cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Political fragmentation and economic growth in U.S. metropolitan areas

This paper analyzes the impact of local political fragmentation on population, employment, and per capita money income growth in 314 U.S. metropolitan areas. The results are mixed. Smaller central ...
Age of Fear: Othering and American Identity during World War I

Review of: Age of Fear: Othering and American Identity during World WarI, by Zachary Smith.
Complementing standard Western measures of depression with locally co-developed instruments: A cross-cultural study on the experience of depression among the Luo in Kenya:

Our present understanding of depression relies on a Western nosology that might not be generalizable across diverse cultures around the world. As a consequence, current clinical research and practi...
Knowledge and Attitudes of two Latino Groups about Alzheimer Disease: a Qualitative Study.

Clustering Latinos under a single group in Alzheimer Disease (AD) research, neglects, among other things cultural and environmental differences. To address this, we examine knowledge and attitudes about AD among two Latino groups. We held 5 focus groups and 2 interviews all in Spanish with Mexicans and Puerto Ricans between 40 and 60 years old living in the Grand Rapids area in Michigan. Using content analysis of the discussions, we identified themes related to knowledge, attitudes and concerns about AD and caregiving. A total of 20 Mexicans and 9 Puerto Ricans participated. Improving knowledge and awareness, barriers and home-based family care were important themes in both Latino groups. Puerto Rican groups raised more concerns about the disease, whereas lack of knowledge was a key theme among Mexican participants. The exploratory study is a first step in promoting research that is attentive to the commonalities and differences of Latino groups and in continuing efforts to enhance health literacy among these groups.
Expert habits of mind: Implications for knowledge co-production in energy transitions

Abstract Knowledge co-production is widely seen as a promising approach for more innovative, durable, and democratic solutions to complex energy and climate problems. Successful knowledge co-production requires the authentic participation of all actors, experts included. By authentic participation, we mean receptivity to and valuing interactions and relationships with diverse actors; sharing power; and collaboratively identifying problems, solutions, and shaping research. In this Perspective, we highlight the importance of habits of mind involving routine styles of thinking and interacting common among some expert groups that inhibit listening, taking seriously, and seeing value in diverse perspectives. We argue that such habits of mind may impair the authentic participation of technoscientific experts, whose expertise is vital but insufficient for co-producing knowledge. We support this argument through a review of empirical work conducted with U.S. bioenergy experts to identify habits of mind including assumptions experts make about human behavior and how they imagine energy transitions unfolding as posing potential barriers to their authentic participation in collaborative research. Building on these empirical insights, we suggest that future research should ask whether and how habits of mind shape experts’ willingness to engage and the quality of their interaction with others in collaborative research processes. We outline several research directions including investigating how habits of mind are learned, whether and how they transform, and how they differ across expert groups, that could advance our understanding of the potential for knowledge co-production in addressing energy and climate challenges.
Prevalence and Adaptive Impact of Introgression.

Alleles that introgressed between species can influence the evolutionary and ecological fate of species exposed to novel environments. Hybrid offspring of different species are often unfit, and yet it has long been argued that introgression can be a potent force in evolution, especially in plants. Over the last two decades, genomic data have increasingly provided evidence that introgression is a critically important source of genetic variation and that this additional variation can be useful in adaptive evolution of both animals and plants. Here, we review factors that influence the probability that foreign genetic variants provide long-term benefits (so-called adaptive introgression) and discuss their potential benefits. We find that introgression plays an important role in adaptive evolution, particularly when a species is far from its fitness optimum, such as when they expand their range or are subject to changing environments. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genetics, Volume 55 is November 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Mitrofanoff and Malone Procedure with Both Stomas Located in the Umbilicus

Abstract Background: Patients with neurogenic bladder and bowel may benefit from combined urinary and fecal continence procedures. Few cases of robot-assisted (RA) Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy ...
The perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students’ future careers

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical education on multiple levels, and medical students have been forced to adjust to distance learning, altered clinical opportunities, and standardized testing inconsistencies. We sought to identify the effects of these dramatic deviations on medical students’ career plans. Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of medical students between July 13, 2020, and September 9, 2020 in order to assess the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ career decisions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Results : Of the 585 eligible medical students, we had a final sample of 76 responses (n=76) (13% response rate). Students felt neutral regarding having more time to explore research projects (Mean ± SD; 3.06 ± 1.18) and hobbies (3.43 ± 1.28). Most survey respondents somewhat disagreed that they considered quitting medical school during the pandemic (1.55 ± 1.10). Students somewhat agreed that they view the field of medicine more positively since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (3.60 ± 1.09). Respondents somewhat agreed that they would be unable to explore other specialties and find their best fit (3.55 ± 1.32). We found that the minority (4/66, 6%) of students had considered changing their specialty. Students felt neutral in terms of their Step 1 (3.25 ± 1.05) or Step 2 (2.81 ± 1.02) score deterring them from future career opportunities. Conclusions : Most medical students have experienced barriers in their career pathway as a direct cause of COVID-19 restrictions on medical education, including the ability to explore different specialties to discover their best fit or find a chance to network with mentors. However, despite these obstacles, most students remain committed to medicine.
A new Andean species of Augochloropsis from Peru (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

A new high-elevation species of the augochlorine bee genus Augochloropsis Cockerell (Anthophila: Apoidea: Halictidae: Halictinae: Augochlorini) is described and figured. Augochloropsis {Pamugochloropsis} isabelae, new species, is distinguished from its congeners and it is noted that females of the species exhibit head size variation. The variation in head size and morphology seen between females is suggestive of social behavior in this species. Where known, species of Augochloropsis range from solitary to semisocial, and there is even a single record of primitive eusociality in the genus.
Chapter V Workcell Operations

The problems encountered in design, simulation, operation, and monitoring of manufacturing cells are analyzed by the papers included in this chapter. The authors of the first paper propose an algorithm to minimize the inter-cell traffic, whereas the second paper is concerned with cost considerations for cell design. Both address the important issues of the Group Technology approach to multi-product manufacturing settings.
Historicizing Injustice: The Museum of Memory and Human Rights, Santiago, Chile

Focusing on the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in Chile, this article examines the intersection of psychology and history as they bear on conflict, memory, and justice. The museum commemorates victims of mass detentions, disappearances, and human rights violations during the Pinochet dictatorship (1973–1990). This article discusses historical precursors to the coup, including United States involvement in Chilean politics. Utilizing the construct, scope of justice, it discusses representations of moral exclusion and moral inclusion in the museum's exhibition. Museum professionals who developed the exhibition describe the challenges of their work because opposing political perspectives about the dictatorship persist. The article suggests that historical museums on injustice can serve as sites that engage such clashing viewpoints. Surfacing narratives and counternarratives about the past and airing tensions and haunting questions can offer insight into social issues, policies, and conflicts that persist today.
Vulnerability of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to ventricular arrhythmia induction in the operating room. Analysis of 17 patients.

To evaluate vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmia induction, programmed electrical stimulation was performed in the operating room in 17 consecutive patients undergoing myotomy-myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). A control group of 5 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with normal left ventricular function and no previous myocardial infarction also was tested. Of the 17 patients with HC, 14 had inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), 1 had inducible unsustained VT and the remaining 2 had
A Golden Crown to Gain: The Machiavellianism of Kipling’s 'The Man Who Would Be King'

This paper discusses Rudyard Kipling's famous story 'The Man Who Would Be King' in terms of the leitmotif of Machiavellian political philosophy that is to be discerned in the unfolding of the story. Kipling introduces us to the twin founders of the new order in Kafiristan in the same way that Machiavelli dedicates his 'Discourses' to two young nobles. He then proceeds to describe how they acquired their new kingdom and then how they lost it. On closer examination it becomes apparent that the initial success of the two English adventurers in the Hindu Kush was attributable to their following Machiavellian principles while their ultimate demise was rooted in their failure to to adhere to them once they had secured their new state and all the benefits which accompany princely rule over a subject population.
Remarks on the minimal vectorial standard model

We explore the available parameter space of the minimal vectorial standard model. In this theory, the gauge currents are initially vectorial but the Higgs sector produces chiral mass eigenstates, leading to a set of heavy right-handed mirror particles. We describe the phenomenology of the residual parameter space and suggest that the model will be readily tested at the LHC.
Technical risk factors for portal vein reconstruction thrombosis in pancreatic resection

Objective Vascular reconstruction can facilitate pancreas tumor resection, but optimal methods of reconstruction are not well studied. We report our results for portal vein reconstruction (PVR) for pancreatic resection and determinants of postoperative patency. Methods We identified 173 patients with PVR in a prospective database of 6522 patients who underwent pancreatic resection at our hospital from 1970 to 2014. There were 128 patients who had >1 year of follow-up with computed tomography imaging. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were recorded. Patients with and without postoperative PVR thrombosis were compared by univariable, multivariable, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Results The survival of patients was 100% at 1 month, 88% at 6 months, 66% at 1 year, and 39% on overall median follow-up of 310 days (interquartile range, 417 days). Median survival was 15.5 months (interquartile range, 25 months); 86% of resections were for cancer. Four types of PVR techniques were used: 83% of PVRs were performed by primary repair, 8.7% with interposition vein graft, 4.7% with interposition prosthetic graft, and 4.7% with patch. PVR patency was 100% at 1 day, 98% at 1 month, 91% at 6 months, and 83% at 1 year. Patients with PVR thrombosis were not significantly different from patients with patent PVR in age, survival, preoperative comorbidities, tumor characteristics, perioperative blood loss or transfusion, or postoperative complications. They were more likely to have had preoperative chemotherapy (53% vs 9%; P P P = .002) and to develop postoperative ascites (76% vs 22%; P P = .73). Patients with PVR thrombosis were more likely to have had prosthetic graft placement compared with patients with patent PVRs (18% vs 2.7%; P = .03; odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-42). PVR patency overall was significantly worse for patients who had an interposition prosthetic graft reconstruction (log-rank, P = .04). On multivariable analysis, operative time (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02) and prosthetic graft placement (OR, 8.12; 95% CI, 1.1-74) were independent predictors of PVR thrombosis (C statistic = 0.88). Conclusions Long operative times and use of prosthetic grafts for reconstruction are risk factors for postoperative portal vein thrombosis. Primary repair, patch, or vein interposition should be preferentially used for PVR in the setting of pancreatic resection.
Sialomucin complex in the rat respiratory tract: a model for its role in epithelial protection

The pulmonary epithelium has a multitude of specialized functions, which depend on regulated growth and differentiation of several cell types. One such function is the synthesis and secretion of mucins, which offer the epithelium protection from and a means for removal of noxious environmental factors. Sialomucin complex (SMC) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of a mucin subunit (ASGP-1, ascites sialoglycoprotein-1) and a transmembrane protein (ASGP-2) with two epidermal-growth-factor-like domains. SMC was originally discovered in a highly metastatic rat mammary adenocarcinoma and has been implicated in metastasis and in the protection of the tumour cells from natural killer cells. It can also act as a ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase 185(neu), suggesting that it is bifunctional as well as heterodimeric. SMC is expressed on the epithelium of rat conducting airways, with the highest levels occurring in the proximal trachea and progressively decreasing into the bronchioles. Airway SMC consists of two forms: a soluble form that lacks the C-terminal cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains and accounts for about 70% of the total, and a membrane-associated form that has the C-terminal domains. Immunocytochemical analyses show that SMC is predominantly present on the apical surfaces of the airway epithelium, but not in goblet cells. Soluble form can be removed from the trachea by rinsing, suggesting that a fraction of the protein is adsorbed to the apical surface. Based on these results, we propose a protective mechanism in which membrane and soluble forms of SMC are produced by airway luminal epithelial cells to provide a cell-associated epithelial glycoprotein barrier that also serves as an interface with flowing mucus. In support of this mechanism, we demonstrated secretion of soluble SMC by primary cultures of tracheal epithelial cells. This model suggests that SMC is a critical element in the protective barrier of the airway epithelium.
Notes on French Usage: I. D'Hitler or de Hitler?

I have recently read Jules Romains' Sept Mysttres du Destin de l'Europe and have noted the occurrences of the word Hitler preceded by de or que, where the elision or non-elision of the -e indicates the quality of the H. In other cases, as when Hitler follows a consonant, it is not possible to tell from the printed page whether the H is mute or aspirate. The results of my observation are as follows:
Seasonal fluctuations in the photosynthetic capacity of photosystem II in symbiotic dinoflagellates in the Caribbean reef-building coral Montastraea

The photosynthetic capacity of photosystem II (PS II) in symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp.), as measured by analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence, was investigated in the primary Caribbean reef-building corals, Montastraea annularis and Montastraea faveolata, for 5 years and Montastraea franksi over 2 years in the Bahamas. Significant seasonal fluctuations in the quantum yield of charge separation (F v/F m) of PS II were found in all species at all depths, with the highest photosynthetic capacity consistently recorded between mid-winter and early spring and the lowest photosynthetic capacity occurring in the mid to late summer. Corals residing in shallow depths of 1–2 m showed the greatest fluctuations in F v/F m, whereas deeper corals (3–4 and 14 m depths) had consistently higher values of F v/F m. Densities of symbiotic dinoflagellates and photosynthetic pigments followed a similar pattern. Fluctuations of photosynthetic capacity showed a strong correlation with seasonal patterns of water temperature and light. Such seasonal shifts in photosynthetic capacity are most likely due to several biochemical processes in the algae that lead to alterations of both photoprotection and photodamage. While symbiont density changed significantly on a seasonal basis, visual signs of coral bleaching were noted only in the fall of 1995 and the spring and summer of 1998. Comparisons of photosynthetic capacity and the decrease in the number of symbionts and their subsequent recovery indicated that symbiont populations in this study had the ability to recover quickly following bleaching events, as long as continued physical perturbation (e.g. thermal stress) did not shorten the recovery phase. Large-scale bleaching events are best viewed as the end points of seasonal physiological variation in which photosynthetic capacity and density of symbiotic dinoflagellates are reduced to a lower level than during "non-bleaching" years.
Predicaments in CW operation of silicon Raman lasers and amplifiers

We examine limitations of carrier removal with a p-n junction in Raman devices, namely, ineffectiveness at high optical intensities due to the applied field being screened, electrical heat dissipation and the possibility of thermal instability.
ADOLESCENT MOTHER-INFANT-FATHER RELATIONSHIPS

Little is known about the triadic relationship among adolescent mothers, their infants, and their male partners. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of these interactions and the factors affecting individual differences in the quality of the relationships. Twenty-three couples and their 6 month old infants were observed at home using the observational procedure developed by Belsky (1983), following which parents were interviewed separately concerning their social support networks, marital adjustment, and perceived life stress. Mothers averaged 17.6 years of age and fathers 21; 91% of couples were either married or living together. Using analysis of variance, mothers were found to more likely (p < .05) respond to, stimulate/arouse,display affection, and engage in caretaking behaviors of their infants than were fathers. As a result, the overall rating of the level of mother-infant engagement was higher than the rating for father-infant engagement. For both parents, the average level of engagement with their infant was significantly related to the observed husband-wife engagement and to reports of the availability of emotional support from persons other than their partner. There was no relationship between the level of parent-child engagement and reports of life stress, marital adjustment, or availability of emotional support from partner. Our results indicate that differences between adolescent mother-infant and father-infant behaviors are similar to those previously reported for adult parents. The data also confirm our prediction that that quality of adolescent parent-infant interaction is related to indices of their social situation.
Genetically obese zucker rats have abnormally low brain insulin content

The concentration of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) extracted from the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, amygdala, midbrain, and hindbrain was significantly lower in obese (fa/fa) and heterozygous (Fa/fa) Zucker rats in comparison to lean (Fa/Fa) Zucker rats. This deficit in brain IRI content was most severe in the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb and was independent of severe obesity since the marked reduction of brain IRI content was also found in heterozygous rats which possessed only one copy of the fa allele. These results demonstrate that in the 2-3 month-old female Zucker rat, the fa allele is associated with defective regulation of insulin in the brain.
Associations of Physical Activity with Performance‐Based and Self‐Reported Physical Functioning in Older Men: The Honolulu Heart Program

OBJECTIVE To examine the association of self-reported physical activity with performance-based and self-reported physical functioning measured 3 to 5 years later. DESIGN A population-based, longitudinal study. SETTING The island of Oahu, Hawaii. PARTICIPANTS Subjects were 3640 Japanese-American men older than 70 years of age. MEASUREMENTS Estimated daily energy expenditure evaluated from self-reported engagement in a variety of activities determined from a mail survey in 1988; physical functioning status determined from both self-report and performance-based measures 3 to 5 years later. The effect of physical activity on physical functioning scores was determined through multiple logistic regression and analysis of covariance techniques for subjects who had chronic diseases as well as those in a healthy subsample. RESULTS For the healthy subsample, those who were highly active in 1988 were more likely to have optimal function for the basic activities of daily living score (odds ratio 2.3; confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 4.9), home management skills score (odds ratio 1.5; CI 1.1 to 2.1), and physical endurance-type tasks score (odds ratio 1.7; CI 1.2 to 2.4) than subjects classified as low active. A significant linear trend was found additionally across physical activity level for time to walk 10 feet and grip strength (P values < .001). Similar results were found for subjects with chronic diseases; however, most of the benefit of physical activity for this subsample occurred for subjects who were at least physically active at a moderate level. CONCLUSION Engaging in physical activity is predictive of a high level of physical functioning in older men with and without chronic diseases. Participation in at least moderate physical activity may be sufficient to maintain optimal physical functioning in subjects afflicted with chronic diseases.
Carotenoid content of selected Indonesian fruits

Abstract The carotenoid content of 18 fruits (apple, banana, guava, jackfruit, kedondong, kemang, mango, mangosteen, orange, papaya, pineapple, rambutan, salak, sawo, starfruit, tangerine, red watermelon, and yellow watermelon) commonly consumed by children in West Java, Indonesia was determined using reversed-phase HPLC. These fruits were purchased in supermarkets in urban areas, small stores in rural areas, and outdoor markets. The cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and β -carotene content of these fruits are reported. Large sample-to-sample variation in the same fruit was observed in the cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and β -carotene content of these fruits. Salak and guava were found to be excellent sources (containing 140+μg retinol equivalents/100 g) of provitamin A carotenoids, and mango, red watermelon, and papaya are good sources (containing 70+μg retinol equivalents/100 g).
Fabrication of SAW three phase unidirectional transducers using dielectric crossovers

Two common dielectrics used for isolation in semiconductor device fabrication, spin on glass (SOG) and polyimide, are evaluated for the fabrication of dielectric supported crossover interconnections for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices employing three-phase unidirectional transducers (TPUDTs). An all-aluminium reliable fabrication process was developed using polyimide.
Preparation of a photoreactive analog of parathyroid hormone [Nle8,Lys(N-ϵ-4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)13, Nle18,Tyr34]bovine parathyroid hormone-(1–34)NH2, a selective, high-affinity ligand for characterization of parathyroid hormone receptors

Photoaffinity radiolabeling techniques have been widely used to characterize the properties of peptide hormone receptors. However, the identity of authentic receptors is often uncertain because many macromolecules are labeled. These ambiguities are due, in part, to the use of a heterogeneous mixture of photoreactive photoligands, many of which have no or low affinity for the relevant hormone receptor. In this report, we describe the synthesis, purification, and structural analysis of the photoreactive parathyroid hormone analog, [Nle8,Lys(N-epsilon-4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)13,Nle18,Tyr34]-bovine parathyroid hormone-(1-34)NH2. The sulfur-free, oxidation-resistant, synthetic analog of bovine parathyroid hormone (PTH), [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(1-34)NH2 (NlePTH), was reacted with 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenylazide under nonaqueous conditions to yield several derivatives which were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by amino acid compositional analysis, thin-layer chromatography, and ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy. Among the NlePTH derivatives generated, one of the least hydrophobic was shown to retain the highest potency as assessed in the canine renal cortical membrane radioreceptor assay. Sequence analysis of this peptide, after it had been derivatized with 4-fluoro-3-nitro-[2,6-3H]phenylazide and purified to homogeneity, permitted us to determine that the structure of this analog is [Nle8,Lys(N-epsilon-4-azide-2-nitrophenyl)13,Nle18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(1-34)NH2. We emphasize the importance of using photoreactive ligands which are purified and subjected to detailed chemical and biological analyses for characterizing the properties of parathyroid hormone receptors and receptors for other peptide hormones.
Mathematical model of a DIC position sensing system within an optical trap

The quantitative study of displacements and forces of motor proteins and processes that occur at the microscopic level and below require a high level of sensitivity. For optical traps, two techniques for position sensing have been accepted and used quite extensively: quadrant photodiodes and an interferometric position sensing technique based on DIC imaging. While quadrant photodiodes have been studied in depth and mathematically characterized, a mathematical characterization of the interferometric position sensor has not been presented to the authors' knowledge. The interferometric position sensing method works off of the DIC imaging capabilities of a microscope. Circularly polarized light is sent into the microscope and the Wollaston prism used for DIC imaging splits the beam into its orthogonal components, displacing them by a set distance determined by the user. The distance between the axes of the beams is set so the beams overlap at the specimen plane and effectively share the trapped microsphere. A second prism then recombines the light beams and the exiting laser light's polarization is measured and related to position. In this paper we outline the mathematical characterization of a microsphere suspended in an optical trap using a DIC position sensing method. The sensitivity of this mathematical model is then compared to the QPD model. The mathematical model of a microsphere in an optical trap can serve as a calibration curve for an experimental setup.
Clinical effects of cyclophosphamide in Guillain-Barré polyneuritis

Abstract 1. (1) Fifteen patients with severe Guillain-Barre polyneuritis in progression were treated with cyclophosphamide in a total of 23 courses. The illnesses in 11 patients were monophasic, 2 were biphasic and 1 was of the chronic, relapsing variety; another was possibly biphasic. Length of illness prior to first course of cyclophosphamide was as follows: 4 weeks, 3. 2. (2) Progression stopped in association with 21 courses of treatment, in 6 before the treatment course was finished and in 15 an average of 3 days after the last dose. Improvement began during or following 19 courses. 3. (3) Time when progression stopped, time from end of progression to beginning of improvement, and subsequent rate of recovery, suggest that cyclophosphamide made a significant contribution to the recovery processes in 13 patients. 4. (4) Ultimate degree of recovery was not significantly different from that expected in conventionally treated patients with monophasic illnesses. 5. (5) Reversible alopoecia was the only significant complication attributable to cyclophosphamide toxicity. 6. (6) Our experience suggests that further evaluation of cyclophosphamide should include the use of controls and earlier treatment.
Accelerated and Traditional Formats: Using Learning as a Criterion for Quality.

Student learning is the major test of a program's quality, regardless of whether it is delivered in a traditional or accelerated format. Administrators and teachers in accelerated programs will increase effectiveness and build credibility by making sure that their programs employ best practices, measure results, and use assessment data for program improvement.
Activation of the rat scavenger receptor class B type I gene by PPARα

Peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is activated by fibrate drugs which are known to protect against atherosclerosis. The present study examines the effects of PPARalpha on SR-BI expression. For this study, a rat SR-BI promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct was co-transfected into different cell lines with expression vectors that encode for PPARalpha+/-retinoic X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). PPARalpha/RXR increased the activity of the SR-BI promoter, an effect that was enhanced by clofibrate. Sequence analysis of the rat SR-BI promoter revealed the presence of a putative peroxisomal proliferator response element (PPRE) at bp -1,622. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that PPARalpha and RXRalpha are able to bind to the SR-BI PPRE motif. In addition, mutational analysis studies confirmed that this PPRE motif is responsible for the PPARalpha/RXRalpha-dependent activation of the rat SR-BI promoter in the cell lines examined.
Intracellular distribution of sulfur during the synchronous growth of chlorella pyrenoisoda

Intermittent illumination was used to synchronize cells of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The degree of synchrony of the cultures was evaluated during three consecutive generations of growth in continuous light following the synchronization procedure. The loss in synchrony, as measured by the coefficient of variation, was only 8.53% for the three generations. The uptake and intracellular distribution of [35S]sulfate was followed during synchronous growth. The total cellular-35S (percentage of cellular dry wt.) remained essentially constant throughout cellular development. However, the percentage 35S (percentage of total cellular-35S) in the total cellular protein, cold trichloroacetic acid extract, and sulfolipid fractions of the cells showed dennite periodism. Between the third and fifth hours of cellular development, during a 14-h synchronous growth cycle, the cold trichloroacetic acid-soluble fraction showed a marked increase in percent 35S while the protein fraction showed a decrease of equal magnitude. The decrease in protein-35S was traced to a decrease in the percentage of protein cystine-cysteine-35S. The percentage of protein methionine-35S increased during this period but not enough to compensate for the decrease in protein cystine-cysteine-35S. Thus, the percentage of protein-35S decreased. Between the fifth and seventh hours of cellular maturation, the percentage of 35S in the protein and trichloroacetic acid-soluble fractions returned to their original levels. The protein-sulfur-amino acid composition likewise returned to its original value. The change in the 35S content of the cold trichloroacetic acid-soluble fraction was attributed to a single spot on paper chromatograms which absorbed ultraviolet light and was ninhydrin negative. Acid hydrolysis of the compound(s) in this spot released six or seven ninhydrin-positive spots and two ultraviolet-absorbing spots. After acid hydrolysis, most of the radioactivity was associated with a ninhydrin-positive spot which had the characteristics of cysteic acid. Immediately after the 35S content of the protein and trichloroacetic acid-soluble fractions returned to their original values, nuclear division was initiated. A close relationship between these shifts in sulfur metabolism and the initiation of nuclear division seems possible.
A GIS Tool to Estimate West Nile Virus Risk Based on a Degree-Day Model

West Nile virus (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) is a serious infectious disease that recently spread across the North America continent. A spatial analysis tool was developed on the ArcMap 9.x platform to estimate potential West Nile virus activity using a spatially explicit degree-day model. The model identifies when the virus Extrinsic Incubation Period (EIP) is completed within the vector longevity during mid-summer months. The EIP is treated as a threshold indicator of the potential for virus emergence and activity. Comparing the number of West Nile virus cases in Wyoming reported from 2003 to 2005 with model results, actual cases and predicted events of West Nile virus activity match relatively well. The model represents a useful method for estimating potential West Nile virus activity in a large spatial scale.
Chickering's Seven Principles of Good Practice: Student Attrition in Community College Online Courses

As online enrollments escalate, so does concern about student attrition rates. There is an abundance of literature addressing student success in online courses, particularly using constructivist learning theories to create engaging learning experiences. Also emerging from the literature is the Seven principles of good instructional practice by Checkering and Gamson as an accepted rubric for evaluating effective online instruction. This study focused on whether the use of instructional strategies as measured by the seven principles had an effect on student attrition rates in online courses. Full and part-time faculty at three community colleges in Virginia who taught online course(s) in the last three semesters completed an online survey to determine the extent to which they used instructional strategies reflecting the constructivist-based seven principles in their online courses. Scores from the survey were then compared to the attrition rates in their courses. Results indicated both groups strongly used ...
Experimental Cataract Surgery

The use of intraocular lenses in cataract surgery leads to a greater corneal complication rate than surgical treatment without such devices. 1–3 It has been assumed that the predominant reason for this is surgical trauma at the time of lens insertion. 4 A laboratory study to verify and analyze this difference has been carried out, the cat being used as an experimental model. This first report evaluates the effect of the usual steps of cataract extraction on the density of corneal endothelial cells.
Determination of human serum alkaline phosphatase by semi-solid state fluorimetric analysis.

Abstract A solid surface fluorimetric method for the analysis of human serum alkaline phosphatase is described. In this method, a layer of the enzyme substrate, naphthol AS-BI phosphate is deposited on the surface of a silicon rubber pad. Serum and buffer solution are placed on the pad and the rate of formation of the fluorescent naphthol AS-BI is measured. This initial rate is proportional to the serum alkaline phosphatase content. The parameters, i.e., pH, incubation time, drop volume and size, shape, and the shape and color of the pads, which affect the rate of reaction and reproducibility of the method, are discussed.
Induction Machine Phase Balancing by Unsymmetrical Thyristor Voltage Control

High inrush currents and unbalanced supply voltages are two of the major causes for failure of polyphase induction machines. While thyristor voltage controllers, sometimes called static starters, are in widespread use to limit damaging inrush currents, little attention has been paid to the use of these controllers to balance the phases voltages of the machine. The technical feasibility of unsymmetric control to limit unbalanced currents is explored. A substantial reduction in losses is shown to be possible for two specific types of unbalance.
Estimating class‐specific parametric models under class uncertainty: local polynomial regression clustering in an hedonic analysis of wine markets

SUMMARY We introduce a method for estimating multiple class regression models when class membership is uncertain. The procedure—local polynomial regression clustering —first estimates a nonparametric model via local polynomial regression, and then identifies the underlying classes by aggregating sample observations into data clusters with similar estimates of the (local) functional relationships between dependent and independent variables. Finally, parametric functions specific to each class are estimated. The technique is applied to the estimation of a multiple-class hedonic model for wine, resulting in the identification of four distinct wine classes based on differences in implicit prices of the attributes. Copyright  2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. As Heckman (2001, p. 674) stated in his Nobel lecture, ‘The most important discovery was the evidence and pervasiveness of heterogeneity and diversity in economic life.’ According to Heckman, these findings weakened the foundations of the long-standing edifice of the representative consumer. In this article, we propose an econometric technique that contributes to the growing literature seeking to incorporate unexplained heterogeneity in the estimation of micro-econometric models of economic phenomena. The procedure, which we call local polynomial regression clustering (LPRC), identifies cohorts of sample observations exhibiting similar economic structural behavior. In brief, this is accomplished by first estimating the functional relationships between dependent and independent variables locally, via local polynomial regression. This first nonparametric step allows the representation of a wide range of possible functional relationships between regressand and regressors. Then data are aggregated into data clusters sharing functionally similar estimates of the local nonparametric estimates. Finally, class-specific parametric functions are estimated. While the statistical approach is quite general and need not be confined to the estimation of hedonic models, we apply LPRC to estimate a multi-class hedonic model for wine, resulting in the identification of four distinct wine classes based on implicit prices of product attributes.
The Graft/Tunnel Angles in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Comparison of Two Techniques for Femoral Tunnel Placement

Purpose: In posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the tibial tunnel/graft angle (or killer turn) has been implicated in graft failure when using transtibial tunnel placement. The graft/femoral tunnel angle (or critical corner) can also contribute to shear stress and early graft failure. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the killer turn angle in flexion and extension and to compare critical corner angles using outside-in and inside-out techniques for femoral tunnel placement. Type of Study: A cadaveric, biomechanical comparison. Methods: One transtibial tunnel and 2 femoral tunnels were marked with guidewires in 9 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The killer turn and the 2 critical corner angles were measured at 90° of flexion and full extension on fluoroscopic images. Results were analyzed using a Student t test with paired data. Results: The average killer turn was 70° ± 12° and 78° ± 7° in flexion and extension, respectively. Knee extension significantly increased the killer turn angle ( P = .048). The average critical corner was 50° ± 16° and −14° ± 18° with the outside-in technique versus 87° ± 8° and 27° ± 14° with the inside-out technique in flexion and extension, respectively. The inside-out technique significantly increased the critical corner in flexion ( P = .00007) and extension ( P = .00005). At 90° of flexion, the critical corner angle using the inside-out technique significantly exceeded the killer turn angle ( P = .003). Conclusions: We recommend the outside-in technique for femoral tunnel placement to reduce the graft/femoral tunnel angle. Using the inside-out technique can significantly sharpen the critical corner, causing it to exceed the killer turn in flexion. Clinical Relevance: This study indicates that significantly lower graft/femoral tunnel angles can be obtained when using the outside-in technique for femoral tunnel placement when compared with the inside-out technique. This may translate to lower rates of graft failure in clinical application, although further clinical studies are needed.
The low-frequency limit for wave-power systems

Abstract Relations are derived for the maximum power absorbed by a system of devices in the low-frequency or long-wavelength limit. A Fourier series is used to represent the far-field radiation potential, and the number of terms in the Fourier series determines the maximum output of the system subject to the restriction of optimum motions. For an array with N devices, or a single device with N separate degrees of freedom, the maximum output is a function of N and the angle of the incident waves.
Neonatal mice lacking neuronal nitric oxide synthase are less vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic injury

Abstract We hypothesized that elimination of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) by targeted disruption of the nNOS gene would result in amelioration of damage seen after hypoxia–ischemia in the developing brain since nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity after ischemia. Both wildtype and nNOS-deficient pups were subjected to focal ischemia followed by 1.5 h of hypoxia at Postnatal Day 7. Seven days later, brains of surviving animals were analyzed for damage. The nNOS-deficient pups (n = 17) had less histopathologic evidence of injury in both the hippocampus (P = 0.008) and the cortex (P = 0.0008) than the wildtype (n = 30) mice. When injured, the nNOS-deficient mice had damage that was limited to the hippocampus. These results support a role for neuronally produced NO in injury after perinatal hypoxia–ischemia.
Kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid excretion after tryptophan loading in actinic reticuloid.

: The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) before and after an oral loading dose of 20 mg/Kg body weight was studied in three patients with actinic reticuloid (AR) and four healthy male volunteers. The preload mean plasma TRP concentrations and mean 24-hour urinary excretions of TRP in the AR group were significantly lower than in the control group. After oral TRP administration, plasma TRP concentrations increased normally in AR, thereby excluding defective intestinal absorption. The mean preload and postload excretions of kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), and 3-indoleacetic acid (3IAA) were not significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that KA, which has been shown to have phototoxic properties in vitro, is not altered primarily in AR, and that the reported abnormalities of TRP metabolism are most tikely the consequence of the severe photosensitivity in this disorder.
How physics defines the LHC environment and detectors

The experiments themselves have home pages, [4], [5], which are sources of considerable public information. In particular, the physics capabilities of the detectors are made available there. In addition the technical details of the experiments have recently been written up as a reference source for specifying the detectors [6]. The ATLAS and CMS experiments have together also been described and compared in a review article, [7] which gives many detailed descriptions of the detector performance.
Applications of front tracking to the simulation of shock refractions and unstable mixing

Abstract This article discusses the structural aspects of a front tracking code that has been in long usage by the author and others. The front tracking method is a mixed Eulerian and Lagrangean method for the sharp resolution of distinct waves in a fluid dynamical system. Such issues as code modularity and generality are of critical importance in the construction of a working code. A division of functionality between static geometry, dynamic geometry and physics allows the construction of a general code that can be used in many separate applications. Important design features of the code include the ability to detect, identify, and resolve wave interactions. These features have allowed the front tracking code to develop into a useful scientific tool that is well adapted for the study of fluid-interface-dominated flows. Particular examples that are discussed include the gravitational acceleration of a fluid interface and the acceleration of a fluid interface by shock waves.
Management of keloids in the United States, 1990-2009: an analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Background Keloids can cause significant morbidity during wound healing, but the most common current treatment practices for keloids are not well-established. Objective To determine the main treatments used for keloids in the United States and demographics of patient visits for keloids. Methods The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1990–2009 was queried for visits with a diagnosis of keloids. Leading medical and procedural treatments, patient demographic characteristics, physician specialties, reasons for visit, and comorbidities were assessed. Results There were an estimated 427,500 visits per year for keloids, with a slight decline in frequency of visits over time (p = .001). Triamcinolone was the leading medical treatment, and excision or destruction of a lesion was the leading procedural treatment. Sixty-two percent of patients were female, and 23.7% were African American. Mean age was 36.6. Dermatologists managed slightly more than half of visits, and plastic surgeons were second most used. Conclusions Keloids are managed using a variety of treatments, primarily triamcinolone and excision or destruction of a lesion. High-quality evidence is lacking for the efficacy of most existing keloid treatments. New treatments that improve on the present standard of care would improve outcomes.
Periodic orbits of the general three-body problem for the sun-Jupiter-Saturn system

Two families of symmetric periodic orbits of the planar, general, three-body problem are presented. The masses of the three bodies include ratios equal to the sun-Jupiter-Saturn system and the periods of the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are in a 2:5 resonance. The (linear) stability of the orbits are studied in relation to eccentricity and mass variations. The generation of the two families of periodic orbits follows a systematic approach and employs (numerical) continuation from periodic orbits of the first and second kind in the circular restricted problem to the elliptic restricted problem and from the circular and elliptic problems to the general problem through bifurcation phenomena relating the three dynamical systems. The approach also provides insight into the evolutionary process of periodic orbits continued from the restricted problems to the general problem.
Optical Computing With Fiber And Miniature Optics

The evolution of optical techniques for use in electronic and optoelectronic computers is considered. Special emphasis is placed on the interconnection properties of optical systems. The development of a new class of fiber optic based logic devices that are capable of operating in a high power-bandwidth regime is discussed.