cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone facilitates the display of sexual behavior in male voles (Microtus canicaudus)

To investigate whether luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) influences the sexual behavior of male gray-tailed voles (Microtus canicaudus), subcutaneous injections of LHRH (500 ng) were given to intact males and to castrated males with different levels of testosterone replacement. Intact voles, as well as castrated voles with Silastic capsules of testosterone propionate, showed significant facilitation of several parameters of masculine sexual behavior 2 hr after LHRH injection, compared to saline controls. Castrated voles without testosterone replacement showed no sexual behavior, even when injected with LHRH. These results support the hypothesis that LHRH regulates sexual behavior in M. canicaudus and that the behavioral response to LHRH is dependent on testosterone. The specific behavioral parameters affected suggest that LHRH changes the arousal component of masculine behavior in voles.
Cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) is ubiquitously present in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of the human macro- and micro-vasculature

Cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule family. Recently, we identified CADM1 to be a novel risk factor for venous thrombosis in a large, protein C deficient, thrombophilic family and showed, for the first time, the expression of CADM1 in endothelial cells (Hasstedt et al. in Blood 114:3084–3091, 2009). To further investigate its role in venous thrombosis, as well as other vasculopathies, we undertook a systematic confocal microscopic investigation for the presence of CADM1 in the vasculature of 28 different human tissues. Paraffin embedded tissue sections were dual immunostained with an antibody against CADM1, together with an antibody against either von Willebrand factor (to identify endothelial cells), or α-smooth muscle actin (to identify smooth muscle cells). The results showed that CADM1 was ubiquitously present in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in the vasculature from all 28 tissues, though its representation in the various classes of vessels was tissue dependent.
Internet-based contingency management to improve adherence with blood glucose testing recommendations for teens with type 1 diabetes

The current study used Internet-based contingency management (CM) to increase adherence with blood glucose testing to at least 4 times daily. Four teens diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes earned vouchers for submitting blood glucose testing videos over a Web site. Participants submitted a mean of 1.7 and 3.1 blood glucose tests per day during the 2 baseline conditions, respectively, compared to 5.7 tests per day during the intervention. Participants and their guardians rated the program favorably on a number of dimensions. The results suggest that Internet-based CM is feasible, acceptable, and effective to increase self-monitoring of blood glucose in teens.
Reactions of lead-free solders with CuNi metallizations

We have done experimental research on the dissolution rate and intermetallic growth on Cu, Ni, and CuNi-alloy substrates as a function of time and Cu/Ni ratio of the substrate. Reactions that occur when CuNi metallizations are soldered with lead-free solders were investigated. The experiments were performed using Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu solders and different CuNi alloys. To determine the rate of dissolution of the substrate material into the solder, CuNi foils of different concentrations were immersed in Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu solder baths for soldering times ranging from 15 sec to 5 min at 250°C. In addition, reflows of solder balls were made on top of bulk substrates to study the reaction when there is a practically infinite amount of CuNi available compared to the amount of solder. Thin film experiments were also done, where Ni containing under bump metallizations (UBMs) were fabricated and reflowed with eutectic SnAg solder balls. The nickel slows down the dissolution of the UBM into the solder and the formation of intermetallics during reflow compared to Cu metallizations. The solder/UBM interfaces were analyzed with SEM to find out how Ni concentration affects the reaction, and how much Ni is needed to obtain a sufficiently slow reaction rate.
Understanding the marketing research process: a guide to using an outside research supplier

Abstract The competitive environment facing the hospitality industry has forced executives at all levels to learn more about the needs and wants of their customers and how their own business can meet these needs. Marketing research is one of the ways executives learn about their customers. In his article in the Cornell Quarterly ( 28 (1), 48–57), Peter Yesawich explained how an individual property can conduct its own studies using in-house resources. This article adds to the work of Yesawich by explaining how to use an outside marketing research contractor to undertake specific studies. Specifically, this article provides an overview of the different types of marketing research contractors, their strengths and weaknesses, and ways to choose and evaluate them. The information is directed at those who realize the need for marketing research but are unfamiliar with either the process of marketing research or how to buy it. The reason for using an outside contractor and the steps involved in a marketing research study are also explored.
Generation of microcellular polymeric foams using supercritical carbon dioxide. I: Effect of pressure and temperature on nucleation

Supercritical carbon dioxide is known to swell and plasticize poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, dramatically. We have employed a pressure quench in a CO2-swollen PMMA sample to generate a microcellular core structure encased by a nonporous skin. Further, we have demonstrated that classical nucleation theory can be used to model the effects of saturation pressure, temperature, and time on the cell density of the porous materials, provided that the effects of the CO2-diluent on the surface tension of PMMA are adequately taken into account. This is because our system is in a homogeneous liquid state at our operating conditions because of the plasticization. Both model predictions and data indicate that cell density rises sharply at a saturation pressure of approximately 14 MPa (at 40°C), leveling out above 27 MPa. By contrast, the effect of temperature on cell density in the range 40°C to 80°C is minimal.
Pharmacogenomics of warfarin: uncovering a piece of the warfarin mystery.

Purpose. The literature on the pharmacogenomics of warfarin and the use of genetic testing to optimize initial and maintenance warfarin dosing is reviewed. Summary. Warfarin tablets contain a racemic mixture of R - and S -isomers. The S -isomer is responsible for about 70% of warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolizes S -warfarin into two inactive metabolites. Genetic variations to the gene encoding CYP2C9 ( CYP2C9 ) are known to affect warfarin clearance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified that clearly influence warfarin metabolism and sensitivity, including SNP variants of CYP2C9 and SNPs in vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 ( VKORC1 ), which influence an individual’s sensitivity to a given dose. Retrospective studies have evaluated potential factors influencing warfarin metabolism, maintenance dosing, and variability. Several dosing models used to predict warfarin dosing (initial or refinement) have been retrospectively evaluated in diverse patient populations. There are several arguments to support incorporating its use in current clinical practice; however, many expert clinicians in anticoagulation have expressed concern that the push for genotyping patients for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 is premature and not based on good, prospective evidence. Large, randomized controlled trials, in multiple patient populations, comparing clinical dosing to genetic-guided dosing are needed to fully determine the benefits of pharmacogenetic warfarin dosing. Conclusion. The increased understanding of pharmacogenomics may improve patient safety during initial dosing of warfarin. At this time, it is unknown if genotype-based dosing will become the standard of care for patients receiving the drug.
Cross-Sectional Tem Study of Rhodium on Single Crystal and Amorphous Silicon

A crystalline interfacial bilayer, consisting of about 5nm each of RhSi and Rh2Si was found after E-beam deposition of 95nm of Rh onto either Si[100] or α-Si substrates. Cross sectional TEM of the as-deposited and annealed specimens showed no change occurred after 24hrs at 200° C. With infinite supply of Si, as on the Si[100] substrate, RhSi was found as a major growing phase, although Rh2Si also grew at a much slower rate. With a limited supply of Si, as in the α-Si case, RhSi first formed until all α-Si was consumed (2 hrs at 400°C) and then transformed partially to Rh2Si after 4 hrs at 400°C. This transformation could be confirmed by RBS since Rh2Si layer thickness exceeded 30nm
The repeated loading-unloading processes of elastic-plastic torsion of solid bars

The process of twisting a cylindrical bar by applying terminal couples is called loading; while the process of releasing the applied torques is called unloading. Based on the deformation theory of plasticity and the linear theory of elasticity, the repeated loading and unloading processes have been formulated as an infinite sequence of variational inequalities over proper convex sets in certain Hilbert spaces. It has been found that each problem and its dual in this sequence are both well-posed. In addition, the regularities of these solutions and their physical implications have also been derived. A. M. S. 1970 subject index: primary, 7335, 7349; secondary, 3524, 49, 4765.
Congenital bladder diverticulum : a rare cause of bladder outlet obstruction in children

The majority of bladder diverticula in children are associated with neurogenic bladder or infravesical obstructive conditions, particularly posterior urethral valves. Congenital bladder diverticulum is not associated with such conditions and is due to inherent muscular weakness rather than obstruction.1 Compared to diverticula associated with obstruction, congenital bladder diverticulum develops in a smooth walled bladder, and is often solitary and larger. This condition may lead to various sequelae, including recurrent urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux, stone formation and incontinence. It may rarely present with bladder outlet obstruction. A case of bladder diverticulum presenting as acute urinary retention is reported.
Set the agenda like Beckham: a professional sports league's use of YouTube to disseminate messages to its users.

The popularity of the video aggregation website YouTube has led some sporting organisations to establish a presence on the site. These can come in the form of channels, web pages that host all of a user’s video clips. Other YouTube users can subscribe to these channels, meaning a channel’s updates appear on a user’s YouTube home page. Among the entities utilising this inexpensive way of disseminating video messages is 16-year-old professional soccer league Major League Soccer (MLS). Researchers examined whether a sport organisation (i.e., MLS) can use such a website to practice agenda-setting through the posting of certain kinds of videos. Results showed that agenda-setting is being accomplished on a small scale, but can potentially be accomplished on a larger scale by using YouTube as if it were a traditional mass medium.
A working-class hero is something to be: the American Musicians’ Union's attempt to ban the Beatles, 1964

This article examines the historical and cultural significance of the attempted ban on the Beatles’ concerts in the US by the American Federation of Musicians and the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States government in 1964. While there has been much attention given to the court case against John Lennon waged by the INS and the Nixon Administration in the early 1970s, much less is known about the earlier case brought against the Beatles by the INS and the Department of Labor on behalf of the AFM, which became a national scandal in 1964, pitting fans of the Beatles against the AFM and the INS. Fans framed the controversy over the Beatles as a cultural conflict between generations, while the AFM framed the problem as a labour market issue. My examination of the incident reveals the way in which a submerged cultural problem embedded in a putatively economic discourse rose to the surface through conflicts over the discursive framing of the Beatles controversy. This case is important not only in terms of expanding our empirical knowledge of the internal history of the Beatles and rock and roll music, but also more generally as an episode that foreshadowed the cultural conflict between the American labour union bureaucracy and the counter-culture that emerged in the late 1960s. This essay analyses heretofore-unexamined documents from the US National Archives and Records Administration.
Digital games as creativity enablers for children

This article deals with the issue of creativity and the way this can be supported within technology-enhanced learning experiments. Drawing on a long-term research project in the field of games-based learning, the article describes the methodology adopted during the in-field experiments carried out with the aim of developing young children's creativity. The results of the study, which are presented and discussed, confirm the hypothesis that digital tools can contribute to fostering creativity. As a matter of fact, the analysis of the available data showed that during the 3-year study, students' creative skills and attitudes appreciably increased, in particular those related to figuring out and enacting original solution strategies for the digital games at hand.
Deuterium and tritium equilibrium isotope effects for coordination and oxidative addition of dihydrogen to [W(CO)5] and for the interconversion of W(CO)5(η2-H2) and W(CO)5H2

DFT (B3LYP) calculations demonstrate that the equilibrium isotope effects (EIEs) for coordination and oxidative addition of H2 to [W(CO)5] do not exhibit a simple exponential variation with temperature; rather, the EIEs exhibit a maximum, with the EIEs being inverse ( 1) at high temperature. At each temperature, the EIE for coordination of dihydrogen is less than that for oxidative addition, such that the EIE for the interconversion of W(CO)5(η2-H2) is normal, with deuterium favoring the nonclassical (dihydrogen) site at all temperatures.
QYMSYM: A GPU-accelerated hybrid symplectic integrator that permits close encounters

We describe a parallel hybrid symplectic integrator for planetary system integration that runs on a graphics processing unit (GPU). The integrator identifies close approaches between particles and switches from symplectic to Hermite algorithms for particles that require higher resolution integrations. The integrator is approximately as accurate as other hybrid symplectic integrators but is GPU accelerated.
4529 Eus t staging of esophageal cancer and outcome after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Aim: As the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer becomes more widespread, the role of EUS T staging may evolve. We sought to compare the survival of patients with various EUS T staged esophageal cancers in the setting of this new treatment modality. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 73 patients with biopsy proven adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who underwent preoperative EUS staging at our institution between January 1993 and March 1999. All patients were considered surgical candidates prior to referral for EUS. No patients had distant metastases as determined by computed tomography. Survival time was calculated as the time to death from the time of EUS staging. We only considered all-cause mortality. Median survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis of possible confounders was performed using the logrank test and multivariate analysis was done with a cox proportional hazards model. The study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Results: Ten patients with T1N0M0 or T1N1M0 disease by EUS staging underwent surgical resection without receiving neodjuvant chemoradiotherapy. All ten T1 cases were alive at the end of the study. Of the remaining 63 patients there were 6 T2, 49 T3, and 8 T4 cancers. All 63 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (including a cisplatin and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimen) followed by a surgical resection. There were no early post-operative deaths (i.e.
THE METABOLISM OF INTRAVENOUS TESTOSTERONE BY EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS1,2

ALTHOUGH it has never been isolated from blood, testosterone is usually considered to be the circulating androgen secreted by the testis. With the demonstration by Bischoff (1948) of the high solubility of testosterone in serum albumin, it became possible to administer large doses of free testosterone dissolved in serum albumin intravenously and to study the fate, distribution, and excretion of circulating testosterone.
On innovation, quality of life and technology of BodyNets

Technology innovation is the key to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the continuum of life from newborns to senior citizens. Management innovation is the fuel that sustains the technology innovation engine. Thus, together, management innovation and technology innovation have the potential to rapidly transform information processing, especially in healthcare, by successfully addressing the key challenges of access, quality and cost of care. In this paper, we examine the healthcare industry and attempt to diagnose its major challenges; we then define the healthcare continuum and explore the roles of human as an information node and BodyNets as the enabling technology to bring about a transformation of the industry to nurture it back to health. Following this, we present one approach to realizing a BodyNet using the Wearable Motherboard paradigm. We then discuss the impact of BodyNets in bringing about transformational change in the healthcare enterprise. We conclude with a brief discussion of the importance of transitioning the technology to the marketplace and highlight the broader applications of BodyNets to entertainment and lifestyle enhancement.
Item validation of online postsecondary courses: rating the proximity between similarity and dissimilarity among item pairs (Validation study series I: multidimensional scaling)

The purpose of this study was to identify and validate items applicable to evaluating online courses at the postsecondary level. Items were derived from a review of the literature. Four judges rated the similarity of the items by making pair-wise comparisons utilizing multidimensional scaling (MDS). The study consisted of five stages. Stage I involved identifying items. Stage II involved validating items. Stage III involved sampling. Stage IV involved developing an online MDS instrument accommodating the 4,851 ([99 * 98]/2) pair-wise comparisons and rating them. Stage V involved data collection and analysis. The results of the MDS study indicated a three-dimensional solution (Accessibility, Adaptability, and Clarity of Communication) as the appropriate model for analysis. The three-dimensional solution indicated .24222 for the fit values of STRESS and .74 for R-squared. Four clusters were identified as Contextual Accommodation, Instructional Access, Guided Learning, and Organizational Clarity.
Using Peer Mentors to Screen for CKD at Dialysis Units: Targeting High-Risk Family Members

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing and affects one in nine individuals in the United States. Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to the incidence of CKD and serve as screening targets. We screened for predisposition to CKD at dialysis units in southeast Michigan, where obesity and hypertension are common. Families of dialysis patients, as well as non-relatives and staff, were evaluated. Peer Mentors with CKD participated in the screening. METHODS: “Prevention Fairs” utilized inexpensive screening to determine a predisposition to CKD: urine dipstick for protein, glucose, or blood; BP > 140/90; and body mass index (BMI) > 30. Peer Mentor participation, honoring long-standing patients, and invitations to state legislators were included. RESULTS: “Fairs” at 16 Michigan centers screened 497 individuals: 61% (305) had one fi nding, 18% (88) had two, and 6% (29) had three. Obesity was most common (220), and then hypertension (169), proteinuria (41), glycosuria (15), and hematuria (13). Although we had hypothesized that the highest risk would be found among genetic family members, positive screening was not statistically different between genetic relatives and other individuals. In addition, fi ndings were distributed equally across varied demographic settings and races, underscoring the importance of social determinants of health. DISCUSSION Genetic factors are hypothesized to be predictors for CKD, but these results suggest that CKD risk may also be related to social determinants such as diet, exercise, health consciousness, socioeconomics, or cultural acceptance of obesity. Screening at dialysis centers, enhanced by participation of peers and social activities, contributes to referral for further treatment.
Long-Pathlength Interferometry

Utilizing our real-time heterodyne interferometer, we have been able to efficiently obtain accurate optical path difference maps of objects ten meters distant. The measurements were obtained in the presence of significant optical noise sourced from air turbulence and mechanical vibrations. Problems of long pathlength interferometry are discussed and results of noise source and system accuracy measurements are presented along with an important application.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion versus systemic chemotherapy alone for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND: Survival benefit of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion was demonstrated by a prospective randomized trial for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis. Because of a recent substantial improvement in chemotherapy, the authors analyzed treatment options of colorectal carcinomatosis in the current era. METHODS: Consecutive patients with colorectal carcinomatosis treated by cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion from 2001 to 2007 were included. The control group patients with carcinomatosis received contemporary chemotherapy alone. Overall survival was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: All patients underwent systemic chemotherapy. The cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion group (n=67) was similar to the control group (n=38) in sex, tumor grade, site of tumor origin, T status, and N status. The control group was, however, older (59 vs 51 years; P<.001). Median survival measured from the diagnosis of peritoneal disease was longer with cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (34.7 months vs 16.8 months; P<.001). Presence of liver metastasis was a significant negative predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 2.13). CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that 1) contemporary chemotherapy is associated with prolonged survival among patients with carcinomatosis as compared with historical controls, and 2) addition of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion to modern chemotherapy regimens may significantly prolong survival. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion and systemic chemotherapy are not competitive therapies, and they both have a role in a multidisciplinary approach to patients with carcinomatosis.
Variations of CHROMagar Acinetobacter to detect imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex.

AbstractBackground: Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex (ABC) isolates are often multidrug-resistant, including to carbapenems. Chromogenic media can facilitate the rapid detection of Gram-negative bacteria, often with the addition of supplements to a base chromogenic medium to detect resistance. We examined various combinations of available media to detect imipenem resistance among 107 ABC clinical isolates. Methods: CHROMagar Orientation, CHROMagar KPC, and CHROMagar Acinetobacter, by itself, with Acinetobacter supplement, with KPC supplement, or CHROMagar Acinetobacter with increasing concentrations (1, 2.5, and 5 ml/l) of a new CR102 supplement, were examined. Results: Sensitivity for the detection of isolates was high (> 98%) for all formulations. Specificity was high for CHROMagar Acinetobacter with 2.5 ml/l and 5 ml/l of the CR102 supplement, at 95.3% and 97.7%, respectively, with positive predictive values of 97% and 98.5%. Negative predictive values of these 2 formulations were 100%. Co...
Does Cancer Literature Reflect Multidisciplinary Practice? A Systematic Review of Oncology Studies in the Medical Literature Over a 20-Year Period.

Purpose Quality cancer care is best delivered through a multidisciplinary approach requiring awareness of current evidence for all oncologic specialties. The highest impact journals often disseminate such information, so the distribution and characteristics of oncology studies by primary intervention (local therapies, systemic therapies, and targeted agents) were evaluated in 10 high-impact journals over a 20-year period. Methods and Materials Articles published in 1994, 2004, and 2014 in New England Journal of Medicine , Lancet , Journal of the American Medical Association , Lancet Oncology , Journal of Clinical Oncology , Annals of Oncology , Radiotherapy and Oncology , International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics , Annals of Surgical Oncology , and European Journal of Surgical Oncology were identified. Included studies were prospectively conducted and evaluated a therapeutic intervention. Results A total of 960 studies were included: 240 (25%) investigated local therapies, 551 (57.4%) investigated systemic therapies, and 169 (17.6%) investigated targeted therapies. More local therapy trials (n=185 [77.1%]) evaluated definitive, primary treatment than systemic (n=178 [32.3%]) or targeted therapy trials (n=38 [22.5%]; P P P P P Conclusions Fewer studies evaluating local therapies, such as surgery and radiation, are published in high-impact oncology and medicine literature. Further research and attention are necessary to guide efforts promoting appropriate representation of all oncology studies in high-impact, broad-readership journals.
Riboflavin-Targeted Polymer Conjugates for Breast Tumor Delivery

Purpose In breast cancer, a significant decrease in riboflavin (RF) serum levels and increase in RF carrier protein occurs, indicating a potential role of RF in disease progression. To evaluate RF’s ability to serve as a targeting agent, mitomycin C (MMC)-conjugated N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers were synthesized and targeted to the RF internalization pathway in human breast cancer cells.
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinidine and 3-hydroxyquinidine

1. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinidine and 3-hydroxyquinidine based upon measurements of total and unbound serum concentrations were determined after a single dose (400 mg) and at steady state (200 mg every 6 h). 2. The oral clearance (7.6 +/- 1.9 vs 4.8 +/- 2.0 ml min-1 kg-1; P less than 0.05) and renal clearance (1.2 +/- 0.3 vs 0.63 +/- 0.25 ml min-1 kg-1; P less than 0.005) or quinidine were lower during steady state than after the single dose. 3. The area under the serum concentration vs time curve (AUC) of 3-hydroxyquinidine was greater at steady state than after the single dose (2.0 +/- 0.7 vs 3.0 +/- 0.6 mg l-1 h; P less than 0.05) and its renal clearance was less (3.0 +/- 1.1 vs 1.54 +/- 0.38 ml min-1 kg-1; P less than 0.05). 4. The slope of the relationship between quinidine concentration and change in QTc interval was greater at steady state (40.1 +/- 21.7 vs 72.2 +/- 41.7 ms/(mg l-1); P less than 0.05).
Loss of carbon dioxide from serum samples exposed to air. Effect on blood gas parameters and strong ions.

Background: The acid–base status of patients is frequently inferred from the concentration of total carbon dioxide in a venous blood sample. Prior studies of hemodialysis patients have reported lower values for tCO2 when blood is shipped to a distant central laboratory compared to samples assayed at a local laboratory. Loss of tCO2 from the sample after exposure of the blood to room air was postulated as the predominant factor. Methods: Serum samples were assayed on-site before and at varying intervals after removing the tube stopper on an AVL OPTI Critical care Analyzer using E-Cl cuvettes. Results: A rapid and progressive decline in pCO2 and increase in pH was documented over a 2 h period. However, the change in tCO2 during this time period was small and not significant. There were no changes in the concentrations of strong ions. Conclusions: The discrepancy in tCO2 reported previously cannot be attributed solely to rapid loss of CO2 unless assay conditions greatly enhance the rate of loss compared to the experimental conditions used in this study.
Genetic Epidemiology of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: International Comparisons Using Molecular Genetics

International comparative molecular studies of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus can be viewed from an immunogenetical and an epidemiological perspective. Each approach independently contributes ...
Spawning frequency and fecundity of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba

The spawning frequency of Euphausia superba was estimated from observations of egg production by live individual females in captivity on board ship. The females were collected during the austral summer of 1982 near the South Shetland Islands and Elephant Island, Antarctica. On the average, 15.6% of the females spawned each day, which indicates an interval between spawnings of 6.7 d. This evidence contradicts earlier descriptions of the spawning behavior of E. superba. The females appear to be continually producing eggs and releasing them periodically over the entire spawning season, and thus have much higher fecundities than previously estimated.
A baculovirus polyhedron envelope protein: immunogold localization in infected cells and mature polyhedra

A polyclonal antiserum against a trpE fusion protein containing the complete open reading frame of the polyhedron envelope (PE) protein from the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Orgyia pseudotsugata (OpMNPV) was used for immunogold staining and electron microscopic examination of polyhedra, isolated polyhedron envelopes, and infected insect cells at selected times postinfection. The antiserum specifically stained the peripheral envelope of mature polyhedra and also stained the envelope structure which remained after polyhedra were dissolved in dilute alkaline solutions. In OpMNPV-infected Lymantria dispar cells, the PE protein was detected by 48 hr postinfection (hr p.i.) but specific localization and staining of developing polyhedra were not evident. However, by 72 hr p.i. substantial and preferential staining of the periphery of developing polyhedra was evident even though a distinct polyhedron envelope was not yet observed. In addition, the periphery of fibrillar structures was stained by the PE antiserum. By 96 hr p.i., mature envelopes surrounded polyhedra and these polyhedron envelopes were stained with the PE antibody. The progression of PE protein staining during polyhedron morphogenesis indicates that the PE protein accumulates and becomes associated with developing polyhedra in the nucleus between 48 and 72 hr p.i. Very late in infection the mature polyhedron envelope forms on the polyhedron surface. The apparent affinity of the PE protein for the surface of maturing polyhedra suggests that it may be a major component of the polyhedron envelope or may form the matrix for the deposition of other components which contribute to the mature envelope. Immunogold staining and protease digestion experiments indicate that protein is an essential component of the polyhedron envelope.
Rank information fusion for challenging ocular image recognition

Under challenging imaging conditions which include lower resolution, occlusion, motion and de-focus blur, iris recognition performance degrades. In such conditions ocular region has been suggested as a new biometric modality which has the ability to overcome some of the above mentioned drawbacks. In this work, we investigate the performance of rank level fusion approach that fuses the outputs of three ocular region matching algorithms, namely, Probabilistic Deformation Model (PDM), modified Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (m-SIFT) and Gradient Orientation Histogram (GOH), employed for recognizing challenging ocular images in the Face and Ocular Challenge Series (FOCS) dataset. We investigate different rank fusion schemes including the highest rank, Borda count, plurality voting and Markov chain and demonstrate that rank-level fusion can lead to improved recognition performance.
Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of ureilites

The present evaluation of Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic data for seven ureilites establishes their divisions into three groups on the bases of Sm-Nd isotopic systematics. The first group of ureilites is made up of whole-rock samples whose highly depleted assemblages indicate Sm-Nd model ages consistent with 4.55 Ga. The second group of whole-rock samples of Kenna, Novo Urei, and ALHA77257 are heterogeneous mixtures of an unidentified light REE-enriched component and a light REE-depleted olivine-pyroxene assemblage. In the third group, LEW85440 neither has a model Sm-Nd age of 4.55 Ga nor plots of the 3.74 Ga isochron of the Kenna group; it might have had an evolution similar to the Kenna group, but involving different times and/or isotopic compositions.
DECAY RATES FOR THE SHIFTED WAVE EQUATION ON A SYMMETRIC SPACE OF NONCOMPACT TYPE

We derive L∞–L1 decay rate estimates for solutions of the shifted wave equation on certain symmetric spaces (M, g). The Cauchy problem for the shifted wave operator on these spaces was studied by Helgason, who obtained a closed form for its solution. Our results extend to this new context the classical estimates for the wave equation in ℝn. Then, following an idea from Klainerman, we introduce a new norm based on Lie derivatives with respect to Killing fields on M and we derive an estimate for the case that n = dim M is odd.
Micro-analysis for coenzyme Q10 in endomyocardial biopsies of cardiac patients and data on bovine and canine hearts.

A micro-analysis was designed for determining the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in specimens of ca . 500 nanograms of myocardial tissues. The prime steps included acetone extraction, purification by thin-layer chromatography, and HPLC. CoQ11 was the internal standard. This methodology was successful for human endomyocardial biopsies from cardiac patients before and after therapy with CoQ10 and has now been used for canine and bovine tissues. The mean canine CoQ10 level from six specimens from the left ventricle (l.v.) of a single animal is 0.99±0.06 μg/mg/d.w. The mean levels of the tissues from nine animals is 1.04±0.17 (l.v.) and 1.11±0.16 (r.v.). The mean bovine level from seven animals was 0.48±0.12 (l.v.) and 0.68±0.06 (r.v.).
Understanding complex dynamics by visual and symbolic reasoning

Abstract Professional scientists and engineers routinely use nonverbal reasoning processes and graphical representations to organize their thoughts and as part of the process of solving otherwise verbally presented problems. This paper presents a computational theory and an implemented system that capture some aspects of this style of reasoning. The system, consisting of a suite of computer programs collectively known as KAM, uses numerical methods as a means to shift back and forth between symbolic and geometric methods of reasoning. The KAM program has three novel features: (1) it articulates the idea that “visual mechanisms are useful for problem solving” into a workable computational theory, (2) it applies the approach to a domain of great technical difficulty, the field of complex nonlinear chaotic dynamics, and (3) it demonstrates the power of the approach by solving problems of real interest to working scientists and engineers.
SAR foliage penetration phenomenology of tropical rain forest and northern US forest

This paper presents synthetic aperture radar (SAR) foliage penetration phenomenology measurements of a tropical rain forest and a northern US forest. In May 1993, the Swedish National Defense Research Establishment (FOA) CARABAS sensor and the SRI International Ultra-Wideband SAR collected horizontal-transmit/horizontal-receive (HH) polarization VHF and UHF data, respectively, over the tropical rain forest at Fort Sherman, Panama. In mid-September 1993, both the FOA and SRI sensors collected HH-polarization VHF and UHF band data, respectively, over the forest in northern Maine. The collected data were processed into calibrated SAR imagery. HH foliage backscatter statistics were calculated for all frequency bands. HH foliage-induced attenuation for all frequency bands was calculated by comparing returns from test reflectors hidden by foliage with returns from open-field reflectors. Both backscatter and attenuation results are reported and compared with July 1990 UHF-, L-, and C-band measurements of the Maine site.
Direct Scaffolding of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite-gelatin Nanocomposites using Aminosilane Cross-linker for Bone Regeneration

Hydroxyapatite-gelatin modified siloxane (GEMOSIL) nanocomposite was developed by coating, kneading and hardening processes to provide formable scaffolding for alloplastic graft applications. The present study aims to characterize scaffolding formability and mechanical properties of GEMOSIL, and to test the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of GEMOSIL. Buffer Solution initiated formable paste followed by the sol–gel reaction led to a final hardened composite. Results showed the adequate coating of aminosilane, 11–19 wt%, affected the cohesiveness of the powders and the final compressive strength (69 MPa) of the composite. TGA and TEM results showed the effective aminosilane coating that preserves hydroxyapatite-gelatin nanocrystals from damage. Both GEMOSIL with and without titania increased the mineralization of preosteoblasts in vitro. Only did titania additives revealed good in vivo bone formation in rat calvarium defects. The scaffolding formability, due to cohesive bonding among GEMOSIL particles, could be further refined to fulfill the complicated scaffold processes.
A consecutive-k-out-of-n:G system: the mirror image of a consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system

A consecutive-k-out-of-n:F (consecutive-k-out-of-n:G) system consists of an ordered sequence of n components such that the system is failed (good) if and only if at least k consecutive components in the system are failed (good). In the present work, the relationship between the consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system and the consecutive-k-out-of-n:G system is studied, theorems for such systems are developed, and available results for one type of system are applied to the other. The topics include system reliability, reliability bounds, component reliability importance, and optimal system design. A case study illustrates reliability analysis and optimal design of a train operation system. An optimal configuration rule is suggested by use of the Birnbaum importance index. >
Linear data mining the Wichita clinical matrix suggests sleep and allostatic load involvement in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objectives: To provide a mathematical introduction to the Wichita (KS, USA) clinical dataset, which is all of the nongenetic data (no microarray or single nucleotide polymorphism data) from the 2-day clinical evaluation, and show the preliminary findings and limitations, of popular, matrix algebra-based data mining techniques. Methods: An initial matrix of 440 variables by 227 human subjects was reduced to 183 variables by 164 subjects. Variables were excluded that strongly correlated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) case classification by design (for example, the multidimensional fatigue inventory [MFI] data), that were otherwise self reporting in nature and also tended to correlate strongly with CFS classification, or were sparse or nonvarying between case and control. Subjects were excluded if they did not clearly fall into well-defined CFS classifications, had comorbid depression with melancholic features, or other medical or psychiatric exclusions. The popular data mining techniques, principle components analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), were used to determine how well the data separated into groups. Two different feature selection methods helped identify the most discriminating parameters. Results: Although purely biological features (variables) were found to separate CFS cases from controls, including many allostatic load and sleep-related variables, most parameters were not statistically significant individually. However, biological correlates of CFS, such as heart rate and heart rate variability, require further investigation. Conclusions: Feature selection of a limited number of variables from the purely biological dataset produced better separation between groups than a PCA of the entire dataset. Feature selection highlighted the importance of many of the allostatic load
Exercise testing in children with Wolff-Parkinson-white syndrome☆

Exercise testing using a modified Bruce treadmill protocol was performed by 17 children with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. All had intracardiac electrophysiology studies as well. Endurance time, heart rate and blood pressure were normal during exercise. Ventricular premature complexes were seen with exercise in 2 patients and supraventricular tachycardia with exercise testing was seen in 2. Disappearance of the delta wave with exercise correlated with a long anterograde effective refractory period of the Kent bundle (360 to 390 ms). Children with partial normalization of the QRS during exercise had a longer anterograde effective refractory period of the Kent bundle than those in whom preexcitation persisted. In 1 patient, disappearance of the delta wave with exercise confirmed the diagnosis of WPW syndrome. Preexcitation was seen only after exercise in 1 patient. Exercise testing is of value in the evaluation of children with WPW syndrome; children with WPW syndrome who have total normalization of the QRS interval during exercise and few or no symptoms of tachycardia do not require electrophysiologic study.
Mechanical Characterization of IM7/8551-7 Carbon/Epoxy Under Biaxial Stress

The results of fatigue tests of two thermoplastics (cellulose acetate and polystyrene), three composites (laminated plastics of paper, canvas, and fiberglass) and one aluminum alloy (25-ST) are reported. Four different types of fatigue machines were used to test most of the above materials. The fatigue machines were : rotating-cantilever-beam, constant-amplitude-of-deflection, and constant-amplitude-of-force, types, all of which tested specimens in bending, and a constant-amplitude-of-deflection machine which tested specimens in direct tension and compression
A physical explanation of the static core paradox

Summary. The introduction of Rdyleigh friction and Newtonian cooling into the dynamical problem of determining the excitation of the normal modes of oscillation of an earth model with a fluid core by a transient earthquake source is shown to provide a fully satisfactory resolution and a clear physical explanation of the difficulties and paradoxes which have arisen in previous treatments of the corresponding static deformation problem. The source of the previous difficulties is that the dissipation-free limit is associated with an essential singularity in the static response, unless the stratification in the core is neutral. This singularity, in turn, exists because the eigenfrequency spectrum of any earth model with a non-neutrally stratified core has an accumulation point at zero frequency.
Innovations in Food Chemistry and Processing to Enhance the Nutrient Profile of the White Potato in All Forms

Potatoes can be an important part of a balanced diet because they are an excellent source of many nutrients, including nutrients that are commonly underconsumed (dietary fiber and potassium). Despite the existence of many positive nutrients in potatoes, the popular press has recently aligned potatoes, and particularly fried potatoes, with an unhealthy diet. This article examines the nutritional content of potatoes and how these nutrients are affected by cooking and other food-processing operations. In addition, it examines how the nutritional content of potatoes is altered by cooking methods and how fried potatoes can have wide variations in fat content depending on the cooking method. Finally, the potential of new food-processing technologies to improve the nutritional content of cooked potatoes is evaluated.
Speaking Silence: Definitional Dialogues in Abusive Lesbian Relationships

Long-term, in-depth interviews with 11 abused lesbians and 10 domestic violence advocates reveal how lesbian victims struggle to define the relationship's abuse, their lesbian identity, and their own understanding of gendered violence in the context of cultural and institutional stigmatization of lesbians. By understanding abused lesbians’ silence as constitutive of their definitional dialogues about their relationships and the abuse, researchers and advocates can begin to determine who asserts definitional hegemony in the relationship. The author concludes by suggesting practical strategics that researchers and advocates can deploy to include abused lesbians in domestic violence theory, praxis, and services.
The history of the odontogenic keratocyst.

Keratinization can occur in the lining of many different types of dental cysts, but there is a specific type in which the keratin is predominantly of the parakeratinizing variety. These cysts are found most commonlyattheanglesofthemandible,andtheyhave a higher recurrence rate than other types of cysts. Researchers believe that these cysts have been parakeratinized since their formation. Other types of cysts that display keratinization often show the orthokeratinized type, and it is still unclear whether this is caused by metaplasia in response to irritation or they are orthokeratinized from the start. The recurrence rate in these lesions is not believed to be significantly higher than that in nonkeratinized benign dental cysts. Recent immunohistochemical studies have shown fundamental differences between the parakeratinized and orthokeratinized cysts, which suggests that they are different lesions.
Investigation of muscle lipid metabolism by localized one‐ and two‐dimensional MRS techniques using a clinical 3T MRI/MRS scanner

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of estimating the relative intra- and extramyocellular lipid (IMCL and EMCL) pool magnitudes and calculating the degree of lipid unsaturation within soleus muscle using single-voxel localized one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) MR spectroscopy (MRS). Materials and Methods Localized 1D point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) and 2D correlation spectroscopy (L-COSY) were performed in identical locations in the soleus muscle of 10 healthy subjects. A GE 3-T MRI/MRS scanner and a quadrature extremity transmit/receive coil was used. Results The 1D and 2D MR spectra were used to compute IMCL/creatine (Cr) and EMCL/Cr ratios. In addition to cross peaks between the methyl and methylene protons in the high-field region, the 2D spectra showed cross peaks due to J-coupling between allylic, diallylic methylene pro- tons, and olefinic protons. The cross-peak volume ratios also provided a measure of double bonds, suggesting that this ratio can be used to assess unsaturation within IMCL and EMCL lipid pools. Conclusion We have demonstrated the feasibility of detecting 2D cross peaks between different groups of IMCL and EMCL, including the unsaturated protons within these two lipids pools. This protocol may be easily extended to study the lipids present in other tissues. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.