cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Informed Consent with a Focus on Islamic Views

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/43-3-9040 Video: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/43-3-9040V For at least 50 years informed consent in medicine has focused on the principle of autonomy. Recently, attention has been given to informed consent being a shared decision. There still remains a primary mandate to do what is in the best interest of the patient. The shared view looks to expand beyond the dyadic image of doctor and patient, to acknowledge the essential contribution to be made to informed consent from the cultural, religious and personal values. This paper explores some of the cultural aspects of Islam that should influence informed consent.
Welfare effects of changing commodity tax rates toward uniformity

Abstract This paper presents a theory of tax reform that is applicable to a many-good economy where (i) the initial tax structure is arbitrarily given, (ii) no lump-sum tax exists, and (iii) the initial tax revenue must be maintained after the reform. Sufficient conditions are established under which tax changes definitely result in increases in welfare. They indicate that in a wide class of situations the uniform tax structure can be a useful intermediate target on the way to optimum.
Manganese‐induced rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell death is independent of caspase activation

Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral that at high concentrations can produce an irreversible syndrome resembling Parkinson's disease. To examine the mechanism by which Mn elicits its toxic response, we have selected the rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) as our model system because it possesses much of the biochemical machinery associated with dopaminergic neurons. Mn-induced PC12 cell death is both time and concentration dependent with approximately 50% cell survival at 48 hr in the presence of 0.3 mM Mn. To determine whether oxidative stress contributed to cytotoxicity induced by Mn, lipid peroxidation was assessed in Mn-treated in PC12 cells. The highly sensitive HPLC assay that measures the lipid peroxide product, 9-HODE, was used and results of these experiments demonstrate there was no increase in the lipid peroxidation in cells exposed to 0.3 mM Mn for 24 hr. Mn was found to stimulate the activation of the apoptotic marker proteins, p38 and caspase-3 within the first 24 hr of treatment. The selective inhibitor of caspase-3, DEVD-CHO, and the nonselective caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, however, fail to prevent Mn-induced PC12 cell death. Studies were performed to determine the role of mitochondria in initiating or supporting Mn cytotoxicity, because Mn has been reported to cause changes in membrane permeability. Mn caused a decrease in ATP levels in PC12 cells in both a time and concentration dependent manner. We hypothesize that both apoptosis and necrosis contribute to PC12 cell death although the necrotic events prevail even when the apoptotic signaling is inhibited.
PUBERTAL PROGRESSION WITH ELEVATED GONADOTROPINS IN GIRLS WITH MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE DEFICIENCIES

Pubertal progression in the presence of abnormally elevated serum gonadotropins was followed over several years in two girls with multiple endocrine deficiencies (hypoadrenalism and hypoparathyroidisirm and mucocutaneous candidiasis. Accelerated height velocity and development of breasts and pubic hair were noted in both girls. A serum level of progesterone (8 ng/ml) consistent with ovulation was documented in one of the girls who has had regular monthly menses since age 15. High serum levels of FSH(30-60 mIU/ml) coincident with serum estradiol levels in the normal pubertal range(100-200 pg/ml) indicated partial ovarian end-organ resistance or failure. Basal levels of serum FSH were higher than LH, but the response of LH to intravenous leuteotropin releasing factor was relatively greater. Elevation of gonadotropins was progressive in both patients. Since premature menopause is associated with this syndrome, we postulate that we are observing progression through puberty in girls whose ovaries are in the early stages of a destructive process which may eventually result in irreversible ovarian failure. A possible explanation is increased resistance to gonadotropins at the ovarian level because of gonadotropin receptor antibodies or an inherent receptor defect.
Mammalian cell cytotoxicity analysis of soybean rust fungicides.

The identification of soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi H. Sydow & Sydow, in the southern United States in November 2004 (Schneider et al. 2005), in the Midwest in 2006 (Hartman et al. 2007), and elsewhere has increased the concerns of the impact of the pathogen on US soybean production (Miles et al. 2007). The rapid spread of P. pachyrhizi and its potential to cause severe yield losses makes this among the most destructive foliar diseases of soybean. Yield losses of 20%–60% were reported in Asia, with losses of 80% reported from experimental plots in Taiwan (Hartman et al. 1991). Soybean rust could have a major impact on both total soybean production and production costs in the US. The primary control of soybean rust has been with fungicides (Miles et al. 2003). There are four fungicides commercially available in the US that are registered for use on soybean and labeled for soybean rust. These fungicides are Bravo , Echo , Headline , and Quadris . Headline and Quadris are strobilurin products; Bravo and Echo are chlorothalonil products. In addition, there have recently been Section 18 Emergency Exemption requests for additional fungicidal compounds (myclobutanil, tebuconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, and trifloxystrobin) and mixtures of compounds (trifloxystrobin and propiconazole; propiconazole and azoxystrobin; and pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole) submitted to the EPA by the Departments of Agriculture from many states (U.S. EPA 2006a). A number of commercial products (e.g., Bumper , UpperCut , Quilt , Laredo , and Stratego ) containing these requested fungicidal compounds have been approved and may now be registered (Section 3 registration status) for management of soybean rust on soybean (U.S. EPA 2006a). While these fungicides have been used on crops (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and cereals), many questions remain regarding the large-scale application of these compounds to soybeans (~74 million acres in the US) in the prevention and treatment of soybean rust. Indeed, there is growing concern about the use of these fungicides since little is known about the toxicity of many of these compounds and their impact on human health. Therefore, the goals of this project were to assess the toxicity of soybean rust fungicides (Table 1) using a mammalian cell cytotoxicity assay and to compare the cytotoxicity (%C1/2) of these fungicides to the published toxicity values of other agrichemicals (insecticides and herbicides).
Effects of Phenobarbital on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis in the Rat

It has been reported that phenobarbital (PB) increases the peripheral clearance of T4 and T3 and decreases serum T4 and T3 concentrations in the rat, but serum TSH remains unchanged. To explore a possible direct effect of PB on TSH secretion at the hypothalamic-pituitary level, adult male rats were given PB 100 mg/kg or vehicle IP for 10 days. No difference in their thyroid weights was observed. In the PB-treated group serum T4 was decreased (PB, 3 ± 0.2 μg/dl vs. control, 3.8 ±0.1 μg/dl, mean ± SE, p <.002), as was serum T3 (PB, 51 ± 6 ng/dl vs. control, 70 ± 5 ng/dl, p <.05), but serum TSH remained unchanged. Pituitary TSH and hypothalamic TRH contents also were unchanged. Further studies were carried out similarly in the thyroidectomized hypothyroid rat to eliminate the effect of PB on serum T4 and T3 levels. PB or vehicle were started two days after thyroidectomy. By postoperative day 12, TSH levels in the PB-treated rats were lower than in the controls (PB, 697 ± 62 μU/ml vs. control, 891 ± 53 μU/ml, p <.05). Pituitary TSH and hypothalamic TRH contents again were similar in both groups. When TRH (500 ng/kg body weight, IV) was given, the increment in serum TSH at 10 minutes was significantly lower in the PB group (PB, 53 ± 26 μU/ml vs. control, 131 ± 18 μU/ml, p <.05). Similar results were obtained with groups of female rats, but TSH levels by postoperative day 12 in the PB-treated females were much lower than the levels of the controls in comparison with the males. (PB, 508 ± 24 μU/ ml vs control, 682 ± 34, μU/ml, p <.002). Finally, chronic administration of PB prevented the cold-induced rise in serum TSH in euthyroid adult rats. We conclude that PB suppresses TSH secretion. In addition, PB suppresses the TSH rise after cold exposure, suggesting a decrease in TRH release.
Uncertainty Quantification on Prompt Fission Neutrons Spectra

Uncertainties in the evaluated prompt fission neutrons spectra present in ENDF/B-VII.0 are assessed in the framework of the Los Alamos model. The methodology used to quantify the uncertainties on an evaluated spectrum is introduced. We also briefly review the Los Alamos model and single out the parameters that have the largest influence on the calculated results. Using a Kalman filter, experimental data and uncertainties are introduced to constrain model parameters, and construct an evaluated covariance matrix for the prompt neutrons spectrum. Preliminary results are shown in the case of neutron-induced fission of {sup 235}U from thermal up to 15 MeV incident energies.
The effect of regular exercise on women receiving danazol for treatment of endometriosis

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of regular exercise on women receiving danazol for the treatment of endometriosis. Methods: Thirty-nine patients were randomized to a danazol-only or a danazol/exercise regimen in a prospective clinical trial carried out at tertiary care institutions. Patients in the danazol/exercise group were instructed to exercise four times per week, for 40 min per session, at an intensity of 20 metabolic units. Side effect profiles, pelvic symptoms, aerobic fitness, strength and hormone levels were compared for all subjects. The number of side effects of danazol was analyzed by the method of generalized estimating equations. Results: The number of side effects reported during a 4-week period was 1.09–2.17 times greater for the danazol-only than for the danazol/exercise group. All patients had improvement of symptoms during treatment. The danazol/exercise group had significantly lower testosterone levels during treatment. The time to recurrence of endometriosis was not different between groups. Conclusions: Exercise during danazol therapy reduces the number of androgenic side effects. Relief of pain and time to recurrence are unaffected.
High performance electrophoresis system for site-specific entrapment of nanoparticles in a nanoarray

A nanoarray, integrated with an electrophoretic system, was developed to trap nanoparticles into their corresponding nanowells. This nanoarray overcomes the complications of losing the function and activity of the protein binding to the surface in conventional microarrays by using minimum amounts of sample. The nanoarray is also superior to other biosensors that use immunoassays in terms of lowering the limit of detection to the femto- or atto-molar level. In addition, our electrophoretic particle entrapment system (EPES) is able to effectively trap the nanoparticles using a low trapping force for a short duration. Therefore, good conditions for biological samples conjugated with particles can be maintained. The channels were patterned onto a bi-layer consisting of a PMMA and LOL coating on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass slide by using e-beam lithography. The suspensions of 170 nm-nanoparticles then were added to the chip that was connected to a positive voltage. On top of the droplet, another ITO-coated-glass slide was covered and connected to a ground terminal. Negatively charged fluorescent nanoparticles (blue emission) were selectively trapped onto the ITO surface at the bottom of the wells by following electric field lines. Numerical modeling was performed by using commercially available software, COMSOL Multiphysics to provide better understanding about the phenomenon of electrophoresis in a nanoarray. Simulation results are also useful for optimally designing a nanoarray for practical applications.
Editorial for Weed Science, Volume 64

Weed Science continues to be one of the premier journals in the discipline and in the agronomic sciences. The Editorial Board and the staff strive to improve the efficiency of the publication process and improve the scope of the journal.Weed Science seeks to publish more reviews and symposium articles. This year,Weed Science will publish a special issue ofWeed Science from presenters at the WSSA Herbicide Resistance Summit II. For the 12 mo preceding September 1, 2015, 211 manuscripts were submitted to Weed Science, compared to 208 in the previous 12-mo period. Of the manuscripts accepted, 44.3% were accepted, compared to 40.8% the previous year. The time from submission to first decision was 44 d this past year compared to 45 d for the previous year. Table 1 shows the Impact Factor and Article Influence Score for Weed Science and other related journals for 2014. The impact factor forWeed Science increased from 1.687 to 1.870 this past reporting cycle, whereas the 5-yr impact factor increased from to 1.928 from 1.835. I believe the latest impact factor and the fiveyear impact factor are the best the journal has ever had. For the year preceding September 1, 2015, the journal depended on 283 unique reviewers from 34 countries for peer review. The excellent reputation of the journal would not be possible without the cutting-edge research submitted by authors and the diligent work of the editorial board and the hundreds of referred reviews that are submitted annually. I wish to thank the members of the editorial board and reviewers for 2015. Editorial Board 2015
Multielement analysis of foods by neutron capture prompt γ-ray activation analysis

A method is described for the determination of H, B, CI, K, Na, S, Ca, and CA in foods using in-beam neutron capture prompt 7-ray activation analysis. Special calibration procedures were necessary because of matrix-related thermal neutron scattering-induced sensitivity and background enhancements. Detection limits and sensitivities are presented for best-case and worst-ease irradiation conditions. The method was applied to multielement analysis of 41 foods and to B, CI, and K analysis of 13 orange juice produts in conjunction with analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The purpose of the latter application was to study B losses during acid digestion.
Sense p16 and antisense uPAR bicistronic construct inhibits angiogenesis and induces glioma cell death

High-grade gliomas comprise the most malignant type of primary brain tumor and are relatively frequent in adults. Recent studies have indicated that the loss of p16, an inhibitor of CDK4, promotes the acquisition of malignant characteristics in gliomas. A correlation between overexpression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and glioblastoma invasion has also been established. Moreover, uPAR/integrin binding has been shown to initiate or potentiate integrin signaling through focal adhesion kinase and/or src kinases. Our previous studies demonstrated that downregulation of uPAR expression and restoration of p16 regress glioma growth in nude mice and downregulate alphavbeta3 integrin receptor expression. Here, we show the effect of a bicistronic construct on alphavbeta5 integrin receptor expression, angiogenesis and the biochemical pathway that causes glioma cell death. The U251 glioblastoma and a glioblastoma xenograft cell line transduced with a recombinant replication-defective adenovirus vector containing the cDNA of wild-type p16 and antisense RNA of uPAR significantly inhibited human mammary epithelial cell capillary formation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Inactivation of anti-apoptotic molecules such as Akt, PARP, activation of caspases and accumulation of heteroduplex chromosomal DNA in pre-G1 phase of the cell cycle was demonstrated by Western blotting, caspase activity assay and FACS analysis. Nuclear DNA fragmentation upon induction of apoptosis was scored using the TUNEL assay. Significant downregulation of alphavbeta5 integrin receptor expression was also confirmed by FACS analysis, immunoprecipitation and RT-PCR. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the sense p16 and anti-sense uPAR bicistronic construct significantly inhibits angiogenesis, induces apoptosis by deregulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and downregulates alphavbeta5 integrin receptor expression.
Ultrasonic evaluation of the common bile duct

While early reports in the literature suggest that grey scale B-scan ultrasound is capable of delineating the common bile duct, there has been no anatomical confirmation. This report will deal with in vivo experiments that establish beyond doubt the fact that grey scale B-scan ultrasound is able to delineate the common bile duct especially when it is dilated. Patients with jaundice were examined ultrasonically utilizing commercially available grey scale equipment. Portions of the bile duct were visualized consistently in the presence of extrahepatic obstruction. It was often possible to demonstrate the cause of the duct dilatation, i.e. choledocholithiasis. Transhepatic cholangiography as well as surgery confirmed the initial ultrasonic impressions. The common bile duct was localized after surgery in those patients in which a T-tube had been inserted. By injection of contrast material the exact course of the common bile duct could be marked on the skin surface, thus allowing for maximum visualization by grey scale ultrasound. Experiments were then performed in vivo with injection initially of contrast material followed by indocyanine green, both of which contained micro-air bubbles. These micro-air bubbles produced strong reflections of the ultrasonic beam resulting in a snowstorm type appearance filling in the previously echo-free area representing the dilated common bile duct.
Developmental Toxicity of Perfluorodecanoic Acid in C57BL/6N Mice

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a representative of the perfluorinated carboxylic acids used as commercial wetting agents and flame retardants. Signs of PFDA toxicity have been reported to resemble those seen after exposure to TCDD. To determine if PFDA exhibits teratogenic effects similar to those of TCDD or is a developmental toxin, time-mated C57BL/6N mice were administered PFDA by gavage in corn oil (10 ml/kg) on gestation days (gd) 10-13 or gd 6-15 at levels of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, or 32.0 mg/kg/day or 0, 0.03, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 6.4, or 12.8 mg/kg/day, respectively. Dams were killed on gd 18 and maternal and fetal toxicity was assessed. Fetuses were examined for external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. Maternal body weight gain (corrected for the weight of the gravid uterus) was significantly reduced as a result of PFDA treatment at 6.4 and 12.8 mg/kg/day (gd 6-15) and 16.0 and 32.0 mg/kg/day (gd 10-13). Fetal viability was decreased only in those groups showing extensive maternal body weight loss. Fetal body weights were significantly reduced at levels as low as 0.1 mg/kg/day (gd 6-15) and 0.5 mg/kg/day (gd 10-13). No hydronephrosis, cleft palate, or edema was observed nor were any other soft tissue or skeletal malformations detected. Thus, PFDA does not produce malformations in C57BL/6N mice, and the developmental toxicity observed (increased fetal mortality and decreased live fetal body weight) was seen only at doses that were maternally toxic.
Visual Literacy in the Classroom

(1984). Visual Literacy in the Classroom. Kappa Delta Pi Record: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 17-18.
The Effects of Morphology on the Oxidation of Ceria by Water and Carbon Dioxide

The oxidation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) CeO2 (ceria) by H2 O and CO2 at 1100 K is presented in comparison to the oxidation of nonordered mesoporous and sintered, low porosity ceria. 3DOM ceria, which features interconnected and ordered pores, increases the maximum H2 and CO production rates over the low porosity ceria by 125% and 260%, respectively, and increases the maximum H2 and CO production rates over the nonordered mesoporous cerium oxide by 75% and 175%, respectively. The increase in the kinetics of H2 O and CO2 splitting with 3DOM ceria is attributed to its enhanced specific surface area and to its interconnected pore system that facilitates the transport of reacting species to and from oxidation sites.
The role of statistical knowledge in gambling decisions: Moment vs risk dimension approaches

Abstract This study examines whether statistically trained and untrained subjects differ in their strategies for risk assessment and if so, in what ways they differ, and whether these differences can be understood from an information processing perspective. Recent research on decision making under risk has focused on the moment vs risk dimension approach. Experimental evidence exists for either model even though they are theoretically incompatible, one being multiplicative, the other additive. This study suggests that the conflicting findings of previous studies can be partly explained by controlling for the confounding effects of statistical training. It is suggested that statistical knowledge (1) reduces the cognitive complexity of assessing duplex bets, (2) improves the quality of risk-assessment, and (3) increases the propensity that subjects will follow a moment model. The findings were corroborated by regression analyses, although note was made of the methodological difficulties inherent in this approach.
Adapting the Whip-Mix Quick Mount face-bow to the Hanau H-2 articulator

Abstract A method has been described which, with a simple modification, will allow the Whip-Mix Quick Mount face-bow to be used with the Hanau H-2 articulator (Fig. 9).
Interleukin-12, Dendritic Cells, and the Initiation of Host-protective Mechanisms against Toxoplasma gondii

The principal job of the immune system is to provide protection against infectious pathogens. One of the immunologist's goals is to determine how the cellular and cytokine components of the immune system are functionally organized to provide this protection. In vitro studies can suggest which
Mechanical damage to Escherichia coli cells in a model of amino-acid crystal fermentation

We investigated the mechanical damage to the Escherichia coli cell caused by polyvinyl chloride particles as a model of amino-acid crystal fermentation. Our results indicated that the glucose-consumption rate and the intracellular ATP concentration temporarily increased by the mechanical damage, and decreased after considerable damage had occurred on cell membrane.
Polarimeters for the AGS Polarized Proton Beam

This report describes the three polarimeters which will be used to measure the beam polarization at the AGS polarized beam facility. The beam polarization will be measured before injection into the AGS, during acceleration, and after extraction from the AGS. The 200 MeV polarimeter uses scintillation counter telescopes to measure the asymmetry in p-carbon inclusive scattering. The internal polarimeter can measure the beam polarization at up to five selected times during acceleration. A continuously spooled nylon filament is swung into the beam at the appropriate time and the asymmetry in pp elastic scattering measured by two scintillation counter telescopes. This is a relative polarimeter which can be calibrated by the absolute external polarimeter located in the "D" extracted beam line. This polarimeter uses scintillation counters in two double-arm magnetic spectrometers to measure clearly the asymmetry in pp elastic scattering from a liquid hydrogen target. The specific features and operation of each polarimeter will be discussed.
The new sequencer on the block: comparison of Life Technology’s Proton sequencer to an Illumina HiSeq for whole-exome sequencing

We assessed the performance of the new Life Technologies Proton sequencer by comparing whole-exome sequence data in a Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain trio (family 1463) to the Illumina HiSeq instrument. To simulate a typical user’s results, we utilized the standard capture, alignment and variant calling methods specific to each platform. We restricted data analysis to include the capture region common to both methods. The Proton produced high quality data at a comparable average depth and read length, and the Ion Reporter variant caller identified 96 % of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected by the HiSeq and GATK pipeline. However, only 40 % of small insertion and deletion variants (indels) were identified by both methods. Usage of the trio structure and segregation of platform-specific alleles supported this result. Further comparison of the trio data with Complete Genomics sequence data and Illumina SNP microarray genotypes documented high concordance and accurate SNP genotyping of both Proton and Illumina platforms. However, our study underscored the problem of accurate detection of indels for both the Proton and HiSeq platforms.
Macrophage and Lymphocyte Contributions in Resistance to Candida Albicans Infections

Model in vivo and in vitro experimental systems have been used to study the efficacy of specific and nonspecific immunization against Candida albicans infection induced in mice. Experiments were designed to compare the extent of resistance in specifically immunized, endotoxin treated and saline treated animals. In vitro phagocytic and postphagocytic killing (cytopepsis) of macrophages or lymphocyte-macrophage combinations from such animals were determined. In the in vitro experiments the macrophage systems destroyed the yeast cells more rapidly than did the lymphocyte-macrophage combinations. Since equivalent numbers of yeast cells were phagocytized, the differences observed were a function of cytopepsis of the organisms.
Change of dissolved gaseous mercury concentrations in a southern reservoir lake (Tennessee) following seasonal variation of solar radiation.

A 12-month field study was conducted consecutively from June 2003 to May 2004 to quantify temporal variations of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) concentrations in Cane Creek Lake, a southern reservoir lake (Cookeville, TN). Diurnal changes of DGM concentrations in two periods (morning increase vs afternoon decrease with an around-noon peak) were observed, and the changes closely followed daily solar radiation variation trends. The diurnal patterns prevailed in the late spring and summer, but became vague in the late fall and winter. The monthly mean DGM concentrations peaked at 40.8 pg L-1 in July and reached the lowest at 14.2 pg L-1 in December and 21.9 pg L-1 in January; this DGM concentration change closely followed the monthly mean solar radiation variation trend. The increase of the lake DGM concentration from January to July and its decrease from July to December mirror the typical daily rhythm of DGM concentration variations in the two periods. This finding supports the following hypothesis: The ...
Natural-abundance 13C NMR of brain

In natural-abundance 13C NMR spectrum of excised rat brain 55 resonances were resolved. The chemical shifts of most of the resonances were well correlated with those of pure brain metabolites, determined under identical experimental conditions. These resonances were also found in the cytosol fraction and perchloric acid extract of the brain. Some brain resonances were not observed in the perchloric acid extract but only in the microsomes or cytosol.
Analysis of Volatile Flavor Components in Steamed Rangia Clam by Dynamic Headspace Sampling and Simultaneous Distillation and Extraction

The volatile flavor components of steamed rangia clam (Rangia cuneata) were extracted by dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) and simultaneous distillation/extraction (SDE) techniques, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and GC-coupled aroma perception. Twenty-two heterocyclic aroma compounds were identified. Volatile flavor compounds in other chemical classes, such as aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and terpenes, also were identified. The unique clam aromas were contributed by a combination of S-, and N- containing compounds and ketones. In general, sampling methods (DHS and SDE) complemented each other in compounds detected in the sample. However, SDE gave more information on characteristic steamed clam flavors.
A method for simulation of vlasov systems with discontinuous distribution functions

Abstract A method is presented for simulating non-periodic (or periodic) Vlasov systems with discontinuous distribution functions. The method is a hybrid of a standard Vlasov method and theWaterbag method; the discontinuity is integrated separately from the distribution function. Sample runs and particle simulation comparison runs are included.
Role of SspA in the density-dependent expression of the transcriptional activator AarP in Providencia stuartii.

The AarP protein in Providencia stuartii encodes a small transcriptional activator which activates the chromosomal aminoglycoside acetyltransferase aac(2′)-Ia gene. In addition, AarP activates genes involved in a multiple antibiotic resistance (Mar) phenotype. Expression of an aarP–lacZ fusion increased in a density-dependent manner and reached peak levels at stationary phase. The expression of an aarP–lacZ fusion could be prematurely activated in cells at early to mid-exponential phase by the addition of spent culture supernatants from stationary phase cultures or by ethyl acetate extracts of these supernatants. Nutrient starvation had a negligible effect on aarP expression. In a search for mutations that block aarP activation at stationary phase, a mini-Tn5Cm insertion has been identified within a gene whose product was 77% identical to SspA, a regulatory protein involved in stationary phase gene expression and virulence. An unmarked sspA null allele (sspA2) was created by allelic replacement to further examine the role of sspA in P. stuartii. The sspA2 allele resulted in substantial decrease in aarP mRNA accumulation at various phases of growth. Furthermore, in an sspA mutant background, the aarP–lacZ fusion was no longer activated by an extracellular signal.
A case of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with use of an L-tryptophan product.

Excerpt L-Tryptophan has been used as a sedative hypnotic for insomnia and as an antidepressant for many years. Previously reported toxicity has included nausea, vomiting, ataxia, hyperreflexia, po...
Military implications of the new ocean politics

(1976). Military implications of the new ocean politics. The Adelphi Papers: Vol. 16, Power at Sea. Part I: The New Environment Papers from the IISS 17th Annual Conference, pp. 10-16.
Optimisation of warranty reserve policies

Companies typically plan for warranty costs through creation of a reserve fund. Most researchers assume that the warranty reserve is set based on the expected total warranty costs. However, companies rarely keep reserves to cover their liabilities for the whole life of their products, since maintaining excess reserves would cause opportunity cost. We propose an optimal policy rule based on the amount of cash additions/subtractions at the beginning of each period and the amount to contribute to the reserve after each sale. We model the warranty reserve problem as a single period inventory problem. We have shown that when there is no contribution after each sale the optimal policy resembles a ‘base-stock’ policy. When contribution after each sale is permissible, the optimal reserve level decreases as warranty costs can be covered by accruals. However, this kind of ‘pay-as-you-go’ system also increases the uncertainty in net flows from the fund.
Influences of chloride and hypochlorite on neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

The release by neutrophils of DNA-based extracellular traps (NETs) is a recently recognized innate immune phenomenon that contributes significantly to control of bacterial pathogens at tissue foci of infection. NETs have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of non-infectious diseases such as small vessel vasculitis, lupus and cystic fibrosis lung disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of NET generation (NETosis). Neutrophils with reduced ROS production, such as those from patients with chronic granulomatous disease or myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency, produce fewer NETs in response to inflammatory stimuli. To better understand the roles of various ROS in NETosis, we explore the role of MPO, its substrates chloride ion (Cl(-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and its product hypochlorite (HOCl) in NETosis.In human peripheral blood neutrophils, pharmacologic inhibition of MPO decreased NETosis. Absence of extracellular Cl(-), a substrate for MPO, also reduced NETosis. While exogenous addition of H(2)O(2) and HOCl stimulated NETosis, only exogenous HOCl could rescue NETosis in the setting of MPO inhibition. Neither pharmacological inhibition nor genetic deletion of MPO in murine neutrophils blocked NETosis, in contrast to findings in human neutrophils.Our results pinpoint HOCl as the key ROS involved in human NETosis. This finding has implications for understanding innate immune function in diseases in which Cl(-) homeostasis is disturbed, such as cystic fibrosis. Our results also reveal an example of significant species-specific differences in NET phenotypes, and the need for caution in extrapolation to humans from studies of murine NETosis.
Coupled Fluid/Thermal Prediction of Ablating Hypersonic Vehicles

A coupled fluid/thermal capability is described for predicting the ablation of hypersonic vehicles. The solution technique is achieved by coupling a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and a material thermal response (MTR) code through mass and energy balances at a common interface. Results presented in this paper employ an equilibrium chemistry ablation model for materials without in-depth conduction. Gaseous products of ablation are injected into the flow field and are allowed to react with the high temperature gases in thermo-chemical nonequilibrium that exist near the receding surface. The predicted surface recession is calculated on an axisymmetric carbon-carbon spherecone nosetip over a given trajectory.
Genetic exploration of interactive domains in RNA polymerase II subunits.

Abstract The two large subunits of RNA polymerase II, RPB1 and RPB2, contain regions of extensive homology to the two large subunits of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. These homologous regions may represent separate protein domains with unique functions. We investigated whether suppressor genetics could provide evidence for interactions between specific segments of RPB1 and RPB2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A plasmid shuffle method was used to screen thoroughly for mutations in RPB2 that suppress a temperature-sensitive mutation, rpb1-1, which is located in region H of RPB1. All six RPB2 mutations that suppress rpb1-1 were clustered in region I of RPB2. The location of these mutations and the observation that they were allele specific for suppression of rpb1-1 suggests an interaction between region H of RPB1 and region I of RPB2. A similar experiment was done to isolate and map mutations in RPB1 that suppress a temperature-sensitive mutation, rpb2-2, which occurs in region I of RPB2. These suppressor mutations were not clustered in a particular region. Thus, fine structure suppressor genetics can provide evidence for interactions between specific segments of two proteins, but the results of this type of analysis can depend on the conditional mutation to be suppressed.
Genistein Programming Against Breast Cancer

Soy and its primary isoflavonic component, genistein, have been demonstrated to act via a novel mechanism for breast cancer chemoprevention, i.e. programming. Programming is defined as developmental modifications at the molecular level that result in permanent and irreversible modifications that determine how cells and tissues respond later in life, even in the absence of the initial effector. Depending on the chemical effector and the changes in the biochemical blue-print the adult host may be rendered more or less susceptible for biochemical insult. Exposure of prepubertal rats to physiological concentrations of genistein via the diet protects against chemically-induced mammary cancer. Genistein during the prepubertal period increases mammary protein expression of p-AKT, annexin A2, EGF-receptor, gelsolin and GTP-cyclohydrolase-1, while decreasing expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and protein disulfide-isomerase A3, actions consistent with increased cell proliferation and differentiation, cell turnover, and tissue remodeling. In mature rat mammary glands, cleaved-caspases-3 and 9, cleaved-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, fetuin B, β-casein and Ki-67 were increased, while tyrosine hydrolase, annexin A2, EGF-receptor, phosphoglycerate kinase-1, steroid receptor co-activators 1–3, and vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor-2 were down-regulated, actions consistent with increased apoptosis and reduced potential for carcinogenesis. Recent epidemiology reports confirm the laboratory findings on carcinogenesis, demonstrating that adolescent girls ingesting soy containing genistein are at reduced risk for breast cancer. Toxicology studies in animals and epidemiology with genistein and soy demonstrate little or no toxicity. We recommend clinical studies in adolescent girls to determine if soy and genistein can suppress mammary cancer development by programming for cell/tissue differentiation.
On-line determination of silver in sea-water and marine sediment by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

An on-line flow injection method for the direct determination of silver in sea-water using isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS) is described. A mini-column packed with 50 µl Dowex 1-X8 anion exchange resin was used to separate and concentrate Ag from sea-water following on-line merging with 0.5 M HCl. Recoveries of 100±1% and 96±1% were obtained for NRC CRMs SLEW-3 and CASS-4, respectively. One run can be completed in less than 6 min using a 12 ml volume of sea-water. The detection limit (3σ), estimated at 0.06 pg ml−1, is superior to previously published methods. Dissolved Ag concentrations of 1.93±0.10, 5.15±0.10 and 5.42±0.10 pg ml−1 were obtained in SLEW-3, CASS-2 and CASS-4 CRMs, respectively. The method was also assessed for determination of Ag in a marine sediment CRM MESS-3, and a concentration of 0.169±0.002 µg g−1 was obtained using ID ICP-MS after an off-line column separation, in agreement with the certified value of 0.18±0.02 µg g−1. The on-line method was also applied to analyses of sea-water and sufficiently diluted digests of marine sediments using an external calibration technique. Concentrations of 1.96±0.10 pg ml−1 (mean and one standard deviation, n = 3) and 5.55±0.15 (n = 3) pg ml−1 were obtained for dissolved Ag in SLEW-3 and CASS-4, respectively, in agreement with results generated by ID ICP-MS. A concentration of 0.181±0.004 (n = 3) µg g−1 in MESS-3 was obtained, based on 200-fold diluted digests, in agreement with the certified value.
HMG 14/17 binding affinities and DNAase I sensitivities of nucleoprotein particles

Abstract We show that ordinary (bulk) chicken erythrocyte nucleosomes are digested more rapidly by DNAase I when they are associated with high mobility group (HMG) proteins 14/17. Digestion of HMG 14/17-nucleosome complexes, under conditions where the DNA in control nucleosomes is digested to 10 to 20% acid solubility, results in a particular depletion of single-strand DNA fragments greater than 80 nucleotides in length, relative to the DNA fragments produced from control nucleosomes. Additionally, we show that staphylococcal nuclease digests of H1/H5-depleted chromatin contain an abundant subclass of nucleosomes that are not present in appreciable amounts in digests of native chromatin. These nucleosomes contain longer lengths of DNA and have lower electrophoretic mobilities than core particles. HMG 14/17 associates highly preferentially with these nucleosomes and renders them sensitive to DNAase I, similar to what has been found for active nucleosomes.
Deviant Modernism: Sexual and Textual Errancy in T.S Eliot, James Joyce, and Marcel Proust

Introduction 1. Straightening out literary criticism: T. S. Eliot and error 2. The end of poetry for ladies: T. S. Eliot's early poetry 3. Text of error, text in error: James Joyce's Ulysses 4. Sexual/textual inversion: Marcel Proust Conclusion.
EFFICIENT EVALUATION OF RANKING PROCEDURES WHEN THE NUMBER OF UNITS IS LARGE WITH APPLICATION TO SNP IDENTIFICATION

Simulation-based assessment is a popular and frequently necessary approach for evaluating statistical procedures. Sometimes overlooked is the ability to take advantage of underlying mathematical relations and we focus on this aspect. We show how to take advantage of large-sample theory when conducting a simulation using the analysis of genomic data as a motivating example. The approach uses convergence results to provide an approximation to smaller-sample results, results that are available only by simulation. We consider evaluating and comparing various ranking-based methods for identifying the most highly associated SNPs in a genome-wide association study, derive integral equation representations of the pre-posterior distribution of percentiles produced by three ranking methods, and provide examples comparing performance. These results are of interest in their own right and set the framework for a more extensive set of comparisons.
A Population-Growth Model for Multiple Generations of Technology Products

In this paper, we consider the demand for multiple, successive generations of products and develop a population-growth model that allows demand transitions across multiple product generations and takes into consideration the effect of competition. We propose an iterative-descent method for obtaining the parameter estimates and the covariance matrix, and we show that the method is theoretically sound and overcomes the difficulty that the units-in-use population of each product is not observable. We test the model on both simulated sales data and Intel's high-end desktop processor sales data. We use two alternative specifications for product strength in this market: performance and performance/price ratio. The former demonstrates better fit and forecast accuracy, likely due to the low price sensitivity of this high-end market. In addition, the parameter estimate suggests that, for the innovators in the diffusion of product adoption, brand switchings are more strongly influenced by product strength than within-brand product upgrades in this market. Our results indicate that compared with the Bass model, Norton--Bass model, and Jun--Park choice-based diffusion model, our approach is a better fit for strategic forecasting that occurs many months or years before the actual product launch.
Comparing Fracture Absolute Risk Assessment (FARA) Tools An Osteoporosis Clinical Informatics Tool to Improve Identification and Care of Men at High Risk of First Fracture

Background: Fracture absolute risk assessment (FARA) is recommended for guiding osteoporosis treatment decisions in males. The best strategy for applying FARA in the clinic setting is not known. Objectives: We compared 2 FARA tools for use with electronic health records (EHRs) to determine which would more accurately identify patients known to be high risk for fracture. Tools evaluated were an adaptation of the World Health Organization’s Fracture Risk Assessment Tool used with electronic data (eFRAX) and the Veterans Affairs (VA)-based tool, VA-FARA. Methods: We compared accuracies of VA-FARA and eFRAX for correctly classifying male veterans who fractured and who were seen in the VA’s Sierra Pacific Network in 2002-2013. We then matched those cases to nonfracture controls to compare odds of fracture in patients classified as high risk by either tool. Results: Among 8740 patients, the mean (SD) age was 67.0 (11.1) years. Based on risk factors present in the EHR, VA-FARA correctly classified 40.1% of fract...
Why do the poor live in cities? The role of public transportation ✩

Abstract More than 19 percent of people in American central cities are poor. In suburbs, just 7.5 percent of people live in poverty. The income elasticity of demand for land is too low for urban poverty to come from wealthy individuals' wanting to live where land is cheap (the traditional explanation of urban poverty). A significant income elasticity for land exists only because the rich eschew apartment living, and that elasticity is still too low to explain the poor's urbanization. The urbanization of poverty comes mainly from better access to public transportation in central cities.
THE EFFECT OF PLANTS ON THE HOST RELATIONS OF A SPECIALIST PARASITOID OF HELIOTHIS LARVAE

Microplitis croceipes (Cresson), a parasitoid of Heliothis larvae, was reared on 9 host insect/plant combinations. In general, parasitoid survivorship was (1) higher in host larvae that were reared on cotton than in hosts reared on either bean or tomato, (2) higher in H. zea hosts than in H. virescens and (3) higher in a laboratory strain of H. zea than in a wild strain. A series of parasitoid oviposition preference tests showed that wasps laid more eggs in host larvae on cotton plants than on bean and more on bean than on tomato. However, the wasps did not distinquish between H. zea and H. virescens hosts. Wasp oviposition preferences were not conditioned by the host insect/plant combination in which the parasitoid developed. These results indicate that the plant on which host larvae feed is an important factor in determining both the likelihood of parasitoid attack and the probability of successful parasitism. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Der Einfluss der Pflanze auf die Wirtsbeziehungen eines spezialisierten Parasiten von Heliothis-Larven. Microplitis croceipes (Cresson), Parasit der Heliothis-Larven, wurde in 9 Kombinationen von Wirtsinsekt/Wirtspflanze gezuchtet. Im allgemeinen war das Ueberleben der Parasiten (1) besser in Wirtsraupen von Baumwolle als von Bohnen oder Tomaten, (2) besser in H. zea als in H. virescens und (3) besser in laborgezuchteten H. zea als in Raupen aus dem Freiland. Mehrere Versuche uber die Eiablagepraferenz der Parasiten zeigten, dass mehr Eier in Raupen von Baumwolle als in Raupen von Bohnen oder gar von Tomaten abgelegt wurden. Die Wespen unterschieden aber nicht zwischen H. zea und H. virescens. Die Eiablagepraferenzen waren unabhangig von den Kombinationen Wirtsinsekt/Wirtspflanze, in denen sich die Parasiten entwickelt hatten. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass die Pflanze, auf der die Wirtsraupe frisst, wichtig ist fur die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Parasitenangriffs und fur den Erfolg der Parasitierung.
A modified form of Liao's absorbing boundary condition

A new absorbing boundary condition (ABC) is described which modifies the ABC of Z.P. Liao et al. (1984) to provide better absorption of obliquely incident waves. The proposed modification of Liao's ABC produces acceptably small reflections (e.g., >