cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural progenitor cells and developmental disorders

Neural stem/multipotent progenitor cells are present within periventricular generative zones along the entire neuraxis throughout neural development and during adult life. These cells give rise to all of the major cellular elements of the brain, including neurons, oligodendroglia, and astrocytes. Recent studies suggest that cells with a similarly broad lineage potential are also present in postmigratory domains of the postnatal and the adult cerebral cortex. Neural stem cells are defined by a number of properties, including their ability to undergo constitutive proliferation, to maintain themselves (self-renew), to generate large numbers of progeny through transient amplification of intermediate progenitor pools, and to generate new cells in response to injury or disease. These primordial neural cells undergo progressive lineage restriction and commitment to specific neuronal and glial phenotypes in response to cascades of cytokines and the induction of positive and negative transcriptional regulators. These cytokines regulate a range of interrelated cellular processes, including activation, proliferation, viability, lineage commitment, and progressive stages of neuronal and glial lineage maturation. The detailed definition of developmental pathways responsible for neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the mammalian brain will further our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of mental retardation and other pervasive neurologic disorders of childhood. Further, these cumulative studies suggest that a broad array of neural regenerative strategies, including gene and progenitor cell replacement and activation of endogenous cellular populations, may allow structural and functional reconstitution of neural circuits damaged as a consequence of a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. MRDD Research Reviews 1998; 4:143–149. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunoassay of thyrocalcitonin. I. The method and its serological specificity.

Pure porcine thyrocalcitonin was labeled at high specific radioactivity (200–500 μCi/μg) with 131I.Thyrocalcitonin- 131I was purified by adsorption on, and elution from, microfine granules of precipitated silica. Addition of 2- mercaptoethanol to the buffers stabilized the labeled peptide during purification, storage and incubation. Antiserum was prepared by immunization of a rhesus monkey with thyrocalcitonin conjugated to a copolymer of L-lysine and L-glutamic acid. Unlabeled porcine thyrocalcitoninthyrocalcitonin competitively inhibited the binding of thyrocalcitonin-13lI to antiporcine thyrocalcitonin. The method detected 5 MRC μU of porcine thyrocalcitonin. Comparative bioassays and immunoassays were in good agreement over more than a 2000-fold range of specific biological activities. Calf and sheep thyrocalcitonins could also be detected immunologically, but the extent of the cross-reactions was small. Rat, pigeon and human thyrocalcitonins did not cross-react significantly. (Endocrinology 84: 140. ...
ANALYSIS OF THE POTASSIUM CHANNEL OPENERS CELIKALIM, PINACIDIL AND CROMAKALIM IN PLATELET MODELS OF THROMBOSIS

The antihypertensive agents pinacidil, cromakalim and celikalim lower blood pressure by opening potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle. The role of these compounds in inhibiting human platelet aggregation and preventing white thrombus formation in a rabbit arteriovenous shunt model was examined. None of these agents (100 microM), substantially inhibited platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine or arachidonic acid. Only celikalim (100 microM) inhibited collagen (45%), ADP (56%), or serotonin (61%) induced platelet aggregation and ADP- (41%) or epinephrine-potentiated (61%) serotonin-induced platelet aggregation. Celikalim inhibited white thrombus formation at i.v. doses of 0.25 mg/kg (46% inhibition) but not 0.1 mg/kg; (14.6%); equihypotensive doses of pinacidil (0.5 mg/kg; 21.7%) and cromakalim (0.2 mg/kg, 7.5%; 0.4 mg/kg, 33%) were less effective. Glyburide (i.v. dose of 0.5 mg/kg) inhibited the antithrombotic activity of celikalim and to a lesser extent cromakalim. The greater antithrombotic activity of celikalim in vivo may be related to beneficial effects on blood rheology and reduced red blood cell deformability.
Callosal mediation of cortical inhibition in the lateralized rat brain

This paper tested a brain model for muricide. The model states that, in animals given handling stimulation in infancy, the right hemisphere is dominant for the occurrence of mouse killing and the left hemisphere acts to inhibit this behavior. On the assumption that the inhibition is mediated transcortically, it follows that severing the corpus callosum should result in an increase in muricide. This prediction was confirmed. In addition, prior research has found that animals not given extra stimulation in infancy show no evidence of lateralization for muricide. Therefore, splitting the brains of this group should not have any effect. This prediction was also confirmed. Latency analyses of muricidal rats found that those with only an intact right hemisphere killed much more quickly than those with only an intact left hemisphere. Sham controls had killing latencies similar to animals with only a right hemisphere. This pattern represents a brain model in which the right hemisphere is dominant for latency to kill. Rats exposed to mice in early life killed much more quickly than those without this early social experience, thus indicating that familiarity can reduce killing latency.
Effectiveness of Low Impact Development Practices: Literature Review and Suggestions for Future Research

Low impact development (LID) is a land development strategy for managing stormwater at the source with decentralized micro-scale control measures. Since the emergence of LID practices, they have been successfully used to manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and protect the environment. However, discussions still surround the effectiveness of many of these practices, resulting in a reluctance to widely adopt them. This paper highlights evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial uses of LID practices. A discussion of how LID practices are represented in hydrologic/water quality models is also provided using illustrative examples of three computational models developed with algorithms and modules to support widespread adoption of LID practices. Finally, the paper suggests directions for future research opportunities.
Model-integrated computing

The integration of design tools and an executable system is an important step in software engineering's evolution. Model-integrated computing (MIC) through the use of domain specific modeling environments (DSMEs) is an emerging approach to computer programming. By providing a customized level of abstraction in a relatively short period of time, and leveraging existing domain knowledge by creating the language specifically for a domain expert, DSMEs are a logical progression of system design technology. MIC is the technology that turns a design tool into an executable system. DSMEs should be used only when they fit the profile required by the domain. A domain with a manageable set of components with well-understood behaviors is an excellent candidate for a DSME, as the final computer system can be generated from the model of the system. Once the domain is identified, then it is possible to use metamodeling to develop a language that suits that domain. To quote Mark Twain, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug". MIC is the practice of finding the perfect words to express the problems of a domain, and using the implied meaning of the language to implement the system rapidly and efficiently.
NSF program gives research experience to undergrads

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a new National Science Foundation (NSF) program designed to attract talented undergraduates into research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. The program is intended to provide active research experience to students while they are still in their undergraduate years. There are two categories of support under this program: REU Sites and REU Supplements. The supplement, as the name implies, is to supplement existing NSF grants to permit an investigator to hire an undergraduate assistant. Here, I will report o n the REU site award made to the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska for summer 1987.
Impacts of Near-Term Climate Change and Population Growth on Within-Year Reservoir Systems

AbstractClimate change and increased urban demand can significantly stress water supply systems, emphasizing the importance of reallocating reservoir storage for the designed uses. Most studies on climate change assessment have analyzed arid region reservoirs due to high interannual variability in streamflows. This study focuses on a within-year reservoir system, Lake Jordan in North Carolina, from a temperate region that has been experiencing rapid growth since the 1990s. Given the interest in utilizing climate change projections for planning purposes, the current operational policies are evaluated, and revised rules for operating the within-year system over 30 year period (2012–2041) are suggested. Downscaled general circulation model (GCM) projections are used to implement the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model for the Upper Cape Fear River basin to estimate changes in mean monthly streamflows during 2012–2041 at Lake Jordan. Projected monthly streamflows from four GCMs indicate wet winter con...
Isolated Pulmonary Artery Stenosis: Four-Year Follow-Up: Case Report

The authors present a four-year follow-up of a patient with a single isolated right main pulmonary artery stenosis without an associated cardiac anomaly. This is an extremely uncommon lesion thought to be congenital. This case illustrates the stability of isolated lesions of the pulmonary vasculature without associated cardiac defects.
Differential effect of P-gp and MRP2 on cellular translocation of gemifloxacin

Abstract Fluoroquinolones are broad spectrum antibiotics widely indicated in the treatment of both human and animal diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess short and long term affinities of gemifloxacin towards efflux transporters (P-gp, MRP2) and nuclear hormone receptor (PXR). Uptake and dose dependent inhibition studies were performed with [ 14 C] erythromycin (0.25 μCi/ml) on MDCKII-MDR1 and MDCKII-MRP2 cells. Cellular accumulation of calcein-AM was further determined to confirm the affinity of gemifloxacin towards P-gp and MRP2. Transport studies were conducted to determine bi-directional permeability and to assess efflux ratio of gemifloxacin. LS-180 cells were treated with three different concentrations of gemifloxacin for 72 h and real-time PCR analysis was performed to study the quantitative gene expression levels of PXR, MDR1 and MRP2. Further, [ 14 C] erythromycin uptake was also performed on LS-180 treated cells to better delineate the functional activity of efflux transporters. Results from our study suggest that gemifloxacin may be a substrate of both the efflux transporters studied. This compound inhibited both P-gp and MRP2 mediated efflux of [ 14 C] erythromycin in a dose dependent manner with IC 50 values of 123 ± 2 μM and 16 ± 2 μM, respectively. The efflux ratio of [ 14 C] erythromycin lowered from 3.56 to 1.63 on MDCKII-MDR1 cells and 4.93 to 1.26 on MDCKII-MRP2 cells. This significant reduction in efflux ratio further confirmed the substrate specificity of gemifloxacin towards P-gp and MRP2. Long term exposure significantly induced the expression of PXR (18 fold), MDR1 (6 fold) and MRP2 (6 fold). A decrease (20%) in [ 14 C] erythromycin uptake further confirmed the elevated functional activity of P-gp and MRP2. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated that gemifloxacin is effluxed by both P-gp and MRP2. Long term exposure induced their gene expression and functional activity. This substrate specificity of gemifloxacin towards these efflux transporters may be one of the major factors accounting for low oral bioavailability (71%). Better understanding of these mechanistic interactions may aid in the development of newer strategies to achieve adequate therapeutic levels and higher bioavailability.
CALCIUM APPETITE OF PARATHYROIDECTOMIZED RATS USED TO BIOASSAY SUBSTANCES WHICH AFFECT BLOOD CALCIUM1

IT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN that the removal of the parathyroids in experimental animals, as well as their accidental removal in man, is followed by a change in the electrolyte balance of the blood serum resulting in a lowering of the calcium-phosphorus ratio which may cause the characteristic signs of parathyroid deficiency, chief of which is tetany (1, 2, 3). In self’Selection studies it was found that parathy-roidectomised rats offered a calcium lactate solution in a container separate from the food and water drank sufficient calcium lactate solution to remain alive and free from signs of tetany (4). Postoperatively in several instances such rats increased their cal-cium lactate solution intake 10 to 15 times. Successful parathyroid implants to the anterior chamber of the eye decreased the calcium lactate intake to its normal level (5).
Toward greater democracy in the Muslim world

By listening to those people most directly affected and building on eight lessons learned from U.S. experience in other parts of the world, the director of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff argues that the United States can, and will, help bring democracy to the Muslim world.
Who should govern the internet

Failing to share control, the U.S. risks driving disaffected countries to establish their own competing, independent root servers, thus creating parallel Internets.
Attribute specification for finite element models

Abstract Two different approaches for the application of problem specific attributes to finite element models are discussed. In both approaches interactive computer graphics techniques and the use of a top-down program approach is emphasized. The major difference in the approaches is the point during problem definition that the attributes are applied and manifests itself primarily in the program's database with little effect on program operation. Program operation is demonstrated through the use of an example problem. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches are discussed.
Prospective comparison of flexible fiberoptic and digital cystoscopes.

Objectives To compare the optics, performance, and durability of digital (DC) and fiberoptic (FC) cystoscopes. Methods In an office setting, we randomly assigned staff urologists to 1 of the 4 cystoscopes, the Gyrus-ACMI ICN-0564 (AD), Gyrus-ACMI ACN-2 (AF), Olympus CYF-V2 EndoEYE Cysto-Nephro Videoscope (OD), Olympus CYF-5 Cysto-Fiberscope (OF), to perform diagnostic or surveillance cystoscopy and stent removal. The documented metrics included a subjective surgeon assessment of cystoscope optics and function characteristics on a 10-point scale (1, poor to 10, excellent). The measurement of the upward and downward cystoscope deflection and damage and repairs were all documented. Results A total of 1022 cases were performed. The DC and FC were used 690 and 332 times, respectively. Two repairs (0.2%) were documented (1 AF and 1 AD); both resulted directly from incorrect cystoscope handling/cleaning. The mean operative time per case for the DC and FC was 4.5 and 4.6 minutes, respectively (P = .66). The mean surgeon optical ranking for the DC and FC was 8.4 and 7.8, respectively (P = .0076). The mean surgeon deflection ranking for the DC and FC was 8.6 and 8.0, respectively (P = .0001). The mean surgeon retroflex deflection ranking for the DC and FC was 8.4 and 7.8, respectively (P = .001). The mean overall cystoscope score surgeon ranking for the DC and FC was 8.6 and 7.9, respectively (P = .0001). Conclusions In the office setting, with proper care, FCs and DCs are durable for office applications. Overall, surgeons significantly preferred the DCs as demonstrated by discrepancies in both use and differences in the subjective metrics.
On current aspects of finite element computational fluid mechanics for turbulent flows

A set of nonlinear partial differential equations suitable for the description of a class of turbulent three-dimensional flow fields in select geometries is identified. On the basis of the concept of enforcing a penalty constraint to ensure accurate accounting of ordering effects, a finite element numerical solution algorithm is established for the equation set and the theoretical aspects of accuracy, convergence and stability are identified and quantized. Hypermatrix constructions are used to formulate the reduction of the computational aspects of the theory to practice. The robustness of the algorithm, and the computer program embodiment, have been verified for pertinent flow configurations.
Some isopleth maps based on lysimeter observations in the British Isles in 1965, 1966, and 1967

Abstract A small network of standardized observations of Potential Evaporation is in operation in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Tentative isopleth maps, based on these observations, are presented, and discussed, for the years 1965, 1966, and 1967, together with maps of Potential Water Deficit. Some comparison is made with maps from other sources.
Combining naturalistic and mathematical decision aids to support product design

Motivation - To increase the benefits that product designers derive from use of computer decision aids in their daily design work. Research approach - The process followed by product designers was observed through a combination of ethnographic and protocol studies to identify needs and constraints in a typical work context. Findings - The results suggest that design decisions are tightly intertwined with information seeking activities, and require great exploration flexibility. Research Implications - the benefits and appeal of decision aids might be greatly increased for product designers by additionally supporting information seeking activities that inform decisions. Originality/Value - This approach represents a paradigm shift towards a broader view of decision making as flexible set of activities that includes assessment of information adequacy and information seeking. Take away message - Practical decision aids for design need to augment rather than replace human judgment, and support a range of intertwined activities while limiting the data entry burden.
Bridging and Persistence in Sustained, Collaborative Problem Solving Online

The Virtual math teams (VMT) project investigates the innovative use of online collaborative environments to support effective mathematical problem-solving by small groups of learners in an online community. A key research issue for us is to understand how team interactions evolve over time and how to support them effectively. As designers, we expect the persistent records of the teams' interactions provided in the VMT environment to contribute to the sustainability of the teams' knowledge work. Our analysis of data collected from distributed virtual teams working on open-ended mathematical tasks across multiple sessions shows the situated usage of such persistent artifacts. In particular, we observe a series of "bridging" methods used to co-construct mathematical knowledge over time, evolve a sense of collectivity, and interlink the online environment with other interaction spaces. We propose that bridging, the purposeful crossing of interactional boundaries, is a consequential and often unsupported aspect of the collaborative user experience
Intestinal vaginoplasty for congenital absence of the vagina

Congenital absence of the vagina is rare and occurs as a result of aplasia of the Mullerian ducts (46,XX) or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS--46,XY). Both syndromes are associated with normal female external genitalia and these patients are raised as females. These children are usually treated during adolescence with chronic dilatation of the shallow vaginal introitus (pressure tube technique) or by skin graft vaginoplasty (McIndoe procedure). Neither of these procedures is entirely satisfactory, as both may lead to neovaginal stenosis, inadequate length, poor lubrication, or all three. We have recently modified the operation first described by Baldwin in which a loop of sigmoid colon or small bowel is isolated, closed at one end, and brought down on its vascular pedicle as a neovagina and anastomosed to the hymenal ring. We have performed this operation on four adolescents (mean age, 15 years) and two infants (aged 4 days and 14 months) with excellent results (mean follow-up, 7.5 years for the adolescents and 1.8 years for the infants).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
DNA Damage Response Genes and the Development of Cancer Metastasis

DNA damage response genes play vital roles in the maintenance of a healthy genome. Defects in cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair genes, especially mutation or aberrant downregulation, are associated with a wide spectrum of human disease, including a predisposition to the development of neurodegenerative conditions and cancer. On the other hand, upregulation of DNA damage response and repair genes can also cause cancer, as well as increase resistance of cancer cells to DNA damaging therapy. In recent years, it has become evident that many of the genes involved in DNA damage repair have additional roles in tumorigenesis, most prominently by acting as transcriptional (co-)factors. Although defects in these genes are causally connected to tumor initiation, their role in tumor progression is more controversial and it seems to depend on tumor type. In some tumors like melanoma, cell cycle checkpoint/DNA repair gene upregulation is associated with tumor metastasis, whereas in a number of other cancers the oppo...
Mechanical properties of ciliary axonemes and membranes as shown by paddle cilia

Cilia with a distal membrane expansion enclosing a coiled end of the axoneme (paddle cilia or discocilia) have been commonly reported in marine invertebrates. We recently showed that paddle cilia in molluscan veligers are artifacts of non-physiological conditions. Here we investigated the possible mechanisms of formation of paddle cilia under hypotonic conditions; particularly, whether a helical conformational change of doublet microtubules induced by Ca or proton flux is responsible. Typical paddle cilia are induced by hypotonic Ca-free solutions at normal or low pH, showing that axonemal coiling does not require Ca influx or proton efflux. In addition, Triton-demembranated straight axonemes do not coil in high Ca solutions. Most decisively, complete removal of paddle ciliary membranes with detergents, but not mere permeabilization, causes immediate uncoiling and straightening of the axonemes to approximately their original length before hypotonic treatment. These findings and other data show that axonemal coiling in paddles is due to membrane tensile stress acting on an elastic axoneme. Light and electron microscopy of paddles show that axonemes coil uniformly toward the direction of the effective stroke (doublets nos 5-6), even when beating is inhibited by sodium azide or glutaraldehyde before hypotonic treatment. This indicates that axonemes possess an intrinsic asymmetry of stiffness within the beat plane, independent of active microtubule sliding. Paddle cilia thus reveal important mechanical properties of ciliary axonemes and membranes that should be useful for understanding ciliary function.
Deletions in the Second Stalk of F1F0-ATP Synthase in Escherichia coli

In Escherichia coli F1F0-ATP synthase, the two b subunits form the second stalk spanning the distance between the membrane F0 sector and the bulk of F1. Current models predict that the stator should be relatively rigid and engaged in contact with F1 at fixed points. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a series of deletion mutations in the uncF(b) gene to remove segments from the middle of the second stalk of the subunit. Mutants with deletions of 7 amino acids were essentially normal, and those with deletions of up to 11 amino acids retained considerable activity. Membranes prepared from these strains had readily detectable levels of F1-ATPase activity and proton pumping activity. Removal of 12 or more amino acids resulted in loss of oxidative phosphorylation. Levels of membrane-associated F1-ATPase dropped precipitously for the longer deletions, and immunoblot analysis indicated that reductions in activity correlated with reduced levels of b subunit in the membranes. Assuming the likely alpha-helical conformation for this area of the b subunit, the 11-amino acid deletion would result in shortening the subunit by approximately 16 A. Since these deletions did not prevent the b subunit from participating in productive interactions with F1, we suggest that the b subunit is not a rigid rodlike structure, but has an inherent flexibility compatible with a dynamic role in coupling.
Perceptions of Educational Experience and Inpatient Workload Among Pediatric Residents

Background and Objective: Education of residents in academic medical centers occurs as part of clinical care, but little is known about the relationship between clinical workload and educational experiences among pediatric residents. The goal of this study was to assess residents’ perceptions of learning on inpatient services at a children’s hospital in relation to perceived workload and actual patient census. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of pediatric residents at 1 urban academic children’s hospital. Surveys on educational experience were administered weekly to residents on 12 inpatient units from October 2010 to June 2011. Daily peak medical inpatient census data were collected, and Pearson correlations were performed. Results: Mean weekly response rate was 25%. Perceived workload was correlated with weekly peak of patient census for interns (r = 0.66; P = .00) and senior residents (r = 0.73; P = .00). Many aspects of perceived learning were negatively correlated with perceived workload among interns and residents in “acute care” units. Activities beyond direct patient care (eg, attending conferences, independent reading) revealed more negative correlation than educational experience during rounds. Among seniors, scores of aspects of perceived learning did not correlate with workload. Conclusions: The study found mostly negative associations between high perceived workload and perceived learning, especially for interns. Results suggest varied impact of workload on perceived learning by training year. Although patient care is essential for resident education, higher workload may adversely affect learning opportunities for pediatric trainees. More research is needed to identify if generalizable thresholds of patient census and/or clinical workload cause declines in perceived or real education.
Telerobot task planning and reasoning: integration of AI, geometric reasoning and robotic systems

Summary form only given. The development of an autonomous, integrated artificial intelligence (AI)-based robot task planner for assembly and repair applications in space is described. Research is currently focused on AI systems, geometric-reasoning systems, trajectory-planning systems, grasp-planning systems, and real manipulators. >
Impact flows and crater scaling on the moon

The axisymmetric distribution of stress, internal energy and particle velocity resulting from the impact of an iron meteoroid with a gabbroic anorthosite lunar crust has been calculated for the regime in which shock-induced melting and vaporization takes place. Comparison of impact flow fields, with phase changes in silicates taken into account, with earlier results demonstrate that in the phase change case when the 15-km/s projectile has penetrated some two projectile radii into the moon, the peak stress in the flow is ∼0.66 Mbar at a depth of 66 km, and the stress has decayed to ∼66 kbar at a depth of 47 km. Rapid attenuation occurs because of the high rarefaction velocity of the high-pressure phases associated with a 35% (zero-pressure) density increase. This feature of the phase-change flow tends to strongly concentrate the maximum shock pressures along the meteoroid trajectory (axis) and makes the conical zone along which high internal energy deposition occurs, both shallow and narrow. Examination of the gravitational energies required to excavate larger craters on the moon indicates the importance of gravity forces acting during the excavation of craters having radii in the range greater than ∼2 – ∼140 km. It is observed that the “hydrodynamic” energy vs. crater radius relation approaches those for various “gravitational” energy vs. radius relations at the radii values corresponding to the larger mare basins. Cratering energy values in the range of (1.0 – 9.4) • 10^(32) erg are inferred on this basis for the Imbrium crater. Using these values and the criteria that all rocks exposed to ∼100 kbar or greater shock pressures are included in the ejecta (some of which falls back) implies that the maximum depth of sampling expected to be represented within the Apollo collection lies in the range 148–328 km.
Trace fossils versus body fossils: Oldhamia recta revisited

New discoveries in North Carolina’s Neoproterozoic Carolina Terrane, combined with a reexamination of the holotype of Oldhamia recta and other material from the Yale Peabody Museum, reveal these specimens as body fossils of a rod-like organism, rather than ichnofossils. Close examination of fossils originally identified as O. recta lack: levees made by movement of a tracemaker through a sediment; internal structures indicating backfilling or fecal material; scratch marks (denoting a recumbent lifestyle); or evidence of peristaltic movement. Crossovers of rods in some instances also indicate rigidity in the fossils. Most importantly, quantitative analyses indicate Gaussian size distributions and narrow ranges of alignment for the fossils, with each respective line of evidence interpreted as body fossils aligned by currents. Because this newly discerned evidence favors a body fossil origin for these specimens, we propose that O. recta is invalid as an ichnospecies. Our research supports more quantitative approaches to augment qualitative descriptions when evaluating whether Ediacaran-age structures are trace or body fossils. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The Distribution of Performance and Earnings in a Prize Economy

Golfer prize money is distributed by golfer performance (rank order of finish in tournaments), with payment per unit of output nonconstant. The golf economy is one of the few examples of a pure prize economy. In this article, Professional Golfers Association golfer prize money is shown to be linked to scoring average, which is normally distributed. The nonlinear prize structure is shown to be the source of the considerable inequality in prize earnings.
A Precautionary Note Regarding Derivatization of Secondary Amines with Dialkylacetals of Formamide Other Than the Diethyl Derivative

Abstract We have extended our earlier work on alkylation of secondary amino compounds with dimethylformamide diethyl acetal to other alkyl acetals, such as dimethyl and dipropyl acetal. All the alkylating DMT-dialkyl acetal reagents tested gave only N-ethyl derivatives of the secondary amines. The reagent purity was tested by preparing the esters of carboxylic acids, where the appropriate alkyl (methyl or propyl) ester is obtained. It is concluded that all dimethylformamide dialkyl acetals yield a single N-ethyl derivative of secondary amine. The reaction mechanism is not understood.
Novel circulating fatty acid patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background: Complex interplays of diet and metabolism influence circulating fatty acids (FAs), possibly constituting FA patterns related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objectives: We aimed to derive FA patterns from circulating FAs, relate the patterns to CVD incidence, and extend the derived patterns to atherosclerosis progression in another independent cohort. Design: We used principal component analysis (PCA) to derive FA patterns from 38 plasma phospholipid FAs in 2972 older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Identified patterns were evaluated for prospective associations with 14-y incidence of CVD [ischemic heart disease (IHD) or stroke]. In another independent cohort of postmenopausal women with IHD, we evaluated associations of the CHS-derived patterns with 3.2-y progression of angiographically defined coronary atherosclerosis. Results: Three distinct patterns were identified, characterized by higher proportions of trans FAs, de novo lipogenesis (DNL) FAs, and long-chain MUFAs (LCMUFAs). During 32,265 person-years, 780 incident CVD events occurred. The trans FA pattern was associated with higher CVD risk (multivariable-adjusted HR for the highest compared with the lowest quintiles = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.12; P-trend = 0.006), primarily attributable to higher risk of stroke (HR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.54, 3.92; P-trend = 0.005). The DNL and LCMUFA patterns were not associated with CVD incidence or with IHD or stroke (P-trend . 0.11 each). In the second cohort, the trans FA pattern, but not the other 2 patterns, was positively associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis (P-trend , 0.05). Conclusions: PCA appears to provide informative circulating FA patterns. A pattern driven mainly by trans FA levels related to greater CVD risk in older adults and coronary atherosclerosis progression in women with IHD. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;96:1252‐ 61.
Cost of Domestic Wells and Water Treatment in Illinoisa

This study provides cost information for private home ground-water supply systems in Illinois. Relatively accurate cost predictions for different types and depths of wells, ranging in cost from about $150 to $2400, can be made from the graphs presented. The average cost of all wells studied is about $575. Cost data for pumping systems equipped with 10-gpm submersible pumps (approximately 50 percent of all collected data) show that the average cost of these systems is about $585 with 50 percent ranging between $400 and $680. The costs of treating water for domestic use also are summarized. Two graphs illustrate the monthly costs of softening and removing iron at varying monthly consumption rates and concentrations of hardness-forming minerals and iron. The monthly cost of continuous chlorination is calculated. Use of the data presented makes it possible to estimate the monthly costs of raw and treated water from a domestic ground-water supply. Two maps show the probable costs of domestic raw water-supply systems from sand and gravel wells and bedrock wells throughout the State. For an average installation and domestic use rate in Illinois, the monthly cost of raw water is about $11.00, softened water $15.40, softened water treated for iron $22.00, and softened water treated for iron and chlorinated $25.00. Similar calculations for any type and depth of well, water quality, and treatment can be made from the information in this report. This material should provide adequate information for planning purposes and decision making in developing a desired domestic supply.
Ion scattering studies of the formation and thermal stability of the Ti-Al interface

Abstract Promoting the ordered growth of component thin films with chemically abrupt interfaces for magnetic/non-magnetic metal/metal systems, such as Fe/Al, is an important problem in magneto-resistive device technology. The focus of the present investigation is the Ti–Al interface, a stable template for promoting epitaxial growth of Fe films. The present work was performed to characterize the formation and thermal stability of the Ti–Al interface and thereby provide a better understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying the success of the Fe–Ti–Al interlayer concept, and how it might be extended to other metal–metal systems. We investigated interface formation for thin Ti films deposited on Al(1 0 0) surfaces at room temperature using low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering. The results indicate that Ti does not grow in a simple layer-by-layer fashion for initial deposition on Al(1 0 0), but are instead more consistent with some combination of island growth and/or alloy formation at the interface. The Ti films are stable up to temperatures on the order of 673 K, at which point Ti diffuses into the Al lattice to occupy substitutional sites.
European Communities–Anti-Dumping Duties on Imports of Cotton-Type Bed Linen from India: Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by India

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate incidence and risk factors of postoperative meningitis, with special emphasis on antibiotic prophylaxis, in a series of 6243 consecutive craniotomies. METHODS: Meningitis was individualized from a prospective surveillance database of surgical site infections after craniotomy. Ventriculitis related to external ventricular drainage or cerebrospinal fluid shunt were excluded. From May 1997 until March 1999, no antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed for scheduled, clean, lasting less than 4 hours craniotomies, whereas emergency, clean-contaminated, or long-lasting craniotomies received cloxacillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. From April 1999 until December 2003, prophylaxis was given to every craniotomy. Independent risk factors for meningitis were studied by a multivariate analysis. Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing meningitis was studied as well as consequences on bacterial flora. RESULTS: The overall meningitis rate was 1.52%. Independent risk factors were cerebrospinal fluid leakage, concomitant incision infection, male sex, and surgical duration. Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced incision infections from 8.8% down to 4.6% (P < 0.0001) but did not prevent meningitis: 1.63% in patients without antibiotic prophylaxis and 1.50% in those who received prophylaxis. Bacteria responsible for meningitis were mainly noncutaneous in patients receiving antibiotics and cutaneous in patients without prophylaxis. In the former, microorganisms tended to be less susceptible to the prophylactic antibiotics administered. Mortality rate was higher in meningitis caused by noncutaneous bacteria as compared with those caused by cutaneous microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, although clearly effective for the prevention of incision infections, does not prevent meningitis and tends to select prophylaxis resistant microorganisms.
Fluorescence Microscopy with Antisera Against Specific Cellular Structures: Double Photography Method for Cell Identification in Populations of Multiple Cell Types

Immunofluorescent staining techniques using antitubulin antibody have been difficult to apply to meiotic tissue (testis) because of the large number of cell types present. Such techniques customarily use a fluorescent dye to counterstain nuclei, and this counterstain is hard to distinguish because of the fluorescence of the antitublin. By counterstaining with dilute hematoxylin, we can photograph the same field using UV and then conventional illumination. This double photography allows us to identify precisely the many types of cells present, and it will be a useful tool for reexamining the staging of spermatogenesis.
Spanish imperatives : syntax meets morphology

Contrary to Rivero & Terzi's (1995) claim that morphological mood and logical mood correlate one-to-one in Spanish imperatives, verbs in imperative sentences in all dialects of Spanish have obligatory non-imperative morphology more often than not. For example, the morphology of the verb in the imperative hagalo ‘do it’ is not imperative but subjunctive. A satisfactory account of semantic, syntactic, and morphological mismatches in Spanish imperatives must appeal to a Morphology module of grammar; real explanation is beyond the reach of purely syntactic analysis.
Alcohol expectancies, problem drinking, and adverse health consequences

Abstract This study evaluated a measure of positive and negative expected effects of alcohol and their subjective evaluation in the identification of college freshmen at high risk for problem drinking and associated morbidities. It was hypothesized that greater expectations of positive outcomes and fewer negative evaluations of negative outcomes would be associated with reports of heavier drinking and more alcohol-related health problems. College freshmen ( n = 328) completed a standardized measure of expectations and subjective evaluations of positive and negative outcomes associated with drinking, and a questionnaire assessing drinking patterns and common alcohol-related health problems. Fifty-two percent of students were male and the mean age was 17.9 years (SD = 0.5). Students' expectations of positive outcomes and their subjective evaluations of both positive and negative outcomes from drinking were significantly correlated with drinking and alcohol-related health problems indices ( p p p p
Asymptotics and Multiscale Simulation in a Numerical Combustion Laboratory

The combustion problems that arise in complex engineering applications contain many important yet disparate-length scales. The device size is typically many orders of magnitude larger than the heat-release zone size. To get an accurate rendering of the device, one needs to accurately model the physics that occurs on all these scales. We discuss three problems related to this issue. First, by direct numerical simulation we show how an asymptotic submodel derived from the full model (reactive Euler equations) provides both a simple and useful description of a thin, stable, detonation heat-release zone. Next, we describe a detailed numerical study of a highly unstable detonation reaction zone. From the results for this problem, we find that the solutions are very sensitive to the type of numerical algorithm that is used to get the solution. Finally, we discuss the computational costs associated with obtaining highly resolved solutions to multiscale problems.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of crystallographically aligned CuCr2Se4 thin films

Abstract We report the low temperature synthesis of highly textured CuCr2Se4 thin films using the modulated elemental reactant (MER) method. The structure of CuCr2Se4 is determined for the first time in its thin film form and exhibits cell parameters that are smaller than found in bulk CuCr2Se4. X-ray diffraction and precession electron diffraction show a strong degree of crystallographic alignment of the crystallites, where the axis is oriented perpendicular to the substrate surface, while being rotationally disordered within the plane. Temperature and field dependent in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization measurements show that the film is ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature of 406 K CuCr2Se4 synthesized utilizing the MER method shows stronger magnetic anisotropy (effective anisotropy: 1.82 × 106 erg cm−3; shape anisotropy: 1.07 × 106 erg cm−3), with the easy axis lying out of plane, and a larger magnetic moment (6 μB/f.u.) than bulk CuCr2Se4.
Technology, Factor Supplies, and International Specialization

The standard neoclassical model of trade theory predicts that international specialization will be jointly determined by cross-country differences in relative factor endowments and relative technology levels. This paper uses economic theory to specific an empirical model of specialization consistent with the neoclassical explanation. According to the empirical model, a sector's share in GDP depends on both relative factor supplies and relative technology differences, and the estimated parameters of the model have a close and clear connection to theoretical parameters. The model is estimated for manufacturing sectors using a twenty year, ten country panel of data on the industrialized countries. Relative technology levels and factor supplies are both found to be an important determinant of specialization.
Foot placement and response latency: a test of Fitts' law

Response latencies were compared for three-dimensional brake/accelerator placements (depth, height, and lateral separation). Brake pedal width was found to be the only factor significantly affecting movement time. A comparison between Fitts' and Welford's movement time predictions and experimental response latencies resulted in correlations of .549 (p Language: en
Information Processing and Decision Making in Marketing Organizations

Marketing decision makers are increasingly faced with too much information. The development of marketing information systems [1, 8, 9] is a logical response to this information overload. Many advantages foreseen for these systems have been lost in implementation [2], however, often because new system developments are not integrated with the information system that already exists in a company. Amstutz identified four characteristics of a successful
Selective and sensitive fluoride detection through alkyne cruciform desilylation.

Desilylation of silylethynyl-substituted benzobisoxazole cruciforms can be achieved using stoichiometric amounts of fluoride, leading to a significant change in their UV–vis absorption and fluorescence. This response is observable at micromolar concentrations of fluoride, and, in the case of a triisopropylsilyl-substituted cruciform fluorophore, extraordinarily selective for fluoride over other small inorganic anions, including hydroxide, acetate, and phosphate.
Effect of Selenome-thionine on Apoptosis and Proliferation of Prostatic Cancer Cells DU145

Objective To observe the effect of selenome-thionine on proliferation and apoptosis of prostatic cancer cells DU145 and approach the mechanism.Methods After DU145 cells were treated with 1.25,2.50 and 5.00 μmol·L-1 selenome-thionine,the cell viability was examined by MTT test.The techniques of acridine orange staining and flow cytometry were used to analyze apoptotic cycle and calculate the apoptotic index.The expression of active caspase 3 was detected with immunocytochemistry.Results DU145 cells were treated with 1.25,2.5 0 and 5.00 μmol·L-1 selenome-thionine after 48 hours,the growth inhibitory rate of cell line was 16.35%,38.10% and 73.54% respectively with dose-dependent,the inhibitory rate increased with increasing of selenome-thionine concentration in dose dependent manner.There existed obvious difference among three groups(P0.01).Acridine orange staining result showed that the cells were apoptotic state when they were treated with 1.25,2.5 and 5.0 μmol·L-1 selenome-thionine,the number of apoptotic cells increased with increasing of selenome-thionine dose.Flow cytometry results showed that when the cells were treated with 1.25,2.50 and 5.00 μmol·L-1 selenome-thionine after 48 h,the apoptotic rate was 5.34%,8.71% and 13.6% respectively with dose-dependence,there existed obvious difference among three groups(P0.05).The expression of active caspase 3 was upregulated with increasing of selenome-thionine dose.Conclusion selenome-thionine can induce the apoptosis of prostatic cancer cells DU145 and has significant anti-tumor effect,its mechanism may be related to activate the pathway of caspase.
The application of TSRH instrumentation in spine surgery

Objective: To introduce a new three dimension correction instrumentation named TSRH(Texas Scottish Rite Hospital) instrumentation system.WTHZ]Method: Thirtyfour cases with various spinal diseases which have been treated with TSRH instrumentation since July 1996 were analyzed with respect to the characters,indications and clinical using of TSRH instrumentation. Result: Nine cases of idiopathic scoliosis of King type / had a 64.5% correction rate,and others such as spondylolisthesis,tumors,trauma,and disc herniation with spinal instability recovered very well. No but one complication of transient neurologic numbness in King scoliosis was found in this series. Conclusion: It suggested that TSRH is a new universal system for the treatment of spinal disorders.\= =