cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Release from Superfused Rat Hypothalami: Site of Action of Progesterone and Effect of Estrogen Priming*

The study examined the effect of estrogen priming on progesterone (P4)-induced LHRH release, the tissue site of action of P4, and the effect of 5α-dihydroxyprogesterone (5α- DHP) on LHRH release from hypothalamic fragments superfused in vitro. Immature female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and, at 28 days of age, Silastic capsules containing estradiol (E2) were implanted. Two days later, animals were killed and hypothalamic fragments were removed and transferred to superfusion chambers. The hypothalamic units received P4 or 5α-DHP delivered in an intermittent mode (10-min on, 20-min off). LHRH was determined in perfusates by RIA. After the input characteristics of different infusion modes (single pulses, intermittent, and continuous) of P4 infused into superfusion chambers were assessed, an intermittent infusion mode (10-min on, 20-min off) was selected for further examinations. In the mediobasal hypothalamic- anterior hypothalamic-preoptic area (MBH-AHAPOA) tissue preparations, we observed: 1) an infusio...
The Intertemporal Risk‐Return Relation in the Stock Market

We reexamine the intertemporal risk-return relation. We find a positive risk-return relation by measuring expected returns and conditional variance in a consistent manner using firm fundamentals. As measures of fundamentals, we use earnings and dividends. For the robustness of our results, we consider various sample periods and model specifications. Our finding of a positive relation is robust as long as we use firm fundamentals in measuring expected returns and conditional variances in a consistent manner.
Multimodality non-rigid image registration for planning, targeting and monitoring during CT-guided percutaneous liver tumor cryoablation

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to develop non-rigid image registration between preprocedure contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images and intraprocedure unenhanced computed tomographic (CT) images, to enhance tumor visualization and localization during CT imaging–guided liver tumor cryoablation procedures. Materials and Methods A non-rigid registration technique was evaluated with different preprocessing steps and algorithm parameters and compared to a standard rigid registration approach. The Dice similarity coefficient, target registration error, 95th-percentile Hausdorff distance, and total registration time (minutes) were compared using a two-sided Student's t test. The entire registration method was then applied during five CT imaging–guided liver cryoablation cases with the intraprocedural CT data transmitted directly from the CT scanner, with both accuracy and registration time evaluated. Results Selected optimal parameters for registration were a section thickness of 5 mm, cropping the field of view to 66% of its original size, manual segmentation of the liver, B-spline control grid of 5 × 5 × 5, and spatial sampling of 50,000 pixels. A mean 95th-percentile Hausdorff distance of 3.3 mm (a 2.5 times improvement compared to rigid registration, P Conclusions Non-rigid registration allowed improved visualization of the tumor during interventional planning, targeting, and evaluation of tumor coverage by the ice ball. Future work is focused on reducing segmentation time to make the method more clinically acceptable.
Identification of Tumor Cells through Spectroscopic Profiling of the Cellular Surface Chemistry

A key challenge for molecular cancer diagnostics is the identification of appropriate biomarkers and detection modalities. One target of interest is the cell surface, which is involved in important steps of cancerogenesis. Here, we explore the feasibility of a label-free spectroscopic profiling of the cell surface chemistry for the detection of tumor cells. Vibrational spectra of the cellular surfaces of tumor and nontumor breast and prostate cell lines were recorded on silver nanoparticle substrates using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The quantitative analysis of the spectra revealed characteristic differences, especially in the spectral range between 600 and 900 cm−1. The detection of tumor-cell-specific differences in the recorded SERS spectra indicates the possibility of improving the precision of current cancer detection and staging approaches through a spectroscopic profiling of cell surface cancer biomarkers.
Documenting priorities, progress, and potential: planning library services for distance education.

The ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services recommends that every library develop a written profile and a written statement addressing the needs and outlining the methods by which progress can be measured. Many libraries do not have a written plan, and occasionally at such institutions, services for distance-education students suffer as a consequence. In 1998, the University of Iowa Libraries instituted a written plan for developing library services for its off-campus students, and the plan has been an effective tool. Highlighting the University of Iowa Libraries’ plan, this article discusses a variety of subjects that should be addressed when preparing, writing, and implementing a plan for distance-education services.
Riemann functions for a linear system of hyperbolic form

Functions are defined which permit the solution of a special hyperbolic system to be expressed as a quadratur of its initial data over the initial surface.
Estrogen Receptor Target Gene: An Evolving Concept

Estrogen receptor (ER) functions as a transcription factor to induce gene expression events sufficient for cell division and breast cancer progression. A significant body of work exists on the identification of ER gene targets and the cofactors that contribute to these transcription events, yet surprisingly little is known of the cis-regulatory elements involved. In this review, we investigate the advances in technology that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of ER target genes and explore recent work identifying cis-regulatory domains that augment transcription of these targets. Specifically, we find that ER association with gene targets results from an association with the pioneer factor FoxA1, responsible for recruitment of ER to the genome. Recruitment of ER to the genome does not occur at promoter proximal regions, but instead involves distal enhancer elements that function to tether the ER complex to the target gene promoters. These advances in technology permit a more detailed investigation of ER activity and may aid in the development of superior drug interventions.
Fever onset is linked to the appearance of lipopolysaccharide in the liver

To assess the relative contributions of different phagocytes to the febrile response of guinea pigs to intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) bacterial endotoxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we injected fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled LPS at doses of 37.5, 75, 150, 300 and 900 microg/kg, and measured its distribution and corresponding core temperature (T(c)) changes before and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after injection. At all times, i.v. FITC-LPS appeared as granular fluorescent patches in circulating leukocytes and hepatic macrophages; its density was proportional to dose. At all doses, the density of i.v. FITC-LPS labeling decreased from its peak 15 min after injection at a rate commensurate with its dose. Intraperitoneal FITC-LPS was also present dose- and time-dependently in peritoneal macrophages, but it appeared later and accumulated more slowly except at the highest dose. Compared with i.v. FITC-LPS, its maximal appearance was always lower in density. No labeling was found at any time in brain and kidney following any dose of i.v. or i.p. FITC-LPS injection. The initiation of T(c) rises was best correlated with the presence of FITC-LPS in liver, irrespective of its route of injection. Pretreatment with gadolinium chloride 3 days before LPS injection attenuated the febrile response and reduced FITC-LPS labels in liver. These results suggest that the Kupffer cells may be central to the initiation of the febrile response of guinea pigs to i.v. and i.p. LPS.
Assessing Personality in the DSM–5: The Utility of Bipolar Constructs

All previous editions of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) have described and assessed personality solely in terms of pathological categories. Nonetheless, there is compelling evidence that normal-range personality traits also provide clinically useful information, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly assessing both adaptive and maladaptive aspects of personality within a clinical context. The proposed inclusion of a dimensional trait model in the upcoming DSM–5 represents an important shift in the understanding of personality pathology and provides an ideal opportunity to integrate the assessment of normal personality into clinical practice. Building on research conceptualizing personality disorders as maladaptive, extreme variants of general personality traits, it is proposed that both normal and abnormal personality can be assessed within the same dimensional model using bipolar constructs. The inclusion of bipolar traits, such as a c...
Types and Sequence Change of Bacteria in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Silages

Summary The types and sequence change of lactic acid bacteria in 30 orchardgrass and alfalfa silages have been determined. The 3,142 strains studied were representative of silage quality, different cuttings, and stages of fermentation. Both cocci and lactobacilli were found on the forages and in the silages. It was generally true that better quality silages were obtained when the early bacterial flora consisted predominantly of cocci. Most cocci, except the pediococci, disappeared a few days after ensiling. In the good quality silages, three species of lactic acid bacteria emerged as the dominant population. These included Lactobacillus brevis , Lactobacillus plantarum , and pediococci. L. brevis was usually found in the later stages of fermentation and was more prevalent in the alfalfa silages. In the poor quality silages, four species were found, including the three mentioned above and Lactobacillus casei (variable), an attenuated strain of lactobacilli. The results do not directly explain why the low acid producing strains reached such high numbers in poor quality silages. It is suggested, however, that a series of interacting factors may be responsible for selecting certain organisms. Among these are included entrance of air into the forage mass, increased temperature, and amino acid imbalance. These factors assume an important role in determining the course of the fermentation, especially in the conflict between the lactic acid bacteria and the spore-forming anaerobes.
Neodymium isotopic evidence for Galapagos hotspot—spreading centre system evolution

Nd and Sr isotope variations along the Galapagos spreading centre support Morgan's preferential subcrustal flow channel connecting the Galapagos mantle plume with the northeastward migrating ridge axis. Decoupling of La/Sm and Nd isotope variations near 91° W further suggests that basalts are derived from smaller degrees of melting and are deeper beneath this elevated part of the ridge.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE RENAL CLEARANCE OF I131

THE amount of I131 collected by the thyroid is proportional to the concentration of I131 in the blood. Hence, if thyroid function remains at a constant level, the amount of I131 accumulated by the thyroid will be determined in part by factors which may influence its concentration in the blood. Such factors would include ability of the kidneys to excrete iodide, changes in blood volume, extracellular fluid volume or other alterations of the iodide space. The thyroid of the hypophysectomized rat collects about one eighth as much radioiodine as does that of the normal animal (Randall and Albert, 1951). It is assumed that this depression denotes a diminution of thyroid function resulting from the loss of thyrotropin. However, it is conceivable that the lowered accumulation of I131 could be due to some extrathyroidal mechanism. Because of the marked polyuria which occurs during the first few days following hypophysectomy, it was thought worth while to determine the effect of hypophysectomy on the renal clearan...
Considering the influence of sequestration duration and carbon saturation on estimates of soil carbon capacity

Rates of soil C sequestration have previously been estimated for a number of different land management activities, and these estimates continue to improve as more data become available. The time over which active sequestration occurs may be referred to as the sequestration duration. Integrating soil C sequestration rates with durations provides estimates of potential change in soil C capacity and more accurate estimates of the potential to sequester C. In agronomic systems, changing from conventional plow tillage to no-till can increase soil C by an estimated 16±3%, whereas increasing rotation intensity can increase soil C by an estimated 6±3%. The increase in soil C following a change in rotation intensity, however, may occur over a slightly longer period (26 yr) than that for tillage cessation (21 yr). Sequestration strategies for grasslands have, on average, longer sequestration durations (33 yr) than for croplands. Estimates for sequestration rates and durations are mean values and can differ greatly between individual sites and management practices. As the annual sequestration rate declines over the sequestration duration period, soil C approaches a new steady state. Sequestration duration is synonymous with the time to which soil C steady state is reached. However, soils could potentially sequester additional C following additional changes in management until the maximum soil C capacity, or soil C saturation, is achieved. Carbon saturation of the soil mineral fraction is not well understood, nor is it readily evident. We provide evidence of soil C saturation and we discuss how the steady state C level and the level of soil C saturation together influence the rate and duration of C sequestration associated with changes in land management.
Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Assessment by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is difficult to detect antemortem and is often not suspected until embolic events occur. Transthoracic echocardiography is useful in diagnosing NBTE, but it may be limited by suboptimal imaging and resolution. Herein we describe the first reported case of NBTE diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. As early detection and treatment may avert significant embolic complications, transesophageal echocardiography should be strongly considered if other techniques are nondiagnostic and clinical suspicion of NBTE remains high.
Changes in internal carotid blood flow after carotid endarterectomy correlate with preoperative stenosis.

background: The relationship between preoperative stenosis and the effect of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) upon internal carotid blood flow (ICF) is not well understood. With the intention of better characterizing this, we compared intraoperative measurements of internal carotid blood with the maximum single diameter stenosis found in preoperative angiograms. methods: Fifty-two patients undergoing 64 carotid endarterectomies (12 bilateral) had transit-time ultrasound perivascular probes used to measure ICF before and after CEA, and the percent change in ICF (%ΔICF) achieved was calculated. Maximum single-diameter stenosis was determined by comparing the least diameter in the flow path from the common carotid to the normal-appearing internal carotid just distal to bifurcation disease. results: The entire group had a mean of 53 ± 21% stenosis found on preoperative angiograms, and %ΔICF averaged 64 ± 92%. When divided into subgroups based on degree of stenosis, patients with 0% to 40% stenosis (n = 17) had %ΔICF of 32 ± 46%, patients with 41% to 70% stenosis (n = 30) had %ΔICF of 72 ± 105%, and patients with more than 70% stenosis had %ΔICF of 168 ± 160%. The differences in %ΔIC were significant for the > 70% group compared with the other groups (analysis of variance, P P = 0.056) between the 0% to 40% and the 41% to 70% groups. The scatter plot of %ΔICF versus stenosis showed a significant second order direct correlation (r = 0.428, P conclusion: A curvilinear relationship between stenosis and immediate increase in ICF after CEA was demonstrated in agreement with theory, and in those patients with more than approximately 60% single-diameter stenosis, large disproportionate increases in blood flow were more frequently observed.
Systemic Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common noncutaneous malignancy in the United States and the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death. Over the past 12 years, significant progress has been made in the systemic treatment of this malignant condition. Six new chemotherapeutic agents have been introduced, increasing median overall survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer from less than 9 months with no treatment to approximately 24 months. For patients with stage III (lymph node positive) colon cancer, an overall survival benefit for fluorouracil-based chemotherapy has been firmly established, and recent data have shown further efficacy for the inclusion of oxaliplatin in such adjuvant treatment programs. For patients with stage II colon cancer, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial, but may be appropriate in a subset of individuals at higher risk for disease recurrence. Ongoing randomized clinical trials are evaluating how best to combine currently available therapies, while smaller studies are evaluating new agents, with the goal of continued progress in prolonging life among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and increasing cure rates among those with resectable disease.
Geographic and Sociodemographic Disparities in PET Use by Medicare Beneficiaries With Cancer

Purpose PET use for cancer care has increased unevenly, possibly because of regional health care market characteristics or underlying population characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine variation in advanced imaging use among individuals with cancer in relation to population and hospital service area (HSA) characteristics. Methods A retrospective national study of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with diagnoses of 1 of 5 cancers covered by Medicare for PET (2004-2008) was conducted. Crude and adjusted rates of PET, CT, and MRI were estimated for HSAs and sociodemographic subgroups. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of race/ethnicity, area-level income, and HSA-level physician supply and spending on imaging utilization. Results On the basis of an annual average of 116,452 beneficiaries with cancer, adjusted PET rates (imaging days per person-year) showed significantly higher use for whites compared with blacks in both 2004 (whites, 0.35 [95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.36]; blacks, 0.31 [95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.33]) and 2008 (whites, 0.64 [95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.65]; blacks, 0.57 [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.59]). This trend was similar for the highest quartile of group-level median household income but was opposite for CT use, with blacks having higher rates than whites. The highest Medicare-spending HSAs had significantly higher adjusted PET rates compared with lower spending areas (0.57 [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.60] vs 0.69 [95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.71] imaging days/person-year). Conclusions The use of PET among Medicare beneficiaries with cancer increased from 2004 to 2008, with higher rates observed among whites, among higher socioeconomic groups, and in higher Medicare spending areas. Sociodemographic differences in advanced imaging use are modality specific.
Quadratic Linear Control Approach to Managing Network-Level Performance Goals of Pavement Infrastructure Systems

This paper presents a new formulation and solution to the problem of managing infrastructure-specific, network-level performance goals through the planning of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) activities for the case of pavement infrastructure systems. The proposed approach is based on tracking agency-set targets with the use of optimal control theory. In particular, the problem is formulated as a discretetime, continuous-state-space quadratic linear tracking control problem considering M&R actions for a finite planning horizon. The formulation builds on previous research efforts by using deterministic, yet realistic, empirical deterioration models. The problem is subsequently solved by using a standard nonlinear mathematical programming solver. The results obtained are realistic, and the formulation provides ample modeling flexibility, which allows the decision maker to obtain target-specific optimal solutions.
Characterization and manipulation of matter-wave coherence

We review an extension of the optical coherence theory to the case of atomic Schrodinger waves, and show that this requires the introduction of several classes of coherence. Optical methods to manipulate the coherence of matter-wave fields are discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficient constitution formation and maintenance: The role of “exit”

A constitution will create mutual gains for all parties only if it is negotiated within an environment in which all parties possess viable exit options. The availability of exit options can substitute for a veil of uncertainty, which is difficult to operationalize in real-world settings. An efficient constitution also will be self-enforcing if it contains rules and principles geared to support political and market competition in the post-constitutional society. Again, the notion of exit is a useful way to characterize this condition for constitutional maintenance.
Effect of Residual Solvent on Ru(bpy)3(ClO4)2-Based Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

The effect of residual water (H2O) and acetonitrile (MeCN) on the performance of tris(2,2‘-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) perchlorate (Ru(bpy)3(ClO4)2)-based light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) was investigated by treating and operating the cells under high-vacuum conditions. The results show that treating the Ru(bpy)3(ClO4)2 film in a conventional vacuum oven (50−100 mTorr) at 125 °C for 48 h is not enough to dry the films. Simply leaving the film in a high vacuum (2 × 10-7 Torr) for 12 h raised the turn-on voltage to 2.6 V from 2.1 V and improved the device stability. After further drying of the film in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber (6 × 10-10 Torr) at 143 °C for 4 h, the film still released H2O and MeCN. When the film was baked in UHV for 24 h, the turn-on voltage rose to 6.1 V and the device was further stabilized. As indicated earlier, solvent increases the mobility of the anions and, thus, facilitates the formation of a double layer at the electrode interfaces. When the film was dried in UHV, ...
Changing perspectives in the study of the social role of medicine.

Abstract The Milbank Quarterly over the past 14 years took the lead in examining inequalities (and their policy implications) arising from stigma and devaluation because of age, disability, mental impairment, and lifestyle as well as socioeconomic disadvantage. It sought to examine alternative models in a context sensitive to the inextricable connections between health and society, their persistence through time, and their link to demographic changes. In focusing on concepts of disease, disability, cultural responses, and ideas of personhood, it brought to health policy considerations a depth of discussion that was visibly absent as our society increasingly became obsessed with containing health care costs. Throughout the years of David Willis's editorship, the Quarterly conveyed a vision of a more equitable health care system sensitive to practical realities but dedicated to moral objectives.
REFRACTORY OXIDE--METAL COMPOSITES: SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND X-RAY DIFFRACTION OF URANIUM DIOXIDE--TUNGSTEN.

Unidirectional solidification of a melt, consisting of uranium dioxide and 5 to 15 percent by weight of tungsten, formed well-ordered arrangements of tungsten fibers or platelets in the uranium dioxide matrix. Fiber shape and orientation relations of the components indicate the development of several dominant growth modes.
Deoxyribonucleic acid replication of somatic cells in the Chinese hamster.

OVER the past few years increasing attention has been focused on the relationship of gene inactivation to the phenomena of interphase DNA condensation and late DNA replication. It has been shown that the sex chromatin body of female mammalian cells appears during early embryogenesis1 and is composed of one X chromosome2. In 1961 Lyon postulated that phenotypic variegation in heterozygotic female mice was a consequence of the inactivation of either the maternal or paternal X chromosome3. As well as being mostly metabolically inert, this X chromosome replicates late in the DNA synthetic period4,5. It has been assumed that the Y chromosome also becomes largely inactivated during early embryonic life, since it shows positive heteropyknosis in early prophase, is late replicating, and extra Y chromosomes produce no conspicuous phenotypic effects6. That late-replicating autosomal DNA may be related to gene inactivation is supported by the observation that the abnormal chromosome material found in most human autosomal chromosome abnormalities replicates toward the end of the DNA synthetic period. It was postulated that this late-replicating DNA is less deleterious than early replicating DNA when present in excess or deleted because it is relatively inert6. Furthermore, it has been shown that interphase heterochromatin is less active than euchromatin in that it produces less RNA7,8, and that late-replicating chromosomes have less capacity for RNA synthesis9.
Lowered Delayed Skin Reactivity to Fractions of Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) in Guinea Pigs sensitized with Large Doses of BCG.

SummaryDifferent optimal doses of heat-killed Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) were required to sensitize guinea pigs maximally toward fractions FB (largely protein) and GB (50% protein and 50% carbohydrate) prepared from culture filtrates of BCG. Increasing the sensitizing dose beyond the optimum resulted in lesser skin sensitivity for each antigen. No circulating antibodies were detected towards GB, which was the more skin reactive fraction. Complement-fixing and precipitating antibodies were produced toward FB but could not be correlated with the dose of injected organisms.
Streamlined classification of psychopathological hand disorders: A literature review.

In the surgical hand clinic, psychopathological hand disorders can be sorted into one of the following four categories: (1) factitious wound creation and manipulation; (2) factitious edema; (3) psychopathological dystonias, and (4) psychopathological sensory abnormalities and psychopathological Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This article introduces these four categories. Pertinent literature that includes descriptions of each category’s syndromes and diseases, demographic and psychological profiles, differential diagnoses, and appropriate treatment recommendations is reviewed.
Antioxidant enzymes of the human retina: effect of age on enzyme activity of macula and periphery

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of age on protective antioxidant enzyme activity of normal fresh cadaver human retina of the macula and periphery. Antioxidant enzymes were assayed in tissue extracts generated from 5 mm trephined punches of retina obtained centered over the macula and the superior midperiphery of normal fresh human cadaver retina. Cadaver tissue was obtained from donors of a wide age range (age 7 to 85 years). The assays were performed within 6 h of enucleation and within 24 h of donor death. Antioxidant enzymes assayed included superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, enzymes not directly involved in protection against oxidative damage, were assayed for comparison. Enzyme specific activities were calculated for the macula and periphery using protein concentration of the extract as the denominator. Using linear regression analysis, over the age range of 25 to 75 years, supero...
Cross-relaxation imaging reveals detailed anatomy of white matter fiber tracts in the human brain

Cross-relaxation imaging is a new quantitative MRI modality, which allows mapping of fundamental parameters determining the magnetization transfer (MT) effect in tissues, cross-relaxation rate constant (k) and bound pool fraction (f). This study introduces a new time-efficient technique for cross-relaxation imaging, which obtains three-dimensional (3D) whole-brain k and f maps with scan time of <30 min and isotropic spatial resolution of 1.4 mm. The technical principle of the method is based on four-point fit of a matrix model of pulsed MT to imaging data obtained with variable offset frequency saturation while using a complimentary R1 (=1 / T1) map. Anatomical correlations of in vivo cross-relaxation parametric maps were evaluated in three healthy subjects. The f maps revealed correspondence of areas with highly elevated f = 12-15% to major fiber tracts such as corpus callosum, anterior commissure, optic radiations, and major brain fasciculi. The rest of white matter (WM) demonstrated lower f = 9-11%, resulting in clear visual contrast of fiber tracts. Even lower f = 6.5-8.5% were found in gray matter (GM) with the highest f = 8.5% in the anterior thalamus. Distribution of k was relatively uniform in WM and produced sharp contrast between GM and WM (k = 1.6 and 3.3 s(-1), respectively). The most marked feature of k maps was their ability to visualize the corticospinal tract, which had elevated k = 3.4-3.8 s(-1) but appeared invisible on f maps. The observed patterns on f maps can be explained by variations in the density of myelinated fibers, while the trends of k may reflect regional differences in axonal organization. Cross-relaxation imaging can be used in various clinical studies focused on brain development and white matter diseases.
Further tales of the schism: US accounting faculty and practice credentials

Abstract The recent report of the Pathways Commission (American Accounting Association, 2012) contains 22 specific objectives pertaining to the improvement of accounting education. Several of these call for higher degrees of cooperation and collaboration between accounting academics and accounting practitioners. The fact that a schism of sorts has developed between these groups needs to be better understood if progress can be made in bridging that divide. This paper studies one aspect of this issue by focusing on the extent to which accounting academics hold practice credentials. Several hypotheses are offered to explore patterns whereas academics become less likely to share this critical designation with accounting practitioners. The paper suggests that practice credential differences might indicate divergent values and priorities that will pose an obstacle to the cooperation envisioned by the Pathways Commission. Suggestions for reform in ways that would benefit higher education are offered.
Stochastic Petri Nets for modelling and simulation

Stochastic Petri nets (SPNs) have proven to be a powerful and enduring graphically-oriented framework for modelling and performance analysis of complex systems. This tutorial focuses on the use of SPNs in discrete-event simulation. After describing the basic SPN building blocks and discussing the modelling power of the formalism, we present elements of a steady-state simulation theory for SPNs. Specifically, we provide conditions on the building blocks of an SPN that ensure long-run stability for the underlying marking process (or for a sequence of delays determined by the marking process) and the validity of estimation procedures such as the regenerative method, the method of batch means, and spectral methods.
The Relevance of History of Biology to Teaching and Learning in the Life Sciences: The Case of Mendel’s Laws

Using Mendel’s laws as a case in point, the purpose of this paper is to bring historical and philosophical perspectives together to help students understand science as a human endeavor. Three questions as addressed: (1) how did the Mendelian scheme, principles, or facts become labeled as laws, (2) to what extent do Mendel’s laws exhibit characteristics of scientific laws, and (3) what are the implications for biology education. This paper argues that adding historical details about Mendel’s successors and their actions at the time, coupled with explicit consideration of the particular nature of biological laws can provide educators and learners a more comprehensive account for understanding Mendel’s laws, their explanatory and predictive functions, as well as the social context that facilitated their appropriation by the wider scientific community.
Cell Type-specific Expression of the IκB Kinases Determines the Significance of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling to NF-κB Activation

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt signaling activates NF-kappa B through pleiotropic, cell type-specific mechanisms. This study investigated the significance of PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced NF-kappa B activation in transformed, immortalized, and primary cells. Pharmacological inhibition of PI 3-kinase blocked TNF-induced NF-kappa B DNA binding in the 293 line of embryonic kidney cells, partially affected binding in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, HeLa and ME-180 cervical carcinoma cells, and NIH 3T3 cells but was without significant effect in H1299 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, cell types in which TNF activated Akt. NF-kappa B is retained in the cytoplasm by inhibitory proteins, I kappa Bs, which are phosphorylated and targeted for degradation by I kappa B kinases (IKK alpha and IKK beta). Expression and the ratios of IKK alpha and IKK beta, which homo- and heterodimerize, varied among cell types. Cells with a high proportion of IKK alpha (the IKK kinase activated by Akt) to IKK beta were most sensitive to PI 3-kinase inhibitors. Consequently, transient expression of IKK beta diminished the capacity of the inhibitors to block NF-kappa B DNA binding in 293 cells. Also, inhibitors of PI 3-kinase blocked NF-kappa B DNA binding in Ikk beta-/- but not Ikk alpha-/- or wild-type cells in which the ratio of IKK alpha to IKK beta is low. Thus, noncoordinate expression of I kappa B kinases plays a role in determining the cell type-specific role of Akt in NF-kappa B activation.
Impact of mechanical stress on bipolar transistor current gain and Early voltage

Fundamental results for the stress dependence of the current gain and Early voltage of vertical npn and pnp bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) on (100) and (111) silicon are presented with experimental verification. These results demonstrate the direct relationship between current gain and piezoresistive coefficients and show that Early voltage is independent of stress. This information completes the data necessary for modeling the impact of stress on bipolar devices and circuits, and the modeling will facilitate simulation of the impact of process and packaging induced stress on precision analog circuits and sensors. A sample circuit simulation using the model is provided.
UltraSAN version 3: Architecture, features, and implementation

This paper describes version three of UltraSAN, a software environment for the performance, dependability, and performability evaluation of computer networks and systems. The package makes use of both analytic- and simulation-based solution methods using a single, high-level, representation known as stochastic activity networks. Version three, just completed, contains significant enhancements, relative to the earlier versions, in model specification, construction, and solution.
A wireless sensor for detecting gastroesophageal reflux

In this paper, we propose a new method to detect gastroesophageal reflux wirelessly. Based on passive telemetry using inductive links, impedance of the refluxate can be determined. We have designed and fabricated planar coils integrated with electrodes on flexible substrates using standard photolithography processes. The device can be implanted in the esophagus using currently available clinical techniques. In vitro experiments were conducted by passing different acidic or non-acidic solutions onto the implanted electrodes and measuring the signal amplitudes with an external receiver. Air, drinking water and different concentrations of artificial stomach fluids were used to test the impedance sensor. System configuration, device designs, fabrication processes and measurement results will be presented in this paper.
Selenite and tellurite form mixed seleno- and tellurotrisulfides with CstR from Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus CstR (CsoR-like sulfur transferase repressor) is a member of the CsoR family of transition metal sensing metalloregulatory proteins. Unlike CsoR, CstR does not form a stable complex with transition metals but instead reacts with sulfite to form a mixture of di- and trisulfide species, and , respectively. Here, we investigate if CstR performs similar chemistry with related chalcogen oxyanions selenite and tellurite. In this work we show by high resolution tandem mass spectrometry that CstR is readily modified by selenite (SeO32−) or tellurite (TeO32−) to form a mixture of intersubunit disulfides and selenotrisulfides or tellurotrisulfides, respectively, between Cys31 and Cys60′. Analogous studies with S. aureus CsoR reveals no reaction with selenite and minimal reaction with tellurite. All cross-linked forms of CstR exhibit reduced DNA binding affinity. We show that Cys31 initiates the reaction with sulfite through the formation of S-sulfocysteine (RS–SO32−) and Cys60 is required to fully derivatize CstR to and . The modification of Cys31 also drives an allosteric switch that negatively regulates DNA binding while derivatization of Cys60 alone has no effect on DNA binding. These results highlight the differences between CstRs and CsoRs in chemical reactivity and metal ion selectivity and establish Cys31 as the functionally important cysteine residue in CstRs.
Modeling reliability growth late in development

Reliability is often overlooked during early developmental testing when the focus is on improving system performance. As a result, rapid reliability growth programs are frequently initiated late in development, just before the system enters production. The widely-used AMSAA reliability growth model is difficult to apply on such programs because it is a cumulative function of test time and the number of failures observed; therefore, it usually projects that an excessive amount of testing is required to overcome a period of low reliability, even at high growth rates. This paper formulates an alternative model for projecting reliability growth late in development that does not suffer from this problem. The model also provides a framework for reliability growth on system acquisition programs that utilize short development cycles, such as spiral development. An example application of the model on the AWACS RSIP reliability growth program is presented and discussed.
Modified Low Density Lipoprotein Enhances the Secretion of Bile Salt-stimulated Cholesterol Esterase by Human Monocyte-Macrophages SPECIES-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCE IN MACROPHAGE CHOLESTERYL ESTER HYDROLASE

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to study the biosynthesis of two different cholesteryl ester hydrolases by human and mouse macrophages. Oligonucleotide primers for bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase yielded positive reactions with RNA isolated from human peripheral blood monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, the human monocytic THP-1 cells, and phorbol ester-induced THP-1 macrophages. In contrast, oligonucleotide primers for hormone-sensitive lipase yielded positive reactions only with RNA isolated from non-differentiated human THP-1 monocytic cells and peripheral blood monocytes, but not those obtained from differentiated THP-1 macrophages or monocyte-derived macrophages. Thus, while human monocytes were capable of synthesizing both enzymes, human macrophages synthesized only bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase and not the hormone-sensitive lipase. The synthesis of bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase by human macrophages was confirmed by detection of bile salt-stimulated cholesteryl ester hydrolytic activity in conditioned media of differentiated THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages. Moreover, incubating human macrophages with oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) or acetylated LDL increased bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase activity in the conditioned media of these cells. These results with human macrophages were contrasted with results of studies with mouse macrophages, which showed the presence of hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA but not the bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase mRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrated species-specific differences in expression of cholesteryl ester hydrolytic enzymes in macrophages. The expression of bile salt-stimulated cholesterol esterase by human macrophages, in a process inducible by modified LDL, suggests a role of this protein in atherogenesis.
Phase I trial of intravenous vinzolidine (LY 104208) given on a biweekly dosing schedule.

Vinzolidine (VZL) is a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid with broad antitumor activity in animal models of malignancy but had unpredictable toxic effects when given orally to humans. To minimize the toxic effects due to potential erratic gastrointestinal absorption, this drug was restudied in man as an intravenous preparation given as a rapid injection every two weeks. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) on this schedule was 9.0 mg/m2 with unpredictable leukopenia (usually occurring 5–14 days post treatment but appearing erratically), constipation, paralytic ileus, and inappropriate ADH syndrome as major toxicities. Nonhematologic toxicities were dose-limiting. Repetitive dosing at two week intervals was associated with leukopenia at D 14–15 in some but not all patients treated above 5.0 mg/m2 precluding further treatment on schedule. In contrast, the oral MTD of this agent in our prior studies was 45 mg/m2 with no evidence of delayed leukopenia. Intrapatient variability of toxicity was small; interpatient variability of toxicity was substantial and did not correlate with prior therapy. Because of the presence of delayed hematologic toxicity on repetitive dosing schedules, intravenous VZL should be given on a dosing schedule longer than 14 days. No antitumor activity was seen in this study.
Effect of inoculating the chicken and the turkey with a strain of Trichomonas gallinarum.

Abstract A strain of Trichomonas gallinarum isolated originally from the turkey produced no symptoms or lesions when administered orally to a number of young chickens and turkey poults.
Electrocatalytic Four-Electron Reduction of Dioxygen by Electrochemically Deposited Poly{[meso-tetrakis(2-thienyl)porphyrinato]cobalt(II)}

Poly{[meso-tetrakis(2-thienyl)porphyrinato]Co(II)} (pCoTTP) was deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through electrochemical polymerization of [meso-tetrakis(2-thienyl)porphyrinato]Co(II). Both cyclic voltammetry and the rotating disk electrode (RDE) techniques were employed to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by the pCoTTP-modified electrode. In comparison to a bare GCE or an electrode containing the nonmetalated polymer analogue, poly[meso-tetrakis(2-thienyl)porphyrin] (pTTP), the pCoTTP-modified electrode shows a significant electrocatalytic enhancement of the ORR as reflected in a current increase and peak potential shift to a lower reduction potential. Koutecky−Levich plots suggest a four-electron process for oxygen reduction in acidic, neutral and basic solutions using the pCoTTP-modified electrode, as opposed of the two-electron process that is usually observed for monomeric cobalt porphyrins. The electrocatalytic stability of the pCoTTP layer ...
Regulation of E2A gene expression in B-lymphocyte development

Biochemical and genetic studies have demonstrated that transcription factors encoded by the E2A gene are essential in regulating B lineage specific gene expression and B lineage commitment. However, the mechanism by which E2A regulates B lineage commitment is not known. It has been reported that E2A controls B lineage commitment in a dosage dependent manner. To further investigate this gene dosage effect, we analyzed E2A expression during normal B cell development in mice carrying a functional E2AGFP knockin allele. Mice carrying this fusion allele were examined for E2A gene expression during bone marrow B cell development. A dramatic upregulation of E2A is observed concomitant with the initiation of immunoglobulin heavy chain D-J rearrangement and the induction of Early B cell Factor (EBF) gene expression. We also show that this E2A upregulation does not occur in the absence of the EBF gene. These results indicate that E2A upregulation is a critical step in regulating B-lineage commitment. It further suggests that E2A gene dosage may be determined by a cross regulation between E2A and EBF during B lineage commitment.
Enhancing community-based disaster preparedness with information technology.

A critical component of community-based disaster preparedness (CBDP) is a local resource database of suppliers providing physical, information and human resources for use in disaster response. Maintenance of such a database can become a collaborative responsibility among community-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public, and private organizations in the community. In addition to mobilizing resources, this process raises awareness within the community and aids in assessing local knowledge and resources. This paper presents the results of a pilot study in implementing a community-based resource database through collaboration with local American Red Cross chapters and public and private community organizations. The design of the resource database is described. The resource database is accessible both using the Internet and offline using laptops and handheld PDAs to support disaster response. The study concludes that CBDP is strengthened through a combination of appropriate information technology and collaborative relationships between NGOs and community-based organizations.
The Function of Corporate Identity in Organizational Culture

The Organizational Culture model, derived from the Socio-technical systems model, is a tetrahedron of socialization (human factors), organization, technology and identity, existing in a sphere that represents the external environment. While the facets of organization, technology and human factors have been explored in depth; there has been little focus on the importance of corporate cultural identity (where corporate means organizationally pervasive) in establishing cultural functionality. The original Park Hill data was reanalyzed to test if there is any significant, quantifiable association between cultural identity and organizational functionality. Determination of such an association would provide a foundation for new methods of both organizational and community assessment and change management.