cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of estrogen in turtle sex determination and the effect of PCBs

In the current model of vertebrate sex determination and sexual differentiation, gonadal sex is fixed at fertilization by specific chromosomes, a process known as genotypic sex determination (GSD). Only after the gonad is formed do hormones begin to exert an influence that modifies specific structures that eventually will differ the sexes. Many egg-laying reptiles do not exhibit GSD but rather depend on the temperature of the incubating egg to determine the gonadal sex of the offspring, a process termed temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Research on TSD indicates that sex determination in these species is fundamentally different in at least one way. Gonadal sex is not irrevocably set by the genetic composition inherited at fertilization but depends ultimately on which genes encoding for steroidogenic enzymes and hormone receptors are activated during the midtrimester of embryonic development by temperature. Incubation temperature modifies the activity as well as the temporal and spatial sequence of enzymes and hormone receptors such that sex-specific hormone milieus, created in the urogenital system of the developing embryo, determine gonad type. Estrogen is the physiologic equivalent of incubation temperature and the proximate cue that initiates female sex determination. There is increasing evidence that some polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds are capable of disrupting reproductive and endocrine function in fish, birds, and mammals, including humans. Reproductive disorders resulting from exposure to these xenobiotic compounds may include reductions in fertility, hatch rate in fish and birds, and viability of offspring, as well as alterations in hormone levels or adult sexual behaviors, all of which have further implications, particularly in wildlife population dynamics. Research on the mechanism through which these compounds may be acting to alter reproductive function indicates estrogenic activity, by which the compounds may be altering sexual differentiation. In TSD turtles, the estrogenic effect of some PCBs reverses gonadal sex in individuals incubating at an otherwise male-producing temperature. Furthermore, certain PCBs are synergistic in their effect at very low concentrations.
Utilization of 3H-dopamine as a photoaffinity label of brain synaptosomes.

Abstract The possibility of utilizing 3H-dopamine as a photo-affinity label for rat brain synaptosomes is investigated. 3H-dopamine interacts covalently with intact and disrupted synaptosomes in the absence of light, but the interaction increases as much as fourfold following flash photolysis with ultraviolet light. The photolytic interaction in intact, but not disrupted, synaptosomes is inhibited by benzotropine and cocaine, but not by haloperidol. It is concluded that a major photolytic reactive site in synaptosomes is that associated with dopamine reuptake.
Age-related trends in cardiovascular morbidity and physical functioning in the elderly: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Objective: To describe relationships between age and subclinical cardiovascular disease, manifest chronic disease, and physical functioning and limitations among persons aged 65 years and older, with emphasis on the “oldest old,” those 85 years and older. Design: Observational population-based study. Setting: Four U.S. communities: Forsyth County, North Carolina; Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants: 5,201 men and women aged 65 years and older. Measurements: Demographic data; histories of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic lung disease, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension; measures of subclinical disease including arm and ankle blood pressures, internal carotid wall thickness and stenosis, ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, fractional shortening, and diastolic function, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac injury score, forced expiratory flow and volume; functional status including self-reported physical functioning, hearing and sight limitations and health status, and performance-based measures of function. These variables were examined among men and women in three age groups: 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85+ years. Subgroups of participants with and without manifest CVD were also examined. Main Results: In women, the prevalence of CVD and other chronic conditions increased with age, and the highest rates occurred among those 85 years and older. In men, prevalence rates increased between the two younger groups, but the oldest group had lower than expected rates for coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and chronic lung disease. In contrast, there were strong age-related linear trends in most of the subclinical measures of blood pressure, atherosclerosis and pulmonary function and in virtually all measures of functional status in both gender groups across the age range. There was a particularly marked decline in functional status between the two older age groups. While subclinical disease was greater and functional status was poorer among those with manifest CVD, with few exceptions, age-related trends were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Lower than expected prevalence rates of CVD among those aged 85 years and older, particularly among men, in this study of community-dwelling elderly may represent selection bias or a real plateauing in disease prevalence with age. However, subclinical disease appears to increase and functional status to decline across the age range in both men and women regardless of the presence of CVD. The apparent increase in subclinical disease with age indicates potential for CVD prevention after age 65.
PP143. Relationship between mid-pregnancy placenta growth factor and hemodynamics in the mother, fetus, and uterus

Introduction Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic and vasoregulatory peptide member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family. Reduction of free, circulating PlGF is associated with preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and precedes the clinical manifestations of disease by several weeks. It is not known whether aberrant PlGF is related for alterations in endothelial vascular function that cause or exacerbate the placental syndromes of pregnancy. Objectives We sought to determine if mid-pregnancy PlGF was related to, and possibly mediating, measures of maternal, fetal, or uterine hemodynamic function in women at risk for placenta-mediated complications of pregnancy. Methods We measured free plasma PlGF (Triage PlGF Assay, Alere, Inc.) between 22 and 25 weeks in high risk subjects referred for assessment of fetal growth and uterine artery Dopplers due to abnormalities of serum screening analytes or other risk factors for preeclampsia. Maternal hemodynamic parameters including mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and index of contractility (ICON) were measured in recumbent position with noninvasive electrical cardiography (Aesculon EC System, Cardiotronics, Inc.). Doppler measurements of blood flow in the uterine arteries (pulsatility index, PI) and umbilical artery (systolic:diastolic ratio, S/D) were obtained by ultrasound (Voluson E8, GE Healthcare, Inc.), along with the estimated fetal weight (EFW). PlGF was expressed as the log concentration, plotted against the hemodynamic measurements, and analyzed with Spearman’s correlation coefficient, R. Statistical significance was set to p = 0.05. Results Data from seventeen fully studied patients were analyzed. The median gestational age was 24.3 weeks. PlGF concentration ranged from 25 to 1180 with a median of 235 pg/ml. PlGF was positively related to maternal cardiac index ( R = 0.56, p = 0.02) and ICON ( R = 0.51, p = 0.04) and negatively related to SVR ( R = − 0.48, p = 0.05). There was a non-significant negative correlation with MAP ( R = − 0.41, p = 0.10). PlGF showed a positive correlation to EFW ( R = 0.52, p = 0.03) and a negative relationship to umbilical artery S/D ratio ( R = − 0.42, p = 0.06). There was no correlation between maternal PlGF and uterine artery Doppler PI ( R = − 0.19, p = 0.46). Conclusion The concentration of circulating free PlGF at mid-pregnancy is related to both maternal systemic hemodynamic function and fetal umbilical artery resistance (and growth) in high risk pregnancies prior to the onset of preeclampsia. It is not, however, related to vascular resistance in the uterine artery. PlGF may play a role in modulating the general vascular function of the fetus and mother after establishment of the uteroplacental circulation.
Current Issues and Methods in Supplier Selection

In the increasingly complex and fast-changing environment in which companies operate, established approaches to supplier selection have problems of over simplicity or over complexity. Methods of supplier selection are reviewed, attributes that buyers consider are identified, and alternative methodologies available for supplier selection are evaluated. It is argued that more comprehensive approaches are required that can deal with the complexities and imprecision of supplier selection problems while not being too cumbersome for implementation by decision-makers.
Hard struggle and soft gains: environmental management, civil society and governance in Pammal, South India:

This paper analyzes the relationships of a women-led civil society organization (the Shri Shankara Nagar Mahalir Manram) with the local government and with the local residents of Pammal, a small town on the periphery of the city of Chennai in southern India. It examines these relationships with regard to the organization’s initiative on community-based solid waste collection and management in a middle-income neighbourhood. This initiative began in response to the inadequacies in the waste collection services provided by local government and, to remain successful, it had to change and develop in response to the changing relationships between this organization, the residents and local government. It also had to overcome opposition from some of the residents and the lack of support from local politicians. When local government stopped collecting the waste that the organization had amassed from house-to-house collections, composting and recycling were developed, greatly reducing waste volumes and generating r...
Morphological changes during ontogeny of the canine proximal colon.

The development of the canine proximal colon from the completion of organogenesis through 43 days after birth was studied using light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. During this period the tunica muscularis increased in thickness from 42±6 μm in animals midway through the gestation period to 317±29 μm in animals 25–30 days old. This increase in thickness resulted from an increase in the number and size of smooth muscle cells in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers. The cross-sectional thickness of the circular muscle layer increased from 10±2 smooth muscle cells midway through the gestation period to 92±7 cells in animals 25–30 days old. The longitudinal layer increased in thickness from 1.5±1 cells in animals midway through the gestation period to 44±2 cells in animals 25–30 days old. Smooth muscle cells from both layers also increased in diameter and length. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies suggested that many of the smooth muscle cells were undergoing development throughout the fetal period. Midway through the gestation period, the circular layer was positive for desmin-like immunoreactivity (D-LI), while both the circular and longitudinal layers were positive for vimentinlike immunoreactivity (V-LI). By birth, V-LI was suppressed in the circular and longitudinal layers, and both layers expressed D-LI. The enteric nervous system was already established midway through the gestation period, and submucosal and myenteric ganglia could be identified, although the chemical coding and mature morphology of neurons were incomplete. NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons, indicating the expression of nitric oxide synthase, developed by the time of birth. Interstitial cells of Cajal (IC) could not clearly be identified midway through gestation, however, potential precursors to ICs were observed. Several classes of ICs were identifiable at birth.
Imperfect Information and Credible Communication

This paper analyzes a communication game between a sender and receiver with misaligned incentives. Because of the misalignment, in equilibrium, the sender's privately observed information is not perfectly communicated. We study the relation between the quality of the sender's information and the quality of the information communicated. We establish that the quality of information communicated is a non-monotonic function of the quality of the sender's information, and it is maximized when the sender has imperfect information. We suggest that our model applies to a setting where an equity research analyst communicates information about a firm's value to investors.
Postobstructive atrophy: Often overlooked cause of unilateral small kidney

Abstract The radiographic features of postobstructive atrophy are presented. Emphasis is placed on differentiation of this entity from other causes of unilateral small kidney.
Photoluminescence absorption spectroscopy in a-Si:H and related alloys

The absorption of photoluminescence, which travels along the length of the film, has been measured in intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), boron-doped a-Si:H, and related alloys in the system a a-Si1−χGeχ:H. Measurements have been performed on films of various thicknesses (about 3000 A - 1.5 μm) as a function of temperature (4.2 – 250 K). At the higher temperatures the absorption spectra approach those which are observed by photothermal deflection spectroscopy at 300 K. At low temperatures (T ⩽ 200 K) in films of a-Si:H, a peak is observed in the sub-gap absorption about 1.15 eV. This peak, whose position is independent of temperature, is increased after irradiation at 300 K with band gap light. This peak in the absorption is difficult to detect at temperatures above about 250 K because of the increased importance of absorption in the Urbach tail near 1.15 eV as the band gap decreases with increasing temperature.
Effects of substance P on neurones of the inferior mesenteric ganglia of the guinea‐pig

1. The membrane effects of substance P on neurones of isolated inferior mesenteric ganglia and the underlying ionic mechanisms were investigated by means of intracellular recording techniques. 2. When applied to the neurones by superfusion, substance P (0.5 μ m) caused a membrane depolarization; in a few neurones, the depolarization was preceded by a small hyperpolarization. Substance P effects were not altered in a low Ca2+/high Mg2+ solution or in a solution containing d-tubocurarine and atropine. 3. When the membrane potential was clamped manually at the resting level between -50 and -60 mV, substance P caused, in about an equal number of neurones, a slight to moderate decrease and also increase of membrane resistance; a brief increase occurred prior to the decrease of membrane resistance. 4. In neurones with high resting membrane potential (> -70 mV), substance P elicited a large depolarization accompanied by a marked increase in membrane resistance; the latter was probably due to anomalous rectification. 5. Conditioning hyperpolarization of the membrane close to the level of EK increased and decreased substance P-induced depolarization in eleven and two neurones, respectively. 6. Substitution of external Na+ with an equimolar amount of either sucrose or Tris buffer markedly attenuated the depolarizing effect of substance P. 7. The substance P-induced depolarization was diminished in a high K+ (10 m m) solution, and it could be augmented when membrane was hyperpolarized to EK. On the other hand, the effect of substance P was not appreciably affected in a low Cl− solution. 8. It is concluded that substance P depolarizes the sympathetic neurones by increasing and decreasing membrane permeability to Na+ and K+, respectively, and that the concomitant membrane resistance change depends on interaction of GNa activation and GK inactivation. 9. The possibility that substance P is the transmitter mediating the non-cholinergic slow excitatory potential elicited by repetitive preganglionic stimulation in the neurones of the inferior mesenteric ganglia is suggested.
Real equiangular frames

Real equiangular tight frames can be especially useful in practice because of their structure. The problem is that very few of them are known. We will look at recent advances on the problem of classifying the equiangular tight frames and as a consequence give a classification of this family of frames for all real Hilbert spaces of dimension less than or equal to 50.
Health-related quality of life among obese persons seeking and not currently seeking treatment.

Objective To compare sociodemographic characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQL) between groups of obese persons who sought and did not seek university-based treatment for overweight. Method Three-hundred twelve consecutive obese persons sought outpatient university-based weight management treatment. The sample of obese persons (N = 89) who indicated that they were not currently trying to lose weight was derived from a larger convenience sample (N = 232) of persons surveyed in a hospital setting. Both groups completed sociodemographic and brief medical history questionnaires and the HRQL as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results Obese persons who had sought treatment tended to be heavier, older, Caucasian, married, in white collar employment, and reported a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and pain. In multivariate analyses, both adjusted and unadjusted for these differences, obese persons who had sought treatment were significantly more impaired on the bodily pain, general health, and vitality HRQL domains than those who were not trying to lose weight. Discussion Although differences on sociodemographic and medical variables between the two groups may attenuate the obesity-HRQL relationship somewhat, obesity appears to have a pronounced impact on important dimensions of HRQL independent of whether or not the person is attempting to lose weight © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 101–105, 2000.
Plasmodium gallinaceum : Effect of insect cells on ookinete development in vitro

In vitro culture conditions affecting the transformation efficiency from zygote to ookinete for Plasmodium gallinaceum were examined, as a step toward improving the overall efficiency of in vitro culture systems for sporogonic stages. Gametocytes from infected chickens were allowed to fertilize in vitro and the resulting zygotes were purified and cultured. The time course for ookinete development in vitro was similar to that seen in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Supplementing a basal M-199 culture medium with heat-inactivated chicken serum and glucose did not affect transformation efficiency, but resulted in a four-fold increase in infectivity to mosquitoes when fed back to Ae. aegypti. Transformation from zygote to ookinete increased 5- to 10-fold when zygotes were cocultured with one of six different mosquito cell lines or a Drosophila cell line. Under optimal conditions, transformation efficiencies of up to 75% were observed. The presence of insect cells also increased the longevity of ookinetes in culture up to 42 h, while in acellular cultures ookinetes degenerated after about 24 h. The stimulatory effect was apparently not due to a factor secreted into the medium by the cells.
Information, fairness, and reciprocity in the best shot game

Abstract Previous best shot experiments document behavior that converges towards the predicted equilibrium despite unequal equilibrium payoffs. Prasnikar and Roth [Quarterly Journal of Economics (1992) 865–888] hypothesize that strategic incentives displace fairness in this game. The current experiment illustrates that providing information differently results in fair outcomes.
Long-Term Permeation Kinetics of Estradiol: (IV) A Theoretical Approach to the Simultaneous Skin Permeation and Bioconversion of Estradiol Esters

A theoretical non-steady-state treatment was developed to analyze the kinetics of metabolism during the course of dermal uptake or skin permeation of estradiol esters across the hairless mouse skin...
THE PRODUCTION PLANNING OF MANY-PRODUCT ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS

SUMMARY SUMMARY The paper discusses planning problems which arise when different products are manufactured on several assembly lines and production has to be co-ordinated with other manufacturing centres. In a limited labour market flexible production capacity requires the transfer and retraining of existing workers. The first section of the paper explores the simplest possible planning element which still contains enough of the essence of the problems to shed some light on the nature of a solution, This model consists of the planning of production of a single product in one location, under the supposition that teams of girls may be relinquished to (or obtained from) a labour reservoir at a penalty which corresponds to retraining costs. A production planning game based on this model is constructed, and played with teams of human planners. The game is also played by means of two types of systematic decision rules: (.1) a linear production smoothing rule: (.2) the optimum rule for the game, developed by dyn...
Methacholine challenge—Relevance for the allergic athlete

Abstract Methacholine challenge for diagnosing hyperreactive airways has been valuable in both research and clinical care settings. There are two methods of challenge that are commonly used. With the dosimeter method, five breaths of sequential concentrations of methacholine are inhaled with use of a solenoid valve timing device to standardize the quantity of inhaled methacholine solution. Pulmonary function is assessed after each concentration is inhaled. With the continuous breathing method, each concentration of methacholine is inhaled by tidal volume breathing for 2 min. Pulmonary function is assessed after each concentration. With both methods, a fall in FEV 1 of 20% after inhalation of methacholine is diagnostic of hyperreactive airways. Several evaluations demonstrate that pharmacologic bronchoprovocation with methacholine is more sensitive than exercise challenge for making the diagnosis of hyperreactive airways. If the allergic athlete complains of exercise-related symptoms, such as cough, dyspnea, or chest pain, and an exercise tolerance test fails to reproduce these symptoms, a methacholine challenge should be performed before the possibility of exercise-induced asthma is dismissed. If the allergic athlete has symptoms of cough or dyspnea that are unrelated to exercise, methacholine challenge is the most sensitive method to evaluate airways hyperreactivity indicative of asthma.
Molecular evolution of type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatases.

Abstract Type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP1s) play key roles in many cellular processes. To understand the evolutionary relationships among PP1s from various kingdoms and to provide a valid basis to evaluate the structure–function relationships of these phosphatases, 44 PP1 sequences were aligned, revealing a high sequence similarity among PP1 homologs. About one-third of the total amino acids are conserved in all the sequences studied. Most of these conserved amino acids are located within a 270-amino-acid core region. They include most sites critical to the activity and regulation of PP1s based on three-dimensional structural studies of mammalian PP1s. Positional variation analysis using a sliding window approach revealed two variable blocks in the 270-amino-acid core region. The major variable block corresponds to a subdomain composed of three α-helices (αG, αH, and αI) and three β-sheets (β7, β8, and β9). Phylogenetic analyses suggested that plant and animal PP1s form distinct monophyletic groups. The plant PP1 family contains several subgroups that may be older than the monocot–dicot divergence. In the animal PP1 family, different vertebrate isoforms appear to form distinct subgroups. Relative substitution rate studies indicated that plant PP1s are more diverse than animal PP1s, with an average substitution rate 1.5 times as large as that of animal PP1s. The possible involvement of PP1s in the establishment of multicellularity is discussed.
Rhythmic regulation of membrane potential and potassium current persists in SCN neurons in the absence of environmental input

Neurons of the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) generate self-sustained rhythms of action potential frequency having a period of approximately 24 h. It is generally believed that cell autonomous circadian oscillation of a network of biological clock genes drives the circadian rhythm in neuronal firing rate through as yet unspecified effects on the neuronal membrane. While it is clear that cyclic gene expression continues in constant darkness, previous studies have not examined which specific membrane properties of SCN neurons continue to oscillate in constant conditions. Here, we demonstrate that SCN neurons exhibit robust rhythms in resting membrane potential and input resistance in constant darkness. Furthermore, application of the K + channel blocker tetraethylammonium revealed a rhythm in K + current amplitude that persists in constant darkness and underlies the rhythm in membrane potential.
New Near-Wall Treatment for Suspended Sediment Transport Simulations with High Reynolds Number Turbulence Models

AbstractA new approach is proposed to treat the bottom boundary conditions for suspended sediment transport modeling, which works with turbulence models using wall functions. New boundary conditions for suspended sediment are specified directly at the sediment bed, not at some reference height. It is numerically equivalent to the traditional approach of specifying boundary condition at a reference height. The new approach eliminates the need of any special treatment for the gap between the bed and the reference height. It also reduces the loss of accuracy due to the interpolation of solution variables between the meshes for fluid and suspended sediment. The associated near-bottom grid resolution requirement is discussed and a general guideline is proposed. The application of the new near-wall treatment is demonstrated.
Relation between structure and spectra of pseudo-tetrahedral copper(II) complexes. Crystal structure of bis(di-2-pyridylamido)copper(II)

The copper(II) complex of the deprotonated form of di-2-pyridylamine has been prepared by treating the ligand with freshly prepared copper(II) hydroxide, and the crystal structure determined. Crystal data: Monoclinic, space group C2/c, a= 14.691(6), b= 12.256(9), c= 11.945(2)A, β= 124.24(3)°, and Z= 4. The final R value was 0.039 for 1 052 independent, observed reflections. The copper atom environment is pseudo-tetrahedral with a dihedral angle of 58.8° between the two CuN2 ligand planes. It is demonstrated that the observed molecular structure and the ligand field spectra in the literature are in good agreement. The extent of distortion from pure tetrahedral geometry in a series of related copper bis(bidentate ligand) complexes, as estimated from ligand-field spectra, correlates very well with the observed crystallographic dihedral angle values. This structural result is now available for calibration of the electronic and e.s.r. spectral data for small-molecule pseudo-tetrahedral copper(II) complexes and the presumed four-co-ordinated Type I ‘blue’ copper protein sites.
Selective depression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 hemoprotein by interferon inducers.

Abstract The interferon inducing agents, polyriboinosinic: polyribocytidylic acid and tilorone, and Freund's complete adjuvant cause a marked depression of several components of the hepatic mixed-function oxidase system. Separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and quantitation by fluorescence gel scanning of different molecular weight species of cytochrome P-450 indicate that the depressant effect of these agents on the apoprotein moieties of cytochrome P-450 is of a specific nature.
The introduction of radioisotopes into RNA by methylation in vitro

Abstract Either 3 H or 14 C may be introduced at high specific radioactivity into RNA in vitro by treatment with dimethyl sulfate. The procedure is rapid and simple and no degradation of the RNA occurs. The hybridization properties of the methylated RNA compare with those of molecules randomly labeled in vivo . The method is of potential value in cases where low metabolic activity or other biological parameters preclude labeling of RNA in vivo during synthesis.
Modeling of wave propagation for medical ultrasound: a review

Numerical modeling of medical ultrasound has advanced tremendously in the past two decades. This opens up a great number of opportunities for medical ultrasound and associated technologies. Numerous new governing equations and algorithms have emerged and been applied to studying various medical ultrasound applications, including ultrasound imaging, photo-acoustic imaging, and therapeutic ultrasound. In addition, thanks to the rapid development of computers, modeling acoustic wave propagation in three-dimensional, large-scale domains has become a reality. This article will provide an indepth literature and technical review of recent progress on numerical modeling of medical ultrasound. Future challenges will also be discussed.
Polymeric amides from epsilon‐caprolactam

e-Caprolactam is converted to e-aminocaproic acid polymer by heating under pressure with water followed, by distillation of the water and heating at atmospheric pressure. The lactam is also polymerized directly to this polymer by a catalytic method in which sodiocaprolactam is the initiator.
Racial differences in sodium lauryl sulphate induced cutaneous irritation: black and white

The different reactivity of black and white skin after exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) has been investigated. 9 white and 10 black male volunteers entered the study. The tests were performed on the back at 3 sites: untreated skin, skin pre-treated with occlusion and skin pre-delipidized. Irritant reactions were elicited applying 0.5% and 2.0% SLS via Finn chamber patch tests and monitored by means of laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum water content (WC). Higher TEWL, LDV, and WC values were recorded for 2.0% SLS when compared to 0.5% SLS and baselines. Pre-treatment with short-term occlusion generally increased values, while delipidization produced flattening of the data more detectable in whites than in blacks. Significant TEWL differences for the two concentrations were recorded in whites for the occluded site (P less than 0.02) while in blacks in the untreated (P less than 0.04) and delipidized (P less than 0.03) sites. LDV revealed significant changes in the untreated and pre-occluded white skin (P less than 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). In blacks, the values were significantly different only in the pre-occluded skin (P less than 0.01). Water content correlated with the visual score and was greatly increased in sites with strongly positive reactions (P less than 0.01). It appears that there are significant differences in the modulation of irritation, in the behavior of water barrier function and of the erythematous response between blacks and whites. Clinical correlations are discussed.
The Relationships of Animal Age and Caloric Intake to Cellular Replication In Vivo and In Vitro: A Review

This brief review examines aging at the cellular level as expressed by cell replication rates in vivo, clone size limits in vitro, and cell function in several tissues and organs. Studies are presented in which in vivo and in vitro cell replication measurements were made for several cell types and organs in relation to animal age, diet, life span, and specific age-related pathologies. Among the events examined that affect cell replication and cell survival in vitro and in vivo over a lifetime are oxidative damage, telomere shortening, and hormone and hormone receptor level changes. Long-term caloric restriction (CR) is favorable or protective for all of these events when measured in later life and comparisons are made to ad libitum (AL)-fed animals, and it is accompanied by more youthful rates of cell replication. It is proposed that in vivo and in vitro measures of cellular replication constitute biomarkers of aging when applied to comparisons of CR and AL diet rodents, where they correlate with the delay of disease and extension of life span. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this. The occurrence of certain age-related pathophysiologic states, such as immune (T cell) insufficiency, cataract, and senile osteopenia/osteoporosis, are accompanied by major diminishments of replication rates, numbers, and functions of the essential cell types in the organs and tissues involved. However, direct evidence is lacking that diminished cell replication in specific organs contributes to the limitation of life span.
Reflective array modelling for SAW transducers

This paper presents a new method for modelling SAW transducers with internal reflections, such as single-electrode transducers and various types of SPUDT. In the past the main method for analysing these transducers has been the coupled-mode (COM) analysis. The latter is approximate mainly because it represents the transducer (which has a discrete nature) in terms of smoothly-varying quantities governed by differential equations; also the COM is not easily related to the transducer physics. Other theoretical approaches, based on the physics, are more accurate and justifiable, but are usually inconvenient and time-consuming to compute. The Reflective Array Model (RAM) presented here gives a method more accurate and better justified than the COM, while retaining the feature of computational convenience. Reflections are analysed by a cascading technique which gives the acoustic scattering with full accuracy even if the electrode reflection coefficient is large. Transduction analysis is based on the quasi-static method used for non-reflecting transducers. Because of its derivation from the electrostatic solution, this method is very accurate, giving for example correct harmonic responses and correctly modelling the effects of changing electrode width. In contrast to COM, the RAM is accurate for short transducers and for wide analysis bands, it can give correct harmonic responses and it easily analyses weighted transducers.
Combining Galerkin matrix perturbation with Taylor weak statement algorithms

For a large class of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems, the discrete approximate solution error is viewed as truncation of a Taylor series expansion. In this paper, a recently developed weak statement Galerkin Matrix Perturbation (GMP) method, is theoretically compared and combined with the well known Taylor Weak Statement (TWS) algorithm on a term by term basis yielding simple tridiagonal forms that reduce, or annihilate in special cases, the Taylor series truncation error. Verification hyperbolic solution is documented for a linear smooth and non-smooth incompressible wave cluster propagation using a combination algorithm of GMP and TWS.
An approximation of the pull-out frequency parameter in a second-order PLL

Consider a phase-lock loop (PLL) that is phase locked to a constant frequency reference. Under this condition, the PLL pull-out frequency is defined as the largest input reference frequency step that can be applied without the PLL slipping one or more cycles. The application of an input reference frequency step larger (alternatively, smaller) than the pull-out frequency will (alternatively, will not) cause the loop to break frequency lock and slip one or more cycles. In general, due to the complex nonlinear nature of the dynamics involved, the PLL pull-out frequency can only be approximated. For the second-order PLL containing a proportional-plus-integral loop filter and sinusoidal phase detector, only simulation results have been published, and a formula useful for approximating the pull-out frequency has been curve fitted to these results (an approximation to the pull-out frequency has not been derived analytically). In what follows, an approximation is derived to the pull-out frequency for the above-mentioned PLL. First, with the aid of a phase plane, the pull-out frequency is related to a phase plane separatrix. Next, an asymptotic approximation is developed for this separatrix. This is used in an integral of the nonlinear PLL equation to develop an approximation to the pullout frequency. The analytical results are shown to compare very favorably with numerical simulations.
Treatment of arteriovenous malformation of the mandible with resection and immediate reconstruction.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the mandible is a rare entity but one that has significant potential for fatality due to massive hemorrhage. Current treatment has involved surgical resection of the mandible in conjunction with adjunctive endovascular embolization to help control hemorrhage. However, jaw resection is deforming and often leaves a significant defect requiring subsequent bone grafting and replacement of lost teeth. We report an endovascular and surgical technique to treat central AVMs of the mandible that permits resection and complete removal of the intraosseous lesion yet prevents facial deformity by preserving the mandibular bone contour and permitting reconstruction of the dentition and restoration of function.
Coronary Revascularization With the Use of an Axial Flow Pump and High-Dose Esmolol

We read with interest the report of Peterzen et al1 of 17 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery on the beating heart with a surgically placed axial pump (Hemopump) and control of heart motion with esmolol. In 1995, we reported our own initial experience with this exact technique in two patients.2 In these reported and subsequent cases, we have also found that blood pressure and mixed venous oxygen saturation returned to acceptable levels with phenylephrine support. Although Peterzen et al1 did not report total doses of esmolol used, their description of initial bolus doses, large-dose infusions, and supplementary boluses mirrors our experience. We agree with Peterzen et al1 that this technique has fewer applications because of the current increased availability of myocardial immobilizers, and we are gratified to see support for our previously reported findings.
Following Pierre Bourdieu into the field

Attending to Bourdieu’s early field studies conducted concurrently in colonial Algeria and in his childhood village of Bearn in southwestern France sets his scientific approach and output into a ne...
Performative Features in Adults' Haitian Creole Narratives:

This study evaluated structures and patterns of the narrative performance from 10 native Haitian adults (5 women and 5 men). Haitian Creole narratives were (a) analyzed and coded for nine West African features (repetition, parallelism, detailing, tonality, ideophone, digression, imagery, allusion, and symbolism) and (b) analyzed for nonverbal behaviors associated with speech using five gesticulation characteristics (hand, arm, feet, head movements, and facial expressions). Results suggested that Haitian Creole narratives most frequently utilized three patterns of West African storytelling features: tonality, repetition, and detailing.
Choice of Derivative

The comments made earlier about the relative sorption of derivatives suggest at first glance that only the three volatile derivatives mentioned should be used in gas chromatography. Such a viewpoint, however, would neglect the problems of separation as well as the possible difficulties attendant to the formation of the derivatives. The specific selection of the derivatives for each assay is discussed with the description of that particular procedure. However, certain general comments may be worthwhile at this time. Although the use of unreacted steroids would, of course, eliminate one time-consuming step, it has several serious drawbacks. In the first place, functional groups tend to interact with the column to the point where certain compounds, such as estriol, are so strongly sorbed that on occasion amounts of less than 1 μg cannot be detected. Moreover, adequate separations are frequently not attained with free steroids, and, as pointed out above, some compounds cannot be chromatographed except as derivatives. Despite the irreversible sorption of the acetates, we have found them to be quite useful. For example, the major estrogen acetates can be separated because of molecular-weight differences. Acetates are formed relatively quickly in quantitative yield and they are very stable in solution or dried extract over long periods of time.
Running to Forget

What do ice cream and running have in common? Consuming indulgence foods and running are two actions that typically achieve opposite results: ice cream leads to weight gain and running helps you lose it; high sugar intake is linked to diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease, while exercise reduces those risks. Ice cream and running do have one thing in common though—both are self-soothing. In response to stress, many people find comfort in food, but some people find it in physical activity. They crave exercise. They simply must go out for a run. Running is often described as “self-medicating” and even addictive. In fact, mental health providers often “prescribe” it as an effective routine for coping with depression, stress, and anxiety. The beneficial effects of exercise are widely known but poorly understood. The National Institute of Health recently released a series of calls for studying how exercise affects the body. This initiative seeks researchers that will identify the molecular transducers of physical activity. The goal is to delineate a molecular map to help us understand how physical activity transforms into wellbeing. One potentially important molecule is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the neurotrophic family of signaling proteins. Studies examining exercise in humans and rodents (running on treadmills or swimming) found elevated levels of BDNF (Heijnen et al., 2015). In fact, BDNF appears to be the molecular harbinger of wellbeing. Mitigating cognitive decline, mediating …
Structure and insecticidal activity of alkyl 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl N-alkylphosphoramidates.

A number of methyl 2,4,5-trichloropheny1 N -alkylphosphoramidates were examined for anticholinesterase activity and toxicity to insects. There was a linear relationship between log second-order cholinesterase inhibition constant (Ke) and Taft's polar substituent constant (σ*) except where steric factors appeared to be operating. These was no correlation between Ke and toxicity to house flies and the evidence indicated that toxicity may be dependent on the in vivo formation of an activated intermediate.
Characterization and CH4 Oxidation Activity of Cr/Al2O3 Catalysts

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to characterize a series of Cr/Al2O3 catalysts (designated “Cry”). The information obtained from surface and bulk c...
Winter participation by neotropical migrant and resident birds in mixed-species flocks in Northeastern Mexico

Mixed-species foraging flocks in northeastern Mexico are large, diverse, and include Neotropical migrant and resident species. I characterized the species composition and social organization of mixed-species flocks in four habitats of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve during the winters of 1993-1995. Thirty-seven percent of all species found in the Reserve participated in mixed-species flocks, including 16 migrant species. Flocks in the dry pine-oak forest had more migrant individuals than flocks in the humid oak-pine/cloud forest or tropical semi-deciduous forest, but flocks in the tropical semi-deciduous forest had more migrant species than resident species. Migrant species rarely have been reported as nuclear species that attract other species to the flock and maintain flock cohesion, yet both Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) in the dry pine-oak forest, and Blue-gray Gnat-catcher (Polioptila caerulea) in the tropical semi-deciduous forest, are migrant species that behaved as nuclear flock species. Bridled Titmouse (Parus wollweberi) and Crescent-chested Warbler (Vermivora superciliosa), Mexican resident species, were nuclear species in the dry pine-oak forest and the humid oak-pine/cloud forest, respectively. I found that Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Crescent-chested Warbler were follower species (species that occurred regularly in flocks but did not behave as nuclear species) in habitats where they were not nuclear species, indicating that the social role of a species within a flock may depend on habitat, resource availability, species density, or the other species present in the mixed-species flock.
DEXTRAN-GLUCOSE AND THE CULTIVATION OF LEUCOCYTES.

SummaryA microculture medium for the culture of white blood cells has been utilized in which dextran-glucose has been substituted for plasma enrichment. The metaphase index obtained with this medium utilizing human and guinea pig blood as the inoculum has been almost as high as with plasma enrichment. It would appear to be particularly useful for the study of the influence of various plasma constituents on cell growth in tissue culture, as well as for the effects of a variety of substances which may be inactivated by serum or plasma inhibitors.We thank Dr. H. T. Blumenthal for his advice and criticism.
Feelbook: A Social Media App for Teens Designed to Foster Positive Online Behavior and Prevent Cyberbullying

This project presents a prototype for a stand-alone social media application designed for teenage users in order to prevent and mitigate mean and cruel online behavior. The purpose of the app is to create a nurturing environment where teenagers use a variety of features designed to help raise self-awareness of their own online behavior, seek support when needed, and learn to control and, when possible, correct aggressive behavior. The prototype is framed by four design principles: design for reflection, design for empathy, design for empowerment, and design for the whole. We conclude by outlining the next steps in our project to develop an application that helps to improve the online experiences of young people. This work has implications for the CHI community because it applies software solutions to tackle a critical social problem that can affect the health and well being of young people.
Study on the standardized services of sexually transmitted infections among female sexual-workers

Objective To understand the situation of standardized services on sexually transmitted infections(STIs) among female sex workers(FSWs) in Yunnan and to provide evidence for future research.Methods 9 GF4/DFID project counties in Yunnan Province were chosen as study sites.FSWs infected with STIs and receiving treatments in health facilities were chosen as study subjects.Data about STIs standardized service were collected by face to face interview.Results The lowest standardized service for public hospital was that the history taking combined with physical examination 74.8%.The lowest proportion for private clinics was the laboratory examination which was 32.6%.In terms of prevention service,the highest proportion was the proposed using of condoms in public hospitals and private clinics.They were 47.5% and 47.1% respectively.And the lowest one was health prescriptions for public hospitals and private clinics,with 24.8% and 12.3% respectively.There were significant differences on promoting STIs related knowledge,the provision of health prescription(P0.05).Conclusions Currently,the STIs standardized service was extremely low degree in Yunnan Province,especially in private clinics.There were non-standard operations such as the lack of prevention services.