cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term dietary antioxidant supplementation reduces production of selected inflammatory mediators by murine macrophages

Although macrophage (Mo)-derived compounds, including proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins (PG), and nitric oxide (NO), play important roles in host defense, excessive or inappropriate production of them has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases. Aging is also associated with increased production of Mo compounds involved in inflammation. Short term dietary supplementation with selected antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E (E), has been shown to reduce age-related changes in Mo production of inflammatory compounds, but information is limited regarding the effects of long-term supplementation. Nor is information available on other less studied compounds with antioxidant properties, such as melatonin, strawberry extract, or combinations of compounds such as E + GSH. Therefore, we sought to determine if long term, from middle to old age, dietary supplementation of C57BL/6NCrlBR mice with E, GSH, E + GSH, melatonin or strawberry extract could modify age related changes in Mo production of pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds. Eighteen-month-old C57BL/6NCrlBR mice were fed one of the following six semi-synthetic diets for 6 months: 1) control (30 ppm vitamin E), 2) vitamin E supplemented (control + 470 ppm vitamin E), 3) glutathione (GSH) supplemented (control + 0.5% glutathione), 4) vitamin E and glutathione supplemented (control + 470 ppm vitamin E + 0.5% glutathione), 5) melatonin supplemented (control + 11 ppm melatonin), or 6) strawberry extract supplemented (control + 1% strawberry extract). Supplementation with vitamin E or melatonin, but not GSH, E + GSH, or strawberry extract, reduced (p<0.05) unstimulated IL-6 and PGE2 production by peritoneal Mo. Because PGE2 has been shown to modulate IL-6 production, the reduction in PGE2 production by vitamin E and melatonin may be partially responsible for the reduction in unstimulated IL-6 production. LPS stimulation resulted in production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, NO, PGE2, and TNF-α by peritoneal or bone marrow (BM)-derived Mo. Of these, only NO production was modulated by antioxidant supplementation and then significantly by vitamin E only. Vitamin E supplementation reduced the age-related increase in inducible NO production by peritoneal Mo (p<0.05), but not by BM Mo. In conclusion, vitamin E modulated production of at least three, and melatonin modulated production of at least two, molecules produced by Mo, which are involved in a variety of age-associated chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms and clinical benefits of E and melatonin-induced reduction in Mo inflammatory mediator production.
Aerobic and anaerobic reduction of nitrated pyrenes in vitro.

Summary Nitrated pyrenes are mutagenic and tumorigenic environmental pollutants that are activated to DNA-binding derivatives via nitroreduction. We have investigated the enzymatic nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene, 1,3-, 1,6- and 1,8-dinitropyrene to determine if differences in the extent of nitroreduction may help explain differences in their biological potencies. Each nitrated pyrene was incubated aerobically and anaerobically with 105000 × g supernatant (S105) from Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and the nitroreductase-deficient strain, TA98NR, and with cytosol and microsomes from rat and human liver. Under anaerobic conditions, 1-nitropyrene and 1,3-dinitro-pyrene were reduced by TA98 S105 to a lesser extent than 1,6- and 1,8-dinitropyrene. The extent of 1,6- and 1,8-dinitropyrene metabolism was not altered relative to TA98 when using TA98NR S105, but the nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene and 1,3-dinitropyrene was decreased. Both rat and human liver cytosol and microsomes reduced 1,6- and 1,8-dinitropyrene to greater extents than 1-nitropyrene and 1,3-dinitropyrene. Under aerobic conditions rat and human liver cytosols were similar to TA98 S105 in that amino-pyrene decreased while nitrosopyrene formation increased. By comparison, oxygen decreased the microsomal formation of both nitrosopyrenes and aminopyrenes. The reduction of succinoylated cytochrome c was measured during the hepatic metabolism of nitro- and nitrosopyrenes under aerobic conditions. The data indicated that reduced nitro- and nitrosopyrene intermediates were directly reducing succinoylated cytochrome c and that the assay could be used as a measure of aerobic nitroreduction. These studies demonstrate that 1,6- and 1,8-dinitropyrene are reduced to a greater extent than 1-nitropyrene and 1,3-dinitropyrene, which corresponds to their relative biological potencies as mutagens and carcinogens. Furthermore, although more extensive nitroreduction is detected under anaerobic conditions, the nitroreduction that occurs aerobically may be important for the mutagenic and tumorigenic properties of these compounds.
Steroidal sapogenins. LXI. steroidal sapogenin content of seeds

A number of Yucca, Agave and Nolina seeds have been analyzed for steroidal sapogenins. The content of sapogenins in the seeds of several Yucca species is particularly high.
Nuclear renormalization effects in exclusive (π, πN) reactions☆

Abstract We consider the renormalization of a simple model of the π − N scattering amplitude in nuclear matter, in which the intermediate pion propagators appearing in π − N diagrams are dressed through the scattering of the pion from the background nucleons. We apply our results to the exclusive ( π , πN ) knockout reaction, for which some data pertaining to low- A targets have recently been obtained.
Reaction of pyritic sulphur in coal with lime and calcined dolomite during the coking process

Various reactions occur between pyrite (FeS2) in coal and CaO to form CaS when a finely pulverized intimate mixture of coal and CaO is coked at 900 °C in an inert atmosphere. The effectiveness of lime and calcined dolomite (CaO.MgO) in promoting this reaction has been evaluated; calcined dolomite is somewhat more effective than lime over coal/ oxide weight ratios from 2.8 to 14. The degree of conversion of pyrite to calcium sulphide at a coal/calcined dolomite weight ratio of 7 has been determined as a function of time at 900 °C; coking time in excess of 2.5 h does not have a significant effect. It has been shown that the total sulphur lost on coking coal/lime mixtures decreases and the percentage of FeS, originating from the dissociation of pyrite, converted to CaS increases as the amount of lime added increases. But although the total sulphur content of coke produced in the presence of CaO is then higher than when the coal is coked without lime, the pyritic sulphur has been converted to CaS which is more amenable to chemical conversion to H2S. A method is outlined for determining CaS in the coked mixture in the presence of FeS.
Spacecraft Plasma Environment Induced by High Current Beam Emission

Abstract : When the current of an electron or ion beam emitted from a spacecraft exceeds the ambient electron or ion current, there are two effects. (1) The high current beam emission raises the spacecraft potential to high levels, and (2) the spacecraft plasma environment is dominated by the returning electrons or ions at about the spacecraft potential energy. The returning electrons or ions are nearly mono-energetic and can come from the beam itself and/or from the ambient plasma attracted towards the spacecraft. We emphasize that instruments located a short distances outside the spacecraft may be bombarded by the returning beam electrons, or ions, circulating the spacecraft. High level charging of instrument surfaces may cause erroneous measurements, anomalies, or even failures. As cases in point, we discuss two high current beam emission events, vis., (1) the failures of the sC2 instruments on the SCATHA satellite and (2) the supercharging measurements using copper-beryllium booms on the MAIMAK satellite.
A model to determine the technicalness of manufacturing industries

Abstract A statistical model is developed which estimates the degree to which an industry is or is not a high-technology industry. Data for the model were obtained from a nationwide survey of individuals with an interest in plant location decisions. A nationwide survey was conducted with a population of 852 of which 692 responded. The survey instrument listed the descriptions for twenty manufacturing industries. Participants were asked to indicate whether they felt that the production processes for each industry are low-technology or high-technology processes. The dependent variable, y, was computed as the fraction of responses which indicated that the production processes for a given industry are high technology. Based on an ordinary least-squares regression analysis, the factors determined to be the best predictors of technicalness were: finance factors — ratios of value added to net sales, production wages to total payroll, research and development funds to net sales; capital intensity factors — ratios of value added less wages to total capitalization, production workers to capital assets, average asset value to production workers; and a productivity factor — ratio of value added to production workers.
Oenothera-like linkage of chromosomes inDrosophila

1. Data are presented which show that, where a large portion of the third chromosome ofDrosophila is attached to the second chromosome, the directions of migration of the free fragment of the third chromosome and of the homologons third chromosome of normal structure are decidedly influenced by or correlated with the position and direction of migration of the second chromosome bearing the translocated piece of the third, with the result that nearly twice (1.7 times) as many gametes are formed bearing normally proportioned (“balanced”) chromosome combinations as those bearing disproportioned (“unbalanced”) combinations. The assortment thus tends to be determinate rather than random. 2. This shows that linkage between chromosomes, tending usually to result in the formation of “old-combination” (or, more correctly, normally proportioned) types of gametes, can occur somewhat as Cleland postulated forOenothera, but that such linkage follows as a consequence of previous interchange of material between non-homologons chromosomes in the manner indicated by Darlington and by Blakeslee and Belling. The present finding, therefore, lends genetic evidence in support of Darlington’s theory of theOenothera phenomena.
Capacity Building for Gerontological Services: An Evaluation of Adult Day Services in a Rural State

As the number of elders in our nation increases, it becomes critical to develop programs and services designed to meet their biopsychosocial and physical needs. This article reports on one component of a mixed methods evaluation study of adult day service programs in Iowa, a critical home and community-based service for elders. After providing a description of their individual services, adult day services (ADS) administrators identified barriers to the growth of this program in the state. It was found that there were three main types of barriers that prevented the growth of ADS in Iowa: (a) systemic, (b) community-based, and (c) funding. It was found that there was a need for capacity building of adult day services in Iowa. A model for addressing these barriers through capacity building at the state and local levels is discussed.
Psychology of the Scientist: X. Observer Bias in Classical Conditioning of the Planarian:

Three groups of undergraduate volunteers were given differential expectancies about S's behavior prior to their observations of planaria undergoing conditioning. Group HE (n = 5) received a high re...
Spontaneous cleft lip and palate in a living nonhuman primate, Macaca mulatta

A description of the first known cleft lip and palate in a living nonhuman primate is presented. The palatal defect extends from the uvula to the incisive foramen where it passes to the right side to continue through the alveolus between the right lateral incisor and canine teeth. The cleft is similar to the complete unilateral cleft found in man.
Test-taking dispositions: A missing link?

Test-taking dispositions and motivation have been proposed as moderators of employment test validity. In a simulated, multiorganization employment system, scores on the Test Attitude Survey (TAS) were found to moderate the validities of both an ability and a personality test used to predict a performance criterion. The criterion-related validity of the personality test was found to be higher for a subsample with less positive test-taking motivation than for a subsample with higher test-taking motivation. An opposite effect was found among the subgroups for the ability test. Range restriction and the predictability of individuals with high and low test-taking dispositions were examined as explanations for the findings
Spiritual Care: Profiles of Three Core Spiritual Needs in Older Patients with Advanced Cancer

with a mean QTc of 457.6 ms. EKGs were performed more frequently on those patients who remained on their same dose of citalopram but was not significantly different among other medication groups (15.1% vs 9.5 %). Patients with previous cardiovascular risks factors were not more likely to receive EKG monitoring. Only patients with persistent QTc > 500 ms showed a statistically significant difference in EKG monitoring (c1⁄4 8.74, p1⁄40.013). After review by the PCP, 73 of 199 patients remained on their same dose of citalopram (36.7%), 64 decreased their dose (32.2%), 58 switched to a new antidepressant (29.2%), and 4 stopped their medication abruptly without starting a new medication (2.0%). Prior cardiovascular risk factors were not predictive of prescribing practices. The most commonly switched to antidepressants included sertraline and escitalopram. Patients with a change to their medication were more likely to have other concurrent psychotropic medications prescribed at follow up (c1⁄416.00, p<0.0001) including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants. At 6 month follow up, patients who had any change to their antidepressant had higher rates of emergency room, inpatient hospitalizations, and both psychiatric and non-psychiatric outpatient visits (c1⁄4 22.35, p<0.0001). Conclusions: In patients prescribed higher than recommended doses of citalopram, few received EKG monitoring. Questions remains regarding the frequency and demographic of those who should receive such monitoring. Of those switched to a new medication, sertraline and escitalopram were the most commonly prescribed. While not subject to the specific FDA warning, studies to date have demonstrated a dose dependent increase in QTc for escitalopram as well. Patients who had changes to their antidepressant medication were more likely to have concomitant psychotropic medications prescribed including benzodiazpines. Addition of medication can be particularly problematic in older adults further contributing to polypharmacy. At 6 month follow up overall health care utilization was highest among patient with changes to their antidepressant contributing to higher treatment costs. Primary care and mental health providers need to continue to weigh the risks and benefits of adhering to the FDA warning with the potential for unintended consequences.
Moments of Disparate Peaks: Race-Gender Wage Gaps Among Mature Persons, 1965–2007

This paper examines intertemporal changes in racial disparity among mature Americans during the post-Jim Crow era, that is, 1965–2006. For a large nationally representative sample of American households, we pay special attention to differences between the South and other national regions, as the majority of African Americans do now and always have resided in the South. Historically, periods of progress in African American wellbeing have been followed by periods of regress that are often initiated by some combination of social change, government policy, and macroeconomic instability. Accordingly, we construct an overlapping series of five synthetic intertemporal cohorts of new seniors (ages 50–64). Cohorts are separated by the troughs of recessions. Finally, we note that regardless of race, men and women experience dissimilar opportunities in the market and in society; hence, gender dissimilarity is incorporated into our analysis. We find 1) large reductions in Post-Jim Crow contemporary disparity; 2) we also find large continuing disparity among the most recent cohorts; and, 3) changes in Southern racial weekly wage inequality (especially among men) have been especially important for determining the national pattern.
Solubilization and characterization of a galacturonosyltransferase that synthesizes the pectic polysaccharide homogalacturonan

Summary Polygalacturonate 4-α-galacturonosyltransferase (PGA-GalAT), the glycosyltransferase that synthesizes the plant cell wall pectic polysaccharide homogalacturonan, has previously been identified and partially characterized in tobacco membranes. Membrane bound PGA-GalAT catalyzes the transfer of galacturonic acid from UDP-galacturonic acid (UDP-GalA) onto an endogenous acceptor to produce polymeric homogalacturonan ( Doong et al. (1995) Plant Physiol. 109, 141 –152). It is shown here that a galacturonosyltransferase is solubilized from tobacco membranes with a HEPES buffer, pH 6.8, containing 40 mM CHAPS and 2 mM EDTA. The solubilized galacturonosyltransferase was identified as putative PGA-GalAT because it transfered [14C]GalA from UDP-[14C]GalA onto exogenous homogalacturonan acceptors with degrees of polymerization (DP) of ≥ 10. Maximal solubilized PGA-GalAT activity in the presence of 0.9 μM UDP-[14C]GalA required approximately 125 μM exogenous homogalacturonan acceptor [e.g. oligogalacturonide (OGA) of DP 15]. Solubilized PGA-GalAT was active over a broad pH range of 6.3–7.8, and had an apparent Km for UDP-GalA of 37 μM and a Vmax of 290 pmol min–1 mg–1 protein. Approximately 44% of the PGA-GalAT activity in detergent-dispersed membranes, corresponding to 21% of the PGA-GalAT activity in intact membranes, was solubilized. PGA-GalAT solubilized with 40 mM CHAPS was shown, by exopolygalacturonase treatment in combination with size exclusion and high performance anion exchange chromatographies, to add a single α-1,4-linked galacturonic acid residue onto an OGA exogenous acceptor of DP 15 to yield an OGA product of DP 16. The significance of the apparent lack of processivity of the solubilized PGA-GalAT is discussed.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 Is Synthetic Lethal to Aberrant β-Catenin Activation in Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The Wnt/beta-catenin (beta-cat) signaling cascade is a key regulator of development, and dysregulation of Wnt/beta-cat contributes to selected cancers, such as colorectal, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma, through abnormal activation of Wnt target genes. To identify novel modulators of the Wnt/beta-cat pathway that may emerge as therapeutic targets, we did an unbiased high-throughput RNA interference screen. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A synthetic oligonucleotide small interfering RNA library targeting 691 known and predicted human kinases was screened in Wnt3a-stimulated human cells in a live cell luciferase assay for modulation of Wnt/beta-cat-dependent transcription. Follow-up studies of a selected high-confidence "hit" were conducted. RESULTS: A robust quartile-based statistical analysis and secondary screen yielded several kinases worthy of further investigation, including Cdc2L1, Lmtk3, Pank2, ErbB3, and, of note, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)1/Flt1, a receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) with putative weak kinase activity conventionally believed to be a negative regulator of angiogenesis. A series of loss-of-function, genetic null, and VEGFR TK inhibitor assays further revealed that VEGFR1 is a positive regulator of Wnt signaling that functions in a glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta)-independent manner as a potential synthetic lethal target in Wnt/beta-cat-addicted colon carcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: This unanticipated non-endothelial link between VEGFR1 TK activity and Wnt/beta-cat signaling may refine our understanding of aberrant Wnt signaling in colon carcinoma and points to new combinatorial therapeutics targeted to the tumor cell compartment, rather than angiogenesis, in the context of colon cancer. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7529-37).
Factors influencing farmers' participation in forestry management programs: A case study from Haiti

Abstract Foret des Pins Reserve, a state-owned natural forest in Haiti, has suffered severe degradation due to an ongoing influx of people seeking fertile agricultural land and off-farm employment opportunities. Participation by local communities in management has widely been considered as a means of sustaining protected areas. The purpose of this study is to examine the setting in which farmers are likely to participate in forest management in Foret des Pins Reserve using factor analysis and multiple regression equations. Data from 243 farmers inside the Reserve were used in the empirical analysis. Results showed that the participatory management process of Foret des Pins Reserve can be enhanced by providing information about benefits from the forests, increasing annual income, improving education, strengthening organizational memberships, and increase the involvement of women in the forest management process. Results also revealed that policies designed to improve technical assistance is essential to strengthen farmers’ participation in forestry program.
Evidence that the Dark Areas on Mars are Elevated Mountain Ranges

IN the communication under the above title1, Dr. Wells makes a good point in reference to Lowell's conclusion regarding Martian topography. It agrees in part with the phenomena I have often observed, namely, that the migration of portions of some maria and gradual shading off of some low-cloud or frost areas implies very gradual slopes2. But even in the case of abrupt topographic differences, I think Lowell was over-optimistic in his value of 2,500 ft. It must be remembered that the maximum phase occurs at about twice the oppositional distance. At that time the terrain slopes away from the observer at about 45°. Furthermore, the colour contrasts of both maria and deserts show a marked drop at about half the radius from the centre of the planet's disk, apparently from the Martian atmosphere. There is also the troublesome factor of irradiation. Mars has some twilight effects, further lessening the contrast. The total of these effects and the limitation of detail under the best ‘seeing conditions’ makes an abrupt topographic difference of 20,000 ft. or less impossible to detect.
Pathogenetic lessons from experimental models of necrotizing enterocolitis

The pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is poorly understood. We have developed several experimental models of NEC in rats and mice, and produced pathological changes similar to human NEC by injecting the animal with various combinations of inflammatory mediators, i.e., platelet activating factor (PAF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and bacterial endotoxin (LPS). In this review, we discuss the mechanism of actions of LPS, PAF, and TNF in the pathogenesis of bowel injury and present evidence associating these mediators with human NEC.
Pancreatic-pleural fistula: the role of ERCP in diagnosis and treatment.

Pleural effusion can develop in the setting of acute pancreatitis. The incidence varies from 3% to 17%, and up to 50% if CT is used for screening.1,2 The effusions are most commonly small, left-sided and thought to be lymphatic or sympathetic in origin. Pancreatic-pleural fistula, however, results from pancreatic duct disruption or pancreatic pseudocyst extension into the pleural cavity. This is an uncommon entity. It usually presents as a large, recurrent pleural effusion in the setting of chronic pancreatitis.3,4 We present a case of pancreaticpleural fistula where the diagnosis was confirmed by ERCP and treatment accomplished by transpapillary pancreatic duct stent placement.
Haloperidol and cerebral metabolism in the conscious rat: relation to pharmacokinetics.

The time course and distribution of alterations in cerebral metabolic activity after haloperidol administration were evaluated in relation to the pharmacokinetics of haloperidol and the topography of the dopaminergic system in the brain. Local cerebral glucose utilization was measured, using the 2-deoxyglucose technique, in awake rats after i.p. administration of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol (0.5 or 1 mg/kg). Haloperidol significantly reduced glucose utilization in 60% of 59 brain regions examined, but produced a large increase in the lateral habenula. The regional distribution of changes in glucose utilization was not closely related to the known anatomy of the brain dopaminergic system. The time course of the effect of haloperidol on cerebral metabolism was different for the two doses studied (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), and was not simply related to estimated brain concentrations of haloperidol. However, a linear relation between the metabolic effect and the time-integrated brain concentration was demonstrated. These results show that haloperidol has an effect on CNS metabolic activity that is more widespread than would be predicted from the topography of the dopaminergic system; this may be due to indirect propagation of the primary effects of haloperidol. The metabolic response to haloperidol depends on brain concentration and duration of exposure to the drug.
Insulin uptake by rat liver endothelium studied in fractionated liver cell suspensions

Cellular distribution of insulin receptors was studied in fractionated rat liver cell suspensions using 1251-insulin and a visual probe consisting of latex beads covalently linked to insulin (minibeads). Fractionation was done on metrizamide gradients which yielded two cellular fractions. The large cell fraction consisted mostly of hepatocytes and the small cell fraction consisted of 37% endothelial cells as well as Kupffer cells. The magnitude of insulin uptake by the endothelium-rich small cell fraction was at least double that of the uptake by the hepatocyte-rich fraction. The minibead technique demonstrated that in the small cell fraction only endothelial cells, and not Kupffer cells, were responsible for the insulin uptake. Our findings suggest that liver endothelium may be responsible for the uptake of circulating insulin and its transport to hepatocyte. This emphasizes the presence of a tissue-blood barrier in the liver.
Laser Microbeam-induced Spatiotemporal Change in Refractive Index of Chromosomes in Living PTK2 Cells

Ultra-short laser pulses, which allow for confinement of damage to the focal volume, are used routinely to ablate organelles inside living cells, yet the physical mechanisms of this ablation are not completely understood. Many different parameters, particularly wavelength and laser pulse duration, are used in experiments from different laboratories, but no systematic delineation of threshold energy and irradiance for microsurgery of chromosomes using various wavelengths has been reported.In a series of comparative experiments using three different lasers - a 200 femtosecond near-infrared, a 12 picosecond green, and a 12 nanosecond green - we measured energy and irradiance thresholds for inducing a change in the refractive index of micro-irradiated regions of chromosomes in mitotic PTK2 (Potorous tridactylus) kidney cells. To determine the exact irradiance at the focal point, we used the dual objective method for the wavelengths used in our study. While the required energy per pulse for a detectable change in refractive index was highest for the nanosecond laser, the required peak irradiance was highest for the femtosecond laser. The width of the observed damaged spot varied with pulse duration. The threshold for this change in refractive index was found to depend on the spatial pattern of irradiation - point versus line. Further, for a fixed wavelength, the time required to induce a detectable change in the refractive index decreased with increasing exposure time.In addition, a quantitative phase imaging system to quantify the damage in the micro-irradiated regions is being developed. This system will allow more precise quantitation of the change in refractive index in the chromosomes following exposure to the different laser parameters.From these results, specific insights can be gained into the physical mechanisms of laser ablation.
Effects of an overload event on crack closure in 3‐D small‐scale yielding: finite element studies

This paper describes the effects of a single overload event, within otherwise constant amplitude cycles, on the plasticity-induced closure process for mode I fatigue crack growth in the small-scale yielding (SSY) regime. The 3-D finite element (FE) analyses extend the initially straight, through-thickness crack front by a fixed amount in each load cycle, using a node release procedure. Crack closure during reversed loading occurs when nodes behind the growing crack impinge on a frictionless, rigid plane. A bilinear, purely kinematic hardening model describes the constitutive response of the elastic-plastic material. Extensive crack growth in the analyses, both before and after the overload, allows the crack to grow out of the initial and the post-overload transient phases, respectively. The work presented here shows that the large plastic deformation in the overload cycle reduces the crack driving force through enhanced closure. Further, the residual plastic deformations due to the overload cause a disconnected pattern of closure in the wake long after the crack front passes through the overload plastic zone. The computational studies demonstrate that the 3-D scaling relationship for crack opening loads established in our earlier work for constant amplitude cycling (with and without a T-stress) also holds before, during and after the overload event. For a specified ratio of overload-to-constant amplitude loading (R OL = K OL max /K max ), the normalized opening load (K op /K max ) at each location along the crack front remains unchanged when the constant amplitude peak load (K max ), thickness (B) and material flow stress (σ 0 ) all vary to maintain a fixed value of K = K max / σ 0 B. The paper concludes with a comparison of the post-overload response predicted by the 3-D analyses and by the conventional Wheeler model.
APPLIED IMPLICATIONS OF REINFORCEMENT HISTORY EFFECTS

Although the influence of reinforcement history is a theoretical focus of behavior analysis, the specific behavioral effects of reinforcement history have received relatively little attention in applied research and practice. We examined the potential effects of reinforcement history by reviewing nonhuman, human operant, and applied research and interpreted the findings in relation to possible applied significance. The focus is on reinforcement history effects in the context of reinforcement schedules commonly used either to strengthen behavior (e.g., interval schedules) or commonly used to decrease behavior (e.g., extinction).
The concept of development in vocational theory and intervention

Abstract One of the major problems in the vocational literature is the absence of theoretical formulations which deal with development in more than a superficial manner. Specific problems are that (1) key constructs are adapted from developmental theory without proper attention to the conceptual, empirical, and methodological problems involved; (2) little recognition has been accorded to significant changes in developmental theory during the past 15 years, changes which stress the multidimensional, plastic, contextual, and life-span features of development; (3) there is a paucity of adequately designed, contextually sensitive, longitudinal research; and (4) well-established empirical findings of developmental research have been misrepresented or ignored by vocational researchers. It is proposed that a theory of life-span vocational role development must meet the conceptual and methodological requirements of a developmental approach, that it must contain a contextual perspective, and that it must be relational in the sense that it provides for the examination of the “goodness of fit” between individual and contextual developments. The consequences of this viewpoint for vocational intervention are described as a more pronounced focus on events, processes, and life periods which are identified as antecedents of major vocational decisions. Finally, it is observed that vocational intervention should be viewed as a succession of procedures designed to assist the individual, throughout his/her life, to adapt vocational functioning to changing personal situations as well as to changing economic and contextual circumstances.
Dirichlet Averages of x t log x

A neglected class of special functions may be described as Dirichlet averages of $x^t \log x$ or equivalently as derivatives of hypergeometric R-functions with respect to the degree of homogeneity. Special cases include the derivative of a Legendre function with respect to the degree and the derivative of Gauss’s hypergeometric function with respect to a numerator parameter. There are connections with the logarithmic derivative of the gamma function, with Euler’s dilogarithm, and with ${}_3 F_2 ;$ some special cases of ${ }_3 F_2 ;$ are thereby evaluated. Applications include a two-point boundary-value problem, mean values, series expansions of elliptic integrals, integral tables, and several physics problems. The discussion of various properties emphasizes series expansions, quadratic transformations, inequalities, and evaluation of special cases, including certain cases of the derivative of a Legendre function with respect to the degree.
ac Impedance spectroscopy of the anodic film on zirconium in neutral solution

The frequency dependence of the impedance of the anodic film on Zr has been determined using ac impedance spectroscopy. This technique has been used to provide an in situ monitor of the thickness and resistance of the film during formation. The data suggest that the film can be modelled adequately by a parallel RC combination, with an additional series resistance corresponding to the solution resistance. A better fit was obtained using a constant phase element circuit, with a phase angle varying from 84° for thin films to 90° for thicker films. If φ = 84°, the thickness measured by a standard capacitance bridge would be expected to vary by a factor of 1.66 over a frequency range of 0.5–1000 Hz. The inverse of the capacitance (from fits to the parallel RC circuit) was observed to increase linearly with anodic charge for all solutions and charging rates used in this work. The efficiency of film formation calculated from this data was < 100% for charging rates of 0.05 and 0.5 mA cm−2, while it was close to 100% for a charging rate of 5 mA cm−2, in borate and phosphate solutions. The efficiency exceeded 100% in sulphate solution at the high charging rate, presumably due to incorporation of sulphate ions from the electrolyte. The parallel resistence of the anodic film on Zr increased with open circuit exposure time, while the capacitance was unchanged, suggesting that the film is becoming more defect-free, but not thickening during the open circuit exposure. The air-formed film on Zr after the HF etch was about 5 nm in thickness.
RE: Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and prostate cancer risk in the SELECT trial.

) and Azordegan et al. (3) both provide evidence that in precancerous tissues early changes in fatty acid metabolism (eg, increases in the activity of delta-6-desaturase [D6D]) could increase tissue (and possibly plasma) levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids. Hence, it is possible that metabolic changes (eg, upregulation of D5D and D6D, which produce long-chain from short-chain omega-3 fatty acids) associated with the carcinogenic process could have raised omega-3 levels. Second, higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are also observed in indi
A Course in Real-Time Embedded Software

Embedded systems are increasingly pervasive, and the creation of reliable controlling software offers unique challenges. Embedded software must interact directly with hardware, it must respond to events in a time-critical fashion, and it typically employs concurrency to meet response time requirements. This paper describes an innovative course that gives students in-depth exposure to the challenges of writing reliable, time-critical, concurrent code. Students design and implement a real-time operating system (RTOS), and they write application code that uses the RTOS they construct. Code development and debugging take place in a simulation environment that offers visibility into the system and strictly repeatable execution while maintaining hardware compatibility. We describe the structure of the class, the custom tools used, and the laboratory sequence that results in a functional RTOS. We discuss the development of the class and its impact on our students.
What do the experts say?: teaching introductory design from an expert's perspective

This study examined ways to improve students' chances of success learning design concepts through the use of Object-Oriented Programming and Design (OOP&D) patterns by examining potentially effective ways to teach such patterns to novice programmers. Using hierarchical tree, complete-linkage analysis to survey a group of design experts, the study developed an order in which those experts believed thirty fundamental OOP&D patterns should be taught to optimize effective student learning. Once that basic order was identified, it became possible to divide the patterns into six sequential phases of patterns instruction to allow both maximal teaching and learning. Although the study did not present a conclusively effective approach for OOP&D teaching, it did provide information essential for future sequential phase patterns research.
Plasmid labeling confirms bacterial translocation in pancreatitis

To examine whether the gut is a source of infection in acute pancreatitis, bacterial translocation and alterations of intestinal microecology and morphology were studied in 16 dogs. Dogs were colonized with a strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli 6938K) bearing the plasmid pUC4K, which confers kanamycin resistance. In eight dogs (group I), pancreatitis was induced by sodium taurocholate/trypsin injection. Eight other dogs (group II) underwent laparotomy only. The pancreas, mesenteric lymph nodes, peritoneal fluid, liver, and spleen were harvested 7 days later for culturing and histologic analysis. Identification of E. coli 6938K was accomplished by plasmid DNA analysis. Group I dogs had severe pancreatitis and ischemic changes in small bowel mucosa. Group II dogs had no changes. Translocation to the pancreas occurred in five dogs and to mesenteric lymph nodes in six dogs with pancreatitis. No translocation occurred in group II dogs (p < 0.05). In addition to E. coli 6938K, other gram-negative kanamycin-resistant species were isolated, including E. coli (other than 6938K) and Enterobacter cloacae. Enteric origin of these strains was confirmed by antibiography and plasmid DNA analysis. No overgrowth of cecal gram-negative bacteria was found. This study suggests that the gut is a primary source of infection in pancreatitis and that ischemic damage of intestinal mucosa may promote bacterial translocation.
VACUUM ULTRAVIOLET NATURAL AND MAGNETIC CIRCULAR DICHROISM WITH CONVENTIONAL SOURCES AND SYNCHROTRON RADIATION

Vacuum ultraviolet natural and magnetic circular dichroism measurements have added significantly to our knowledge of the geometric and electronic structure of molecules and have provided a better understanding of the correct approach for theoretical calculations. In this review, I define natural and magnetic circular dichroism, and discuss information obtained with these techniques. The instrumentation for vacuum ultraviolet natural and magnetic circular dichroism is reviewed, from its beginning with conventional sources to the present time use of synchrotron radiation. The future possibilities and challenges for these measurements are examined with particular reference to making measurements to higher energies.
Determination of aerodynamic sensitivity coefficients in the transonic and supersonic regimes

The quasi-analytical approach is developed to compute airfoil aerodynamic sensitivity coefficients in the transonic and supersonic flight regimes. Initial investigation verifies the feasibility of this approach as applied to the transonic small perturbation residual expression. Results are compared to those obtained by the direct (finite difference) approach and both methods are evaluated to determine their computational accuracies and efficiencies. The quasi-analytical approach is shown to be superior and worth further investigation.
Lucigenin chemiluminescence and its relationship to mitochondrial respiration in phagocytic cells.

Abstract Unstimulated alveolar macrophages, but not polymorphonuclear leukocytes, elicit chemiluminescence from lucigenin which cannot be entirely accounted for by the resting level of superoxide generation. This chemiluminescence was inhibited by both superoxide scavengers and inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration. Although 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate addition resulted in a significant increase in cellular superoxide generation, an unexpected decrease in lucigenin chemiluminescence was noted. These results suggest that mitochondria in alveolar macrophages may be a site of lucigenin accumulation and dioxygenation and that 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate may modulate this activity.
Decreased Staphylococcus aureus biofilm growth on anodized nanotubular titanium and the effect of electrical stimulation

Infection is a major problem in orthopedics leading to implant failure. It is a challenging task to treat orthopedic implant infection, which may lead to implant replacement and, in severe cases, may result in amputation and mortality. Infection poses an even further risk as bacteria are beginning to develop resistance against commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, in this research a combination of various approaches was used to fight implant infection without resorting to the use of antibiotics. Specifically, conventional titanium was altered through a process of anodization and electrical stimulation to reduce Staphylococcus aureus growth. It was shown that when a 15-30 V electrical stimulation was coupled with anodized nanotubular titanium a significant decrease in S. aureus biofilm formation was observed, compared with non-anodized and non-electrically stimulated titanium after 2 days culture. The decrease in biofilm formation observed here was explained by the presence of fluorine on the surfaces of anodized nanotubular titanium. Thus, coupling the positive influences of anodization and electrical stimulation could be a promising way to fight titanium-based orthopedic device-related infections.
Absence of heme oxygenase-1 exacerbates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice.

Increased production of reactive oxygen species contributes to the etiology of diabetes complications. Pathophysiological stimuli that increase oxidative stress upregulate heme oxygenase (HO)-1, a cytoprotective heme–degrading enzyme. We hypothesized that HO-1 may be important in myocardial injury that is exacerbated by diabetes. To test this hypothesis, the left anterior descending coronary arteries of nondiabetic and diabetic wild-type (HO-1 +/+ ) and HO-1 null (HO-1 –/– ) mice were ligated for 1 h followed by 24 h reperfusion. The absence of HO-1 significantly increased myocardial infarct size (36.4 ± 2.0 vs. 21.4 ± 1.8% in HO-1 +/+ mice), while cardiac-specific overexpression of HO-1 protected against myocardial ischemic injury in diabetic mice. Despite similar high blood glucose levels, diabetic HO-1 –/– mice had fourfold higher oxidative stress and larger infarcts (56.0 ± 2.8%) than diabetic HO-1 +/+ mice (30.8 ± 6.1%). Moreover, hyperglycemia increased the mortality of HO-1 –/– mice (31.3%) after ischemia/reperfusion injury, and 55% of diabetic HO-1 –/– mice had mural thrombi in the left ventricles. The increased mortality of diabetic HO-1 –/– mice may be in part due to formation of left ventricular mural thrombi. Our data demonstrate that the absence of HO-1 renders animals more susceptible to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion damage and diabetes worsens the injury.
The fibrin clot; a medium for supporting loose cells and delicate structures during processing for microscopy

Fibrin clots were used for suspensions; fibrin films for preserving in situ characteristics of conidial chains, delicate fruiting structures, and cellular arrangements of mycetozoa and fungi. A solution containing fibrinogen, 300–350 mg; Na-citrate, 160 mg; and NaCl, 850 mg per 100 ml, was mixed immediately before use, and in the amount needed, with an equal volume of a thrombin solution containing 5–10 units/0.l ml of sterile glass-distilled water. In these proportions, a clot formed within 20–30 sec. Washed suspensions, pelleted by centrifugation, were incorporated into the forming clot by twisting a sharpened applicator stick, first in an overlying activated fibrinogen solution, and then into the pellet until the cell mass was entrapped. Films were prepared either by spreading the activated solution on a coverslip onto which a piece of natural substratum or of agar bearing the desired structures was impressed, or by dropping the activated solution directly on the structures' support.
Roofplasty requirements in vitro for different tibial hole placements in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

In this study we sought both to quantify the forces that result in anterior cruciate ligament graft impingement and the amount of roofplasty necessary to prevent it. The perpendicular force of the intercondylar roof against an anterior cruciate ligament graft was meas ured in seven fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Two tibial hole placements were evaluated: an anterior/eccentric hole (26.6% ± 3.1% of the sagittal depth) and a cus tomized hole aligned 4 to 5 mm posterior and parallel to the slope of the intercondylar roof in the extended knee (42.0% ± 2.6% of the sagittal depth). A transducer that measured the contact force with the graft was implanted in the roof. An extensive roofplasty was performed so that the sensor would bear all of the roof force. Graft tension was also measured. Extension moments were applied to 20 N-m with a six degree of freedom load application system. Load cycles were repeated with the roof force sensor backed out in 0.8 mm increments. The sensor backout represented a corresponding...
In vitro activity of daptomycin against clinical isolates with reduced susceptibilities to linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin

An initiative was taken to determine the in vitro activity of daptomycin against 85 Gram-positive isolates with reduced susceptibilities to linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Daptomycin had potent activity against all strains, with a Staphylococcus spp. minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤2 μg/mL and an Enterococcus spp. MIC ≤8 μg/mL. Resistance to linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin appears to be independent of reduced susceptibility to daptomycin.