cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alzheimer's disease and apolipoprotein E-4 allele in an Amish population

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a complex genetic disorder with four loci already identified. Mutations in three of these, the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin I, and presenilin II, cause early-onset AD. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene contributes primarily to late-onset AD. The APOE-4 allele acts in a dose-related fashion to increase risk and decrease the age-of-onset distribution in AD. We examined the effect of APOE on AD in a previously unstudied Amish population that has a lower prevalence of dementia compared with other populations. We sampled a large inbred family with 6 late-onset AD members. We also genotyped 53 individuals from the general Amish population as controls for the APOE allele frequency estimates. The frequency of the APOE-4 allele in the Amish controls was 0.037 +/- 0.02. This differed significantly compared with three independent sets of non-Amish white controls (p < 2 x 10(-4), p < 6 x 10(-5), and p < 2 x 10(-6)). In addition, all Amish AD-affected individuals had APOE 3/3 genotypes; no APOE X/4 or 4/4 individuals were observed. We suggest that the lower frequency of dementia in the Amish may be partially explained by the decreased frequency of the APOE-4 allele in this population, and that the inbred nature of this pedigree, with its strong clustering of cases contrasted against the lower frequency of dementia, indicates that additional genetic factors influence late-onset AD.
Separable functions of the fission yeast Spt5 carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) in capping enzyme binding and transcription elongation overlap with those of the RNA polymerase II CTD.

An interaction network connecting mRNA capping enzymes, the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD), elongation factor Spt5, and the Cdk7 and Cdk9 protein kinases is thought to comprise a transcription elongation checkpoint. A crux of this network is Spt5, which regulates early transcription elongation and has an imputed role in pre-mRNA processing via its physical association with capping enzymes. Schizosaccharomyces pombe Spt5 has a distinctive CTD composed of tandem nonapeptide repeats of the consensus sequence 1TPAWNSGSK9. The Spt5 CTD binds the capping enzymes and is a substrate for threonine phosphorylation by the Cdk9 kinase. Here we report that deletion of the S. pombe Spt5 CTD results in slow growth and aberrant cell morphology. The severity of the spt5-ΔCTD phenotype is exacerbated by truncation of the Pol II CTD and ameliorated by overexpression of the capping enzymes RNA triphosphatase and RNA guanylyltransferase. These results suggest that the Spt5 and Pol II CTDs play functionally overlapping roles in capping enzyme recruitment. We probed structure-activity relations of the Spt5 CTD by alanine scanning of the consensus nonapeptide. The T1A change abolished CTD phosphorylation by Cdk9 but did not affect CTD binding to the capping enzymes. The T1A and P2A mutations elicited cold-sensitive (cs) and temperature-sensitive (ts) growth defects and conferred sensitivity to growth inhibition by 6-azauracil that was exacerbated by partial truncations of the Pol II CTD. The T1A phenotypes were rescued by a phosphomimetic T1E change but not by capping enzyme overexpression. These results imply a positive role for Spt5 CTD phosphorylation in Pol Il transcription elongation in fission yeast, distinct from its capping enzyme interactions. Viability of yeast cells bearing both Spt5 CTD T1A and Pol II CTD S2A mutations heralds that the Cdk9 kinase has an essential target other than Spt5 and Pol II CTD-Ser2.
Pathogenesis of dengue: challenges to molecular biology

Dengue viruses occur as four antigenically related but distinct serotypes transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These viruses generally cause a benign syndrome, dengue fever, in the American and African tropics, and a severe syndrome, dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS), in Southeast Asian children. This severe syndrome, which recently has also been identified in children infected with the virus in Puerto Rico, is characterized by increased vascular permeability and abnormal hemostasis. It occurs in infants less than 1 year of age born to dengue-immune mothers and in children 1 year and older who are immune to one serotype of dengue virus and are experiencing infection with a second serotype. Dengue viruses replicate in cells of mononuclear phagocyte lineage, and subneutralizing concentrations of dengue antibody enhance dengue virus infection in these cells. This antibody-dependent enhancement of infection regulates dengue disease in human beings, although disease severity may also be controlled genetically, possibly by permitting and restricting the growth of virus in monocytes. Monoclonal antibodies show heterogeneous distribution of antigenic epitopes on dengue viruses. These epitopes serve to regulate disease: when antibodies to shared antigens partially neutralize heterotypic virus, infection and disease are dampened; enhancing antibodies alone result in heightened disease response. Further knowledge of the structure of dengue genomes should permit rapid advances in understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of dengue.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy: Let's not give up on progress.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a promising radiation therapy technique that delivers larger fractions of radiation more precisely than standardly fractionated radiation. As a result, a course of radiation is typically only 1 or 2 weeks in duration. Given that the cost and inconvenience of radiation treatment is in large part determined by the overall treatment length, SBRT is less expensive and more convenient than standard radiation in treating cancers that have long treatment courses, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. Whether SBRT is truly incrementally cost-effective compared with IMRT for prostate cancer depends on whether the lower cost of radiation and convenience that favors SBRT is commensurate with any increase in toxicity or difference tumor control.1 Compared with standard fractionated schedules, SBRT is likely more convenient, although this has not been quantified for prostate cancer as it has been for non-small cell lung cancer.2 It is likely that improved convenience is also seen in prostate cancer patients, particularly in areas of the United States that are relatively underserved geographically, such as rural areas.3 Regard-
The Potential of Various Compounds to Suppress Microorganisms in Plaques Produced In Vitro by a Streptococcus or an Actinomycete

Bacterial isolates of Streptococcus mutans or Actinomyces viscosus were permitted to accumulate on stainless steel wires. The wires were immersed in solutions, suitable for topical use, to which had been added 1 of 18 bacteriocidal agents. Results show that both the antibiotics and compounds suppressed some pathogens. Distinction must be made between the use of these agents in the therapeutic goals of prevention, arrestment, and control of microorganisms.
Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration: An in vitro simulation and mathematical model

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration: An in vitro simulation and mathematical model. In vitro and mathematical models of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) have been developed. Human erythrocytes resuspended in normal saline containing 5% bovine albumin were used to perfuse the circuit from a gravity driven pressure source. Membrane hydraulic permeability was observed to decline from 31.2 × 10−5 ± 11.9 × 10−5 cm/(min · mm Hg) before use to 12.3 × 10−5 ± 3.3 × 10−5 (mean ± SD) after use. This fall occurred during the first one to two hours whether perfused with blood or 5% albumin alone. Pressure-flow relationships of each circuit component, measured with 40% sucrose as a calibration medium, conformed to Poiseuille's equation. Use of high resistance blood access on the venous end of the circuit resulted in a low blood flow rate and high filtration fraction. The same access, when placed on the arterial end, produced both low blood flow rate and low filtration fraction. These results were a consequence of pressure distribution within the circuit as demonstrated by measurements of perfusion, prefilter, and postfilter pressures. The importance of negative pressure applied to the filter chamber in order to maintain favorable Starling forces, when the system was operated with a small bore arterial access, was demonstrated by similar methods. Enhancement of urea clearance by predilution was verified. Model simulations suggest that predilution will be of less benefit or even detrimental for other solutes which fail to distribute across the erythrocyte membrane. Comparison of results with predictions of a mathematical model demonstrated good agreement, but with some tendency to overestimate filtrate production. The latter was attributed to neglect of concentration polarization of plasma proteins in model development.
Do changes in physical activity lead to dietary changes in middle and old age

Abstract Introduction: Research examining the relationship between dietary factors and physical activity patterns has yielded conflicting findings. Few prospective studies have examined whether individuals who change their level of physical activity make corresponding changes in their diet. Methods: The current study examined, in two randomized clinical trials of physical activity, whether self-report of dietary factors changed over a 1-year period, whether these changes differed by gender or exercise-intervention group, and whether changes in physical activity led to changes in dietary factors. Participants included 268 men and women aged 50–65 years who participated in the Stanford-Sunnyvale Health Improvement Project I (SSHIP-I) and 103 men and women aged 65–82 years who participated in SSHIP-II. In both trials we recruited participants through random-digit telephone dialing and citywide promotion. Results: Overall, participants adopted healthier diets over the 1-year period. The SSHIP-I participants decreased their consumption of total calories, total fat, saturated fat, protein, and cholesterol. The SSHIP-II participants decreased their consumption of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods. The SSHIP-I women were more likely than men to decrease their intake of total fat and protein (p Conclusions: We found no evidence to support the idea that changes in physical activity are a gateway for changes in dietary factors in middle-aged and older adults.
Using thermal analysis coupled to isotope dilution cold vapor ICP-MS in the quantification of atmospheric particulate phase mercury

An analytical method combining thermal analysis with isotope dilution cold vapor inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ID-CV-ICP-MS, was developed to study mercury in particulate matter samples collected in urban Detroit, MI. We used this method to quantify mercury in NIST 1633b “mercury in fly ash standard” and determined an average concentration of 0.139 ± 0.009 μg g−1 (RSD 6%), which was within the certified range of 0.141 ± 0.019 μg g−1 determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The method detection limit for each 3 second integration window was approximately 20 fg of mercury. When we compared results from thermal analysis coupled to ID-CV-ICP-MS to a well-established analysis method that combines microwave assisted nitric acid digestion with cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, mercury concentrations were found to be in good agreement with each other indicating that the former is a suitable technique for quantitative release and analysis of mercury from aerosol matrices. Using this method mercury concentrations in denuded and undenuded fine particulate samples collected in Detroit, MI were quantified. Undenuded filters collected more particulate mercury compared to filters that were denuded using a KCl-coated denuder in 60% of samples. Thermal profiles for samples revealed complex patterns and differences in amounts and release patterns of mercury likely due to temporal differences in meteorology and air shed properties that were evident during sampling. Night time samples that were undenuded revealed the most complexity and may be a reflection of increased partitioning of reactive gaseous mercury to the particle phase with decreasing overnight temperatures and reduced height of the boundary layer. These profiles suggest that binding sites of varying physical and chemical characteristics in particulate matter are available for sorption and/or condensation of reactive gaseous mercury.
Relapse or Eradication of Cancer Is Predicted by Peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex Affinity

Cancers often relapse after adoptive therapy, even though specific T cells kill cells from the same cancer efficiently in vitro. We found that tumor eradication by T cells required high affinities of the targeted peptides for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. Affinities of at least 10 nM were required for relapse-free regression. Only high-affinity peptide-MHC interactions led to efficient cross-presentation of antigen, thereby stimulating cognate T cells to secrete cytokines. These findings highlight the importance of targeting peptides with high affinity for MHC class I when designing T cell-based immunotherapy.
Random Packing of Spheres in Non-rigid Containers

EXTENSIVE investigations1 have been carried out on the packing and subsequent stability of randomly packed beds of equal, rigid spheres. It was of specific interest, therefore, to obtain precise information on the limiting packing density which can be obtained. Qualitative values ranging between 0.60 and 0.64 have usually been obtained, depending on the mode of packing, and Scott2 actually measured this value very carefully for “dense” and “loose” random packings of bed sizes up to 10,000 balls and then extrapolated it to infinitely sized beds. In the present investigation Scott's work with non-rigid containers has been extended.
Intravascular ultrasound, angioscopic and histopathological characterisation of heterogeneous patterns of restenosis after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation: insights into potential "thromborestenosis" phenomenon.

Aims Histopathology of DES restenosis remains unclear. The purpose is to examine restenotic tissue characteristics after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and comparing with that after bare-metal stent (BMS). Methods and results Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), coronary angioscopy (CAS), and directional coronary atherectomy were performed simultaneously in 21 patients who presented restenosis after SES (n=13) and BMS (n=8). Mean time of restenosis was 10.8 months in the SES versus 7.5 months in the BMS. Typical "black hole'', echolucent appearance by IVUS was observed in one SES case, and corresponded to a fibrin rich tissue by histology which appeared translucent tissue by CAS. CAS did not reveal red thrombus, but showed white thrombus in six SES versus two BMS (46.2% vs. 25.0%, p=0.597). Histology demonstrated various patterns after SES including thrombus, fibrin, inflammatory infiltrate, and collagen-matrix rich tissue, while thrombus component was not detected in BMS. Thrombus and fibrin deposition detected by either CAS or histopathology were observed more frequently in SES than in BMS group (92.3% vs. 25.0%, p=0.007). Conclusions Restenosis after SES and BMS have different clinical and histological patterns. SES restenosis may be frequently associated with thrombus component.
Functional classification of obsessive-compulsive phenomena

A classification of obsessive-compulsive phenomena based on the functional definition of obsessions as anxiety/discomfort producing and compulsions as anxiety/discomfort reducing is proposed. Based on the assumption of a functional equivalence between external and internal obsessive-compulsive behavior, four essential obsessive-compulsive forms are derived: (1) obssesions, (2) obsessions plus successful compulsions (anxiety/discomfort reducing), (3) obsessions plus obsessionalized compulsions (anxiety increasing), and (4) rituals consisting mainly of stereotyped, overt or covert behaviors (autonomous of anxiety/discomfort and/or obsessions). In addition, it is hypothesized that forms 1–4 represent developmental stages in the progress of obsessive-compulsive symptomatology, increasing in the order specified in complexity and severity and having varying prognostic implications. Finally, an attempt is made to suggest stage-specific behavioral treatment strategies.
Sintered Halon as a diffuse reflecting liner for light integration boxes

Abstract Sintered Halon G-80, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin available commercially in powdered form, is a superb diffuse reflector. Sintered Halon has 96% absolute reflectance at wavelengths between 300 nm and 380 nm, and about 98% absolute reflectance above 380 nm. It is chemically inert, is mechanically strong, does not fluoresce, and the high reflectance is easy to maintain over time. We have used sintered Halon as a lining in light integration boxes of water Cherenkov detectors. Preparation involves packing Halon powder into a mold to a specific density, then heating the material almost to the melting point (sintering). A method of preparing sintered Halon is presented. Physical properties of sintered Halon have been measured and we present those results here as well.
HIGH GAIN OUTPUT FEEDBACKS FOR SYSTEMS WITH DISTRIBUTED PARAMETERS

This paper deals with the high gain feedback stabilization of single input–single output (SISO) minimum-phase systems with distributed parameters. Sufficient conditions for an infinite-dimensional SISO system to be stabilized by a high gain output feedback are obtained. The results of this paper are useful for designing and tuning high gain output feedbacks in numerous industrial control applications.
Affirming Faith Experiences and Psychological Health for Caucasian Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals.

Religious faith plays a central role in the lives of many people. Although studies and anecdotal literature have explored the conflict between sexual and religious identities, no research has investigated the role of faith group affirmation of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity on the mental health of LGB members. This study compared 2 models of the relations between psychological health and current faith affirmation experiences, internalized homonegativity, and spirituality. Participants were 583 LGB individuals who identified themselves as currently affiliated with a faith group. Results indicated that the fully mediated model was a good fit and offered a more parsimonious explanation than the partially mediated model. Affirming faith experiences were related to psychological health through internalized homonegativity and spirituality.
Superior vena cava syndrome.

Objectives : To provide a review of the treatment and nursing management of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). Data Sources : Review articles, research studies, and book chapters. Conclusions : SVCS is primarily associated with small cell lung cancer. It usually has a chronic, insidious onset, but may present acutely with laryngeal or cerebral edema. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, thrombolysis, and interventional radiology have provided effective treatment. Implications for Nursing Practice : Management of the patient with SVCS includes recognition of high-risk patients and initial symptomatology, accurate assessments, appropriate therapies, psychosocial support, and education regarding recurrent SVCS.
The information in scent over-marks of golden hamsters

Abstract Abstract. Although scent over-marking is a commonly observed behaviour among mammals, it has received little experimental attention. With regard to individual signatures, there are three types of information that might be obtained from such marks: (1) the scents might blend, thus creating a new odour quality but sacrificing individually distinctive information, (2) the scents might remain distinct, preserving individual identity information, or (3) the scent on top could mask the individual identity information in the bottom scent. These three possibilities were tested in golden hamsters for two scents (flank gland and vaginal secretions) that are deposited by hamsters using two distinct patterns of scent-marking behaviour. In an habituation paradigm, test animals were exposed on five successive trials to a simulated over-mark in which the scent from one individual was placed on top of scent from another individual. On the sixth (test) trial, males were exposed to two separate scents, one from a novel individual and the other from the individual that provided either the top or the bottom scent during the habituation trials. Results on the test trial were similar for both vaginal secretions (experiment 1) and flank gland scent (experiment 2). The novel scent was investigated more than the top scent, indicating that the top scent was familiar to the males, but the bottom scent and the novel scent were investigated equally, indicating that the bottom scent was not familiar. These results suggest that the distinctive information in the bottom scent was masked by that of the top scent; furthermore, they show that the other two possible phenomena (scents blending or remaining distinct) did not occur. This demonstration of scent masking may well be the first reported to date. The possible significance of over-marking in hamsters and other species is discussed, and it is suggested that the precision and thoroughness of covering one scent with another may relate to species differences in the information available in over-marks and therefore in the functions that such marks serve.
Quantum mechanical study of a reaction path bifurcation model

Abstract The feasibility of close coupling techniques for bifurcation processes is investigated using a simple model. Density contours and a flux map illustrate the bifurcation process. The relevance of this study to the theory of three-dimensional chemical reactions is discussed.
An in vitro 3-D model of collagen-based fiber constituents for peripheral nerve conduits

An in vitro three-dimensional (3D) fiber-reinforced hydrogel system consisting of collagen was used as a peripheral nerve conduit model for evaluating axon growth from sensory neurons and the migration of glial cells. Micron-size collagen fibers created by wet spinning were used as firm guiding wires in a 3D collagen gel to promote a direction for regenerating dorsal root ganglia (DRG) axons and migrating Schwann cells. Type I collagen extracted from rat tail tendons was used to prepare these collagen-based components for an engineered nerve conduit design. Crosslinking treatments with genipin and glutaraldehyde were evaluated to improve mechanical properties, swelling response and thermal behavior to facilitate guided growth and long-term viability of neurons and glial cells for future in vivo models.
Identification of N-glycan serum markers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma from mass spectrometry data.

Glycocylation represents the most complex and widespread post-translational modifications in human proteins. The variation of glycosylation is closely related to oncogenic transformation. Therefore, profiling of glycans detached from proteins is a promising strategy to identify biomarkers for cancer detection. This study identified candidate glycan biomarkers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma by mass spectrometry. Specifically, mass spectrometry data were analyzed with a peak selection procedure which incorporates multiple random sampling strategies with recursive feature selection based on support vector machines. Ten peak sets were obtained from different combinations of samples. Seven peaks were shared by each of the 10 peaksets, in which 7−12 peaks were selected, indicating 58−100% of peaks were shared by the 10 peaksets. Support vector machines and hierarchical clustering method were used to evaluate the performance of the peaksets. The predictive performance of the seven peaks was further eva...
Structure of long telomeric RNA transcripts: the G-rich RNA forms a compact repeating structure containing G-quartets.

Recent studies have identified RNA transcripts arising from mammalian telomeres with the transcript of the C-rich strand (r(5′-UUAGGG-3′)n) being much more abundant than transcripts of the G-rich strand. Here we used transmission electron microscopy, CD, and nuclease digestion to investigate the structure of ∼640-nucleotide (nt) RNA transcripts of the C-rich and G-rich strands of mammalian telomeric DNA. The CD spectrum of the C-rich RNA in low salt (10 mm KCl) or high salt (100 mm KCl) was typical of mixed sequence RNA, whereas the CD spectrum for the G-rich RNA differed with changes characteristic of parallel G-quadruplexes at the higher salt concentration. Electron microscopy visualization of the C-rich RNA revealed relatively extended unstructured molecules 59.7 ± 17.8 nm in length and with a width consistent with single-stranded RNA following metal coating. In contrast, the G-rich RNA was observed as round particles and short, thick rods with the rods being most prevalent in high salt conditions and absent in low salt. The rods were 22.7 ± 4.8 nm in length and 7.6 nm in width. Digestion of the G-rich RNA with T1 RNA nuclease revealed a ladder of bands whose sizes were integral multiples of 24 nt plus a 4-nt overhang. These observations suggest a model in which G-rich telomeric RNA folds into chains of particles each consisting of four (UUAGGG) repeats stabilized by parallel G-quartets and joined by UUA linkers. These chains further condense to form short rods and round particles.
Determination of Clark's Unit Hydrograph Parameters for Watersheds

AbstractThis article explains the application of search algorithms to determine the parameters for Clark’s unit hydrograph. The golden section search algorithm and discrete horizontal line search method were applied to a composite unit hydrograph developed for a watershed. The methodology developed here was applied to watersheds near Buckeye, Arizona, Fort Worth, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas. The only difference in determining the Clark’s unit hydrograph parameters for these watersheds was the time-area relationships. This relationship for Texas watersheds is different than that for Arizona watersheds. Resulting ordinates of Clark’s unit hydrograph are comparable to the derived composite unit hydrograph.
Family perceptions of the usability and value of chronic disease web-based patient portals

The objective of this study was to understand perceptions of the usability and value of web-based patient portals among parents of children with a chronic condition (diabetes, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and cystic fibrosis). The design was a cross-sectional telephone survey with semistructured interviews and was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Parent ratings of their experiences with and the value of a web-based portal and reasons for not using the portal were ascertained. Most parents agreed that the portal information was accurate, timely, and useful. Confidentiality and seeing worrisome health-related information about their child was not a major concern, and parents felt that the portal helped to improve their understanding of and ability to manage their child's condition. In conclusion, the results of this study support the notion that web-based patient portals have the potential to be a useful tool for parents of children with a chronic disease.
HER2-and EGFR-specific Affiprobes—Novel Recombinant Optical Probes for Cell Imaging

The human epidermal growth factor receptors, EGFR and HER2, are members of the EGFR family of cell-surface receptors/tyrosine kinases. EGFR- and HER2-positive cancers represent a more aggressive disease with greater likelihood of recurrence, poorer prognosis, and decreased survival rate, compared to EGFR- or HER2-negative cancers. The details of HER2 proto-oncogenic functions are not deeply understood, partially because of a restricted availability of tools for EGFR and HER2 detection (A. Sorkin and L. K. Goh, Exp. Cell Res. 2009, 315, 683-696). We have created photostable and relatively simple-to-produce imaging probes for in vitro staining of EGFR and HER2. These new reagents, called affiprobes, consist of a targeting moiety, a HER2- or EGFR-specific Affibody molecule, and a fluorescent moiety, mCherry (red) or EGFP (green). Our flow cytometry and confocal microscopy experiments demonstrated high specificity and signal/background ratio of affiprobes. Affiprobes are able to stain both live cells and frozen tumor xenograph sections. This type of optical probe can easily be extended for targeting other cell-surface antigens/ receptors.
"Knowledge Will Be Manifold": Daniel 12.4 and the Idea of Intellectual Progress in the Middle Ages

Thus wrote Michelet to open his monumental history of France. By deploying this prophetic line from the book of Daniel in support of a positivistic approach to historical science, he was participating in a discourse on this perplexing passage that spanned nearly two millennia. He perhaps surmised this, though he probably did not know how deeply the passage penetrated into the intellectual tradition of the West or that he was favoring one interpretation of it over another. It is the trajectory of the interpretations of Daniel 12.4 in the Latin West from their first formulation in late antiquity that concerns the present exploration.
Carrier Service: Shipper Hedge Against Supply Chain Competition

ABSTRACT Transportation and distribution managers are experiencing more beneficial supply-chain relationships when carrier performance is employed to establish long-term competitive advantages rather than used primarily as an area for cost reduction. Service provided by carriers is, therefore, instrumental in developing customers as well as maintaining established accounts. And, quality service brings higher levels of customer satisfaction (Mohr-Jackson, 1998). Moreover, carrier service quality is becoming increasingly critical to a larger number and wider variety of shippers (Hall and Wagner, 1996). Consequently, shippers need to spend additional time and effort to study the impact of such carrier performance as it relates to customer service program success. Shippers committed to exceeding consignee or customer expectations in terms of distribution service need to take a closer and more in-depth look at the role of the carrier as a hedge against competition.
Resilience analysis of heat exchanger networks—II. Stream splits and flowrate variations

Abstract The general resilience test presented in Part I is applied to heat exchanger networks (HENs) with stream splits, “large” temperature disturbances (Class 2 problems)and flowrate variations. Procedures using nonlinear programs (NLPs) are developed for testing the resilience of HENs with a minimum number of units and (a) stream splits (sufficient condition for resilience), or (b) flowrate variations (necessary and sufficient condition). In addition, a procedure using linear programs (LPs) is developed which is a necessary and sufficient test for the operability of HENs with Class 2 temperature disturbances.
Effects of self-administered phencyclidine on regional uptake of 2-deoxy-d-[1-14C]glucose in brain

Abstract Phencyclidine profoundly alters cerebral metabolism in the rat. This study explored whether cerebral metabolic effects of phencyclidine differed when the drug was self-administered by trained rats, compared with when it was given acutely to naive rats. The regional cerebral uptake of 2-deoxy- d -[1-(D 14 C] glucose (DG) was examined following two injections of phencyclidine (0.5 mg/kg/injection, i.v.) or saline in freely-moving, drug-experienced rats. Naive controls received phencyclidine or saline according to an identical dose regimen. In self-administering and naive rats, phencyclidine produced many of the same effects on uptake of DG, including the following: decreases in the habenula, inferior colliculus, sensory cortical areas and corresponding thalamic relay nuclei; and increases in limbic areas (entorhinal and retrosplenial cortices, subicular areas). Some regions (auditory and motor cortices, medial geniculate body, globus pallidus) showed different effects in self-administering and naive rats. Another study, in which rats were not self-administering phencyclidine, but had histories of treatment with drugs similar to those of the self-administering rats, indicated that chronic exposure to drug accounted for some of the differences. Furthermore, differences between the effects of phencyclidine in self-administering, versus non-self-administering rats with similar histories suggested that activity in some regions of the brain may relate to training in drug self-administration and/or behavior.
Trichinella spiralis: characterization and strain distribution of rapid expulsion in inbred mice.

Abstract Appropriately immunized mice display a response that is biologically equivalent to rat rapid expulsion. Only two inbred strains ( NFR N and NFS N derived from NIH Swiss mice) have been shown to respond in this manner. Mice of the Balb c , CBA, A He , C3H, SJL, or C57Bl strains are “nonresponders” which require approximately twice as much intestinal exposure (in days) to Trichinella spiralis to elicit a response half as effective. Genetically, the responder is dominant, autosomal, and does not appear to be linked to the MHC. The characteristics of mouse and rat rapid expulsion of T. spiralis are not identical but share these features: initial rejection within 24 hr of challenge; a rejection efficiency >90%, from 1 to 5 weeks after the primary; induction of response does not require exposure to the complete infection; rapid expulsion is immunologically specific for preadults; adult worms are resistant. While a genetic basis for responsiveness exists in mice there is, as yet, no evidence for genetic control in rats. In both mice and rats, rapid expulsion is distinguished from the intestinal hyperreactivity associated with rejection of the primary infection by the kinetics and amplitude of the rejection of transplanted adult worms.
The linguistic benefits of musical abilities

Growing evidence points to a link between musical abilities and certain phonetic and prosodic skills in language. However, the mechanisms that underlie these relations are not well understood. A recent study by Wong et al. suggests that musical training sharpens the subcortical encoding of linguistic pitch patterns. We consider the implications of their methods and findings for establishing a link between musical training and phonetic abilities more generally.
Maxillary alveolar hyperplasia, diagnosis and treatment planning

Literature pertaining to studies of the vertical relationships of the facial skeleton, the dentition, and the lips is reviewed. A surgical procedure for superior repositioning of the total maxillary alveolus is presented. The usefulness of the procedure to correct maxillary alveolar hyperplasia is illustrated with two case reports.
Effects of dietary lead, cadmium, mercury, and selenium on fatty acid composition of blood serum and erythrocyte membranes from chicks

A series of experiments was conducted to study the effects of dietary and injected lead (as Pb acetate-3H2O) and of dietary Cd, Hg, and Se on fatty acid composition of serum lipids of chicks as measured by gas-liquid chromatography. The effect of dietary Pb on fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was measured also. Dietary Pb (1000 ppm) increased the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (20:4, first no. = no. of carbon atoms:second no. = no. of double bonds) and decreased the concentration of linoleic acid (18:2) and the ratio 18:2/20:4. Intraperitoneal injection of Pb (52 mg/100 g body weight) did not alter serum fatty acid composition by 4 h post-injection. The separate effects of 2000 ppm Pb, 60 ppm Cd, 500 ppm Hg, and 10 ppm Se added to the diet on serum fatty acids were measured in a single experiment. In comparison to controls, Pb and Cd lowered serum concentration of 18:2. Only Pb raised serum 20:4. Pb lowered the ratio 18:2/20:4, whereas Cd and Hg raised the ratio and Se was without effect. Dietary Pb (2000 ppm) raised the concentration of 20:4 and lowered the ratio 18:2/20:4 in erythrocyte membranes. The different effects of injected and dietary Pb on the serum 18:2/20:4 ratio suggest that Pb alters 20:4 synthesis from 18:2 rather than mobilization of 20:4 from tissues. The Pb-induced increase of lipid peroxida-tion in erythrocytes observed by other workers may be a reflection of increased 20:4 level in erythrocyte membranes.
Brightness and equivalent intensity of intrinsic light

Abstract Subjects estimated numerically the brightness of 1-sec flashes of light relative to the brightness of intrinsic light , i.e. to the brightness seen in the absence of external stimulation. Intrinsic light was judged to have a brightness one-half as great as the brightness aroused by a foveal stimulus of 1.4 td or a peripheral stimulus of 0.014 scotopic td. The data favored the hypothesis that the brightenesses of real and intrinsic light sum over the hypothesis that their intensities sum. Under the assumption of brightness-summation, the equivalent intensity of intrinsic light approximates 1.2–1.4 td in the fovea and 0.015 scotopic td in the periphery. These values are consistent with estimates of equivalent intensities of cone and rod dark light , where dark light is defined in terms of absolute and differential thresholds.
Protectionism, Export Requirements, and Joint Ventures

Economic distortions often accompany the attempt by lower-income countries to develop. This paper examines the consequences of two such distortions: an export-share requirement whereby foreign capital producing in a local enclave is allowed to sell only a fraction of its output in the local protected market, and some local capital must be allowed into a joint venture in the enclave, even if it must be paid a higher return there than foreign capital earns in its country of origin. The welfare effect of such measures is investigated as well as the effect on local wages of measures that drive out some foreign investment. Such a loss of foreign capital may serve to raise the wage rate.
The effect of immersion cryotherapy on medial-lateral postural sway variability in individuals with a lateral ankle sprain.

Background and Purpose. Postural stability has been shown to be impaired after a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and after immersion cryotherapy in healthy ankles. This study was performed to determine the effects of cryotherapy on postural stability after LAS. Method. A single-session, repeated measures design was used. Fifteen 18- to 29-year-old males (mean age 21.33 ± 3.54, height 71.23 ± 2.50 cm, mass 170.33 ± 19.77 kg) with relatively recent grade I LAS volunteered. Medial-lateral postural sway variability was assessed during single-leg barefoot stance using a Bertec force platform. Sway was tested before cryotherapy (‘Pre’), immediately after 20 minutes of lower-leg immersion cryotherapy (‘Post0’), and 10 and 20 minutes after cryotherapy (‘Post10’ and ‘Post20’). Both legs were tested (individually) before cryotherapy; the involved leg was tested alone after cryotherapy. The uninvolved leg served as a control. Results. Postural sway variability of the involved le was significantly greater than the uninvolved le before cryotherapy (p = 0.001). Postural sway variability of the involved le was also significantly greater than the uninvolved LE during Post0 (p = 0.000), Post10 (p = 0.000) and Post20 testing (p = 0.003) with the largest increase in sway variability occurring at Post0. Conclusions. Medial-lateral postural sway variability was greater after LAS. This effect was augmented by immersion cryotherapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating customized test requirements with traditional requirements in web application testing

Existing test suite reduction techniques employed for testing web applications have either used traditional program coverage-based requirements or usage-based requirements. In this paper, we explore three different strategies to integrate the use of program coverage-based requirements and usage-based requirements in relation to test suite reduction for web applications. We investigate the use of usage-based test requirements for comparison of test suites that have been reduced based on program coverage-based test requirements. We examine the effectiveness of a test suite reduction process based on a combination of both usage-based and program coverage-based requirements. Finally, we modify a popular test suite reduction algorithm to replace part of its test selection process with selection based on usage-based test requirements. Our case study suggests that integrating program coverage-based and usage-based test requirements has a positive impact on the effectiveness of the resulting test suites.
Induction of ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase mRNAs by ammonium in Nitrosomonas europaea

In Nitrosomonas europaea, ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) catalyse the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-). A transcript of 3500 bases hybridizes to probes for amoA and amoB (genes that code for AMO proteins). A transcript of 2100 bases hybridizes to probes for hao (the gene that codes for HAO). Induction of the mRNAs detected by amo and hao probes required the presence of ammonium (NH4+). To correlate new levels of mRNA with de novo activity, existent mRNA pools and AMO activity were depleted prior to induction by NH4+. The mRNAs of AMO and HAO were depleted by depriving the cells of energy for at least 8 h; AMO activity was inactivated with acetylene (C2H2) after mRNA depletion. In cells treated this way, levels of new AMO mRNA and de novo AMO enzyme activity were correlated with increased NH4+ concentrations up to 1 mM after 3 h of incubation. HAO mRNA also increased in the NH4(+)-treated cells. Other proteins and RNAs induced by NH4+ were detected in 14CO2-labelling experiments. The AMO and HAO mRNAs were preferentially synthesized during energy-limiting conditions.
‘The Art of the Possible’: Thomas Cromwell's Management of West Country Government

The relationships between central government and local community have attracted much attention among historians of early Tudor England. Administrative studies have long since described the network of offices and institutions which theoretically implemented executive action; more recent work has analysed the social and political structure of individual counties. But the actual mechanics of interaction between centre and locality have received less attention. How, in practice, did an active and capable minister translate programmes and policies into action and good order at the local or regional level? What limitations, and what opportunities, did entrenched networks of local interest present to the central administration ? And what tools were available in turn at the centre to co-opt or overturn those networks as necessary in the service of the state?
Comparison of Laparoscopic Inversion Esophagectomy and Open Transhiatal Esophagectomy for High-Grade Dysplasia and Stage I Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Hypothesis The perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy (LIE) are comparable to those of open transhiatal esophagectomy (THE), with potential benefits related to the use of minimally invasive techniques. Design Case-control study. Setting Tertiary care university hospital. Patients and Interventions From July 1, 2003, through March 31, 2008, 21 consecutive patients underwent LIE for high-grade dysplasia or clinical stage I esophageal cancer. We compared these patients with 21 stage-matched control patients treated with THE from August 1, 1995, through August 31, 2003. Main Outcome Measures Operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications, and disease-free survival. Results Mean (SD) operative times for LIE (399 [86] minutes) and THE (407 [127] minutes) were not significantly different ( P = .80). Patients undergoing LIE had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (168 mL; P P = .03) compared with those in the THE group (526 mL and 14 days, respectively). Complication rates were not significantly different between the groups. With a median follow-up of 29 months, there has been 1 systemic recurrence in the LIE group. Conclusions Laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of high-grade dysplasia and early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Compared with THE, LIE decreases operative blood loss and length of hospital stay without increasing the operative time, morbidity, or mortality related to esophagectomy.
A Dialogic Classroom: Facilitating the Interaction on Cross-Taiwan-Strait Issues Regarding the Reconceptualization of the Evolution of Marxist Theories

With regard to the evolution of Marxist theories affecting the relationship between China and Taiwan historically and conceptually, this paper starts with the conceptual framing of the general evolution of Marxist theories—Marxism, neo-Marxist, and post-Marxism. Through dialectical and reconceptualized practice and learning the development of modern Taiwan in the evolutionary modes of Marxist theories, the relationship between China and Taiwan is interpreted as an ambiguous pattern which has evolved from Marxism, neo-Marxism, to post-Marxism. The purpose of this paper is not focused on Marxist theoretical work, but instead, to provide the concentrated themes—the suggestions of creating a dialogic classroom in three curricular methods—currere approach, critical theory, and postmodernism. The paper will conclude that in a debate over China-Taiwan-relationship issues, both sides will imperatively recognize the historical past, focus on the present moment, and have the prospect of a future with mutual benefits.
Forty Years from Markers to Genes

There have been incredible advances made in human genetics over the past 40 years. I have set out in the next few pages to describe just some of these changes and to illustrate how they unfolded through my own experiences.
Involvement of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in the Distribution of Sawgrass and Cattail in Florida Everglades

In areas of the Florida Everglades, USA, a massive replacement of the historically predominant sawgrass by native cattail is occurring. Phosphorus enrichment due to runoff and hydrological engineering is considered a major environmental cause. As part of our investigation into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this habitat shift, we examined the possible involvement of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in sawgrass and cattail. Laboratory experiments determined that sawgrass, but not cattail, was susceptible to fungal inoculation and formed AM under low phosphate (Pi) conditions. Collection of plants from four representative sites in the Everglades revealed that while all sawgrass plants formed root AM associations, no AM was detected in cattail. We identified a phosphate transporter gene of sawgrass, CjPT4, that was preferentially expressed in roots of fungal inoculated and AM plants. In contrast, cattail PT genes were steadily expressed regardless of Pi levels. Our studies demonstrate a strong possibility that ability to form AM symbiosis is a key genetic distinction between sawgrass and cattail in their adaptive response to the changing phosphorus environment. We propose a mechanistic explanation based on AM symbiosis for the distribution and competition of these two plants in the pre-industrial Pi-deficient and modern Pi-enriched Florida Everglades ecosystems.