with orthogonal summands

The rate of convergence for an almost surely convergent series of random variables {Xn, n ≥ 1} is studied in this paper. More specifically, if Sn converges almost surely to a random variable S then the tail series is a well-defined sequence of random variable with Tn → 0 almost surely. The main result provides conditions for each of to hold for given numerical sequences . As special cases, new results are obtained when {Xn, n ≥ 1} is a martingale difference sequence and when the Xn 's are of the form , where {an, n ≥ 1} is a sequence of constants and {Yn, n ≥ 1} is an orthogonal system of exchangeable random variables. An application to the Polya urn scheme is considered. The current work generalizes and simplifies some of the recent results of Nam and Rosalsky [15]
Chemical preparation and properties of high-field zinc oxide varistors

Chemical preparation methods were developed for high-field ZnO varistors which used precipitation techniques to prepare precursor powders. Varistors were made by sintering uniaxially pressed pellets in the range of 675°–740 °C in air. Properties of these varistors included electric fields (E) in the 10–100 kV/cm range at current densities (J) of 5 A/cm2, nonlinearity coefficients (α) greater than 30 for 2.5≤J≤5.O A/cm2, and densities in the range of 65%-99% of theoretical depending both on sintering temperature and composition.
Do Fossil Elephants date the South African Australopithecines

WOLPOFF has recently proposed a date of 4.0 m.y. for the South African australopithecines1. He used, however, two stratigraphic correlations which cannot be justified: (1) Cooke's original correlation2 of Sterkfontein, Makapansgat and Taung (= Sterkfontein Faunal Span) with the Vaal Basal Older Gravels, and (2) Maglio's provisional correlation3 of fossil elephants from the “Vaal River gravels” with Kanapoi species “C”, radiometrically dated at 4.0 m.y. Wolpoff assumed (ref. 1, page 579) that Maglio's ambiguous term “Vaal River gravels” referred to “the beginning of the Vaal River sequence (oldest gravels)”, and hence assumed a correlative date of 4.0 m.y. for the Sterkfontein Faunal Span and associated australopithecines.
Goethe y Nietzsche en La Marquesa Rosalinda de Valle-Inclán: apoteosis poética de un radicalismo moral

This paper examines the social and moral content of Valle-Inclan’s La Marquesa Rosalinda (1912) as influenced by Goethe’s Die Wahlverwandtschaften (Elective Affinities) and Nietszche’s philosophical treaties on marriage and morality in general. The paper argues that this highly stylized play, paradigmatic of the modernista aesthetics prevalent in turn-of-the-century Spain, contains also a subtle and caustic criticism of conventional values and institutions that invite the reader to re-evaluate traditional approaches to Valle-Inclan’s modernismo. One of the ways in which La Marquesa is seen to be preempting the more socially oriented literary creations of Valle’s post-war period is evident in the way the play devalues the familiar co-ordinates of conventional morality. The permanence of marriage that afflicts Rosalinda is seen as paradigmatic of the moral laws and limitations imposed by acceptance of an ordered social existence antithetical to social and cultural changes, whereas marital infidelity is interpreted as a metaphoric solution for the inadequacies of the world Rosalinda has to live in as well as a means for the political and cultural renewal of the society the play criticizes.
Essential nontranslational functions of tRNA synthetases

Beyond their canonical functions of charging tRNAs with amino acids for protein translation, tRNA synthetases have numerous nontranslational roles that regulate signaling, immunity and development.
Lessons learned in establishing mass production of transmissive LCOS microdisplays

Microdisplays offer a unique combination of small size, low power and high resolution. They are capturing particular attention in existing and developing applications, including camcorder viewfinders, digital camera viewfinders, head mounted displays, and cell phones. As the benefits of microdisplays become more visible, many companies are now facing a daunting task in scaling to mass production. Kopin Corporation’s CyberDisplay has been in mass production for over a year, and has had to overcome many challenges in the process. This paper provides some of Kopin’s perspectives in transitioning to mass production.
Experience with the Chin Tuck Maneuver in Postesophagectomy Aspirators

Aspiration is a common finding in the postesophagectomy barium swallow that often necessitates premature termination of the study prior to complete evaluation of the gastric conduit. More importantly, aspiration may play a significant role in the high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in this population. The chin tuck maneuver is a postural technique that reduces and often eliminates aspiration in swallowing-impaired patients. To evaluate the ability of the chin tuck maneuver to prevent aspiration during radiographic examination of the gastric conduit, the technique was used in 21 esophagectomy patients who aspirated during a swallowing evaluation combining the barium swallow and videofluoroscopy. Aspiration was eliminated in 81% of aspirators using the chin tuck maneuver. The results of this study demonstrate that the chin tuck maneuver is a simple technique that should be attempted in patients who aspirate postesophagectomy during radiographic imaging studies that require multiple swallows of contrast materials. Combining the barium swallow with the videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing provides objective documentation of both the structural integrity of the gastric conduit and swallowing function in patients after esophagectomies who are at high risk for postoperative morbidity.
Price competition with service level guarantee in web services

Web services have become quite popular over the last few years as they allow easier development and integration of business applications. Unlike traditional software systems, web services are self-contained modular software components that are delivered over a network (such as the Internet) and executed on a remote system hosting the requested services. However, the network and processing overhead associated with web services have also presented a significant challenge to its performance. As a result, a web service provider often announces a service-level agreement when launching a service. The service-level agreement provides a guarantee to the consumers that they can get the service they pay for at an assured level of quality. In this paper, we study the competition between two such providers offering functionally the same web services. Each provider needs to decide a service level (standard or premium) she would offer and a corresponding price for the selected service level to meet the QoS guarantee (in terms of an average response time of the service). We first analyze the case where the providers choose service levels and prices simultaneously, and then extend it to a sequential-move situation. Finally, we examine strategic choices of providers when the processing capacity is endogenized into the model.
Hypothalamic sites of action for testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estrogen in the regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion in male sheep.

Testosterone (T) inhibits LH secretion partly by acting at unknown sites within the brain to inhibit GnRH secretion. We tested the hypothesis that the preoptic area (POA) and arcuate-ventromedial region (ARC/VMR), areas rich in androgen and estrogen (E) receptors, are neural sites at which T and the T metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrogen (E), act to suppress LH secretion. Bilateral guide cannulae were surgically implanted into either the POA or ARC/VMR of castrated male sheep. Experiments were conducted under a long day photoperiod to maximize the inhibitory effect of the steroids. In Exp 1, all sheep (n = 6/site) sequentially received bilateral implants of cholesterol (CHOL), T, or E at each site. Jugular blood samples were taken at 10-min intervals for 4 h both immediately before implant insertion and 5 days later. In Exp 2, all sheep (n = 6/site) sequentially received bilateral implants of CHOL, DHT, or E at each site according to a latin square design. Blood samples were taken before an...
Parental Use of Physical Punishment as Related to Family Environment, Psychological Well-being, and Personality in Undergraduates

Childhood experiences of physical punishment were examined as related to perceptions of family environment during childhood and affective and personality outcomes of college students. From the 274 respondents who participated, scores were compared for the participants with the 75 highest and 75 lowest physical discipline scores based on the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC-CA). Respondents who experienced the highest level of physical punishment in their families of origin reported higher family conflict, more negative parental relationships, greater family worries, more depressive symptoms, more perceived nonsupport, greater identity problems, and more negative social relationships. Respondents in the low physical punishment group reported higher positive family affect. Results suggest that experiencing physical discipline as a child may be related to one’s family environment and psychological well-being in young adulthood.
Design and performance of a straw tube drift chamber

Abstract The design and performance of the straw drift chambers used in E735 is reported. The chambers are constructed from 2.5 cm radius aluminized mylar straw tubes with wall thickness less than 0.2 mm. Also, presented are the results of tests with 2 mm radius straw tubes. The small tube has a direct detector application at the Superconducting Super Collider.
Defining sustainable development: A case study in environmental communication

With over 150,000 environmental educators and communicators in the United States, environmental communication has become one of the fastest‐growing areas within scientific and technical communication. Environmental communicators are frequently called upon to facilitate or otherwise participate in deliberations about environmental policy in which the role of the public is a central concern. This article poses four models for public participation and presents a case study of the application of one model to regional deliberations about environmentally sustainable development.
Dislocations induced by boron diffusion in silicon: A transmission electron microscopy study

Abstract The misfit dislocations that are introduced into silicon (001), (111) and (110) wafers by boron diffusion are found to nucleated from the diffusion surface as half-loops with Burgers vectors inclined to the surface. The expansion of the dislocation half-loop on its glide plane leaves a 60° misfit dislocation in the diffusion front. Numerous dislocation reaction products which are the results of the interation among the half-loops during their expansion are characterized by cross-section and plan-view transmission electron microscopy. The dislocations with density of the order of 108 cm−2 are distributed mainly in the region that is in a certain depth below the surface, leaving the top region basically dislocation free. The misfit dislocations that are nucleated from surface are not enough to relax all the strain in the diffused layer.
Sea urchin fertilization envelope: Uncoupling of cortical granule exocytosis from envelope assembly and isolation of an envelope intermediate from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryos☆

Abstract The sea urchin fertilization envelope (FE) is an extraembryonic coat which develops from the egg vitelline envelope (VE) and the secreted paracrystalline protein fraction of the cortical granules at fertilization. The FE undergoes further developmental changes postinsemination which are characterized by changes in envelope permeability, solubility in reducing and denaturing solvents, and morphology. We have developed a procedure to uncouple cortical granule exocytosis from assembly of the paracrystalline protein fraction onto the VE template. Egg suspensions were inseminated in normal seawater and diluted into Ca 2+ - and Mg 2+ -free seawater at 15 sec postinsemination. Phase-contrast and electron microscopic observations showed that the embryos formed a normally elevated, extremely thin envelope through which the cortical granule exudate permeated. Secretion studies showed that eggs which were diluted into divalent ion-free seawater postinsemination secreted as much protein into the surrounding seawater as eggs which had their VEs removed prior to the experiment. We have termed the envelope elevated in divalent ion-free seawater the VE∗ and we believe that it is the VE structural component of the FE based on its thickness and morphology. VE∗s were isolated by gentle physical means and the preparations appeared to be greater than 80% pure based on radioactive mixing experiments and on malate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase marker studies. VE∗s were at least 80% soluble based on extraction of radioiodinated preparations with reducing and denaturing solvents. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of VE∗s showed eight major polypeptides which ranged from 30,500 to 270,000 in molecular weight.
Superalloy microstructural variations induced by gravity level during directional solidification

The Ni-base superalloy MAR-M246 (Hf) was directionally solidified during low gravity maneuvers aboard a NASA KC-135 aircraft. Gravity force variations during this process yielded a concomitant variation in microstructure and microsegregation. Secondary dendrite arm spacings are noted to be larger in the low-g portion; this, in turn, decreases the extent of interdendritic segregation. The amount of Hf in both the carbides and interdendritic eutectic increases as the gravity force diminishes. Fewer carbides are present in the low-g regions.
Reconstructing the evolution of Lake Bonney, Antarctica using dissolved noble gases

Abstract Lake Bonney (LB), located in Taylor valley, Antarctica, is a perennially ice-covered lake with two lobes, West Lake Bonney (WLB) and East Lake Bonney (ELB), which are separated by a narrow ridge. Numerous studies have attempted to reconstruct the evolution of LB because of its sensitivity to climatic variations and the lack of reliable millennial-scale continental records of climate in this region of Antarctica. However, these studies are limited by the availability of accurate lacustrine chronologies. Here, we attempt to better constrain the chronology of LB and thus, the evolution of past regional climate by estimating water residence times based on He, Ne and Ar concentrations and isotopic ratios in both WLB and ELB. 3 He and 4 He excesses up to two and three orders of magnitude and 35–150 times the atmospheric values are observed for WLB and ELB samples, respectively. In comparison, while measured 40 Ar/ 36 Ar ratios are atmospheric (∼295.5) in ELB, WLB samples display 40 Ar/ 36 Ar ratios of up to ∼315 reflecting addition of radiogenic 40 Ar. Both 4 He and 40 Ar excesses clearly identify the addition of subglacial discharge (SGD) from underneath Taylor Glacier into WLB at depths of 25 m and 35 m. He isotopic ratios suggest that He excesses are predominantly crustal (>93%) in origin with small mantle contributions ( 4 He and 40 Ar excesses are used together with basement rock production rates of these isotopes to derive first-order approximations of water residence times for both lobes. Numerous factors capable of affecting water residence times are evaluated and corrected 4 He and 40 Ar water ages are used to place further constrains into the reconstruction of both WLB and ELB history. Combined 4 He and 40 Ar ages in WLB suggest maximum water residence times of ∼250 kyrs BP. These results support the presence of remnant water from proglacial lakes that existed during Marine Isotope Stage 7 (160–240 kyrs) in WLB, in agreement with previous studies. In comparison, 4 He ages in ELB are much younger ( 4 He ages also suggest that the ELB ice cover formed significantly earlier (∼1.5 kyrs BP) than previously reported. The timing of these hydrologic changes in ELB appears to correspond to regional and global climatic events that are recorded in both the Taylor Dome ice-core record as well as in other Dry Valley Lakes.
The Large Ribosomal Subunit Protein L9 Enables the Growth of EF-P Deficient Cells and Enhances Small Subunit Maturation

The loss of the large ribosomal protein L9 causes a reduction in translation fidelity by an unknown mechanism. To identify pathways affected by L9, we identified mutants of E. coli that require L9 for fitness. In a prior study, we characterized L9-dependent mutations in the essential GTPase Der (EngA). Here, we describe a second class of L9-dependent mutations that either compromise or inactivate elongation factor P (EF-P, eIF5A in eukaryotes). Without L9, Δefp cells are practically inviable. Cell fractionation studies revealed that, in both the Der and EF-P mutant cases, L9's activity reduces immature 16S rRNA in 30S particles and partially restores the abundance of monosomes. Inspired by these findings, we discovered that L9 also enhances 16S maturation in wild-type cells. Surprisingly, although the amount of immature 16S in 30S particles was found to be elevated in ΔrplI cells, the amount in polysomes was low and inversely correlated with the immature 16S abundance. These findings provide an explanation for the observed fitness increases afforded by L9 in these mutants and reveal particular physiological conditions in which L9 becomes critical. Additionally, L9 may affect the partitioning of small subunits containing immature 16S rRNA.
Nucleotide sequence of 'repeat-2' of the mitochondrial DNA from the maize N-cytoplasm.

Seql Seq2 171 279 231 339 291 399 351 459 411 519 471 579 531 639 591 699 651 759 CCCTCCCTTTCTGATTATTCTATTTAATGCAAGAGTAAGGATAGACGTCTTATTCTTCAG 1111111111 li 1111 I 1111 II IIIIIII ili lllllll CCCTCCCTTTCTGATTATTCTATTTAATGCAAGAGTAAGGATAGACGTCTTATTCTTCAG TGTTGAGATAGAATGACTGTAGACCCTCTTCTCTCTTTTAGTTAGCCTTACTTATTTAT' llililllil II llll I llli II IIiii11 III IIIIIII TGTTGAGATAGAATGACTGTAGACCCTCTTCTCTCTTTTAGTTAGCCTTACTTATTTATT CCAATTCCTCAGCTGGAAACAGAACTACCAAAGGGAAGAAGACAGAAGGCAACAAAGGCq IIIIIIIIIL II IIII 1 Iili 11 1111111 111 llllil CCAATTCCTCAGCTGGAAACAGAACTACCAAAGGGAAGAAGACAGAAGGCAACAAAGGC~ CGTATCAGCTTCAAGCATATAGA(IAACTTGACTTACTCACCTACTTTAATGCCTGCTTTT liiILi111[ 11 1111 [Iii II lililLl [i lilill CGTATCAGCTTCAAGCATATAGAGAACTTGACTTACTCACCTACTTTAATGCCTGCTTTT TACTACTTGAAATTGAAAGCTGGCTTGGCTCTCAGACCAATTAACTTGACACCTGCTTAG III11111ii li LilJ ILII 11 IILILII II llilll TACTACTTGAAATTGAAAGCTGGCTTGGCTCTCAGACCAATTAACTTGACACCTGCTTAq CGCCCTCACTGCTACTTCTCTCATTAAGCTGCTCTCTCCTTTTATCAACTTATGAAAAAA ILillTllli ]I ill i ilil II iliTlll II 11L11i CGCCCTCACTGCTACTTCTCTCATTAAGCTGCTCTCTCCTTTTATCAACTTATGAAAAAA CAGCCTATTGATCTTCCGTCGCTCGCTATGGATGGTTGCAGTTGCCAAAAGGCTACCTTT 1111ili111 il lllil IIII II Iii111 I LI lllilLl CAGCCTATTGATCTTCCGTCGCTCGCTATGGATGGTTGCAGTTGCCAAAAGGCTACCTTT TCGCACAACACTTAAATGAGTCACTGACTGGTTTTGACGTACGTAATACTTAACCTTACA lillLi1111 it II11i llill 11 ililliLl il IIIILII TCGCACAACACTTAAATGAGTCACTGACTGGTTTTGACGTACGTAATACTTAACCTTACA ATCGGCATTGCCCTTCTTCTTGCAACAGAGGATTCGTTCTCTACGCCGAAAGG i11[llilll il IIII11 [llil i] llllllil li iL ATCGGCATTGCCCTTCTTCTTGCAACAGAGGATTCGTTCTCTACGCCGAAAGG 703 811 ~30 338 290 398 350 458 410 518 470 578 530 638 590 698 65O 758
Hydrophobic Core but Not Amino-terminal Charged Residues Are Required for Translocation of an Integral Thylakoid Membrane Protein in Vivo

The integral membrane protein cytochrome f contains an amino-terminal signal sequence that is required for translocation into the thylakoid membrane. The signal sequence contains a hydrophobic core neighbored by an amino-terminal charged residue. Mutations that introduce charged amino acids into the hydrophobic core are inhibitory to cytochrome f translocation, and thus render cells non-photosynthetic. We have isolated both nuclear and chloroplast suppressors of these mutations by selecting for restoration of photosynthetic growth of Chlamydomonas. Here we describe the characterization of two chloroplast, second site suppressor mutations. Both suppressors remove the positively charged amino acid that borders the amino terminus of the hydrophobic core, and replace this arginine with either a cysteine or a leucine. The existence of these suppressors suggests that the hydrophobic core can be shifted in position within the signal sequence, and analysis of triple mutants in the signal confirms this hypothesis. Thus this signal that mediates translocation into the thylakoid membrane is characterized by a hydrophobic region whose exact amino acid content is not critical, and that need not be flanked on its amino terminus by a charged residue.
The Ghost Triangle as an Obstacle to Intimacy

SUMMARY This paper addresses some of the issues associated with a ghost triangle that threatened intimate bonding between a couple. A widower's unresolved mourning had led to an impasse in the relationship. Because only one partner sought therapy, intervention was limited to assessing options for detriangulation as requisite to the viability of the relationship, followed by individual and group support to develop relationship closure. Additional treatment goals included creating self-awareness about past and present problematic relationship patterns and strengthening self-care and mutual support.
Isolated stenosis of left anterior descending or right coronary artery: Relation between site of stenosis and ventricular dysfunction and therapeutic implications

Abstract Indications for coronary arterial bypass surgery in single vessel coronary artery disease are unresolved. To determine the extent of myocardium at risk with stenosis (70 percent or more) of a single coronary artery, left ventricular angiograms of 200 patients with stenosis confined to either the left anterior descending or right coronary artery and of 15 normal control subjects were assessed. Among patients without myocardial infarction, ejection fraction was unchanged (p > 0.05 versus normal values) in (1) those with stenosis of the proximal (above first septal branch, n = 19), mid (between septal and first diagonal branches, n = 14) and distal (within 2 cm distal to diagonal branch, n = 15) left anterior descending coronary artery, and (2) those with stenosis of the proximal (above acute marginal branch, n = 16) and distal (between acute marginal and posterior descending branches, n = 16) right coronary artery. In contrast, ejection fraction was depressed (p 0.05; both p 0.05) with proximal and distal stenoses. In conclusion, stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery is a heterogenous disease, the extent of jeopardized myocardium is highly dependent on the site of stenosis, and the criteria for surgery cannot be applied uniformly. When the surgical goal is myocardial preservation, these data provide an objective rationale for bypass of stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. In stenosis confined to the right coronary artery, left ventricular preservation alone should not be considered an indication for coronary bypass grafting.