cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of human invasive cytotrophoblasts using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization

Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization, or FISH, is a widely used method to assess fixed tissues or isolated cells for numerical and structural chromosome aberrations. Unlike other screening procedures which provide average chromosome numbers for heterogeneous samples, FISH is a sensitive cell-by-cell method to analyze the distribution of abnormal cells in complex tissues. Here, we applied FISH to characterize chromosomal composition of a rare, but very important class of human cells that stabilize the fetal–maternal interface connecting the placenta to the uterine wall during early pregnancy, called invasive cytotrophoblasts (iCTBs). Combining differently-labeled, chromosome-specific DNA probes, we were able to unambiguously determine the number of up to six different autosomes and gonosomes in individual cell nuclei from iCTBs selected on the basis of their invasive behavior. In this manuscript, we describe a method for generation of iCTBs from placental villi, and provide the complete workflow of our FISH experiments including a detailed description of reagents and a trouble-shooting guide. We also include an in-depth discussion of the various types and sources of DNA probes which have evolved considerably in the last two decades. Thus, this communication represents both a complete guide as well as a valuable resource, intended to allow an average laboratory to reproduce the experiments and minimize the amount of specialized, and often costly, equipment.
Sugarcane borer resistance to insecticides.

Laboratory studies of the susceptibility to insecticides of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), were conducted during 1962–63. A technique for testing borer susceptibility to insecticides in the laboratory was developed. Newly hatched larvae were exposed to residual films of insecticides in 125-ml Erlenmeyer flasks for from 30 minutes to 5 hours before being transferred to an artificial diet. During the late summer of 1963 a high level of resistance to endrin was demonstrated in the laboratory in the progeny of field-collected sugarcane borers from Port Allen, Louisiana, where satisfactory borer control had not been obtained by applications of endrin earlier in the summer. Low levels of approximately 2-fold tolerance to endrin were found also in strains from Baton Rouge, Franklin, and Meeker, Louisiana. The Port Allen strain, which was highly resistant to endrin, was found to be quite resistant to endosulfan also, thus exhibiting cross resistance. The endrin-resistant and susceptible strains were approximately equally susceptible to azinphosmethyl and carbaryl.
SHIFTING TO STATE BLOCK GRANTS: THE PRIORITIES OF URBAN MINORITIES

This research examines a number of hypotheses expressed by civil rights leaders in the Southwestern states regarding the predicted effects of slate implementation of the nine block grants authorized by the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1981. It is based on the testimony of 121 speakers at two successive public block grant hearings conducted by the State of Texas in Houston in 1982 and 1983. The speakers are classified by race, affiliation, and programmatic preferences. The research is also based on financial and regulatory data tracking shifts in state spending and distributional rules between Fy 82 and Fy 84. The results show that most of the fears of the civil rights leaders were not realized. Minority participation at public hearings increased, rather than decreased. State funding priorities did not change significantly, nor did allocation decision rules shift in emphasis from redistribution to equalization. “Brutal political struggles” between groups competing for funds (especially blacks and Hispanics) did not materialize. However, the potential for such struggles remains strong. The findings reveal significant black-Hispanic differences with regard to programmatic priorities and perceptions of the “fairness” of the current distributional system. The paper concludes with a call for new stale-based theories of block grant agenda setting and government responsiveness in centralized versus decentralized systems. It predicts that such reexaminations will yield new theories regarding the formation and stability of racial and ethnic coalitions in state politics.
Overexpression of Myocilin in the Drosophila Eye Activates the Unfolded Protein Response: Implications for Glaucoma

Background Glaucoma is the world's second leading cause of bilateral blindness with progressive loss of vision due to retinal ganglion cell death. Myocilin has been associated with congenital glaucoma and 2–4% of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) cases, but the pathogenic mechanisms remain largely unknown. Among several hypotheses, activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) has emerged as a possible disease mechanism.
Simulation of impact involving an elastic rod

We numerically simulate the displacement and the stress during the impact by an elastic rod to a rigid foundation. The simulation is based on the evaluation of a closed form solution uncovered by the author in a previous paper.
The SEP Matter Sample and its Correlation with Gamma-Ray Observations

The current state of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) observations above ∼ 1 MeV nucl.−1 is examined and compared to gamma-ray observations to assess the degree to which current understanding of the solar flare process can explain the observations and to delineate directions for future research. The particle acceleration appears to be due to either Fermi-type stochastic processes or flare-generated shock waves, but the available data can not yet distinguish between these two mechanisms. Large SEP events generally show no gamma-ray emission and may be examples of shock acceleration in the corona. The pre-accelerated matter, however, seems to be a mixture of hot (> 106 K) and cold ( 10). These enrichments may be due to thermal/ pressure gradient diffusion and neutral gravitational settling. Gamma-ray line emission events are often associated with small, ‘electron rich’ SEP events, some of which also include heavy ion enhancements. While time profiles of the gamma emission show that electrons and ions can be accelerated promptly (t < 1 s), comparison of the inferred flux of particles at the Sun with SEP observations in space indicate that few of these particles escape. The conditions for SEP release to interplanetary space have yet to be systematically detailed.
Effects of egg size on Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) egg composition and hatchling phenotype

Maternal investment of yolk and albumen in avian eggs varies with egg mass and contributes to variation in hatchling mass. Here we use the natural variation in mass and composition of Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) eggs to examine consequences of variation in yolk and albumen mass on hatchling phenotype. The Double-crested Cormorant, a large bird with altricial young, lays eggs ranging in mass from 40 to 60 g and containing an average of 82% albumen and 18% yolk. Variation in Cormorant egg mass arises primarily from variation in the amount of albumen and water in the eggs; yolk mass remains relatively constant, contributing only 10% to egg mass variation. Likewise, variation in hatchling mass correlates positively with albumen mass and albumen solids contribute to hatchling dry mass. Thus, variation in Cormorant egg mass is primarily the result of variation in the amount of egg albumen, which contributes most to variation in hatchling mass. Similarities in egg composition of altricial birds, along with data presented here, suggest that variation in hatchling mass of all altricial birds may depend most on the amount of egg albumen, unlike species with precocial young that hatch from eggs with substantially more yolk.
Methionine-oxidized horse heart cytochrome c. III. Ascorbate reduction and the methionine-80-sulfur-iron linkage.

The ascorbate reduction of the CT-cytochromes—two chemically generated forms of horse heart cytochrome c, FIII and FII, with both methionines, 80 and 65, as methionine sulfoxides, no iron-sulfur linkage, and potentiometric and physiological oxidoreduction properties distinct from those of the native protein and one another (J. Pande et al., 1987)—has been investigated using a stopped-flow technique. The reaction was monitored at 550 nm, and studies were conducted in 10 mM phosphate +0.17 M NaCl buffer,pH 7.4. Both CT-cytochromes are reduced by triphasic profiles, a faster and an intermediate ascorbate-dependent reaction and a slow, ascorbate-independent process. Both CT-cytochromes contain three molecular forms in slow equilibrium, two reducing directly by reaction with ascorbate and a third through conversion to one of the reducible forms. Like the reaction of the native protein, the ascorbate dependence of both the rapid and the intermediate process is nonlinear, approaching saturation values at high concentrations. The ascorbate profiles of the pseudo-first-order reduction constants are typical of the model for the reduction reaction of the unmodified protein, binding followed by a first-order reduction reaction (Myer et al., 1980; Myer and Kumar, 1984), but with distinct kinetic parameters, the first-order reduction constants and the protein-ascorbate stability constants. It has been concluded that the functional-conformational differences between the two CT-cytochromes are not operational to any significant extent in the reduction reaction with ascorbate. The methionine-80-sulfur-iron linkage of the protein is not a crucial requirement for the ascorbate reduction of the protein. The mechanism of the reaction in the main is also insensitive to the replacement of Met-80-S from heme coordination and/or the associated conformational-oxidoreduction properties of the protein. Of the two aspects of the reaction, the efficiency of the electron-transfer reaction and the stability of the ascorbate dianion-protein complex, the former is dependent on the integrity of the structural-conformational state of the molecule.
In vitro translational activity of messenger-RNA isolated from mice treated with the interferon inducer, polyriboinosinic acid·polyribocytidylic acid

Abstract Treatment of mice with interferon and interferon inducers causes down regulation of a number of hepatic proteins. In a previous publication it was demonstrated that these treatments depress hepatic protein synthesis and increase protein degradation, particularly of the endoplasmic reticulum Gooderham NJ and Mannering GJ, Arch Biochem Biophys 250 : 418–425, 1986. In the present study the effects of polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid (poly IC) treatment on mouse hepatic RNA levels and the translation of this RNA in a cell-free system were examined. Poly IC treatment of mice increased hepatic poly (A + )RNA levels. The translation of isolated poly(A + )RNA was evaluated at various intervals after the administration of poly IC. Translation was marginally increased at 3–6 hr after treatment and depressed after 12–18 hr. Antibodies were employed to examine the effects of poly IC treatment on specific polypeptides in order to evaluate the in vitro translation of mRNAs for tyrosine aminotransferase and albumin; translation of these proteins was biphasic with pronounced depression. These studies indicate that in vivo interferon may regulate gene expression by altering levels of hepatic proteins via increased transcription and decreased translation.
Youth masculinity, ‘style’ and the peer group in Tamil Nadu, India

This article examines young men’s concepts of status in urban Tamil Nadu, India, focussing in particular on their concept of ‘style’. The article shows how young men experience their position in th...
A Case Study of Excessive Rainfall Forecasting

Flash floods have been recognized as one of the most significant natural disaster problems in the world. Within the United States, the annual average flood death toll exceeds one hundred and property damage is on the order of a billion dollars. There has been an increased effort of the meteorological community to improve short term quantitative precipitation forecasting, principally by improving mesoscale numerical weather prediction for heavy rain events. Nevertheless, to date, numerical weather prediction has had rather limited impact on the prediction of the most damaging convective rainstorms.
Intraventricular injection of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during proestrus stimulates the rise in serum FSH on estrus in phenobarbital-treated hamsters through a central nervous system-dependent mechanism.

The serum gonadotropin profiles of 4-day cycling rodents exhibit LH and FSH surges during proestrus (P) and a second release of FSH during estrus (E). Peak serum levels of FSH during P occur between 1500–1800 h; the estrous FSH release starts late in the evening of P and reaches maximal serum levels during the morning of E. To delineate the mechanisms that regulate the estrous FSH rise and elucidate the role of FSH in its own secretion, hamsters were given Phenobarbital (ip) during P to block the endogenous gonadotropin surges and were subsequently injected systemically (iv) or intraventricularly (icv) with purified preparations of FSH or LH at 1500 h on P. Blood samples were obtained at regular intervals throughout P until 0900 h on E, at which time the animals were killed, and anterior pituitaries and hypothalami were collected. Serum and pituitary FSH and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone were measured by RIA. Intact, saline-injected, and hypophysectomized (hypox) FSH-injected animals served ...
EFFECT OF QUALITY GRADE AND CUT FORMULATION ON THE PALATABILITY OF GROUND BEEF PATTIES

Chucks and short plates were selected from 25 carcasses representing the middle third of each of five U.S. quality grades. Beef patties were prepared from chucks and short plates individually and in combination. Taste tests were conducted on the samples in order to study the effect of quality grade and cut formulation on palatability of the cooked product. Over the range of carcasses graded from Prime to Cutter, taste panel subjective, evaluations of tenderness, connective tissue amount and overall acceptability decreased significantly. Patties from Prime, Choice and Good carcasses were rated as acceptable in all palatability traits (5.0 or above on a g-point scale) whereas patties from Utility and Cutter grades were rated 4.0 or less in tenderness, connective tissue amount and overall acceptability. Differences in juiciness and flavor were not substantially affected by quality grade. Patties formulated from chucks were rated more desirable in tenderness, flavor, connective tissue amount and overall acceptability than patties from short plates or short plate-chuck combinations. Differences in palatability due to quality grade were larger than those due to cuts.
Term induction of labor and subsequent preterm birth

Objective Although the rate of inductions continues to rise, there is a paucity of data investigating subsequent pregnancy outcomes after induction. Our objective was to compare term inductions with term spontaneous labor and evaluate the rate of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Study Design A retrospective cohort study of women with 2 consecutive deliveries from 2005 through 2010 was performed. Term inductions or term spontaneous labor in the index pregnancy was included, and those with a prior sPTB were excluded. Data were obtained through chart abstraction. The primary outcome was sPTB ( 2 analyses, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds. Results Eight hundred eighty-seven women were included (622 inductions, 265 spontaneous labor). The overall subsequent sPTB rate was 7.2%. Term inductions were less likely to have a subsequent sPTB compared with term spontaneous labor (6% vs 11%; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.81; P = .005). This remained after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR, 0.55; P = .04). The sPTB risk depended on gestational age of index delivery. At 37-38.9 weeks, the sPTB rate after spontaneous labor was 24% vs 9% after induction (OR, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–6.16; P = .003). This was not significant for 39-39.9 weeks ( P = .2) or 40 weeks or longer ( P = .8). Conclusion Induction is not a risk factor for subsequent sPTB. Spontaneous labor, however, in the early term period is associated with subsequent sPTB. Further investigation among early term deliveries is warranted to evaluate the risk of sPTB and target interventions in this cohort.
The role of confusion in the semantic integration paradigm

Bransford and Franks (1971) introduced a paradigm for the study of semantic integration. However, even assuming no integration, their results are predictable by the extraordinarily high level of materials similarity inherent to the paradigm. That similarity severely reduces the ability to remember individual sentences, and produces a monotonic relation between sentence complexity and the proportion of old responses. (The latter prediction follows from subjects' inability to accurately discern the list structure.) When similarity is reduced and/or list structure is clarified, ability to remember specific sentences increases and the effects of complexity are diminished. This paradigm is probably irrelevant to the study of semantic integration.
Polarization independent resonant grating reflection filters with broad angular selectivities

The design of polarization independent resonant grating reflection filters with broad angular selectivities will be discussed. The structures under consideration incorporate single 2-D and dual 1-D grating regions.
Free lattice algorithms

In the late 1930s Phillip Whitman gave an algorithm for deciding for lattice terms v and u if v≤u in the free lattice on the variables in v and u. He also showed that each element of the free lattice has a shortest term representing it and this term is unique up to commutivity and associativity. He gave an algorithm for finding this term. Almost all the work on free lattices uses these algorithms. Building on the work of Ralph McKenzie, J. B. Nation and the author have developed very efficient algorithms for deciding if a lattice term v has a lower cover (i.e., if there is a w with w covered by v, which is denoted by w<v) and for finding them if it does. This paper studies the efficiency of both Whitman's algorithm and the algorithms of Freese and Nation. It is shown that although it is often quite fast, the straightforward implementation of Whitman's algorithm for testing v≤u is exponential in time in the worst case. A modification of Whitman's algorithm is given which is polynomial and has constant minimum time. The algorithms of Freese and Nation are then shown to be polynomial.
On the Observability of the $\gamma$ Ray Line Flux From Dark Matter Annihilation

The limits on the possible cosmic gamma-ray line flux from the two-photon annihilation of dark matter in the Galaxy are discussed. These limits are derived using both particle physics and cosmological constraints on dark matter candidates which arise in supersymmetric extensions of the standard model of particle physics. Results are given in terms of allowed and prescribed areas in the flux-energy plane. Then these bounds are used to consider the observability of the line flux above continuum background fluxes using future high-resolution gamma-ray telescopes.
Dynamic compaction of titanium powder by vaporizing foil actuator assisted shearing

Abstract Electrically driven rapid vaporization of thin metallic foils is known to create very high pressures, which can be harnessed for mechanical work. Recently, vaporizing foil actuators (VFA) have been applied to a variety of impulse-based metal working operations such as collision welding, embossing, shearing, shape calibration, and closed-die forming. Here, a variation of VFA has been used for dynamic compaction of metallic powders. Holes with a diameter of 10 mm were sheared into Cu110 sheets using foil actuators operating at input electrical energies from 4 kJ to 10 kJ. During the impulse shearing operation, the sheared plugs were found to accelerate up to velocities of 1.4 km/s within a few millimeters of travel distance. These sheared plugs were used as pistons to compress milled commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti–6Al–4V alloy (Ti–6–4) powders, both of which had tap densities of approximately 25–28%. Cylindrical green compacts weighing ~ 2 g were produced by this process. The densities of the compacts, measured using the Archimedes principle, were found to increase with input electrical energy. A maximum density of 97% was obtained with CP-Ti powder, while Ti–6–4 powder could be compacted to 93% dense. When compared to a quasistatic cold compaction process, a significant gain in densification with same pressures was observed.
Resistance levels in diazinon-pressured and nonpressured polyresistant house flies.

The effect of diazinon selection pressure on polyresistance was followed with 4 strains of Musca domestica L., which originated from diazinon-treated wild populations. In many instances resistance reached a peak but declined after several generations, and then stabilized at a lower level. The resistances of the 4 strains stabilized in the following ranges: diazinon 50–75 times; ronnel 15–20 times; Isolan® (1-isopropyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolyl dimethylcarbamate) 8 times; dimetilan 6–9 times; malathion 5–6 times; and pyrethrins, Lethane 384® (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)-ethyl thiocyanate), dimethoate, and naled 2–6 times. DDT resistance remained immeasurably high. In 2 strains lindane resistance reached peaks of 350 and 700 times but then declined rapidly after several generations and appeared to be regressing to a low level, as in the other 2 strains. There was also a regression of cyclodiene resistance despite diazinon pressure. Regression of polyresistance was followed with 3 strains (U and G for 95 generations and D for 45) which had been released from diazinon selection pressure. In general, there was an initial period of rapid decrease in resistance, followed by a much longer period of gradual decline. Tolerances to most of the insecticides tested appeared to stabilize, after 20–40 generations, at levels above those of the susceptible reference strain. The tolerances of U and G after 95 generations were: diazinon 5–8 times; ronnel 3–5 times; Isolan® 4–8 times; lindane 5–90 times; dimetilan 1.5 times; malathion 2 times; pyrethrin and dimethoate, essentially normal susceptibility. The resistance level to DDT fluctuated between 30 and 160 times. In general, the regression patterns of the D strain appeared to be following those of the U and G.
Dialysis: Two for the price of one: is rt-PA ready for prime time?

Results of a clinical trial reported in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as a lock solution improves catheter patency and reduces the risk of catheter-related infections. These effects have important clinical and economic ramifications. So why is tissue plasminogen activator not more widely used?
High-accuracy calculation of the 6 s 1 / 2 →7 s 1 / 2 parity-nonconserving transition in atomic cesium and implications for the standard model

A many-body calculation of the parity-nonconserving amplitude for the 6${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}7${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$ transition in atomic cesium with an error of order 1% is presented, ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{PNC}}$=-0.906[9] (${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{W}}$/-N)i\ensuremath{\Vert}e\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}11}$. Using this result to determine ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{W}}$ from high-precision measurements of the transition leads to a quantitative test of the standard model. The various sources contributing to this transition are discussed and their uncertainties estimated. A discussion of radiative corrections with emphasis on the role of the top-quark mass is given.
The fatigue behavior of a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass in vacuum and air

Abstract Early fatigue studies on bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have indicated fatigue strengths lower than anticipated. It was suspected that environmental effects degraded the fatigue life. In the present study, a zirconium-based BMG, BMG-11 (Zr–10Al–5Ti–17.9Cu–14.6Ni, at.%), was tested in vacuum and air. This comparison was made to define any detrimental environmental effects due to water vapor on the fatigue lifetime of BMG-11. The limited results obtained so far suggest that water vapor in air does not affect the lifetime. Moreover, the fatigue endurance limit for BMG-11 in air was found to be quite high, 907 MPa, and comparable to, or better than, those of many conventional high-strength alloys.
Processing Focus Structure in L1 and L2 French: L2 Proficiency Effects on ERPs.

This study examined the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by focus processing among first language (L1) speakers and second language (L2) learners of French. Participants read wh-questions containing explicit focus marking, followed by responses instantiating contrastive and informational focus. We hypothesized that L2 proficiency would modulate nativelikeness in L2 processing. For the L1 and L2 groups, widespread word-long positive shifts reflected the processing of nouns receiving informational and contrastive focus. Nouns receiving contrastive focus showed an increased anterior negativity compared to informational focus for both groups. Second language proficiency modulated the amplitude of this negativity effect, and subgroup analyses of low- and high-proficiency L2 learners showed no significant effect of focus condition among low-proficiency learners. This modulatory relationship between L2 proficiency and nativelikeness of processing is consistent with the dynamic sequence of L2 ERPs observed for morphosyntactic processing and extends those findings to the syntax-pragmatics interface phenomenon of focus processing.
On the mechanism of ion exchange in zirconium phosphates—XXI Intercalation of amines by α-zirconium phosphate

Abstract The intercalation of n -propylamine, n -butylamine and ethylenediamine by the layered compound α-zirconium phosphate has been examined. Each of the amines forms a number of phases whose interlayer spacings are indicative of the orientation of the amines within the layers. At low uptakes of the n -alkyl amines, they appear to lie parallel to the layers. At higher contents a double layer forms with the carbon chain backbone roughly inclined at a 60° angle to the plane of the layer. A maximum of one n -alkyl amine molecule per phosphate group is intercalated. Half as much ethylenediamine is intercalated which constitutes the same number of amine-groups. The interlayer spacings indicate, however, that the ethylenediamine chain always lies parallel to the layer but in at least four different orientations, giving rise to as many phases.
Studies on CO2-Based Slurries and Fluorinated Silica and Alumina Particles for Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Copper Films

The microelectronics industry has an interest in implementing condensed-CO 2 -based processes in many segments of the integrated-circuit manufacturing process. Preliminary studies of the behavior of copper surfaces and functionalized nanoparticles were performed in an attempt to offer insight into potential chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and post-CMP cleaning applications using condensed CO 2 . Micrometer- and nanometer-sized silica particle surfaces were covalently modified with C 8 F 17 CH 2 CH 2 Si(CH 3 ) 2 Cl to give C 8 F 17 -silica, and alumina particle surfaces were modified with C 8 F 17 CH 2 CH 2 Si(OEt) 3 and C 8 F 17 COOH to yield C 8 F 17 -alumina and C 8 F 17 COOH-alumina. Atomic force microscopy was used to examine adhesion between these functionalized microparticles and a copper substrate under a nitrogen atmosphere. The adhesion force significantly decreased for the functionalized particles compared to the unmodified particles. In separate studies, copper was exposed to peroxide/ P-diketone solvents containing functionalized nanoparticles to investigate the effect of the nanoparticles on the copper dissolution rate. It was found that copper removal was proportional to the surface oxide and hydroxyl group concentration.
Kinetics of C-14 Translocation in Soybean: III. Theoretical Considerations.

Based largely on data from soybean, some mathematical models are derived to describe the transport kinetics of (14)C-photosynthate. The effects of leaf size, leaf shape, and translocation velocity on the rate of tracer efflux from the leaf are considered, and it is shown that the duration of these effects will approximate the time required for tracer to reach the petiole from the farthest point of the leaf. This duration is designated as the "kinetic size" of the leaf. Although its effect will be slight in the case of soybean (about 2 to 3 minutes), a considerable effect of the kinetic size will be found in the case of large leaves, or when the translocation velocity is low.Source pool kinetics in soybean are described by a two-compartment model, one compartment representing a photosynthetic compartment and the second (the source pool) a nonphotosynthetic compartment next to the veins. The kinetics in the petiole are approximated by a two-compartment model representing the translocation stream and tissues outside the translocation stream. A combination of the models predicts fairly accurately the translocation kinetics observed in soybean.The models are compared with others in the literature. Although the assumptions are in substantial agreement with those made by Evans, Ebert, and Moorby, they are inconsistent with the model based on the movement of transcellular strands presented by Canny and Phillips.
Subverting Randomization in Controlled Trials

Recent empirical evidence supports the importance of adequate randomization in controlled trials. Trials with inadequate allocation concealment have been associated with larger treatment effects compared with trials in which authors reported adequate allocation concealment. While that provides empirical evidence of bias being interjected into trials, trial investigators rarely document the sensitive details of subverting the intended purpose of randomization. This article relates anonymous accounts of deciphering assignment sequences before allocation based on experiences acquired from epidemiologic workshops for physicians. These accounts run the gamut from simple to intricate operations, from transillumination of envelopes to searching for code in the office files of the principal investigator. They indicate that deciphering is something more frequent than a rare occurrence. These accounts prompt some methodological recommendations to help prevent deciphering. Randomized controlled trials appear to annoy human nature—if properly conducted, indeed they should. ( JAMA . 1995;274:1456-1458)
New Kinetic Role for Serum Ferritin in Iron Metabolism

Summary. The role of the iron in serum ferritin was investigated with regard to iron kinetics. Serum (or plasma) was fractionated on a sucrose gradient by ultra-centrifugation to separate iron in ferritin from other iron-containing components in serum. After injection of heat-treated [59Fe]RBC in rats, detectable labelling of the serum ferritin fraction was brief, between 20 and 40 min. The labelling of other iron components in the serum was maximal between 1 and 2 hr. No labelling of the serum ferritin fraction was detected after intravenous administration of [59Fe]-transferrin in man and in the rat, or after [59Fe]haemoglobin-haptoglobin or oral [59Fe2+]citrate in the rat. These results indicate that iron in serum ferritin originates in part from the degradation of haemoglobin in senescent red cells and that this labelled ferritin is cleared from the serum rapidly. In normal rats, [59Fe]ferritin, purified from rat liver and injected intravenously, disappeared from the serum at an exponential rate with a half-disappearance time (HDT) of 4 min. After 1 hr 97% of the label had accumulated in the liver. After a delay of 24 hr, increasing amounts of label appeared in the RBC to an estimated maximum of 70–80% at 5 days. Conditions which increased or decreased rates of synthesis of haemoglobin altered the percentage of [59Fe]ferritin incorporated into haemoglobin, but these conditions did not change the rate of removal of [59Fe]ferritin from the serum by the liver. These results indicate that the iron in serum ferritin is cleared from the serum much more rapidly than transferrin-bound iron. The data are consistent with the passage through serum ferritin of a major portion of the iron that is released from the degradation of red cell haemoglobin in the RE system.
Leveraging CRM for Sales: The Role of Organizational Capabilities in Successful CRM Implementation

Customer relationship management (CRM) is one of the fastest growing business practices in today’s environment. CRM has been credited with substantial improvements in improving the effectiveness of sales forces. This paper offers an investigation of CRM implementation and proposes a model that explains the roles of organizational learning, business process orientation, customer-centric orientation, and task–technology fit in enabling the transformation of CRM from a technological tool to an advantage-producing resource. The development of the framework is based on extant theory and an analysis of responses to open-ended questions assessing (dis)satisfaction with CRM implementation. Implications for sales management are discussed.
A silicon core for an acoustic archival tag

This paper presents a tiny 0.5 µm CMOS chip, which forms the core of an acoustic archival tag. The 1.5×1.5 mm die enables tracking of small fishes by detecting a specific sound signature emitted by moored sources. It also houses a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor interface and controls all internal and external communication. The tag consumes 6 µW in standby mode and approximately 75 µW while the sound arrival time detector is operational.
Temperature and Viscosity Effects on the Thermal Conductivity of Ferro-Nanofluid

The aim of this study is to understand the temperature and viscosity effects on the thermal conductivity of ferro-nanofluid. The base-fluid of ferro-nanofluid is made of polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) and diesel fuel which have similar thermal property but different viscosity. The viscosity of base-fluid is controlled by changing the volume ratio of both fluids. The measured results show that the thermal conductivity is smaller when the base fluid is highly viscous, and the thermal conductivity approaches to the value predicted by the Maxwell equation. It should be that the Brownian motion effect on highly viscous fluid is not as important as on lower viscosity fluid. Usually rising temperature will decrease viscosity of base fluid. In our study, rising temperature to 58°C can reduce the viscosity of 90%diesel fuel+10%PDMS to pure diesel fuel base fluid at 23 °C. At the same viscosity condition, rising temperature will decrease the thermal conductivity of ferro-nanofluid. The reason is that the thermal conductivity of base-fluid decrease dramatically. Comparing thermal conductivity of 2% volume fraction ferro-nanofluid to base-fluid at 23°C and 58°C respectively, the value increases 8.3% at 23 °C but increases 18.8% when the temperature is 58°C. This means the Brownian motion is more active at higher temperature than lower temperature.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Metabolism of progesterone in rat uterus.

Abstract The in vitro metabolism of progesterone was studied in uteri of untreated and estrogen stimulated immature rats. In intact uteri the rate of metabolism varied with the hormonal status of the animal in a concentration dependent manner. At a low (3 × 10−9M) progesterone concentration the rate of ring A reduction was decreased in estrogen stimulated uteri. At a high progesterone concentration (3 × 10−6M) the rate of ring A reduction was increased after estrogen treatment. The rate of reduction of the C20 ketone was increased after estrogen treatment at all concentrations of incubated progesterone. In dilute homogenates of uterus, estrogen stimulation always increased the rate of progesterone metabolism. Estrogen stimulation results in increased concentration of progesterone receptor in the uterus. It is proposed that increased activity of ring A reductases also occurs. The relative influence of these two factors on the metabolism of progesterone is dependent on the progesterone concentration in the incubation medium.
Note: Characterisation of furcellaran samples from Estonian Furcellaria lumbricalis (Rhodophyta)

The structure of furcellarans obtained from red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis collected in Estonia was determined. Native and alkali-modified furcellarans were examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and were compared with commercial furcellaran (FMC Food Ingredients). The polysaccharide preparation consisted mainly of (1→3) linked β-D-galactopyranose, (1→4) linked 3,6-anhydro-α-D-galactopyranose and (1→3) linked β-D-galactopyranose 4-sulphate. Alkaline treatment removed the sulphate precursor sequences with formation of 3,6-anhydrogalactose that improved the furcellaran gelling ability.
Role of Ambrisentan in the Management of Pulmonary Hypertension

Objective:To review the role of ambrisentan in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1950-June 2008), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–March 2008), EMBASE (1966-June 2008), bibliographies of pertinent articles, and unpublished data provided by the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Search terms included ambrisentan, endothelin antagonist, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Due to limited literature available, additional criteria to limit searches were not used.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Abstracts and original preclinical and clinical research reports available in the English language were Identified for review. All manufacturer-provided data were also evaluated. Literature related to ambrisentan, endothelin antagonists, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary arterial hypertension were included. Four clinical trials evaluated the efficacy of ambrisentan in adults with symptomati...
Simulation of large-scale rule-based models

Motivation: Interactions of molecules, such as signaling proteins, with multiple binding sites and/or multiple sites of post-translational covalent modification can be modeled using reaction rules. Rules comprehensively, but implicitly, define the individual chemical species and reactions that molecular interactions can potentially generate. Although rules can be automatically processed to define a biochemical reaction network, the network implied by a set of rules is often too large to generate completely or to simulate using conventional procedures. To address this problem, we present DYNSTOC, a general-purpose tool for simulating rule-based models. Results: DYNSTOC implements a null-event algorithm for simulating chemical reactions in a homogenous reaction compartment. The simulation method does not require that a reaction network be specified explicitly in advance, but rather takes advantage of the availability of the reaction rules in a rule-based specification of a network to determine if a randomly selected set of molecular components participates in a reaction during a time step. DYNSTOC reads reaction rules written in the BioNetGen language which is useful for modeling protein–protein interactions involved in signal transduction. The method of DYNSTOC is closely related to that of StochSim. DYNSTOC differs from StochSim by allowing for model specification in terms of BNGL, which extends the range of protein complexes that can be considered in a model. DYNSTOC enables the simulation of rule-based models that cannot be simulated by conventional methods. We demonstrate the ability of DYNSTOC to simulate models accounting for multisite phosphorylation and multivalent binding processes that are characterized by large numbers of reactions. Availability: DYNSTOC is free for non-commercial use. The C source code, supporting documentation and example input files are available at http://public.tgen.org/dynstoc/. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Measurement and control of detailed electronic properties in a single molecule break junction

The lack of detailed experimental controls has been one of the major obstacles hindering progress in molecular electronics. While large fluctuations have been occurring in the experimental data, specific details, related mechanisms, and data analysis techniques are in high demand to promote our physical understanding at the single-molecule level. A series of modulations we recently developed, based on traditional scanning probe microscopy break junctions (SPMBJs), have helped to discover significant properties in detail which are hidden in the contact interfaces of a single-molecule break junction (SMBJ). For example, in the past we have shown that the correlated force and conductance changes under the saw tooth modulation and stretch–hold mode of PZT movement revealed inherent differences in the contact geometries of a molecular junction. In this paper, using a bias-modulated SPMBJ and utilizing emerging data analysis techniques, we report on the measurement of the altered alignment of the HOMO of benzene molecules with changing the anchoring group which coupled the molecule to metal electrodes. Further calculations based on Landauer fitting and transition voltage spectroscopy (TVS) demonstrated the effects of modulated bias on the location of the frontier molecular orbitals. Understanding the alignment of the molecular orbitals with the Fermi level of the electrodes is essential for understanding the behaviour of SMBJs and for the future design of more complex devices. With these modulations and analysis techniques, fruitful information has been found about the nature of the metal–molecule junction, providing us insightful clues towards the next step for in-depth study.
End-of-Life Decisions in Abusive Head Trauma

Abusive head trauma is a significant and tragic cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and its victims often have a poor prognosis. With such high rates of morbidity and mortality, health care providers and parents are often faced with the decision to continue or discontinue life support for an affected child. Sadly, however, this decision becomes complicated when parents are accused of causing the victim-child's current state. In this situation, if life support is withdrawn, criminal charges for the accused may escalate from assault to murder. This escalation of legal charges creates a conflict of interest for accused parents. As a result, parents have a strong incentive to avoid murder charges by using their parental decision-making rights to keep the child alive, even when treatment is deemed futile or inhumane. In this article, we discuss the legal challenges health care providers may face when parents place their interest above their child's. We also propose solutions that give greater deference to the rights and interest of these critically ill children while still preserving protected parental rights.
Combination radioimmunotherapy with adoptive NK transfer targets cancer stem cells in canine models of bone and soft tissue sarcoma

Meeting abstracts We have previously shown that NK cells preferentially target cancer stem cells (CSCs) in diverse human solid malignancies and that radiotherapy (RT) enhances NK targeting of CSCs in an NKG2D-dependent manner. We hypothesized that dog PBMC-derived NK cells could be similarly
Computer program for solution of large, sparse, unsymmetric systems of linear equations

A computer program for the in-core solution of large, sparse, unsymmetric systems of linear equations is presented in this paper. The program employs elimination techniques for solution of systems of linear equations. A limited number of zeros is stored and trivial arithmetic is by-passed to preserve computer storage and to reduce the time required for solution. Several techniques for selecting the pivotal elements are discussed and their effect on accuracy and computational time are examined.
Interaction techniques and applications for peephole displays

This demonstration presents several interaction techniques enabled by Peephole Displays, an interface metaphor based on situating information in physical space and providing a movable window on the space. Using a Peephole Display, it is possible to browse a large map using one hand, to draw objects larger than the screen, and to perform drag-and-drop in 3-D. Example applications that exploit these techniques are shown.
The efficiency of computing the reliability of k-out-of-n systems

It is shown that the algorithm of R.S. Barlow and K.D. Heidtmann (ibid., vol.R-33, p.322-3, Oct. 1984) is more computationally efficient than those reported by S.P. Jain and K. Gopal (ibid., vol.R-34, p.144-6, June 1985) and S. Rai et al. (ibid., vol.R-36, p.261-5, June 1987). Efficiency is measured here by the number of multiplications. >
A generic method for determining up/down orientation of text in roman and non-roman scripts

This paper presents a method for determining the up/down orientation of text in a scanned document of unknown orientation, so that it can be appropriately rotated and processed by an optical character recognition (OCR) engine. The method analyzes the ''open'' portions of text blobs to determine the direction in which the open portions face. By determining the respective densities of blobs opening in a pair of opposite directions (e.g., right or left), the method can establish the direction in which the text as a whole is oriented. We first describe a method for determining the up/down orientation of roman text based on the asymmetry in the openness of most roman letters in the horizontal direction. For non-roman text such as Pashto and Hebrew, we provide a method that determines a direction that is the most asymmetric, and therefore the most useful for the determination of text orientation, given a training data set of documents of known orientation. This work can be adapted for use in automated mail processing or to determine the orientation of checks in automated teller machine envelopes, scanned or copied documents, documents sent via facsimile, and digital photographs that include text (e.g., road signs, business cards, driver's licenses), among other applications.
Circuit-level modeling of soft errors in integrated circuits

This paper describes the steps necessary to develop a soft-error methodology that can be used at the circuit-simulation level for accurate nominal soft-error prediction. It addresses the role of device simulations, statistical simulation, analytical soft-error rate (SER) model development, and SER-model calibration. The resulting approach is easily automated and generic enough to be applied to any type of circuit for estimation of the nominal SER.
Organizational Characteristics of Drug Abuse Treatment Programs for Offenders

This article examines the association between the organizational characteristics of drug abuse treatment programs for offenders and the provision of wraparound services and three types of treatment orientations. Data are from the National Criminal Justice Treatment Practices Survey, which was conducted with program directors (N = 217). A greater number of wraparound services provided were associated with inpatient treatment, specialized treatment facilities, community setting (vs. correctional), services provided for more types of client populations, college-educated staff, and planned treatment for > 180 days. Therapeutic community orientation was associated with prison-based treatment and specialized treatment facilities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy orientation was associated with higher perceived importance of community treatment, more perceived staff influence on treatment, and treatment for 91-180 days. The 12-step orientation was most strongly associated with having staff specialized in substance abuse. Study findings have implications for developing effective reentry programs for offenders that bridge correctional and community treatment.