cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds with improved self-fitting properties.

"Self-fitting" shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds prepared as semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPNs) with crosslinked linear-poly(e-caprolactone)-diacrylate (PCL-DA, Mn∼10 kg mol-1) and linear-poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA, Mn∼15 kg mol-1) [75/25 wt%] exhibited robust mechanical properties and accelerated degradation rates versus a PCL-DA scaffold control. However, their potential to treat irregular craniomaxillofacial (CMF) bone defects is limited by their relatively high fitting temperature (Tfit∼55 °C; related to the Tm of PCL) required for shape recovery (i.e. expansion) and subsequent shape fixation during press fitting of the scaffold, which can be harmful to surrounding tissue. Additionally, the viscosity of the solvent-based precursor solutions, cast over a fused salt template during fabrication, can limit scaffold size. Thus, in this work, analogous semi-IPN SMP scaffolds were formed with a 4-arm star-PCL-tetracryalate (star-PCL-TA) (Mn∼10 kg mol-1) and star-PLLA (Mn∼15 kg mol-1). To assess the impact of a star-polymer architecture, four semi-IPN compositions were prepared: linear-PCL-DA/linear-PLLA (L/L), linear-PCL-DA/star-PLLA (L/S), star-PCL-TA/linear-PLLA (S/L) and star-PCL-TA/star-PLLA (S/S). Two PCL controls were also prepared: LPCL (i.e. 100% linear-PCL-DA) and SPCL (i.e. 100% star-PCL-TA). The S/S semi-IPN scaffold exhibited particularly desirable properties. In addition to achieving a lower, tissue-safe Tfit (∼45 °C), it exhibited the fastest rate of degradation which is anticipated to more favourably permit neotissue infiltration. The radial expansion pressure exerted by the S/S semi-IPN scaffold at Tfit was greater than that of LPCL, which is expected to enhance osseointegration and mechanical stability. The intrinsic viscosity of the S/S semi-IPN macromer solution was also reduced such that larger scaffold specimens could be prepared.
Financial Service Providers, AI, Satisficing, and the Human Touch In the Market for Financial Nudges and Boosts

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping many facets of the decision landscape faced by consumers and investors. These advances have resulted in lower fees and borrowing costs, increased access to financial services, and greater customization. In this paper, I discuss how the need for the human touch impacts the potential for digital technologies to lower the cost of providing mass customization and personalization to the broad market for wealth management. I present the cases of three financial service firms, to illustrate how the failure to account properly for the human touch can result in unsuccessful technologically-based strategies.
The Immersion Method

The immersion method permits measurement of refractive index by comparison of the unknown crystal with liquids of known refractive index. A determination of refractive index usually suffices for the identification of isotropic crystals. Refractive index determinations are also fundamental in identification of anisotropic crystals, and the techniques of this chapter are applicable to these as well. Anisotropic crystals, however, have either two or three principal refractive indices, and determination of these requires alignment of principal vibration directions with the polarizer, as well as certain other techniques described in succeeding chapters. Anisotropic crystals also possess other optical and crystallographic characteristics such as optic angle and extinction angle, which are usually needed for identification, and may be determined at the same time as refractive index.
Impaired intranuclear trafficking of Runx2 (AML3/CBFA1) transcription factors in breast cancer cells inhibits formation of osteolytic lesions in vivo

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 2912 Runx transcription factors comprise a family of proteins that are essential for organogenesis. The Runx transcription factors function as scaffolds for interaction with a variety of coregulatory proteins. A unique nuclear matrix targeting signal (NMTS) in the C-terminus directs these factors to their specific subnuclear domains. At these sites they interact with coregulatory proteins and target genes. We have previously shown that Runx2 is highly expressed in metastatic breast cancer cells, but that inhibition of Runx2 can prevent production of osteolytic lesions in bone (Barnes et al., Cancer Res., 2004, 64:4506). Here we show that proper Runx2 subnuclear targeting is required for osteolysis. We have identified point mutations of the Runx2 NMTS sequence that impair its targeting to nuclear matrix sites. MDA-MB-231 or targeting deficient mutant Runx2 expressing stable cells were injected into the intramedullary region of the tibia of 4-6 week old SCID mice. Formation of osteolytic lesions in bones was assessed by radiography. The mutation blocks the invasive and osteolytic properties of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vivo . Cell lines expressing this Runx2 mutant protein inhibit the osteogenic properties of bone marrow stromal cells in co-culture assays and production of cytokines that promote the osteolytic lesions. The mutant breast cancer cells also exhibit reduced invasiveness in vitro and do not express genes involved in invasion and angiogenesis (VEGF, MMP13). Our findings suggest that fidelity of Runx2 intranuclear organization is necessary for expression of target genes that mediate the osteolytic activity of metastatic breast cancer cells.
Spatial memory deficit resulting from ischemia-induced damage to the hippocampus is ameliorated by intra-hippocampal transplants of fetal hippocampal neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the extent to which an ischemically induced spatial memory performance deficit, in adult Mongolian gerbils, is ameliorated by hippocampal neurons, derived from fetal gerbils that are bilaterally transplanted into the CA 1 field of the ischemic dorsal hippocampal formation. In an experiment described in the chapter, transient cerebral ischemia was produced in 80–100 g adult male Mongolian gerbils. At the end of the ischemic interval, the clips were released and blood flow was observed to resume through each artery. Non-ischemic gerbils, serving as sham-operated controls, underwent the same surgical procedure except that the common carotid arteries were not occluded. The spatial probe test is used. After the spatial probe test, the ischemic gerbils were ranked according to the severity of their spatial memory performance deficit. Similarly, they were ranked on the basis of performance in an open field and a passive avoidance paradigm. When the number of platform crossings in the training quadrant prior to and after transplantation was determined, it was found that the ischemic gerbils that had undergone bilateral transplantation of a cell suspension derived from whole fetal hippocampi into the CA 1 field of the dorsal hippocampal formation had a significant improvement in their performance during the spatial probe test.
A rule-based approach to prioritization of IT work requests maximizing net benefit to the business

With the growth of IT outsourcing opportunities, providers of managed IT services, such as HP, are compelled to exploit any possible economy of scale in dealing with emerging requirements of their customers. In this paper we present a methodology and a set of tools for enhanced executive decision support capability for the best allocation of scarce development resources through timelier and more accurate delivery of forecast indicators relative to the net benefit. Examples of such indicators are total forecast revenue for a bundle of work requests and total forecast cost reductions for a bundle of work requests. The tools deliver on reduced development cost and shorter time to value through the identification of synergies, duplication and commonality in work requests. For example, our approach will be able to identify in a reliable manner work that falls into these discrete categories pertaining to potential duplication thereby highlighting areas of potential cost reduction. Moreover they guarantee a reduced turn around time of delivery to trade customers through prioritization driven by net benefit and optimized release.
Measurable security through isotropic channels

This position paper proposes the use of special broadcast networks to achieve provable and measurable confidentiality of messages. We call these networks isotropic channels, broadcast channels in which receivers cannot reliably determine whether a given message originated from any particular sender and senders cannot prevent a message from reaching any particular receiver. As long as eavesdroppers cannot reliably (i.e., with probabilistic certainty) identify the sender of a message, honest parties can efficiently exchange messages with confidentiality that asymptotically approaches and in some cases reaches perfect secrecy. Even under incorrect assumptions regarding the degree of isotropism offered by a particular channel, a high measure of confidentiality can be efficiently achieved. This position paper additionally makes the case that isotropic channels already exist, and are, in fact, often used in practice. By leveraging isotropic techniques, measurable information theoretic security can be practically achieved.
Professions and inter-disciplinary teamwork in socially embedded bureaucracies: Synthesis and hypotheses on the impact of informal and formal organization

In order to maximize their productivity, inter-disciplinary multi-occupation teams of professionals need to maximize inter-occupational cooperation in team decision making. Cooperation, however, is challenged by status anxiety over organizational careers and identity politics among team members who differ by ethnicity-race, gender, religion, nativity, citizenship status, etc. The purpose of this paper is to develop hypotheses about how informal and formal features of bureaucracy influence the level of inter-occupation cooperation achieved by socially diverse, multi-occupation work teams of professionals in bureaucratic work organizations. The 18 hypotheses, which are developed with the heuristic empirical case of National Science Foundation-sponsored university school partnerships in math and science curriculum innovation in the United States, culminate in the argument that cooperation can be realized as a synthesis of tensions between informal and formal features of bureaucracy in the form of participatory, high performance work systems.
A comparative population-based analysis of sinonasal diffuse large B-cell and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas.

Objective/Hypothesis Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) are aggressive tumors. ENTKL is very rare in the United States and often affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses; DLBCL, although more common, rarely occurs in these locations. Our study aims to compare incidence and survival of these lymphomas in the sinonasal cavity. Study Design Retrospective analysis of the United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Methods The SEER database was searched for patients diagnosed with sinonasal ENKTL and DLBCL between 1973 and 2011. Data analyzed included patient demographics, incidence, treatment modality, and survival. Results Three hundred and twenty-eight sinonasal ENKTL (SN-ENKTL) cases and 1,054 sinonasal DLBCL (SN-DLBCL) cases were identified. The mean ages at diagnosis for SN-ENKTL and SN-DLBCL were 51.7 and 67.8 years, respectively (P = 0.0001). Overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates for SN-DLBCL were 85.5%, 63.5%, and 44.0%, compared to 66.4%, 30.9%, and 9.2% for SN-ENKTL, respectively (P < 0.0001). For patients matched for stage, age, and treatment modality, the 1-, 5-, and 10-year DSS for the SN-DLBCL group was 94.4%, 72.8%, and 46.8%, respectively, whereas the respective survival rates for the SN-ENKTL group were 77.6%, 38.4%, and 13.9%, respectively (P < 0.0001 at each time interval). Conclusions To our knowledge, this study represents the only population-based comparison between SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL. SN-DLBCL has a better prognosis regardless of gender, stage, treatment modality, and age. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1077–1083, 2015
Assessing the ecological impact of a university: The ecological footprint for the University of Redlands

Since the environmental movement began, teachers, researchers, and activists on college and university campuses have made great strides toward making campuses “greener” places. As effective as these efforts have been and continue to be, some increasingly salient questions about sustainability remain unanswered. This paper offers an answer to the question, “How big is the University of Redlands’s ecological impact?”, using a recently developed technique called ecological footprint analysis (EFA). The output of EFA, as used here, is a partial ecological footprint for the University of Redlands (UR). UR’s ecological footprint is then evaluated using criteria derived from several different theoretical approaches to sustainability.
The Humboldt Current: Nineteenth Century Exploration and the Roots of American Environmentalism

How does a book reach a broad public that is environmentally concerned and socially aware while making a sweeping scholarly contribution? Geographic themes have become common vessels for these ambi...
Comparative studies of the solution properties of vinyl aromatic polymers

Viscosity and NMR studies of poly-1-vinylnaphthalene, (PIVN), poly-2-vinylnaphthalene, (P2VN), and poly-vinylbiphenyl, (PVB) solutions were carried out over a range of temperatures and molecular weights. For these polymers as well as polystyrene the viscosities at finite concentrations indicate two transition regions at about 20 and 50°C. At infinite dilution no transitions were observable except for P2VN, where a transition region around 45°C was noted. From the temperature and molecular weight dependence of [η], the conformational parameter σ = (〈r〉/〈r〉)1/2, interaction parameter B and their temperature dependence are obtained. For P1VN and P2VN, dσ/dT 0. From the NMR studies of P2VN solutions the activation energy of the main transition at 50° is calculated as E = 23 ± 4 kcal/mole for 100% polymer, indicating strong hindrance of motions. The transition has been ascribed to motions of the backbone chain. Viskositats- und NMR-Untersuchungen von Poly(1-vinylnaphthalin) (P1VN), Poly-(2-vinylnaphthalin) (P2VN), und Poly(vinylbiphenyl) (PVB) wurden als Funktion der Temperatur und des Molekulargewichtes ausgefuhrt. Bei diesen Polymeren sowie beim Polystyrol werden zwei Ubergangsbereiche bei ca. 20 und 50°C mittels Viskositatsmessungen bei endlichen Konzentrationen gefunden. In unendlich verdunnter Losung beobachten wir nur fur P2VN, (t = 45°C) ein Ubergangsintervall. Aus der Abhangigkeit der Viskositatszahl [η] von der Temperatur und dem Molekulargewicht wurden der Konformationsparameter σ = (〈r〉/〈r〉)1/2, die Weitbereichs-Wechselwirkungsgrose B und ihre Temperaturabhangigkeit erhalten. In P1VN und P2VN ist dσ/dT 0. Bei t = 30°C ist σ eine lineare Funktion des Volumens der Seitengruppe. Die Ubergangstemperatur in bezug auf Viskositat und NMR ist in der Temperaturabhangigkeit der Grose B nicht bemerkbar. Wahrend fur P2VN und PVB dB/dT < 0 ist, gilt das Umgekehrte fur das teilweise kristalline P1VN. Die NMR-Experimente mit P2VN-Losungen ergeben durch Extrapolation zu 100% an Polymerem eine Aktivierungsenergie von E = 23 ± 4 kcal/mol und deuten so auf eine stark behinderte Beweglichkeit. Das Uber-gangsintervall hangt mit Bewegungen der Hauptkette zusammen.
Free-Lagrange hydrodynamics with a distributed-memory parallel processor

Abstract The PIFL (Parallel Irregular Free-Lagrange) code solves two-dimensional hydrodynamics with the mesh vertices moving with the fluid, with no rezoning. The irregular mesh is made of triangles and each processor deals with one or more connected domains of fluid. After each time step the mesh is topologically restructured, mesh points may be created or destroyed, and there is a local load-balance. Every few steps there is a global load balance. The code runs on a hypercube under Cubix and is designed to run most efficiently in the limit of a large number of large-memory processors.
An integrative neural model of social perception, action observation, and theory of mind

In the field of social neuroscience, major branches of research have been instrumental in describing independent components of typical and aberrant social information processing, but the field as a whole lacks a comprehensive model that integrates different branches. We review existing research related to the neural basis of three key neural systems underlying social information processing: social perception, action observation, and theory of mind. We propose an integrative model that unites these three processes and highlights the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), which plays a central role in all three systems. Furthermore, we integrate these neural systems with the dual system account of implicit and explicit social information processing. Large-scale meta-analyses based on Neurosynth confirmed that the pSTS is at the intersection of the three neural systems. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis with 1000 subjects confirmed that the pSTS is connected to all other regions in these systems. The findings presented in this review are specifically relevant for psychiatric research especially disorders characterized by social deficits such as autism spectrum disorder.
Development of Leader-Member Exchange: A Longitudinal Test

This longitudinal study examines the development of leader-member-exchange (LMX) relationships via a model that extends and tests ideas presented but not yet fully tested in past theoretical models...
Tissue Strength and Wound Morphology of the Equine Linea Alba After Ventral Median Celiotomy

Objective— To evaluate the tensile strength and wound morphology of the equine linea alba at intervals over 6 months after ventral median celiotomy. Study Design— Linea alba tensile strength and wound morphology were determined at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Linea alba samples from 3 unoperated horses were used as controls. Animals Eighteen adult horses, weighing 400 to 500 kg, 4 to 15 years old. Methods— Tensile strength and thickness of incised linea alba samples collected at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after ventral median celiotomy were compared with control linea alba samples. Additional samples were subjectively evaluated for wound morphology, notably collagen morphology. Results— Control linea alba had a mean (±SEM) tensile strength of 484.9 ± 58.3 N and was significantly (P≤ .05) stronger than at 2 weeks (87.7 ± 61.4 N) after surgery. The tensile strength of 4-week (305.8 ± 61.7 N), 8-week (465.4 ± 56.5 N), and 16-week (477.8 ± 57.2 N) samples were not significantly different from control linea alba. At 24 weeks, the tensile strength (721.0 ± 57.9 N) was significantly stronger than control. The 2-, 4-, and 8-week samples were significantly thicker than controls, whereas the 16- and 24-week samples were not different from controls. On microscopy, control samples were characterized by dense mature collagen bundles. At 2 weeks, samples consisted primarily of granulation tissue, whereas at 4 weeks, samples had immature collagen fibers that were not formed into bundles, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks, all samples had abundant mature collagen fibers formed into bundles. Conclusions— At 8 weeks, incised and sutured equine linea alba had a tensile strength comparable with non-incised linea alba and was characterized by mature collagen. Clinical Relevance— Based on tensile strength and wound morphology, horses that have had an uncomplicated recovery after ventral median celiotomy should be able to return to controlled exercise as early as 60 days after surgery.
Density-driven exchange flow in terms of the Kelvin and Ekman numbers

[1] The pattern of density-induced flow influenced by basin's width, friction, and Earth's rotation is investigated as a function of the Ekman (Ek) and Kelvin (Ke) numbers. A semianalytical solution is used to determine the conditions under which the density-induced exchange flow is vertically sheared or horizontally sheared. Solutions are obtained over diverse laterally varying bathymetries. It is found that the exchange flow is horizontally sheared under high frictional conditions (Ek > 1) independently of the width of the basin (Ke). The horizontally sheared pattern describes inflow in the channel and outflow over shoals, with the inflow occupying the entire water column. The exchange flow pattern is also horizontally sheared under weak friction (Ek → 0) and in wide (Ke > 2) basins. In that case, however, the outflow is concentrated on the left (looking into the basin in the Northern Hemisphere) portion of the cross section and inflow appears on the right. Also, under weak friction, the exchange pattern becomes more vertically sheared, with outflow at surface and inflow underneath as the width of the basin becomes small (Ke < 1). Bathymetry is not very influential in the weak friction exchange patterns. Finally, under moderate friction (0.01 < Ek < 0.1), the exchange pattern is both horizontally and vertically sheared for all widths. The horizontally sheared pattern is best defined in wide basins (high Ke), whereas the vertically sheared pattern practically dominates in narrow basins (low Ke). These findings allow classification of various estuaries in the Ek-Ke parameter space.
Developmental Defects in Mutants of the PsbP Domain Protein 5 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants contain an extensive family of PsbP-related proteins termed PsbP-like (PPL) and PsbP domain (PPD) proteins, which are localized to the thylakoid lumen. The founding member of this family, PsbP, is an established component of the Photosystem II (PS II) enzyme, and the PPL proteins have also been functionally linked to other photosynthetic processes. However, the functions of the remaining seven PPD proteins are unknown. To elucidate the function of the PPD5 protein (At5g11450) in Arabidopsis, we have characterized a mutant T-DNA insertion line (SALK_061118) as well as several RNAi lines designed to suppress the expression of this gene. The functions of the photosynthetic electron transfer reactions are largely unaltered in the ppd5 mutants, except for a modest though significant decrease in NADPH dehydrogenase (NDH) activity. Interestingly, these mutants show striking plant developmental and morphological defects. Relative to the wild-type Col-0 plants, the ppd5 mutants exhibit both increased lateral root branching and defects associated with axillary bud formation. These defects include the formation of additional rosettes originating from axils at the base of the plant as well as aerial rosettes formed at the axils of the first few nodes of the shoot. The root-branching phenotype is chemically complemented by treatment with the synthetic strigolactone, GR24. We propose that the developmental defects observed in the ppd5 mutants are related to a deficiency in strigolactone biosynthesis.
Microleakage comparison of dentin bonding systems with glass ionomer

Abstract Glass-ionomer cements have been suggested as substitutes for dentin-bonded composites. This investigation was designed to compare microleakage of glass-ionomer restorations with that of dentin-bonded composite restorations. Eighty extracted human molars were used in this study. Class V cavities were prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces of each tooth. The distal cavities were restored with Ketac-Fil Glass Ionomer (ESPE). The mesial cavities were divided into four groups and treated with four different dentin bonding systems: Gluma (Columbus Dental), Tenure (two-part powder system; second version, Den-Mat), Scotchbond 2 (3M), and an experimental ferric oxalate system. The commercial materials were placed according to the manufacturers' instructions. The teeth were then thermocycled 3800 cycles between 5°C and 55°C, subjected to silver nitrate staining, and sectioned for microleakage evaluation by three evaluators on a scale of 0 to 4. The ferric oxalate system exhibited significantly less microleakage (median score = 1; Wilcoxon paired testing, p = 0.01) than the glass ionomer (median score = 3). The other dentin bonding systems were similar in microleakage to the glass ionomer (edian score = 3).
Implementation of a Web of Things based Smart Grid to remotely monitor and control Renewable Energy Sources

This paper describes a Smart Grid architecture implemented with the help of Web of Things. Web of Things comprise of a set of Web services provided on top of a number of Internet enabled Embedded devices. The Web browser on any computer can act as an interface to the services provided by these Web of Things. The Embedded devices are ARM Cortex M3 Processor based devices with Ethernet capabilities. CMSIS Real Time Operating System is used for process control on each of these embedded devices. LwIP Protocol Stack is implemented on top of each of these devices so that IP connectivity can be established. The Web interfaces provide us real time information on each of the energy meters that are installed on site and communicate to the Embedded Internet devices using MODBUS communication protocol. Real Time energy source scheduling, energy source selection, power connection and disconnection are some of the services that are provided to an on-line authenticated user. The Embedded Systems lab Infrastructure at the TIFAC CORE for 3G/4G Communication at National Institute of Science and Technology was used for the hardware testing of the embedded modules. We were greatly helped by the Software developers at NIST Technology Consultancy Services in designing the web applications and interfaces for our Web of Things architecture.
Evidence for grazing-mediated production of dissolved surface-active material by marine protists

Abstract Surface-active organic compounds or surfactants play important roles in a variety of upper ocean processes, including surface microlayer physics and gas exchange and the aggregation of colloidal material. Although surfactants are presumed to be produced primarily by phytoplankton, production by protozoan grazers has not been investigated. In general, the processes controlling surfactant abundance in the field are poorly understood. In this study, a two-phase laboratory system containing protists and prey was used to examine the possibility of surfactant production during protozoan grazing. Three protist species were examined, a scuticociliate, Uronema sp. (10–15 μm), and two flagellates, Cafeteria sp. (2–4 μm), and Paraphysomonas imperforata (4–8 μm). For all experimental cultures, protozoan inocula were added to rinsed bacterial suspensions ( Halomonas halodurans ) in sterile seawater. Surfactants, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and population dynamics were monitored until protists had reached stationary growth. Surfactant activities increased during protozoan exponential growth. Surfactant production in the ciliate cultures was significantly higher than in either of the flagellate cultures. Bacterial controls maintained low DOC concentrations and surfactant activities. Estimates of protozoan surfactant production rates range from 10 −8 to 10 −9 mg protist −1 h −1 (Triton X-100 equivalents). Under non-bloom conditions (10 3 protozoan cells ml −1 ), we estimated a surfactant production rate of 10 −5 –10 −6 mg h −1 (within 1 ml of seawater), which is comparable to estimates of phytoplankton production of surface-active material during blooms. Thus, protozoan grazers constitute a potentially significant source of surface-active material in areas where protists are abundant, such as the sediment–water interface and microbial loop-dominated oligotrophic regimes.
Stimulus-induced corticotropin-releasing factor content and adrenocorticotropin release are augmented after unilateral adrenalectomy, independently of circulating corticosteroid levels.

There is evidence for a neural link between the adrenal and hypothalamus that may mediate increased corticotropin- releasing factor and ACTH secretion within seconds after bilateral adrenalectomy. These studies on young male rats tested the possibility that functional evidence for adrenal afferent nerves might be revealed by the application of ACTH-releasing stimuli after the acute ACTH and corticosteroid responses to unilateral or sham adrenalectomy had subsided. Resting ACTH and corticosterone levels were not different in the two groups 1, 3, or 7–10 days after adrenal surgery. Despite similar initial conditions, the ACTH response to ether or to laparotomy with intestinal traction (but not to ip saline injections) was greater after unilateral adrenalectomy (P < 0.01) at times when plasma corticosterone levels were not different. Hypothalamic corticotropin- releasing factor-like activity was higher in unilaterally adrenalectomized than in sham-operated rats 2 min after exposure to ether (P < 0.05). We co...
Detection of energetic heavy ions

Abstract The delta-ray theory of track structure, applied earlier to such 1-or-more hit detection systems as the inactivation of dry enzymes and viruses, the NaI(Tl) scintillation counter, and nuclear emulsion, is extended to the silver activated phosphate glass dosimeter, the LiF thermoluminiscent dosimeter, the creation of free radicals in solid biological substances, solid and liquid organic scintillators, and the ferrous sulfate (Fricke) dosimeter. The response of these systems to both gamma-rays and heavy ions is characterized by two parameters: 1) D γ 37 , the dose of gamma-rays at which 37% of the sensitive elements remain unaffected by the radiation, and 2) a 0 , the physical radius (or the exciton diffusion length, or the range of short-range order) of the sensitive element. The decline of detector response with increase in the stopping power of the bombarding ion, and the non-linearity of the detector response are characteristic properties of 1-hit detectors, and are most pronounced for the most sensitive detectors. Explicit information about the cross-sectional area of the sensitive target cannot be gained from measurement of the activation cross-section as a function of the stopping power of the incident ion, for there is no saturation cross-section for 1-hit detectors. Since parameters describing the incident ion and those describing the detector are not separable variables, the response of a detector cannot be described through a product of two factors, one containing only ion parameters and representing “radiation quality”, and the other containing only detector parameters and representing “detector quality”.
Cognitive Performance and Functional Competence in Coexisting Dementia and Depression

Assessment was made of the impact of depression on the intelligence, memory, and functional competence of elderly community residents (aged 57-88 years) with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Outpatients with either dementia (n = 21) or dementia coexisting with depression (n = 14) were given the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). No significant group differences were found for verbal IQ, performance IQ, or WMS memory quotient. Patients with coexisting dementia and depression earned significantly lower full scale IQ scores than patients with only dementia. Analysis of WAIS and WMS subtest scores and profiles revealed no difference between the two groups. Significant associations were found among the various cognitive measures and functional competence in both groups, but the patterns of these relationships differed. Intellectual measures accounted for the greatest proportion of functional competence variance in the patients with dementia, whereas memory measures accounted for the greatest proportion of variance in the patients with coexisting dementia and depression.
The crystal structures of the α-subunit of the α(2)β (2) tetrameric Glycyl-tRNA synthetase.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) are ligases (EC.6.1.1.-) that catalyze the acylation of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs in the process of translating genetic information from mRNA to protein. Their amino acid and tRNA specificity are crucial for correctly translating the genetic code. Glycine is the smallest amino acid and the glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) belongs to Class II AARSs. The enzyme is unusual because it can assume different quaternary structures. In eukaryotes, archaebacteria and some bacteria, it forms an α2 homodimer. In some bacteria, GlyRS is an α2β2 heterotetramer and shows a distant similarity to α2 GlyRSs. The human pathogen eubacterium Campylobacter jejuni GlyRS (CjGlyRS) is an α2β2 heterotetramer and is similar to Escherichia coli GlyRS; both are members of Class IIc AARSs. The two-step aminoacylation reaction of tetrameric GlyRSs requires the involvement of both α- and β-subunits. At present, the structure of the GlyRS α2β2 class and the details of the enzymatic mechanism of this enzyme remain unknown. Here we report the crystal structures of the catalytic α-subunit of CjGlyRS and its complexes with ATP, and ATP and glycine. These structures provide detailed information on substrate binding and show evidence for a proposed mechanism for amino acid activation and the formation of the glycyl-adenylate intermediate for Class II AARSs.
Synergism of the method of characteristic, R-functions and diffusion solution for accurate representation of 3D neutron interactions in research reactors using the AGENT code system

Abstract This paper summarizes the theoretical and numerical aspects of the AGENT code methodology accurately applied for detailed three-dimensional (3D) multigroup steady-state modeling of neutron interactions in complex heterogeneous reactor domains. For the first time we show the fine-mesh neutron scalar flux distribution in Purdue research reactor (that was built over forty years ago). The AGENT methodology is based on the unique combination of the three theories: the method of characteristics (MOC) used to simulate the neutron transport in two-dimensional (2D) whole core heterogeneous calculation, the theory of R-functions used as a mathematical tool to describe the true geometry and fuse with the MOC equations, and one-dimensional (1D) higher-order diffusion correction of 2D transport model to account for full 3D heterogeneous whole core representation. The synergism between the radial 2D transport and the 1D axial transport (to take into account the axial neutron interactions and leakage), called the 2D/1D method (used in DeCART and CHAPLET codes), provides a 3D computational solution. The unique synergism between the AGENT geometrical algorithm capable of modeling any current or future reactor core geometry and 3D neutron transport methodology is described in details. The 3D AGENT accuracy and its efficiency are demonstrated showing the eigenvalues, point-wise flux and reaction rate distributions in representative reactor geometries. The AGENT code, comprising this synergism, represents a building block of the computational system, called the virtual reactor. Its main purpose is to perform “virtual” experiments and demonstrations of various mainly university research reactor experiments.
Welcome from the CDC program chair

The IEEE Conference on Decision and Control is the prime technical event of the IEEE Control System Society. This year's 49th IEEE CDC returns to the USA with last year's conference held in Shanghai jointly with the Chinese Control Conference. We benefited from several ideas and experiences of last year's Program Committee.
Hypertension and Pregnancy: Impact of the Working Group Report

H YPERTENSION in pregancy was reviewed by one of us (M.D.L.) in this journal in 1989, I the article focusing on preeclampsia, and highlighting several unresolved controversies regarding management of this disease. More recently, a report of the Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy convened by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program has been published by the National Institutes of Health.2 This "consensus" document where, perhaps for the first time, obstetricians and internists* reached agreement on a number of controversial issues, will be highlighted in this article. In addition we discuss several important developments related to hypertension in pregnancy that have occurred since the previous review. 1 Space considerations limit us to selected citations, and the reader is invited to consult several texts, chapters, and reviews for a more extensive bibliography?-8
AN EVALUATION OF THE LIQUIDITY OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMMERCIAL BANKS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1939–53

s of Doctoral Dissertations 433 by comparing the amounts of the withdrawals of deposits which insured commercial banks could have been able to lose during the postwar years to what they actually lost in the early 1930's, it was shown that the whole banking system had become stronger and better equipped to stand a major withdrawal of deposits than was the case before. In determining the solvency cushion, it was noticed that from 1945 through 1953 the ratio showed an upward trend. Considering the improved position of bank assets and the fact that the ratio of solvency cushion showed, on the whole, an upward trend, it was concluded that banks were stronger at the end of the period (1953) than they were at the start (1945). The ratio of net capital funds to "risk assets" (the total assets less cash, Treasury obligations until the end of 1950, and insured and guaranteed loans) showed some decline after 1945; but if allowances are made for the improved position of bank assets, for the increasing resort by commercial banks to "valuation reserves," and for the temporary nature of the "pegging policy," then the apparent decline does not seem to reflect the actual condition, and therefore it is hardly justifiable to conclude that depositors have become more liable to risk than a decade ago. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.186 on Sun, 09 Oct 2016 05:37:11 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Gestational Age-Dependent Extravillous Cytotrophoblast Osteopontin(OPN) Immunolocalization in the Basal Plate and Uteroplacental Vasculature Differentiates between Normal and Growth-Restricted Fetuses |[dagger]| 261

Human placentation requires modulation of proliferative cytotrophoblasts to an invasive phenotype to create the intervillous space. Preeclampsia is characterized by failed trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries. OPN is a secreted extracellular matrix protein found in many tissues including human trophoblast, and has been implicated in cell adhesion, invasion, spreading, and migration. To investigate gestational age-specific expression of OPN, immunohistochemical staining of post-partum placental tissue from 13 healthy women was performed using a monoclonal antibody against OPN (MPIIIB10-1). OPN protein was localized to the cytoplasm of invasive extravillous trophoblast from 24-28 wks (N=7). After 28 wks (N=6), OPN was undetectable in the extravillous trophoblast, and was not identified in non-invasive intravillous cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast at any gestational age (N=13). To investigate the role of OPN in uteroplacental vascular pathology, immunohistochemical staining of post-partum placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (N=6) or intrauterine growth retardation (N=2) was performed using MPIIIB10-1 and compared to staining of placentas from gestational age-matched controls without pregnancy-induced maternal vascular disease (N=13). In the preecclampsia group, there was prominent proliferation of cytotrophoblast in the basal plate with intense OPN staining, in association with morphologic evidence of compromised uteroplacental perfusion. This staining pattern was identified in all preeclamptic placentas at 24-40 wks. In contrast, the normal and IUGR placentas did not display prominent cytotrophoblast proliferation or evidence of decreased uteroplacental perfusion: OPN staining was limited to the invasive extravillous cytotrophoblast and detected only until 28 wks. The data suggests a role for OPN in trophoblast invasion of the maternal vasculature and extracellular matrix during normal placentation, where OPN may serve as a marker for uteroplacental vascular remodeling in the human fetus. In the preeclamptic pregnancy, extravillous cytotrophoblast continues to express OPN even at advanced gestational ages, which supports the speculation that intervillous fibrin/fibrinoid may be actively involved in the remodeling of the intervillous space. OPN may be critical in this process, the successful maintenance of which may necessary for fetal compensation.
Is intralesional interferon alpha2b a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie's disease?

Is intralesional interferon α2b a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie's disease?
Increased bowel permeability in psychiatric disorder: Relevance of thromboxane

Abstract It is suggested that the presence of abnormal intestinal permeability in schizophrenics and alcoholics may be due to the membrane labilizing effect of thromboxane which would increase membrane permeability.
Serre’s conjecture and its consequences

After some generalities about the absolute Galois group of $$\mathbb Q$$ , we present the historical context in which Serre made his modularity conjecture. This was recently proved by Wintenberger and the author ([22], [23]), with an input of Kisin ([24]). The focus of these notes is on the applications of the conjecture. Some of the applications are based on the methods used in the proof. We stress some applications to base change and descent for classical modular forms. For base change we have no new results, aside from a fragment for odd A 5-extensions of $$\mathbb Q$$ . Descent for Hilbert modular forms to $$\mathbb Q$$ on the other hand is a simple corollary of Serre’s conjecture.
Synthesis and activity of partial retro-inverso analogs of the antimetastatic laminin-derived peptide, YIGSR-NH2.

This paper describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of six partial retro-inverso peptidomimetic analogs of YIGSR-NH2, a synthetic peptide from the β1 chain of laminin, which has antimetastatic activity. The intent was to improve the antimetastatic potency of YIGSR-NH2 by limiting the in vivo enzymatic degradation through the incorporation of fraudulent peptide bonds. We have prepared the following retro-inverso peptides, Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-gArg-CHO (1), Tyr-gIle-mGly-Ser-Arg-NH2 (2), Tyr-glle-mGly-Ser-gArg-CHO (3), gTyr-D-rIle-mGly-Ser-Arg-NH2 (4), Tyr-Ile-Gly-gSer-o-rArg-CHO (5) and Tyr-glle-rGly-D-rSer-D-rArg-CHO (6). In vitro assays for B16F10 melanoma cell adhesion showed no significant activity for these six peptides. Peptides 1-3, 5 and 6 were further tested, in vivo, for their ability to inhibit tumor metastases to the lung in mice injected in the tail vein with B16F10 melanoma cells. All five of the retro-inverso peptides tested showed statistically significant inhibition of metastasis, but the most active peptides were 5 and 6, which showed 57 and 69% inhibition of metastasis, respectively. © Munksgaard 1997.
Home accidents: a continuing social problem

Deaths and injuries due to home accidents continue to be a significant problem, which has received only sporadic attention in the research literature. The circumstances of a variety of home accident types are only vaguely known but it appears that yet unsolved social problems such as low income and alcohol are involved. Although home accident data collection problems are significant, there have been some home safety success stories and methodological advances in recent years. Even so, research needs to be done at the local level on countermeasure adoption and effectiveness among high-risk target groups. The need for a home safety constituency with influence equal to that found in traffic and occupational safety is a necessary element if this objective is to be achieved.
Relationship of Left Atrial Pressure and Pulmonary Venous Flow Velocities: Importance of Baseline Mitral and Pulmonary Venous Flow Velocity Patterns Studied in Lightly Sedated Dogs

Prior clinical and animal studies have shown a markedly different relationship between left atrial pressure and the systolic fraction of pulmonary venous flow but have not discussed possible reasons for this discrepancy. To examine the possibility that these disparate results are due to differences in baseline mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocities, we recorded both velocities with left atrial and left ventricular pressure under different loading conditions in eight lightly sedated normal dogs. With constant atrial pacing at 85 beats/min, mean left atrial pressure was increased from 5.3 ± 1.1 mm Hg at baseline to 16.1 ± 1.7 mm Hg with volume and methoxamine infusion ( p p r = 0.85, p r = 0.59 to 0.62, p r = 0.58 to 0.60; p r = 0.72 to 0.76, p
Loss of phasic dopamine: a new addiction marker?

A study finds that a loss of phasic dopamine signal in ventral but not dorsal striatum predicts escalation of cocaine self-administration. Restoring phasic dopamine in ventral striatum with L-DOPA reverses this escalation. The implications of these results to addiction theory and treatment are discussed.
Generation of microcellular polyurethane foams via polymerization in carbon dioxide. I: Phase behavior of polyurethane precursors

On investigating the generation of microcellular polyurethane foam via reaction in carbon dioxide, we have observed that common polyurethane precursors are CO2 miscible, whereas typically fluorinated compounds or specially designed surfactants are needed to solubilize polymers in CO2. Both isocyanates and polyols are CO2-miscible at workable pressures and temperatures and in useful concentrations to allow generation of polyurethane foams in CO2. By characterizing the phase behavior of several series of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide polyols, we have observed that the combined effects of molecular weight and hydroxyl number fix the location of the phase separation pressures. In general, lower molecular weights and lower hydroxyl mole fractions produce phase boundaries at relatively lower pressures in carbon dioxide. It also has been shown that CO2-soluble compounds may have a compatibilizing effect on less CO2-soluble materials.
Pen-Centric Shorthand Handwriting Recognition Interfaces

The development of pen-centric chatroom shorthand handwriting recognition interfaces can provide the critical infrastructure for natural pen-centric interactions and enhance many pen-centric learning applications.
Imaging of hypospadias: pre- and postoperative appearances

Hypospadias is a common condition that is typically diagnosed and repaired in early life. Boys with hypospadias can present with complications from their surgery months to years later. Imaging in patients with hypospadias is usually accomplished by retrograde urethrography (RUG) and less commonly by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). This pictorial essay demonstrates the fluoroscopic appearances of hypospadias preoperatively as well as the normal postoperative appearance and a variety of complications that can occur.
The Case Against Aluminum Affecting Parathyroid Function

Although there seems to be an interrelationship between aluminum metabolism and toxicity and parathyroid function, this relationship is complex and complicated. At present, the data seem to be too variable to know with certainty what, if any, effect aluminum has on parathyroid function. It is more likely that parathyroid function determines aluminum skeletal toxicity than aluminum determines parathyroid function. This is suggested by the fact that patients with overt hyperparathyroidism are protected from developing aluminum-related bone disease even when they are given large parenteral loads of aluminum. And chronic, parenteral loads of aluminum seem to have little or no effect on the hyperparathyroid state. It remains to be elucidated just how parathyroid hormone might augment total body aluminum burden after oral loading of the element. Also unclear is how parathyroid hormone enhances bone aluminum uptake.