cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caveolin-1 P132L Mutation in Human Cancers: 1 CAVeat to be Voiced

Caveolae are 50–100 nm flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane that function as membrane organizing centers and play important roles in intracellular trafficking of cellular components (eg, lipid and cholesterol) and signal transduction.1 The CAV1 gene maps to 7q31.1 and encodes the ubiquitously expressed caveolin-1, which is an essential component of caveolae. Caveolin-1 is believed to regulate the activity of a plethora of signaling molecules highly represented in caveolae, such as H-ras, c-src, and src-like kinases; endothelial nitric oxide synthase; G-proteins and membrane-associated receptors coupled to G-proteins; or tyrosine kinase receptors including epidermal growth factor receptor.1 In normal breast tissue, caveolin-1 is expressed at high levels in adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and myoepithelial cells of the breast.1 Initial studies have suggested that caveolin-1 would have properties consistent with those of a tumor suppressor protein.2,3,4 A dominant negative mutation of the CAV1 gene was reported to be found in up to 20% of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers.2,4 Surprisingly, however, CAV1 knock-out mice failed to develop any tumor.1,3 Furthermore, the presence of CAV1 gene mutations could not be independently validated.5,6,7,8,9 Concurrent with the controversies about the role of CAV1 as a tumor suppressor gene, evidence of caveolin-1 as a potential oncogene has been mounting.7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 In fact, multiple independent groups have reported overexpression of caveolin-1 in aggressive subtypes of cancer,10,11,13,14,15 and even CAV1 gene amplification has been documented,14,16 although this has been shown to be a rare phenomenon. Furthermore, expression of caveolin-1 in stromal cells of breast cancer has also been shown to be associated with the outcome of breast cancer patients.17,18 Despite the interest in the tumor suppressive and oncogenic functions of caveolin-1, numerous issues remain unanswered. For instance, caveolin-1 expression in normal luminal epithelial cells of normal breast lobules and ducts remains a matter of controversy, as does the existence and prevalence of the CAV1 P132L dominant-negative mutation. In this issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, Koike et al19 have addressed the question of the prevalence of the CAV1 P132L mutation in human cancer. Using three different methods for mutation detection (ie, reverse-transcriptase direct sequencing, DNA-based direct sequencing, and cycleave PCR assay), the authors failed to detect the CAV1 P132L mutation in a large series of 409 human tumors, including 139 breast cancers [114 estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and 25 ER-negative tumors] and 270 cancers from other anatomical sites (ie, gastrointestinal tract, lung, ovary, and pancreas). Taken together, the findings reported by Koike et al19 and those by others5,6,7,8,9 call into question the presence of the CAV1 P132L mutation in breast cancers and other cancer types and heat up the debate about the roles of caveolin-1 in human cancer.
Diary of a Dabbler: Ecological Influences on an EFL Teacher's Efforts to Study Japanese Informally

In this diary study, the author draws from journals written over the course of 8 years working as an English instructor at a Japanese university, with the aim of documenting the influences on her desire to invest effort in the self-study of Japanese (what she refers to as the ecology of effort). An ecological perspective reveals the idiosyncratic and fluctuating nature of motivation due to daily contextual, personal, and emotional factors that interacted in unpredictable ways. One point of interest to researchers is that important ecological and relational influences on and emotional reactions to language learning cannot be uncovered with traditional motivation research. A second point of interest to adult language learners is that when full-time language study is not possible or desired, dabbling is an excellent way to stay connected to active but low-pressure language learning and to maintain a sense of wonder at the miracle of language.
Lifestyle Expenditures in Contemporary America Relations Between Stratification and Culture

Using a multiple-indicator multiple-cause model, Sobel uses the 1972-73 National Survey of Consumer Expenditures to isolate four patterns of spending on leisure activities and to identify the social and demographic characteristics of people exhibiting each pattern.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CORONARY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY WITH PROSPECTS ECG GATING

Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA) with prospective ECG gating (PG) reduces radiation exposure as compared to retrospective ECG gating (RG), yet its prognostic value is less validated. Our aim was to compare prognostic performance of 64 slice CCTA with PG vs RG in patients (pts) with
Transection of radial digital nerve of the thumb during trigger release

Iatrogenic laceration of the radial digital nerve of the thumb during trigger release occurred in four patients. Histologic cross sections through the thumb in cadaveric specimens at the level of the metacarpophalangeal crease showed the radial digital nerve to be 2.19 mm beneath the dermis and 1.15 mm directly anterior to the radial sesamoid bone. In this position the nerve is vulnerable to transection when it is trapped between the sesamoid and the knife blade.
Clinical significance of the humoral immune response to modified LDL

Human low density lipoprotein (LDL) undergoes oxidation and glycation in vivo. By themselves, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and AGE-LDL have proinflammatory properties and are considered atherogenic. But the atherogenicity of these lipoproteins are significantly increased as a consequence of the formation of immune complexes (IC) involving specific autoantibodies. OxLDL and AGE antibodies have been shown to be predominantly of the IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes. OxLDL antibodies are able to activate the complement system by the classical pathway and to induce FcR-mediated phagocytosis. In vitro and ex vivo studies performed with modified LDL-IC have proven their pro-inflammatory and atherogenic properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the levels of circulating modified LDL-IC correlate with parameters indicative of cardiovascular and renal disease in diabetic patients and other patient populations. The possibility that spontaneously formed or induced modified LDL antibodies (particularly IgM oxLDL antibodies) may have a protective effect has been suggested, but the data is unclear and needs to be further investigated.
The Ensemble Kalman Filter for Continuous Updating of Reservoir Simulation Models

This paper reports the use of ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) for automatic history matching. EnKF is a Monte Carlo method, in which an ensemble of reservoir state variables are generated and kept up-to-date as data are assimilated sequentially. The uncertainty of reservoir state variables is estimated from the ensemble at any time step. Two synthetic problems are selected to investigate two primary concerns with the application of the EnKF. The first concern is whether it is possible to use a Kalman filter to make corrections to state variables in a problem for which the covariance matrix almost certainly provides a poor representation of the distribution of variables. It is tested with a one-dimensional, two-phase waterflood problem. The water saturation takes large values behind the flood front, and small values ahead of the front. The saturation distribution is bimodal and is not well modeled by the mean and variance. The second concern is the representation of the covariance via a relatively small ensemble of state vectors may be inadequate. It is tested by a two-dimensional, two-phase problem. The number of ensemble members is kept the same as for the one-dimensional problem. Hence the number of ensemble members used to create the covariance matrix is far less than the number of state variables. We conclude that EnKF can provide satisfactory history matching results while requiring less computation work than traditional history matching methods. DOI: 10.1115/1.2134735
Estrogen plus progestin increased lung cancer mortality but not incidence in postmenopausal women

Source Citation Chlebowski RT, Schwartz AG, Wakelee H, et al. Oestrogen plus progestin and lung cancer in postmenopausal women (Women’s Health Initiative trial): a post-hoc analysis of a randomised...
In vivo light scattering measurements for detection of precancerous conditions of the cervix

Abstract Objective. To examine the utility of in vivo elastic light scattering measurements to diagnose high grade squamous interepithelial lesions (HSIL) of the cervix. Methods. A newly developed fiber optic probe was used to measure light transport in the cervical epithelium of 36 patients undergoing standard colposcopy. Both unpolarized and polarized light transport were measured in the visible and near-infrared. Spectroscopic results of 29 patients were compared with histopathology of the measured sites using ROC curves, MANOVA and logistic regression. Results. Three spectroscopic parameters are statistically different for HSIL compared with low-grade lesions and normal tissue. When these three spectroscopic parameters are combined, retrospective sensitivities and specificities for HSIL versus non-HSIL are 100% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions. Reflectance measurements of elastically scattered light show promise as a non-invasive, real-time method to discriminate HSIL from other abnormalities and normal tissue. These results compare favorably with those obtained by fluorescence alone and by fluorescence combined with light scattering.
Histogenesis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas : The case for the centroacinar cell of origin

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is an unusual pancreatic neoplasm of low malignant potential that most frequently occurs in young women. The tumor is indolent, with long patient survival, even in the presence of extension into adjacent organs and metastases. Histologically, it is a solid and cystic tumor with a prominent vascular network and degenerative pseudopapillae formation. Despite its distinctive morphology and cytological features, its histogenesis is unclear. Herein, we report a case of solid pseudopapillary tumor in a 41-year-old female in which the tumor cells immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally suggest a centroacinar cell origin. The tumor cells and the normal centroacinar cells stained positive for alpha-antitrypsin (alpha-AT), CD10, cyclin D1 and NSE. Ultrastructural examination shows similarities in nuclear shape, nucleoli location and cytoplasmic contents between neoplastic cells and normal centroacinar cells of the pancreas. Based on both immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features, we propose that the centroacinar cell is the origin of SPT.
Finite-element modeling of nonisothermal equal-channel angular extrusion

Deformation during conventional (nonisothermal) hot working of metals via equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE) was investigated using two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element modeling (FEM) analysis. The effects of material flow properties, die-workpiece heat-transfer and friction conditions, and die design on metal flow were examined. Friction and die design were shown to be the most important parameters governing the formation of dead-metal zones during extrusion. On the other hand, thermal gradients induced by die chill and deformation heating were found to exacerbate the extent of flow localization that arises due to material-flow softening alone. The FEM predictions were validated by ECAE experiments on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy with a colony alpha microstructure. Preforms exhibited minor edge cracking and mild flow localization during extrusion at 985 °C, but severe shear localization and fracture during extrusion at 900 °C. The 2-D FEM simulations predicted deformation detail, including shear localization, that was in good agreement with the experimental results, but 3-D FEM simulations were required to realistically predict die chill. A combined approach, in which thermal data were extracted from 3-D simulations and inserted into 2-D simulations, produced load-stroke and fracture predictions in general agreement with measured values.
The Current Status of Ultrasound and Color Doppler Imaging in Screening for Ovarian Cancer

The lack of significant improvement in ovarian cancer survival in over 3 decades has focused interest on early disease detection as well as the development of more effective therapies. Ultrasound's ability to discern alterations in ovarian architecture and color doppler's ability to recognize malignancy-associated angiogenesis have resulted in the application of these techniques to ovarian cancer screening. Morphology scoring systems have been developed to quantitate the anatomic alterations seen on ultrasound. Prospective ovarian cancer ultrasound screening trials involving 11,283 women were evaluated: 486 participants underwent surgical exploration and 19 ovarian cancers were diagnosed. Thirteen cases were stage I where the impact of screening on disease survival is thought to be maximal; 5/13 were invasive epithelial malignancies, 7/13 were borderline tumors, and 1/13 was a granulosa cell tumor. Overall, 32 surgeries (95% CI = 20-58) were required to diagnose one stage I ovarian cancer; if only those women with a family history of ovarian cancer are included in the analysis, then 17 surgeries (95% CI = 14-41) would be required. Potential clinical implications of these results are discussed, as well as future directions for screening.
Pseudocercospora feijoae sp. nov. causing a leaf spot disease on Feijoa sellowiana in Florida.

Pseudocercosporafeijoae is described as a new species from leaf spots on Feijoa sellowiana in Florida. Typical symptoms of the disease appeared on fully expanded leaves 4 to 6 weeks after inoculation of
Sonothrombolysis in the management of acute ischemic stroke.

Multiple in vitro and animal models have demonstrated the efficacy of ultrasound to enhance fibrinolysis. Mechanical pressure waves produced by ultrasound energy improve the delivery and penetration of alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) inside the clot. In human stroke, the CLOTBUST phase II trial showed that the combination of alteplase plus 2 hours of continuous transcranial Doppler (TCD) increased recanalization rates, producing a trend toward better functional outcomes compared with alteplase alone. Other small clinical trials also showed an improvement in clot lysis when transcranial color-coded sonography was combined with alteplase. In contrast, low-frequency ultrasound increased the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate in a clinical trial. Administration of microbubbles (MBs) may further enhance the effect of ultrasound on thrombolysis by lowering the ultrasound-energy threshold needed to induce acoustic cavitation. Initial clinical trials have been encouraging, and a multicenter international study, TUCSON, determined a dose of newly developed MBs that can be safely administered with alteplase and TCD. Even in the absence of alteplase, the ultrasound energy, with or without MBs, could increase intrinsic fibrinolysis. The intra-arterial administration of ultrasound with the EKOS NeuroWave® catheter is another ultrasound application for acute stroke that is currently being studied in the IMS III trial. Operator-independent devices, different MB-related techniques, and other ultrasound parameters for improving and spreading sonothrombolysis are being tested.
Enhanced Specific Heat Capacity of Molten Salts Using Organic Nanoparticles

In this study we explore the material properties of carbonate salt eutectics that melt at high temperatures (exceeding 480 °C). These salt eutectics demonstrated anomalous enhancement in the specific heat capacity in both solid and liquid phases — when mixed with carious organic nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphite nanoparticles. Theses experimental measurements are compared with previous reports in the literature for exploring the effect of the synthesis protocol on the resulting thermo-physical properties of these nanomaterials. The enhancement of the thermo-physical properties on mixing with nanoparticles is of significant interest in reducing the cost of thermal energy storage (TES) devices and systems. TES can be utilized for levelizing peaks in cyclical energy demands (or duties) that is typical of renewable energy applications where the input energy source may be intermittent (e.g., solar thermal); as well as in geothermal and nuclear energy applications.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Modeling Viscous Isothermal Piston Skirts EHL in Very Low Initial Engine Start Up Speeds

In the normal low-speed engine operation, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of piston skirts and lubricant rheology reduce friction and prevent wear. In a few initial start up cycles, a very low engine speed and absence of EHL cause adhesive wear. This study models hydrodynamic and EHL of piston skirts in the initial very low cold engine start up speed by using a high viscosity lubricant. The 2-D Reynolds equation is solved and inverse solution technique is used to calculate the pressures and film thickness profiles in the hydrodynamic and EHL regimes, respectively. The work is extended to investigate the effects of three very low initial engine start up speeds on the transverse eccentricities of piston skirts, film thickness profiles and pressure fields in the hydrodynamic and EHL regimes. Despite using a viscous lubricant, thin EHL film profiles are generated at low start up speeds. This study suggests very low speed optimization in the cold initial engine start up conditions to prevent piston wear under isothermal conditions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Using R and WinBUGS to fit a generalized partial credit model for developing and evaluating patient‐reported outcomes assessments

The US Food and Drug Administration recently announced the final guidelines on the development and validation of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) assessments in drug labeling and clinical trials. This guidance paper may boost the demand for new PRO survey questionnaires. Henceforth, biostatisticians may encounter psychometric methods more frequently, particularly item response theory (IRT) models to guide the shortening of a PRO assessment instrument. This article aims to provide an introduction on the theory and practical analytic skills in fitting a generalized partial credit model (GPCM) in IRT. GPCM theory is explained first, with special attention to a clearer exposition of the formal mathematics than what is typically available in the psychometric literature. Then, a worked example is presented, using self-reported responses taken from the international personality item pool. The worked example contains step-by-step guides on using the statistical languages r and WinBUGS in fitting the GPCM. Finally, the Fisher information function of the GPCM model is derived and used to evaluate, as an illustrative example, the usefulness of assessment items by their information contents. This article aims to encourage biostatisticians to apply IRT models in the re-analysis of existing data and in future research.
Linkage Map Construction and Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis of Agronomic and Fiber Quality Traits in Cotton

The superior fiber properties of Gossypium barbadense L. serve as a source of novel variation for improving fiber quality in Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), but introgression from G. barbadense has been largely unsuccessful due to hybrid breakdown and a lack of genetic and genomic resources. In an effort to overcome these limitations, we constructed a linkage map and conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of 10 agronomic and fiber quality traits in a recombinant inbred mapping population derived from a cross between TM-1, an Upland cotton line, and NM24016, an elite G. hirsutum line with stabilized introgression from G. barbadense. The linkage map consisted of 429 simple-sequence repeat (SSR) and 412 genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker loci that covered half of the tetraploid cotton genome. Notably, the 841 marker loci were unevenly distributed among the 26 chromosomes of tetraploid cotton. The 10 traits evaluated on the TM-1 × NM24016 population in a multienvironment trial were highly heritable, and most of the fiber traits showed considerable transgressive variation. Through the QTL analysis, we identified a total of 28 QTLs associated with the 10 traits. Our study provides a novel resource that can be used by breeders and geneticists for the genetic improvement of agronomic and fiber quality traits in Upland cotton. A s the world’s foremost natural fiber crop, cotton supports a multibillion-dollar production and pro
Consider the Source Response Differences Among Teachers, Principals, and Districts on Survey Questions About Their Education Policy Environment

This study extends previous work on survey validity and reliability by examining how different groups of respondents vary in their answers to survey questions about the policy system. The study uses state-representative data from a five-state study of standard-based reform in mathematics to test how predictive teacher, principal, and district administrator survey responses are of each other when respondents are asked the exact same questions about their policy environment. The analyses and discussion call attention to the importance of considering the source of information—who is responding to the survey—when relying on survey data to describe the implementation and effects of education policy. Results show that responses of teachers, principals, and district administrators tend to be similar on questions about power and barriers to implementation but are unrelated or inversely related on questions about specificity, authority, and the consequences of policy. Implications for survey design and analysis ar...
Minimizing routing overhead with Two-Hop Coordinate Awareness in ad hoc networks

We introduce ORTHCA (On-demand Routing with Two Hop Coordinates Awareness) a method for minimizing the dissemination of route requests in mobile ad hoc networks (MANET). The selection of relaying nodes is implemented by first computing the best two-hop relay nodes R2(u) whose Euclidean Distance to four polar points are the shortest among all two-hop neighbors N2(u), and then determining one-hop relay nodes R1(u) connecting with R2(u). This process is iterated by each member of R2(u). We prove that all nodes in a connected MANET are covered in the dissemination of route requests using this procedure, and that |R1(u) + R2(u)| ≤ 16, which constitutes complexity O(1), regardless of the density of the network. ORTHCA is compared with representative routing protocols, namely AODV, OLSR, LAR, and THP. The simulation results show that ORTHCA reduces the routing load and improves packet delivery ratios, outperforming the other four routing protocols.
Improving nutrition and physical activity policies in afterschool programs: results from a group-randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Objective Afterschool programs can be health-promoting environments for children. Written policies positively influence nutrition and physical activity (PA) environments, but effective strategies for building staff capacity to write such policies have not been evaluated. This study measures the comprehensiveness of written nutrition, PA, and screen time policies in afterschool programs and assesses impact of the Out of School Nutrition and Physical Activity (OSNAP) intervention on key policies. Methods Twenty afterschool programs in Boston, MA participated in a group-randomized, controlled trial from September 2010 to June 2011. Intervention program staff attended learning collaboratives focused on practice and policy change. The Out-of-School Time (OST) Policy Assessment Index evaluated written policies. Inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the measure and impact of the intervention on written policies were assessed. Results The measure demonstrated moderate to excellent inter-rater reliability (Spearman's r = 0.53 to 0.97) and construct validity. OSNAP was associated with significant increases in standards-based policy statements surrounding snacks (+ 2.6, p = 0.003), beverages (+ 2.3, p = 0.008), screen time (+ 0.8, p = 0.046), family communication (+ 2.2, p = 0.002), and a summary index of OSNAP goals (+ 3.3, p = 0.02). Conclusions OSNAP demonstrated success in building staff capacity to write health-promoting policy statements. Future research should focus on determining policy change impact on practices.
Modulation of folding pathways of exported proteins by the leader sequence

Leader peptides that function to direct export of proteins through membranes have some common features but exhibit a remarkable sequence diversity. Thus there is some question whether leader peptides exert their function through conventional stereospecific protein-protein interaction. Here it is shown that the leader peptides retarded the folding of precursor maltose-binding protein and ribose-binding protein from Escherichia coli. This kinetic effect may be crucial in allowing precursors to enter the export pathway.
Photocrosslinkable conducting polymers as nonlinear optical materials

A novel solution processable, electrically conducting and photocrosslinkable second order nonlinear optical (NLO) polymer was synthesized and investigated. Cinnamoylated thiophene derivative -- poly [3-octylthiophene-co-4-(N-3 thenyl) amino 2-nitro phenol] shows second order NLO activity upon poling. This conducting polymer, when doped with an NLO chromophore, 3-cinnamoyloxy-4-[4-(N,N-diethylamino)-2-cinnamoyloxy phenylazo] nitrobenzene and poled, exhibits greatly enhanced second order optical nonlinearity. The second order NLO coefficient -- d 33 of the dye doped polymer was measured to be 18.6 pm/V at 1.064 micrometers and 3.3 pm/V at 1.542 micrometers by the second harmonic generation technique. The NLO properties of the poled and photocrosslinked polymer samples are stable at room temperature. The combination of conductivity and optical nonlinearity in this type of polymeric materials may lead to new photovoltaic and photorefractive applications.
On the Dynamic Stability of Multilayer Sandwich Plates

Study of the dynamic stability of plates which are constructed of several alternating soft and hard layers and are subjected to time-dependent periodic in-plane loads. A theory that accounts for all of these effects is presented for multilayer sandwich plates. The plate thickness consists of (k - 1) orthotropic soft core layers sandwiched between k hard isotropic membrane layers, each of which may have a different thickness and elastic properties. It is assumed that the core layers carry only the transverse shear stresses, while the hard membrane layers carry the in-plane normal and shear stresses. The complementary variational principle for dynamics is used to derive the governing differential equations and the necessary boundary conditions for the dynamic stability of the sandwich plate. The equations governing the vibration of the plate and those governing its static stability are deduced from the more general equations for dynamic stability.
The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on adipose tissue cellularity in mice.

AbstractThe effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on adipose tissue growth in young adult male mice was investigated. In Experiment 1, mice were individually caged and treated by intraperitoneal injections of DHEA (25 mg/kg body weight, 3x weekly) for 20 weeks. No significant differences in body weight and adipose tissue growth were found. In Experiment 2, DHEA was administered by intubation (450 mg/kg body weight, 3x weekly). In addition, mice were housed either one/cage or five/cage. After 10 weeks of treatment body weight and epididymal and retroperitoneal fat pad weights were significantly decreased in both DHEA groups compared to their respective control groups. In both adipose depots fat cell size was significantly decreased in treated mice while there was no effect on fat cell number. No differences were found in adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase or liver fatty acid synthetase of treated mice.
Guanidinylated poly(allylamine) supported on mesoporous silica for CO2 capture from flue gas

Abstract The CO 2 adsorption performance of aminosilica adsorbents prepared by the impregnation of poly(allylamine) (PAA) and guanidinylated poly(allylamine) (GPAA) into silica mesocellular foam supports is evaluated. The effect of amine loading on the CO 2 capacity is consistent with previous reports of poly(allylamine) impregnated adsorbents, whereby the capacity increases initially with increasing amine loading and then drops at very high amine loadings, due to restricted access to the amine sites at high loadings. The CO 2 capacity of the new GPAA impregnated adsorbents decreases with an increase in adsorption temperature, showing comparable capacities to those for PAA impregnated adsorbents at low to moderate temperatures. However, at adsorption temperature higher than 75 °C, the CO 2 capacities of GPAA adsorbents are higher than those for PAA adsorbents, ∼70% higher at the highest temperature studied, 140 °C. CO 2 adsorption–desorption cycling experiments show that the GPAA adsorbents have a better stability and regenerability at higher temperatures, making this class of materials suited for temperature swing cycles operating in a higher temperature regime than traditional aminosilica adsorbents based on PEI.
Histamine Concentration in Blood, Milk, and Urine of Dairy Cattle

Summary Histamine concentration in blood, urine, and milk has been determined fluorimetrically. Blood histamine values in 19 growing Holstein heifers, from birth to 45 wk, averaged .29 μ g/ml (range for an 11–14-wk period, 25±.08 to .36±.09 μ g/ml). Eight bulls showed similar average blood values of 30 μ g/ml (range, 25±.06 to .36±.09 μ g/ml). Blood levels during this rapid growth period showed little change, values being slightly lower during the earlier weeks. Blood histamine concentration of five animals sampled at 6-hr intervals for three days indicated little diurnal variation. Such repetitive sampling was, however, associated with a progressive increase in histamine level. Twenty-five milk samples from 15 cows were analyzed for histamine, the mean concentration being .51±.34 μ g/ml. When the fluorimetric histamine procedure was applied to urine, four samples from heifers fed alfalfa-grass hay showed a mean concentration of 1.10±.91 μ g/ml, whereas four samples from animals fed alfalfa-grass silage were 19.53±16.42 μ g/ml. These concentrations averaged about 20 to 30 times those in blood. Computed daily urinary excretion was 2–12 and 48–356mg, respectively, for the hay- and silage-fed animals.
Deformation and fracture behavior of Nb in Nb5Si3/Nb laminates and its effect on laminate toughness

The mechanical behaviour of the Nb reinforcement (250 μm thick foils) in Nb5Si3/Nb/Nb5Si3 laminates were investigated under a variety of stress states and test temperatures. Tests were conducted at room temperature (298 K) and 77K on as-received Nb foils, on Nb5Si3/Nb/Nb5Si3 laminates, on Nb foils extracts from the hot pressed laminates, and on Nb foils simply exposed to vacuum at high temperature. It is shown that Nb grain size, solid solution of Si in Nb, degree of constraint, and test temperature significantly affect the mechanical behavior of Nb. All unconstrained Nb foils failed via ductile rupture at room temperature, while a mixture of cleavage and ductile fracture was exhibited by the constrained Nb present in the laminates. A similar ductile-to-brittle transition in fracture appearance was observed for some foils tested at 77 K, accompanied by a reduction in total energy to fracture. The peak toughness exhibited by the laminates tested at 77 K was only reduced 28% from that exhibited at 298 K, despite this drastic change in fracture mode from ductile to brittle. The effects of composition, interface strength and test conditions on the mechanical behavior of the Nb and its subsequent role on the toughness of the laminates are discussed.
A commentary on financial research in the Asia Pacific region

Abstract The hypotheses, models, theories, and methods of analysis that constitute the science of finance have generally been derived from Western models of markets and institutions. A significant amount of research in the Asia Pacific region consists of studies attempting to determine whether they are as true or applicable there as they are believed to be elsewhere. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate thinking and debate regarding the focus of Asia Pacific financial research and the universality of Western financial models.
Influence of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) upon establishment and progression of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.

Summary (1)In a series of three experiments ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB; Atromid-S) was fed at the 0.3 % level to rabbits maintained on an atherogenic regimen (2 % cholesterol in 6 % corn oil). In cholesterol-fed rabbits CPIB caused slight reductions in serum cholesterol levels and significant reductions in liver cholesterol levels. When results of all three experiments were averaged, arch atheromata were significantly lower in CPIB-treated rabbits (0.02 (2)Rabbits in which atheromata had been established by previous cholesterol feeding were returned to normal diet or to normal diet augmented with 0.3 % CPIB. The average atheromata (arch/thoracic) for three experiments were: (a) end of cholesterol regimen, 2.1/1.3; (b) 2 months further on chow, 3.2/1.8; (c) 2 months on chow plus 0.3 % CPIB, 2.9/1.7. The liver cholesterol levels of the CPIB-fed rabbits were consistently lower than those of the other two groups. Average for three experiments: (a) 6.56 g/100 g; (b) 4.65 g/100 g; and (c) 3.36 g/100 g.
Sample size determination in logistic regression

Whittemore (1981) and Hsieh et al. (1998) have proposed different methods for determining sample size in the context of testing the significance of a slope parameter in logistic regression. Their sample size formulas have been incorporated in some statistical software packages. In this paper, we use a variation of Whittemore (1981) method to calculate sample size. We compare these three sample size formulas to assess closeness of the nominal and observed powers via simulations. These studies lead us to propose another method, which is a combination of Hsieh et al. (1998) method and the proposed variation of the Whittemore (1981) method for calculating sample size when the covariate is normally distributed. However, when the covariate has a Bernoulli distribution, sample size calculations widely diverge between the Hsieh et al. (1998) method and the proposed method. Interestingly, the proposed method gives a better account of power than the Hsieh et al. (1998) method.
Microstructure effect on the electrochemical property of Li4Ti5O12 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Porous (P-) and dense (D-) lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) powders as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by spray drying followed by solid-state calcination. Electrochemical testing results showed that the discharge capacities of P-Li4Ti5O12 are 144 mAh/g, 128 mAh/g and 73 mAh/g at the discharging rate of 2C, 5C and 20C, respectively (cut-off voltages: 0.5–2.5 V). The corresponding values for D-Li4Ti5O12 are 108 mAh/g, 25 mAh/g and 17 mAh/g. The higher capacity of the P-Li4Ti5O12 at high charge/discharge rates was attributed to the shorter transport path of Li ions and higher electronic conductivity in the P-Li4Ti5O12 as a result of its smaller primary particle size and higher surface area compared with those of the D-Li4Ti5O12.
NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING WITHIN A SLOT GRAMMAR FRAMEWORK

This paper contains brief descriptions of the latest form of Slot Grammar and four natural language processing systems developed in this framework. Slot Grammar is a lexicalist, dependency-oriented grammatical system, based on the systematic expression of linguistic rules and data in terms of slots (essentially grammatical relations) and slot frames. The exposition focuses on the kinds of analysis structures produced by the Slot Grammar parser. These structures offer convenient input to post-syntactic processing (in particular to the applications dealt with in the paper); they contain in a single structure a useful combination of surface structure and logical form. The four applications discussed are: (1) An anaphora resolution system dealing with both NP anaphora and VP anaphora (and combinations of the two). (2) A meaning postulate based inference system for natural language, in which inference is done directly with Slot Grammar analysis structures. (3) A new transfer system for the machine translation system LMT, based on a new representation for Slot Grammar analyses which allows more convenient tree exploration. (4) A parser of "constructions", viewed as an extension of the core grammar allowing one to handle some linguistic phenomena that are often labeled "extragrammatical", and to assign a semantics to them.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Objective This review was undertaken to summarize the significant progress that has been made in the epidemiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), the changing nosology, and the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategy. Design We reviewed the pertinent literature on IIH published in major English-language journals for the last 20 years. Material and Methods The diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications, and treatment of IIH are described. Results IIH occurs at an average annual incidence rate per 100,000 persons of 1 to 2 for the total population and 19 to 21 in obese females of the reproductive age-group. IIH is a recognized cause of reversible vision loss in adult obese women. The diagnosis of IIH requires a documented elevation of intracranial pressure, normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition, and normal findings on neuroimaging studies. At least two primary mechanisms for the development of increased CSF pressure in IIH have been postulated and supported by experimental data: vasogenic extracellular brain edema and a low conductance of CSF outflow at the arachnoid villi. This condition may be secondarily exacerbated by compression of intracranial venous sinuses by the increased intracranial pressure, resulting in a further reduction of flow across the arachnoid villi. The therapeutic strategy is determined by visual status, which needs close monitoring. Conclusion Although medical measures to lower the intracranial hypertension are successful in the majority of patients, surgical therapy should not be delayed in those with significant or progressive vision loss. Based on recent advances, a practical approach has been described for the diagnosis, early detection of visual impairment, and targeting therapy to preserve the vision or to reverse recent loss of vision in patients with IIH.
Do fees help heal

Fees for mental health services is a subject that is often discussed but seldom researched. Fee information that pertained to 112 adult outpatients who returned a follow-up questionnaire and 147 who did not return it was reviewed in light of several indices of patients' response to clinic services. The study also assessed impact of change in a facility's billing format. Differences in billing format were in terms of amount of charge and whether fees were per session or lump-sum. Nonparametric statistics were applied to determine any relationship that (a) assessment by the clinic, (b) source of payment, (c) assessment to the patient, and (d) payment had with (a) return to clinic, (b) number of sessions, and (c) reports of help and satisfaction. The only association found was between presence of third-party coverage and likelihood that the patient returned. Change in billing format did not bear upon return to the clinic or satisfaction with services rendered, but did influence payment. Finally, some of the findings suggest that payment is associated with a predisposition to honor requests and obligations.
Trapped Electrons in Irradiated Quartz and Silica: I, Optical Absorption

Evidence is given for the correlation between an optical absorption band at 2300 au and an electron spin reso nance system developed in quartz after Co/ sup 60/ gamma irradiation. The results of bleaching gamma irradiated quartz and silica at 78 deg K and at room temperature are presented and discussed. Also, further observations upon annealing these color centers are given. (auth)
PUFF: A high-resolution volcanic ash tracking model

This paper presents a volcanic ash tracking model referred to as PUFF. The model was developed to simulate the movement of airborne ash in near real-time following an eruption for the purposes of hazard warning. The model tracks particles through a Lagrangian formulation of advection, fallout and turbulent diffusion using a random-walk technique. Three recent eruption events are simulated using archived data. AVHRR images from these events are used for comparison and to validate model results.
Spatial Light Modulators And Their Use In Optical Data Processing

Real time and reusable coherent spatial light modulators for use in optical data processing are summarized. The status of the six leading candidate real time devices that have seen use in coherent light are included. Three electron beam addressed devices are described (the dielectric oil film valve, the thermoplastic optical phase recorder, and electron beam DKDP). Three optically addressed spatial light modulators are also included (the liquid crystal lightvalve, the PROM, and photo DKDP). The operation, specifications, applications, and remarks on directions for future research are included for all of these devices.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A simple route to the energy shift between an electrically polarizable molecule and a magnetically susceptible molecule via the electromagnetic energy density

The van der Waals dispersion interaction between a molecule that is electrically polarizable and one that is magnetically susceptible, is recalculated within the framework of non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics. The energy shift is obtained in a simple way by calculating the response of a test polarizable body to the electromagnetic energy density due to a second source molecule. It is confirmed that the near-zone asymptote of the potential between an electric dipole polarizable molecule and a paramagnetic one varies as R − 4. Inclusion of the often neglected diamagnetic coupling term, however, results in an R −5 dependent short-range behaviour, which is seen to dominate over the paramagnetic contribution in the near-zone. For larger intermolecular distances, the expected R −7 dependence on separation is found for both paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptible molecules interacting with an electric dipole polarizable one.
Electronic-Recombination Coefficient of He 2 + 3 Compared to He 2 + 4

The electronic-recombination coefficient of $^{3}\mathrm{He}_{2}^{+}$ is shown to be ($1.23\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}+5.04\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}p$) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, compared to that of $^{4}\mathrm{He}_{2}^{+}$, which is ($1.15\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}+3.86\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}p$) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, where $p$ is the gas pressure in Torr.
Abdominal sacrospinous ligament colposuspension.

Abstract Background: When an abdominal approach is chosen for repair of pelvic prolapse, a paravaginal repair is often used to correct lateral cystoceles and a retropubic urethropexy to correct genuine stress incontinence. If concomitant vaginal vault prolapse exists, an approach for vaginal vault support, which can be done through the space of Retzius, would be beneficial. We describe an abdominal approach to the sacrospinous ligament. Technique: The space of Retzius is accessed and important anatomic landmarks, including the obturator canal and neurovascular bundle, paravaginal veins, bladder, and ischial spine, are identified. The sacrospinous ligament complex is palpated and exposed. The superior posterolateral vaginal wall is then fixed to the complex. Often a bilateral repair is possible. Experience: Fifty-five women at two centers had abdominal sacrospinous ligament colpopexies for vaginal vault prolapse. All had other repairs for pelvic organ prolapse. No follow-up operations were needed for recurrent vault prolapse, over an average of 23 months follow-up. Conclusion: An abdominal approach to the sacrospinous ligament complex can be used, providing pelvic reconstruction surgeons with an alternative technique for vaginal vault support when other space-of-Retzius procedures are required.
Estimating the potential for twenty-first century sudden climate change.

I investigate the potential for sudden climate change during the current century. This investigation takes into account evidence from the Earth's history, from climate models and our understanding ...
Rhetorical Invention in Public Speaking Textbooks and Classrooms

This essay examines how three of the most popular public speaking textbooks address rhetorical invention. The essay argues that textbooks minimize the discursive space shared by speakers and audiences in public speaking classrooms. As a consequence, topic and argument invention is framed largely as an internal affair that occurs prior to the speaker's interaction with the audience. The essay concludes with recommendations for teaching invention by reframing the public speaking classroom as a protopublic space.
Tall Poppies in the Workplace: Communication Strategies Used by Envious Others in Response to Successful Women

The current study used the Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) as a framework for exploring how women in organizational settings interact with other women they perceive as superior to them in some way. The “tall poppy,” an Australian cultural expression, refers to individuals who represent high ability or admirable qualities. According to Tall Poppy Syndrome, people who interact with tall poppies often demonstrate the tendency to attack, demean, or in some other way, bring the “tall poppy” down to the common level. To better understand the tall poppy phenomenon among women in organizations, focus group data from 40 adult, Caucasian women in the Midwest were collected and analyzed using grounded research methodology (Glaser & Straus, 1967). The study presents findings related to negative communication strategies females use in response to the tall poppy.