cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bowen's disease of the distal digit. Outcome of treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization.

background Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) is an intraepithelial neoplasm that am transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The preferred method of eradication for Bowen's disease is surgical excision. However, when Bowen's disease occurs on the digit, surgical removal can lead to scar contracture and loss of use of the finger. objective To assess the utility of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporization in eradicating Bowen's disease of the finger while maintaining the full range of motion and use of the digit. methods Five patients were treated with CO2 laser vaporization for Bowen's disease of the digit. Patients were followed postoperatively for recurrence, clinical appearance, especially for scar formation, and function of the involved joints over a 6-month to 3-year period. results Four of five patients had no recurrence. Healing resulted in only modest alterations in the cosmetic appearance in comparison with the surrounding untreated skin. Posttreatment biopsy showed slight thinning of the epidermis and mild fibro-plagia limited to the papillary dermis. Patients reported only mild postprocedure discomfort and no patients had any loss of function of the digit. conclusions CO2 laser vaporization may be a safe and effective means by which to eradicate Bowen's disease of the finger without the risk of scar contracture and loss of function of the digit.
The effect of zinc supplementation on growth in young uremic rats

Abstract The effect of zinc supplementation on the growth of uremic rats was studied. Rats weighing 60–70 g were surgically made uremic and fed an 18% casein diet which contained 15, 38, 73 or 131 ppm of zinc. Each dietary group was subdivided into three groups: an ad libitum-fed control group, a uremic group and a group of control rats pair-fed to the uremic rats. The weight gain of uremic rats fed the unsupplemented diet were lower than those of their respective ad libitum controls. Zn supplementation abolished this difference between uremic and control rats. The low bone zinc levels and food efficiency ratio of uremic rats were normalized by feeding a diet containing 73 ppm of zinc. The elevation of plasma urea nitrogen of uremic rats were significantly less when fed a diet containing 73 or 131 ppm of zinc. However, uremic rats had subnormal plasma zinc concentrations which were not increased by zinc supplementation. The results of this study suggest that growing uremic rats have an increased dietary requirement for zinc.
The conformational equilibria of 1‐ and 2‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydronaphthalene

The conformational equilibria of 1- and 2-phenyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (1 and 2) have been studied using 500 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy. The signals due to the protons at C(1) and C(2) of compound 2 and of a deuterated derivative of 1 (3,4-d2-1) were analysed as ABX patterns. The fraction x of the conformer, having the phenyl group in a pseudo-axial (pa) position, was found to be 0.44 for 3,4-d2-1, in contrast to the marked preference shown by non-aromatic substituents at C(1) of 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes for the pa position. This difference is most probably due to π-overlap between a pseudo-equatorial phenyl substituent and the aromatic moiety of the 1,2-dihydronaphthalene counterbalancing the peri-interaction with H(8). For 2, x = 0.31, indicating a slight preference of the phenyl group for the pseudo-equatorial (pe) position which preference is also observed for other substituents at C(2) of 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes.
Speech reporting and the suppression of orality in seventeenth-century Russian trial dossiers

In comparison with Russian trial transcripts of the fifteenth century, trial transcripts of the later sixteenth and seventeenth centuries show a drift toward compact, writer-based reporting styles. In an earlier study (Collins 2001), I suggested that this happened because of significant changes in legal institutions. From being primarily oral confrontations, trials became battles of documents filed in chanceries and scrutinized by bureaucrats oriented to the written word; concomitantly, the transcripts became dossiers of documents literally glued together and framed by short narrative passages, including reports of dialogue. In the present study I examine a representative sample of these trial dossiers to demonstrate the link between reporting and discourse-organization strategies and chancery practices. First, I discuss how the dossiers are arranged into episodes graphically and syntactically. Second, I investigate the methods of speech reporting utilized in the trial dossiers and the contextual motivation for the choice of one method over another.
Development of invasive adenocarcinoma following colectomy with ileoanal anastomosis for familial polyposis coli. Report of a case.

PURPOSE: Proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis has gained increasing acceptance for the prophylactic treatment of patients with familial polyposis coli. Longterm surveillance of the ileal pouch and the pouch-anal anastomosis has not been emphasized despite concern regarding retained rectal mucosa following the procedure. METHODS: A 34-year-old patient with a strong family history of familial polyposis coli was treated at 14 years of age by single-stage proctocolectomy with straight ileoanal anastomosis. Follow-up proctoscopic examinations revealed development of adenomatous changes at the ileoanal anastomosis. RESULTS: This report presents a patient with familial polyposis coli who developed invasive adenocarcinoma at the ileoanal anastomosis 20 years after proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: We stress the need for lifelong proctoscopic surveillance in patients with familial polyposis coli treated by proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis.
A reconfigurable architecture for network intrusion detection using principal component analysis

In this work, we develop an architecture for principal component analysis (PCA) to be used as an outlier detection method for high-speed network intrusion detection systems (NIDS). PCA is a common statistical method used in multivariate optimization problems in order to reduce the dimensionality of data while retaining a large fraction of the data characteristic. First, using KDD Cup 1999 data sets composed of all normal connections, PCA is used to project the training set onto eigenspace vectors representing the mean of the data. These eigenspace vectors are then used to predict malicious connections in a workload containing normal and attack behavior. Our simulations show that the proposed architecture correctly classifies attacks with detection rates exceeding 99% and false alarms rates below 2%. For next generation NIDS, anomaly detection methods must satisfy the demands of Gigabit Ethernet. FPGAs are an attractive medium to handle both high throughput and adaptability to the dynamic nature of intrusion detection. Using hardware parallelism and extensive pipelining, our architecture is implemented on FPGAs to achieve Gigabit link speeds. Particularly, our simulation results show that for a realistic workload our architecture clocks at 92.82 MHz on a Virtex-II Pro FPGA and achieves a 23.76 Gbps throughout.
Structural identification of phenomenological physical models with controlled mechanisms of uncertainty

Structural identification (St-Id) of constructed systems is of interest to researchers as well as civil infrastructure systems owners and operators. St-Id offers an objective, quantitative evaluation of constructed systems through effective and integrated utilization of state-of-the-art experimental and analytical technologies. During the past five years two test beds were created at the University of Cincinnati and Drexel University for the exploration of analytical and experimental barriers obstructing successful St-Id applications. The two physical models are plane-grid structures with different controlled mechanisms of uncertainty. The objective of this paper is to present the St-Id studies to the two physical models. The principal mechanisms of uncertainty that governed the global structure behavior of the first physical model were nonlinear visco- elastic boundaries. The second model incorporated a fiber- reinforced polymer composite deck and its connection details to the grid. The impact of these different mechanisms of uncertainty on the success of St-Id will be addressed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spectrum occupancy validation and modeling using real-time measurements

Existing research have considered Beta distribution in modeling channel occupancy of primary users in a licensed spectrum. This paper is the first initiative in validating this basic assumption in the cognitive radio paradigm using real-time measurements performed in Aachen, Germany on the 1500 MHz spectrum centered at 770 MHz. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is applied as a validation approach. The result of this test conforms to the validity of the Beta distribution modeling of spectrum occupancy. With this channel occupancy model, we have extended our research in modeling spectrum availability by proposing a new Poisson-normal approximation method. Further, we characterize available channels in a spectrum into five different types based on occupancy of its two adjacent channels. The probabilistic modeling of each of these types is determined using recurrence relations. Simulation results show that channel type classification and their modeling facilitate preferable selection of one section compared to another section over an operating spectrum.
Contrasting treatment-specific survival using double-robust estimators

In settings where a randomized trial is infeasible, observational data are frequently used to compare treatment-specific survival. The average causal effect (ACE) can be used to make inference regarding treatment policies on patient populations, and a valid ACE estimator must account for imbalances with respect to treatment-specific covariate distributions. One method through which the ACE on survival can be estimated involves appropriately averaging over Cox-regression-based fitted survival functions. A second available method balances the treatment-specific covariate distributions through inverse probability of treatment weighting and then contrasts weighted nonparametric survival function estimators. Because both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, we propose methods that essentially combine both estimators. The proposed methods are double robust, in the sense that they are consistent if at least one of the two working regression models (i.e., logistic model for treatment and Cox model for death hazard) is correct. The proposed methods involve estimating the ACE with respect to restricted mean survival time, defined as the area under the survival curve up to some prespecified time point. We derive and evaluate asymptotic results through simulation. We apply the proposed methods to estimate the ACE of donation-after-cardiac-death kidney transplantation with the use of data obtained from multiple centers in the Netherlands.
Academic Outcomes for Children Born Preterm: A Summary and Call for Research.

The developmental outcomes for children born preterm have been examined by many, with results unequivocally indicating that children born preterm tend to have poorer cognitive outcomes and more developmental difficulties. Less attention has been paid to academic outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to review the academic skills assessment of children born preterm, examine the methodologies used to ascertain skill deficits, and identify essential directions for future research. Overwhelmingly the results of studies of academic skills indicate that children born preterm function lower than their full term peers. The methodological flaws with existing studies that impede broad conclusions about specific skill deficits will be discussed. It is critical that future research examine the academic skill deficits contributing to disability status so that effective early intervention strategies may be developed and implemented.
Molecular Mechanics Investigation of an Adenine-Adenine Non-Canonical Pair Conformational Change.

Conformational changes are important in RNA for binding and catalysis, and understanding these changes is important for understanding how RNA functions. Computational techniques using all-atom molecular models can be used to characterize conformational changes in RNA. These techniques were applied to an RNA conformational change involving a single base pair within a nine base pair RNA duplex. The adenine–adenine (AA) noncanonical pair in the sequence 5′GGUGAAGGCU3′ paired with 3′PCCGAAGCCG5′, where P is purine, undergoes conformational exchange between two conformations on the time scale of tens of microseconds, as demonstrated in a previous NMR solution structure [Chen, G.; et al. Biochemistry2006, 45, 6889–903]. The more populated, major, conformation was estimated to be 0.5 to 1.3 kcal/mol more stable at 30 °C than the less populated, minor, conformation. Both conformations are trans-Hoogsteen/sugar edge pairs, where the interacting edges on the adenines change with the conformational change. Targeted ...
Differential inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase and soybean lipoxygenase

Abstract Similarity between the primary active sites of soybean lipoxygenase and prostaglandin synthetase is evidenced by the similarity of their fatty acid substrates, by the identical points at which the substrates are atacked for the subsequent insertion of molecular oxygen, and by the observations that both enzymes are irreversibly inhibited by eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid and by octadeca-9,12-diynoic acid. However, several octadecenynoic acids inhibit prostaglandin synthetase but not soybean lipoxygenase. It has now been found that indomethacin, while inhibiting the initial attack on arachidonic acid catalysed by prostaglandin synthetase, is inactive against soybean lipoxygenase. These observations indicate that the soybean enzyme is of limited value as a model for the study of prostaglandin synthetase or as a means of identifying inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.
A review of the subject of congenital hemihypertrophyand a complete case report

Summary 1. The literature pertaining to hemihypertrophy is reviewed. 2. A more applicable classification is suggested. 3. The etiologic, clinical, and pathologic findings are discussed. 4. A case of congenital total hemihypertrophy with necropsy findings isreported.
Radium-226 and Ra-Ba relationships in Antarctic and Pacific waters

Abstract Three226Ra concentration profiles have been measured from the Antarctic south of New Zealand. These profiles show that the Ra concentration in the deep- and bottom-water region is fairly uniform at about 9.2 × 10−14g/kg. However, south of the Antarctic Convergence, a slightly lower Ra concentration associated with higher salinity is found near the bottom where the Ross Sea Bottom Water spreads. In the Antarctic surface water, a gradual increase of radium concentration is observed from north to south across the Convergence. These features are closely correlated with the hydrographic data. The Ra concentration in the deep water increases from the North Atlantic through the Antarctic to the Pacific by a factor of three. In the Pacific, it increases from the southwest to the northeast. The trend of increase is similar to the abyssal water temperature, and shows that Ra, like heat, is injected continually into the deep water column as the water circulates. Ra and Ba are not linearly correlated over the entire ocean. The Ra/Ba ratio is not constant, and tends to increase from the surface water to the bottom water due to different input mechanisms for these two elements in the ocean.
The effect of efference to the arm on visual adaptation to curvature: A replication

Ss inspected a curved line through a prism that made it appear straight, then moved one finger along the line in one of two ways. One way encouraged the learning of a new efferent program for a curved movement (learning). The other (accuracy) offered little opportunity for such learning. Replicating a finding by Festinger, Burnham, Ono, & Bamber (1967), the learning condition produced slightly, but significantly, more visual adaptation to curvature than did the accuracy condition. There was some suggestion that greater prismatic strength produced greater adaptation. The results support the idea that efferent commands to the arm can affect visual perception of contour shape.
Computerized Computation of Emission Spectrometric Data of Trace Elements in Biological Fluids

It has been found that a four-constant generalized transcendental equation can be used to relate emission spectroscopy data to concentration of trace elements in biological fluids. For each element the constants in the empirical equation are evaluated by a three-step successive approximation, based on the data from standards. The functional relationship, which gives values well within the range of experimental error, is then used in the quantitative determination of the concentration of each of 17 trace elements in unknown samples. In these studies a Jarrell–Ash direct reading spectrometer was used. The entire procedure of data reduction and concentration printout was done on a digital computer.
Anthropogenic and natural sources of ambient noise in the ocean

Ocean ambient noise results from both anthropogenic and natural sources. Different noise sources are dominant in each of 3 frequency bands: low (10 to 500 Hz), medium (500 Hz to 25 kHz) and high (>25 kHz). The low-frequency band is dominated by anthropogenic sources: pri- marily, commercial shipping and, secondarily, seismic exploration. Shipping and seismic sources con- tribute to ambient noise across ocean basins, since low-frequency sound experiences little attenua- tion, allowing for long-range propagation. Over the past few decades the shipping contribution to ambient noise has increased by as much as 12 dB, coincident with a significant increase in the num- ber and size of vessels comprising the world's commercial shipping fleet. During this time, oil explo- ration and construction activities along continental margins have moved into deeper water, and the long-range propagation of seismic signals has increased. Medium frequency sound cannot propagate over long ranges, owing to greater attenuation, and only local or regional (10s of km distant) sound sources contribute to the ambient noise field. Ambient noise in the mid-frequency band is primarily due to sea-surface agitation: breaking waves, spray, bubble formation and collapse, and rainfall. Var- ious sonars (e.g. military and mapping), as well as small vessels, contribute anthropogenic noise at mid-frequencies. At high frequencies, acoustic attenuation becomes extreme so that all noise sources are confined to an area close to the receiver. Thermal noise, the result of Brownian motion of water molecules near the hydrophone, is the dominant noise source above about 60 kHz.
Testing for poor responsiveness in android applications

An important category of defects in Android applications are related to poor responsiveness. When the user interface thread performs expensive operations, the application is sluggish and may fail with an “Application Not Responding” error. Poor responsiveness has serious negative consequences for user perception and marketplace success. We propose a systematic technique to uncover and quantify common causes of poor responsiveness in Android software. When test cases are executed against the application GUI, artificial long delays are inserted at typical problematic operations (e.g., at calls that access the network). This test amplification approach may exhibit increased response times for GUI events, which demonstrates the effects of expensive operations on poor responsiveness observed by the user. The proposed approach successfully uncovered 61 responsiveness problems in eight open-source Android applications, due to inappropriate usage of resources such as network, flash storage, on-device database, and bitmaps.
Analysis of intergranular fission-gas bubble-size distributions in irradiated uranium–molybdenum alloy fuel

Abstract An analytical model for the nucleation and growth of intra and intergranular fission-gas bubbles is used to characterize fission-gas bubble development in low-enriched U–Mo alloy fuel irradiated in the advanced test reactor in Idaho as part of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program. Fuel burnup was limited to less than ∼7.8 at.% U in order to capture the fuel-swelling stage prior to irradiation-induced recrystallization. The model couples the calculation of the time evolution of the average intergranular bubble radius and number density to the calculation of the intergranular bubble-size distribution based on differential growth rate and sputtering coalescence processes. Recent results on TEM analysis of intragranular bubbles in U–Mo were used to set the irradiation-induced diffusivity and re-solution rate in the bubble-swelling model. Using these values, good agreement was obtained for intergranular bubble distribution compared against measured post-irradiation examination (PIE) data using grain-boundary diffusion enhancement factors of 15–125, depending on the Mo concentration. This range of enhancement factors is consistent with values obtained in the literature.
Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding the avian kidney cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor protein.

Abstract The endogenous inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is down-regulated in the kidneys from vitamin-D-replete chicks as compared to vitamin- d -deficient chicks. Screening of a vitamin- d -deficient chick kidney library resulted in the isolation of a 450-bp cDNA clone encoding the 76-amino acid (aa) protein kinase inhibitor (PKI). The deduced aa sequence of avian PKI shares 80 and 41% identity with the mammalian PKIα and PKIβ1 isoforms, respectively. The chick and mammalian PKI contain conserved N-terminal sequences, including the pseudo-substrate site ( 18 GRRNA 22 ), which are required for potent inhibition of the catalytic subunit of PKA. Chick kidney PKI contains ten unique aa in the C-terminal portion of the protein that are not shared with the mammalian PKI α or β isoforms.
An isotonic saline for the adult blowfly, Phormia regina, and its application to perfusion experiments.

Abstract Measurements have been made of Na (119 mM), K (5·6 mM), and Ca (2·4 mM) concentrations and total osmotic pressure (487 mOs/kg) of blood of adult Phormia regina . From these data an isotonic saline has been constructed which can be coupled successfully with a newly described total perfusion technique. Using this method it has been shown that adult male Phormia 5 days after emergence recover 50 per cent of their blood trehalose within 12 hr after total perfusion, and are back to normal with reference to this carbohydrate between 24 and 48 hr.
Range sets and partition sets in connection with congruences and algebraic invariants

With a semigroup of transformationsS, we associate a class of equivalence relations onR(S) (calledclosed under inclusion relations), the set of ranges ofS. We define a new notion of connectedness for semigroups of transformations (calledrange-connectedness). For a range-connectedS, the closed under inclusion relations and the left-zero congruences ofS are dually isomorphic. The ideas above are dualized for the partition sets ofS. We associate withS an ordered pair which measures its range and partition connectedness. We generalize to an arbitrary semigroupT by considering faithful representations ofT by semigroups of transformations. In so doing, we are able to define an algebraic invariant for semigroups.
Development of a quality assessment scale for retrospective clinical studies in pediatric surgery

Abstract Background/Purpose: More than 97% of the clinical research in pediatric surgery consists of retrospective data. Although these studies have significant limitations, they fundamentally shape clinical practice within the field. In this report, the authors describe the development and potential applications of a standardized quality assessment scale designed for retrospective studies in pediatric surgery. Methods: The authors developed a comprehensive quality assessment instrument incorporating 30 items within 3 subscales. These subscales were designed to assess 3 integral components of study design: clinical relevance, reporting methodology, and the strength of conclusions. Global quality ratings (poor, fair, or good) were derived by combining scores from each subscale. To examine inter-rater reliability, 10 retrospective studies from the pediatric surgery literature were assessed with the instrument by 6 independent reviewers. Results: Inter-rater reliability was excellent as assessed by the level of agreement for all items within the instrument (84.6% concordance, n=1,573 total item-choices) and for individual subscales (range, 73.3% to 85.8%, n=60 to 1,258). The extent of agreement among reviewers was 82% for classifying reports into qualitative categories by global quality scores (n = 60). The ranking of papers by individual reviewers was highly predictive of overall ranking by mean quality scores (n = 60 rank pairs, r=0.83; P Conclusions: The authors have developed a standardized and reliable quality assessment scale for the analysis of retrospective data in pediatric surgery. Potential applications include: (1) providing the practicing surgeon with a knowledge base to critically evaluate published retrospective data; (2) providing a standardized methodology for the systematic review of existing retrospective data; and (3) developing standardized reporting guidelines for use in peer-reviewed journals. J Pediatr Surg 38:390-396. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare event that occurs most commonly in young, otherwise healthy women. Approximately 85 cases have been reported in the world literature. Dissection of the left main coronary artery is even less common; only 18 cases have been reported. This review discusses the incidence, presentation, pathogenesis, and management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection. The case of another patient with left main coronary artery dissection is described; to our knowledge, it is the first to be successfully treated by internal mammary artery bypass grafting.
Field analysis for the electrostatic eccentric drive micromotor (“Wobble Motor”)

Abstract Methods for and results from electrostatic analysis of a new microactuator are presented. The microactuator, the “Wobble Motor”, is driven by electrostatic torque moving a cylindrical rotor in eccentric motion inside a cylindrical stator cavity. Closed-form mathematical solutions of idealized models for the motor are used to examine limiting behavior and to understand several points of principle. A finite element analysis is used to find theoretical torque values that can be used to compare with experiment, and to guide further development. It is found that the geometric parameters of the motor are related to the electrostatic torque in a rather complex way; the effect on performance of changing one parameter can depend sensitively on the values of the other parameters. Modelling results show that with parameter values that should be achieved with improved fabrication procedures, very large increases in torque should be possible.
The acquisition and processing of current-time data in controlled-potential electrolyses

Abstract An on-line system is described for acquiring and processing data on the variation of current integral with time during a controlled-potential electrolysis with a stirred mercury-pool electrode. With simple systems it yields coulometric results that are comparable to the best obtained in traditional ways. It should be possible to effect substantial further improvement by controlling sources of random error so small that they have always been neglected in controlled-potential coulometry. Current-time data would not serve the purpose because fluctuations of charging and faradaic currents at stirred mercury pools make it impossible to secure the desired accuracy and precision.
Delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP): A review

Since the turn of the century, it has been postulated that humoral factors induce sleep. Many compounds were proposed as sleep-factors, but only two of the sleep-peptides have been purified to homogeneity and characterized, so far. One of them, DSIP, was shown to be a nonapeptide of MW 849 and to induce mainly delta-sleep in rabbits, rats, mice, and humans, whereas in cats, the effect on REM sleep was more pronounced. A U-shaped activity curve was determined for the dose as well as for the time of infusion. DSIP-like material was found by RIA and immunohistochemistry in brain and by RIA in peripheral organs of the rat as well as in plasma of several mammals. In addition to sleep, the peptide also has been observed to affect electrophysiological activity, neurotransmitter levels in the brain, circadian and locomotor patterns, hormonal levels, psychological performance, and the activity of neuropharmacological drugs including their withdrawal.
Latency analysis of ratio-counter based dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for passive optical networks

We present latency analysis of an efficient bandwidth allocation algorithm for Passive Optical Networks (PON). Ratio-Counter based Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation Algorithm (RC-DBA) was proposed in our earlier work. This paper presents a latency based mathematical model for RC-DBA and its comparative performance with respect to other algorithms. Scenarios for light and heavy traffic have been analyzed. Results show that RC-DBA performs better in terms of efficiently allocating bandwidth among ONUs. ONUs those do not require bandwidth are not allocated a slot. Unused slots are allocated based on requirements (residual or new) given by ONUs. ONUs those require bandwidth are allocated multiples of a dynamically calculated unit based on ratio counting. RC-DBA provides better latency performance than other schemes for both Poisson and Pareto distributed arrivals.
Utilization of substrates for testosterone and estradiol-17β production by small follicles of the chicken ovary

Abstract A study was conducted to characterize steroidogenesis in small ovarian follicles (1–10 mm in diameter) of the hen. The aims of our study were: 1) to determine basal estradiol-17β (E2) production by different sizes of small follicles; 2) to determine the ability of intact small follicles to utilize exogenous substrates for testosterone (T) and E2 production; and 3) to investigate the preferred steroidogenic pathway in small follicles. Small follicles which had not entered the hierarchy were isolated from ovaries obtained 2 hr after oviposition and divided into three groups: small white follicles (SWF; 1–2 mm in diameter), large white follicles (LWF; 2–4 mm in diameter), and small yellow follicles (SYF; 5–10 mm in diameter). Yolk and granulosa cells were removed from LWFs and SYFs and the remaining theca layer was called a follicle shell. Intact follicles or follicle shells (4/4 ml/tube) were incubated in avian Ringer's buffer supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 0.1% BSA at 37°C for 3 hr with various treatments. Testosterone and E2 were measured in the medium. The SYFs and their corresponding follicle shells produced the greatest amount of E2 when E2 production was expressed per follicle. Addition of 2 mM 8-Br-cAMP to the incubation medium stimulated E2 production by all sizes of follicles and follicle shells. However, follicle shells produced lower basal- and 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated E2 secretion compared to corresponding intact follicles. There was no significant difference in E2 production in response to various concentrations of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH-CHOL; 0–100 μM) by intact follicles and follicle shells. On the contrary, intact follicles and follicle shells produced T and E2 in a dose-dependent manner in response to increasing concentrations (0–100 μM) of pregnenolone (P5). Intact follicles also used progesterone (P4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as substrates for T and E2 production. DHEA was the preferred substrate for steroid production compared to P4. In summary, we found that: 1) steroidogenesis in small follicles is regulated by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A second messenger system; 2) adequate amounts of endogenous cholesterol are available for steroidogenesis; and 3) both Δ5 and Δ4 pathways are functional in small follicles and the Δ5 pathway may be the preferred steroidogenic pathway. pathway.
Protease-activated receptor-1 mediates protection elicited by thrombin preconditioning in a rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract The etiology of Parkinson's disease remains poorly understood, and current treatment options do not slow disease progression. Recently, chemical (thrombin) preconditioning (TPC) was found to be protective in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of the disease. It is important to understand the mechanisms behind these thrombin-induced protective effects. The current study was conducted in the rat to determine whether the protective effects of TPC are mediated via activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). Preconditioning with specific local infusion of agonist peptides for PAR-1 and PAR-4 3 days before unilateral 6-OHDA administration (10 μg into the medial forebrain bundle) was tested. In addition, co-administration of a PAR-1 antagonist with TPC was examined. In a neurobehavioral assessment battery, PAR-1 agonist preconditioning provided protection in a vibrissae-elicited forelimb placing test, a forelimb-use asymmetry test, and a corner turn test. In addition, inclusion of a PAR-1 antagonist prevented the protective effects elicited by TPC. In contrast to the effects of the PAR-1 agonist, PAR-4 agonist preconditioning afforded no such protection. Indeed, in a lower-dose model of 6-OHDA (5 μg), PAR-4 preconditioning significantly increased behavioral deficits. These results indicate that the protective effects of TPC in this model are mediated through PAR-1 activation. Neither the effects of PAR-1 nor TPC on later 6-OHDA-induced behavioral deficits appeared to be mediated through (DA) content sparing. Further mechanistic studies on the actions of PAR-1 and PAR-4 as detrimental in experimental models of Parkinson's disease are warranted.
The association of diabetes with colorectal cancer risk: the Multiethnic Cohort

Colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes share several risk factors including western diet, obesity and physical inactivity, and epidemiological studies have provided evidence to support a positive relationship between these two common diseases (Will et al, 1998; Nilsen and Vatten, 2001; Levi et al, 2002; Yang et al, 2005). One hypothesis purported to explain the association is the ‘hyperinsulinemia-hypothesis' (McKeown-Eyssen, 1994; Giovannucci, 1995), whereby insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics leads to higher insulin levels, as well as an increased level of bioavailable IGF-I. The proliferative effects of insulin and IGF-I on the colon epithelium are believed to increase the potential for spontaneous mutations and have an important function in both the initiation and progression phases of carcinogenesis in colorectal cancer. This hypothesis is further supported by the findings that elevated circulating levels of C-peptide and IGF-I are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (Kaaks et al, 2000; Sandhu et al, 2002; Ma et al, 2004; Renehan et al, 2004; Schoen et al, 2005; Jenab et al, 2007; Otani et al, 2007). Studies of the relationship between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer risk in racial/ethnic populations other than Whites have been limited; however, in general, they also support the positive association between these conditions (Jee et al, 2005; Seow et al, 2006; Vinikoor et al, 2009). We conducted a prospective analysis of the relationship between diabetes and colorectal cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort. This large prospective cohort includes five racial/ethnic populations (European Americans, African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans and Latinos) that represent a wide variation in the incidence of these diseases, as well as in the prevalence of known risk factors. Here, we report on the association between these end points by race, sex, cancer site (colon vs rectum and left colon vs right colon), stage (localised vs regional/distant) and in strata of established risk factors for colorectal cancer.
The Yuri Manin Ring and Its Bn-Analogue

The Manin ring is a family of quadratic algebras describing pointed stable curves of genus zero whose homology gives the solution of the Commutativity Equations. This solution was first observed by the physicist Losev. We show the Manin ring is the Stanley?Reisner ring of the standard triangulation of the n-cube modulo a system of parameters. Thus, the Hilbert series of the Manin ring is given by the Eulerian polynomial. One can also view the Manin ring as the Stanley?Reisner ring of the dual of the permutahedron modulo a system of parameters. Furthermore, we develop a Bn-analogue of the Manin ring. In this case the signed Manin ring is the Stanley?Reisner ring of the barycentric subdivision of the n-cube (equivalently, the dual of the signed permutahedron) modulo a system of parameters and its Hilbert series is the descent polynomial of augmented signed permutations.
Image chromatic adaptation using ANNs for skin color adaptation

The goal of image chromatic adaptation is to remove the effect of illumination and to obtain color data that reflects precisely the physical contents of the scene. We present An approach to image chromatic adaptation using neural networks (NN) with application for detecting - adapting human skin color. The network is trained on randomly chosen color images containing human subject under various illuminating conditions, thereby enabling the model to dynamically adapt to the changing illumination conditions. The proposed network predicts directly the illuminant estimate in the image so as to adapt to the human skin color. The comparison of our method with gray world, white patch and neural network on white patch algorithms is presented. We also present our results on detecting skin regions in NN color corrected test images. The results are promising and suggest a new approach for adapting human skin color using NN's.
Relationship-based approach to leadership: Development of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory of leadership over 25 years: Applying a multi-level multi-domain perspective

Abstract Research into Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory has been gaining momentum in recent years, with a multitude of studies investigating many aspects of LMX in organizations. Theoretical development in this area also has undergone many refinements, and the current theory is far different from the early Vertical Dyad Linkage (VDL) work. This article uses a levels perspective to trace the development of LMX through four evolutionary stages of theorizing and investigation up to the present. The article also uses a domains perspective to develop a new taxonomy of approaches to leadership, and LMX is discussed within this taxonomy as a relationship-based approach to leadership. Common questions and issues concerning LMX are addressed, and directions for future research are provided.
1‐(2,4‐Dinitrophenyl)pyridinium Chloride

[4185-69-7] C11H8ClN3O4 (MW 81.65) InChI = 1S/C11H8N3O4.ClH/c15-13(16)9-4-5-10(11(8-9)14(17)18)12-6-2-1-3-7-12;/h1-8H;1H/q+1;/p-1 InChIKey = UYHMQTNGMUDVIY-UHFFFAOYSA-M (reagent for synthesis of N-alkyl or N-aryl pyridinium salts1, 2; can undergo ring opening to form 5-amino- or 5-hydroxy-2,4-pentadienal derivatives3, 4) Alternate Name: Zincke salt. Physical Data: mp 199–202 °C. Solubility: sol H2O, DMSO; moderately sol alcohol solvents; insol acetone, CH2Cl2, diethyl ether, petroleum ether. Form Supplied in: white solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR in DMSO-d6. Preparative Methods: the title reagent can be prepared by reaction of pyridine and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in acetone, and collected by filtration. Purification: recrystallization from ethanol. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the title reagent is relatively safe, being stable indefinitely as a solid, but should be stored in a cool, dry location away from light. 2,4-Dinitroaniline is a by-product in many reactions involving the title reagent, and is known to be toxic via inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion.
The Significance of Adipose Tissue and Liver as Sites of Lipid Biosynthesis in the Turkey

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the significance of adipose tissue and liver as sites of lipid biosynthesis in the turkey. Seven-week-old turkey males were injected intravenously with either acetate-U-14C or glucose-U-14C. Ten, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after injection, adipose tissue, liver and plasma samples were taken. Total lipids were extracted from these samples and 14C incorporation into the lipids was determined. Acetate-U-14C incorporation into liver lipid was 516.2, 493.2, 382.7 and 364.7 × 103 d.p.m./gm. lipid as compared to 2.7, 2.9, 3.1 and 1.3 × 103 d.p.m./gm. lipid for adipose tissue after 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes, respectively. The incorporation of glucose-U-14C into liver lipid was 27.4, 63.4, 157.8 and 243.6 × 103 d.p.m./gm. lipid after 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes, respectively; whereas glucose-U14C incorporation into adipose tissue was 1.1, 1.3, 3.1 and 5.9 × 103 d.p.m./gm. lipid after the same time intervals. The results of this study showed the liver is the primary site of lipid biosynthesis and acetate was converted into lipid more rapidly than glucose.
Response bias, weighting adjustments, and design effects in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).

The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) is a multi-component epidemiological and neurobiological study designed to generate actionable recommendations to reduce U.S. Army suicides and increase knowledge about determinants of suicidality. Three Army STARRS component studies are large-scale surveys: one of new soldiers prior to beginning Basic Combat Training (BCT; n=50,765 completed self-administered questionnaires); another of other soldiers exclusive of those in BCT (n=35,372); and a third of three Brigade Combat Teams about to deploy to Afghanistan who are being followed multiple times after returning from deployment (n= 9,421). Although the response rates in these surveys are quite good (72.0-90.8%), questions can be raised about sample biases in estimating prevalence of mental disorders and suicidality, the main outcomes of the surveys based on evidence that people in the general population with mental disorders are under-represented in community surveys. This paper presents the results of analyses designed to determine whether such bias exists in the Army STARRS surveys and, if so, to develop weights to correct for these biases. Data are also presented on sample inefficiencies introduced by weighting and sample clustering and on analyses of the trade-off between bias and efficiency in weight trimming.
Effect of Statins on Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcome and Recurrence

Background and Purpose— 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been associated with improved outcome after ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhag...
Sensory Analysis of Carbonated Apple Juice Using Response Surface Methodology

Carbonated apple juice, produced at various levels of soluble solids (Brix) and carbonation, was studied using response surface methodology with treatment levels based on a rotatable design. Sensory attributes of aroma, sweeteners, sourness, body, carbonation level, and acceptability were evaluated and response models derived where appropriate. Aroma intensity was not significantly affected by level of soluble solids or carbonation level. A model including linear and quadratic effects was derived for sweetness response and perceived carbonation level. Sourness and body (mouthfeel) were modeled with significant linear effects. The model derived for the acceptability of the juice had a ridge of high acceptability running through the range of typical soluble solids and carbonation levels.
Personalized incremental users' engagement: driving contributions one step forward

Successful contributors in online communities go through a lifecycle of membership status starting from the periphery and moving to the core over time. We argue that a personalized incremental engagement strategy can mobilize a larger proportion of members through this process. This paper presents our approach to identify a progression of contributions in an online community and the design of personalized incremental engagement strategy which will drive users' contributions one step forward. The results of our field study show that the personalized incremental approach significantly boosts contributions in an online community for academic conferences.
Fluoride stimulation of slow Ca2+ current in cardiac muscle.

Fluoride, a known activator of the adenylate cyclase in broken-cell preparations of heart and other tissue [21, 22] was tested for its ability to act as a positive inotropic agent in cardiac muscle and for its ability to concomitantly induce Ca2+ channels. The induction of slow Ca2+ channels was tested in myocardial cells in which the fast Na+ channels were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or inactivated by partial depolarization in 25 m m K+. In the isolated perfused embryonic chick heart and in reaggregates of cultured cells derived from the embryonic chick ventricle, addition of NaF (0.5–5.0 m m ), to myocardial cells whose excitability was abolished, rapidly (1–6 min) induced slowly-rising overshooting electrical responses accompanied by contractions. These slow responses were blocked by Mn2+ (1 m m ) or D-600 (10−6 g/ml), known inhibitors of transmembrane Ca2+ current. Consistent with this induction of slow Ca2+ channels, fluoride (2–3 m m ) showed a positive inotropic action in intact hearts perfused with normal Ringer solution. Because many positive inotropic agents, in common, elevate cyclic AMP, it is possible that the action of fluoride in inducing slow Ca2+ channels was mediated by changes in cyclic AMP levels leading to possible changes in phosphorylation of a protein constituent of the slow channels. However, the cyclic AMP content of the fluoride-treated hearts did not increase as compared to control hearts. But since fluoride also inhibits phosphatases [8, 11], the action on the membrane slow channels could be mediated by inhibition of dephosphorylation of the slow channel.
Commentary: When should we monitor mortality in humanitarian crises?

This paper on mortality patterns in Guinea-Bissau 1 contributes to the current extensive discussions on monitoring mortality rates during humanitarian crises. Mortality is the most sincere expression of vulnerability and, when well monitored, should direct efforts for relief, protection, and humanitarian intervention. Unfortunately, areas with humanitarian crises in the world today seldom enjoy an active case finding system like that set up by the authors prior to conflict in Guinea-Bissau. One lesson from this research is the importance of maintaining, and if possible enhancing, any such system in areas of crisis. Failing this, at best we get occasional special mortality studies that are easily biased by rapid population movements and difficult to interpret owing to their cross-sectional nature. This is just the situation in most of the major humanitarian crises in the last decade, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Without a system of on-going monitoring, even if special studies are accurate, the information is frequently not available to act on in a timely basis. In GuineaBissau, monitoring helped minimize all these problems. Map of the Warzone in Guinea-Bissau. Reproduced from: Aaby P, Gomes J, Fernandes M, Djana Q, Lisse L, Jensen H. Nutritional status and mortality of refugee and resident children in a non-camp setting during conflict: follow up study in Guinea-Bissau. BMJ 1999;319:878–81, with permission from the BMJ Publishing Group.