cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced functional potential of nucleic acid aptamer libraries patterned to increase secondary structure.

The in vitro selection of nucleic acid libraries has driven the discovery of RNA and DNA receptors (aptamers) and catalysts with tailor-made functional properties. Functional nucleic acids emerging from selections have been observed to possess an unusually high degree of secondary structure. In this study, we experimentally examined the relationship between the degree of secondary structure in a nucleic acid library and its ability to yield aptamers that bind protein targets. We designed a patterned nucleic acid library (denoted R*Y*) to enhance the formation of stem-loop structures without imposing any specific sequence or secondary structural requirement. This patterned library was predicted computationally to contain a significantly higher average folding energy compared to a standard, unpatterned N60 library of the same length. We performed three different iterated selections for protein binding using patterned and unpatterned libraries competing in the same solution. In all three cases, the patterned R*Y* library was enriched relative to the unpatterned library over the course of the 9- to 10-round selection. Characterization of individual aptamer clones emerging from the three selections revealed that the highest affinity aptamer assayed arose from the patterned library for two protein targets, while in the third case, the highest affinity aptamers from the patterned and random libraries exhibited comparable affinity. We identified the binding motif requirements for the most active aptamers generated against two of the targets. The two binding motifs are 3.4- and 27-fold more likely to occur in the R*Y* library than in the N60 library. Collectively, our findings suggest that researchers performing selections for nucleic acid aptamers and catalysts should consider patterned libraries rather than commonly used Nm libraries to increase both the likelihood of isolating functional molecules and the potential activities of the resulting molecules.
Transformative Photography: Evaluation and Best Practices for Eliciting Social and Policy Changes:

Abstract Marketing researchers commonly use photographic methods to generate observational data and delve into the lived experiences of research participants. These visual data-gathering techniques, however, can be embedded into a broader research methodology aimed to generate constructive social and policy changes. The authors systematically analyze prior empirical studies using photographic methods to identify when these methods are appropriate and most effective. They identify key research processes, workbench issues, and ethical dilemmas when employing transformative photographic methods across individual, group, and community levels of analysis. Finally, they propose best practices for conducting more compelling research.
The Interactive Effects of Marital Conflict and Divorce on Parent – Adult Children's Relationships

This study examines main effect and interactive models of the relations between marital conflict, divorce, and parent-adult child relationships, and gender differences in these relations. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of a community sample (N = 585). Parental marital conflict and divorce were measured from age 5 through age 17. Mother-child and father-child relationship quality at age 22 was assessed in terms of Closeness-Support and Conflict-Control. Results indicate that both marital conflict and divorce were associated with poorer quality of parent-adult child relationships. Divorce moderated the link between marital conflict and subsequent negativity in mother-child relationships, with the estimated effects being stronger in continuously married families than in divorced families, especially for women.
Building the Technology Toolkit of Marketing Students: The Emerging Technologies in Marketing Initiative

New information technologies are transforming marketing practice, leading to calls for marketing academics to focus their research and teaching more tightly on areas relevant to practitioners. Developments in e-commerce, business geographic information systems (GIS), and social media offer powerful marketing tools to nontechnical users. This paper describes one department's effort to integrate these tools through an Emerging Technologies in Marketing Initiative spanning several marketing courses. It describes the development, underlying principles, pedagogical content, and academic structure of the Initiative. The paper also evaluates the performance of the Initiative and discusses the potential for and difficulties of replicating it at other institutions.
Deletion of prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHD1, PHD3) stabilizes hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha, promotes neovascularization, and improves perfusion in a murine model of hind-limb ischemia.

Abstract Background There is an emerging focus on investigating innovative therapeutic molecules that can potentially augment neovascularization in order to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins 1 and 3 (PHD1 and PHD3) may modulate angiogenesis via regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), there has been no study directly addressing their roles in ischemia-induced vascular growth. We hypothesize that PHD1 −/− or PHD3 −/− deficiency might promote angiogenesis in the murine hind-limb ischemia (HLI) model. Study design Wild type (WT), PHD1 −/− and PHD3 −/− male mice aged 8–12 weeks underwent right femoral artery ligation. Post-procedurally, motor function assessment and laser Doppler imaging were periodically performed. The mice were euthanized after 28 days and muscles were harvested. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the extent of angiogenesis by measuring capillary and arteriolar density. VEGF expression was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bcl-2 and HIF-1α were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Fibrosis was measured by picrosirius red staining. Results PHD1 −/− and PHD3 −/− mice showed significantly improved recovery of perfusion and motor function score when compared to WT after femoral artery ligation. These mice also exhibited increased capillary and arteriolar density, capillary/myocyte ratio along with decreased fibrosis compared to WT. VEGF, Bcl-2 and HIF-1α expression increased in PHD1 −/− and PHD3 −/− mice compared to WT. Conclusions Taken together these results suggest that PHD1 and PHD3 deletions promote angiogenesis in ischemia-injured tissue, and may present a promising therapeutic strategy in treating PAD.
Mechanical signals as anabolic agents in bone

Aging and a sedentary lifestyle conspire to reduce bone quantity and quality, decrease muscle mass and strength, and undermine postural stability, culminating in an elevated risk of skeletal fracture. Concurrently, a marked reduction in the available bone-marrow-derived population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) jeopardizes the regenerative potential that is critical to recovery from musculoskeletal injury and disease. A potential way to combat the deterioration involves harnessing the sensitivity of bone to mechanical signals, which is crucial in defining, maintaining and recovering bone mass. To effectively utilize mechanical signals in the clinic as a non-drug-based intervention for osteoporosis, it is essential to identify the components of the mechanical challenge that are critical to the anabolic process. Large, intense challenges to the skeleton are generally presumed to be the most osteogenic, but brief exposure to mechanical signals of high frequency and extremely low intensity, several orders of magnitude below those that arise during strenuous activity, have been shown to provide a significant anabolic stimulus to bone. Along with positively influencing osteoblast and osteocyte activity, these low-magnitude mechanical signals bias MSC differentiation towards osteoblastogenesis and away from adipogenesis. Mechanical targeting of the bone marrow stem-cell pool might, therefore, represent a novel, drug-free means of slowing the age-related decline of the musculoskeletal system.
Contingent values for New Mexico instream flows : With tests of scope, group-size reminder and temporal reliability

Abstract The protection of instream flows, the flow of water in natural river channels, is a controversial environmental issue throughout the US West. This is especially the case in New Mexico, which is unique in that no legal avenue for protection exists. This contingent valuation study investigates the non-market benefits of protecting minimum instream flows in New Mexico; the elicited values are expected to have a significant non-use component. The original dichotomous choice contingent valuation telephone survey was conducted in February 1995, and used a voluntary contribution trust fund format. Using the same 2×2 experimental design, computer-assisted telephone interview system and sampling frame of New Mexico residents, the survey was then replicated in February 1996. As a measure of theoretical validity, we test the sensitivity in valuation responses to a change in the scope of the good (nested geographical components). Split-sample statistical tests of scope remain relatively rare in contingent valuation studies involving nonuse values, especially when combined with other tests of validity and reliability using the same sampling frame and survey instrument. Thus, corollary tests of sensitivity in valuation responses to information about the collective nature of providing the good (a group-size reminder) and the temporal reliability of results are also conducted. Despite the explicit ‘contributions frame’, there is no evidence to support the simple contribution model for interpreting valuation responses.
Light scattering study of fractal cluster aggregation near the free molecular regime

Abstract This paper presents light scattering measurements of the aggregation rate for an aerosol of fractal aggregates in a rarefield gas. A premixed ethylene/oxygen flame was used to create a hot, fractal aggregate aerosol of carbonaceous soot. Static light scattering involving absolute scattering, extinction, and optical structure factor measurements was used to measure the soot cluster morphological parameters, cluster radius of gyration, fractal dimension, monomers per aggregate and monomer size, all as a function of height above burner. Laser Doppler velocimetry was used to convert height to time. Above a height of 7 mm, it was established that aggregation was the dominant growth mechanism. The aggregation cluster growth kinetics are compared to the Smoluchowski equation prediction using an aggregation kernel that accounts for the fractal nature of the aggregates. The kinetics of this system ranged from the free molecular to the Epstein regime. Comparison of experiment to theory shows the theory to be from 15 to 100% too low which may be compared to an experimental uncertainty of a factor of two due largely to soot particle refractive index uncertainty. The discrepancy could be due to attractive dispersive forces between aerosol particles. These discrepancies are small, however, compared to the range of the aggregation kernel. Hence this work establishes the validity of the theoretical form of the kernel for fractal aggregates in rarefield gases.
Utilization of the k -Space Method in the Design of a Ferroelectric Hyperthermia Phased Array

This research utilizes the k-space computational method and a three-dimensional (3D), inhomogeneous, large scale, and coarse grid human prostate model to design and to fabricate an intracavitary probe for hyperthermia treatment of prostate cancer. A 3D acoustical prostate model was created utilizing photographic data from the Visible Human Project®. Ultrasound wave propagation of the designed phased array was simulated by means of the k-space computational method. Four stacked linear phased arrays composed the 80 elements hyperthermia array. Good agreement between the exposimetry and the k-space simulation results was obtained. As an example, the measured −3 dB distance of the focal volume in the propagation direction deviated by only 9% compared to simulated results.
Influence of Surface Scratches on the Flexure Strength of Soda-Lime Silicate and Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate (BS) and soda-lime silicate (SLS) glasses are being considered for use as the strike-face in transparent armor systems. This effort examined the effect of surface scratches generated with 1, 5, 10, and 30 N scratching loads on the equibiaxial flexure strength of both glasses including versions of each that had been thermally-tempered. At lower scratch loads there is more lateral cracking associated with the scratches in the BS while the scratches in the SLS predominantly exhibit plastic deformation. At the highest scratch load the damage is dominated by chips and lateral cracking within and along the scratch length. The tempered versions of the SLS appear to have less lateral cracking than the tempered version of the BS glass. In all instances the flexure strength decreases significantly when a 1 N scratch is introduced on the tin surface but when the scratch load increases any additional strength loss is minimal.
Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii) pneumonia after infliximab therapy: a review of 84 cases.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy, infliximab, has become an established effective therapy for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. However, infliximab has been associated with various opportunistic pathogens such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, listeriosis, aspergillosis, and Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii) pneumonia. We reviewed the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System for cases of Pneumocystis associated with infliximab use from January 1998 through December 2003. The database revealed 84 cases of PCP following infliximab therapy. Concomitant immunosuppressive medications included methotrexate, prednisone, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and cyclosporine. Mean time between infliximab infusion and onset of symptoms of pneumonia, when reported, was 21 days (±18 days; n=40). Twenty-three of the 84 (27%) patients died. The use of infliximab is associated with PCP infection. Further, the mortality rate for Pneumocystis following the use of infliximab is significant. The potential for severe disease, mortality, and often subtle presentation of these infections warrant close follow-up and careful monitoring after therapy.
Effects of Kinetin and Actinomycin D on the Susceptibility of Nicotiana glutinosa L. to Infection by Tobacco Mosaic Virus

KINETIN (6-furfurylaminopurine) is known markedly to influence the rate of synthesis and degradation of plant protein and nucleic acid1. For this reason, its effect on virus infection has been of interest2–4. Although both increases and decreases in susceptibility have been noted2–4, Soans5 consistently found that when kinetin was applied to leaves of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. “White Burley ‘necrotic’”, susceptibility to infection with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was reduced. Inoculation with TMV 4 days after treatment with kinetin showed reduced numbers, increased size and a delay in the appearance of the local lesions, while mixing kinetin with virus before inoculation produced no significant effects.
Fixed-pole analysis of the deuteron Compton amplitude

Using standard finite-energy sum rules we evaluate the $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$, energy-independent real part of Compton deuteron scattering. In contrast with the proton and neutron cases, the result is not consistent with the Thomson limit.
Ruptured congenital mesoblastic nephroma: chemotherapy and irradiation as adjuvants to nephrectomy

A neonate underwent nephrectomy for a congenital mesoblastic nephroma which was found to be ruptured at the time of removal. Two years after operation there is no evidence of recurrent tumor. Present evidence is that nephrectomy alone is adequate treatment for mesoblastic nephroma, but close observation is mandatory if rupture has occurred. Recurrence should be countered with adjunctive chemotherapy.
The Relationship Between Fertility and the Number of Spermatozoa Inseminated

Summary Three groups of approximately 4,100 first service dairy cows each were inseminated artificially with three different concentrations of motile spermatozoa, estimated to be 14.3×10 6 , 9.5×10 6 , and 4.7×10 6 ; the 60- to 90-day per cent nonreturns were 70.5, 70.9, and 66.7, respectively.
The functional consequences of variation in transcription factor binding.

One goal of human genetics is to understand how the information for precise and dynamic gene expression programs is encoded in the genome. The interactions of transcription factors (TFs) with DNA regulatory elements clearly play an important role in determining gene expression outputs, yet the regulatory logic underlying functional transcription factor binding is poorly understood. Many studies have focused on characterizing the genomic locations of TF binding, yet it is unclear to what extent TF binding at any specific locus has functional consequences with respect to gene expression output. To evaluate the context of functional TF binding we knocked down 59 TFs and chromatin modifiers in one HapMap lymphoblastoid cell line. We then identified genes whose expression was affected by the knockdowns. We intersected the gene expression data with transcription factor binding data (based on ChIP-seq and DNase-seq) within 10 kb of the transcription start sites of expressed genes. This combination of data allowed us to infer functional TF binding. Using this approach, we found that only a small subset of genes bound by a factor were differentially expressed following the knockdown of that factor, suggesting that most interactions between TF and chromatin do not result in measurable changes in gene expression levels of putative target genes. We found that functional TF binding is enriched in regulatory elements that harbor a large number of TF binding sites, at sites with predicted higher binding affinity, and at sites that are enriched in genomic regions annotated as “active enhancers.”
Dietary fat, coronary heart disease, and cancer: a historical review.

Abstract Objectives. This report describes the historical development of medical theories and research concerning the relationship between dietary fat intake and breast and colorectal cancer and coronary heart disease (CHD). Method. The historical and medical literature on this topic was analyzed with special reference to the Woman's Health Initiative (WHI) studies. Results. After 1900, changes in clothing fashions and life insurance mortality studies created strong preferences for slimness and emphasized reduced dietary fat intake as the preferred method of weight control. After midcentury, ecological correlations of countries found that national average dietary fat intake was related to national breast cancer and CHD rates. These relationships were not found in longitudinal studies of the same countries or in studies of dietary fat intake of individuals, including the WHI study. Dietary fat intake was found to affect colorectal cancer in some studies of individuals, although not the WHI. The WHI, like other intervention studies of dietary fat reduction, used unrepresentative samples and costly lifestyle change techniques that are not economically feasible in the community. Conclusion. The WHI concurred with many other studies in finding that dietary fat intake is not a significant risk factor for CHD or breast cancer.
Life cycle assessment of commodity chemical production from forest residue via fast pyrolysis

Purpose This life cycle assessment evaluates and quantifies the environmental impacts of renewable chemical production from forest residue via fast pyrolysis with hydrotreating/fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) pathway.
Association between spinal loads and the psychophysical determination of maximum acceptable force during pushing tasks.

The objective of this study was to investigate potential associations between an individual's psychophysical maximum acceptable force (MAF) during pushing tasks and biomechanical tissue loads within the lumbar spine. Ten subjects (eight males, two females) pushed a cart with an unknown weight at one push every two minute for a distance of 3.9 m. Two independent variables were investigated, cart control and handle orientation while evaluating their association with the MAF. Dependent variables of hand force and tissue loads for each MAF determination and preceding push trial were assessed using a validated, electromyography-assisted biomechanical model that calculated spinal load distribution throughout the lumbar spine. Results showed no association between spinal loads and the MAF. Only hand forces were associated with the MAF. Therefore, MAFs may be dependent upon tactile sensations from the hands, not the loads on the spine and thus may be unrelated to risk of low back injury. Practitioner Summary: Pus...
Speech Perception Deficits in Poor Readers: Auditory Processing or Phonological Coding?

Poor readers are inferior to normal-reading peers in aspects of speech perception. Two hypotheses have been proposed to account for their deficits: (i) a speech-specific failure in phonological representation and (ii) a general deficit in auditory "temporal processing," such that they cannot easily perceive the rapid spectral changes of formant transitions at the onset of stop-vowel syllables. To test these hypotheses, two groups of second-grade children (20 "good readers," 20 "poor readers"), matched for age and intelligence, were selected to differ significantly on a /ba/-/da/ temporal order judgment (TOJ) task, said to be diagnostic of a temporal processing deficit. Three experiments then showed that the groups did not differ in: (i) TOJ when /ba/ and /da/ were paired with more easily discriminated syllables (/ba/-/sa/, /da/-/fa/); (ii) discriminating nonspeech sine wave analogs of the second and third formants of /ba/ and /da/; (iii) sensitivity to brief transitional cues varying along a synthetic speech continuum. Thus, poor readers' difficulties with /ba/-/da/ reflected perceptual confusion between phonetically similar, though phonologically contrastive, syllables rather than difficulty in perceiving rapid spectral changes. The results are consistent with a speech-specific, not a general auditory, deficit.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 180

Abstract Spectroscopic data for all nuclei with mass number A=180 have been evaluated, and the corresponding level schemes from radioactive decay and reaction studies are presented. Salient topics of this evaluation are the new limit (0.023%) for the fractional population of 180 Hf (5.5 h) from 180 Lu, and the negative search for a possible 180 Lu isomer with a half-life between 10 s and 5 min. Both results may help in explaining the natural abundance of the long-lived 180 Ta isomer in terms of the slow (S) and/or the rapid (R) neutron capture processes of nucleosynthesis in stars.
Effect of Stimulation and Acetylcholine on 32P and 14C Incorporation into Phospholipids of Eel Electroplax

Incorporation of "P and 14C into phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine was increased when electroplax of the Sachs organ of the electric eel was exposed to 10-4 M concentrations of acetylcholine or physostigmine or when the cells were stimulated. In contrast, there was no significant effect on the specific activities of sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserinc, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidic acid. The concentration of total phospholipids was unaltered. These results support the proposals that the neurotransmitter action of acetylcholine is associated with an increased turnover of phospholipids.
Traffic overflow in loss systems with selective trunk reservation

Abstract We consider two traffic streams competing for service at an n -server queuing system. Jobs from stream 1, the protected stream, are blocked only if all n servers are busy. Jobs from stream 2, the best effort stream, are blocked if n − r , r ≥1, servers are busy. Blocked customers are diverted to a secondary group of c − n servers with, possibly, a different service rate. For the case r =1, we calculate the joint probabilities of the number of primary and secondary busy servers. For r >1, we describe a procedure for deriving the joint probabilities. These probabilities allow for the calculation of various performance measures including the overflow probabilities of the primary server and secondary server group. Our model is applicable to traffic control in communication networks that use the selective trunk reservation method.
Morphology and Diffusion Mechanism of Platinum Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotube Bundles

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the mobility and morphology of platinum nanoparticles supported on carbonaceous materials. The embedded-atom method was used to model Pt−Pt interactions. The Pt−C interactions were modeled using the Lennard−Jones potential. Carbon atoms were treated as rigid. The supports considered include a single graphite layer as well as carbon nanotubes, regarded as bundles. The goal of our work is to assess the effect of the substrate morphology on the properties of the metal nanoparticles. The properties of interest include the mobility and morphology of the supported nanoparticles. Our results show that the diffusion coefficients of Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotube bundles are 1 order of magnitude lower than those of Pt nanoparticles supported by graphite. Density profiles, radial distribution functions, and average coordination numbers were calculated to study the structure of the supported nanoparticles. Platinum nanoparticles deposited on carbon na...
Boundary layer distributions and cooling rate of cooling sloping plate process

According to the principle of grain refining and slurry preparation by cooling sloping plate process, the distributions of boundary layers during melt treatment by cooling sloping plate were studied, and mathematic model of cooling rate was established. The calculation value approximately agrees with the experimental result. Laminar flow and turbulent flow exist on sloping plate surface commonly. The thickness of velocity boundary layer and the critical transfer distance from laminar flow to turbulent flow increase with the decrease of initial flow velocity. The thickness of temperature boundary layer increases with the increment of flow distance and the decrease of initial flow velocity. The melt cooling rate and melt thickness have an inverse proportion relationship. The melt cooling rate increases along the plate direction gradually when the initial flow velocity is lower than 1 m/s, the melt cooling rate keeps nearly a constant when the initial flow velocity is 1 m/s, when the initial flow velocity is higher than 1 m/s, the melt cooling rate decreases gradually. The melt cooling rate of cooling sloping plate process can reach 102–103 K/s and belongs to meta-rapid solidification scope.
Abdominal CSF pseudocyst: Clinical features and surgical management

Twenty-six cases of abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst have been reviewed and the clinical features identified. Typical presentation includes abdominal pain and/or distention, with nausea
Enamel Microabrasion for Removal of Superficial Dysmineralization and Decalcification Defects

Enamel surface "dysmineralization" can be defined as a disturbance in formation of the inorganic component of enamel during amelogenesis. Enamel microabrasion, a method of removing certain enamel dysmineralization and decalcification coloration defects, is described. In many cases, with insignificant and unrecognizable loss of enamel, superficial enamel discoloration defects can be permanently eliminated, improving the appearance of treated teeth.
(Vapor + liquid) equilibrium behavior of (n-pentane + ethanol) at 372.7, 397.7, and 422.6 K

Abstract Isothermal (vapor + liquid) equilibrium measurements for (n-pentane + ethanol) have been made at 372.7, 397.7, and 422.6 K. Maximum-pressure azeotropic behavior was observed over the temperature range examined. The experimental results were correlated using the four-suffix Margules equation to represent the excess molar Gibbs free energy of the liquid phase. The three parameters of this model were established at each temperature using Barker's method. The results of this study have been combined with the limited information at atmospheric pressure available in the literature to develop empirical relations for the dependence of azeotropic composition and azeotropic pressure on temperature. These relations extend to the critical locus reported by McCracken et al. (J. Chem. Eng. Data1960, 5, 130). Dew- and bubble-pressures measured by McCracken et al. have been compared with corresponding values resulting from the present study in the temperature range 391 to 422.6 K. In these comparisons, deviations in pressure between the two investigations ranged from 1.2 to 33.2 per cent.
Geographic location, death sentences and executions in post-Furman Virginia

The issue of geographic disparity has been central to the death penalty debate since the US Supreme Court's Furman decision in 1972. This study investigates this issue in terms of jurisdictional variation in death sentences (1978–2001) and executions (1982–2004) in post-Furman Virginia. The research design involves the examination of 85 counties and cities in Virginia that had at least three potential capital crimes between 1978 and 2001. Discriminant analysis is employed to identify variables that differentiate low (‘abolitionist’) and high (‘retentionist’) death-sentencing and executing jurisdictions. On the whole, the findings point to the role of certain demographic and community factors, such as population size and density, racial composition and case characteristics of homicides in explaining variation in death sentences and executions. To a lesser extent, historical factors played a role, with the number of pre-Furman executions showing a modest relationship to death sentences in the modern era.
Pregnancy Induces Expression of cPLA2 in Ovine Uterine Artery but Not Systemic Artery Endothelium

OBJECTIVE To determine whether pregnancy increases cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) expression in uterine artery (UA) endothelial cells and vascular smooth-muscle (VSM) cells, and whether ovarian steroids mediate this effect. METHODS Uterine arteries and omental arteries (systemic control) were isolated from pregnant (120-130 days' gestation) ewes and from nonpregnant ewes synchronized to the corresponding phases of the ovarian cycle (follicular or luteal) or ovariectomized. In addition, ovariectomized ewes were treated with vehicle, estradiol-17 beta (E2 beta), progesterone (P4), or combined E2 beta/P4 for 10 days, and UAs were collected. Arteries from all studies were separated into mechanically isolated endothelial and VSM fractions. Proteins were then solubilized and separated on 7.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western immunoblotting using an affinity-purified mouse monoclonal antibody for cPLA2. RESULTS Both UA endothelium and VSM fractions were seen to express cPLA2, detected as a single band with a molecular mass similar to that observed in myometrium (about 100 kD). Distribution of cPLA2, when expressed per microgram of protein, was observed as 40% in UA endothelium compared with 60% in VSM fractions. Uterine artery endothelial cPLA2 expression was specifically increased 1.9-fold in pregnancy (P < .05), whereas there was no significant change from VSM. Furthermore, in ovariectomized sheep versus intact luteal or follicular phase animals, there was no significant change in cPLA2 expression in endothelium or VSM. Administration of E2 beta, P4, or their combination in ovariectomized sheep also failed to reproduce the pregnancy-induced increase in cPLA2 expression in UA endothelium. Omental artery endothelial and VSM cPLA2 expression was observed at similar magnitudes as UA expression, but levels were consistently unchanged by pregnancy, the ovarian cycle, or ovariectomy. CONCLUSIONS cPLA2 was expressed throughout the endothelium and VSM of both uterine and omental arteries, but only in UA endothelium was pregnancy associated with elevated cPLA2 expression. The lack of change in cPLA2 expression with the ovarian cycle or in ovariectomized animals, even after prolonged treatment with E2 beta, P4, or E2 beta/P4 combined suggests this pregnancy-induced increase in cPLA2 may not be estrogen and/or progesterone dependent.
Positive combinations and sums of projections in purely infinite simple $C^{*}$-algebras and their multiplier algebras

Every positive element in a purely infinite simple σ-unital C * -algebra A is a finite linear combination of projections with positive coefficients. Also, every positive a in the multiplier algebra M(A) of a purely infinite simple σ-unital C * -algebra A is a finite linear combination of projections with positive coefficients. Furthermore, if the essential norm ∥a∥ ess > 1, then a is a finite sum of projections in M(A). As a consequence, any positive element in the generalized Calkin Algebra M(A)/A or in M(A) but not in A is a positive scalar multiple of a finite sum of projections.
The dorsolateral corticospinal tract in mice: An alternative route for corticospinal input to caudal segments following dorsal column lesions

In rodents, the main contingent of corticospinal tract (CST) axons descends in the ventral part of the dorsal column. There is, however, a contingent of CST axons that descends in the dorsolateral column (the “dorsolateral corticospinal tract,” or DLCST). Here, we define some of the features of the DLCST by tracing CST projections following injections of biotinylated dextran amine into the sensorimotor cortex, assessing the distribution of DLCST axons and terminal arborizations in intact mice and in mice in which the main contingent of CST axons in the dorsal column had been transected. Axons of the DLCST diverge from the main tract at the pyramidal decussation, gather in fascicles in the dorsolateral gray matter below the spinomedullary junction, and project in a gradual trajectory laterally toward the dorsolateral column over the first few cervical segments. DLCST axons then project along the dorsolateral column to sacral levels, giving rise to collaterals that project into the gray matter. Labeled DLCST axons were most abundant in cervical segments, where they were often collected in fascicles, and progressively decreased in number in more caudal segments. Tracing of DLCST axons in mice with selective lesions of the dorsal column revealed that DLCST axons arborize extensively throughout the dorsal and ventral horns and that the overall territory that the DLCST axons invade is similar to the territory innervated by the CST axons in the main tract. Some DLCST axon arbors with varicosities are seen near large neurons in the ventral horn (presumed motoneurons). Substantial numbers of DLCST axons project across the midline to the gray matter on the contralateral side. Thus, the DLCST provides an alternate route for CST input to caudal segments, which is of particular relevance for studies of CST distribution and function following partial spinal cord injuries. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:463–477, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simplification of the Computation of Real Hadamard Transfors

The computation of a real Hadamard (or Walsh) transform can be simplified by first computing a pseudotransform, employing an easily derived auxiliary matrix each of whose elements is either l or 0 (instead of 1 or -1), and then applyimg se very simple linear corrections to obtain the; desired transform. The auxiliary matrix is not orthogonal, so its square, unlike that of the Hadamard (or Walsh) matrix, is, not a scalar matrix. However, sibject to one easilyg satisfied restrietion, it has an inverse, Which, within a scalar. multiplier, differs from ihgt of the Hadamard (or Wtalh) matrix of the same order in only a single element.
Research Designs and Statistical Techniques Used in the Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1989--1993

One hundred seventy-four research articles published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities from 1989 through 1993 were analyzed and coded by the type of research design and statistical technique used. Eighty percent of the research designs employed were identified as nonintervention methods. Fifty-five percent of all statistical techniques in the research articles reviewed were coded as primary, 32% were found to be intermediate, and the remaining 14% were considered advanced. The most frequently reported designs and analyses were those that are typically taught in most introductory and intermediate courses in research methods and statistics. Thus, the study indicates that readers would need at least a strong conceptual understanding of basic and intermediate statistical procedures to interpret research reported in the Journal of Learning Disabilities.
Dose Sparing of Brainstem and Spinal Cord for Re-Irradiating Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Because of the dose limit for critical structures such as brainstem and spinal cord, administering a dose of 60 Gy to patients with recurrent head and neck cancer is challenging for those who received a previous dose of 60-70 Gy. Specifically, previously irradiated head and neck patients may have received doses close to the tolerance limit to their brainstem and spinal cord. In this study, a reproducible intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment design is presented to spare the doses to brainstem and spinal cord, with no compromise of prescribed dose delivery. Between July and November 2008, 7 patients with previously irradiated, recurrent head and neck cancers were treated with IMRT. The jaws of each field were set fixed with the goal of shielding the brainstem and spinal cord at the sacrifice of partial coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) from any particular beam orientation. Beam geometry was arranged to have sufficient coverage of the PTV and ensure that the constraints of spinal cord <10 Gy and brainstem <15 Gy were met. The mean maximum dose to the brainstem was 12.1 Gy (range 6.1-17.3 Gy), and the corresponding mean maximum dose to spinal cord was 10.4 Gy (range 8.2-14.1 Gy). For most cases, 97% of the PTV volume was fully covered by the 95% isodose volume. We found empirically that if the angle of cervical spine curvature (Cobb's angle) was less than ∼30°, patients could be treated by 18 fields. Six patients met these criteria and were treated in 25 minutes per fraction. One patient exceeded a 30° Cobb's angle and was treated by 31 fields in 45 minutes per fraction. We have demonstrated a new technique for retreatment of head and neck cancers. The angle of cervical spine curvature plays an important role in the efficiency and effectiveness of our approach.
Production of a Large, Quiescent, Magnetized Plasma

This paper describes an experimental device which produces a large, homogeneous, quiescent, and magnetized plasma. Typical numbers as measured in an Argon plasma are: Size - 6 cm diameter × 100 cm length; Density - 108 to 1010 electrons/cm3; Electron temperature - 1 to 3 e. v.; Noise fluctuation - e?f1/kBTe < 5%; Magnetic field - to 5 kG.
Temporal Aggregation in Real Estate Return Indices

Temporal aggregation is defined as the use of spot valuations of properties occuring over an interval of time to impute the spot value of a property or of a real estate value index as of a single point in time. Temporal aggregation may characterize not only appraisal-based indices but also indices based directly on transaction prices, such as the National Real Estate Index (NREI) and regression-based indices such as hedonic or repeat-sales indices. This paper analyzes the effect of temporal aggregation on the smoothing of the time series second moments in the resulting real estate return index. Assuming true spot returns are uncorrelated, temporal aggregation-induced smoothing will cause the empirically observed real estate index to understate the own-variance by one-third and the beta by one-half. This amount of bias in the second moments can have major implications for the real estate share in an optimal portfolio. Thus, empirical-based investment analysis could be led astray by smoothing even if the real estate return index is “transaction-based” rather than “appraisal-based.”
Revisiting the French National Front The Ontology of a Political Mood

The French National Front under the leadership of Jean Marie Le Pen is postwar Europe's longest standing right-wing political party. Beginning in the mid-1990s, the Front began to steadily gain electoral support. In April 2002, Le Pen managed to come in second in the first round of the French Presidential elections. I visited the National Front's annual festival in 1998, and again in 2005 as part of a larger study on the political culture of the European right. Visiting and revisiting the festival, by adding a temporal comparison to my study, permitted me to see that between 1998 and 2005, the Front had normalized (domesticated) and professionalized. In addition, the visit allowed me to assess the level of political emotion and commitment among Front supporters. I concluded that the new level of emotion and energy that I observed indicated that the Front had possibilities for future electoral success.
Trends in the utilization of inguinal hernia repair techniques: a population-based study.

Background The use of inguinal hernia repair techniques in the community setting is poorly understood.
Determination of Rate Constants for Rapid Peroxidase Reactions

Abstract We describe an improved enzyme-monitored stopped-flow method for determining rate constants for peroxidase reactions that are too rapid to measure by conventional pseudo-first-order methods. Ascorbate will reduce many substrate radicals as rapidly as they are generated by a peroxidase. This ensures a constant substrate concentration during the peroxidase reaction. We investigated the reactions of horseradish peroxidase compound I (HRP-I) with three standard substrates (chlorpromazine (CPZ), 2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] (ABTS), andp-methoxyphenol) in the presence and absence of ascorbate. The rate of reaction of CPZ with HRP-I is slow enough that it can be measured using pseudo-first-order conditions maintained by a minimum 10-fold excess of CPZ, or by the addition of ascorbate at very low CPZ concentrations. The same rate constant was obtained with either method. The rate of reaction of ABTS with HRP-I at lower pH (5.0–3.3) is rapid; consequently, we were unable to obtain rate constants using concentrations of ABTS which constitute pseudo-first-order conditions. However, using much lower ABTS concentrations with the addition of ascorbate, we obtained rate constants that ranged from 5 × 107to 8 × 108 M −1s−1. Hence, ascorbate provides a simplified way to maintain pseudo-first-order conditions for fast peroxidase reactions even at low substrate concentrations.
A synopsis of events related to the assembly of eastern Gondwana

Abstract The assembly of the eastern part of Gondwana (eastern Africa, Arabian–Nubian shield (ANS), Seychelles, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, East Antarctica and Australia) resulted from a complex series of orogenic events spanning the interval from ∼750 to ∼530 Ma. Although the assembly of Gondwana is generally discussed in terms of the suturing of east and west Gondwana, such a view oversimplifies the true nature of this spectacular event. A detailed examination of the geochronologic database from key cratonic elements in eastern Gondwana suggests a multiphase assembly. The model outlined in this paper precludes the notion of a united east Gondwana and strongly suggests that its assembly paralleled the final assembly of greater Gondwana. It is possible to identify at least two main periods of orogenesis within eastern Gondwana. The older orogen resulted from the amalgamation of arc terranes in the Arabian–Nubian shield region and oblique continent–continent collision between eastern Africa (Kenya–Tanzania and points northward) with an, as of yet, ill-defined collage of continental blocks including parts of Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, India and East Antarctica during the interval from ∼750 to 620 Ma. This is referred to as the East Africa Orogen (EAO) in keeping with both the terminology and the focus of the paper by Stern [Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 22 (1994) 319]. The second major episode of orogenesis took place between 570 and 530 Ma and resulted from the oblique collision between Australia plus an unknown portion of East Antarctica with the elements previously assembled during the East African Orogen. This episode is referred to as the Kuunga Orogeny following the suggestion of Meert et al. [Precambrian Res. 74 (1995) 225]. Paleomagnetic data are currently too few to provide a rigorous test of this proposal, but the extant data do not conflict with the notion of a polyphase assembly of eastern Gondwana. The major conclusion of this paper is that east Gondwana did not exist until its Cambrian assembly.
Word recognition with forced serial processing: Effects of segment size and temporal order variation

Serial processing was forced by displaying words one letter or letter cluster at a time. Letters or clusters appeared in adjacent spatial positions and in rapid sequence, followed immediately by a mask. Under these conditions, there was a sharp increase in the percentage of words correctly identified as the size of the letter clusters presented in series increased. In a control condition without masking, designed to permit parallel processing across clusters, words were identified near-perfectly, regardless of the size of the clusters displayed. Words displayed one letter at a time without masking were identified fairly well even when letters were presented in random order. The results are interpreted as evidence that skilled readers tend to process letters within words in parallel.
Assessment of Rhythm and Rate Control in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Rhythm and Rate Control in Patients with AF. A recent series of randomized prospective clinical trials that compared rate control with rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) found no significant difference in primary outcome between the two strategies. However, these trials lacked clear criteria for defining “successful” rate or rhythm control. Various measures have been used to gauge the success of antiarrhythmic drug therapy, including time to first recurrence of AF, any AF recurrence, AF burden, and a reduction in symptoms. Determining the success of antiarrhythmic therapy can be relatively straightforward by using how patients feel during therapy as a key endpoint. Most patients are satisfied with a major reduction in symptomatic AF episodes and can live comfortably with occasional episodes of AF. For those who are bothered by even infrequent, brief AF episodes, a treatment regimen that eliminates nearly all AF recurrences is required, although often hard to achieve. Catheter ablation may be necessary to achieve a successful outcome in these patients. Suppression of AF in a patient at high risk of stroke does not, however, remove the need for concomitant warfarin therapy. The endpoints of ventricular rate control are not clear, and the recently published rhythm versus rate control trials lacked standard criteria for judging acceptable rate control. One relatively simple method is to try and achieve a 24-hour heart rate that mimics expected normal sinus rhythm. It is important to achieve good rate control to minimize symptoms and the risk of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 17,
Orientation insensitive power transfer by magnetic resonance for mobile devices

The efficiency of wireless power transfer (WPT) from an orientation insensitive system to a mobile device by strongly coupled magnetic resonance (SCMR) is reported here. This paper compares an optimal loop-based design in standard SCMR systems with misalignment insensitive system (3D and 3loop structure), which exhibits higher efficiency than typical SCMR devices in several directions in a sphere.