cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Dubinin–Astakhov Equation to Describe Preloading Effect of Natural Organic Matter

This note presents a simple model to quantify the preloading effect of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) in water on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for a trace synthetic organic chemical (SOC). The model was developed from the Dubinin–Astakhov (DA) equation based on the assumption that the NOM preloading irreversibly reduced the limiting adsorption pore volume for the target SOC. Given that the DA-\in value equal to one, the model reduces to a form similar to the one obtained by modifying the Freundlich equation directly. By assuming that the reduction of the limiting adsorption pore volume was proportional to the volume of NOM adsorbed, the NOM preloading effect was correlated directly to the amount of total organic carbon preloaded on the carbon. The resulting model was then compared with the experimental data in the literature. This simple model may be useful for certain practical applications that require only the estimation of the NOM preloading effect on the adsorption capacity of a target SOC from natural water.
“‘Is there a future in this past?’: analyzing 15M's intricate relation to the Transición” by Kostis Kornetis

Shortly after this article was finished, a historical coincidence suddenly made its content extraordinarily current: On March 23rd 2014, just one day after the so-called “Marchas de la dignidad” (d...
The Mission Planning Lab: A Visualization and Analysis Tool

Simulation and visualization are powerful decision making tools that are time-saving and cost-effective. Space missions pose testing and evaluation challenges that can be overcome through modeling, simulation, and visualization of mission parameters. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) capitalizes on the benefits of modeling, simulation, and visualization tools through a project initiative called The Mission Planning Lab (MPL).
Microscopic and local probe method for studying crevice corrosion and its application to iron and stainless steel

Abstract Transparent polyethylene, used as part of a crevice, enables in situ , real time microscopy of the metal crevice wall, while a probe inserted into the crevice measures the electrode potential at the crevice corrosion location on the crevice wall. The current flowing out of the crevice and pH in the crevice are also measured. Application of the technique to iron and, to a lesser extent, ferritic stainless steel shows that the crevice wall in the depth direction has a sharply decreasing electrode potential, with the location of crevice corrosion on the crevice wall corresponding to the active loop of the crevice electrolyte polarization curve. The role of both acidification and chloride build-up in the crevice is to enlarge the active loop so that the IR drop condition for stable crevice corrosion is met more readily. In contrast, the role of sodium chromate inhibitor is to shift the Flade (passivation) potential in the less noble direction, thereby decreasing the size of the active loop, which makes it more difficult to achieve the IR required for crevice corrosion to occur.
Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that results in abnormal viscous mucoid secretions in multiple organs and whose main clinical features are pancreatic insufficiency and chronic endobronchial infection. Although it was initially defined and diagnosed based on clinical features and sweat chloride measurement, an in vivo method of assessing CFTR function, the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989 revealed a broad spectrum of CF phenotypes associated with specific CFTR gene mutations. In this article, we will review the indications for sweat testing, alternative techniques to diagnose CF, and the approach to patients with an ambiguous or indeterminate diagnosis of CF.
Esterase inhibitors as synergists for (+)-trans-chrysanthemate insecticide chemicals

Abstract Four synergists are used to evaluate the relative contribution of esterases and oxidases in the metabolism of four pyrethroids, the (+)- trans - and (+)- cis -isomers of resmethrin and tetramethrin, by five insect species and by mice. Three of these compounds are known pyrethroid synergists, S,S,S -tributyl phosphorotrithioate acting as an esterase inhibitor and piperonyl butoxide and O -(2-methylpropyl) O -(2-propynyl) phenylphosphonate acting as oxidase inhibitors. The fourth synergist, 1-naphthyl N -propylcarbamate, is an esterase inhibitor selected by screening 65 candidate esterase and oxidase inhibitors for maximal potency in synergizing the toxicity of trans -resmethrin to milkweed bugs. Naphthyl propylcarbamate synergizes the toxicity of trans -resmethrin and -tetramethrin to milkweed bugs, cockroaches, houseflies, cabbage loopers, and mealworms but not to mice. The persistence of trans -resmethrin in milkweed bugs treated by injection is increased by the esterase inhibitors while that of cis -resmethrin is increased by the oxidase inhibitors. The optimal synergist varies with the species and the pyrethoid, being related to both the nature of the pyrethroid alcohol moiety and the trans - or cis -configuration of the acid moiety. This probably results from species variations in the relative significance of esterases and oxidases in pyrethroid detoxification.
Supply Chain Interdiction as a Competitive Weapon

Businesses have throughout time competed in the marketplace to maximize profits and market share against fellow competitor firms. The emergence of supply chain management has shifted this competition to one reflective of supply chains competing against one another rather than just firms. However, this “toward the customer only”–based competition may not represent the fullest basis of potential competition between supply chains. For example, over the centuries nations have fielded military forces that have competed not only in the open field against opposing forces, but also behind the scenes by constraining the resource base of the opposing force, in an effort to limit or avoid face-to-face struggles altogether. The military term for this competitive strategy is “interdiction,” and reflects longstanding military theory development, including practical as well as ethical considerations. This work outlines the military theory behind bidirectional channel competition, and compares historical military and contemporary business examples of the supply side–focused competition that interdiction prescribes.
The home purchase process: Measurement of evaluative criteria through pairwise measures

Although the purchase of a home represents a sizable investment for the average family, relatively little consumer research pertaining to the home purchase process has been reported. This investigation utilized Thurstone's Case V methodology to identify key attributes used by consumers to make housing choices and to show how these attributes are perceived by consumers of different tenure and socioeconomic status. The pairwise comparison analysis showed a strong preference for the attributes “safety and security from crime” and “quality construction” by the respondents. In addition, the analysis revealed several important differences in attribute preferences between former owners and former renters. Former home owners, for example, were more likely than former renters to prefer school quality when it was pitted against several other attributes. Thurstone's Case V techniques was found to be an effective method for measuring consumer preferences. Implications which focus on home product development and marketing strategies are discussed.
Characterization of sex-based differences in the mechanical properties of human finger glabrous tissue using a fiberoptic sensor.

TAC-Cell is a custom-built somatosensory stimulator that delivers pneumatic cutaneous tactile inputs to virtually any skin target on the body and by virtue of its non-ferrous materials is compatible with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanners. In this study, we describe the method to measure apparent skin displacement induced by TAC-Cell stimulation of the glabrous surface of the distal phalanx of the index finger. Specifically, we studied the effect of four servo controller input voltages (0.4V to 1.0V) on resultant skin displacement among eighteen, neurotypical adult male and female participants. A fiberoptic displacement sensor, commonly used in industrial applications, was coupled to the TAC-Cell to measure the glabrous skin’s kinematic response to different stimulus amplitudes. Skin displacement was significantly dependent on stimulus amplitudes and sex (p< 0.0001). Power spectrum and kinematic analysis of skin displacement showed that the pneumatic TAC-Cell stimulus consists of a spectrally rich, high velocity signal. In related work, we have shown that this dynamic pneumocutaneous stimulus is highly effective in evoking a cortical brain response for neurodiagnostic applications and somatosensory pathway analysis in health and disease.
THE ISSUE Revisiting the Role of Culture in the Foreign Language Curriculum

The article examines the role of culture in the foreign language curriculum. The author uses three documents to illustrate her argument, including the "Standards for Foreign Language Learning." How these documents relate language and content or cultural learning is examined. The author explores how the role of culture in educational work has shifted since 2010. The study "Context and Culture in Language Teaching and Learning," by Michael Byram, is also examined. The article also discusses how to mediate meaning between and across cultures.
“Racism” and Colonialism: Meanings of Difference and Ruling Practices in America's Pacific Empire

This article examines the meanings of “race” and difference in the first years of American colonialism in the Philippines, Guam, and Samoa. Moving beyond existing sociological studies of “race” and “colonial discourse,” I demonstrate that the meanings of racial difference in the U.S. Pacific empire were contemporaneously polyvalent, constituting an overarching field of multiple rather than uniform classifications. The different meanings formed the basis for intra-imperial debate among colonizing agents. They also contributed to notable variations in forms of colonial governance and policy across the empire. The implication for future study is that “race” should best be apprehended as a “code” that takes on specific meanings and obtains its social force only in particular contexts of use and utterance.
Photodisintegration Studies of 14C-Carboxyl 2,3,5-Triiodobenzoic Acid

14 C-Carboxyl labeled 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid was examined at various intervals of time during exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. Photodisintegration occurred and the amount of degradation increased in quantity with increased duration of exposure. 2,5- and 3,5-diiodobenzoic acid were identified as two products resulting from the irradiation. Other unidentified products are also present.
Light-contingent operant behavior in the turtle

The current experiment sought to determine whether the fresh water turtle Chrysemys would demonstrate an incremental response tendency in a panel-press situation for a contingent 2-sec. light. In a repeated measurements design, eight showed a highly significant and consistent increase in response trend during test sessions in darkness over that in room illumination. A significant decrement in panel pressing within darkness sessions was also noted. The possibility that the light-contingent operant behavior facilitates habituation to the test surround is discussed.
Hydroxylation of the carcinostatic 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) by rat liver microsomes.

Abstract Ring hydroxylation of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea was shown to occur in the presence of liver microsomes prepared from both normal and phenobarbital induced rats. The metabolite was identified by mass spectrometry after selective extraction and purification by liquid chromatography. The microsomal catalyzed reaction was oxygen and NADPH dependent, inhibited by carbon monoxide and induced 4–5 fold by in vivo phenobarbital pre-treatment. Phenobarbital induced microsomes hydroxylated the substrate at a rate of 17.6 nmoles/min/mg protein at 37°. A Type I difference spectrum was observed with phenobarbital induced microsomes that also displayed a substrate binding constant (Ks of 4 × 10−5 M.
Latitude and local time dependence of precipitated low-energy electrons at high latitudes

Data from particle detectors on board the satellite OGO-4 were used to study the precipitation of electrons in the energy range 0.7 to 24 keV. The latitude dependence of these particles in the local time region from midnight to dawn was investigated in detail. The analysis shows that the precipitation of particles of energies 2.3 to 24 keV is centered at an invariant latitude of about 68 deg at midnight with a clear shift in latitude with increasing local time and this shift is more pronounced for lower energies. The highest fluxes of particles in this energy interval are measured at midnight and they decrease rapidly with local time. The data in the energy range 2.3 to 24 keV support a theory where particles are injected in the midnight region from the tail gaining energy due to a betatron process and then drift eastwards in a combined electric and magnetic field. The main part of the electrons at 0.7 keV show a different behavior. They seem to undergo an acceleration process which is rather local, sometimes giving field aligned fluxes which may be super-imposed on the background precipitation.
The Roles of Explanation and Feedback in False Belief Understanding: A Microgenetic Analysis

ABSTRACT The authors examined effects of feedback and explanation on false belief performance. Thirty-three children (42–54 months; 15 girls, 18 boys) were randomly assigned to four treatment conditions: explanation, feedback, feedback researcher explains, and feedback child explains. Children completed false belief tasks during pretraining, 8 training sessions, and posttraining across 6 weeks. Language comprehension was assessed at pretraining. The authors hypothesized that children would improve most when training involved feedback and explanation. Generalized estimating equations modeling was used to analyze the data. Children who received feedback and generated explanations for characters’ false beliefs improved across training sessions more so than children in other conditions. Children's explanations for false beliefs also were explored. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Pasquill-taylor dispersion parameters over water near shore☆

Abstract The nondimensional dispersion functions (representing dispersion coefficients normalized by the product of rms velocity fluctuations and travel time) proposed by Pasquill have been computed for lateral and vertical dispersion over water by use of data derived from the Lagrangian coordinates of neutrally-buoyant balloons released from a boat several kilometres offshore during onshore wind conditions. For the stability range investigated ( −2.8 z L , where z and L are height and Obukhov length), the data are classified into unstable, near neutral and stable conditions. Regression curves are derived to represent the nondimensional lateral and vertical dispersion functions. The apparent integral time scales necessary to define the dispersion functions are found to be smaller over coastal region than over land.
Design of bicontinuous polymeric microemulsions

Recent experiments suggest that thermodynamically stable, bicontinuous microemulsions can be achieved in symmetric ternary blends of two homopolymers and a diblock copolymer by formulating alloys with compositions near mean-field isotropic Lifshitz points. We argue that practical application of this design criterion may require use of homopolymers of unequal molecular weights and block copolymers of different architecture. We demonstrate the existence of, and explicitly locate, mean-field isotropic Lifshitz points in ternary blends with homopolymer molecular weight asymmetry and either AB diblock or ABA triblock copolymer architectures. These calculations considerably expand the parameter space for observing bicontinuous microemulsions and allow for more flexibility in tailoring melt rheological properties and solid-state mechanical properties.
TESTICULAR NODULES IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA (CAH)

Three postpubertal males 17-19 yrs old, 2 with 21-OH and one with 11-OH deficiency (def) had testicular nodules. In the patients with 21-OH def, 17 KS were 51 and 21, pregnantriol (p-triol) 41 and 16 mg/24 hr and plasma progesterone (P) 1400 and 1363 ng/dl indicating non-compliance; plasma testosterone (T) were 973 and 1245 ng/dl and LH and FSH < 3.6 and 1.5 mIU/ml. One patient examined had azoospermia. After 5 days of dexamethasone (Dex) urinary 17 KS and p-triol were suppressed, plasma P fell to 58 and 60 and T fell to 468 and 358 ng/dl. Plasma LH and FSH rose to adult levels. The sperm count rose to 20 mil. In the patient with 11-OH def urinary 17 KS and comp “S” were 9.0 and 2.8 mg/24 hr and plasma LH, FSH and T were 8.3, 5.4 and 749 respectively. After Dex urinary 17 KS, comp “S” and plasma LH, FSH, and T were 7.8, < 1.0 and 11, 5 and 520. The sperm count was 56 mil before and 25 mil after Dex. Nodules size did not change after Dex. Biopsies of the nodules revealed interstitial cell hyperplasia, and that of the adjacent testis maturation arrest with decreased number of spermatozoa in the 21-OH def patients and mild germ cell def in the 11-OH def patient. The data suggest that in CAH: 1) Continuous stimulation by ACTH can produce adenomatous hyperplasia of Leydig cells 2) LH-FSH suppression results from elevated adrenal T and 3) germ cell hypoplasia and decreased spermatogenesis could result from diminished LH-FSH and subnormal intratesticular T level.
Introduction to Surrogate Markers

The clinical complications of atherosclerosis and atherothrombotic disease represent the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. The disorders that shorten life expectancy include myocardial infarction and ischemia, heart failure, stroke, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, sudden death, and dementia, in all of which atherothrombotic disease is the most common cause. Efforts to delay or prevent these morbid events have been the focus of all clinical trials aimed at documenting the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, these events have served as the definition of disease used to establish population risk and risk factors. The underlying disease that eventuates in these morbid events begins in the arterial wall and progresses through well-known mechanisms that include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, plaque formation, plaque rupture, and thrombosis. Risk factors are markers that are statistically related to the risk of morbid events, presumably because they identify or contribute to one or more of the vascular processes that lead to these events, but they do not necessarily identify the disease itself. New insights and expanding technology now make it possible to identify …
Predominant Acidilobus-like populations from geothermal environments in yellowstone national park exhibit similar metabolic potential in different hypoxic microbial communities.

ABSTRACT High-temperature (>70°C) ecosystems in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) provide an unparalleled opportunity to study chemotrophic archaea and their role in microbial community structure and function under highly constrained geochemical conditions. Acidilobus spp. (order Desulfurococcales) comprise one of the dominant phylotypes in hypoxic geothermal sulfur sediment and Fe(III)-oxide environments along with members of the Thermoproteales and Sulfolobales. Consequently, the primary goals of the current study were to analyze and compare replicate de novo sequence assemblies of Acidilobus-like populations from four different mildly acidic (pH 3.3 to 6.1) high-temperature (72°C to 82°C) environments and to identify metabolic pathways and/or protein-encoding genes that provide a detailed foundation of the potential functional role of these populations in situ. De novo assemblies of the highly similar Acidilobus-like populations (>99% 16S rRNA gene identity) represent near-complete consensus genomes based on an inventory of single-copy genes, deduced metabolic potential, and assembly statistics generated across sites. Functional analysis of coding sequences and confirmation of gene transcription by Acidilobus-like populations provide evidence that they are primarily chemoorganoheterotrophs, generating acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) via the degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, and auxotrophic with respect to several external vitamins, cofactors, and metabolites. No obvious pathways or protein-encoding genes responsible for the dissimilatory reduction of sulfur were identified. The presence of a formate dehydrogenase (Fdh) and other protein-encoding genes involved in mixed-acid fermentation supports the hypothesis that Acidilobus spp. function as degraders of complex organic constituents in high-temperature, mildly acidic, hypoxic geothermal systems.
Determination of Phenolic Compounds of Dry Beans Using Vanillin, Redox and Precipitation Assays

Phenolic compounds of ten genotypes of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated using four different methods. Assayable tannins using the 0.5% vanillin assay ranged from 49–306 mg catechin equivalents/100 g beans. Significant differences were observed for tannins measured by the vanillin and the protein precipitable phenol tests. Of the two redox assays, the Prussian blue assay gave significantly higher total phenol values than the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Both these reagents were more sensitive to tannic acid than to catechin. Although tannin values varied 2–3 fold for a given variety, excellent correlation was observed between the different assays employed for bean tannin analysis.
Petrogenesis of silicate inclusions in the Weekeroo Station IIE iron meteorite: Differentiation, remelting, and dynamic mixing

The Weekeroo Station IIE iron meteorite contains a variety of felsic and mafic inclusions enclosed in an FeNi-metal host. Petrographic, EMP, and SIMS data suggest that the petrogenesis of the silicates was complex, and included differentiation, remelting, FeO-reduction, and dynamic mixing of phases. Differentiation produced a variety of olivine-free inclusion assemblages, ranging from pyroxene 1 plagioclase 1 tridymite with peritectic compositions, to coarse orthopyroxene, to plagioclase 1 tridymite and its glassy equivalent. Individual phases have similar trace-element abundances and patterns, despite large variations in inclusion textures, modes, and bulk compositions, probably as a result of mechanical separation of pre-existing phases in an impact event that dynamically mixed silicates with the metallic host. Trace- element data imply that augite and plagioclase grains in different inclusions crystallized from the same precursor melt, characterized by relatively unfractionated REE abundances of ;20 -30 3 CI-chondrites except for a negative Eu anomaly. Such a precursor melt could have been produced by ;2-5% equilibrium partial melting of an H-chondrite silicate protolith, or by higher degrees of partial melting involving subsequent fractional crystallization. Glass appears to have formed by the remelting of pre-existing plagio- clase and orthopyroxene, in a process that involved either disequilibrium or substantial melting of these phases. During remelting, silicate melt reacted with the FeNi-metal host, and FeO was reduced to Fe-metal. Following remelting and metal-silicate mixing, inclusions apparently cooled at different rates in a near-surface setting on the parent body; glass- or pigeonite-bearing inclusions cooled more rapidly ( $2.5°C/hr between 1000 - 850°C) than pigeonite-free, largely crystalline inclusions. The results of this study point to two likely models for forming IIE iron meteorites, both involving collision between an FeNi-metal impactor and either a differentiated or undifferentiated silicate-rich target of H- chondrite affinity. Each model has difficulties and it is possible that both are required to explain the diverse IIE group. Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd
Augmentation of corticosterone release by means of a caffeine–ethanol interaction in rats

We examined whether the acute treatment with caffeine delivered before an ethanol injection would augment plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels. The effect of caffeine on blood ethanol levels was also assessed. After 10 days of acclimatization to the colony room conditions, male Wistar rats were injected with either caffeine (5 mg/kg, ip) or saline 30 min before the delivery of ethanol (0.8 g/kg, ip) or saline, respectively. Trunk blood was then collected at 15 and 30 min after the ethanol injection for determination of plasma CORT and blood ethanol levels. CORT was measured with the use of radioimmunoassay, and blood ethanol levels were determined with the use of gas chromatography. The results showed that although caffeine and ethanol delivered singly failed to augment plasma CORT levels, the combination of both drugs produced elevations in plasma CORT levels at 15 and 30 min. These findings were found to be unrelated to changes in ethanol metabolism as caffeine failed to alter blood ethanol levels within the period tested. It was argued that the present elevations in plasma CORT levels observed in animals administered caffeine and ethanol may play a role in the caffeine-induced elevations in ethanol drinking observed elsewhere.
Malaxis chica, a new species of Orchidaceae from Nuevo León, Mexico

A new species from northern Mexico,Malaxis chica, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished by its small, unifoliate habit, subumbellate inflorescences, and sagittate lip with long basal lobes.Malaxis chica is compared to three species—M. corymbosa, M. salazarii, andM. rosei—with which it shows some morphological similarity.
The severity model of chronic headache.

Better understanding of headache promises to improve understanding of how mind and body interact. Taken as a biomedical model, the traditional classification of chronic headache fails to capture the essence of the headache problem, the spectrum of presentations seen in clinical practice, and the heuristic nature of treatment. The severity model holds promise as a better representation of clinical experience. By itself, the model is merely descriptive, but it can be easily incorporated into a broader biopsychosocial model of illness. It encourages the physician to evaluate each patient across all the parameters that influence headache. Thus, it focuses more attention on the patient and less on illusory syndromes. The term “recurrent nonspecific headache” is often a more accurate appraisal of patients’ headache histories. Primary care physicians have much to offer in improving understanding and treatment of patients with headache. Because they see patients first and can know patients well, primary care physicians have abundant opportunities to amplify research on the psychosomatic sources of headache, develop and refine the utility of the severity model, and elucidate the role of the physician — patient relationship as a specific form of treatment.
The role of phage lysozyme in the life cycle of phage T4.

The lysozyme that is synthesized under the direction of the e gene of phage T4 is known to cause the lysis of infected bacteria. In this paper we show that this lysozyme plays no detectable role in infection or in lysis from without. We also mention the detection of a heretofore undescribed lytic activity that is associated with mature phage particles.
Studies on aldolase from human cardiac tissue

Abstract Fructose diphosphate aldolase has been purified to homogeneity from human cardiac tissue. Physicochemical studies show that the enzyme is a tetramer of molecular weight 160 000 and possesses properties common to other Class I aldolases. Catalytic studies, together with amino acid analysis and tryptic peptide fingerprints, suggest that the enzyme is a typical Type A, muscle aldolase. Contrary to earlier reports, no other form of aldolase could be identified in adult human heart.
Lack of correlation between serum corticosterone level and immune functions in undernourished mice

Abstract Two models were developed in order to investigate the importance of elevated serum glucocorticoid levels in the immune dysfunction associated with protein energy malnutrition. Weight loss was induced in mice by restricting intake of a nutritionally complete diet. In one model, serum corticosterone levels of these mice were manipulated by adrenalectomy with or without a minimal maintenance level of corticosterone supplementation. This hormone supplementation was included in some animals in an effort to reduce mortality. In the second model, the amount of diet given was adjusted to produce groups of mice which were equivalently undernourished but which were either losing, maintaining or gaining weight at the time of sacrifice. Elevated serum corticosterone levels were seen only in the animals which were losing weight. Using these models, there was no consistent inverse relationship between serum corticosterone levels and blastogenic responses to mitogens, or in vivo antibody response to sheep red blood cells. The results suggest that elevated glucocorticoids may not be of major importance in the immunodepression in a chronic stress condition such as undernutrition.
Dynamic micromechanical modeling of textile composites with cohesive interface failure

Micromechanical finite element modeling has been employed to investigate the failure of several compositionally varied textile composite materials under dynamic loading. A previously developed cohe...
Anti-β2GPI antibodies stimulate endothelial cell microparticle release via a nonmuscle myosin II motor protein-dependent pathway

The antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (APLAs). Most pathogenic APLAs are directed against β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), a plasma phospholipid binding protein. One mechanism by which circulating antiphospholipid/anti-β2GPI antibodies may promote thrombosis is by inducing the release of procoagulant microparticles from endothelial cells. However, there is no information available concerning the mechanisms by which anti-β2GPI antibodies induce microparticle release. In seeking to identify proteins phosphorylated during anti-β2GPI antibody-induced endothelial activation, we observed phosphorylation of nonmuscle myosin II regulatory light chain (RLC), which regulates cytoskeletal assembly. In parallel, we observed a dramatic increase in the formation of filamentous actin, a two- to fivefold increase in the release of endothelial cell microparticles, and a 10- to 15-fold increase in the expression of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and tissue factor messenger RNA. Microparticle release, but not endothelial cell surface E-selectin expression, was blocked by inhibiting RLC phosphorylation or nonmuscle myosin II motor activity. These results suggest that distinct pathways, some of which mediate cytoskeletal assembly, regulate the endothelial cell response to anti-β2GPI antibodies. Inhibition of nonmuscle myosin II activation may provide a novel approach for inhibiting microparticle release by endothelial cells in response to anti-β2GPI antibodies.
Post‐Mortem Changes in Subcellular Fractions from Normal and Pale, Soft, Exudative Porcine Muscle. 1. Calcium Accumulation and Adenosine Triphosphatase Activities

SUMMARY– Myofibrillar, mitochondrial, heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum and light sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions were isolated by differential centrifugation of homogenates from normal and pale, soft, exudative (PSE) porcine muscle at various times post-mortem. Calcium uptake was measured using a solution containing45Ca++. The oxalate-stimulated calcium accumulating ability of the subcellular fractions declined 5-10 fold between 0 and 24 hr post-mortem. The major portion of this decline occurred in the first hour after death in fractions from PSE muscle but was more gradual in the normal fractions. The ATPase activities of normal and PSE fractions obtained at death did not differ significantly. These activities increased with time post-mortem in most normal fractions but decreased in those from PSE muscle. The subcellular site of ATP hydrolysis post-mortem was discussed. The results obtained point to the potential importance of the relaxing, factor in muscle post-mortem.
PROBING THE ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE USING EXPERIMENTAL ISLANDS: DENSITY-DEPENDENT NATURAL SELECTION ON LIZARD BODY SIZE

Anolis lizards in the Greater Antilles are thought to have diversified through natural selection on body size and shape, presumably due to interspecific competition and variation in locomotor performance. Here we measure natural selection on body size over three years and across seven replicate populations of the brown anole, A. sagrei. We experimentally manipulated an important component of the environment (population density) on several small islands to test the role of density in driving natural selection. Results indicate that the strength of natural selection was proportional to population density (r2 = 0.81), and favored larger body sizes at higher density, presumably owing to the enhanced competitive ability afforded by large size. Changes in the distribution of body size by selective releases of lizards to islands show that this effect did not arise by pure density dependence, since smaller individuals were disproportionately selected against at higher densities. We measured significant broad sense heritability for body size in the laboratory (h2 = 0.55) indicating that selection in the wild could have an evolutionary response. Our results suggest an important effect of population density on natural selection in Anolis lizards.
A Phase I trial of ifosfamide and paclitaxel with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in the treatment of patients with refractory solid tumors.

BACKGROUND Ifosfamide and paclitaxel are antineoplastic agents with broad activity and with different mechanisms of action. A Phase I trial was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose and associated toxicities of these agents when used in combination. METHODS Patients with refractory, incurable solid tumors were entered on a 5-step Phase I trial of ifosfamide, given in doses of 2-3 g/m2 intravenous (i.v.) bolus for 3 days with mesna support, and paclitaxel, given in doses of 135-190 g/m2 i.v. by continuous infusion over 24 hours. Paclitaxel was given after the first dose of ifosfamide on Day 1. RESULTS Twenty-three patients were treated, and the maximum tolerated dose was the highest planned dose level of the trial: ifosfamide, 3 g/m2/day i.v. for 3 days, and paclitaxel, 190 mg/m2 i.v. over 24 hours. Hematologic toxicity was not dose-limiting, and although neutropenia occurred, it was brief (median, 2-4 days) and resulted in hospitalization for neutropenia and fever in only 7 of 111 courses of therapy. For patients treated at the highest dose level, only 1 of 50 courses of therapy resulted in hospitalization for neutropenia and fever. Nonhematologic toxicity also was not severe and no significant neuropathy occurred. Although patients entered into the study were heavily pretreated, responses were observed, particularly in patients with breast or ovarian carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Ifosfamide and paclitaxel can be administered safely in the doses used in this study and there are indications of significant antitumor effect. Further studies are necessary to explore the antineoplastic activity of this regimen, particularly for patients with breast and ovarian carcinoma. Cancer 1998;82:561-6. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Oligonucleotide structure affects behavior of oligoplexes

The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of oligonucleotide structure on the formation and biological properties of oligonucleotide/poly-L-lysine (ODN/PLL) complexes, or "oligoplexes". Two structurally different ODN sequences RBG (rabbit /spl beta/ globin) 33 and RBG147 were used in the study. The difference in ODN binding and hence complex formation was analyzed by a gel retardation assay. In addition, complex formation in buffer versus in serum-free medium was studied. The oligoplexes also displayed different cellular uptake efficiencies. Differences in the biological activity were attributed to the varying characteristics of the oligoplexes due to ODN structural difference.
Biopolitics and international security studies

reading his prematurely published obituary, Mark Twain famously quipped that rumors of his death were greatly exaggerated. Those of us who advance scholarship at the intersection of international security studies and biopolitics would amend Twain: any rumor of its acceptance has been greatly exaggerated. At the beginning of "the century of biology," when we reflect on the relationship between the discipline of international security studies and biopolitics, there are reasons for both hope and despair. In this commentary, I would like to explore those reasons and identify avenues of research at the nexus of biopolitics and international security studies.
The Aspergillus nidulans sepA gene encodes an FH1/2 protein involved in cytokinesis and the maintenance of cellular polarity

Cytokinesis (septation) in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans occurs through the formation of a transient actin ring at the incipient division site. Temperature-sensitive mutations in the sepA gene prevent septation and cause defects in the maintenance of cellular polarity, without affecting growth and nuclear division. The sepA gene encodes a member of the growing family of FH1/2 proteins, which appear to have roles in morphogenesis and cytokinesis in organisms such as yeast and Drosophila. Results from temperature shift and immunofluorescence microscopy experiments strongly suggest that sepA function requires a preceding mitosis and that sepA acts prior to actin ring formation. Deletion mutants of sepA exhibit temperature-sensitive growth and severe delays in septation at the permissive temperature, indicating that expression of another gene may compensate for the loss of sepA. Conidiophores formed by sepA mutants exhibit abnormal branching of the stalk and vesicle. These results suggest that sepA interacts with the actin cytoskeleton to promote formation of the actin ring during cytokinesis and that sepA is also required for maintenance of cellular polarity during hyphal growth and asexual morphogenesis.
Haemodynamic management strategies are not explicitly defined in the majority of therapeutic hypothermia implementation studies

Abstract Background Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has revolutionized the management of comatose post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) patients. The 2008 ILCOR/AHA Consensus Statement for the treatment of PCAS suggests that goal-directed therapy, targeting mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ), should be employed to normalize oxygen delivery. However, the optimal PCAS haemodynamic management strategy has not been defined and few objective data exist to guide clinicians. Objective To describe the haemodynamic strategies used in TH implementation studies. Methods A Medline search (time period, 3/2002 to 3/2010) was performed using the terms cardiac arrest and hypothermia, induced, then limited post-search to implementation studies of TH in comatose adults. The identified studies were examined for explicit definitions of the following terms: MAP; systolic blood pressure (SBP), CVP, ScvO 2 , pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), echocardiogram (ECHO), lactate, and volume status. Results Forty-four implementation studies were identified and 43% (19/44) of them mentioned haemodynamics in any fashion. At least one haemodynamic goal was specifically defined in 16/44 (36%). The median number defined was 4 (range 1–6); individual goals as follows: MAP, 13/44 (30%); SBP, 3/44 (7%); CVP, 5/44 (11%); ScvO 2 , 4/44 (9%); PAC, 7/44 (16%); ECHO, 7/44 (16%); lactate, 5/44 (11%); and volume status, 8/44 (18%). Conclusions Specific haemodynamic goals are defined in a minority of published TH implementation studies. Given the volatile haemodynamics of the PCAS and lack of consensus on an optimal resuscitation strategy, explicit description of haemodynamic goals should be provided in future studies.
Cascaded Complex ADCs With Adaptive Digital Calibration for $I/Q$ Mismatch

A complex analog-to-digital converter (ADC) intended for digital intermediate frequency (IF) receiver applications digitizes analog signals at IFs with excellent power/bandwidth efficiency. However, it is vulnerable to mismatches between its in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) paths that can dramatically degrade its performance. The proposed solution mitigates I/Q mismatch effects using a complex sigma-delta (SigmaDelta) modulator cascaded with 9-bit pipeline converters in each of the I and Q paths. The quantization noise of the first stage complex modulator is eliminated using an adaptive scheme to calibrate finite-impulse response digital filters in the digital noise-cancellation logic block. Although low-pass SigmaDelta cascade ADCs are widely used because of their inherent stability and high-order noise shaping, the complex bandpass cascade architecture introduced herein maintains these advantages and doubles the noise shaping bandwidth. Digital calibration also reduces the effects of analog circuit limitations such as finite operational amplifier gain, which enables high performance and low power consumption with high-speed deep-submicrometer CMOS technology. Behavioral simulations of the complex SigmaDelta/pipeline cascade bandpass ADC using the adaptive digital calibration algorithm predict a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 78 dB over a 20-MHz signal bandwidth at a sampling rate of 160 MHz in the presence of a 1% I/Q mismatch.
Paleo-environmental implication of clumped isotopes in land snail shells

Clumped isotopes analyses in modern land snail shells are reported and used to interpret shell oxygen isotopes within the context of terrestrial paleo-climatology. Carbonate clumped isotopes thermometry is a new technique for estimating the temperature of formation of carbonate minerals. It is most powerful as an indicator of environmental parameters in combination with δ18O, allowing the partitioning of the δ18O signal into its temperature and water components. Results indicate that snail shell calcification temperatures are typically higher than either the mean annual or the snail activity season ambient temperatures. Small inter- and intra-snail variability suggests that shell aragonite forms at isotopic equilibrium so that the derived temperatures are an eco-physiological parameter reflecting snail body temperature at the time of calcification. We attribute these higher body temperatures to snail eco-physiological adaptations through shell color, morphology, and behavior. In combination with shell oxygen isotope composition, these temperatures allow us to calculate snail body water composition, which is in turn interpreted as a paleo-hydrological indicator, reflecting isotopic composition of local precipitation modified by local evaporation.
Gender-stratified models to examine the relationship between financial hardship and self-reported oral health for older US men and women.

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between financial hardship and self-reported oral health for older men and women.Methods. We focused on adults in the 2008 Health and Retirement Study (n = 1359). The predictor variables were 4 financial hardship indicators. We used Poisson regression models to estimate the prevalence ratio of poor self-reported oral health.Results. In the non–gender-stratified model, number of financial hardships was not significantly associated with self-reported oral health. Food insecurity was associated with a 12% greater prevalence of poor self-reported oral health (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04, 1.21). In the gender-stratified models, women with 3 or more financial hardships had a 24% greater prevalence of poor self-reported oral health than women with zero (95% CI = 1.09, 1.40). Number of hardships was not associated with self-reported oral health for men. For men, skipping medications was associated with 50% lower prevalence of poor self-reported oral health (95% CI...
Design related robustness of tests in regression models

This paper discusses the implementation of the robustness criterion of Box and Watson (1962) for first order linear models. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the existence of a design which satisfies this criterion, and a method is described for the construction of such a design for a given number of exper-imental runs. Some difficulties associated with the practical application of the Box-Watson criterion are also discussed.
Clinical and antimicrobial effect of stannous fluoride on periodontitis

The antimicrobial effect of stannous fluoride (SnF2) on suspected pathogenic morphotypes of bacterial plaque in chronic periodontal disease was assessed. Alterations in morphological groups of subgingival and supragingival plaque bacteria from three diseased sites and one periodontally healthy site were determined by darkfield microscopy in 10 male patients with advanced periodontitis. In addition, clinical indices were also measured. The three diseased sites received either 1.64% SnF2, 0.4% SnF2 or sterile saline by subgingival irrigation. The healthy site received sterile saline only. The patients were seen weekly over a 10-week period and at each appointment bacterial sampling and clinical indices were measured. Results indicated that 1.64% SnF2 caused a dramatic and sustained decrease of subgingival motile bacteria and spirochetes following irrigation. By the sixth week these bacteria returned to 50% of their original concentration. Bleeding index scores, which were significantly reduced, correlated positively to the reduction in motile bacteria and spirochetes. Sites irrigated with 0.4% SnF2 also demonstrated a similar pattern of reduction of motile bacteria and spirochetes but without their total elimination and a more rapid return to original levels. In the diseased sites receiving sterile saline there was a decrease in motile bacteria and spirochetes, corresponding with saline irrigation, which rapidly returned to baseline levels. The healthy control sites were unchanged. Supragingival plaque index scores did not correlate with the bleeding index, motile bacteria and spirochetes, or with subgingival irrigation.
Globally convergent adaptive tracking of angular velocity and inertia identification for a 3-DOF rigid body

This paper addresses the problem of a rigid body, with unknown inertia matrix, tracking a desired angular velocity reference using adaptive feedback control. The control law, which has the form of a sixth-order dynamic compensator, does not require knowledge of the inertia of the rigid body. A Lyapunov argument is used to guarantee that asymptotic tracking is achieved globally. Furthermore, an analytical expression for an upper bound on the magnitude of the required torque is presented for a given reference signal. Next, sufficient conditions on the reference signal are given under which asymptotic identification of the inertia matrix is achieved. Reference signals that satisfy these sufficient conditions are characterized and simulation results that illustrate the control algorithm are presented for a constant spin about a fixed axis and for sinusoidal spins about the body axes. The controller is implemented on an experimental testbed, and experiments are performed for several commanded reference signals. The experimental results demonstrate the tracking performance of the controller, and parameter convergence is observed