cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Endometrial Adenosine Cyclic 3':5'-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase DISTRIBUTION, SUBUNIT STRUCTURE, AND KINETICS OF ADENOSINE CYCLIC 3':5'-MONOPHOSPHATE BINDING

Bovine endometrium has been shown to possess an adenosine cyclic 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase which is located almost exclusively in the cytosol. Purified enzyme could be separated into a specific cAMP-binding fraction and an activated protein kinase in the presence of cAMP on diethylaminoethyl-cellulose and casein-Sepharose. The isolated subunits could be recombined to form the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Equilibrium studies at pH 5.0 indicated one major class of binding site for both the intact protein and the isolated binding subunit, but a higher association constant for the cAMP-binding subunit. Dissociation of [3H]cAMP from the binding protein-cAMP complex in the presence or absence of kinase subunit obeyed first order kinetics and exhibited temperature dependence. The association reaction of binding subunit and cAMP exhibited second order kinetics and was temperature dependent, but the association rate constant varied negatively with the initial concentration of cAMP. When the intact enzyme was employed, second order plots were no longer linear under conditions of equimolar cAMP-binding sites and cAMP and were not temperature dependent. Under pseudo-first order conditions, however, the rate constants approximated those obtained with the binding subunit. These data showed that the presence of the kinase subunit could affect both the association rate and the equilibrium concentration of the binding subunit-cAMP complex under second order conditions.
Constraint-based entity matching

Entity matching is the problem of deciding if two given mentions in the data, such as "Helen Hunt" and "H. M. Hunt", refer to the same real-world entity. Numerous solutions have been developed, but they have not considered in depth the problem of exploiting integrity constraints that frequently exist in the domains. Examples of such constraints include "a mention with age two cannot match a mention with salary 200K" and "if two paper citations match, then their authors are likely to match in the same order". In this paper we describe a probabilistic solution to entity matching that exploits such constraints to improve matching accuracy. At the heart of the solution is a generative model that takes into account the constraints during the generation process, and provides well-defined interpretations of the constraints. We describe a novel combination of EM and relaxation labeling algorithms that efficiently learns the model, thereby matching mentions in an unsupervised way, without the need for annotated training data. Experiments on several real-world domains show that our solution can exploit constraints to significantly improve matching accuracy, by 3-12% F-1, and that the solution scales up to large data sets.
Antibiotic Sensitivities of Organisms Isolated from Mastitic and Nonmastitic Mammary Secretions

Antibiotic sensitivity tests to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the minimal lethal concentrations (MLC) for six antibiotics were conducted against mastitic isolates of staphylococci in skim milk and broth. The MIC and the MLC for all the antibiotics except benzylpenicillin were considerably higher in skim milk than in broth. Benzylpenicillin was the most effective antibiotic tested in either medium, and dihydrostreptomycin was the least effective against the organisms tested.
Subgrade Strengthening of Existing Airfield Runways

A number of subsurface treatment techniques are found to have definite potential for strengthening existing airfield pavements. Basic requirements for subgrade treatment beneath existing airfield pavements are examined. Changes in pavement structural behavior caused by subgrade strengthening are theoretically analyzed. It is shown that subgrade strengthening beneficially affects airfield pavement structural response. Techniques for treatment of the subgrade beneath existing pavements are reviewed. These techniques are evaluated relative to their potential for subgrade strengthening below existing airfield pavements. It is concluded that: (1) drilled-hole and pressure injection lime; (2) mixed-in-place pile; and (3) post hole pile procedures have definite potential for strengthening subgrades beneath existing airfield pavement systems.
Advanced interaction media in nuclear power plant control rooms

The shift from analog to digital Instruments (related mainly to information visualization) and Controls in Nuclear Power Plant Main Control Rooms (NPP MCR) is a central current topic of investigation. In NPP MCR, digitalization was im- plemented gradually, analog and digital systems still coexisting for the two main systems related to safety - Safety Instruments and Control System (SICS) and Process Instruments and Controls System (PICS). My ongoing research focuses on the intro- duction of Advanced Interaction Media (AIM) such as stereoscopic 3D visualization and multi-touch surfaces in control rooms. This paper proposes a Safety-Centric approach for gathering the Design Rationale needed in the specification of such novel AIM concepts as well as their evaluation through user tests. Beyond methodological research, the final output of the current research is to build an experimental simulator aiming to enhance improvements in Human-Systems Integration (HSI). This paper provides an overview of the topics under consideration.
The Portevin-Le Chatelier Effect in the Ni-Based Superalloy IN100

The Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect has been studied in the Ni-based superalloy IN100 which is currently used as a disk material in jet engines. A series of tensile tests was carried out at 588 K, 755 K, and 922 K (315 °C, 482 °C, and 649 °C) at plastic strain rates ranging from a low of 6.21 × 10−6 s−1 to a high of 4.92 × 10−2 s−1. The activation energy was determined using the slope of a line on a strain rate/temperature graph which divided the area of the graph into two regions: (1) “PLC behavior observed,” and (2) “No PLC behavior observed.” A new statistical approach was developed to objectively differentiate between a true PLC effect and experimental uncertainty (i.e., “noise”). The value of the activation energy was found to be 1.14 eV/atom, which strongly suggests that the rate controlling process was bulk diffusion of C in the lattice. A qualitative model, based on the Orowan equation and slip band dislocation mechanics, was proposed, which unifies the seemingly disparate ideas of the process being controlled by a single atom/dislocation interaction while at the same time exhibiting significant strains during PLC load drops.
Madam Senator: Growth in Women's State Senate Representation, 1978–2010

Using a dataset of women state senators from all 50 states (1978–2010) and latent growth curve analysis, this article tests two longitudinal theories of the growth of women's political representation over time. Gender salience theory posits that women increase their political representation when they explicitly campaign on their gender. Political climate theory argues that women fare better electorally during periods when domestic issues predominate as opposed to international issues. Results provide support for gender salience theory, but the evidence is too mixed for political climate theory to provide a plausible explanation for the growth in women's state-level political representation. By political party, results suggest that Democratic women were generally advantaged over Republican women; however, Republican women exclusively benefited in the 1992 and 2010 elections. This article concludes with an assessment of the two longitudinal theories and what they may tell us more broadly about women in poli...
Changes in the European University: From Traditional to Entrepreneurial

Major changes are happening in European universities, associated with changes in the funding awangements. Success in the market place is supplanting peer group recognition as a criterion of university achievement. Science is being supplanted by technology. This article examines these changes in the light of the historical devebpent of the European university and with particular reference to changes in Swedish universities.
Lords, settlers and shifting frontiers in medieval Catalonia

This article examines how settler conditions on formerly Muslim-ruled land in the area known as New Catalonia (in north-eastern Iberia) changed as the territory was consolidated by Christian landlords and migrants from the north, and increasingly buffered from the border with Islam by conquests against Muslim Valencia over several generations following its conquest in the mid-twelfth century. Most landlords responded to the conditions of the local land market, but there is little evidence that the region as a whole, or even favourable sub-markets, experienced a straightforward trajectory from liberal to heavier tenant obligations. While lords in Old Catalonia are known to have limited peasant mobility from the later twelfth century in order to diminish an exodus to territory with more franchises in New Catalonia, lords in New Catalonia from the early thirteenth century were not able to respond to a similar extent to the territorial offerings in northern Valencia. Their overall ability to erode or reformulate exemptions and other privileges was checked by customary practice, insufficient settlement density and increased regulation which accompanied a rise in royal administrative capacity.
External beam radiotherapy boosts to reduce the impact caused by edema in prostate permanent seed implants.

In prostate permanent seed implants, it has been shown that edema caused by the surgical procedure decreases dose coverage and hence may reduce treatment efficacy. This reduction in treatment efficacy has been characterized by an increase in tumour cell survival, and biomathematical models have been developed to calculate the tumour cell survival increases in seed implanted prostates of different edema magnitudes and durations. External beam boosts can be utilized to neutralize the negative impact of edema so that originally desired treatment efficacy can be achieved. In this study, a linear quadratic model is used to determine fractionation sizes of the external beam boosts for both 125I and 103Pd seed implants. Calculations were performed for prostates of different edema magnitudes and durations, and for tumour cells of different repair rates and repopulation rates.
Phenobarbital: Effects of Long-Term Administration on Behavior and Brain of Artificially Reared Rats

Two doses of phenobarbital were given daily for 2 weeks to infant rats fed by intragastric cannulas. The larger dose (60 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) resulted in decreased spontaneous activity and increased responses to novel stimuli. The smaller dose (15 milligrams per kilogram) resulted in increased spontaneous activity and also an increase of responses to novel stimuli. The larger dose produced a 12 percent reduction in brain growth, while the smaller dose was associated with a 3 percent reduction in brain growth.
The Effect of Methimazole on the White Blood Cells, Bursa of Fabricius, Thyroid Gland, and Body Weight of Young Chickens

Abstract 1-METHYL- 2 -MERCAPTOIMIDAZOLE is the chemical name for a relatively new goiterogen. Its pharmaceutical name is methimazole, and its trade name is Tapazole. In this report it will be referred to as methimazole. During the course of testing a number of antithyroid drugs by the radioiodine method, it was observed by Stanley and Astwood (1949) that methimazole was remarkably active. As little as 0.5 mg. exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect on iodine accumulation, and doses of 5.0 mg. completely inhibited the iodine uptake for nearly twenty-four hours. It was estimated that the activity of methimazole was approximately 100 times that of thiouracil. Methimazole has been used successfully in human medical practice as an aid in preparing patients suffering from hyperthyroidism for thyroidectomy, and as treatment for patients where thyroidectomy was not recommended, Rosendaum and Reveno (1952). Some of the side effects encountered from administering methimazole to humans are skin rash, …
Idempotents in Group Rings

The present study was motivated by the following question asked by Kaplansky: let k be a field and G a group. Is the group ring k[G] yon Neumann finite? Let us recall that a ring R with unit is called yon Newmann finite if for any a, b~R a b = 1 implies b a = 1. The well-known theorem of Kaplansky [4, Cor. 2.1.9] states that the answer to the question above is affirmative if the field is of characteristic zero. This is an easy consequence of Kaplansky's results on traces of idempotents (see w for details). The crucial point is the "nonvanishing property": if eek[G] is an idempotent then t r e = 0 implies e=0 . If c h a r k = p > 0 the last statement is no longer true and the finiteness question remains open. In the joint paper [3] Farkas and the author tried to overcome this difficulty by replacing the usual trace of e by the trace of its lifting ~. It lives inside the Witt vector ring of k. In w of this paper we show that if G is a polycyclic-by-finite group then tr~ enjoys all properties guaranteed by Kaplansky's Theorem in characteristic zero (hence also the nonvanishing property). Moreover the lifted trace is always a rational number. In w 2 we recall the classical results obtained by Kaplansky and Zalesskii on traces of idempotents. We discuss them in the context of the investigation of t r~ for e~k[G] where c h a r k = p > 0 and G is a residually finite group. We quote here the observations about tr e made in this connection by Farkas and Formanek. The last Sect., w contains an estimate on t r~ in the case when e is a central idempotent, It constitutes a partial result in the direction pointed by w
The thermodynamics of direct air capture of carbon dioxide

Abstract An analysis of thermodynamic constraints shows that the low concentration of carbon dioxide in ambient air does not pose stringent limits on air capture economics. The thermodynamic energy requirement is small even using an irreversible sorbent-based process. A comparison to flue gas scrubbing suggests that the additional energy requirement is small and can be supplied with low-cost energy. In general, the free energy expended in the regeneration of a sorbent will exceed the free energy of mixing, as absorption is usually not reversible. The irreversibility, which grows with the depth of scrubbing, tends to affect flue gas scrubbing more than air capture which can successfully operate while extracting only a small fraction of the carbon dioxide available in air. This is reflected in a significantly lower theoretical thermodynamic efficiency for a single stage flue gas scrubber than for an air capture device, but low carbon dioxide concentration in air still results in a larger energy demand for air capture. The energy required for capturing carbon dioxide from air could be delivered in various ways. I analyze a thermal swing and also a previously described moisture swing which is driven by the evaporation of water. While the total amount of heat supplied for sorbent regeneration in a thermal swing, in accordance with Carnot's principle, exceeds the total free energy requirement, the additional free energy required as one moves from flue gas scrubbing to air capture can be paid with an amount of additional low grade heat that equals the additional free energy requirement. Carnot's principle remains satisfied because the entire heat supplied, not just the additional amount, must be delivered at a slightly higher temperature. Whether the system is driven by water evaporation or by low grade heat, the cost of the thermodynamically-required energy can be as small as $1 to $2 per metric ton of carbon dioxide. Thermodynamics does not pose a practical constraint on the implementation of air capture but leaves quite some leeway for unavoidable inefficiencies in practical systems.
A microwave plasma torch assembly for atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract A new excitation source for atomic emission spectrometry, the microwave plasma torch (MPT) discharge, was developed and its analytical performance examined. The MPT works in a way that is significantly different from the ways in which the Beenakker cavity, surfatron or traditional capacitively coupled microwave plasma do. With the MPT, an argon discharge can be sustained at atmospheric pressure and at very low now rate (10 ml min ) and low forward power (40–500 W). Under slightly different conditions, a He or N2 microwave plasma (MP) can also be sustained. The plasma from the MPT is flame-like and has a central channel. Moreover, the sample aerosol can be introduced into the plasma with or without desolvation. Since the analyte is forced to pass through the central channel of the microwave discharge, it is efficiently vaporized, atomized, excited and ionized, and causes minimal perturbation to the plasma. The parameters that affect the plasma behavior have been studied in some detail. Background emission and the emission profiles of selected analytical lines were studied. The detection limits for most elements which have been studied are in the range of 1–50 ng ml , when an ultrasonic nebulizer with a simple desolvation system is employed. With the He MP, nonmetals including halogens are detectable even when samples are introduced in an aerosol form.
Behavior of Adult and Naive Birds when Presented with a Bumblebee and its Mimic1)

We attempted to determine whether the phenology of the general bumblebee mimic, Mallota bautias (Walker) (Diptera: Syrphidae) could be of adaptive value in defense against avian predation. We compared the feeding behaviors of wild-caught, adult red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus [L.]) and common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula [L.]) (both Passeri-formes: Icteridae) to the feeding behaviors of the respective hand-reared young. The birds were offered four species of prey: Tenebrio molitor L. larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), T. molitor pupae, M. bautias and Bombus pennsylvanicus (De Geer) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Significant differences in feeding latencies, feeding durations, gross feeding responses, and other feeding behaviors occurred between the various bird species and experience groups when presented with the various prey types. The wild-caught birds were far more likely to avoid both the bumblebee and its mimic than the naive birds. Therefore, it is adaptive for the mimic to appear before the naive insectivores fledge. Zusammenfassung In Beutewahlversuchen dienten versuchsnaive und erwachsene Rotschulter-starlinge (Agelaius phoeniceus) und Purpurbootsschwanze (Quiscalus quiscula) als Insektenrauber. Als Beute wurden Bombus pennsylvanicus, Mallota bautias (ein Batesscher Hummelnachahmer), Tenebrio molitor-Puppen und -Larven angeboten. Die jungen Vogel wurden handaufgezogen und erhielten als Futter eine breite Mannigfaltigkeit schmackhafter, unschadlicher Insekten (auser B. pennsylvanicus, M. bautias oder T. molitor-Puppen) vor der Testperiode. Infolgedessen zeigten die jungen Vogel wenig Neophobie beim Anblick von B. pennsylvanicus, M. bautias oder T. molitor-Puppen. Die Mehrzahl der Rotschulterstarlinge, aber nicht der Bootsschwanze, lernten, die Hummeln und deren Nachahmer zu meiden, nicht aus Furcht vor dem Stachel, sondern offen-bar infolge eines Ekelgeschmacks des Abdomens. Erwachsene Rotschulter-starlinge reinigten den Schnabel nach dem Fressen von B. pennsylvanicus, M. bautias und T. molitor-Puppen bedeutend haufiger als die anderen Gruppen. Junge Bootsschwanze tauchten ihre Beute bedeutend ofter als junge Rotschulterstarlinge in Wasser ein. Sonst hatten weder Beuteart noch Vogelalter Einflus auf die Beutebehandlung. Da die erwachsenen Vogel die Hummel oder deren Nachahmer bei der ersten Begegnung starker meiden, bedrohen den Nachahmer hauptsachlich naive Vogel. Daher kann der Umstand, das der Nachahmer seinen Lebenslauf vor dem Fruhling bzw. Fruhsommer beendet, also bevor die naiven Insektivoren flugge werden, als adaptiv gelten.
Esterase, malate, and lactate dehydrogenases activity in murine neuroblastoma.

Mouse neuroblastoma tumors have only the fifth isozyme band (A4) of lactate dehydrogenase, whereas this band is missing in the brain which contained four other bands of lactate dehydrogenase. The α-esterase isozyme patterns of tumors, kidney, and brain are similar except that there is an additional slowest-moving form of esterase in all tumor tissues. The malate dehydrogenase pattern is not altered in any of the tissues.
Multiwavelength nephelometer measurements in Los Angeles smog aerosol. III. Comparison to light extinction by NO2

Abstract A series of measurements in Los Angeles photochemical smog of the scattering component of extinction as a function of wavelength and of NO 2 concentration permitted a comparison of the light extinction by aerosol scattering and by NO 2 absorption. Results indicate that NO 2 contributed significantly to the wavelength dependence of extinction about 20% of the time during the period of record.
Polymorphisms of the prion protein gene (PRNP ) in Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas)

INHA) and 0.19 (U53020:c.499G>T of STAR) respectively. The INHA and STAR genotypes were not associated with ovulation rate (P ¼ 0.84 and P ¼ 0.95 respectively) or age at puberty (P ¼ 0.32 and P ¼ 0.75 respectively) in this data set. Due to a lack of association of these single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with ovulation rate, we suggest that the linkage disequilibrium between the causative mutation and these genes has been disrupted by recombination in this population, and the gene responsible for the QTL effects on porcine chromosome 15 probably resides some distance away from INHA and STAR. Acknowledgements: The authors thank Bree Quigley, Sue Hauver, Kris Simmerman and Linda Flathman for expert technical assistance and Sherry Kluver for manuscript preparation. Mention of trade names or commercial products is solely for the purpose of providing information and does not imply recommendation, endorsement or exclusion of other suitable
Cognitive Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

ABSTRACTObjectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is characterized by chronic, widespread, musculoskeletal pain, but symptoms other than pain are common. Dyscognition is a term used to refer to subjective feelings and objective performance measures of cognitive dysfunction. In this paper, the evidence for dyscognition in FMS is reviewed.Findings: Dyscognition is a prevalent symptom among patients with FMS that can be very disruptive. Studies using self-report measures support patient reports of dyscognition, demonstrating perceived problems across a number of cognitive domains. Tests using performance-based measures of cognitive function also support patient reports of dyscognition. Furthermore, these tests have thus far revealed a pattern of impairment in working memory and attention/executive control as well as memory impairment.Conclusions: Dyscognition is a real and troubling symptom for many patients with fibromyalgia. However, the body of research on dyscognition in FMS is still quite small. More rese...
NORWAY'S DISTRIBUTION OF BOOKS ON FAMILY PROBLEMS

In the U.S.A. we would call it the ‘Bible Belt’. A wisecracker in Oslo might call it den Morke Stripen, ‘the Dark Strip’. It is a strip of counties down the south‐west coast and around the south‐east coast of Norway, the stronghold of the Christian People's Party and of the powerful volunteer organization of fundamentalists, Indremisjonen (the Inner Mission). In the valleys and coasts of Norway the traditional Lutheran family patterns persist—patriarchal but not authoritarian—and provide a background of stability in the families of modern industrial and more worldly Oslo. There are few divorces in the provincial areas.
Paracrine regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in endometriosis.

Abstract Following retrograde menstruation, shed endometrial tissue fragments attach to and invade the peritoneal surface to form established endometriotic lesions. With disease progression, the biochemically active lesions undergo remodeling and become fibrotic. Matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a significant role in normal endometrial remodeling during menses. Anomalous expression of MMPs and TIMPs has been identified in endometriotic lesions as compared to their highly regulated expression in eutopic endometrium. The paracrine mechanisms regulating misexpression of MMPs and TIMPs by endometriotic lesions are, however, not well defined. Misexpression of the MMPs and TIMPs may be due to innate anomalies in the eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis, in the resident immune cells and peritoneal cells that juxtapose the ectopic endometrium, and/or numerous substances present in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The majority of MMPs are under strict transcriptional regulation. Steroid hormones and cytokines appear to act on the MMP promoter, either independently or in consort, to provide both positive and negative regulation of these genes. Misregulated expression of MMPs and TIMPs is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and a cascade of events facilitating peritoneal extracellular matrix degradation and establishment or remodeling of endometriotic lesions. The mechanisms by which MMP and TIMP expression are misregulated warrant further investigation as such information may provide insight into novel therapeutic modalities for endometriosis.
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the ICU: How Much Is Enough?

Stress ulcers of the gastrointestinal mucosa have been shown to develop in nearly all types of critically ill patients and endoscopic studies have shown mucosal abnormalities in the majority of patients [1]. As pointed out by Dr Marik in his article in this issue of the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, the majority of patients do not manifest clinically important bleeding from gastrointestinal stress ulceration [2]. In fact, the incidence of clinically important bleeding from stress ulcers appears to have declined in recent years [3].
Micro-/nanoscale tribology and mechanics of MEMS/NEMS materials, lubricants and devices

The field of MEMS/NEMS has expanded considerably over the last decade. The length scale and large surface-to-volume ratio of the devices result in very high retarding forces such as adhesion and friction that seriously undermine the performance and reliability of the devices. These tribological phenomena need to be studied and understood at the micro- to nanoscales. In addition, materials for MEMS/NEMS must exhibit good microscale tribological properties. There is a need to develop lubricants and identify lubrication methods that are suitable for MEMS/NEMS. Using atomic force microscopy-based techniques, researchers have conducted micro/nanotribological studies of materials and lubricants for use in MEMS/NEMS devices. In addition, component level testing have also been carried out to aid in better understanding of the observed tribological phenomena in MEMS/NEMS.
Assessing tumor response after loco-regional liver cancer therapies: the role of 3D MRI

Assessing the tumor response of liver cancer lesions after intraarterial therapies is of major clinical interest. Over the last two decades, tumor response criteria have come a long way from purely size-based, anatomic methods such as the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors towards more functional, enhancement- and diffusion-based parameters with a strong emphasis on MRI as the ultimate imaging modality. However, the relatively low reproducibility of those one- and 2D techniques (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and the European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria) provided the rationale for the development of new, 3D quantitative assessment techniques. This review will summarize and compare the existing methodologies used for 3D quantitative tumor analysis and provide an overview of the published clinical evidence for the benefits of 3D quantitative tumor response assessment techniques.
Assessment use, self-efficacy and mathematics achievement: comparative analysis of PISA 2003 data of Finland, Canada and the USA

Abstract The study examined the role of classroom assessment and its relationships to student characteristics and mathematics performance by comparing the USA, Canada and Finland using Program of International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003 data. The results indicated that student individual characteristics such as gender, family social–cultural status, foreign language spoken at home, effort invested on test, time spent on homework, mathematic self-efficacy and expected education level are similarly related to mathematics performance across the three countries. However, school assessment practices correlated to student achievement differently and interacted differently with individual student characteristics among the three countries. The comparative study provided a description of the unique role of assessment practices in mathematics performances in the USA, Finland and Canada.
Variability of ferritin measurements in chronic kidney disease; implications for iron management

Serum ferritin levels are a proxy measure of iron stores; and existing guidelines for managing anemia in hemodialysis patients suggest that serum ferritin concentrations should be maintained at >200 ng/ml. The KDOQI recommendations further state there is insufficient evidence advocating routine intravenous iron when ferritin levels exceed 500 ng/ml. Here we determined the interassay differences and short-term intraindividual variability of serum ferritin measurements in patients on chronic hemodialysis to illustrate how these variances may affect treatment decisions. Intermethod variations of up to 150 ng/ml were found comparing six commonly used ferritin assays that evaluated thirteen pools of serum from hemodialysis and nonhemodialysis patients. The intraindividual variability for ferritin in 60 stable hemodialysis patients ranged between 2–62% measured over an initial two-week period and from 3–52% when factored over a six-week period. Our results suggests that single serum ferritin values should not be used to guide clinical decisions regarding treatment of chronic hemodialysis patients with intravenous iron due to significant analytical and intraindividual variability.
The interaction of iron with molten uranium

Abstract The rate of penetration of Armco iron by molten uranium, U-34 at % Fe eutectic and U-77 at % Fe eutectic was investigated in the range of 740 to 1300° C. This was done in an effort to understand the mode of penetration of uranium-base fuels through iron-base claddings. The phenomenon of particular interest was a penetration rate reversal, i.e. decreasing rate with increasing temperature, between 1150 and 1244° C. Penetration rates at 1150° C were found to be 760 μm/sec in uranium, 690 μm/sec in U-34 at % Fe and 5.5 μm/sec in U-77 at % Fe. At 1244° C these rates changed to 150 μm/sec in uranium, 130 μm/sec in U-34 at % Fe and 5.7 μm/sec in U-77 at % Fe. The study showed that the penetration rate is related to the rate and mode of formation of UFe2. The rate changes correlate well with the phases of the U-Fe equilibrium diagram.
Chemotherapeutic dose intensification for treatment of malignant brain tumors: Recent developments and future directions

Despite a large amount of research on malignant brain tumors over the past 70 years, the prognosis for most tumor types is poor. One current focus of research is increasing dose intensity of chemotherapeutic agents. Various ways to increase dose intensity include high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue (eg, bone marrow transplant), blood-brain barrier disruption or use of RMP7 to increase transvascular drug delivery, local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents (convection enhancement or clysis, antibody conjugates, and biodegradable polymers), chemoprotective agents, and tumor sensitizers. Improved identification of patients likely to respond to a given regimen may also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. We also discuss approaches to improve the design of nonrandomized trials by identifying and controlling potential confounding variables. This will improve the quality of individual studies and perhaps the comparability across studies.
Predicting Adjustment During the Transition to College: Alexithymia, Perceived Stress, and Psychological Symptoms

Fifty-six incoming college students were assessed in a study of the contribution of alexithymia, stress, and psychological symptoms to college adjustment. Alexithymia predicted fall semester adjustment, suggesting that interventions aimed at encouraging awareness and discussion of emotions may improve academic and emotional well-being for students making the transition to college.
New ATP incorporating activities from rat liver mitochondria: the attachment of a portion of ATP to a pronase-sensitive receptor.

Abstract Studies using a Brij 58 detergent extract of rat liver mitochondria reveal that these organelles can catalyze the time-dependent incorporation of a portion of [ 3 H]ATP into an acid-insoluble product. The activities studied using 8 mM Mn ++ or 15 mM Mg ++ are stimulated by dithiothreitol and by CTP, GTP or UTP, while that studied using 2 mM Mg ++ is not. The incorporated tritium remains bound after incubation in the presence of excess unlabeled ATP and chromatography on Sephadex G-25. The labeled product is insensitive to ribonuclease A and snake venom phosphodiesterase, but is sensitive to pronase. The attached portion of the ATP molecule released upon treatment of the product has been tentatively identified as adenosine for the activities studied using 2 mM Mg ++ or 8 mM Mn ++ and as AMP (80%) and adenosine (20%) for the reaction studied using 15 mM Mg ++ .
Applications of an aluminum¿beryllium composite for structural aerospace components

Abstract The use of AlBeMet AM162, an aluminum–beryllium metal matrix composite, is an effective way to reduce the size and weight of many structural aerospace components that are currently made out of aluminum and titanium alloys. These savings, which are essential for today's technologies, are primarily due to the material's high modulus and low density combined with its better than average specific strength. The raw material costs are significantly higher than they are for traditional engineering alloys, and the available billet sizes are more limited than they are for aluminum and titanium alloys. Although the material costs are higher for the aluminum–beryllium composite, ease of machining makes it financially competitive when compared to equivalent parts made out of titanium alloys. Due to toxic nature of beryllium, however, debris-generating operations must be strictly regulated to limit worker's exposure to the material and protect them from potentially fatal diseases.
Human embryonic stem cell model of ethanol-mediated early developmental toxicity.

Abstract Background Fetal alcohol syndrome is an important clinical problem. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have not been widely used to study developmental alcohol toxicity. Here we document the phenotype of hESC exposed to clinically-relevant, low dose ethanol (20 mM). Methods All cultures were maintained in 3% O2 to reflect normal physiologic conditions. Undifferentiated hESC were expanded with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), with or without ethanol, then differentiated without ethanol. Proliferation and apoptosis in response to ethanol were assayed, and PCR used to examine expression of GABA receptor subunits. Whole cell patch clamping was used to examine GABAA receptor function in undifferentiated hESC. Immunocytochemistry and western blotting were used to follow differentiation of early neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, Principal findings Exposure to 20 mM ethanol resulted in larger colonies of undifferentiated hESC despite an increase in apoptosis, because proliferation of the undifferentiated cells (and neuroblasts) was significantly increased. Differentiation of hESC (following a week of ethanol exposure) resulted in decreased expression of GFAP (by western) compared to unexposed cells, suggesting that astrocyte differentiation was reduced, while markers of oligodendrocyte and neuron differentiation were unchanged. At the message level, undifferentiated hESC express all GABAA receptor subunits, but functional receptors were not found by whole cell patch clamping. Conclusion Our results in hESC suggest a complex mix of ethanol-induced phenotypic changes when ethanol exposure occurs very early in development. Not only increased apoptosis, but inappropriate proliferation and loss of trophic astrocytes could result from low-dose ethanol exposure very early in development. More generally, these studies support a role for hESC in developing hypotheses and focusing questions to complement animal studies of developmental toxicities.
Method and Outcome of Transvesical Ureterectomy of the Distal Ureter in Nephroureterectomy of Native Kidney Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Ipsilateral to a Transplanted Kidney

OBJECTIVES To analyze outcomes of cases in which we adapted a transvesical ureterectomy technique to remove the distal ureter, including complete removal of the bladder cuff, upon retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy (performed when the diseased native kidney and ureter are ipsilateral to the transplant kidney). METHODS Nineteen cases of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma of the native kidney were diagnosed among the 520 kidney transplant recipients at our kidney transplantation clinic over the last 19 years. Of these 19 patients, 11 had urothelial carcinoma of the native kidney ipsilateral to the transplant kidney. Excluding 2 patients in whom different surgical methods were used, we report 9 patients with nephrectomy and kidney removal through a flank incision retroperitoneally, followed by distal ureteral ureterectomy transvesically through a cystotomy incision. RESULTS No postoperative surgical complications were encountered among these 9 immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipients. No perioperative deterioration of transplant kidney function was found. One patient with lower ureteral T2/Tis urothelial carcinoma had a minor ureteral wall tear upon pulling-through of the ureteral hiatus, which was clamped immediately. No retroperitoneum or wound metastasis was found during follow-up, which ranged from 3 months to 11 years and 8 months. CONCLUSIONS This transvesical ureterectomy technique of the distal ureter upon retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy ipsilateral to the transplant kidney is an easy and expeditious approach if the urothelial carcinoma is located in the upper or midureter or renal pelvis.
Appearance of steadily viewed lights

An interocular matching technique was used to investigate the variation of chromaticity and brightness following steady viewing of a chromatic test light (identical adapting and testing color). Adaptation times were of sufficient duration to ensure stable matches. Following chromatic adaptation we found changes in hue, saturation and brightness. The spectral colors appeared desaturated. The hue shift for the spectral region 546 to 570 nm was towards green and for 586 to 670 nm was towards red. The brightness decrease, independent of chromaticity, was 0.8 log unit at 150 td and 0.3 log unit at 8 td. Data were analyzed within a two-process framework of brightness. Bezold-Brucke effect measurements showed chromaticity shifts in the same direction as for dimming caused by continuous adaptation. Changes in saturation were also observed but were usually in the opposite direction from those found for adaptation.
Ubiquitin-specific Protease 9x Deubiquitinates and Stabilizes the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Protein-Survival Motor Neuron

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic disorder of infant mortality, is caused by low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Currently it is not clear how the SMN protein levels are regulated at the post-transcriptional level. In this report, we find that Usp9x, a deubiquitinating enzyme, stably associates with the SMN complex via directly interacting with SMN. Usp9x deubiquitinates SMN that is mostly mono- and di-ubiquitinated. Knockdown of Usp9x promotes SMN degradation and reduces the protein levels of SMN and the SMN complex in cultured mammalian cells. Interestingly, Usp9x does not deubiquitinate nuclear SMNΔ7, the main protein product of the SMN2 gene, which is polyubiquitinated and rapidly degraded by the proteasome. Together, our results indicate that SMN and SMNΔ7 are differently ubiquitinated; Usp9x plays an important role in stabilizing SMN and the SMN complex, likely via antagonizing Ub-dependent SMN degradation.
Proton density fat-fraction is an accurate biomarker of hepatic steatosis in adolescent girls and young women

Objectives To compare complex quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MR spectroscopy (MRS) for quantification of hepatic steatosis (HS) and determine clinically significant MRI-based thresholds of HS in female youths.
When Competitive Advantage Doesn't Lead to Performance: The Resource-Based View and Stakeholder Bargaining Power

Most theories of competitive advantage seek to explain rent capture at the firm level but ignore which internal stakeholders will appropriate this rent. For example, IO economics focuses on market structure and the resource-based view focuses on unique firm-level capabilities that rivals cannot imitate or acquire. As researchers apply these frameworks, they either: 1) assume rent is captured by shareholders, 2) treat within-firm rent appropriation exogenously, or 3) ignore internal rent appropriation altogether. However, internal rent appropriation determines how much of the rent will be observable in measures of firm performance and is therefore central to empirical research focused on firm performance. What if rent from a competitive advantage is appropriated internally so it cannot be observed in performance measures? The resource-based view was not formulated to examine who will get the rent. Yet, this essay argues that the factors leading to a resource-based advantage also predict who will appropriate rent. Knowledge-based assets are promising as a source of sustainable advantage because firm-specificity, social complexity and causal ambiguity make them hard for rivals to imitate. Accordingly, these strong roles for internal stakeholders may grant them a great deal of bargaining power especially relative to investors who contribute the most fungible of all resources. This article integrates the resource-based view with the bargaining power literature by defining the firm as a nexus of contracts. This lens can help to explain when rent will be generated and, simultaneously, who will appropriate it. In doing so, it provides a more robust theory of firm performance than the resource-based view alone. This lens might also be useful for examining other theories of firm performance.
Effects of nifedipine on diastolic function during brief periods of flow-limiting ischemia in the conscious dog.

To determine the contribution of transsarcolemmal calcium flux to abnormal diastolic function produced by brief periods of flow-limiting ischemia and reperfusion, we evaluated early and late diastolic function during transient coronary occlusion and reperfusion before and during administration of intravenous nifedipine (NIF) (10 +/- 1 microgram/kg/min) in nine preinstrumented conscious dogs. We also assessed the effects of nitroprusside (NTP) (2 +/- 0.2 micrograms/kg/min) during an identical period of ischemia and reperfusion to independently assess the consequences of altered loading alone on diastolic function. To minimize the effects of temporal dysynchrony and altered ventricular loading conditions on isovolumetric relaxation, we developed a conscious dog preparation of reversible transient (30 to 60 sec) bilateral coronary occlusion (BCO). BCO was characterized by significant systolic depression: maximum (+)dP/dt decreased (from 2617 +/- 600 to 1981 +/- 565 mm Hg/sec, p less than .05), left ventricular transverse dimension shortening diminished (from 20 +/- 5 to 9 +/- 5%, p less than .05), and the left ventricle dilated (42.4 +/- 6.4 to 43.8 +/- 6.3 mm, p less than .05). Concomitantly the time constants of isovolumetric relaxation prolonged (from 22 +/- 3 to 28 +/- 4 msec, p less than .05) and minimal diastolic left ventricular pressure increased (from -3 +/- 6 to 6 +/-6 mm Hg, p less than .05). The passive diastolic pressure-dimension relationship shifted upward and to the right and was associated with increased chamber stiffness (from 0.50 +/- 0.26 to 1.03 +/- 0.53 mm Hg/mm, p less than .05) and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (from 7 +/- 7 to 19 +/- 7 mm Hg, p less than .05). Reperfusion immediately after BCO was characterized by prompt restoration of systolic contractile performance [maximum (+)dP/dt 3220 +/- 530 mm Hg/sec] but persistently abnormal early and late diastolic function (time constant of isovolumetric relaxation 30 +/- 6 msec, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure 20 +/- 7 mm Hg). The effects of drug administration on ventricular function during BCO were then evaluated under matched loading conditions. NTP improved time constant of isovolumetric relaxation (20 +/- 8 vs 28 +/- 4 msec, p less than .05) and minimal diastolic left ventricular pressure (2 +/- 5 vs 6 +/- mm Hg, p less than .05) during BCO, but NIF did not (time constant of isovolumetric relaxation 27 +/- 6 msec, minimal diastolic left ventricular pressure 7 +/- 5 mm Hg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Teenager Presents With Fulminant Hepatic Failure and Acute Hemolytic Anemia

A teenager was admitted to an outside hospital ED following an episode of melena. He had been complaining of intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, malaise, and easy fatigability for 2 months, with significant worsening of symptoms 2 weeks prior to this episode. He had no significant medical, surgical, or family history. On presentation at the outside ED, he was found to be profoundly icteric and encephalopathic. Initial laboratories suggested anemia, acute kidney injury, and acute liver failure, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of acute fulminant liver failure necessitating transfer to our institution.
Relating mothers' social framing to their children's entry competence with peers

The purpose of this study was to examine how mothers view and construct meaning their children's social interactions, and to understand the interpretive frames they bring to filtering the social world and conveying meaning to their children. Maternal narrations to their children' videotaped entry behavior revealed narration patterns related to their children' entry behavior and the group's response. Generally, when their children were behaving competently, mothers appeared to have a broad based, context embedded view of the interaction, but focused more specifially when difficulties arose, These narration patterns were influenced ny the mothers' own remembered childhood social competence and recollections of positive and anxious peer experiences. Implications of these results for the socialization process were discussed.
A Discrete Time Approach for Modeling Two-Factor Mean-Reverting Stochastic Processes

Two-factor stochastic processes have been developed to more accurately describe the intertemporal dynamics of variables such as commodity prices. In this paper we develop an approach for modeling these types of stochastic processes in discrete time as two-dimensional binomial sequences. This approach facilitates the numerical solution of dynamic optimization problems such as investment decision making under uncertainty and option valuation related to commodities. We implement this approach in a two-dimensional lattice format, apply it to two hypothetical valuation problems discussed by Schwartz and Smith, and compare the results to those from simulation-and dynamic-programming-based methods.