cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data confidentiality, data quality and data integration for federal databases

The high-level goal of the research is to develop abstractions, theory and methodology and software tools that allow federal statistical agencies to disseminate useful information derived from confidential data but protect the privacy of data subjects---individuals and establishments.
Alteration of hepatic fatty acid metabolism after burn injury in pigs.

Background: The primary goal of this study was to investigate hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism after severe thermal injury. Methods: Sixteen pigs were divided into control (n = 8) and burn (n = 8, with 40% full thickness total body surface area burned) groups. Catheters were inserted in the right common carotid artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein for blood sampling. Flow probes were placed around the hepatic artery and portal vein for blood flow measurements. Animals were given pain medication and sedated until the tracer study on day 4 after burn. The pigs were infused for 4 hours with U-13C16-palmitate in order to quantify hepatic FA kinetics and oxidation. Results: Liver triglyceride (TG) content was elevated from 162 ± 16 (control) to 297 ± 28 μmol TG/g dry liver wt. (p < .05). Hepatic FA uptake and oxidation were similar between the 2 groups, as were malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) levels and activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase. In contrast, in...
Where Are Your Data? A Critique of Secondary Data Analysis in Sociological Research:

Secondary data analysis has become central to the research experience of many, if not the majority, of sociologists. The problem with this approach to research is the subtle, but powerful, message that is conveyed about the nature of the social world. Social existence is portrayed in an abstract and somewhat dehumanizing manner. Additionally, due to this social imagery, researchers are not encouraged to enter communities to conduct research. As a result, many methodological skills that used to be learned, almost by osmosis, are no longer emphasized during the research enterprise.
Dose-finding and pharmacokinetic study of intramuscular midazolam.

Ten healthy male volunteers received intramuscular (IM) doses of 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 mg/kg midazolam hydrochloride or its vehicle (placebo) in a double-blind manner until a dose producing adequate preanesthetic sedation was administered. Level of sedation, degree of impairment of psychomotor function, existence of antegrade amnesia, and incidence of side effects were evaluated after each dose. An adequate level of sedation (awake/drowsy or asleep/easily responds to verbal command for at least one hour after drug administration) was produced, beginning shortly after drug administration, in eight of the volunteers by 0.075 mg/kg; the dose producing the same effect (the optimal dose) was 0.050 mg/kg for the oldest volunteer, and the other volunteer required 0.100 mg/kg. Sedation lasted no more than four hours after administration of the optimal dose. The optimal dose in each volunteer produced an impairment of psychomotor function that lasted no more than six hours and antegrade amnesia that lasted no more than two hours. Mild erythema at the injection site occurred infrequently. The pharmacokinetic variables describing the absorption and disposition of midazolam were determined in five of the volunteers. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that midazolam hydrochloride is absorbed rapidly from IM injection sites; this is consistent with the observation of a rapid onset of sedation. The relatively high elimination clearance of midazolam after IM administration is similar to that reported after intravenous administration. The results of this study suggest that midazolam hydrochloride 0.075 mg/kg IM provides sedation and amnesia that is satisfactory for preanesthetic medication but does not last too long into the recovery period.
Development and Validation of the Family Influence Scale

This article describes the development and validation of the Family Influence Scale (FIS). The FIS is designed to assess perceptions of how one’s family of origin influences career and work choices. The purpose of Study 1 was to identify the domains of family influence. A 57-item scale was completed by a sample of 205 college students. Results supported a 32-item four-factor measure. The purpose of Study 2 was to refine the initial scale’s items and examine construct validity using a larger and more diverse sample (n = 537). Results supported a four-factor solution composed of the following sub-scales: Informational Support, Financial Support, Family Expectations, and Values/Beliefs. Findings also provided support for the internal consistency and construct validity of the scale.
Is there Bragg — scattering off a two-dimensional crystal?

Abstract We show that due to the finite energy resolution of scattered radiation, there will be Bragg scattering off a two-dimensional crystal in spite of the strong long wavelength fluctuations which destroy crystalline long range order.
A nonlinear measure of subalignment similarity and its significance levels.

A new measure of subalignment similarity is introduced. Specifically, similaritys(l,c) is defined as the logarithm to the basep of the probability of findingc or fewer mismatches in a subalignment of lengthl, wherep is the probability of a match. Previous algorithms can not use this measure to find locally optimal subalignments because, unlike Needleman-Wunsch and Sellers similarities, this measure is nonlinear. A new pattern recognition algorithm is described for finding all locally optimal subalignments of two nucleotide sequences. The DD algorithm can uses(l, c) or any other reasonable similarity function to assess the relative interest of subalignments. The DD algorithm searches only the diagonal graph, which lacks insertions and deletions. This search strategy greatly decreases the computation time and does not require an arbitrary choice of gap cost. The paths of the resulting DD graph usually draw attention to likely locations for insertions and deletions. A heuristic formula is derived for estimating significance levels fors(l, c) in the context of the lengths of the two aligned sequences. The DD algorithm has been used to find interesting subalignments between the nucleotide sequences for human and murine interleukin 2.
TRANSPORT OF THE VERY SMALL INFANT: TIME FACTOR ANALYSIS

Although regionalized care for the sick newborn has resulted in significant decreases in morbidity and mortality, there is little published experience of specific problems related to transport of defined groups of infants. A referral system was established to transport all infants (BW ⋜ 1500 grams) born at four community hospitals, 40-60 miles from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Upon notification of delivery and transport request, a transport team composed of two neonatal intensive care nurses alone or with a neonatologist were sent by especially-equipped ambulance. Care included monitoring of oxygen concentration, heart rate, and skin and environmental temperatures; and when necessary, resuscitation and buffer correction. During the three years' experience, 76 infants were transported. No deaths occurred during transport, 3 infants expired within 3 hours after admission, and 20 within 48 hours. Time analysis of the system performed by studying the steps involved, showed that total transport time, i.e., from delivery to arrival at NICU, could be reduced 20% by prompt initial request. Total transport time was significantly shorter for infants who survived, and the difference in length of time between delivery and initiation of transport request was significant for those who survived versus those who expired (X 26.3 minutes for survivors; X 84.5 minutes for those who expired). Thus, the outcome of the small infant is improved by early initiation of transport.
Prolonged effect from intramuscular corticosteroids. Triamcinolone acetonide in rheumatoid arthritis.

SummaryIn a continuing evaluation of the intramuscular administration of steroids in the treatment of rheumatic disease, 444 injections, each of 100 mg., of TACTN have been administered to 77 patients. The desired anti-inflammatory effect was obtained in approximately 75 per cent of patients. A 50-mg. dose of TACTN was less satisfactory than an 80-mg. dose. An 80-mg. dose was less satisfactory than a 100-mg. dose and a 100-mg. dose was less satisfactory than a 140-mg. dose in most of a limited number of patients in which these doses were compared.Side effects ordinarily encountered with oral steroids were seen with TACTN. Moon facies and ecchymoses were the most common, being evident in approximately half of the treated patients, while hirsutism, muscle cramps and diuresis were noted each in 10 per cent of patients. Acne was noted in only a few patients, and other effects in only 1 or 2 patients. Gastrointestinal complications were minimal, proving a definite advantage over orally administered steroids.Th...
The role of noninvasive testing in the evaluation of chronic venous problems

Noninvasive instrumentation is now available to evaluate venous function in patients with a wide variety of chronic venous problems. The present analysis attempts to review the use of directional flow detection by Doppler ultrasound, venous refilling or maximal venous outflow by plethysmography, and the newly introduced venous imaging techniques (B-mode and duplex scanning) in evaluation of patients with varicose veins, the postphlebitic syndrome, sequelae after acute deep-vein thrombosis, and venous reconstructive surgery. Venous refilling time recorded by the photoplethysmograph is the simplest technique for assessment of venous dysfunction, and it can identify venous stasis or ulcer as a result of long saphenous vein insufficiency. Both the B-mode and the duplex scan allow direct examination of venous valve motion and determination of valve competency. The latter technique holds promise in the evaluation of venous valve reconstructive surgery and, more important, in accurate assessment of venous valve damage following acute deep-vein thrombosis.
Gas-liquid transfer data used to analyze hydrophobic hydration and find the nature of the Kauzmann-Tanford hydrophobic factor

Hydrophobic free energy for protein folding is currently measured by liquid-liquid transfer, based on an analogy between the folding process and the transfer of a nonpolar solute from water into a reference solvent. The second part of the analogy (transfer into a nonaqueous solvent) is dubious and has been justified by arguing that transfer out of water probably contributes the major part of the free energy change. This assumption is wrong: transfer out of water contributes no more than half the total, often less. Liquid-liquid transfer of the solute from water to liquid alkane is written here as the sum of 2 gas-liquid transfers: (i) out of water into vapor, and (ii) from vapor into liquid alkane. Both gas-liquid transfers have known free energy values for several alkane solutes. The comparable values of the two different transfer reactions are explained by the values, determined in 1991 for three alkane solutes, of the cavity work and the solute-solvent interaction energy. The transfer free energy is the difference between the positive cavity work and the negative solute-solvent interaction energy. The interaction energy has similar values in water and liquid alkane that are intermediate in magnitude between the cavity work in water and in liquid alkane. These properties explain why the transfer free energy has comparable values (with opposite signs) in the two transfers. The current hydrophobic free energy is puzzling and poorly defined and needs a new definition and method of measurement.
Differences in hair coat shedding, and effects on calf weaning weight and BCS among Angus dams

Abstract The objective of the study was to assess variation in hair coat shedding of Angus cows, and its effect on adjusted weaning weight ( d205wt ) and BCS. Data were available from 532 Angus cows over 3 years of age. Beginning in March and for 5 months at 30-d intervals, trained technicians scored cows on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 representing slick coats and 5 winter coats. For each cow, the first month with a score of 3 or less ( MFS , 5 levels) was considered the beginning of winter coat shedding and used in the analyses. Association between MFS and d205WT or BCS, was investigated using the mixed procedure of SAS. Data were further analyzed by dividing cows into two groups, group one (Group 1) were cows with a shedding score of 3 or less by June 1st and group two (Group 2) consisted of cows with a shedding score of 4 or 5 on June 1st ( AS, 2 levels). Calves from Group1 dams were 11.1 ± 2.8 kg heavier at weaning (P 2 = 0.35) with a moderate genetic correlation with d205WT (r g = − 0.58). Hair coat shedding is a heritable trait and could be altered by selection. Producers within the Southeastern or Southern United States who are concerned about heat stress may want to select for cattle that shed their winter hair coat earlier in the season. In conclusion, cows who shed their winter coat by June 1st will wean heavier calves on average.
Evidence that 2-methoxyestradiol suppresses proliferation and accelerates apoptosis in normal rat growth plate chondrocytes.

Abstract Purpose. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), a metabolite of 17β-estradiol, is currently undergoing extensive clinical testing as an antitumor agent. This drug antagonizes both angiogenesis and induces apoptosis in some tumor cell lines. Growth plate alterations as well as an inhibition of longitudinal bone growth have been reported in young rats treated with a pharmacological dose of 2ME2. However, 2ME2's mechanism of action at the growth plate is unknown. To uncover the mechanism, we examined the dose-response effects of 2ME2 on growth plate chondrocytes. Methods. 2ME2 (4-, 20-, and 75 mg·kg·day) was administered orally to recently ovariectomized 10-week-old rats. The number of cells undergoing DNA synthesis was evaluated with 3H-thymidine radioautography, apoptosis-induced DNA fragmentation was detected with TUNEL assay, and longitudinal growth rates were determined with fluorochrome labeling. Results. 2ME2 reduced bone elongation (P≤0.05), suppressed chondrocyte proliferation (P≤0.05), and induced chondrocyte apoptosis (P≤0.05). Furthermore, 1-week treatment with 2ME2 did not affect the size of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Conclusion. Thus, pharmacological doses of 2ME2 utilized for tumor suppression can inhibit normal bone elongation in growing rats by reducing the number of proliferating chondrocytes in the growth plate and accelerating apoptosis in differentiated chondrocytes. This demonstration identifies another organ in which toxicity should potentially be monitored in ongoing and future clinical trials of 2ME2.
Effect of biochar on chemical properties of acidic soil

The effect of biochar addition on the chemical properties of acidic soil such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable acidity were investigated to determine the liming potential of biochars. This study was conducted by incubating acidic soil (clayey, smectitic, acid, mesic, shallow, Aridic Ustorthent) of pH < 4.80 with biochars for 165 days. The biochars were produced from two biomass feedstocks such as corn stover (Zea mays L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) using microwave pyrolysis (at 650°C). Corn stover biochar, switchgrass biochar, and lime (calcium carbonate) were applied at four rates (0, 52, 104, and 156 Mg ha−1) to acidic soil. Amendment type, application rate, and their interaction had significant effects (p < 0.05) on soil pH, EC, and CEC of acidic soil. Exchangeable acidity was significantly affected by amendment type. Application of corn stover biochar had shown a relatively larger increase in soil pH than switchgrass biochar at all a...
Multisegmented ion chamber for CT scanner dosimetry.

A multisegmented, ionization chamber capable of determining dosimetric profiles from a CT scanner has been developed and tested. The chamber consists of a number of 2 mm wide electrically isolated segments from which ionization currents may be measured. Presented here are the performance characteristics of the chamber including energy response, dose linearity, and corrections for ''cross talk'' between segments. Sample dosimetric profiles are depicted for 3 and 6 mm nominal beam widths at two locations in a dosimetric phantom positioned in the x-ray beam of a fourth generation CT scanner. The results agree well with the conventional method of obtaining dosimetry measurements with TLD chips.
Structure, Interactions, and Dynamics in Tethered Chain Systems

We use the self-assembling nature of diblock copolymers in selective solvents to produce monodisperse spherical micelles. These micelles provide a valuable model system to study chains tethered to ...
Conversation Attentiveness and Following in 12- and 18-Week-Old Infants*

In recent years, the investigation of social transactional factors in early language and prelinguistic development have played an important role in reshaping cancepts of communication and its ontogenesis. The present study reports findings concerning young infants’ dispositions to fallow the conversational interchanges of spontaneous adult dialogues. Two of 13 12-week-old infants (15%) and B of 12 lB-week-old infants (67%) showed organized shifts in visual attentiveness that were co-incident with shifts in speaking that occurred between adult speakers. Conversation monitoring of this sort went on in some instances for as long as 2 to 3 min. The data are discussed from the standpoints of cognition-attention, affect, and subjectivity. conversation monitoring communication prelinguistic patterns affect attention
Prevalence corrected hysterectomy rates and probabilities in Utah.

Abstract PURPOSE: A life table method is used for correcting hysterectomy rates and probabilities for prevalent cases of hysterectomies in the population. Both corrected and conventional hysterectomy rates and probabilities are reported. METHODS: Hysterectomy prevalence estimates are derived from cross-sectional hysterectomy and mortality using a life table method. Analysis is based on the Utah Hospital Discharge Data Base and State death certificates. RESULTS: Hysterectomy rates are strongly influenced by age, reaching 150 per 10,000 for ages 45–49 years. The corresponding corrected hysterectomy rate is 196. Differences between the corrected and uncorrected cause-specific hysterectomy rates tend to be most pronounced at their peaks, particularly later in life where the prevalence of hysterectomy is greatest. Probability of hysterectomy approaches slightly above 35% over the life span, whereas the corrected hysterectomy probability approaches 43%. Probability of hysterectomy in the next 10 years is 12.9% for women aged 35 years and 11.7% for women aged 45 years. Corresponding corrected hysterectomy probabilities are 14.3 and 15.1. Higher prevalence of hysterectomy in later ages explains the reverse in magnitude of the rates when the correction is applied to the hysterectomy rates. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional hysterectomy rates are underestimated, particularly in older age groups. A prevalence correction of the rates and probabilities is necessary to fully understand the potential health related consequences and impact of this medical procedure in the population.
Issue Framing and Citizen Apathy Toward Local Environmental Contamination

We adapt the frame-alignment perspective in order to demonstrate how institutional framing shapes media coverage of a toxic crisis. This framing activity is described as a new approach to managing public responses to contamination that differs from the approach characterizing contamination episodes at Love Canal and Woburn, MA. Our analysis focuses on the process by which actors responsible for managing toxic crises carefully construct and manage a coordinated risk frame. We refer to this as institutional framing and illustrate how it shapes media framing of a toxic event. We conclude by proposing further research to identify the causal relationship between institutional framing and the absence of mobilization. The discovery of dioxin contamination in 1999 in the Woonasquatucket River in North Providence, RI, did not lead to community mobilization or even loosely organized community opposition even though concern about the contamination was high. Forms of mobilization range from letter-writing campaigns, citizen protests at public meetings, and demands of public officials to the formation of grassroots neighborhood groups that, in addition to these activities, may organize sit-ins, perform their own scientific analyses of environmental health effects, and bring lawsuits against responsible parties. Each of these types of mobilization can be seen in the literature on
Carrier Dynamics and Homogeneous Broadening in Quantum Dot Waveguides

Coupling between InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots is investigated using differential transmission spectroscopy. Degenerate measurements show an initial carrier relaxation time that is relatively independent of carrier density. Two-color pump-probe techniques are used to spectrally resolve the carrier dynamics, revealing transfer between quantum dots and a homogeneous linewidth of 12 nm at room temperature. The time constant for carrier escape is shown to increase from 35 ps at room temperature to 130 ps at 230 K. We then employ a rate equation model to simulate the performance of a semiconductor optical amplifier with QDs as the active region.
APPLICATION OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT OF HISPANIC PATIENTS

This article desribes certain aspects of the cultural dynamics of lower socioeconomic Hispanic populations. Specifically, there is discussion of a particular view of the world among Hispanics that emphasizes a concrete orientation and discourages the outward expression of anger or agression. The Cognitive Behavior model, which is structured and goal-oriented, and which addresses attitudes surrounding the expression of anger/aggression, is briefly described, and recommended as a particularly effective approach with Hispanic clients in individual and group therapy and in outpatient and partial hospitalization settings.
Boson localization and correlated pinning of superconducting vortex arrays.

A theory of vortex pinning in high-temperature superconductors by correlated disorder in the form of twin boundaries, grain boundaries, and columnar defects is described. Mapping vortex trajectories onto boson world lines leads to a ``superfluid'' flux liquid at high temperatures, as well as low-temperature ``Bose-glass'' and ``Mott-insulator'' phases, in which the flux lines are localized. Currents perpendicular to the average vortex direction act like an electric field applied to charged bosons, while currents parallel to the field act like an imaginary magnetic field in this approach. We discuss the equilibrium and dynamic properties of these phases, and propose a scaling theory for the flux-liquid to Bose-glass transition, at which the linear resistivity vanishes. Although the Bose-glass predictions share some features with vortex-glass behavior predicted for point disorder, the response to tilting the magnetic field in the two cases differs dramatically, thus allowing the two theories to be distinguished experimentally.
Convergence and Mobility: Personal Income Trends in U.S. Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Regions:

The authors find evidence of income convergence across all substate labor markets in the lower forty-eight U.S. states during the 1969 to 1999 period. However, convergence is not expressed in a uniform way across metropolitan/nonmetropolitan regions, across time periods, or across census regions. The authors show that catching up within the distribution is more common for nonmetropolitan regions than for metropolitan regions. Furthermore, the largest metropolitan regions show strong tendencies to converge toward the bottom of their income distribution while at the same time showing comparatively little distributional mobility. This contrasts with results for the smallest nonmetropolitan regions, which show no evidence of convergence but high levels of intradistributional mobility. The authors also examine the relationship between human capital accumulation and industry mix and subsequent distributional mobility. The results suggest that educational attainment is positively correlated with growth for metro...
Effectiveness of a Dentifrice Containing Formalin and Sodium Monofluorophosphate on Dental Hypersensitivity

A double-blind investigation comparing a control dentifrice with one containing active ingredients was conducted to determine their effect on dentinal hypersensitivity in 67 human subjects. Baseline data was obtained by patient questionnaire, dental examination and by soliciting subjective responses to controlled mechanical and thermal stimuli. A calcium carbonate-based toothpaste constituted the base for both the control and active dentifrice. The active dentifrice contained 0.8% sodium monofluorophosphate and 1.3% formalin while the control lacked these ingredients. Dentifrices were supplied to patients on a random basis, and patients were instructed to brush twice each day for 28 days. Mechanical and thermal response as accomplished at baseline were obtained at 14 and 28 days after baseline on 60 subjects. A statistically significant reduction was not obtained in response to mechanical stimulus. The active dentifrice demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) to thermal stimulus at b...
Ovine placental perfusion balance: Effect of marijuana smoke

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that maternal marijuana smoking impairs placental oxygen transfer in late ovine pregnancy by disrupting perfusion balance between the maternal and fetal placental circulations. Placental hemodynamics were assessed in nine chronically prepared ewes 1 hour after exposure to smoke from either a marijuana (n = 5) or a placebo (n = 4) cigarette. When compared with placebo smoke, maternal marijuana smoke exposure resulted in a fall in both uterine and umbilical placental vascular resistance and a 30% improvement in placental perfusion balance at a cotyledonary level. We conclude that maternal marijuana smoking in late ovine pregnancy has a direct relaxant effect on both maternal and fetal placental vascular smooth muscles that decreases the normal heterogeneity of flow and improves macroscopic placental perfusion balance. However, the observed concurrent 6 torr decrease in fetal oxygen tension suggests that perfusion balance is actually disrupted at a microcirculatory level.
On some generalizations of theorems by Landau and Pólya

If F(s), the Mellin transform ƒ(x) (real valued), satisfies certain regularity conditions and if its behaviour on the abscissa of convergence is known, then theorems of Landau and Polya give information concerning sign changes of ƒ(x). In the present paper, corresponding conclusions are obtained when F(s) does not satisfy the regularity conditions of the theorems of Landau Polya.
Phosphorylation-dependent power output of transgenic flies: an integrated study

We examine how the structure and function of indirect flight muscle (IFM) and the entire flight system of Drosophila melanogaster are affected by phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (MLC2). This integrated study uses site-directed mutagenesis to examine the relationship between removal of the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) phosphorylation site, in vivo function of the flight system (flight tests, wing kinematics, metabolism, power output), isolated IFM fiber mechanics, MLC2 isoform pattern, and sarcomeric ultrastructure. The MLC2 mutants exhibit graded impairment of flight ability that correlates with a reduction in both IFM and flight system power output and a reduction in the constitutive level of MLC2 phosphorylation. The MLC2 mutants have wild-type IFM sarcomere and cross-bridge structures, ruling out obvious changes in the ultrastructure as the cause of the reduced performance. We describe a viscoelastic model of cross-bridge dynamics based on sinusoidal length perturbation analysis (Nyquist plots) of skinned IFM fibers. The sinusoidal analysis suggests the high power output of Drosophila IFM required for flight results from a phosphorylation-dependent recruitment of power-generating cross-bridges rather than a change in kinetics of the power generating step. The reduction in cross-bridge number appears to affect the way mutant flies generate flight forces of sufficient magnitude to keep them airborne. In two MLC2 mutant strains that exhibit a reduced IFM power output, flies appear to compensate by lowering wingbeat frequency and by elevating wingstroke amplitude (and presumably muscle strain). This behavioral alteration is not seen in another mutant strain in which the power output and estimated number of recruited cross-bridges is similar to that of wild type.
Abridgment of Southeastern power & light system interesting features of development and operation

The rapid growth of the Southeastern Power & Light system is noted. Long forecasts, operating methods and new plant designs are discussed briefly.
From isolation to integration: re-shaping the serials data silos

This article is about the so-called 'data-silo' phenomenon, in which content is isolated by the publisher or aggregator, and which generates an unreasonable cluster of destination points for the harried student or professor to visit, each with its own interface, set of functions and behaviors. A user has no confidence that what one can do on Site A (limit browsing by a community's terminology; bookmark at the article level) will also be true at Site X, and libraries have limited abilities to build services for local needs on top of such a disjointed data landscape.
MICROSATELLITE ALTERATIONS AND LOSS OF HETEROZYGOSITY IN PEYRONIE’S DISEASE

Purpose: In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that microsatellite alterations (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) are associated with Peyronie’s disease. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed samples from patients with Peyronie’s for MSI and LOH on chromosomes 3, 8 and 9 using 20 different genetic markers.Materials and Methods: DNA was isolated from the penile fibrotic plaque, amplified using PCR, and analyzed for MSI and LOH on chromosomes 3, 8 and 9 using 20 different polymorphic markers (D3S1228, D3S1298, D3S1560, D3S1745, D3S2396, D3S647, D8S133, D8S255, D8S259, D8S260, D8S262, D8S285, D8S298, D8S507, D8S528, D9S162, D9S171, D9S1747, D9S1748, and D9S273). Only 10 primers (D3S1560, D3S647, D3S1298, D8S262, D8S260, D8S528, D9S171, D9S1747, D9S273 and D9S1748) showed MSI and LOH in Peyronie’s samples. Microsatellite alterations and LOH were analyzed by a PCR-based technique developed in our laboratory.Results: This study demonstrates a high frequency of MSI and LOH in Peyronie’s disease. Four...
Longitudinal changes in antibody avidity to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in periodontitis

Longitudinal investigations concerning immunological responses and periodontal disease activity support a relationship between serum antibody levels and the micro-organisms associated with dental plaque. To define this host response further, we studied the relationship of antibody avidity to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in 11 adult periodontitis and 6 localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) patients with Aa infections. Patients were monitored every 3-4 months for immunological and clinical variables including probing pocket depths (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PLI), and the number of disease active sites (DA). Avidity indices were determined using an ELISA and significant changes from each patients' baseline level were determined. The results showed different response patterns between and within the patient groups. A subset of the subjects experienced significant changes in antibody avidity over time. Between group comparisons yielded no significant differences in the number of positive or negative avidity index changes, although there were more frequent changes in the disease active adult periodontitis group. There were also no significant correlations between clinical parameters and antibody avidity, although there were changes in the clinical parameters between baseline and significant avidity change points, and also between baseline and the determination of active disease. Further studies will be necessary to define fully the role of antibody avidity and its relationship to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.
Gene environment interactions with a novel variable Monoamine Oxidase A transcriptional enhancer are associated with antisocial personality disorder

Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) is a critical enzyme in the catabolism of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. MAOA transcriptional activity is thought to be regulated by a well characterized 30 base pair (bp) variable nucleotide repeat (VNTR) that lies approximately ∼1000 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS). However, clinical associations between this VNTR genotype and behavioral states have been inconsistent. Herein, we describe a second, 10 bp VNTR that lies ∼1500 bp upstream of the TSS. We provide in vitro and in silico evidence that this new VNTR region may be more influential in regulating MAOA transcription than the more proximal VNTR and that methylation of this CpG-rich VNTR is genotype dependent in females. Finally, we demonstrate that genotype at this new VNTR interacts significantly with history of child abuse to predict antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in women and accounts for variance in addition to that explained by the prior VNTR.
Legal Case Study Federal Laws Govern the Conduct of Peer Review

The U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that an antitrust plaintiff does not need to prove that defendant phy sicians and hospitals engaged in interstate commerce in order to assert federal jurisdiction over his claim that peer review proceedings against him violated the law.
Solution of the electric field integral equation at very low frequencies

We discuss the solution of Maxwell's equations from static to microwave frequencies. First, we review the fast multipole method and the multilevel fast multipole algorithm we have developed for electrodynamic problems. Next, we discuss the problem encountered when electromagnetic problems are solved at very low frequencies. For such problems, we develop a new method to precondition the matrix equation resulting from applying the method of moments (MOM) to the EFIE. This preconditioning method is based on first applying the loop tree or loop-star decomposition of the currents to arrive at a Helmholtz decomposition of the unknown currents. However, the MOM matrix thus obtained cannot be solved efficiently by iterative solvers due to the required large number of iterations. We propose a permutation of the loop-tree or loop-star currents by a connection matrix, to arrive at a current basis that yields a MOM matrix that can be solved efficiently by iterative solvers.
Intravenous Corticosteroids to Reduce Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin Infusion Reactions

OBJECTIVE:To assess whether the addition of a brief course of intravenous corticosteroids reduces the incidence of infusion-related adverse events associated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) administration.METHODS:One hundred forty-three sequential patients received GO-based therapy for refractory myeloid leukemias: 110 patients received the standard regimen of acetaminophen 650 mg orally with diphenhydramine 50 mg intravenously and 33 patients received the same premedications with methylprednisolone sodium succinate 50 mg intravenous piggyback (IVPB) prior to infusion and repeated 1 hour into the infusion.RESULTS:Of 110 patients who received GO with standard premedications alone, 32 (29%) had grade 2 or above infusion-related adverse events. In 33 patients who received these premedications with methylprednisolone 50 mg IVPB prior to infusion and repeated 1 hour into the infusion, only 1 (3%) experienced any infusion-related adverse events (p = 0.0009, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.36). There was no significant differe...
A new adaptive current protection scheme of distribution networks with distributed generation

This paper proposed an adaptive current directional protection algorithm to meet the variation of the distribution network structure and fault current of the distribution network while DG being connected. The adaptive protection refers to the ability of the protection system to automatically alter its operating parameters to maintain optimal performance in response to changing network conditions. Simulation results show that the proposed technique is effective.
Labor Market Rigidities, Trade, and Unemployment

We study a two-country two-sector model of international trade in which one sector produces homogeneous products while the other produces differentiated products. The differentiated-product industry has firm heterogeneity, monopolistic competition, search and matching in its labor market, and wage bargaining. Some of the workers searching for jobs end up being unemployed. Countries are similar except for frictions in their labor markets, which include efficiency of matching, cost of vacancies, firing costs, and unemployment benefits. We study the interaction of labor market rigidities and trade impediments in shaping welfare, trade flows, productivity, and unemployment. We show that both countries gain from trade but that the flexible country - which has lower labor market frictions - gains proportionately more. A flexible labor market confers comparative advantage; the flexible country exports differentiated products on net. A country benefits from lowering frictions in its labor market, but this harms the countrys trade partner. And the simultaneous proportional lowering of labor market frictions in both countries benefits both of them. The model generates rich patterns of unemployment. In particular, better labor market institutions do not ensure lower unemployment, and unemployment and welfare can both rise in response to a policy change or falling trade costs.
Potassium uptake by the dog erythrocyte.

The inward transport of potassium by separated dog erythrocytes has been studied at concentrations of potassium in the medium from 2.9 to 25.0 m.eq./liter and at 38.0 and 33.0 degrees C. At the physiological concentration of external potassium (4.06 m.eq./liter medium), the inward potassium flux is 0.11 m.eq./liter cells hour and the glucose consumption is 2.0 mM/liter cells hour. The dependence of potassium influx on extracellular potassium concentration is given by the following equation, K influx (m.eq./liter cells hour) = 0.028 [K](amb.) - 0.003 in which [K](amb.) refers to the potassium concentration in the medium. In a single 93 hour experiment, 94 per cent of the intracellular potassium was exchanged at an apparently uniform rate. The average apparent activation energy for the process is 7,750 calories +/- 2,000 calories/mol and there is some indication that the apparent activation energy of inward K transport decreases with increasing external K concentration.
An Alternate Approach to Solitons for Fq[t]☆

We describe an alternate approach to the solitons for Fq[t] introduced by Anderson. The product of the monic polynomials in Fq[t] of degreeiin a given congruence class can be expressed in a compact form by the solitons “for alliat once.” They also link the arithmetic of Fq[t] gamma values at fractions to the analogues of Jacobians of Fermat curves in the setting of higher dimensional generalizations of Drinfeld modules. We will calculate explicit equations, formulae and bound the support of the divisors of the solitons. We also show how the generalization of this approach differs from the one suggested by Anderson's approach.
Resolution trend of just-in-time requirements in open source software development

Research in "just-in-time" requirements engineering has recently emerged. Some research has explored the nature of just-in-time requirements analysis in open source software (OSS) systems. Whereas, others have focused on techniques, such as traceability-enabled refactoring and horizontal traceability, in order to help manage just-in-time requirements. Little is known, however, about the resolution trends of just-in-time requirements in OSS development. In this position paper, we analyze the resolution time of the requirements of Firefox and Mylyn, and identify interesting patterns throughout their development history. Our analysis instigates five intriguing questions regarding the characteristics of just-in-time requirements engineering for OSS systems, and opens further research avenues in this area.
Estrogen receptor α or β loss in the colon of Min/+ mice promotes crypt expansion and impairs TGFβ and HNF3β signaling

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)-regulated Wnt and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling cooperate in the intestine to maintain normal enterocyte functions. Human clinical trials showed that estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)], the ligand of nuclear receptors estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ, inhibited colorectal cancer (CRC) in women. Consistent with this finding, we reported that E2, ERα and ERβ suppressed intestinal tumorigenesis in the C57BL/6J-Min/+ (Min/+) mouse, a CRC model. Here, we extended our results with further comparisons of colon and small intestine from intact female Apc +/+ (WT), Min/+ and ER-deficient Min/+ mice. In the colon of ER-deficient Min/+ mice, ER loss reduced TGFβ signaling in crypt base cells as evidenced by minimal expression of the effectors Smad 2, 3 and 4 in these strains. We also found reduced expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), bone morphogenetic protein 4 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3β or FoxA2, factors needed for paracrine signaling between enterocytes and mesenchyme. In proximal colon, ER loss produced a >10-fold increased incidence of crypt fission, a marker for wound healing and tumor promotion. These data, combined with our previous work detailing the specific roles of E2, ERα and ERβ in the colon, suggest that ER activity helps to maintain the intestinal stem cell (ISC) microenvironment by modulating epithelial–stromal crosstalk in ways that regulate cytokine, Wnt and Ihh availability in the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Use and conservation of Cracidae (Aves: Galliformes) in the Peruvian Amazon

Four species of the avian family Cracidae were studied in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in north-eastern Peru. These large-bodied birds are an important source of protein for local communities on the periphery of the reserve. An estimated 425 kg of Cracidae biomass were harvested over a 1-year period by three communities. Pipile cumanensis was the most frequently hunted bird, both in terms of individuals hunted and biomass extracted. Mitu tuberosa and Penelope jaquacu also made up a substantial amount of the biomass extracted, but were hunted less frequently. Densities of all species of Cracidae within 5 km of the villages were substantially lower than in the interior of the reserve. Our results suggest that M. tuberosa and P. cumanensis are overharvested and P. jaquacu and Ortalis guttata are harvested within the maximum estimated sustainable levels. In this study hunting grounds were along waterways and adjacent to protected populations, which created a source-sink arrangement. If sink areas are overhunted, the unhunted populations inland of the waterways could be acting as source populations that replenish overhunted areas.
Polylactic acid microspheres containing quinidine base and quinidine sulphate prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. I: Methods and morphology

D,1-polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres containing the antiarrhythmic drug, quinidine, were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The drug was present as either the base or as the sulphate salt. A slight modification in the process resulted in high yields of free-flowing, non-aggregated microspheres. The successful entrapment of drug within the microspheres was highly dependent on drug solubility in the aqueous phase. Diffusion and drug loss to the aqueous phase was minimized by adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to minimal drug solubility. Saturation of the aqueous phase with drug further improved the payload of the microspheres. The appearance of the microsphere surface depended on the pH of the aqueous phase, the electrolyte concentration, and the type and amount of drug present. Structural changes and erosion of the polymer were observed at high pH-values.
Review: accelerometer development for use in gravitational wave-detection interferometers

Accelerometers were and are being developed to instrument the seismic attenuation chains of gravitational wave (GW) interferometric detectors. The main requirements of these instruments are strong directionality (>10 3 rejection of signal from orthogonal directions for feedback) and vacuum compatibility as well as high low-frequency sensitivity. Because of the directionality requirements, GW acceler- ometers tend to be more specialized for sensing of different degrees of freedom (hori- zontal, vertical, and tilt) than the classical geophysics seismometers but share several characteristics with these. The initial design of GW-dedicated accelerometers was in- spired by geophysics instruments. Techniques developed for the GW field are now starting to spill over back into the geophysics field.
IC outlier identification using multiple test metrics

With increasing variation in parametric data, it is necessary to adopt statistical means and correlations that consider other process parameters. Determining an appropriate threshold is difficult because of the several orders of magnitude variation in fault-free I/sub DDQ/. Therefore, it is necessary to use secondary information to identify outliers. This article proposed a combination of two I/sub DDQ/ test metrics for screening outlier chips by exploiting wafer-level spatial correlation. No single metric alone suffices to screen all outliers. The addition of a secondary metric also comes at the risk of additional yield loss. Maintaining stringent process control proves to be challenging for deer-submicron technologies. Therefore, understanding underlying process variables and their impact on test parameters are crucial for yield requirements. As I/sub DDQ/ test loses its effectiveness, it becomes necessary to correlate multiple test metrics, and a combination of multiple outlier screening methods might be necessary. A combination of CR and NCR with other test parameters can be useful for screening low-reliability chips, and an analysis of wafer patterns can be useful in reducing the number of required vector pairs.
The Emergence of Social Gospel Radicalism: The Methodist Case

What happened to the social gospel impulse after World War I? Recent historians have demonstrated that many reformers did not bid farewell to reform in the 1920s.1 In the case of Protestant social liberalism, however, the precise relationship between postwar social action and the prewar social gospel movement requires further clarification. Was the former merely a continuation of the latter? Such a question is currently difficult to answer since few major studies of the social gospel bridge both historical periods. Indeed, the death or retirement by 1918 of so many early leaders of the social gospel movement, particularly Washington Gladden, Josiah Strong, and Walter Rauschenbusch, leaves the impression that an era had come to a close.