cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eurasian Natural Gas Pipelines: The Political Economy of Network Interdependence

A noted American economist and specialist on the economies of the former Soviet Union presents the results of his research on the Eurasian network of natural gas pipelines. While the focus is on the political economy of network interdependence, the author covers in considerable detail the political significance of Russia's substantial market power and its efforts to enhance that power in 2007 and 2008. More specifically, he highlights Gazprom's role both as a supplier of natural gas to Europe and as the core of a monopoly controlling exports of natural gas from Russia and Central Asia by expropriating and/or blocking foreign ownership of natural gas reserves as well as production and transportation facilities in Russia. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F100, F230, L950, P330, Q400. 11 figures, 1 table, 51 references.
Mechanical and thermal effects in the forced spreading of a liquid film with a finite contact angle

Abstract A Kelvin—Clapeyron model for the spreading dynamics of simple fluids with an apparent finite contact angle is presented. The forced change in the apparent contact angle is a measure of the change in the intermolecular stress field which leads to a change in the vapor pressure (which is also a function of the non-uniform temperature field). Combining this with classical interfacial change-of-phase kinetics, equations are developed that combine stress (change in apparent dynamic contact angle), motion and thermal (superheating) effects in the contact line region.
Evolving patterns in the detection and outcomes of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: the Massachusetts General Hospital experience from 1977 to 2005

Objective To assess changing patterns in the detection and outcomes of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs). Design Retrospective review from May 21, 1977, through September 16, 2005. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital, a tertiary care center. Patients We evaluated 168 patients (51% male; mean age, 56 years) who underwent surgery for histologically confirmed PNENs. Main Outcome Measures Surgical outcomes, survival, and changes in presentation of PNENs in 2 time groups: 1977-1999 (77 patients) and 2000-2005 (91 patients). Results Ninety-eight patients (58.3%) had nonfunctioning PNENs, 86 of which were incidental. Insulinomas were the most common type of functional neoplasm (33.3%), followed by gastrinomas and glucagonomas; 12 patients (7.1%) had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Of the neoplasms, 107 (63.7%) were located in the pancreatic body or tail. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 37 patients (22.0%), distal pancreatectomy was done in 88 (52.4%), and the rest had either middle segment pancreatectomy or enucleation. There were no operative deaths. We classified 76.8% of neoplasms as benign; of those classified as malignant, 25.6% had liver metastases. Of the patients, 10.1% received adjuvant therapy. Complete follow up was available in 90.5% of patients (mean, 63.3 months). Five- and 10-year actuarial survival rates were 77% and 62%, respectively. Incidentally discovered nonfunctioning neoplasms were significantly more frequent in the last 5 years (60.4% vs 40.3%; = .007), with a trend toward smaller neoplasms (mean, 4.2 cm vs 5.6 cm; = .19) and lesser likelihood of malignancy (21.8% vs 40.0%; = .08). Conclusions We report a large single-center experience with PNENs. Increasing numbers of PNENs are being resected, largely owing to the incidental detection of nonfunctioning neoplasms. This may lead to the treatment of smaller and less malignant neoplasms.
Contamination of thin sections: Some observations on the cause and elimination of “embedding pepper”

A method is described for eliminating a form of contamination called embedding pepper that appears in, or on, thin sections following poststaining in lead citrate. The pepper is present most often in the matrixes of mitochondria, peroxisomes, and red blood cells. Formation of pepper can be prevented by treating the section with 0.5 N HCl or 1.0% ethylenediaminete-traacetic acid (EDTA) for 1–5 min before staining in uranyl acetate or lead citrate.
TAK1 control of cell death

Programmed cell death, a physiologic process for removing cells, is critically important in normal development and for elimination of damaged cells. Conversely, unattended cell death contributes to a variety of human disease pathogenesis. Thus, precise understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying control of cell death is important and relevant to public health. Recent studies emphasize that transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a central regulator of cell death and is activated through a diverse set of intra- and extracellular stimuli. The physiologic importance of TAK1 and TAK1-binding proteins in cell survival and death has been demonstrated using a number of genetically engineered mice. These studies uncover an indispensable role of TAK1 and its binding proteins for maintenance of cell viability and tissue homeostasis in a variety of organs. TAK1 is known to control cell viability and inflammation through activating downstream effectors such as NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). It is also emerging that TAK1 regulates cell survival not solely through NF-κB but also through NF-κB-independent pathways such as oxidative stress and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) kinase activity-dependent pathway. Moreover, recent studies have identified TAK1’s seemingly paradoxical role to induce programmed necrosis, also referred to as necroptosis. This review summarizes the consequences of TAK1 deficiency in different cell and tissue types from the perspective of cell death and also focuses on the mechanism by which TAK1 complex inhibits or promotes programmed cell death. This review serves to synthesize our current understanding of TAK1 in cell survival and death to identify promising directions for future research and TAK1’s potential relevance to human disease pathogenesis.
The Giant Dipole Resonance at high excitation energy and spin

Abstract Recent results from Giant Dipole Resonance decay studies in highly excited nuclei are reviewed, with an emphasis on experiment.
Faculty–Librarian Micro-Level Collaboration in an Online Graduate History Course

Abstract This paper describes a micro-level faculty–librarian collaboration implemented at the authors' state university to address students' information literacy deficiencies in a graduate-level history research methods course. The setting, implementation, and evolution of the partnership are described in detail to suggest a model for other instructors. Additionally, consideration is given to issues of working in an online course environment and the benefits of micro- versus macro-level librarian support. Consideration is given to future steps for strengthening the partnership and measuring its impact on student outcomes.
Late salvage of nasal injuries

Secondary management of patients with posttraumatic injuries remains one of the most difficult management problems for the plastic surgeon. The goal of secondary management of severe nasal trauma is to produce a straight nose that functions properly. Both cosmetic and functional aspects of the nose must be addressed. This requires multiple considerations by the surgeon. An open rhinoplasty approach is most advantageous for treatment of the deviated nose. Wide mobilization of the deviated structures with maintenance of the mucoperichondrial attachments is an important principle. All extrinsic and intrinsic forces causing the nasal deviation must be released. Precise nasal osteotomy planning is required, as dictated by the anatomic deformity. Extensive septal modification is required including resection, morsalization, scoring, septal flaps, and suture techniques. The judicous use of spreader grafts is recommended to improve both the aesthetic and functional result for the deviated nose. This algorithm is reviewed in detail, and we have found it to reliably produce predictable results in the management of the deviated nose.
The Impact of Standardized Metric Physical Internet Containers on the Shipping Volume of Manufacturers

Abstract One of the key aspects of the Physical Internet (PI) is the use of standardized, modular containers that enable the coordination of shipments across the supply chain. However, a key open question is how will limiting the choice of containers impact the amount of volume that is shipped? We present a mathematical model to determine that impact and report our results for data sets that are based on data from a consumer packaged goods company.
PCDD/PCDF in the ambient air of a metropolitan area in the U.S.

Abstract The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in the ambient air at several sites in metropolitan Dayton, Ohio have been determined. Total PCDD in the tetra- through octachlorinated groups which were detected in industrialized regions in the present study ranged from 1.6 to 11.2 pg/m3, whereas the corresponding total PCDF ranged from 0.62 to 11.7 pg/m3. No PCDD/PCDF were found in rural regions, typical average detection limits being on the order of 0.02 – 0.17 pg/m3. PCDD/PCDF in the industrialized regions appear to originate from a combination of sources, including municipal solid waste incinerators, motorized vehicles, and a PVC-coated metal incinerator, the latter being a major source of these pollutants. Total PCDD/PCDF congener group patterns, as well as discrete isomer patterns for the various chlorinated groups, in the samples collected at the several sites, were compared. Approximately 50% of the total chlorinated congeners of PCDD/PCDF in the ambient air samples collected consist of 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted isomers.
pH DEPENDENT EMULSIFYING PROPERTIES OF B-LACTOGLOBULIN

ABSTRACT The emulsifying properties of B-Lactoglobulin (B-Lg) seem to be highly dependent on pH. Coarse emulsions which showed rapid creaming were obtained in the pH range 4.3 - 5.0, whereas emulsions with fine droplets were obtained at pH > 7.5. The emulsion formed at pH 2.8 showed high polydispersity and intermediate behavior. The amount of B-Lg adsorbed (2-10 mg/m2) at the oil/water interface was determined at different pH and they followed the order of pH: 5.0 > 4.3 > 2.8 > 7.6 > 9.7. Higher aggregates seem to be adsorbed near the isoelectric pH of B-Lg whereas a decrease in adsorption occured as pH was changed from the isoelectric pH. This correlated well with the known decrease in aggregative ability of B-Lg. The stabilities of these emulsions however apparently were not related to the thickness of the interfacial layer. The emulsions were found to be most stable at the alkaline pH and least near the isoelectric pH. The results did not correlate with the measured surface hydrophobicities of B-Lg at ...
Online Learning Programs: Evaluation's Challenging Future

With the vast array of contextual factors, pedagogical approaches, models of implementation, and purposes of education and training related to online learning, educators, learners, and the general public alike are seeking answers regarding utility and effectiveness of online learning. This article identifies and responds to many of the challenges and issues related to the evaluation of online learning that will likely test evaluators in the years and decades to come. The author provides an early conceptualization of a comprehensive evaluation framework to focus evaluation on the many components of online learning rather than a narrow aspect. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Retrieval of answer‐providing documents

(I) Better understanding of subject document retrieval might result if different functions of subject document retrieval systems are studied separately. This paper is concerned with retrieval of documents, in response to a question, from which answers to that question can be inferred (“answer-providing documents”). “Answer can be inferred from document” has many possible meanings, one of which must be selected (an “inference specification”). Inasmuch as scientists in a field sometimes disagree about the correctness of inferences, have somewhat different background knowledge, etc., any inference specification can only approximate scientific inference practices. Two sources of systematic knowledge of document-statement inference practices in a scientific field are described. (II) If a content word occurs in a question, then it occurs in any answer to that question (with some apparently tractable exceptions). An indexing procedure based on that fact is described which would permit retrieval of all answer-providing documents for a question. However, because the indexing is “nonrelational,” it could cause false retrievals as well. Various ways of dealing with such false retrievals are briefly indicated, and a study is sketched that would provide data for helping selection among them. Two special points concerning indexing for retrieval of answer-providing documents are discussed separately.
Price setting policies for service systems in case of uncertain demand and service time

Building anM/M/1 queueing model, we determine price and capacity of a service system within monopolistic and competitive frameworks. The existence of a solution for a monopolist is shown and optimal capacity is determined, if demand is elastic. We also determine, within a competitive framework, the number of firms, outputs of each per unit of time, and the relation between price and the number of firms for elastic demands (which has a maximum). Finally, we show that competition supplies a much larger output than monopoly at the price set by the monopolist, if elasticity equals 2.
Derrida’s way out of the dead end of contemporary messianism

This article seeks to determine which role Jacques Derrida’s notion of messianicity without messianism (1993) plays within the contemporary discussion of the value of the messianic tradition for political theory. My point of departure is the belief that Benjamin’s, Taubes’, and Badiou’s antinomic approaches to the issue of justice oversimplify some aspects of law. Is there a real need to abrogate the law? I also claim that even Scholem, Rosenzweig, and Levinas, who believe that a certain law, namely divine law, serves to overcome natural law, fail to provide a consistent account of the interaction between law and justice. This paper is an attempt to demonstrate, firstly, that a messianic narrative that develops a way to achieve justice without needing to turn to transcendence can be found in Agamben and Derrida. And secondly, that they also provide the most complete understanding of the law. They base their arguments on a subtle distinction between the laws in force – which in their messianic narratives m...
Shuttle /STS-1/ entry trajectory reconstruction

The methods and data used to reconstruct the Shuttle entry trajectory aerodynamics from 180 km to landing are reviewed. Onboard accelerometer and gyro measurements are used with a weighted least squares filter along with ground tracking data to provide the evolving spacecraft state. The software development is described, noting that computations include linear acceleration and angular rate data, aerodynamic coefficient, and inertial measurement units, sampled at 170 Hz. Ground tracking data was gathered on S- and C-bands; Guam data is considered critical as it was taken during the blackout at the beginning of entry. The generation of a best estimate trajectory, combining flight and ground data, yields inplane parameters of altitude, flight path angle, and velocity for comparison with navigational instrumentation. Predicted lift/drag ratios were found to be accurate from Mach 1-25, and up to 23% low below Mach 1.
Enzymic degradation of yeast cell-wall mannans and Galactomannans to polymeric fragments containing α-(1→6)-linked D-mannopyranose residues

Abstract The cell-wall D -mannans of Candida parapsilosis, Endomycopsis fibuliger, Saccharomyces rouxii, Torulopsis apicola (Hajsig strain), and Torulopsis bombi were degraded with an exo α- D -mannosidase from Arthrobacter GJM-1 to their α-(1→6)-linked D -mannopyranose main-chains, as demonstrated by p.m.r. spectroscopy. D -galacto- D -mannans from Candida lipolytica, Torulopsis gropengiesseri, Torulopsis lactis-condensi, Torulopsis magnoliae, and Trichosporon fermentans could be degraded to polysaccharides containing mainly 6- O -linked α- D -mannopyranosyl residues following preferential removal of their enzyme-resistant, D -galactopyranosyl non-reducing end-units with acid. The D -mannans of Saccharomyces lodderi, Citeromyces matritensis , and Pichia pastoris could also be enzymically degraded to polysaccharides containing predominantly α-(1→6)-linked D -mannopyranosyl residues after hydrolysis of most of the β- D -linked residues in their side chains with acid. The exo α- D -mannosidase, as would be expected, produced β- D -mannose on splitting of an α-(1→2)-linked D -mannopyranose tetramer. It is, however, very selective in its action since it did not cleave α- D -Man p -(1→2)-β- D -Man p -(1→2)-β- D -Man p -(1→2)-β- D -Man p -(1→2)- D -Man. Apparently a D -mannopyranose non-reducing end-unit and two consecutive α- D -mannopyranose residues are required by the enzyme for cleavage of a substrate to take place.
Homogenization of a fibre/sphere with an inhomogeneous interphase for the effective elastic moduli of composites

An effective interphase model (EIM) and a uniform replacement model (URM) are proposed to study the effect of an inhomogeneous interphase with varying elastic properties in the radial direction on the effective elastic moduli of composites reinforced by fibres/spheres. The central idea of these models is to convert a fibre/sphere with its interphase into a two-phase or homogeneous fibre/sphere. Then, the strain energy changes can be obtained using the three-phase model or Eshelby9s solution. Detailed comparisons with the finite-element method (FEM) results of the strain energy changes for various possible material combinations of fibre/sphere, interphase and matrix are carried out to check the validity of the two models. Moreover, the other two existing models, the uniform interphase model (UIM) and differential replacement model (DRM), are compared with the new ones. It is shown that the validity of these analytical models depends on the material combinations. The EIM can be valid for general cases, while the simple URM is only valid for some cases. The validity ranges of the two existing models lie between those of the two new ones. Finally, the expressions of the effective elastic moduli of composites involving an inhomogeneous interphase are given by combining these models and the Mori–Tanaka method. The application of these expressions is illustrated through three examples and further comparisons with FEM results are also given.
Freeze-fracture analysis of plasma membranes of isolated astrocytes from rat brain.

Plasma membranes of mature rat astrocytes separated by differential centrifugation have been reported to be intact, based on electron microscopic examination of thin plastic sections. However, the effects of the separation procedure on the internal structure of the plasma membranes are unknown. The degree of membrane integrity is of concern to us since our goal is the separation of astrocytic plasma membranes and characterization of the specific intramembranous particle groups called assemblies. We have taken advantage of the astrocyte membrane-marker, the assembly, in order to monitor, by freeze-fracture, the identity of the separated astrocytes and the integrity of their cell membrane. Since some processes of an astrocyte contain assemblies whereas other processes of the same cell do not, it was also necessary to determine if processes with assemblies were separated by this technique. Astrocytic cell membranes were also examined to determine if trupsinization or the mechanical disruption steps of the separation affected the intramembranous particles. Freeze-fracture of the plasma membranes revealed that the particles were rearranged resulting in patches of clumped intramembranous particles and areas of bare membrane. The assemblies were rearranged rather than lost from the membrane since they could be identified among the clumped particles. More astrocytic plasma membranes contained non-clumped, normally distributed particles in the trypsin treated fractions. particles and much more cellular debris. We interpret the findings for the non-trypsinized astrocytes as due to greater mechanical stress placed on the cells during tissue disruption. Trypsin treatment lessens this stress, thereby, tending to preserve the normal distribution of intramembranous particles.
Rotational Path Removable Partial Denture (RPD): Conservative Esthetic Treatment Option for the Edentulous Mandibular Anterior Region: A Case Report

It can be esthetically and financially daunting for patients to lose teeth in an anterior region of the mouth. For these patients, traditional treatment options presented in the past have included fixed partial denture, implants, and conventional removable partial denture (RPD). For patients faced with financial, anatomical, and/or esthetic limitations, the edentulous region can be restored successfully with a rotational path RPD. Rotational path RPD designs have often been overlooked by the dental profession due to its complex concepts involving the prosthetic design and sensitive laboratory techniques. With better understanding of the concepts and design, the dental clinician can deliver the highest esthetic outcome in compromised areas in which other treatment options may often face limitations. This paper reviews the method used to estheti- cally design and plan a posterior-anterior rotational path RPD in an edentulous mandibular anterior region for a patient missing the mandibular incisors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Due to inadequate understanding of the mechanics of rotational path RPDs, many clinicians have not adapted the application of this advantageous prosthesis. When correctly designed and fabricated, the rotational path RPD provides improved esthetics, cleanliness, and retention for patients who may not be suitable candidates for implants or fixed partial dentures in tooth- supported edentulous regions. (J Esthet Restor Dent 20:98-107, 2008)
In vivo model of wound healing based on transplanted tissue-engineered skin.

Advances in understanding the complex process of wound healing and development of novel growth factor and gene therapies would benefit from models that mimic closely the physiology of human wounds....
Multi-temporal risk minimization of adaptive load management in electricity spot markets

Adaptive load management (ALM) is a new way to balance power supply and demand by capturing the economic value each market participant sees, and finds the optimum by iterating the information between various market layers and by adjusting their transactions accordingly. Load serving entities (LSEs) play a role as a mediator between the supply and the demand in this framework. In this paper, we discuss the aspect of the risk minimization of an LSE by purchasing electricity at a volatile and risky spot market price, while meeting the end-users' energy needs represented by a state space model and constraints of an optimization problem. We propose a new concept that looks not only into the risk at the independent time steps in a single spot market but also into the correlated risks between different time steps and different spot markets, using Markowitz optimization. The proposed concept is also novel in the sense that it deploys loads with different physical characteristics (or storage with different time constants) for the spot markets with different time scales and intervals. We show through a simulation a possible benefit and drawback of this LSE's risk minimization framework compared to cost minimization without risk management. We conclude that there is a clear tradeoff between minimizing the risk of uncertainty and maximizing the profit of an LSE. Also, risk in different time scales should be managed in different ways with the right information exchange and technology infrastructure to fully utilize the adaptability of the loads to the volatile price signal.
Relief of Experimentally-Induced Pain by Stimulation at Acupuncture Loci: a Review

24 recent studies on acupuncture analgesia for the relief of experimentally-induced pairs are reviewed. Negative or equivocal results are reported in 7 of these. The remaining 17(71%) report significant analgesic effects during manual or electrical stimulation (particularly at very low frequencies on the order of 2 Hz) at acupuncture loci. Many investigators note that the full analgesic effect is attained only after about 20 minutes of stimulation. Furhter investigation of the analgesic effects of stimulation at acupuncture loci, particularly the effect of very low frequency electrical stimulation, is fully warranted by these preliminary findings.
Evidence that MutY is a monofunctional glycosylase capable of forming a covalent Schiff base intermediate with substrate DNA

The Escherichia coli adenine glycosylase MutY is involved in the repair of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (OG):A and G:A mispairs in DNA. DNA strand cleavage via beta-elimination (beta-lyase) activity coupled with MutY's removal of misincorporated adenine bases was sought using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative assays demonstrate formation of a Schiff base intermediate which is characteristic of DNA glycosylases catalyzing a concomitant beta-lyase reaction. Borohydride reduction of the Schiff base results in the formation of a covalent DNA-MutY adduct which is easily detected in SDS-PAGE experiments. However, quantitative activity assays which monitor DNA strand scission accompanying base release suggest MutY behaves as a simple monofunctional glycosylase. Treatment with base effects DNA strand cleavage at apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites arising via simple glycosylase activity. The amount of cleaved DNA in MutY reactions treated with base is much greater than that in non-base treated reactions, indicating that AP site generation by MutY is not associated with a concomitant beta-lyase step. As standards, identical assays were performed with a known monofunctional enzyme (uracil DNA glycosylase) and a known bifunctional glycosylase/lyase (FPG), the results of which were used in comparison with those of the MutY experiments. The apparent inconsistency between the data obtained for MutY by the qualitative and quantitative methods underscores the current debate surrounding the catalytic activity of this enzyme, and a detailed explanation of this controversy is proposed. The work presented here lays ground for the identification of specific active site residues responsible for the chemical mechanism of MutY enzyme catalysis.
Euthanasia, the terminal patient, and the physician's role.

A random sample of Cleveland clergy was asked to assess 1) the terminal patient's views on death, 2) the desires of some terminally ill patients to find an easy and dignified death, and 3) the role the physician ought to play in treating terminal patients. Protestant clergy more than their Catholic counterparts are substantially in favor of 1) disclosure of terminal illness, 2) allowing an easy death for the terminal patient at his request, and 3) facilitating the role of the physicians in cases of terminal illness. Fundamentalist Protestants are less approving than liberal Protestants. Clerics who saw their role extend beyond man's spiritual need approve of the physician's disclosure of terminal illness and his cooperation with patients who request with holding or terminating medical treatment. The Uterature abounds with reports of the role conflict medical professionals are increasingly experiencing in treating terminal patients. Technological advance, material costs, the moral and reUgious feelings of the patient, family pressure, and fear of legal risks aU create severe conflict for physicians.1 The two central functions of the medical profession are the struggle against death and disease and the aUeviation of pain and suffering.2 Medical education, with its lack of preparation for caring for the dying patient and its firm dedication to the Hippocratic Oath, interpreted as the saving of Ufe at any cost, is a major source of role conflict.3 The physician is in a quandary because he is expected both to ease suffering and to save Ufe.4 Currently, it appears that the medical imperative of sustaining aU Uves, regardless of costs, may be the more encompassing force acting on the physician.5 In fact, it seems as though death offends the medical profession.6 Unfortunately medical education does not provide adequate training to deal with various complicated problems connected with death. Physician surveys reveal that few doctors beUeve that their approach to the patient with terminal disease owes anything to medical training. Furthermore, doctors disagree markedly concerning what such patients should be told.7
Durability tests of a five-centimeter diameter ion thruster system.

A modified Hughes SIT-5 system is being tested for durability at the Lewis Research Center. As of October 1, 1972, the thruster subsystem has logged over 8000 hours of operation. The initial 2023 hours were run with a translating screen thrust vector grid. The thruster is currently operating with an electrostatic type vector grid. Profiles and maps taken at widely separated intervals show that performance and operating characteristics have remained essentially constant. Overall efficiency is about 32 percent and power to thrust ratio is 170 watts per millipound at a specific impulse of 2500 seconds. Telescopic examination of the vector grid shows some sputtering erosion due to charge exchange and direct impingement ions.
Genetic Factors in External Apical Root Resorption and Orthodontic Treatment

External apical root resorption (EARR) is a common sequela of orthodontic treatment, although it may also occur in the absence of orthodontic treatment. The degree and severity of EARR associated with orthodontic treatment are multifactorial, involving host and environmental factors. Genetic factors account for at least 50% of the variation in EARR. Variation in the Interleukin 1 beta gene in orthodontically treated individuals accounts for 15% of the variation in EARR. Historical and contemporary evidence implicates injury to the periodontal ligament and supporting structures at the site of root compression following the application of orthodontic force as the earliest event leading to EARR. Decreased IL-1beta production in the case of IL-1B (+3953) allele 1 may result in relatively less catabolic bone modeling (resorption) at the cortical bone interface with the PDL, which may result in prolonged stress concentrated in the root of the tooth, triggering a cascade of fatigue-related events leading to root resorption. One mechanism of action for EARR may be mediated through impairment of alveolar resorption, resulting in prolonged stress and strain of the adjacent tooth root due to dynamic functional loads. Future estimation of susceptibility to EARR will likely require the analysis of a suite of genes, root morphology, skeleto-dental values, and the treatment method to be used-or essentially the amount of tooth movement planned for treatment.
The multiple site β-endorphin receptor

thermore, B-endorphin is active in all the in-vitro systems, including the rat vas deferens, where most opioid alkaloids and natural enkephalin peptides have little, or no, activity*, 1~ 12. These observations suggest that all of these systems may contain a single, universal fl-endorphin receptor, which is also able to interact with either p or 8 ligands. We recently proposed a model based on this idea, as well as on other evidence which will be described below. The/3-endorphin receptor was visualized to consist of two sites, one binding 8 ligands and located possibly on a protein, and the other binding /x ligands and located on a lipid closely associated with the protein, fl-Endorphin was proposed to interact with the 8 site through its N-terminal 'enkephalin' end, and with the/z site through some portion of its C-terminal chain. The receptor might, under appropriate conditions, be activated by a ligand binding at either one of its sites, e.g. D-Ala~-D-LeuLenkephalin at 8 site or morphine at/z site to cause analgesia in the brain, or by fl-endorphin, interacting with both sites (8 and/.Q simultaneously 6. This model appears to account for a great deal of well-documented data not easily explained by the existence of distinct/z and 8 sites. To begin with, it provides a
Testing diffusion processes for non-stationarity

Financial data are often assumed to be generated by diffusions. Using recent results of Fan et al. (J Am Stat Assoc, 102:618–631, 2007; J Financ Econometer, 5:321–357, 2007) and a multiple comparisons procedure created by Benjamini and Hochberg (J R Stat Soc Ser B, 59:289–300, 1995), we develop a test for non-stationarity of a one-dimensional diffusion based on the time inhomogeneity of the diffusion function. The procedure uses a single sample path of the diffusion and involves two estimators, one temporal and one spatial. We first apply the test to simulated data generated from a variety of one-dimensional diffusions. We then apply our test to interest rate data and real exchange rate data. The application to real exchange rate data is of particular interest, since a consequence of the law of one price (or the theory of purchasing power parity) is that real exchange rates should be stationary. With the exception of the GBP/USD real exchange rate, we find evidence that interest rates and real exchange rates are generally non-stationary. The software used to implement the estimation and testing procedure is available on demand and we describe its use in the paper.
Role of DNA Elasticity and Nucleosome Geometry in Hierarchical Packaging of Chromatin

Eukaryotic cells face the daunting task of packaging meters of DNA into micrometer-sized nuclei while retaining the accessibility of the genome to transcriptional machinery. We use a combination of analytical theory and simulations to address the question of how DNA elasticity determines the structure and dynamics of chromatin fibers. Treating the DNA as a worm-like chain, we study the size and fluctuations of extended nucleosome arrays in solution. In addition, we investigate the role of local nucleosomal geometry in dictating global chromatin structure. Specifically, we map out the elastically preferred structures of compact chromatin fibers with different linker lengths and consider the effect of nucleosomal modifications on these structures. We find that the altered nucleosome geometry arising from introduction of histone variants significantly affects the energetics of linker DNA in different compact structures. Our model provides a set of verifiable predictions that allow for direct connections with experimental data. The results highlight the key role played by DNA elasticity and local geometry in tight hierarchical packaging of the genome into chromatin.
The DinB Superfamily Includes Novel Mycothiol, Bacillithiol and Glutathione S-transferases

The superfamily of glutathione S-transferases has been the subject of extensive study but Actinobacteria produce mycothiol (MSH) in place of glutathione and no mycothiol S-transferase (MST) has been identified. Using mycothiol and monochlorobimane as substrates a MST activity was detected in extracts of Mycobacterium smegmatis and purified sufficiently to allow identification of MSMEG_0887, a member the DUF664 family of the DinB superfamily, as the MST. The identity of the M. smegmatis and homologous Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv0443) enzymes was confirmed by cloning and the expressed proteins were found to be active with MSH but not bacillithiol (BSH) or glutathione (GSH). Bacillus subtilis YfiT is another member of the DinB superfamily but this bacterium produces BSH. The YfiT protein was shown to have Stransferase activity with monochlorobimane when assayed with BSH but not with MSH or GSH. Enterococcus faecalis EF_3021 shares some homology with MSMEG_0887 but this organism produces GSH but not MSH or BSH. Cloned and expressed EF_0321 was active with monochlorobimane and GSH but not with MSH or BSH. MDMPI_2 is another member of the DinB superfamily and has been previously shown to have mycothiol-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase activity. Three of the eight families of the DinB superfamily include proteins shown to catalyze thiol-dependent metabolic or detoxification activities. Since more than two-thirds of the sequences assigned to the DinB superfamily are members of these families it seems likely that such activity is dominant in the DinB superfamily.
A Stokesian dynamics model for particle deposition and bridging in granular media

Abstract This paper presents a general three-dimensional Stokesian Dynamics model that dynamically simulates the motion and deposition of particles as they approach and migrate through a porous medium. The model allows for variations in the fluid velocity, particle size, and forces or torques acting on the particles. The use of a Stokesian dynamics approach provides a unified framework in which no a priori assumptions about the type of filtration need be made. The model is valid for the hydrosol filtration of dilute suspensions. One of the most important and perhaps least understood issues in filtration is the effect of previously deposited particles on the subsequent deposition of particles. As each particle deposits on a grain, it alters the fluid flow field. This distortion in the fluid flow can significantly affect the motion of subsequent particles. The fluid flow field and the particle trajectory therefore dynamically evolve with time and depend on the size and location of the collector grains as well as the deposited particles. The effect of particles lodging in pore throats to cause plugging is twofold. First, particle plugging will change the fluid flow field around the grains that are adjacent to the plugged pore throat. Furthermore, as particles are diverted away from the blocked pore throats, the concentration of particles passing through the open pore throats will increase. This in turn may lead to a rapid buildup of particles on these adjacent collectors until they are also clogged. Consequently if the conditions of deposition are such as to encourage extensive particle bridging, this will eventually lead to a situation where particle bridging occurs across all the pore throats. If this occurs, or near, the face of the filter bed, the particles will tend to deposit on each other and the mode of filtration will change from deep bed filtration to “cake” formation. The model presented in this paper allows us for the first time to dynamically simulate this process of particle deposition, bridging, and cake formation.
Corneal endothelial cell proliferation: a function of cell density.

PURPOSE—To determine how stimuli that increase corneal endothelial cell proliferation of human corneas in culture relate to changes in endothelial cell density in the central and peripheral cornea. METHODS—Human donor cadaver corneas not suitable for transplantation were divided into four pie-shaped wedges and incubated at 37°C in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and gentamicin. To promote a proliferative response, samples were treated with EDTA at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 mM for 1 hour and then returned to culture medium. Endothelial cell proliferation was assayed with Ki-67 immunolocalization 48 and 96 hours after EDTA treatment. Samples were mounted with propidium iodide or DAPI. The total number of cells and the number of Ki-67–positive cells were counted in three regions, defined as central, mid, and peripheral cornea, to determine endothelial cell density and percentage of proliferation. RESULTS—A proliferative response to EDTA was not found. However, increased proliferation was noted in the central compared with the peripheral corneal region. Unexpectedly, the increased proliferation in the central region corresponded to a trend of lower endothelial cell density in the central region compared with the peripheral region. Corneal endothelial cell proliferation under our culture conditions is noted primarily when cell density is less than 2000 cells/mm 2 .
Management of children with mild traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUNDTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem affecting tens of thousands of children each year, and an important subset of these patients sustains intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that we could identify a subset of c
STUDIES OF A METHOD FOR DETERMINING ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN ANIMAL TISSUE

SUMMARY— Three different studies were conducted to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a widely accepted method for determining organochlorine pesticide residues in animals' tissues. These investigations involved laboratories of both state and federal regulatory agencies. Various adipose tissues, heat-extracted and non-heat-extracted, spiked and unspiked samples were analyzed by these laboratories. Results of these studies demonstrated many inaccuracies and inconsistencies associated with using the current method. The laboratory performing the analysis, as well as the tissue sample used, was shown to significantly (P < .05) affect the results. Further, the heat-extraction phase, as well as the subsequent analytical phase of the method, was observed (P < .05) to present problems of repeatability.
P element transformation vectors for studying Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis and early embryogenesis

We have constructed six new P-element-based Drosophila melanogaster transformation vectors that specifically allow for the high-level accumulation of any RNA of interest in the developing egg and pre-blastoderm embryo. Such specificity results, in part, from the inclusion in the vectors of an enhancer active exclusively in nurse cells, the principal providers of RNA to the egg and early embryo. The nurse cell enhancer was derived from the hsp26 heat-shock (HS) gene, but its activity was neither dependent on nor sensitive to HS. In addition to the nurse cell enhancer, two of the vectors contain sequences from the K10 gene that promote the early transfer of RNAs from nurse cells into the oocyte; RNAs that contain the K10 sequence are transferred into the oocyte during the early to middle stages of oogenesis (i.e., during stages 2-9), while RNAs that lack such sequences are stored in nurse cells until stage 11. All of the vectors contain a tsp and a multiple cloning site (MCS) immediately downstream from the hsp26 nurse cell enhancer. In three of the vectors, the MCS is preceded by an ATG start codon. A wild-type copy of the white gene is included in all of the vectors as a selectable marker for transformation. The specificity of the vectors was demonstrated by the analysis of the expression patterns of lacZ derivatives.
Progress toward traceable nanoscale optical critical dimension metrology for semiconductors

Non-imaging optical critical dimension (OCD) techniques have rapidly become a preferred method for measuring nanoscale features in semiconductors. OCD relies upon the measurement of an optical reflectance signature from a grating target as a function of angle, wavelength and/or polarization. By comparing the signature with theoretical simulations, parameters of the grating lines such as critical dimension (CD) linewidth, sidewall angle, and line height can be obtained. Although the method is sensitive and highly repeatable, there are many issues to be addressed before OCD can be considered a traceable metrology. We report on progress towards accurate, traceable measurement, modeling, and analysis of OCD signatures collected on the NIST goniometric optical scatter instrument (GOSI), focusing on recent results from grating targets fabricated using the single-crystal critical dimension reference materials (SCCDRM) process. While we demonstrate good correlation between linewidth extracted from OCD and that measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we also find systematic deviations between the experimentally obtained optical signatures and best fit theoretical signatures that limit our ability to determine uncertainty in OCD linewidth. We then use the SCCDRM line profile model and a χ2 goodness-of-fit analysis on simulated signatures to demonstrate the theoretical confidence limits for the grating line parameters in the case of normally distributed noise. This analysis shows that for the current SCCDRM implementation, line height and oxide layer undercut are highly correlated parameters, and that the 3-σ confidence limits in extracted linewidth depend on the target pitch. Prospects for traceable OCD metrology will be discussed.
A study of the neutral excitation current in liquid 4 He above 1 K

Neutral excitations generated in a discharge near a sharp tungsten tip operated in either the field emission or field ionization mode in liquid helium were detected with a surface ionization detector submerged in the liquid. The measured times of flight of the neutral excitations from the tip to the detector are in excellent agreement with a model in which the neutral entities drift with the fluid which is set in motion by the force of the ion current extracted from the discharge. Times of flight as long as 30 sec were measured. These data, along with measurements reported by other workers, clearly identify the neutral excitation as an a 3Σ u + metastable helium molecule. We report a lower limit of 10 sec on the lifetime of this state.
What are internal medicine residents missing? A communication needs assessment of outpatient clinical encounters.

Abstract Objective In order to guide curricular innovation, we looked at the feasibility and utility of performing a targeted needs assessment of the communication skills of PGY2 internal medicine (IM) residents in their continuity clinic, utilizing faculty direct observation with a validated instrument for communication skills evaluation. Methods A convenience sample of PGY2 residents in the Emory University School of Medicine IM Residency Program was invited to participate. Using the SEGUE Framework, a checklist of medical communication tasks, faculty assessed residents during a clinic encounter. Results Thirty out of 53 (57%) PGY2 residents were assessed. SEGUE results indicate residents were most likely to “maintain patient's privacy” (100%), “greet patient appropriately” (97%) and “check/clarify information” (100%). Residents were least likely to “acknowledge waiting time” (7%), “explore psychosocial/emotional factors” (27%) and “outline agenda for visit” (33%). Conclusion The SEGUE Framework is a feasible tool to evaluate the communication skills of IM residents in a clinic setting. Many PGY2 IM residents in a large, urban practice do not elicit important psychosocial information during outpatient clinic visits. Practice implications More observation and evaluation of residents’ communication skills are needed, with emphasis on building skills to “Understand the Patient's Perspective.”
The effect of ionic strength on the UV–vis spectrum of congo red in aqueous solution

Abstract The major peak near 498 nm in the ultraviolet–visible spectrum of congo red in aqueous solution shifts toward the blue while the molar absorptivity of this peak decreases predictably with increasing ionic strength. The shift was observed for solutions in which ionic strength was varied from 0.0 to 1.8 M using the uni–univalent ionic compounds, NaCl, NaClO4, KNO3 and KBr separately. A plot of the log of the absorbance at the peak versus ionic strength was linear as well as a plot of the log of the wavelength of the major peak (shifted from 498 nm) versus the ionic strength. The slopes of each of these plots were somewhat different depending on the ionic compound.