cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multifaceted Medical Data Information System and One Product: The Index-Handbook of Ototoxic Agents.

This paper describes the creation and development of a biomedical information system that includes a machine-readable data base containing clinical and research data and a publication entitled the Index-Handbook of Ototoxic Agents. This system provides for compilation of tables of data and it could be used in an interactive mode. Basic to the system is the construction of a profile to facilitate extraction of data from the literature and the development of a format in which to present this data in a brief, informative surrogate. The history and plan of the project and the methods used for search of the literature and file construction are described. The paper also discusses the presentation of data in journal articles and suggests that editors of journals concerned with drug information should be encouraged to require that all articles contain a standard amount of data presented in an unambiguous form.
Transport of Iron-Based Nanoparticles: Role of Magnetic Properties

The transport of magnetic nanoparticles in aquatic environments was studied using maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) and gamma-Fe(2)O(3) based (Fe(x)Ni(1-x))(y)O(z) nanoparticles as a function of pH and particle iron content that induced a different magnetic property. Transport studies were conducted in packed bed columns (1 mM KCl, pH 6 and 9) and stability studies were done by dynamic light scattering and sedimentation measurements. Results showed that the stability and transport of these magnetic nanoparticles were influenced by a combination of electrostatic and magnetic interactions. Transport results showed that the less magnetic nanoparticles (possessing higher nickel content) eluted to a greater extent than the more magnetic particles at both pH 6 and 9. The stability in water at both pH 6 and 9 also increased, as nickel content in particles increased suggesting that magnetic interactions enhance aggregation. The nanoparticles eluted to a greater extent at pH 9, at which they were more negatively charged, than at pH 6. Complementary experiments were conducted with alpha-Fe(2)O(3), a nonmagnetic, highly negatively charged nanoparticle which was transported more than the other magnetic particles. The majority of particles were retained at the column inlet (1-2 cm) for all transport experiments, with the greatest amount of retention being that of the magnetic nanoparticles (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)), indicating that magnetically induced aggregation and subsequent straining resulted in greater retention.
EELS and atom probe tomography study of the evolution of the metal/oxide interface during zirconium alloy oxidation

Abstract In an effort to understand the mechanisms resulting in the variations of corrosion rate observed throughout corrosion including at the first kinetic transition when the oxide temporarily loses its protective character, the oxide/metal interfaces of autoclave corroded Zircaloy-4 and ZIRLO™ before and after the transition are characterized using electron energy loss spectroscopy and atom probe tomography. The results reveal a complex structure of different phases at different stages of corrosion. The oxide/metal interface exhibits an intermediate layer, with an oxygen content between 45 and 55 O at.% and a suboxide layer corresponding to an oxygen-saturated solid solution in the metal matrix side (∼30 O at.%). Local variations are observed in the width of these characteristic structural features, especially near the transition. Good agreement on the layers present as well as their order, composition, and width was seen with the two techniques.
The Science of Global Soil Change: Networking for Our Future: Global Soil Change Workshop; Duke University and Center for Environmental Farming Systems, Durham and Goldsboro, North Carolina, 10–13 December 2007

Some of the most important scientific questions today concern the future of Earth's soil. Understanding the biological, ecological, chemical, and physical processes governing soil functions is directly related to most if not all of the grand challenges in environmental science outlined by the National Academies (Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences, National Research Council, 2001). Because of the inherently long-term nature of soil change, addressing these questions requires research over decadal timescales. This feature of soil science presents significant challenges to those designing and implementing research programs, and yet is critical to the understanding of soil systems and the improvement of land management.
A theoretical study of the structure and properties of carbon trioxide

Abstract An ab initio LOGO MO SCF calculation with a full geometry search is carried out on CO 3 . The structure is determined to have C 2v symmetry with CO bond lengths of 1.265 A and 1.473 A and a bond angle of 66.35°. The unique oxygen atom is apparently of the carbonyl type and there is a weak bond between the symmetry equivalent oxygens. The electronic and geometrical properties, dipole moment derivatives and valence force field constants of CO 3 are discussed.
CARBOCYCLIC SUBSTRATES AND INHIBITORS FOR THE BIFUNCTIONAL LYASE OF PURINE NUCLEOTIDE BIOSYNTHESIS

Abstract The carbocyclic analogs of succinoaminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide (SAICAR) and adenylosuccinate (SAMP) are substrates for the bifunctional lyase of purine biosynthesis, which catalyzes the elimination of fumarate from both SAICAR and SAMP to generate aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) and AMP, respectively. The glutamate analogs of both ribo- and carbo-SAICAR are inhibitors.
A logical measure of progress for planning

Heuristic search planners are so far the most successful. Almost all use as their heuristic an estimate of the distance to a goal state. We formalize a logical measure of progress, defined as a predicate P(x,s) true of objects x at a situation s. Actions which increase P's extension are guaranteed to move closer to a goal situation, so that P enables us to form plans without search. One example of a measure of progress is the concept of final position Used in BlocksWorld. It is not clear how to find a P for an arbitrary domain, so instead we identify three different classes of domains and conditions which allow us to construct a measure of progress.An obvious P will not deliver optimal plans, but it should encode plans which are "good enough" Our paradigm is entirely within first-order logic, allowing us to extend our results to concurrent domains and those containing non-trivial state constraints. It turns out P not only encodes goal orderings, but subgoal orderings. P also gives rise to a strategy function a(s) which can be used to create a universal (complete) teleo-reactive (TR) program. Given the fact that P-increasing actions will never require backtracking, this TR program can be a powerful on-line planner.
Microstructure and fracture in three dimensions

Abstract A high resolution three dimensional (3D) scanning technique called X-ray microtomography was used to measure internal crack growth in small mortar cylinders under compressive loading. Tomographic scans were made at different load increments in the same specimen. 3D image analysis was used to measure internal crack growth during each load increment. Load–deformation curves were used to measure the corresponding work of the external load on the specimen. Fracture energy was calculated using a linear elastic fracture mechanics approach using the measured surface area of the internal cracks created. The measured fracture energy was of the same magnitude that is typically measured in concrete tensile fracture. A nominally bilinear incremental fracture energy curve was measured. Separate components for crack formation energy and secondary toughening mechanisms are proposed. The secondary toughening mechanisms were found to be about three times the initial crack formation energy.
Increased expression and characterization of two distinct folate binding proteins in murine erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract We previously identified two membrane-bound folate binding proteins, FBP1 and FBP2, in murine L1210 leukemia cells. We now report on the development of two variant murine erythroleukemia cell lines that were used for direct comparison and biochemical characterization of the two murine folate binding proteins. Based on the results of northern analysis and the mobilities of affinity-labeled proteins on polyacrylamide gels, these cell lines exhibit specific up-regulated expression of FBP1 or FBP2. The affinities of the folate binding proteins for various (anti)folates were determined based upon the ability of the compounds to inhibit binding of [ 3 H]jfolic acid. The two proteins exhibited considerably different affinities and stereospecificities and, in general, FBP2 consistently bound each test compound with lesser affinity than FBP1. Both proteins displayed greatest affinity for folic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and the antifolates CB3717 and 5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolate (DDATHF). Conversely, the proteins exhibited poor affinity for the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors methotrexate and aminopterin. For 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, FBP1 had high affinity for the (6 S ) diastereoisomer, whereas FBP2 showed preference for the non-physiologic (6 R ) diastereoisomer. The binding properties of FBP1 and FBP2 overexpressed in these cell lines closely paralleled those of their respective human homologs. These lines provide a model system in which to examine the biochemical characteristics of the individual folate binding proteins without the potential problems associated with expression of proteins in dissimilar cell lines.
Deuterated batracylin: deuterium-hydrogen exchange during synthesis and mass spectral analysis

Deuterium-labeled analogs of the topoisomerase inhibitor batracylin were prepared for metabolism studies to further its evaluation as an antitumor agent. Established syntheses of unlabeled batracylin were adapted for the preparation of deuterated batracylin that was trideuterated in the quinazoline ring (d3-batracylin 5), tetradeuterated in the isoindolo ring (d4-batracylin 11), and heptadeuterated in both rings (d7-batracylin 12). Extensive exchange of deuterium or hydrogen in the quinazoline ring was observed from an intermediate in the final concentrated sulfuric acid promoted deblocking/cyclodehydration step of the synthesis. Introduction of deuterated concentrated sulfuric acid in the final step both retained the label in the quinazoline-labeled product and enabled extended labeling of a more exhaustively deuterated analog. Batracylin itself did not readily exchange aromatic protons under the reaction conditions but did loose and scramble deuterium atoms during mass spectral analysis leading to an under calculation of the deuterium content in the quinazoline ring. These results identify a chemical exchange process that can either undo, maintain, or facilitate the labeling process and also mass spectral analyses issues that must be taken into account to characterize and utilize these analogs and, more broadly, that can be recognized as potentially applicable to other classes of compounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the Harvard/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ambient Particle Concentrator change the toxic potential of particles?

Abstract Inhalation exposure to urban air particles is known to increase morbidity in humans and animals. Our group utilizes the Harvard/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ambient Particle Concentrator (HAPC) to generate concentrated aerosols of outdoor air particles for experimental exposures. We have reported increased pathologic responses to inhalation of concentrated urban air particles and identified silicon (as silicate) as an element associated with many of these responses. Using silicate-rich Mt. St. Helen’s volcanic ash (MSHA), we exposed three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats by inhalation for 6 hr to filtered air, MSHA, or MSHA passed though the HAPC. Twenty-four hours following exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed to assess total cell count, differential cell count, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and n-β[notdef]glucosaminidase levels. Peripheral blood was examined for packed cell volume, total protein, total white cells, and differential cell count. Morphologic studies localized part...
A Study on Outcome Framing and Risk Attitude in Engineering Decisions Under Uncertainty

Decision making is a central activity in the design of an engineered system and has a significant impact on project outcomes. Although much research exists on engineering decision making, relatively little addresses behavioral aspects of how engineers make decisions. This is a potentially significant gap, as factors such as the way in which information is communicated and presented to engineers can matter greatly. For example, cognitive psychology has demonstrated that the choices people make can be strongly influenced by how the options are framed even when the different framings are mathematically equivalent. This paper explores the impact of framing on the types of decisions engineers face. Given engineers' intense mathematical training, it is possible that they are less susceptible to framing effects. Thus, there is motivation to determine whether relevant findings can be replicated in an engineering context. This paper presents a set of positively and negatively framed design scenarios. Consistent with prior experiments, engineers in the positive (gain) framed scenarios were more likely to choose the less risky option for three of the four scenarios. One of the scenarios did not show this bias but did include a longer time horizon which likely explains the difference. Engineers were risk neutral when the scenarios were presented negatively (loss) framed, which is in contrast to prior experiments on nonengineering populations. These results motivate the future research into the impact of framing on engineering decision making and effective guidelines on how to create engineering processes and tools that leverage or avoid inducing cognitive biases.
Venous thromboembolism: Epidemiology, characteristics, and consequences

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its manifestations, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), pose a life-threatening health problem for thousands of people each year. The diagnosis of VTE is frequently missed, however, because few signs and symptoms are recognized. Symptoms of DVT may include pain, erythema, tenderness, and swelling of the affected limb, whereas PE often presents as sudden breathlessness with chest pain, or collapse with shock in the absence of other causes. Greater awareness of the epidemiology of VTE, the consequences of VTE, and the risk factors for VTE can help health care providers take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of VTE.
Automated identification of amino acid sequence variations in proteins by HPLC/microspray tandem mass spectrometry.

Amino acid sequence variations resulting from single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using a novel mass spectrometric method. This method obtains 99+% protein sequence coverage for human hemoglobin in a single LC-microspray tandem mass spectrometry (μLC-MS/MS) experiment. Tandem mass spectrometry data was analyzed using a modified version of the computer program SEQUEST to identify the sequence variations. Conditions of sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and data collection were optimized to correctly identify amino acid changes in six variants of human hemoglobin (Hb C, Hb E, Hb D-Los Angeles, Hb G-Philadelphia, Hb Hope, and Hb S). Hemoglobin proteins were isolated and purified, dehemed, (S)-carboxyamidomethylated, and then subjected to a combination proteolytic digestion to obtain a complex peptide mixture with multiple overlaps in sequence. Reversed-phase chromatographic separation of peptides was achieved on-line with MS utilizing a robust fritless microelectrospray interf...
Discontinuous, staccato growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background To evaluate whether abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth in individual patients can be characterized as continuous or discontinuous (staccato). Study design From 1996 to 2002, 609 patients presented with unruptured AAAs. Of these, 278 underwent prompt repair and 331 were observed. In this study, we included 52 patients (16% of the latter group) who had at least four CT scans and were observed for 18 months or longer without any intervention. AAA growth was defined as any increase in diameter of ≥ 3 mm over any observation period(s). AAA nongrowth was defined as absence of growth for at least 6 months. Staccato growth was defined as at least one period of nongrowth combined with at least one period of growth. Results The 52 patients had a mean age of 75 ± 8 (SD) years. The mean observation period was 42 ± 20 months and the mean AAA diameter growth rate was 3.6 ± 2.4 mm/y. Only 12 of these 52 patients (23%) demonstrated continuous growth. Staccato growth occurred in 34 patients (65%). Six patients (12%) showed no growth at all over 18 to 57 months (mean 30 months). No correlation was observed between initial diameter of AAAs and a patient's individual growth rate during the whole observation period ( R = 0.04, p = 0.46). Conclusions Individual AAA behavior is usually characterized by periods of nongrowth alternating with periods of growth, ie, staccato growth. Some aneurysms may have long periods of nongrowth. Accordingly, management decisions cannot be based on the presumption that observed growth rates of AAAs can be extrapolated to predict future growth rates.
Effect of residual accelerations during microgravity directional solidification of mercury cadmium telluride on the USMP-2 mission

Abstract Directional solidification of mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) requires that the temperature gradient to growth rate ratio be high to avoid constitutional supercooling. With the optimum gradient condition for solidifying MCT in NASA's advanced automated directional solidification furnace (AADSF), it is necessary to use translation rates as low as 0.2 μm/s. The result is that any fluid flow with a velocity comparable to or higher than this will dominate the solidification characteristics, particularly the compositional distribution in an alloy such as this which has a large solidus-liquidus separation. In an effort to reduce fluid flow velocities a space experiment was performed. On the second United States Microgravity Payload Mission (USMP-2), the AADSF made its maiden flight and successfully completed growth of a MCT boule 16 cm long. The furnace was located approximately 3 m away from the center of gravity of the space shuttle, and this combined with the drag component of residual acceleration present during flight, resulted in quasisteady residual accelerations of the order of 1 μg0 where g0 is the earth's natural gravity. Of more importance is that different orbiter attitudes during the mission produced significant differences in the resultant residual acceleration vector, in both magnitude and direction and that these differences caused large compositional variations both across the radii of the boule and along the surfaces of the boule. Comparison will be made with examples grown on the ground and in magnetic fields.
Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach: A Handbook for Secondary School Teachers

BOOK I: GOALS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TEACHERS A Letter to Future Teachers Why I Knead the Bread 1. Goals: Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher? 2. Responsibilities: What Is a Teacher? BOOK II: PRO/CLASS PRACTICES-PLANNING, RELATIONSHIPS, ORGANIZATION, COMMUNITY 3. Planning: How Do You Plan a Lesson? 4. Relationships: Why Are Relationships With Students Crucial to Successful Teaching? 5. Organization: How Are Classrooms and Schools Organized? 6. Community: How Do You Build Classroom Communities Committed to Educational Goals? Concluding Thoughts for Book II: A PRO/CLASS Practices Approach to Dealing With Classroom and Other Professional Problems BOOK III: PRO/CLASS PRACTICES-LITERACY, ASSESSMENT, SUPPORT, STRUGGLE 7. Literacy: How Can Teachers Encourage Student Literacies? 8. Assessment: How Should Teachers Assess Student Learning and Their Own Performance? 9. Support: How Can Teachers Provide Support for Students Having Difficulty in School and Life? 10. Struggle: How Can We Struggle to Be More Effective Teachers and Build Better Schools?
RNA Secondary Structure: An Important cis-Element in Rat Calcitonin/CGRP Pre-Messenger RNA Splicing†

The calcitonin/CGRP gene pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced in a tissue-specific manner resulting in the formation of calcitonin mRNA in thyroid C-cells and CGRP mRNA in neurons. Computer analysis of the RNA containing the 3' splice acceptor of the calcitonin-specific exon 4 predicts that this region has the potential to form a thermodynamically stable stem-loop. Data from CD spectroscopy and solution phase structure probing with single-strand specific and double-strand specific RNases indicates that RNA in this region is substantially double stranded. In vitro splicing of chimeric human beta-globin/calcitonin transcripts in HeLa nuclear extract was inhibited by base changes predicted to destabilize the stem, while compensatory base changes resulted in splicing at 50% of wild-type levels. Changing the residue opposite the AG dinucleotide adenosine in the stem from G to U, allowing the formation of an A-U basepair, abolished usage of this splice acceptor in vitro. These results indicate that a thermodynamically stable RNA stem-loop forms in vitro at the 3' splice acceptor of exon 4 of the calcitonin/CGRP gene transcript. This RNA secondary structure acts as a novel cis-element involved in proper splice site selection.
Interferon-α Resistance Associated Genes in Renal Cell Carcinoma Identified by Expression Profiling

Purpose: We identified differentially expressed genes associated with response to pegylated interferon-α treatment in patients with renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We performed expression profiling on renal cell carcinoma specimens isolated from 23 patients with metastatic disease who were subsequently treated with interferon. Significance Analysis for Microarrays software was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed between patients with partial response compared to those with disease progression.Results: A candidate gene approach looking at VHL and known target genes did not identify any genes whose expression correlated with patient response. A global analysis of approximately 54,000 probe sets identified 4 genes that had expression correlated with response. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of 2 of these genes confirmed that they were more highly expressed in tumors from patients who responded to interferon-α. Interestingly, both of these genes mappe...
The European project: Growing pains

Tomasso Padoa-Schioppa. (2004). The Euro and Its Central Bank. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 260 pages. ISBN: 0- 262-16222-9. Brendan Brown. (2004). Euro on Trial. Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. 188 pages. ISBN: 1-4039-1284-X. Helge Berger and Thomas Moutos (Eds.). (2004). Managing European Union Enlargement. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 313 pages. ISBN: 0-262-02561-2.
Clearing Up Clouded Waters: Palaeoenvironmental Analysis of Freshwater Mussel Assemblages from the Green River Shell Middens, Western Kentucky

Despite much progress in the analysis of Middle and Late Archaic Period (c. 6000–3000bp) shell midden sites along the lower Green River, many issues remain unresolved. One area of concern is the relationship between malacological and geoarchaeological data. Specifically, archaeological mussel assemblages have been interpreted to suggest shallow, swiftly flowing sections of river near the sites, whereas geoarchaeological discussions have been interpreted to indicate a deep, sluggish channel. This apparent contradiction has contributed to discussions that question the traditionally presumed dietary role of the shellfish, positing instead, for example, that shell could have been transported long distances in order to construct mortuary monuments. In this paper we show that the notion of a contradiction between malacological and geoarchaeological data is false. On the one hand, an analysis of mussels from the Haynes site (15BT11) supports a previous reconstruction of stream conditions based on malacological data from the nearby Carlston Annis site (15BT5). On the other hand, geoarchaeological discussions have been misconstrued through literal interpretation of generalizations that apply at a broad, geological scale. Supporting data, especially from pre-impoundment survey maps, suggest that the stretches of river in question included suitable habitat for the mussel species that dominate the middens. With this point of confusion resolved, we plan subsequent research to expand the data base at Haynes and other shell-bearing sites, focusing on overall palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, taphonomic processes, site distributions in relation to geomorphological contexts, and dietary analysis.
Characterization of a distinct set of intra-axonal ultrastructural changes associated with traumatically induced alteration in axolemmal permeability

It has recently been demonstrated [Pettus et al., J. Neurotrauma, 11 (1994) 507-522] that moderate traumatic brain injury evokes alterations in axolemmal permeability associated with rapid local compaction of axonal neurofilaments (NF). The current communication fully characterized these local NF changes, while also exploring the possibility of other related cytoskeletal abnormalities. A tracer normally excluded by the intact axolemma (horseradish peroxidase) was administered intrathecally in cats, which were then subjected to moderate/severe fluid percussion brain injury (FPI). After survival times ranging from 5 min to 6 h post-traumatic brain injury (TBI), the animals were perfused and processed for light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) visualization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). HRP-containing axons identified by LM, were investigated by EM in both the sagittal and coronal planes. Electron micrographs were videographically captured, digitized, and analyzed for cytoskeletal distribution. Local alterations in axolemmal permeability to HRP were detected, and consistently linked with distinct cytoskeletal changes. Within 5 min of injury, the injured HRP-containing axons displayed a significant decrease in inter-NF spacing associated with a lack of NF side arm projections. Density analysis proved a significant increase in NF packing in the HRP-containing axons, and further revealed an associated significant decrease in microtubule (MT) density. All ultrastructural changes were seen within 5 min of injury, and persisted unchanged for up to 6 h post-TBI. Collectively, these abnormalities suggest that altered axolemmal permeability triggers a rapid, yet persisting general cytoskeletal change most likely linked to local ionic disregulation. We posit that this local cytoskeletal collapse/alteration marks a site of impaired axonal transport, associated with upstream axoplasmic swelling and eventual axonal detachment.
Modeling of a Radiative RTP-Type Furnace Through an Inverse Design: Mathematical Model and Experimental Results

The present study considers the inverse thermal design of an existing radiatively heated chamber for rapid thermal processing (RTP) of semiconductor wafers and compares the numerical results from the inverse mathematical model with experimental measurements directly taken on the physical system. The purpose of this study is to calculate with an inverse approach the power input of the chamber heating elements in order to achieve specific temperature and heat flux distributions on the design surface (wafer). Once a reasonable solution is found, the experimental confirmation takes place. The study starts with characterizing and modeling the system formed by an axisymmetric vacuum chamber designed to reproduce the major characteristics of a generic RTP process in the semiconductor industry, such as for rapid thermal annealing of wafers. A Monte Carlo model is employed for the radiative heat transmission using measured specular/diffuse reflectivities for the radiation shields, and diffuse emissivities for all other surfaces. The actual geometry of the chamber is modeled. The inverse problem is then solved by using the Conjugate Gradient Method. Using the calculated input powers of the heaters to maintain an isothermal wafer as the initial setting for the instrumented radiative chamber, experimental measurements of the steady temperature distributions on the elements of the chamber and on the wafer surface are taken. The study ends by comparing the experimental and numerical results to determine the necessary enhancement to apply to the system model with the final objective of developing an effective design tool using an inverse approach.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The Impact of the Cuban Revolution: A Comparative Perspective

Nearly a quarter of a century has elapsed since the revolution in Cuba. Yet there is little consensus about its accomplishments. Evaluations of the effect of the sociopolitical transformation range from uncritical admiration to passionate criticism. It is surprising that no study has compared developments in postrevolutionary Cuba with developments during the same time period in the rest of Latin America, even though such a comparison would contribute to a better understanding of the extent to which the disruption has altered Cuban prospects for development.
Behaviour and movements of sympatric civet species in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

Five individuals of four civet species were captured and followed by radiotelemetry in a mosaic of dry tropical forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Observations were made on a fifth, arboreal species which was never captured. Radio-collared civets used overall areas ranging from 3.1 to 17 km2 with average monthly ranges from 0.72 to 5.4 km2. Average monthly ranges, home range centre shifts and activity radii showed a linear increase with weight and size of the individual, both within and between species. Despite individual differences, there were similar behavioural responses to extrinsic seasonal changes. Civets had activity levels of 50–55% and displayed nocturnal activity patterns. The four smallest civets used trees as resting sites extensively while the largest civet, Viuerra zibetha, was always located on the ground. Faecal analysis indicated that civets fed on at least 18 fruiting tree species as well as rodents, insects and crabs. At least one of the fruits found in civet faeces, Cassia fistula, was not eaten by other major frugivores in the area. The civets showed a preference for mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forest over dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, which had a lower abundance of known food items. The role that civets play as seed dispersal agents may help in the maintenance and structuring of tropical forest communities.
Reproductive surgery in the green iguana

Iguanas are the most popular reptile pet currently being kept in the United States. They are often sold as a beginner's pet, but their husbandry and management dictate that they should be kept by more experienced owners. Two of the more common problems encountered in the captive iguana involve reproduction. Females are often presented in various states of debilitation during their reproductive season, and males will frequently become unmanageably aggressive towards their owners during this same time period. Medical management of the gravid iguana is discussed, especially regarding supportive care, induced oviposition, and surgical intervention, including the procedure for a complete ovariosalpingotomy. Aggression in sexually mature males is evaluated, and suggestions for managing these animals are discussed. A perspective on the effects of castration is reviewed, and the technique is described.
Rutherfurd Measures of Stars about β Cygni

IN order to prevent any possible misapprehension in connection with your notice (NATURE, vol. xlvi. p. 619) of Mr. Rutherfurd's measures of the stars surrounding β Cygni, may I call attention to the following?—The two stars of Argelander, 27.3435 and 28.334, concerning which a doubt is expressed in my paper, are certainly lacking on the Rutherfurd plates. If they were present they would be very near the edges of the plates, and it is for this reason that I doubted whether we should expect to find them at all. The star numbered 28 in the Rutherfurd list, which appeared only as a sort of elongation of No. 27 on a plate taken at this Observatory, April 19, 1892, is one of the components of Σ2539, as was pointed out by Mr. Burnham in the Astronomical Journal, No. 268, and by myself in the same journal, No. 266.
Whole-bowel irrigation as adjunctive treatment for sustained-release theophylline overdose

Study objective: To determine a therapeutic benefit for wholebowel irrigation (with polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution) as adjunctive treatment to multiple doses of activated charcoal following an overdose of sustained-release theophylline. Design: Randomized crossover study. Three treatment arms were separated by one-week intervals. Setting: Animal care facility housing. Type of participants: Eight female mongrel dogs. Interventions: Unanesthetized dogs were given approximately 75 mg/kg of sustained-release theophylline. In treatment arm 1, 1 g/kg activated charcoal was administered by nasogastric tube at two hours after ingestion followed by 0.5-g/kg doses at five and eight hours. During treatment arm 2, beginning two hours after theophylline ingestion, 25 mL/kg whole-bowel irrigation solution was administered every 45 minutes for four doses followed by activated charcoal. In treatment arm 3, the first dose of activated charcoal was given ten minutes before beginning the whole-bowel irrigation protocol. Measurements and main results: Serum theophylline levels were measured at zero, two, four, five, eight, 12, 16, and 24 hours after ingestion. Mean serum theophylline levels, area under the curve ( P = .13), and terminal half-lives ( P = .69) for each treatment group were not statistically different. This negative study had an 81% power to detect a 50% reduction in the area under the curve by whole-bowel irrigation treatment. Conclusion: In this model, whole-bowel irrigation did not add to the therapeutic benefits of activated charcoal.
Human Nature: A Critical Reader

Human Nature: A Critical Reader. LAURA BETZIG, ed. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. xvi + 489 pp., figures, tables, notes, references, index.
Foreign Policy and Presidential Popularity: Creating Windows of Opportunity in the Perpetual Election

Variations in public support for the president have been explained in three different ways. First, approval has been viewed as controlled by the law of inevitable decline. Second, public support ha...
Structure of polymerizable lipid bilayers. I—1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a tubule-forming phosphatidylcholine

This report presents the first X-ray diffraction data on diacetylenic phospholipids. The tubule-forming polymerizable lipid, 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), was studied by low angle X-ray diffraction from partially dehydrated oriented multibilayers in both polymerized and unpolymerized form. Bilayers of this material were found to be highly ordered, yielding as many as 16 orders of lamellar diffraction, in both the polymerized and unpolymerized states. The unit cell dimension was very small for a lipid of this size. In addition to the features usually observed in the electron density profile structure of phospholipid bilayers, the electron-dense diacetylenic portions of the fatty acyl chain produced electron density maxima at two well-defined levels on each side of the bilayer approximately 15 A and 9 A from the bilayer midplane. A model molecular conformation deduced from the one-dimensional electron density map features all-trans acyl chains tilted at approximately 28 degrees from the bilayer normal that are interdigitated with chains of the opposing monolayer by approximately two carbons at the bilayer center. The linear diacetylene moieties on beta- and gamma-chains appear at different positions along the bilayer normal axis and are roughly parallel to the bilayer surface. This model is discussed in terms of a polymerization mechanism.
Distribution-Free Partial Discriminant Analysis

Abstract A distribution-free rank procedure is proposed for use in partial discrimination problems involving two populations. It is shown that this procedure can be applied with virtually any discriminant function. Moreover, the discriminant function may be selected after observing the samples on which it is to be based. Using Monte Carlo methods the rank procedure is compared with a normal theory and a tolerance region procedure. The rank procedure was the only one that adequately controlled the probabilities of misclassification while maintaining relatively small probabilities of not classifying an observation.
Outcomes associated with the use of renal replacement therapy in children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after heart surgery: a multi-institutional analysis

Background The primary objective of this investigation was to study the association between renal replacement therapy (RRT) and outcomes in children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Virus Infection and X Radiation: A Comparative Study of Infection with an Attenuated Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus and of X Radiation

A study on guinea pigs infected with VEE virus and an attenuated strain (TC-50) of VEE revealed that a similarity exists between the effects of the virus infection and wholebody x irradiation on lymphatic systems and bone marrow. VEE virus and x rays exert a selective effect upon the tissues. The effect of x radiation (175 r) was immediate and dramatic, whereas that of TC-50 was slower, especially in bone marrow. The thymus, markedly depleted in irradiated animals, seemed to be spared by the virus. Secondary depletion was observed at day 13 in the irradiated group and was absent in the TC-50 group. There was a sharp difference during the first 2 days between irradiated and TC-50treated guinea pigs whereas findings on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days were almost identical in both groups. The time factor was also important in the rate of recovery, especially for bone marrow. The bone marrow of TC-50inoculated animals failed to show the secondary depletion observed in irradiated groups. The selective effect of the attenuated viras upon the lymphatic organs and bone marrow is contrasted with the relative affinity of the mother virus (VEE) for central nervous system. This attenuated vixus seemed to losemore » its neurotropism. (H.H.D.)« less
Improving Hand Function in Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study of Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electric Stimulation in Chronic Hemiplegia

Abstract Knutson JS, Harley MY, Hisel TZ, Chae J. Improving hand function in stroke survivors: a pilot study of contralaterally controlled functional electric stimulation in chronic hemiplegia. Objective To assess the feasibility of a new stroke rehabilitation therapy for the hemiparetic hand. Design Case series. Pre- and postintervention assessment with 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Setting Clinical research laboratory of a large public hospital. Participants Three subjects with chronic (>6mo postcerebrovascular accident) upper-extremity hemiplegia. Intervention Subjects used an electric stimulator to cause the paretic hand extensor muscles to contract and thereby open the hand. Subjects controlled the intensity of the stimulation, and thus the degree of hand opening, by volitionally opening the unimpaired contralateral hand, which was detected by an instrumented glove. For 6 weeks, subjects used the stimulator to perform active repetitive hand-opening exercises 2 hours daily at home and functional tasks 1.5 hours twice a week in the laboratory. Main Outcome Measures Maximum voluntary finger extension, maximum voluntary isometric finger-extension moment, finger-movement control, and box and block test (BBT) score at pre- and posttreatment and at 1 month and 3 months posttreatment. Results Maximum voluntary finger extension increased from baseline to end of treatment and from the end of treatment to 1-month follow-up in 2 subjects. Maximum voluntary isometric finger-extension moment, finger-movement control, and BBT score increased from baseline to the end of treatment and from the end of treatment to 1-month follow-up in all 3 subjects. The improvements generally declined at 3 months. Conclusions The results suggest a positive effect on motor impairment, meriting further investigation of the intervention.
The Role of relB in Regulating the Adaptive Immune Response

Dendritic cells (DCs), which represent a key type of antigen-presenting cell (APC), are important for the development of innate and adaptive immunity. DCs are involved in T cell activation in at least two main ways: priming via direct processing/presentation of soluble antigen taken up from the microenvironment (conventional priming), and processing/presentation of antigen released from other cells (cross-priming). relB, a component of the NF-kappaB complex of transcription factors, is a critical regulator of the differentiation of DCs. In mice, lack of relB impairs DCs derived from bone marrow both in number and function. Here relB (-/-) bone marrow chimera mice is used to study the APC function of residual DCs in presentation of soluble antigen and cross-priming. It is found that the DCs in these mice are profoundly deficient in their ability to both prime and cross-prime T cell responses. It was concluded that the relB gene is involved in regulating the APC function of DCs in vivo.
TRANSIENT OXYGEN TRANSPORT IN HEMOGLOBIN SOLUTIONS UNDER CONDITIONS OF THE MICROCIRCULATION

In mathematical simulation of oxygen transport the diffusion problem is often simplified by several assumptions including that of local chemical equilibrium and of negligible augmentation of oxygen transport by oxyhemoglobin diffusion. In the present work the applicability of the various assumptions is investigated by numerical solution of the equations governing transient diffusion and reaction in hemoglobin layers. The fluxes, and space and time scales are chosen to cover the range of interest in the microcirculation. The results show that significant improvements in accuracy are possible by treatment of a more complete system of equations, and show the relative importance of the various simplifying assumptions.
Atrioventricular nodal parasystole

Abstract Ten cases of atrioventricular nodal parasystole have been discussed in detail. The variation of the shortest interectopic intervals was noted to be much greater than anticipated. The atrioventricular nodal parasystolic rate was somewhat slower than would be expected in view of the physiologic automaticity of the atrioventricular node; this finding is similar to the experiences reported by other clinicians. The youngest patient in our series (38 years) had the most diseased heart which weighed 830 gm. at autopsy. Two patients did not show evidence of heart disease or cardiomegaly. One patient (Case 7) had marked electrolyte imbalance which presumably produced the parasystole.
Induction-motor dynamic analysis during power-supply imbalances

Abstract It is widely recognized that the rotor-bar skin effect strongly influences induction-motor operation during unbalanced conditions. However, classic induction-machine dynamic models ignore this effect. A more general machine representation is derived that can predict the rotor-bar skin effect over the full range of dynamic induction-machine operation. The model is used to examine the starting of a motor fed by an open-delta transformer bank. The need to account for the rotor-bar skin effect is explained, and comparisons between motors starting with open-delta and balanced feeds are made.
Research on Motion Simulation for Robot Based on WebGL

With a growing popularity of web applications, new technology can be adopted to create a 3D application for robotics simulation without plug-ins or third party components based on HTML5 and WebGL. By the use of 3D modeling software Remo3D, the three-dimensionally geometric model of robots links is built up. The standard COLLADA is used as a file format for storing the scene graph structure of robot model. The application uses open standards and can be run in any modern browser on PC or any smart device without installation.
The effect of dietary chemicals on gut bacteria and IBD demands further study.

Thisrapid temporal change strongly suggests that some environ-mental factor(s) would have played a pivotal role in thedevelopment of IBD. Despite extensive research, the exactcause for IBD remains largely unknown. IBD is higher in thedeveloped countries, in people with higher social, economical,educationalandoccupationalstatus,andplaceswithimprovedhygienecondition.Rightnow,thisphenomenonisexplainedbythe “hygiene hypothesis”, which suggests that a reduction inmicrobesoftheguthascontributedtothedevelopmentofIBD.
Prognostic significance of hepatitis C virus RNA detection by transcription-mediated amplification with negative polymerase chain reaction during therapy with peginterferon α and ribavirin

The lower limit of detection of most polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is 50 IU/ml, compared to 5 IU/ml for the transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) method. We retrospectively reviewed 57 patients to assess the predictive value of a positive TMA in the setting of a negative PCR during antiviral therapy. Patients were divided into (1) PCR−/TMA+ (discordant; n=21) and (2) PCR−/TMA−(concordant; n=36). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was decreased in the discordant group (48% vs. 75%; P=0.04). In discordant patients, SVR was more frequent in patients who had one positive TMA than in those who had two or more positive TMAs or one positive TMA and recurrent HCV RNA detectability by PCR during treatment (78% vs. 25%; P=0.03). Breakthrough occurred more frequently in discordant patients (24% vs. 3%; P=0.02). A positive TMA on two or more occasions in patients who have become PCR-negative on therapy indicates a high likelihood of treatment failure.
Information sources of U.S. adults trying to lose weight

Abstract This study attempted to determine whether dieters differ from nondieters in how and where they obtain nutrition and health information and whether choice of weight-loss practices is related to use of different information sources. A national telephone survey of a probability sample of 1649 adults provided detailed information on the weight-loss practices of 1431 dieters and comparable background information on 218 nondieters. Dieters were more active readers of nutrition information than were nondieters. However, their choices about type of regimen and about specific products and services were more heavily dependent on word of mouth, commercial sources, and physicians than on written information. Dieters relying on written materials were more likely to engage in healthy weight-loss regimens and less likely to engage in questionable weight-loss practices than were those relying on other sources. The pattern of information-seeking behavior observed for dieters, which indicated greater motivation to seek out written information but reliance on oral sources to inform them of specific weight-loss practices, suggests that if authoritative written information about specific weight-loss practices was available, it would be used and would likely be effective.