cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma kills leukemia cells

Summary form only given. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in children1. Breakthroughs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other targeted treatments have increased overall patient survivability. However, chemotherapeutic agents can lead to acquired molecular resistance resulting in recurrent tumor tissue, severe toxicity in non-tumor tissues, and systemic side-effects. In order to circumvent these negative attributes of cancer treatment regimes, our work studies the effects of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma on a cell line of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
Autosomal dominant inheritance of the Aarskog syndrome

Individuals with the Aarskog syndrome have shortness of stature, round face, hypertelorism, short fingers and hands, and flat feet; males have a shawl scrotum. Pedigrees have consistently suggested X-linked inheritance, although the possibility of autosomal dominant inheritance was not excluded. We present a father and two sons affected with the Aarskog syndrome. Thus, the Aarskog phenotype either is genetically heterogeneous or a sex-influenced autosomal dominant trait as shown by the deficiency of affected females. An ascertainment bias for males could be owing to the shawl scrotum. We have reviewed the literature and tabulated findings in 82 previously reported cases.
High-speed digital imaging and computational modeling of dynamic failure in composite structures subjected to underwater impulsive loads

Abstract The load-carrying capacity of composite structures under water-based impulsive loads is evaluated in relation to different core materials and load intensity. The analysis focuses on the role of core density and the effect of varying structural attributes and environmental conditions on deformation and failure mechanisms in monolithic as well as sandwich composites. The structures analyzed are simply supported planar composites with PVC foam cores and E-glass/vinylester facesheets. For the analysis carried out, the material properties of the sandwich cores are varied while the total mass is kept constant. The structures are subjected to impulsive loads of different intensities using a novel new projectile-impact-based facility called the Underwater Shock Loading Simulator (USLS). In-situ high-speed digital imaging and postmortem analysis are used to study the deformation and failure of individual components, focusing on the effects of loading intensities, failure modes and material heterogeneity. Depending on the loading rate, shear cracking and/or collapse are the primary failure modes of the polymeric foam cores. Core density and height also significantly influence the response and failure modes. On a per unit weight basis, structures with low density cores consistently outperform structures with high density cores because the former undergo smaller deflections, acquire lower velocities and transmit a smaller fraction of incident impulses. Scaling relations in the form of deflection and impulse transmitted as functions of core density and load intensity are obtained to provide guidance for structural design.
Reduction of pituitary content of ACTH by cortisone.

CORTISONE administration induces adrenocortical atrophy in experimental animals (Ingle and Kendall, 1937) and in man (Sprague et al., 1950; Wilkins et al., 1950). The mechanism of action of the steroid is in part a reduction in rate of discharge of ACTH from the adenohypophysis. However, the steroid has been reported to induce histopathological changes in the pituitary and the possibility exists that actual interference with ACTH synthesis as well as discharge occurs. The present report indicates that cortisone decreases the rate of synthesis of ACTH by the pituitary of the dog. materials and methods Three mongrel dogs were treated with cortisone, 100 mg. per day, by subcutaneous injection. One animal was treated with cortisone for 14 days, a second for 44 days and a third for 71 days. Three dogs received injections of saline and served as controls. At the end of the treatment, each dog was anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and killed by exsanguination.
Effects of Dietary Protein Concentration on Growth, Survival, and Body Composition of Muskellunge Esox musquinongy and Tiger Muskellunge Esox masquinongy × E. luscius Fingerlings

Growth rate, survival and body composition of muskellunge Esox musquinongy (initial mean total length = 125 mm) and tiger muskellunge E. masquinongy × E. lucius (initial mean total length = 115 mm) fed semi-purified diets differing in protein level from 31 to 40% and 34 to 45%, respectively, were evaluated in 8-wk trials. The minimum protein level that yielded satisfactory growth rates for muskellunge was 37%, whereas tiger muskellunge growth rates were highest for fish fed a 45% protein diet. Growth differences were caused by changes in protein quantity, not quality, as amino acid ratios were similar for test diets and showed no imbalances among diets. Condition factors for both fishes increased with dietary protein. Survival of muskellunge (73%) and tiger muskellunge (97%) was not pffected by diet type. Body protein increased and fat content decreased in both fishes when fed higher dietary protein. Results suggest that both fishes respond similarly to dietary changes, but that substantial differences exist in protein requirements.
Margaret H'Doubler: Pioneer of Dance

Margaret H'Doubler attained a degree of achievement in dance and left a legacy which still influences the art form today. Teaching and writing at the University of Wisconsin for 44 years, H'Doubler established a program of dance and pioneered new forms of movement which affected the field of dance far beyond the campus at Wisconsin. This paper traces the evolution of those ideas and the people and processes which influenced and were influenced by H'Doubler. Perhaps more importantly, it speaks to the intangible qualities of character and grace which symbolize this remarkable woman.
The Nomogram Epidemic: Resurgence of a Medical Relic

The obsolete calculators known as nomograms have become epidemic in recent medical literature. The frequency of articles in PubMed retrieved with this search term nearly doubled between 1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2007. Popular in medicine from about 1925 to 1975, a nomogram is a crude graphical means for solving an equation by placing a straightedge across several scales. Today, most reported nomograms are inconsistent with both established definitions and half a century of clinical use. The need for nomograms disappeared with the advent of personal computing. Instead of constructing nomograms, authors should develop software, such as prediction models, that can either be downloaded to personal digital assistants or be used on the Internet. Modern computing features both accuracy and speed; nomograms offer only the latter.
Nutrient retention and production parameters of Single Comb White Leghorn layers fed diets with varying crude protein levels and supplemented with direct-fed microbials

Four hundred and eighty Dekalb XL Single Comb White Leghorn layers (30 weeks of age) were fed five diets for eight 28-day periods in a completely randomized split-plot design to determine the effects of feeding Lactobacillus (Lacto) with varied dietary protein levels on the retentions of fat (ether extract), nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, and on layer performance. The five dietary treatments were 13.8%, 14.3% and 15.3% crude protein (CP) diets each supplemented with 1100 mg Lacto per kg (4.4 × 107 colony forming units) and 15.3% CP diet supplemented with and without condensed cane molasses solubles (CCMS) which served as a carrier for the Lacto in a premix. The CCMS-Lacto premix was incorporated at 2% of the diets. Linear contrasts for hen-day egg production and daily feed consumption were not significant with CCMS-Lacto supplementation regardless of the dietary protein levels. Layers fed the 15.3% CP CCMS-Lacto diet laid significantly (P < 0.05) larger size eggs than those on 15.3% CP CCMS diet. Feed conversion, egg mass, egg weights and egg size were higher (P < 0.05) for layers fed the 15.3% CP CCMS-Lacto diet than 14.3 and 13.8% CP CCMS-Lacto diets. Interior egg quality and egg shell thickness were not different with layers fed CCMS-Lacto supplementation diets. Egg yolk color scores were highest (P < 0.05) from layers fed CCMS-Lacto diets with 13.8% CP diet. Fat and phosphorus retentions were higher with CCMS-Lacto supplementation and with change in dietary CP levels from 15.3% to 14.3% in CCMS-Lacto supplemented diets, respectively.
Renormalized numerical simulation of flow over planar and non-planar fractal trees

We review the fundamentals of a new numerical modeling technique called Renormalized Numerical Simulation (RNS). The goal of RNS is to model the drag force produced by high Reynolds-number turbulent flow over objects that display scale-invariant properties, objects such as tree-like fractals. The hallmark of RNS in this application is that the drag of the unresolved tree branches is modeled using drag coefficients measured from the resolved branches and unresolved branches (as modeled in previous iterations of the procedure). In the present paper, RNS is used to study the effects of branch orientation on the drag force generated by highly idealized trees in which trunk and branches have square cross-section, and the branches all lie in a plane perpendicular to the incoming flow. Then, the procedure is generalized to the more general case of non-planar branch arrangements. Results illustrate that RNS may enable numerical modeling of environmental flow processes associated with fractal geometries using affordable computational resolution.
Atmosphere-Ocean Mechanisms of Climate Anomalies in the Angola-Tropical Atlantic Sector

Abstract Interannual variations in the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic fields over the tropical Atlantic are studied in relation to rainfall anomalies on the Angola coast. Departure patterns are constructed by stratification with respect to extremely dry and wet years and by correlation with rainfall in Angola, which is concentrated in March–April. The analysis suggests a causality chain of atmospheric-oceanic anomalies. Variations of westward wind stress on the western equatorial Atlantic constitute an early link in this chain. The annual cycle is characterized by a relaxation of the wind stress from September–November to February–March. Anomalous seasonal relaxation of easterly wind stress over the western equatorial Atlantic remotely forces the sea surface temperature (SST) departures in the eastern South Atlantic, a large relaxation being followed by positive SST departures. Sea surface temperature modulates the rainfall over downstream Angola by controlling the atmospheric moisture and stability....
Electrical impedance of muscle during isometric contraction.

Non-invasive measurements of the 50 kHz impedance of the anterior forearm show that the resistance and reactance increase under voluntary isometric contraction of the finger flexor muscles. The relationship between impedance and force is nonlinear, dependent on the type of test, the history of prior exercise, and the health status of the subject. Nevertheless, useful dynamic response parameters βR = ΔR/R0ΔF and βX = ΔX/X0ΔF can be defined, typically a few hundredths of a per cent per newton. Evidence is presented for the view that these effects reflect dominantly physiological as opposed to morphological changes in the muscle. In particular, (a) the impedance changes many milliseconds before the force is generated, (b) βR and βX change substantially during a series of repetitions of the same exercise, and (c) the impedance does not return to its original value following relaxation of the muscle. Supporting data are presented for six healthy men and women, with ages ranging from 19 to 70 years. A preliminary study of patients with various neuromuscular diseases was also performed, amongst whom marked quantitative and qualitative contrasts with the healthy group were found. Further research aimed at assessing the clinical potential of such measurements is discussed, as are studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the impedance changes. We propose the name 'dynamic electrical impedance myography' for this new technique.
Synthesis of Mg Complexes Supported by Tris-(1-pyrazolyl)phosphine

The preparation and characterisation of two Mg coordination compounds supported by the tris(1-pyrazolyl)phosphine (P(pz)3) ligand, [{P(pz)3}Mg(MeCN)3](I)2 and [Mg{P(pz)3}2](I)2, is described. This is the first time this ligand has been coordinated to Mg or any other s-block metal and the complexes are the first examples of crystallographically characterised P(pz)3 complexes on any metal. The structures of the new Mg complexes are compared with related species with the more common tridentate facial ligands, tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate (Tp), tris(pyrazolyl)methane (Tpm), and tris(pyrazolyl)methanide (Tpmd).
Use of CO 2 laser flexible waveguides during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has revolutionized the management of symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Although electrosurgery devices are used by a majority of surgeons, laser technology is a valued addition to the armamentarium of the skilled laser laparoscopist. A variety of fiberoptic capable wavelengths have been applied successfully during this procedure. Use of the CO2 laser for this purpose has lagged due to difficulties encountered with free-beam and rigid waveguide dissections via the laparoscope. Recent developments in flexible waveguide technology have the potential to expand the role of the CO2 laser for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other procedures. Twelve laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed using Luxar (Bothell, WA) flexible microwaveguides of various configurations. In each case, dissection of the gallbladder from the gallbladder bed was accomplished with acceptable speed and hemostasis. There were no complications. Shortcomings include coupling and positioning with an articulated arm and occasional clogging of some waveguide tips with debris. Modifications of this technology are suggested. Flexible waveguides make the CO2 laser a practical alternative for surgical laparoscopy.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase maintains active zone structure by stabilizing Bruchpilot.

Active zones are specialized presynaptic structures critical for neurotransmission. We show that a neuronal maintenance factor, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT), is required for maintaining active zone structural integrity in Drosophila by interacting with the active zone protein, Bruchpilot (BRP), and shielding it from activity-induced ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation. NMNAT localizes to the peri-active zone and interacts biochemically with BRP in an activity-dependent manner. Loss of NMNAT results in ubiquitination, mislocalization and aggregation of BRP, and subsequent active zone degeneration. We propose that, as a neuronal maintenance factor, NMNAT specifically maintains active zone structure by direct protein–protein interaction.
Incorporating the Body: Adornment, Gender, and Social Identity in Ancient Iran

Drawing on literature on social group identity, this article explores the possible meaning of the so-called lion pins from Hasanlu, Iran (c. 800 BC). The discussion raises the possibility that the Hasanlu pins served as highly visible emblems of within-group cohesion with respect to outsiders, while at the same time reinforcing hierarchies within Hasanlu society. The lion pins are examined in the light of other unusual types of pins from elsewhere in western Iran, and in the context of the specific historical conditions facing the region in the early first millennium BC. The analysis also explores the possible role of women and children in marking and reinforcing social boundaries; and the potential use of personal ornaments in attempts to clarify social roles and relations in archaeology.
Reliable serial measurement of cognitive processes in rehabilitation: the Cognitive Log.

Abstract Alderson AL, Novack TA. Reliable serial measurement of cognitive processes in rehabilitation: the Cognitive Log. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:668-72. Objective: To evaluate the reliability and utility of a brief quantitative measure of cognitive recovery, the Cognitive Log (Cog-Log), developed for daily use with rehabilitation inpatients to provide information about the recovery of higher neurocognitive processes including verbal recall, attention, working memory, motor sequencing, and response inhibition. Design: Descriptive study of the Cog-Log's normative scores, reliability (interrater, internal consistency), and validity as shown by its relationship to standard neuropsychologic measures. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital affiliated with a large university medical center. Participants: One hundred fifty neurorehabilitation inpatients with acquired brain injury; 83 young adults without acquired brain injury were included to provide normative data. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: The Cog-Log; standardized neuropsychologic measures of memory (Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), language, attention (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised), and reasoning (Trail Making Test). Results: Reliability analysis showed strong interrater reliability across items (Spearman r , .749–1.00) and high internal consistency (Cronbach α=.778). Factor analysis of the Cog-Log using principal components extraction revealed a unitary factor (eigenvalue=3.48). Cog-Log items designed to measure working memory and immediate and delayed verbal memory were most strongly predictive of performance on similar standardized neuropsychologic measures administered on the same day. Conclusion: The Cog-Log appears to be a reliable and efficient tool for measuring ongoing neurocognitive recovery during inpatient rehabilitation.
β-Adrenergic receptor mediated increases in activation and function of natural killer cells following repeated social disruption

Natural killer (NK) cells are specialized innate lymphocytes important in the early defense against tumor and virus bearing cells. Many factors influence the immune system's effectiveness against pathogens, including stress. Social disruption (SDR) "primes" macrophages/monocytes and dendritic cells thereby enhancing their anti-microbial function. What remains unclear is whether similar responses are evident in NK cells. Current studies investigated the cellular distribution and activation/inhibitory phenotypes of NK cells in the spleen, lung, and blood of C57BL/6 male mice following SDR. Furthermore, cytolytic activity and anti-viral cytokine production of splenic NK cells were determined. Lastly, β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling was investigated to determine possible mechanisms behind the SDR-induced NK cell alterations. Results indicated NK cells from SDR mice have increased expression of CD16 and CD69 and reduced NKG2a and Ly49a expression on splenic CD3-/DX5+ NK cells indicative of an activated phenotype, both immediately and 14h post-SDR. Administration of propranolol (10mg/kg; non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) was shown to block these "priming" effects at the 14h time-point. In the lung, SDR had similar effects on activation and inhibitory receptors 14h post-SDR, however no alterations were evident in the blood besides increased NK cells directly after SDR. Additionally, splenic NK cells from SDR mice had increased CD107a surface expression, cytolytic activity, and IFN-γ production was increased upon costimulation with IgG and IL-2 ex vivo. Collectively, these data suggest that social stress "primes" NK cells in the spleen and lung to be more proficient in their cytolytic and anti-viral/tumor effecter functions through β-adrenergic receptor dependent signaling.
Quantitative feedback theory with a scheduled gain for full envelope longitudinal control

Two approaches to control law design for the unstable, nonlinear, short-period dynamics of the F-16 aircraft using nonlinear quantitative feedback theory (QFT) are presented. The first is a conventional QFT design, whereas the second uses a variable gain before applying QFT. Large uncertainty templates result from using a set of linear time invariant equivalent models to accurately represent the nonlinear aircraft dynamics over a wide operating envelope. It is shown that including the variable gain, which is inversely proportional to speed, has the beneficial effect of reducing the size of these templates. Once the modified templates have been obtained, the traditional QFT method is applied to yield a controller, which meets the same performance criteria, while using lower control effort. The gain-scheduled QFT controller is endowed with the usual, good robustness qualities of QFT designs while requiring lower gain at high speeds than the fixed-gain controller. The reduced gain provides improved phase margin and eliminates a tendancy for excessive elevator and pitch rate oscillations at high speed.
Survival and stages of disease

Abstract Development of many chronic conditions is characterized by stages. Diseases advance with time from mild through intermediate stages to severe to death. Generally, the process is irreversible, but a patient may die while being in any one of the stages. Suppose there are k stages in a disease process S 1 ,…, S k , and a death state R . Given an individual in stage S i at time τ, for 0⩽τ d τ) possible transitions are S i → S i +1 with intensity v i,i +1 ϑ(τ) and S i → R with intensity μ i ϑ(τ). The density function of survival time T of an individual who is initially in stage S 1 at time 0 is given by f T (t) = ∑ j=1 k v 12… v j−1 , j μ j θ(t) ∑ i=1 j 1 ∏ l=1 l≠1 (v ii −v ll e v ii ∫ t O θ (τ) dτ where v ii =-( v i,i +1 +μ i ). Particular functions for θ(τ), moments and estimation of parameters are discussed.
Long-term failure patterns and survival in a randomized dose-escalation trial for prostate cancer. Who dies of disease?

Purpose To report long-term failure patterns and survival in a randomized radiotherapy dose escalation trial for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods A total of 301 patients with Stage T1b-T3 prostate cancer treated to 70 Gy versus 78 Gy now have a median follow-up of 9 years. Failure patterns and survival were compared between dose levels. The cumulative incidence of death from prostate cancer versus other causes was examined and regression analysis was used to establish predictive factors. Results Patients with pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >10 ng/mL or high-risk disease had higher biochemical and clinical failures rates when treated to 70 Gy. These patients also had a significantly higher risk of dying of prostate cancer. Patients 10.5 ng/mL, Gleason score 9 and 10, recurrence within 2.6 years of radiation, and doubling time of Conclusions Moderate dose escalation (78 Gy) decreases biochemical and clinical failure as well as prostate cancer death in patients with pretreatment PSA >10 ng/mL or high-risk disease.
Determination of the intracellular dissociation constant, KD, of the Fluo-3 · Ca2+ complex in mouse sperm for use in estimating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations

In order to calculate the actual, rather than the relative, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+))(i) in mammalian sperm cells, using fluorescent probes whose fluorescence emission differs between the probe. Ca(2+) complex and free probe, the value of the dissociation constant for the probe. Ca(2+) complex, K(D), is required. Interaction of the probe with cellular components may change the intracellular value of K(D) from that determined in buffered solution. We had previously shown that fluo-3, whose Ca(2+) complex is highly fluorescent whereas free fluo-3 is not, could be used to monitor changes of (Ca(2+))(i) in mouse sperm. In this report, we describe a method for determining K(D) for the fluo-3. Ca(2+) complex in mouse sperm suspended in medium MJB, a medium in which the sperm remain viable, but which contains high Ca(2+). The method involved treating the sperm with ionomycin to provide a plasma membrane Ca(2+) carrier, with nigericin to eliminate pH gradient, and with gramicidin D to eliminate membrane potential, such that (Ca(2+))(i) equilibrates with medium Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+))(e), then titrating (Ca(2+))(e) with EGTA in added aliquots to near nil concentration. At EGTA concentrations in excess of total medium Ca(2+), an approximation algorithm was used to calculate (Ca(2+))(e), based on the known K(D) for the EGTA. Ca(2+) complex. The fluorescence of the intracellular fluo-3. Ca(2+) complex, F, decreased with increasing additions of EGTA; (Ca(2+))(i) = (Ca(2+))(e) was plotted as a linear function of F/[F(max) - F]; the slope gives K(D). At 37 degrees C, intracellular K(D) was calculated to be 0.636 +/- 0.018 microM (+/-SEM, n = 8). At 37 degrees C and 20 degrees C, K(D) values in MJB were calculated to be 0.502 +/- 0.022 and 0.578 +/- 0.029 (+/-SEM, n =8 and n = 6), respectively. The higher intracellular K(D) value implies probe interaction with cytosol components, primarily those in the head, as this compartment is the major contributor to sperm fluorescence. Changes in (Ca(2+))(i), monitored with fluo-3 fluorescence, that occur on interaction of capacitated mouse sperm with the zona pellucida and may now be quantified, using 0.636 microM for K(D) of the intracellular fluo-3. Ca(2+) complex.
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) and pregnancy subsequent to breast cancer are two areas of concern facing women of childbearing age. The current approach to the management of PABC is to treat the cancer with some modification because of the pregnancy. The clinical management of both PABC and pregnancy occurring after breast cancer in young survivors, with emphasis on issues in clinical decision making, clinical management, and client education and support, are addressed.
Reactions of tungsten and molybdenum propargyl complexes with Co2(CO)8, Co4(CO)12, and Cp2Mo2(CO)4. A crossover study of formation of (CO)3Cp(CO)2

Abstract The nature of the protonation reaction of ( CO) 3 Co(μ-RCCCH 2 MCp(CO) 3 )C o(CO)3 (M = Mo, W; R = Me, Ph, p-MeC6H4) (2) (obtained from (CO)3CpMCH2CCR (1) and Co2(CO)8) to give (CO)3 Co(μ-RCCMe)M Cp(CO)2 (3) was further investigated by a crossover experiment. Thus, reaction of an equimolar mixture of 2b (M = W, Cp = η5-C5H5, R = Ph) and 2e (M = W, Cp = η5-C5H4Me; R = p-MeC6H4) with CF3COOH affords only 3b (same M, Cp, and R as 2b) and 3e (same M, Cp, and R as 2e) to show an intramolecular nature of this transformation. Reaction of (CO)3CpWCH2CCPh (1b) with Co4(CO)12 was also examined and found to yield 2b exclusively. Treatment of 1 with Cp2Mo2(CO)4 at 0–5°C provides thermally sensitive compounds, possibly (CO)2Cp Mo(μ-RCCCH 2 MCp(CO) 3 )M oCp(CO)2 (5), which decompose at room temperature to give Cp2Mo2(CO)6 as the only isolated product.
Dynamic study of porous coating layers of exhaust gas oxygen sensors

Abstract We investigate the dynamics of the porous coating layers and gas-diffusion-limiting apertures in exhaust gas oxygen sensors and wide range air to fuel ratio sensors. We measure the dynamic responses of the sensors with and without the porous layers to a small perturbation of the air to fuel ratios of the exhaust gas (transfer function measurement). By comparison of the data, we conclude that the coating layer dynamic mechanism can be described by the one-dimension-mass-transport equation. Only one parameter is involved in the model, L/√D where L represents the effective diffusion length, and D is the gas diffusion constant. Although the effective average diameter of the pores of the porous coating layers and gas-diffusion-limiting apertures is not involved in the above parameter directly, it dictates the types of gas-diffusion mechanism (gas molecular versus Knudsen’s), which in turns determines the temperature and pressure effects on the gas diffusion constant D.
Biological control of saltcedar ( Tamarix spp.) by saltcedar leaf beetles ( Diorhabda spp.): effects on small mammals

Abstract. The spread of introduced saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) throughout many riparian systems across the western United States motivated the introduction of saltcedar leaf beetles (Diorhabda carinulata, D. elongata; Chrysomelidae) as a biological control agent specific to saltcedar. I monitored small mammal populations for up to 12 years as saltcedar defoliation progressed at 3 of the original saltcedar beetle release sites and at an additional site where beetles established through dispersal. There was no evidence of any linear effect of increasing defoliation over time on small mammal species richness. Estimated population sizes of 4 small mammal species, based on mark-release-recapture trapping, showed linear responses to saltcedar defoliation at particular sites, but all of these species were represented by only 3 years of data at those sites. Increases in the abundance of 2 species of desert-adapted heteromyid rodents, Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) and Panamint kangaroo rat (D. panaminti...
The question of an open-ring form of cyclopropanone

Abstract The semi-empirical lcao-mo-scf theory has been applied to both the closed-ring and open-ring structures of cyclopropanone. Three main geometrical configurations have been considered, namely the (0,0), (0,90), and (90,90) forms, with the numbers in parentheses referring to the angles between the planes of the CH 2 group and the CCC plane. The ground state of the compound is found to be the (90,90) form, with a small value (62.5°) of the unique CCC angle. Thus the compound is best described as a closed-ring ketone, in agreement with recent experimental data. The open-ring form, which is found to be quite high in energy by these calculations, should probably not be considered as a major intermediate in the cycloaddition reactions of the compound. The interconversion of the two forms through a disrotatory motion involves a barrier, which occurs around the (30,30) form. Protonated cyclopropanone is also predicted to resist opening, as is the lowest triplet state of the compound ( 3 A 2 ), which loosely corresponds to an n → π * transition.
The Framing of Politics A Content Analysis of Three Croatian Newspapers

This study explores 11 years of content in three well-circulating Croatian newspapers, Vjesnik, Slobodna Dalmacija and Feral Tribune. Utilizing framing theory, the author examines how the three pap...
N-Linked Oligosaccharides Direct the Differential Assembly and Secretion of Inhibin α- and βA-Subunit Dimers

The biosynthetic pathway governing inhibin heterodimer (alpha/beta) and activin homodimer (beta/beta) assembly and secretion from ovarian granulosa cells is not fully understood. Here, we examined the role of inhibin subunit glycosylation in the assembly and secretion of mature inhibin A and activin A. Inhibition of subunit glycosylation by tunicamycin treatment of alpha- and beta(A)-expressing CHO cell lines reduced inhibin but not activin secretion. Dimeric inhibin A is preferentially secreted from parental isogenic wild-type (wt) cell lines (alpha(wt)beta(wt)). Mutation of a single glycosylation site at asparagine 268 (alpha(Delta268)beta(wt)) reduces inhibin secretion by 78% and permits beta/beta assembly and secretion. Conversely, gain of a glycosylation (GOG) site in the analogous region of the beta(A)-subunit (alpha(wt)beta(GOG327)) enhances inhibin A secretion. The present study demonstrates that N-linked glycan sites direct heterodimer vs. homodimer assembly, and prevention of glycosylation abrogates inhibin secretion. These data support a definitive role for site-specific N-glycosylation in governing inhibin/activin dimer assembly and secretion.
Effect of shock on copulatory behavior in castrate male rats

Abstract Electric shock to the skin augments the rate of copulatory behavior in male rats. This effect was studied in sexually experienced male rats after castration in order to determine whether the lack of androgen could be compensated by an exogenous, sexually potentiating stimulus. Administration of shock slowed the decline of copulatory behavior after castration but did not prevent the disappearance of this behavior. The results suggest that androgen does not activate copulatory behavior by a general excitatory effect on the CNS, and that the effects of androgen on the CNS are a necessary condition for the regular appearance of copulatory behavior.
Variation in Food Purchases: A Study of Inter‐Ethnic and Intra‐Ethnic Group Patterns Involving the Hispanic Community

The Hispanic community in the United States is growing rapidly. Understanding food expenditure patterns for this group is of increasing importance. Yet, as implied by the term Hispanic community, most literature treats Hispanics as one group rather than as a collection of diverse cultures with some common linguistic and other characteristics. This article uses data from the 1995 and 1996 U.S. Consumer Expenditure Diary Surveys to examine food expenditure patterns for Hispanics as a group compared to non-Hispanics and for subgroups within the Hispanic community (i.e., families of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American, or other Spanish origin). The data show not only that Hispanics in general have different food expenditure patterns than non-Hispanics, but also, and perhaps more important, that the subgroups within the Hispanic community are not homogeneous in their food expenditure patterns. Researchers should recognize the diversity in the Hispanic population when considering goals for nutritional and related policies.
The acute oral toxicity of isomeric monobutylamines in the adult male and female rat

Abstract The acute oral LD 50 values of n -butylamine, isobutylamine, sec. -butylamine, and tert. -butylamine were determined in both male and female Sprague-Dawley CD rats. Signs of toxicity observed after single oral doses of the monobutylamines included sedation, ataxia, nasal discharge, gasping, and salivation followed by convulsions and death at the higher dose levels. Gross pathological examination of animals that died after the monobutylamine treatment revealed pulmonary edema. The LD 50 values for the monobutylamines were calculated by the probit method of D. J. Finney (1971, Probit Analysis , 3rd ed., Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge). No significant sex-related differences were noted. The 14-day, po single-dose LD 50 values (mg/kg body wt) were: n -butylamine, male 365.4, female, 382.7; isobutylamine, male, 224.4, female, 231.8; sec. -butylamine, male, 157.5, female, 146.8; and tert. -butylamine, male, 82.3, female, 78.1.
The Socialization To Partisan Legislative Behavior: an Extension of Sinclair's Task Force Socialization Thesis

IN recent years numerous scholars and political analysts have noted the decline since the turn of the century in the ability of House leaders to fashion legislative majorities on issues of importance to the majority party. The most recent explanations of such patterns have focused on the changing institutional environment facing House leaders, the result of which has been a shift from hierarchial patterns of leadership style to a bargaining pattern more appropriate to the current decentralized House of Representatives (Cooper and Brady 1981). One strategy developed as part of the shift toward a bargaining leadership style has been referred to as the strategy of inclusion (Sinclair 1981; Loomis 1984). Such a strategy has emphasized the importance of including rank-and-file party members in the decision-making processes previously left only to party leaders, committee and subcommittee chairs, and senior members. During the late 1970s, one manifestation of the strategy of inclusion used systematically by Speaker Thomas O'Neill was the Speaker's task force, described in detail by Sinclair (1981, 1983). A Speaker's task force is defined as "an ad hoc group appointed by the Speaker and charged with passage of a specific bill" (Sinclair 1981: 397). According to Sinclair, task forces have two primary goals: (1) the shortterm goal of building a majority coalition on specific bills deemed by the leadership as central to the majority party's legislative agenda, and (2) socialization of rank-and-file party members to partisan and "followership" norms. Focusing on the short-term goal of coalition building, Sinclair found that the limited use of the task force mechanism has paid handsome dividends: on the 14 major (controversial) issues for which a task force was created from 1977 to 1979, the legislation passed with both House chamber and Democratic party majorities. The impact of Speaker's task forces on the socialization of rank-andfile Democratic House members to partisan and/or followership norms has received less attention. Sinclair (1983) found that task force members exhibit higher mean levels of party support than non-members,
Quantitative assessment of hepatitis C virus RNA by polymerase chain reaction and a digoxigenin detection system: comparison with branched DNA assay.

Abstract A method for quantifying hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by slot-blot hybridization with a specific, digoxigenin-labeled probe was developed. Using RNA synthesized from cloned HCV cDNA as a standard, serum concentration of HCV RNA above 105 copies/ml can be quantitatively determined. To compare this method with branched DNA (bDNA) assay, 45 serum samples from 26 patients with newly acquired acute hepatitis C (n = 16) or hepatitis C with acute exacerbation (n = 10) were submitted to both assays. HCV RNA in 30 (67%), 12 (27%) and three (6.7%) samples can be quantitatively determined by both, either and none of the two assays, respectively. Using a standardized qualitative HCV RNA detection test (Amplicor HCV test) as a reference, 1 and 0 false positive results were found by bDNA and this assay, respectively. This quantitative assay using RT-PCR and a digoxigenin detection system was comparable to bDNA assay. Since a false positive result was rarely found, this technique can be used as a first line test to screen a large number of samples rapidly and economically.
Improving Power Grid Operations under Electricity Deregulations

In competitive electricity market, effective ISO operation is critical for grid reliability and market efficiency. This paper discusses several key operation issues, including the requirement of resource specific information, financial incentive for compliance of deployment instructions, impact of block schedules, deliverability of ancillary services, observability of transmission system, dispatch interval and the importance of day-ahead market. The discussion is based on over-five-year operations experience at Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). In addition, we provide improvement suggestions which, we believe, are essential to virtually all control areas operating under the deregulated environments.
The Need for an Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Model for Co-occurring Chronic Pain and Insomnia

Cognitive-behavioral models for both insomnia and pain are well established. Few studies have addressed the cognitive-behavioral aspects of these conditions occurring together with a unified model. Worry, rumination, catastrophizing, monitoring, misperceptions, dysfunctional beliefs, and safety behaviors are reviewed. Sleep hygiene among those with co-occurring pain and insomnia is also discussed. It is proposed that more concerted efforts are needed to develop an integrated cognitive-behavioral model to address insomnia and pain as a complex integrated phenomenon.
Development of a Two Stage AA Thermal Atomizer for Metal Speciation Analysis

Abstract It has become increasingly evident to scientists attempting to determine the biological or environmental impact of pollution from metal compounds, that data expressing only the total concentration of a metal would not reveal the potential toxic effects of the metal. The chemical form of the metal must be determined in order to give a true estimation of possible effects resulting from exposure to the metal.
In situ measurement of bovine serum albumin interaction with gold nanospheres.

We present in situ observations of adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on citrate-stabilized gold nanospheres. We implemented scattering correlation spectroscopy as a tool to quantify changes in the nanoparticle Brownian motion resulting from BSA adsorption onto the nanoparticle surface. Protein binding was observed as an increase in the nanoparticle hydrodynamic radius. Our results indicate the formation of a protein monolayer at similar albumin concentrations as those found in human blood. Additionally, by monitoring the frequency and intensity of individual scattering events caused by single gold nanoparticles passing the observation volume, we found that BSA did not induce colloidal aggregation, a relevant result from the toxicological viewpoint. Moreover, to elucidate the thermodynamics of the gold nanoparticle–BSA association, we measured an adsorption isotherm which was best described by an anticooperative binding model. The number of binding sites based on this model was consistent with a BSA...
Rethinking Hydrogen Fueling: Insights from Delivery Modeling

Over the past century gasoline fueling has evolved from being performed by a variety of informal, diverse methods to being performed through the use of a standardized, highly automated system that exploits the fuel's benefits and mitigates its hazards. Any effort to transition to another fuel with different properties—with both advantages and disadvantages— must make similar adjustments. This paper discusses the existing gaso-line refueling infrastructure and its evolution. It then describes the hydrogen delivery scenario analysis model, an Excel-based tool that calculates the levelized cost of delivering hydrogen from a central production facility to a vehicle by the use of currently available technologies and a typical profile of vehicle use and fueling demand. The results are shown for a status quo, or gasoline-centric case, in which demand reflects the current gasoline-based system and supply responds accordingly, and a hydrogen-centric case, in which some of those patterns are altered. The paper high...
An imaging, tunable magneto-optical filter

The Imaging, Tunable Magneto-Optical Filter (ITMOF) is a one- or two-cell magnetic birefringence filter designed to measure the Doppler shift of the solar potassium line (770 nm) with respect to a laboratory standard. Two gas vapor cells contain isotopically refined potassium and operate at temperature near 393 K. Hot cell windows are employed in a carefully controlled thermal environment to limit spurious birefringence in the pyrex cell and prevent condensation in the light path. Electromagnets provide a variable strength and direction longitudinal magnetic field of up to 5000 G on each cell. There is no rotating quarter-wave plate or other moving parts. The final image is detected with a CCD camera system.
Structural basis for selective vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) binding to neuropilin-1

Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) is an essential receptor for angiogenesis that binds to VEGF-A. Nrp1 binds directly to VEGF-A with high affinity, but the nature of their selective binding has remained unclear. Nrp1 was initially reported to bind to the exon 7-encoded region of VEGF-A and function as an isoform-specific receptor for VEGF-A164/165. Recent data have implicated exon 8-encoded residues, which are found in all proangiogenic VEGF-A isoforms, in Nrp binding. We have determined the crystal structure of the exon 7/8-encoded VEGF-A heparin binding domain in complex with the Nrp1-b1 domain. This structure clearly demonstrates that residues from both exons 7 and 8 physically contribute to Nrp1 binding. Using an in vitro binding assay, we have determined the relative contributions of exon 7- and 8-encoded residues. We demonstrate that the exon 8-encoded C-terminal arginine is essential for the interaction of VEGF-A with Nrp1 and mediates high affinity Nrp binding. Exon 7-encoded electronegative residues make additional interactions with the L1 loop of Nrp1. Although otherwise conserved, the primary sequences of Nrp1 and Nrp2 differ significantly in this region. We further show that VEGF-A164 binds 50-fold more strongly to Nrp1 than Nrp2. Direct repulsion between the electronegative exon 7-encoded residues of the heparin binding domain and the electronegative L1 loop found only in Nrp2 is found to significantly contribute to the observed selectivity. The results reveal the basis for the potent and selective binding of VEGF-A164 to Nrp1.
Monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy with antifactor Xa activity results in fewer monitoring tests and dosage changes than monitoring with the activated partial thromboplastin time.

Study Objective. To determine how much more costly it is to monitor unfractionated heparin (UFH) therapy by antifactor Xa heparin activity (HA) than by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Design. Prospective, randomized, unmasked, cohort, single-center study. Setting. A 625-bed, adults-only, private teaching hospital. Patients. Two hundred sixty-eight patients with a variety of indications for UFH therapy. Interventions. Patients were treated with UFH based on ideal weight (75 U/kg bolus, 20 U/kg initial infusion) and monitored by either HA or aPTT. Measurements and Main Results. After adjusting for gender, groups were equivalent in patient characteristics and UFH dosage. The HA group had fewer monitoring tests and dosage changes/24 hours than the aPTT group. These reductions neutralized much of the increased cost of the HA assay itself. Conclusion. Monitoring UFH therapy over 96 hours with an HA assay costs $4.37 more than monitoring with aPTT. This modest increase may be acceptable given other advantages of the HA assay.
Route-following and safety errors by drivers with stroke

Navigating a newly learned route is one of the multiple tasks during automobile driving that competes for a driver's cognitive resources. Stroke, a frequent cause of focal brain damage and cognitive dysfunction, has the potential to impair driving, especially when multitasking is required. The navigational abilities and driving safety errors of stroke patients (in the chronic phase of maximal recovery) were compared with those of healthy control subjects in a route-following task with an instrumented car. All subjects were legally licensed active drivers, and participation was voluntary. All drivers participated in an off-road battery of visual and cognitive tests of abilities that were critical to safe automobile driving. At the onset of the navigational task, each subject was required to recite and learn correctly a brief set of verbal directions to a destination. The main outcome measures were the number of (a) incorrect turns, (b) times lost, and (c) at-fault safety errors during the task. The drivers with stroke made significantly more incorrect turns, got lost more often, and made more at-fault safety errors than the neurologically healthy controls. These significant differences persisted for all outcomes except for getting lost after statistical adjustments for familiarity with the neighborhood. The navigational and at-fault safety errors were predicted by scores on standardized off-road tests sensitive to visual and cognitive declines in drivers with stroke. Drivers with stroke made more navigational and safety errors than neurologically healthy drivers on a route-following task that placed demands on driver memory, attention, and perception. The demands of following route directions probably increased the cognitive load during driving, which may explain the higher number of safety errors.