cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TLR activation of the transcription factor XBP1 regulates innate immune responses in macrophages

Sensors of pathogens, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), detect microbes to activate transcriptional programs that orchestrate adaptive responses to specific insults. Here we report that TLR4 and TLR2 specifically activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor kinase IRE1alpha and its downstream target, the transcription factor XBP1. Previously described ER-stress target genes of XBP1 were not induced by TLR signaling. Instead, TLR-activated XBP1 was required for optimal and sustained production of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Consistent with that finding, activation of IRE1alpha by ER stress acted in synergy with TLR activation for cytokine production. Moreover, XBP1 deficiency resulted in a much greater bacterial burden in mice infected with the TLR2-activating human intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis. Our findings identify an unsuspected critical function for XBP1 in mammalian host defenses.
Electrophysiology of the dorsolateral mesopontine reticular formation during Pavlovian conditioning in the rabbit.

Abstract Extracellular single-unit recording methods were used to study the activity of neurons within a restricted portion of the dorsolateral mesopontine reticular formation, an area which includes the parabrachial, pedunculopontine tegmental and cuneiform nuclei. Recordings were obtained during presentations of unfamiliar and familiar sensory stimuli, during Pavlovian differential conditioning procedures that elicited conditioned bradycardia, and while stimulating the amygdaloid central nucleus to identify neurons that projected to, or received projections from, the amygdaloid central nucleus. Activity in most dorsolateral mesopontine reticular neurons was altered during sensory stimulation, and the convergence of auditory and somatic inputs onto single neurons was common. Moreover, neural responses were often of a different magnitude and/or direction to auditory stimuli that were unfamiliar vs familiar vs reinforced (paired with pinna stimulation), and many of these differentially responsive neurons were activated orthodromically by stimulation of the amygdaloid central nucleus. In contrast, neurons activated antidromically by stimulation of the amygdaloid central nucleus were relatively quiescent during all phases of the experiment. Results are discussed in relation to current hypotheses concerning the functional significance of various neuronal subpopulations within the dorsolateral mesopontine reticular formation during Pavlovian conditioning.
A Rare Case of Double-Chambered Right Ventricle Associated with Ventricular Septal Defect and congenital Absence of the Pulmonary Valve:

Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital heart disorder involving 2 different right ventricle (RV) pressure compartments that is often associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD). Usually, the obstruction is caused by an anomalous muscle bundle crossing the RV from the interventricular septum to the RV free wall. We are reporting a case of double-chambered right ventricle associated with ventricular septal defect and congenital absence of the pulmonary valve, a rare form of congenital infundibular pulmonary stenosis. In addition to ventricular septal defect, our patient had congenital absence of the pulmonary valve, which is very unusual and has never been reported to our knowledge.
Continuum shell model calculations for 15C

Abstract Microscopic calculations of the discrete and continuous spectrum of 15C are carried out within the framework of the continuum shell model, using a recently developed generalization of the extended R-matrix formalism. Comparison is made with the predictions of a conventional shell model calculation and also with the presently rather meager experimental data. The calculated total elastic and total reaction cross sections for the 14C+n reaction exhibit some interesting resonance phenomena which it would be desirable to investigate experimentally. The calculated stripping form factors for the 14C(d, p) reaction are similar to Woods-Saxon eigenfunctions for those states in 15C which have strong single-particle character, but differ markedly from this shape when the single-particle component is small. The effect on the calculated results of the addition or removal of closed channels is shown to be small. The present calculational method is found to be convenient, flexible and economical.
Cre/lox-mediated marker gene excision in transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) plants.

After the initial transformation and tissue culture process is complete, selectable marker genes, which are used in virtually all transformation approaches, are not required for the expression of the gene of interest in the transgenic plants. There are several advantages to removing the selectable marker gene after it is no longer needed, such as enabling the reuse of selectable markers and simplifying transgene arrays. We have tested the Cre/lox system from bacteriophage P1 for its ability to precisely excise stably integrated marker genes from chromosomes in transgenic maize plants. Two strategies, crossing and autoexcision, have been tested and demonstrated. In the crossing strategy, plants expressing the Cre recombinase are crossed with plants bearing a transgene construct in which the selectable marker gene is flanked by directly repeated lox sites. Unlike previous reports in which incomplete somatic and germline excision were common, in our experiments complete somatic and germline marker gene excision occurred in the F1 plants from most crosses with multiple independent Cre and lox lines. In the autoexcision strategy, the cre gene, under the control of a heat shock-inducible promoter, is excised along with the nptII marker gene. Our results show that a transient heat shock treatment of primary transgenic callus is sufficient for inducing cre and excising the cre and nptII genes. Genetic segregation and molecular analysis confirmed that marker gene removal is precise, complete and stable. The autoexcision strategy provides a way of removing the selectable marker gene from callus or other tissues such as embryos and kernels.
Facilitating follow-up after emergency care using an appointment assignment system.

Abstract: Many emergency department (ED) patients require urgent follow-up in primary care. The most effective way to help patients obtain their needed after-visit care is to secure the appointment on their behalf prior to their departure from the ED. This study describes the development, implementation, and outcomes of an appointment assignment system that facilitates patient follow-up at two community hospitals in an integrated healthcare system. This patient-centered system resulted in a high rate of compliance and a very low rate of unscheduled ED recidivism. Improving access in this manner will likely strengthen the continuum of care, improve quality, and increase patient satisfaction.
Sequential Electron−Proton−Electron Transfer in the Radiolytic and Photochemical Oxidation of Thioxanthene and Xanthene

Radical cations generated from thioxanthene and xanthene undergo structural relaxation in low-temperature hydrocarbon glasses upon warming. Under conditions of unrestricted diffusion, deprotonation of the radical cations occurs and results in the formation of the thioxanthyl and xanthyl radicals. Subsequent electron loss leads ultimately to the closed-shell thioxanthyl and xanthyl cations. Using combined steady-state and time-resolved radiolytic and photochemical methods, the radical cations, radicals, and cations of interest were spectroscopically and kinetically characterized.
The changing landscape of Marek's disease

Marek's disease virus has been described as an evolving pathogen. As the virus itself has changed in the 30 years since its first isolation, so also have many other aspects of the disease and its control. The disease syndromes induced by virus infection have become generally more acute, more varied in type and occur naturally in a wider spectrum of hosts. There have been at least three distinct generations of vaccines, and a variety of control approaches based on genetics and management. One constant, however, is the deep concern of the poultry industry and research community alike, prompted by the unpredictability of outbreaks and the tendency for the virus to evolve faster than intervention strategies.
Neural adaptability and inspection time

A measure known as inspection time (IT) has been shown to account for approximately 25% of the variance in peoples' intellectual abilities, as measured by IQ. Despite this strong relationship, inspection time has had only limited success in expanding our knowledge regarding the nature of intelligence, which can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the neurophysiology underlying IT. In the present study we present a hypothesis in which participants' ITs are determined by their brain's ability to adapt its neural functioning based on experience. This ability is often referred to as neural plasticity. To test this hypothesis, we related participants' ITs to a series of neural plasticity measures identified during a spatial learning task and a reinforcement learning task. In both tasks a significant correlation was found; however, the correlations found were in opposing directions. A subsequent analysis of the tasks revealed a potentially significant relationship between participants' learning ability and their focus of attention. This led us to the conclusion that IT may be determined by participants' neural plasticity through a measure known as neural adaptability, which relates participant experience, learning, and attention.
Novel functionality of three-dimensional nanostructured devices fabricated with femtosecond pulse laser

The optical properties of modulated three- dimensional periodic structures called computer generated volume holograms are studied and different encoding techniques are proposed. The structures are fabricated using femtosecond laser pulses to modify the refractive index in the volume of dielectric materials.
Gestational and Lactational Exposure of Male Mice to Diethylstilbestrol Causes Long-Term Effects on the Testis, Sperm Fertilizing Ability in Vitro, and Testicular Gene Expression

The objective of the study was to determine the long-term effects of gestational and lactational exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES; 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 microg/kg maternal body weight) on mouse testicular growth, epididymal sperm count, in vitro fertilizing ability, and testicular gene expression using cDNA microarrays and real-time PCR in mice on postnatal day (PND) 21, 105, and 315. In the high dose group there was a persistent decrease in the number of Sertoli cells, and sperm count was decreased on PND315 (P < 0.05). Sperm motion was unaffected; however, the in vitro fertilizing ability of epididymal sperm was decreased in the high dose group on both PND105 (P < 0.001) and PND315 (P < 0.05). Early and latent alterations in the expression of genes involved in estrogen signaling (estrogen receptor alpha), steroidogenesis (steroidogenic factor 1, 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase, P450 side chain cleavage, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and scavenger receptor class B1), lysosomal function (LGP85 and prosaposin), and regulation of testicular development (testicular receptor 2, inhibin/activin beta C, and Hoxa10) were confirmed by real-time PCR. The results demonstrate that early exposure to DES causes long-term adverse effects on testicular development and sperm function, and these effects are associated with changes in testicular gene expression, even long after the cessation of DES exposure.
Imperfect perfect lens

We have quantitatively established a fundamental limitation on the ultimate spatial resolution of the perfect lens (thin metal slab) in the near field. This limitation stems from the spatial dispersion of the dielectric response of the Fermi liquid of electrons with Coulomb interaction in the metal. We discuss possible applications in nanoimaging, nanophotolithography, and nanospectroscopy.
Bulk and interfacial energy densities for structured deformations of continua

to provide a basis for the application of techniques in the calculus of variations to non-classical deformations of continua. These structured deformations of continua are suitable for describing deformations of materials whose kine- matics warrants analysis at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The motivation for this work lies in the study of equilibrium configura- tions of crystals with defects. In a defective crystal, the macroscopic defor- mation together with the referential (Bravais) lattice configuration do not suAce to describe fully the configuration of a deformed body; phenomena such as slips, vacancies, and dislocations may be present in the deformed (Bravais) lattice basis, thus preventing the use of the Cauchy-Born hypoth- esis, as described below. In a perfect crystal, it is postulated that the crystal lattice consists of identical atoms located at all positions vectors
Under the Palaver Tree: A Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation, andManufacturing of Light Weapons

Sixteen nations belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have signed a declaration of moratorium for three years on the “importation, exportation and manufacture” of light weapons. It is a document that grows out of an extraordinary history of participation amongdiverse actors. The process has not only involved the states belonging to ECOWAS but also seen unique cooperation among UN agencies, civil society groups, and nongovernmental organizations. The development of the moratorium has been guided by a deep respect for traditional African methods of peacemaking: open debate, cooperation, decentralized leadership, and inclusion of participants from all levels of society. This article attempts to high-light the more indigenous aspects of African conflict resolution and to make explicit the contribution ofthat tradition to the peace-building process in West Africa.
Lymphopoietic Tissue and Plasma Cells in Amphibians

SYNOPSIS. Lymphoid tissue and lymphopoiesis in the urodeles and anurans was reviewed. Current information suggests the spleen as the principal site of lymphopoiesis in urodeles. Anurans present a more complex situation and the principally spleenic reaction of Rana pipiens to “red-leg” organisms was contrasted with the kidney intertubular lymphoid reaction of Bufo marinus to bovine serum albumin. Intracisternal accumulations of slightly electron dense material, probably immunoglobulins, were more frequently found in Bufo marinus plasma cells than cells with undistended cisternae suggesting some specialization of these cells in cold-bloodedvertebrates. The superficial nature of our current knowledge of lymphoid tissue function and immunity in this groups was emphasized.
Nanomedicine: shorting neurons with nanotubes.

New insights are emerging about the interactions between brain cells and carbon nanotubes, which could eventually lead to the development of nanoengineered neural devices.
Expanding paradigms in providing internal service

Continual quality improvement is crucial to competitive success. A systems approach is vital in encompassing every segment of the hospitality organization in striving for service quality. The focus of this article is on employees as internal customers and the critical role this group plays in the delivery of quality results. The article will discuss the theoretical foundations for the concept of “internal customers.” Research will be reviewed that has linked service quality between internal and external customers. The necessity of integrating service to “internal customers” into an organization’s culture is also explained. Examples from leading hospitality companies are presented that reinforce the concept of “internal customer” from the pre‐hire stage to other career stages.
Rectovestibular fistula--rarely recognized associated gynecologic anomalies.

Abstract Introduction Vestibular fistulas are the most common anorectal malformations (ARMs) in females. Associated gynecologic defects are rarely mentioned in the literature but may have serious clinical implications if undetected. The definitive repair of the ARM offers an opportunity for diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Methods Two hundred seventy-two patients with vestibular fistula were retrospectively reviewed, with emphasis on gynecologic defects. Results Forty-eight patients (17%) had 83 gynecologic anomalies. Fourteen patients had a vaginal septum, all with 2 uterine cervices. All septa were resected at the main repair. Twenty-six patients had no vaginal opening. Twenty of them had absent vagina. Eighteen of those had an absent uterus. Patients with absent vagina underwent vaginal replacement with distal rectum (12), sigmoid (6), and ileum (2). Six patients had a patent upper vagina; 3 reached the perineum after mobilization and 3 required replacement; 2 with sigmoid and 1 with rectum. Conclusion Vaginal septa are easily diagnosed and can be resected during the repair of the vestibular fistula. The presence of 2 cervices has important obstetric implications. Absent vagina requires a technically demanding repair, with special preoperative planning. Vaginoscopy or careful inspection should precede surgical reconstruction.
Serum fatty acid profiles after intravenous medium chain triglyceride administration

The serum fatty acid profiles of patients receiving either intravenous medium or long chain triglycerides were studied. Seventeen hospitalized patients, dependent on total parenteral nutrition, were randomly enrolled into a prospective study. The total parenteral nutrition (TPN) delivered amino acids and glucose and either a 75% medium chain triglyceride and 25% long chain triglyceride (MCT group) physical mixture or all long chain triglyceride (LCT group), as the respective fat sources. The amino acids and glucose were given continuously, and the lipid was given for 10 hours each day over five days. Fatty acid profiles on serum triglycerides and free fatty acids were done in the morning before any lipid was given and also later in the afternoon, near the end of the lipid administration, on days 1, 3 and 5. Medium chain fatty acids rose quickly in the triglyceride fraction in patients given MCT. Rapid MCT hydrolysis occurred as evidenced by the appearance of medium chain fatty acids in the free fatty acid fraction in the afternoon sampling. Clearance of the hydrolyzed medium chain free fatty acids (MCFFA) occurred so that little, if any, were present in the morning sampling one day later. Long chain fatty acids, as either triglycerides or free fatty acids, showed expected increases during the daily infusion, but not of such relative magnitude as the medium chain fatty acids. Medium chain fatty acid incorporation into the phospholipid or cholesterol ester fractions by the end of the five-day feeding period was present but minimal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Oriented orbifold vertex groups and cobordism and an associated differential graded algebra

This extends to a map dnW n! n 1 between the Z2 vector spaces whose bases are all such conjugacy classes in SO.n/ and then SO.n 1/. Using orbifold graphs, we prove dW ! is a differential and defines a homology, H . We develop a map sW ! C 1 for a subcomplex of groups which admit orientation-reversing automorphisms. We then look at examples and algebraic properties of d and s , including that d is a derivation. We prove that the natural map between the set of diffeomorphism classes of closed, locally oriented n‐orbifolds and n maps into kerdn and that this map is onto kerdn for n 4. We relate d to orbifold cobordism and surgery and show that quotients to a map between oriented orbifold cobordism and H . 57R18, 57R90; 55N32, 57R65
Preeclampsia in the parous woman: who is at risk?

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for preeclampsia in second pregnancies and to determine whether gestational age at delivery in the first pregnancy increases the risk of recurrent preeclampsia. Study Design: We conducted a population-based, case-control study using birth certificate data from the Missouri maternally linked cohort. Data from women delivered of their first 2 singleton pregnancies between 1989 and 1997 (2332 cases with preeclampsia in the second pregnancy and 2370 control cases) were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: Significant risk factors for preeclampsia in a second pregnancy include longer birth interval, previous preterm delivery, previous small-for-gestational-age newborn, renal disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, black race, and inadequate prenatal care. Smoking and same paternity are protective. A history of preeclampsia confers the highest risk for preeclampsia in the second pregnancy; the risk is inversely proportional to gestational age at delivery of the first pregnancy: adjusted odds ratio, 15.0; 95% CI, 6.3-35.4 for 20 to 33 weeks; adjusted odds ratio, 10.2; 95% CI, 6.2-17.0 for 33 to 36 weeks; and adjusted odds ratio, 7.9; 95% CI, 6.3-10.0 for 37 to 45 weeks. Conclusion: The relative risk of recurrent preeclampsia increases with earlier gestational age at delivery of the first pregnancy that was complicated by preeclampsia. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:425-9.)
Restriction in igm expression—V. fine structure analysis in the anti-lactose system☆

A methodology for the analysis of the fine specificity of monoclonal anti-lactose IgM and IgG antibodies is described using structural variants of the homologous lactoside epitope. These variants are used as inhibitors of the binding of a reference ligand N-(5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-p-aminophenyl-beta-lactoside. Excitation of the antibody with bound ligand at 295 nm leads to resonance energy transfer to and fluorescence emission by the ligand. Titration of the antibody-ligand mixture with the inhibitor and measurement of the emission at 550 nm provide the data for the calculation of the binding constants of the inhibitors. A comparison of two IgM and two IgG antibodies showed that the higher affinity of the IgG antibodies arises from their specific interaction with both hexosides of the lactoside in contrast to IgM antibodies which do not engage the non-terminal hexoside as effectively. The quantitative significance of this difference is a differential free energy contribution of about -3 kcal/mole to the binding of lactoside by IgG. A finer discrimination between homologous and several cross-reactive molecules is evident with IgG antibody compared to IgM. The former exhibits about 100-fold greater difference in their binding constants than does IgM. These differences applied to biologically relevant multivalent interactions, where functional affinity governs complex formation, suggest a possible explanation for the IgM to IgG conversion characteristic of the humoral immune response.
“Girls Are Worse”: Drama Queens, Ghetto Girls, Tomboys, and the Meaning of Girl Fights

This article uses a race-class-gender intersectional approach to analyze qualitative interviews with girls at two public high schools to better understand a common perception that “girls are worse” when it comes to school fights. Several different understandings of why girls fight emerged from the data. On one hand, girls’ perception of face-to-face verbal fights seemed to uphold a normative hegemonic feminine ideology. Girls fought because they were overly emotional and dramatic, or they fought over boys, adhering to a heterosexual script that is consistent with normative femininity. Yet on the other hand, sometimes girls who engaged in fights were also seen as transgressing this hegemonic ideology. They fought because they were “tomboys” or “gay girls,” this latter perception reinforcing a type of homophobic name-calling that was pervasive at the school. Finally, girls who were involved in strictly face-to-face physical fights were often constructed as “ghetto girls,” which highlighted racist stereotype...
Characters and complexity of finite semigroups

Abstract Let S be a finite semigroup and let K be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. Herein, we derive a formula for the congruence ≡ induced on S by the direct sum of all the irreducible representations of S over K . This congruence ≡ is proved to be the same as the congruence induced by the minimal homomorphic image of S , which is one-to-one on the subgroups of S and such that two distinct principal ideals of S , each generated by an idempotent, have distinct images. Assume ψ is a faithful finite dimensional representation of S . Let R(ψ) be the associated completely reducible representation having the same character as ψ . That is R(ψ) is the direct sum of the Jordan-Holder factors of ψ . Then by applying the Burnside-Steinberg theorem we prove that the congruence induced by R(ψ) on S equals ≡. That is, the operator R preserves “one-to-oneness as much as possible”. We next apply these results to compute the complexity, # G ( S ), of S when S is a union of groups. A linear transformation T=B(S) is defined on the character ring of S into itself. Then by a theorem of Krohn-Rhodes (which determines the complexity of S in terms of its homomorphic images), together with the previous character results, we prove that T is nilpotent and index( T )=# G ( S ). Finally the character results proved here imply that, if the Fundamental Lemma on Complexity is valid, then the complexity of S is the maximum of the images of all its irreducible representations. This is known to be the case for all regular semigroups.
Study Skills and the Education of Students With Learning Disabilities

This article discusses an area of education for students with learning disabilities that is often neglected. The topic of study skills education, although not new to education in general, has only recently been emphasized in the literature for students with handicaps. An overview of the study skill proficiency (or lack of it) of students with learning disabilities is provided, followed by the presentation of 15 student study skill strategies designed to assist students in their use of various study skills. These strategies may be employed appropriately and effectively with many students with learning disabilities provided that individual needs and abilities are considered. The article concludes with a discussion about the implementation of a study skills program, including guidelines to follow in this process.
Changes in Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates after Introduction of Cutthroat Trout into a Previously Fishless Lake

Abstract Densities of dominant macroinvertebrates declined in profundal and pelagic regions but not in littoral regions of Lake Lenore, Washington, after introduction of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki, Chaoborus flavicans, Hyalella azteca, and Callibaetis sp. composed over 90% of cutthroat trout diets, and these prey taxa showed the greatest response to the introduction. Although cutthroat trout selectively consumed larger individuals of these taxa and reduced mean length of prey in autumn populations, no change in size distribution of overwintering individuals was apparent 6 years after the fish were introduced. Reported changes in spatial distribution of these prey support the hypothesis that prey refuge space in littoral regions buffers prey populations from the direct effects of cutthroat trout predators.
Environmental strategy: does it lead to competitive advantage in the US wine industry?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the perceptions of competitive advantage (cost leadership, differentiation, and performance) of those wineries which have implemented a clear business case for an environmental management system (EMS) and those which have not. Benefits and challenges of sustainability practices are also addressed.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via self‐report web‐based survey. Of the 98 respondents, over 80 per cent were family‐owned, family‐managed.Findings – Those respondents with a clear business case for EMS exhibited significant differences in cost leadership and differentiation advantages over those without a clear business case for EMS. Those with a clear EMS derived significantly greater supply chain optimization and operational efficiencies than those without a clear EMS. Those with a clear EMS also felt that they gained an enhanced ability to enter new markets to a much greater extent than those without a clear EMS. Results of t...
Understanding Nanostructured Solar Cell Performance with Time-Resolved Electrostatic Force Microscopy

We describe the use of time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy and photoconductive atomic force microscopy in order to study charge generation, transport, and trapping in donor/acceptor blend organic solar cells.
Spectrophotometric study of the ruthenium(III, II)–2,2′,2″- terpyridine system

Abstract Ruthenium(III) reacts with 2,2′,2″-terpyridine in aqueous solution at pH 3.0–4.5, when heated at 85 °C for 2 min, giving a green cationic complex with an absorbance maximum at 690 nm. The color is stable for at least 25 h. The system conforms to Beer's law. The optimal range for measurement (1.00-cm optical path) is 2–10 p.p.m. Ru; the molar absorptivity is 8.3 ·103. Ruthenium(II) reacts with terpyridine at pH 5.5 to develop an amber cationic complex (absorption maximum at 475 nm) on heating at 95° C for 45 min. The color is apparently stable indefinitely. The system conforms to Beer's law; the optimal range is 1–5 p.p.m. Ru; the molar absorptivity is 1.45·104 l mol−1 cm−1. Common anions do not interfere; separation as RuO4 is necessary when iron and a few other transition cations are present. The green complex, a strong oxidant, is converted to the ruthenium(II) complex by oxidation of water, slowly at room temperature, or more quickly by longer heating and/or higher temperature, and by increase of pH. The Ru(II) complex can be converted to the Ru(III) complex by strong oxidants such as Ce(IV). In the amber complex, the reaction ratio is 1 Ru: 2 terpyridine, in which the ligand is tridentate, whereas in the green complex the reaction ratio is 1 Ru : 3 terpyridine, the latter acting only as a bidentate ligand. Short gentle warming of a mixture of ruthenium(III) and terpyridine first produces a transient unidentified blue-colored species (absorbance at 790 nm).
Industry self‐regulation and adverse selection: a comparison across four trade association programs

In an attempt to avoid costly regulation and liability as a result of externalities, a number of trade associations have promoted industry self-regulation – the voluntary association of firms to control their collective behavior. However, previous studies have found that, without explicit sanctions for malfeasance, such self-regulatory programs are likely to attract more polluting firms. In this paper, we examine four environmental self-regulatory programs in the chemical, textile, and pulp and paper industries. Using a sample of over 4000 firms within these industries, we find evidence that in at least one program more polluting firms tended to join, while in another cleaner firms were more likely to join. We propose that differences in the structure of the programs drive the appearance of this form of adverse selection. In particular, we speculate that only when self-regulatory programs have explicit sanctions for malfeasance may they avoid adverse selection problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Dealing With Missing Data in Developmental Research

Approaches to handling missing data have improved dramatically in recent years and researchers can now choose from a variety of sophisticated analysis options. The methodological literature favors maximum likelihood and multiple imputation because these approaches offer substantial improvements over older approaches, including a strong theoretical foundation, less restrictive assumptions, and the potential for bias reduction and greater power. These benefits are especially important for developmental research where attrition is a pervasive problem. This article provides a brief introduction to modern methods for handling missing data and their application to developmental research.
Urocortin 3 modulates the neuroendocrine stress response and is regulated in rat amygdala and hypothalamus by stress and glucocorticoids.

The endogenous corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) type 2 receptor (CRFR2)-selective ligand urocortin 3 is expressed in discrete subcortical brain regions with fibers distributed mainly to hypothalamic and limbic structures. Close anatomicalassociationbetweenmajorurocortin3terminalfieldsand CRFR2 in hypothalamus, lateral septum, and medial amygdala (MEA) suggest it is well placed to modulate behavioral and hormonal responses to stress. Urocortin 3 was administered intracerebroventricularly to male rats under basal conditions or before a restraint stress, and circulating ACTH, corticosterone, glucose, and insulin were measured. Urocortin 3 activated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal conditions and augmented ACTH responses to restraint stress. Elevated blood glucose with lowered insulin to glucose ratios in both groups suggested increased sympathetic activity. Circulating catecholamines were also increased by urocortin 3, providing additional evidence for sympathoadrenomedullary stimulation. Intracerebroventricular urocortin 3 increased vasopressin mRNA expression in the parvocellular division of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, whereas CRF expression was unchanged, providing a possible mechanism by which urocortin 3 mediates its actions. Urocortin 3 mRNAexpressionwasexaminedafterexposuretostress-related paradigms. Restraint increased levels in MEA with a trend to increased expression in the rostral perifornical hypothalamic area, whereas hemorrhage and food deprivation decreased expression in MEA. Adrenalectomy markedly increased expression in the rostral perifornical hypothalamic area, and highlevel corticosterone replacement restored this to control levels. The evidence that urocortin 3 has the potential to influence hormonal components of the stress response and the changes in itsexpressionlevelsafterstressorsisconsistentwithapotential function for the endogenous peptide in modulating stress responses. (Endocrinology 147: 4578–4588, 2006)
Improved Robotics Joint-Space Trajectory Generation With Via Point

This paper presents novel fourth- and sixth-order polynomials to solve the problem of joint-space trajectory generation with a via point. These new polynomials use a single function rather than two polynomial functions matched at the via point as in previous methods. Another contribution of this paper is to expose the widespread, use of discontinuous acceleration functions in joint-space trajectory generation methods, which lead to unacceptable infinite spikes in jerk, the derivative of the acceleration.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Teratology: General considerations and principles

Approximately 3% to 5% of children born in the United States manifest developmental defects. Between 2% and 3% of these birth defects can be classified as teratogen-induced malformations, which result from environmental or iatrogenic exposures during pregnancy. The final manifestations of drug-induced abnormal development can be death, malformation, growth retardation, or functional disorder. In considering the potential teratogenic effects of drugs, it is important to remember that susceptibility to a drug-induced malformation depends on: (1) the genotype of the conceptus, (2) the developmental stage at which exposure occurs, (3) the mechanisms of action of the drug, (4) the access of the drug to developing tissues, and (5) the dose of the drug. Nearly all teratogen-induced birth defects are preventable if the dose-response relationship for teratogen exposure and the teratogenic activity of the drug can be clearly defined.
Thermal and optical properties of TeO2–ZnO–BaO glasses

article We report the results of a systematic study of the thermal and optical properties of a new family of tellurite glasses, TeO2-ZnO-BaO (TZBa), as a function of the barium oxide mole fraction and compare them with those of TeO2-ZnO-Na2O (TZN). The characteristic temperatures of this new glass family (glass transition, Tg, crystallization, Tx, and melting, Tm) increase significantly with BaO content and the glasses are more thermally stable (greater ΔT=Tx −Tg) than TZN glasses. Relative to these, Raman gain coefficient of the TZBa glasses also increases by approximately 40% as well as the Raman shift from ~680 cm −1 to ~770 cm −1 . The latter shift is
Observations of a new transition in the emission from Cyg X-1

Data from the all-sky X-ray monitor aboard Ariel V were used to establish that a sudden transition had occurred in emissions from Cyg X-1 on April 22, 1975. Cyg X-1 has been observed almost continuously since around November 1, 1974, and has been relatively constant in apparent magnitude until the reported effect. The results of these observations are discussed.
Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Mediated Multifoci Model †:

This research explores the differential effects of multifoci organizational justice perceptions on organizational citizenship behavior. Based on data collected from 217 employee—supervisor dyads, our findings clarify the bi-focal nature of distributive and procedural justice, illuminate the mono-focus of interpersonal justice, and support the premise that justice investments yield exponential behavioral responses that are sometimes mediated by the quality of the employee— supervisor relationship.
Compact schemes for acoustics in the frequency domain

This article is concerned with the fourth-order compact scheme for an accurate simulation of acoustic waves in the frequency domain. The compact schemes have been known for a long time; however, they have exhibited difficulties, in particular, in dealing with general boundary conditions. This article introduces a new formulation for the compact scheme for the Helmholtz equation and an effective strategy of incorporating absorbing boundary conditions. It has been numerically verified that the resulting compact scheme is fourth order in general heterogeneous media and improves the accuracy of the numerical solution dramatically, by more than two digits, over the standard second-order scheme.
The Cost of Giving Childhood Vaccinations: Differences Among Provider Types

Objective. To describe costs to providers of delivering childhood immunizations. Methods. We collected variable costs—costs that vary with the amount of services rendered—including cost of practitioner and staff time and supplies, using a cost accounting method, from 12 practices (4 pediatric practices, 4 family practices, and 4 public health agencies) in rural and urban areas in Colorado. For private practices, we estimated fixed costs—costs that do not vary with the amount of services, eg, rent and insurance). We also collected reimbursement information for vaccinations for private practices. Results. Variable costs per shot (excluding vaccine cost) were $8.15 for pediatric practices, $5.79 for family practices, and $5.41 for public health agencies. Total costs per shot, including fixed costs, were $10.67 for pediatric practices and $7.57 for family practices. Average reimbursement for pediatricians and private family practices was $8.27 and $6.68, respectively. For pediatric practices, average variable costs were barely exceeded by average reimbursement, and reimbursement was 22% less than average total costs. This contrasts with an earlier study of the rural practices investigated here, in which there was a comfortable margin between reimbursement and variable costs. Conclusion. The decline in the ratio of reimbursement to cost for private practices, particularly for pediatric practices, suggests that referral to public agencies by private providers for vaccinations may increase and that if vaccinations are not as frequently provided in the child9s medical home, then the currently high childhood immunization rates may be in jeopardy.
Lack of a relationship between plasma PCSK9 concentrations and hepatic lipoprotein kinetics in obese people

Obesity is associated with unfavorable alterations in plasma lipid concentrations. Data obtained from studies in cultured cells and rodent models show that Protein Convertase Subtilisn/Kexin 9 (PCSK9), a secreted protein that leads to degradation of LDL receptors in the liver, is an important regulator of plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations. Recent evidence suggests that PCSK9 may also regulate the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor expression and VLDL-triglyceride (TG) metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine whether circulating PCSK9 concentrations are correlated with VLDL-triglyceride kinetics in obese people. Plasma PCSK9 concentration and VLDL-TG kinetics were evaluated in 39 nondiabetic, obese subjects (body mass index 36.9 ± 4.3 kg/m 2 ). Body composition was assessed by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and VLDL-TG kinetics were assessed by using stable isotopically labeled tracer infusion. We found that plasma PCSK9 concentrations correlated significantly with percent body fat ( r = 0.322, P = 0.046) and serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations ( r = 0.333, P = 0.036), but not with VLDL-TG secretion rate ( r = 0.083, P = 0.614) or clearance rate ( r = 0.032, P = 0.845). These data suggest that PCSK9 is likely involved in LDL-cholesterol metabolism, but it is not a clinically important regulator of VLDL kinetics in obese individuals.
Effects of NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids on the rumen fermentation, digestibility and lactational performance of dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids as silage and grain sources on milk yield, milk composition, digestibility of dietary components, and rumen characteristics. Six multiparous (intact) and six primiparous (ruminally cannulated) Holstein cows were assigned at 72 to 90 d of lactation to a 3 x 6 Latin rectangle design experiment to treatment of: 1) control diet, 2) NutriDense corn diet, and 3) waxy corn diet. Diets consisted of 10.9% alfalfa silage, 32.8% corn silage, 27.9% cracked corn grain, and 28.4% other ingredients (DM basis). Milk, FCM, and milk fat and protein yields were higher for cows fed the waxy diet than those fed the control diet. Milk protein percentage tended to be higher for cows fed the control and waxy diets than those fed the NutriDense diet. Dry matter intake tended to be higher for cows fed the waxy diet than the NutriDense diet. Apparent DM, OM, CP, ADF, NDF, and gross energy digestibilities were similar among dietary treatments, while apparent starch digestibility was higher for the waxy corn than for the NutriDense corn. Rumen NH3-N concentration was higher for cows fed the NutriDense diet than for those fed the control and waxy diets. The proportion of ruminal propionate was higher for the waxy diet than the control diet. NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids can be effective substitutes for conventional yellow dent corn hybrids in lactating dairy cow rations.
Management of gallstone pancreatitis: cholecystectomy or ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy

Abstract Background: Currently, cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with gallstone-induced pancreatitis. ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) within 24 to 48 hours is also suggested for the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine outcome after cholecystectomy versus ES alone in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. Methods: One hundred seventeen patients with gallstone pancreatitis were included in this prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were typical abdominal pain; serum amylase level 3 times or greater than normal; and gallbladder stones and a dilated bile duct, with or without stones, by US, CT, or ERCP. Results: Eighty-three patients (Group A) underwent cholecystectomy after initial evaluation including ERCP in 43 (53%) and ERCP with ES in 38 (47%). The remaining 34 (Group B) underwent successful ERCP with ES alone. Mean follow-up was 33 months for Group A and 34 months for Group B. Recurrent gallstone pancreatitis was noted in 2 patients (2.4%) in Group A (bile duct stone in 2, sludge and papillary stenosis in 1), and in 1 patient (2.9%) in Group B. Ten patients in Group B had follow-up US of the gallbladder that showed disappearance of stones in 3. During follow-up, there was no significant difference in the rates of biliary complications (Group A, 3.6% vs. Group B, 11.6%; p = 0.19) or serious complications (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis) (Group A, 3.6% vs. Group B, 5.8%). Also, there was no significant difference in procedure-related complications. Conclusions: Recurrence of pancreatitis after ERCP with ES alone for gallstone pancreatitis is rare. In patients who have undergone ES alone, cholecystectomy should be considered only if there are overt manifestations of gallbladder disease (e.g., biliary pain, cholecystitis, cystic duct obstruction) and not for prevention of recurrent gallstone pancreatitis. Because treatment by ES alone may be associated with a higher risk of biliary complications during follow-up compared with cholecystectomy, these patients may require close surveillance. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:61-5.)
Operationalization of the UFuRT methodology for usability analysis in the clinical research data management domain

Data management software applications specifically designed for the clinical research environment are increasingly available from commercial vendors and open-source communities, however, general-purpose spreadsheets remain widely employed in clinical research data management (CRDM). The suitability of spreadsheets for this use is controversial, and no formal comparative usability evaluations have been performed. We report on an application of the UFuRT (user, function, representation, and task (analyses) methodology to create a domain-specific process for usability evaluation. We demonstrate this process in an evaluation of differences in usability between a spreadsheet program (Microsoft? Excel) and a commercially available clinical research data management system (Phase Forward Clintrial?). Through this domain-specific operationalization of UFuRT methodology, we successfully identified usability differences and quantified task and cost differences, while differentiating these from socio-technical aspects. UFuRT can be generalized to other domains.
Lower and upper bounds for the perturbation of linear operators equations

Abstract Let X and Y be Banach spaces, and let T : X → Y be a bounded linear operator with closed range. In this paper, we give optimal lower and upper bounds for the perturbation of consistent operator equations Tx = y , and more general least-squares problems in Hilbert spaces.
A Universal Rule for the Distribution of Sizes

Human artifacts, ranging from small objects all the way up to large buildings and cities, display a variety and range of subdivisions. Repeating structural and design elements of the same size will define a particular scale. Most pleasing designs obey an inverse power-law distribution: the product of the relative multiplicity p of a substructure with an algebraic power of its size x is a constant, pxμ = constant, which is derived here from basic principles. This means that the logarithmic plot of p versus x has a slope of −μ, where typically 1 ≤ μ ≤ 2, and this is a widely observed relationship in both the natural and the social sciences. Departures from this rule apparently result in incoherent, alien structures. Three applications to urban systems are proposed. It is argued that in living cities (1) the distribution of path lengths, (2) the allocation of project funding, and (3) the distribution of built elements all follow the derived multiplicity rule. By violating all three, modernist cities create i...