cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distal Ventral Iliac Pathway for Spinopelvic Fixation: Technique Description and Case Series.

ABSTRACT Background Pelvic fixation improves the stability of spinal instrumentation and can be used in high-grade degenerative disease, trauma, deformity, and destabilizing invasive pathologies, such as infection and tumor. Classic techniques for spinopelvic fixation include traditional iliac screws and S2-Alar-Iliac screws. We present a case series describing the distal ventral iliac pathway (DVIP) for spinopelvic fixation and discuss surgical indications and merits of this technique. We describe the use of the DVIP for spinopelvic fixation in the setting of degenerative and traumatic pathologies, compare this technique with existing approaches, and summarize literature to support this approach. Methods One hundred twenty-eight cases of DVIP screws were identified at 1 academic medical center, and 3 cases were chosen as representative examples for technique demonstration. Results Patient ages ranged from 19 to 81 (mean 62) years. Intraoperative and postoperative complications include 12 incidental durotomies, 3 suprafascial infections, and 2 compressive hematomas. There were 22 instances of hardware failure and 8 instances of pseudoarthrosis. Overall, 26 patients underwent revision surgery. Mean estimated blood loss, operative time, and time under fluoroscopy were 1959 mL, 386 minutes, and 3.19 minutes, respectively. Conclusions The DVIP is both safe and effective as a treatment for patients with degenerative and traumatic lumbosacral pathology. Spinopelvic fixation provides improved soft tissue coverage and fewer hardware complications at minimum of 1 year follow up. This case series demonstrates a novel surgical technique for spinopelvic fixation in the setting of numerous spinal pathologies. Level of Evidence 4. Clinical Relevance This surgical technique is less technically challenging than current approaches, minimizes radiation exposure, and obviates the need for horizontal connector rods. In addition, in highly destabilizing pathologies, this technique also allows for multiple screw placement within the ilium, while maintaining the ability to connect to a single rod construct. This technique is safe, technically approachable, and broadly applicable to an array of spinopelvic pathologies.
Approximation Schemes for an Aeroelastic-Control System

The problem of designing active control schemes for flutter suppression in flexible aircraft is discussed in this paper. Based on a well-posed state-space formulation we present an abstract framework to study approximation techniques for the active flutter control of an airfoil with flap in two-dimensional unsteady flow of an inviscid, incompressible fluid.
The Economic Functions of Referrals and Referral Fees

As the real estate market becomes more complex, the role of middlemen becomes more central to its efficient operation. Middlemen take on informational roles including marketing, screening, and matching. The real costs incurred in many of these roles are not included in the regulatory authorities' calculations of permitted costs, and become, under RESPA, prohibited as referral fees. This discourages development of innovative packages of products. Regulation specifying the standards for disclosure of referral fees can serve a useful purpose. But the model in this article shows that in at least some circumstances customers will prefer to do business in an environment in which middlemen can choose not to reveal information about any particular referral fee they receive.
THE LIQUID LIFE: Money and the circulation of success after Franklin

What happens when the money form becomes a model for selfhood and social success? Benjamin Franklin's autobiography posits a reciprocal relationship between the circulation of money and self. Self is expressed in Franklin's memoirs in the form of money, through a formal configuration of narrative episodes modelled on Franklin's own conception of the circulation of money. Through this representation, Franklin produces a historically novel way of formally accommodating the antagonisms of social inequality through narrative, of reconstituting conflict as controlled and industrious experiential diversity. Through a consideration of Franklin's writings on credit and money, and an analysis of the narrative form of his autobiography, this article assesses the origins and persistence of the money-self nexus in modern times.
Steady Deep‐Water Waves on a Linear Shear Current

The behavior of steady, periodic, deep-water gravity waves on a linear shear current is investigated. A weakly nonlinear approximation for the small amplitude waves is constructed via a variational principle. A local analysis of those large amplitude waves with sharp crests, called extreme waves, is also provided. To construct solutions for all waveheights (especially the limiting ones) a convenient mathematical formulation which involves only the wave profile and some constants of the motion is derived and then solved by numerical means. It is found that for some shear currents the highest waves are not necessarily the extreme waves. Furthermore a certain non-uniqueness in the sense of a fold is shown to exist and a new type of limiting wave is discovered.
Pulmonary function in men after oxygen breathing at 3.0 ATA for 3.5 h

As a pulmonary component of Predictive Studies V, designed to determine O2 tolerance of multiple organs and systems in humans at 3.0–1.5 ATA, pulmonary function was evaluated at 1.0 ATA in 13 healt...
Repeated Angles inE4

Let there be givenn points in four-dimensional euclidean spaceE4. We show that the number of occurrences of the angleÂ? iso(n3) ifÂ? is not a right angle and Â?(n3) otherwise.
Prospects for Genetic Intervention in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Recent advances in glaucoma genetics hold potential for dramatically changing the clinical care of glaucoma patients. To date, 5 primary open-angle glaucoma genes and 2 congenital glaucoma genes have been mapped. As more glaucoma genes are identified, earlier diagnosis for glaucoma should become more readily available. Progress in molecular genetics holds considerable promise for both current and future therapy of glaucoma. Glaucoma classification will be tailored to each individual based upon that person’s family history, i.e. family glaucoma genotype. In the future, the optimum treatment for a specific glaucoma patient might rely on the knowledge of the phenotype of that person’s causal gene, without having to resort to ‘trial and error’. At this time, glaucoma treatment is restricted to lowering intraocular pressure. In the near future, with the knowledge of the pathophysiology caused by the defective glaucoma gene, more traditional drug treatments may be used to bypass the gene defect. Ultimately, gene therapy would replace the mutant gene with a normal one before visual loss has occurred as has been done with a model for retinitis pigmentosa, the retinal degeneration mouse.
Probing Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particles in the Resistive-Pulse Technique

The resistive-pulse technique is a powerful approach to detect single molecules and particles. A single particle passing through a pore can be observed as a transient drop of the transmembrane current. Our research focuses on resistive-pulse sensing experiments performed with track-etched polymer pores characterized by an undulating diameter along the pore length. The resistive pulses generated by spherical beads passing through these pores have a repeatable pattern of large variations corresponding to these diameter changes. We show that this pattern of variations enables the unambiguous resolution of multiple particles simultaneously in the pore, the detection of transient sticking of particles within the pore, and confirmation whether any individual particle completely translocates the pore. This pattern of variations was also found to be independent of the particle size. Pores with undulating diameter can also differentiate between particles of different shape but similar volume as demonstrated by our experiments with rod-shaped particles. This is due to particle interaction with the internal structure of the pore in a way that is specific to their size and shape. It is important to mention that distinguishing between various shapes is not possible with the classical resistive-pulse technique which is based exclusively on the detection of particle volume. We have also performed resistive-pulse experiments with hydrogel particles which revealed their ability to squish and expel solvent during translocation. Pores with undulating pore diameter can therefore be also applied to probe mechanical properties of translocating particles.
Understanding non-traditional forest recreation: The role of constraints and negotiation strategies among racial and ethnic minorities

Abstract This study examined and compared the perceived constraints and use of constraint negotiation strategies of non-traditional national forest recreationists (those who reported their race and ethnicity to be other than Caucasian). The study provides insight into the reasons why ethnic groups might not participate in forest recreation as often as Caucasian users. Data were collected through an on-site survey of visitors at the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF), an urban-proximate forest near Seattle, Washington, USA. Non-traditional users were divided into two groups: Asians and other subcultures. Overall, Asians tended to be more constrained than the “other” non-traditional users, who in turn were more constrained than the traditional Caucasian visitors. Cultural and information-related reasons were more constraining for non-traditional users. Constraint negotiation strategies most commonly employed by the non-traditional users involved time management approaches such as planning ahead, setting aside time for outdoor recreation activities, and trying to fit recreation around other commitments. Managers of forest recreation sites near urban areas should be aware of the different cultures visiting the forests, and make concerted efforts to encourage different ethnic and racial groups to visit. Efforts focusing on better information and transportation options may be most effective in helping non-traditional users to pursue forest recreation opportunities. Management implications This study provides valuable information to outdoor recreation managers who wish to understand diverse user groups. Historically, ethnic and racial minorities have not recreated in the US outdoor recreation areas at the same rate as Caucasian (traditional users). With a growing, diverse US population, it is imperative to land agency managers that they remain relevant to this non-traditional segment of our society. Managers can engage non-traditional users by understanding the socio-demographic makeup of existing and potential recreation users. In addition, it is important that managers understand what constrains existing and potential users, and how various segments of our society differ in their perceived constraints. Finally, outdoor recreation managers should strive to understand the most effective methods of engaging various and diverse outdoor recreation users and potential users. Managers will have the opportunity to learn about what is most important to non-traditional users, and how non-traditional users differ greatly, and must be thought of as distinctly different and important stakeholders.
Normal volume of distribution of tobramycin in a mother and daughter with a CFTR splice mutation (1717 − 1G → A)

A mother and daughter pair with CF who shared a splice mutation (1717 − 1G → A) had a normal volume of distribution of tobramycin. The literature on tobramycin pharmacokinetics, which was published before the genetic defect was identified, is discussed. The authors speculate on the role of CFTR in the distribution of aminoglycosides and recommend that CFTR mutations should be clarified in all future studies of tobramycin pharmacokinetics in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 33:315-317. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MGEScan-non-LTR: computational identification and classification of autonomous non-LTR retrotransposons in eukaryotic genomes

Computational methods for genome-wide identification of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) have become increasingly necessary for both genome annotation and evolutionary studies. Non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons are a class of MGEs that have been found in most eukaryotic genomes, sometimes in extremely high numbers. In this article, we present a computational tool, MGEScan-non-LTR, for the identification of non-LTR retrotransposons in genomic sequences, following a computational approach inspired by a generalized hidden Markov model (GHMM). Three different states represent two different protein domains and inter-domain linker regions encoded in the non-LTR retrotransposons, and their scores are evaluated by using profile hidden Markov models (for protein domains) and Gaussian Bayes classifiers (for linker regions), respectively. In order to classify the non-LTR retrotransposons into one of the 12 previously characterized clades using the same model, we defined separate states for different clades. MGEScan-non-LTR was tested on the genome sequences of four eukaryotic organisms, Drosophila melanogaster, Daphnia pulex, Ciona intestinalis and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. For the D. melanogaster genome, MGEScan-non-LTR found all known 'full-length' elements and simultaneously classified them into the clades CR1, I, Jockey, LOA and R1. Notably, for the D. pulex genome, in which no non-LTR retrotransposon has been annotated, MGEScan-non-LTR found a significantly larger number of elements than did RepeatMasker, using the current version of the RepBase Update library. We also identified novel elements in the other two genomes, which have only been partially studied for non-LTR retrotransposons.
Age Grading: The Implicit Organizational Timetable

The age distribution within an organization forms an implicit career timetable, and there is evidence that people use their perceptions of this timetable to determine whether their careers are on or off schedule. Questionnaire data were collected from managers (N = 488, 47 per cent) within a large electric utility. The results indicate that managers who see themselves as ‘behind time’ in their careers have more negative attitudes towards work than other managers, even when their perceptions of being ‘behind time’ are inaccurate. However, although these managers continue to have the most negative attitudes, differences between the on and off schedule managers are smaller when their position on the actual career timetable is controlled. Thus, work attitudes are influenced by both individual and demographic factors. Finally, the longer managers remain in the same job, the more likely they are to define themselves as ‘behind time’. This supports other research suggesting that lateral moves within organizations may be an important device for managing the normal -limitations of upward movement in managerial careers.
Inclusion of molecular flexibility in partition coefficient calculations on oligopeptides using stochastic sampling

Fragment-based methods for computing water/1-octanol partition coefficients (log P), which employ two-dimensional structural representations, can often yield estimates of variable quality for flexible structures. We report a novel approach for calculating log P which combines continuum solvation potentials and conformational search algorithms. In initial studies employing linear dipeptides, excellent agreement is obtained between calculated and experimental log P values using either stochastic sampling or systematic search methods to model the conformations adopted by these dipeptides in both solvent phases. Our results are consistent with proposals that the physical basis of certain correction terms used in empirical methods for log P estimation is due to neglect of the redistribution of conformer populations as compounds partition between aqueous and hydrophobic environments. >
Group discussion and first advocacy effects in computer-mediated and face-to-face decision making groups

Abstract This study examines whether the first group member to advocate a position in the group publically has disproportionate influence on the group decision, and whether group discussion by computer mail or face-to-face determines the extent of the first advocate's influence. Possible explanations of first advocacy influence were tested in an experiment that allowed simultaneous observation of three independent variables: (1) assignment of first advocate (self-selected/randomly assigned), (2) early discussion before advocacy (discussion/no discussion), and (3) mode of communication (face-to-face/electronic mail). It was assumed that a first advocate effect exists if the group choice is closer to the first advocates' stated positions than to the group's average pregroup preferences. An “influence” hypothesis predicts that first advocates who self-select will be closer to the group decision than average pregroup preferences because these are first advocates most likely to persuade other members of the group. A “listening” hypothesis predicts that first advocates who hear an early group discussion will be closer to the group decision than average pregroup preferences because these first advocates are able to anticipate the group decision as a result of listening to what is communicated in group discussion. The results indicated strong support for the “listening” hypothesis. When groups held early discussions before someone advocated a position, the first advocate effect was observed; when groups did not hold early discussions but began their task by having someone advocate a position, there was no first advocate effect. The data suggest that the content and tone of electronic group discussions was qualitatively different from face-to-face group discussions, but the process of group decision making in both conditions was about the same. The implications of these results for group discussion and computer-mediated group decision making in organizations are discussed.
Correlation among on-call resident study volume, discrepancy rate, and turnaround time.

Rationale and Objectives With continued increase in imaging utilization and remote access image viewing technology, many academic radiology departments are presented with the suggestion to supplement on-call resident preliminary reports with an outsourced attending interpretation. This idea is often brought to administrative attention because of the subjective impression that outsourced studies will benefit from significantly faster interpretation times and lower discrepancy rates, especially when study volume is high. We attempt to retrospectively analyze on-call resident studies at a busy Trauma I university hospital and establish whether a statistical correlation exists among study volume, discrepancy rate, and turnaround time. Materials and Methods On-call computed tomography and ultrasound studies between January 2008 and June 2008 were retrospectively reviewed by blinded staff radiologists for discrepancies between preliminary and final reports. A correlation analysis between discrepancy rate and study volume per shift was performed. In addition, correlation analysis between volume per shift and interpretation time was also performed. Results A total of 1133 studies were reviewed. The major discrepancy rate is 1.85% with average turnaround time of 28.5 minutes. The correlation coefficient between major discrepancy rate and study volume is 0.35. The correlation coefficient between interpretation time and study volume is 0.29. Conclusion Our large retrospective review of preliminary reports from different residents reveals no significant correlation among discrepancy rate, turnaround time, and study volume. The overall discrepancy rate is similar to that reported by other studies. Other institutions can perform this study to analyze whether their volume and resident performance warrants supplemental assistance before depriving residents of the educational benefits the independent on-call experience affords.
Surface characterization of aluminum foil annealed in the presence of ammonium fluoborate

Abstract The surface composition of aluminum foil which had been annealed in the presence of ammonium fluoborate was investigated using the techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA), low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Results indicated that for coils of foil that were heat treated in a furnace containing ammonium fluoborate, fluorine and boron species were both deposited on and/or reacted with the aluminium oxide surface layer. For the tightly wrapped coils, this deposition was diffusion limited to the outer edges (i.e., ∼ 4 cm) of the foil. The complete chemistry of the fluorine and boron species is not clear. However, results indicated that the surface fluorine is bound to aluminum in a state chemically similar to aluminum fluoride. The boron species which were present were found to be predominantly oxidic in nature. The reaction of the fluorine and boron species with the aluminum oxide surface layer was limited to the top few monolayers (∼ 10 A). The majority of both the fluorine and the boron species were water soluble. The fluorine/boron layer formed on the foil surfaces did not offer any significant protection against hydroxide formation in wet environments when compared to typical aluminum foil behavior.
Temperature Dependence of Photosynthesis of Bean Plants as Affected by Decenylsuccinic Acid

Photosynthesis of most plants decreases rapidlv when the leaf temperature drops below 100. In contrast, however, several frost resistant plant species still perform appreciable photosynthesis at temperatures below 50 (8). Vetuhova (14, 15) demonstrated that photosynithesis at low temperature was related to winter hardiness. When leaves were cooled, she observed a smaller depression of photosynthesis in winter hardy wheat varieties than in less hardy varieties. Since a solution of decenylsuccinic acid applied to the roots induces considerable frost resistance in young bean plants (7), I determined whether this compound could change the temperature dependence of photosynthesis and report the results here.
Convective instability and mass transport of diffusion layers in a Hele-Shaw geometry

We consider experimentally the instability and mass transport of flow in a Hele-Shaw geometry. In an initially stable configuration, a lighter fluid (water) is located over a heavier fluid (propylene glycol). The fluids mix via diffusion with some regions of the resulting mixture being heavier than either pure fluid. Density-driven convection occurs with downward penetrating dense fingers that transport mass much more effectively than diffusion alone. We investigate the initial instability and the quasisteady state. The convective time and velocity scales, finger width, wave number selection, and normalized mass transport are determined for $6000l\mathrm{Ra}l90\text{ }000$. The results have important implications for determining the time scales and rates of dissolution trapping of carbon dioxide in brine aquifers proposed as possible geologic repositories for sequestering carbon dioxide.
Salmonellosis and the gastrointestinal tract: More than just peanut butter

Nontyphoidal salmonellosis is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, causing about 1.4 million infections annually. Most cases of salmonellosis are due to ingestion of contaminated food items such as eggs, dairy products, and meats, but almost any foodstuff can be implicated, including peanut butter, as seen during a recent outbreak of more than 600 Salmonella infections. Although outbreaks often gain national media attention, the majority of nontyphoidal Salmonella infections in the United States occur sporadically. Risk factors for salmonellosis include gastric hypoacidity, recent use of antibiotics, extremes of age, and immunosuppressive conditions. Clinical manifestations of the infection most commonly involve self-limited gastroenteritis, but bacteremia and endovascular and localized infections may occur. Most cases of gastrointestinal involvement are self-limited, and antibiotic therapy is reserved for persons at risk for complicated disease. Preventive strategies by both industry and consumers are advocated to further reduce the occurrence of nontyphoidal salmonellosis.
The effect of discretionary price control decisions on equity values

Abstract The macro literature presents conflicting evidence on the effects of price controls. In this study, the fact that the macro-economic effect of wage and price controls is the aggregation of the micro-economic effects is used to implement a different approach to measure the effects of price controls. The effect of price controls is inferred from examining the impact of discretionary regulatory decisions on the equity values of individual firms during Phase II of Nixon's Economic Stabilization Program. The empirical results indicate that violators of the regulations incurred significant abnormal losses that were unrelated to the explicit penalties. This suggests that implicit penalties were imposed on offending firms. The analysis of price increase decisions provides weak evidence that these Price Commission decisions had an impact on equity values.
Capturing plasticity effects in overdriven shocks on the finite scale

An ordinary differential equation (ODE) form of the radial return algorithm, which is essentially a Prandtl-Reuss material model, is combined with a strain-rate hardening model to produce an ODE that describes deviatoric stress through a prescribed density rise. An analytical solution is found to the resulting ODE for a specific choice of one of the hardening model's parameters. That solution is used to prove that if the prescribed density rise is allowed to be infinitely thin, i.e.,?like a shock in the mathematical sense, the resulting deviatoric stress is still bounded. In other words, the singularity is integrable; integration of the radial return ODE regularizes the infinite strain rate and resulting yield stress in the presence of an ideal shock singularity. The analytical tools developed for this line of thinking are applied to study the variation of deviatoric stress through a nearly shock-like density rise using different density rise profiles, revealing the impact of the shape choice. The tools are also used to compute what rise times are needed to converge upon the correct value of deviatoric stress through a shock; the results indicate that most contemporary hydrocodes cannot be expected to achieve those rise times. A demonstration of connecting the analytical tools to a hydrocode, using surrogate numerical shock shapes, is provided thereby opening the door for using such surrogates to perform sub-grid computations of converged shock behavior for strain-rate hardening materials.
Is Farming a Constant Cost Industry

Measurement of cost‐size relationships for farming has long been an important area of research in agricultural economics. Much of this research has had a farm management and production economics orientation, and firm‐industry interdependencies have often been ignored. Research results stemming from such an orientation should be interpreted with care when used for policy purposes. Pecuniary externalities may be of greater importance than indicated by research to this time. A suggestion is made for treating induced technical change as comparable to a pecuniary externality. Questions are raised on both theoretical and empirical grounds whether farming in the United States should be considered a constant cost industry for policy purposes.
Pathogenesis of influenza virus infection in mouse tracheal organ cultures.

SummaryInfluenza A/PR-8 virus was shown to replicate and produce ciliostasis in mouse tracheal organ cultures. Histological sections of infected tissue revealed progressing damage to the epithelium resulting in complete desquamation of the epithelial surface of the tracheal explant. Electron microscopy studies showed that the virion attached to and caused clumping of the cilia.
Effect of Interferon α-2b on endometrioma Cells in vitro

Objective: To examine the effect of interferon α-2b on the growth of endometrioma cells and its effect on the DNA synthesis. Methods: Cells from four separate endometrioma cell lines were seeded into six-well plates in M199 medium containing increasing levels of interferon α-2b: 0 (control), 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 U/mL. All cells were counted on days 0, 3, 6, and 9 in quadruplicate, and the counts were averaged for each condition. A second experiment was run to demonstrate the effect of short-term exposure of interferon α-2b on the growth of endometrioma cells in culture. In a separate experiment, cells from two endometriomas were plated in quadruplicate to evaluate the DNA synthesis. On day 3, 1000 and 4000 U/mL of interferon α-2b were added and run simultaneously with control (0 U/mL) wells. 3H-thymidine was added to each condition for 24 and 48 hours’ incubation. Cells were then harvested and counted in a scintillation counter to study the 3H-thymidine uptake. Results: Interferon α-2b suppressed endometrioma cell growth in vitro. This effect increased with increasing concentrations of interferon α-2b (50–2000 U/mL) compared with the control (0 U/mL). The suppression of cell growth was statistically significant, but when interferon α-2b was removed from the culture cell growth increased. 3H-thymidine uptake by endometrioma cells decreased compared with the control after 24 and 48 hours for interferon α-2b concentrations of 1000 and 4000 U/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Interferon α-2b inhibits the growth and DNA synthesis of endometrioma cells in culture. This finding may have prospects for the treatment of endometriosis.
Transverse Shear Stiffness of Composite Honeycomb Cores and Efficiency of Material

Abstract Effective transverse shear moduli of composite honeycomb cores are important material properties in analysis and design of sandwich structures. An analytical approach using a two-scale homogenization technique is presented to predict the effective transverse shear stiffnesses of thin-walled composite honeycomb cores with general configurations. To improve the performance of core transverse shear behavior, a nondimensional index, the so-called efficiency of material (EOM), is introduced to evaluate the optimal design of periodic cellular cores. Explicit formulas of effective transverse shear stiffnesses and the corresponding efficiencies of material are provided for three typical honeycomb cores consisting of reinforced sinusoidal, elliptical, and reinforced hexagonal geometries. It has been shown that the efficiency of material is only determined by nondimensional core geometric ratios. The effects of these ratios on the EOM of effective transverse shear stiffnesses, which are examined in detail ...
The loop expansion for the effective potential in the P(φ) 2 quantum field theory

We study the loop expansion for the effective potential, defined as the Fenchel transform (convex conjugate) of the pressure in an external field, in theP(φ)2 quantum field theory. For values of the classical fielda for which the classical potentialU 0(a)=P(a)+1/2m 2 a 2 equals its convex hull and has nonvanishing curvature we prove that the 1-PI loop expansion is asymptotic as ħ ↓ 0. We also give an example of a double well classical potential for which the 1-PI loop expansion fails to be asymptotic, and find the true asymptotics.
Histological development of the cement gland in Xenopus laevis: a light microscopic study.

The differentiation and degeneration of the cement gland in Xenopus laevis is described. The gland is first observed histologically at stage 19 (neural tube stage) as a packed group of apical ectoderm cells heavily laden with oocyte pigment granules, lying ventral to the cranial neural fold. By tailbud stage 35/36, the gland cells have increased in height and are approximately ten times taller than nonglandular apical ectoderm cells. The nuclei divide the gland cells into an apical region that is eosinophilic and contains oocyte pigment granules, and a basal region that contains clear droplets. The cells are decreasing in height by stage 40 (early tadpole) and begin to lose their pigment granules. Between stages 45 and 48, the pigment is extruded and the clear basal droplets diminish in number. From stage 48 to 49 the cells become vacuolated and the histotypic characteristics of the functional gland are lost. The gland is not vascularized, nor do phagocytic cells appear in its vicinity during any stage of its development. It remains bordered at its base by subjacent basal ectoderm during its entire life cycle of 10 to 12 days at room temperature.
Delphi and Jerusalem: Two Spirits or Holy Spirit? A Review of John R. Levison’s Filled with the Spirit

Levison presents a sweeping panoramic overview of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture while noting significant Greco-Roman, Jewish, and Christian parallels. The Spirit is the life force animating humans, the agent of regeneration, and the source of prophetic inspiration and power. Levison identifies distinct pneumatological trajectories that show a continuity in the Spirit traditions that are clarified and enhanced as they move through the Christian tradition. But how indebted is the Church to Greco-Roman spirit-concepts for her pneumatology?
A sensitive LC/MS/MS method using silica column and aqueous-organic mobile phase for the analysis of loratadine and descarboethoxy-loratadine in human plasma.

A sensitive method using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of antihistamine drug loratadine (LOR) and its active metabolite descarboethoxy-loratadine (DCL) in human plasma. Deuterated analytes, i.e. LOR-d(3) and DCL-d(3) were used as the internal standards (I.S.). Analytes were extracted from alkalized human plasma by liquid/liquid extraction using hexane. The extract was evaporated to dryness under nitrogen, reconstituted with 0.1% (v/v) of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in acetonitrile, and injected onto a 50 x 3.0 mm I.D. 5 microm, silica column with an aqueous-organic mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile, water, and TFA (90:10:0.1, v/v/v). The chromatographic run time was 3.0 min per injection and flow rate was 0.5 ml/min. The retention time was 1.2 and 2.0 min for LOR and DCL, respectively. The tandem mass spectrometric detection was by monitoring singly charged precursor-->product ion transitions: 383-->337 (m/z) for LOR, 311-->259 (m/z) for DCL, 388-->342 (m/z) for LOR-d(3), and 316-->262 (m/z) for DCL-d(3). The low limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 10 pg/ml for LOR and 25 pg/ml for DCL. The inter-day precision of the quality control (QC) samples was 3.5-9.4% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.). The inter-day accuracy of the QC samples was 99.0-107.9% of the nominal values.
The Effects of Frequency of Feeding on Culture of Catfish

Abstract In three studies on the effects of frequency of feeding on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), optimal growth and food efficiency were obtained from groups fed to satiation two times per day. Gains in weight were substantially reduced in groups fed only one time per day and were not enhanced by feeding four times per day. The fact that food efficiencies were similar in fish fed one, two, and four times per day indicated that food intake and not utilization was the growth limiting factor. In a study with automatic feeders, fish fed 24 times per day had significantly poorer gains and food efficiencies than those fed four or eight times per day.
Bloodmeal residues on mouthparts of Tabanus fuscicostatus (Diptera: Tabanidae) and the potential for mechanical transmission of pathogens.

Bloodmeal residues on the mouthparts of Tabanus fuscicostatus Hine, which were interrupted in feeding on a pony, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for equine IgG. The residues were estimated to be ca. 10 nl when the mouthparts were harvested and assayed immediately after feeding. This estimate is consistent with reported transmission of equine infectious anemia virus by one T. fuscicostatus from a donor with ca. 106 infective doses per ml of serum. The usefulness of this kind of study in evaluating the potential for hematophagous Diptera for mechanical transmission of pathogens is discussed.
Isoform-specific Regulation of Insulin-dependent Glucose Uptake by Akt/Protein Kinase B

Recent data have implicated the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) in a diverse array of physiological pathways, raising the question of how biological specificity is maintained. Partial clarification derived from the observation that mice deficient in either of the two isoforms, Akt1/PKBα or Akt2/PKBβ, demonstrate distinct abnormalities, i.e. reduced organismal size or insulin resistance, respectively. However, the question still persists as to whether these divergent phenotypes are due exclusively to tissue-specific differences in isoform expression or distinct capacities for signaling intrinsic to the two proteins. Here we show that Akt2/PKBβ-/- adipocytes derived from immortalized mouse embryo fibroblasts display significantly reduced insulin-stimulated hexose uptake, clearly establishing that the partial defect in glucose disposal in these mice derives from lack of a cell autonomous function of Akt2/PKBβ. Moreover, in adipocytes differentiated from primary fibroblasts or immortalized mouse embryo fibroblasts, and brown preadipocytes the absence of Akt2/PKBβ resulted in reduction of insulin-induced hexose uptake and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, whereas Akt1/PKBα was dispensable for this effect. Most importantly, hexose uptake and GLUT4 translocation were completely restored after re-expression of Akt2/PKBβ in Akt2/PKBβ-/- adipocytes, but overexpression of Akt1/PKBα at comparable levels was ineffective at rescuing insulin action to normal. These results show that the Akt1/PKBα and Akt2/PKBβ isoforms are uniquely adapted to preferentially transmit distinct biological signals, and this property is likely to contribute significantly to the ability of Akt/PKB to play a role in diverse processes.
Determining a threshold for amniotic fluid as a predictor of perinatal outcome at term.

Objective: To determine a threshold level of amniotic fluid in low-risk term pregnancies predictive of adverse perinatal outcome. Methods: Prospective cohort study of low-risk patients at term undergoing amniotic fluid volume measurement. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) remained blinded unless ≤ 1 cm or ≥ 25 cm. Primary outcome was a positive fetal vulnerability index (FVI). The last AFI was evaluated as predictor of a +FVI. We estimated that we needed to perform ultrasounds on 620 women. Results: Patients were enrolled through 2004–2008. There were 24 (7.8%) patients delivering a neonate with +FVI. An AFI < 8 cm increased the risk of a +FVI (risk ratio 2.70 [95% CI 1.2, 6.0]; p = 0.01); however, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.60. Enrollment was stopped at 308 patients due to enrollment challenges. Conclusions: An AFI cutoff <8 cm was associated with an increase in FVI outcomes but had a low positive predictive value for a +FVI. Isolated incidentally found low fluid in uncomp...
The role of alkali promoters in the fischer—tropsch synthesis

Abstract The influence of alkali promoters on the performance of Fischer—Tropsch catalysts is reinterpreted in the light of recent literature data concerning related homogeneous model compounds.
Kinetics of cellular and viral DNA synthesis in equine abortion (herpes) virus infection of L-M cells.

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in control and equine abortion virus (EAV)-infected L-M cell suspension cultures was examined by measuring the incorporation of labeled thymidine (TdR-2-14C) and deoxycytidine (CdR-2-14C) into the DNA fraction. Employment of methylated-albumin kieselguhr (MAK) column chromatography to separate viral and cellular DNA revealed the relative amounts being synthesized during infection. These studies showed that there was a marked and progressive inhibition in cellular DNA synthesis beginning as early as 2–4 hours post infection (PI) and continuing throughout the cycle. Viral DNA synthesis was initiated by 4–6 hour PI and the rate increased rapidly; by 12–14 hours (the period of maximal EAV DNA synthesis), it was approximately 15 times that observed for cellular DNA. The kinetics of biosynthesis of both species of DNA throughout the infection cycle are described and possible mechanisms responsible for inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis are discussed.
A double-blind crossover comparison of topical anesthetics

Three topical anesthetics and a placebo were compared to test the amount of anesthesia produced in the palate. Three topical anesthetics and a placebo were compared in 102 separate trials. The degree of anesthesia produced with each agent was determined by placing a needle in the palate near the palatal foramen. Pain produced was rated by the participants on a scale from 1 to 5.
Do hypoallergenic cats and dogs exist

s t c o n A s e f P l The prevalence of human allergy to pets has increased over the past 6 decades, with the most frequently reported animal sensitivity to cats and dogs. The United States has the highest percentage of household pets in the world, and the numbers continue to increase, with approximately 62% of US households having 1 or more domestic pets. Of the households with cats, 17% of the people who live with them are skin prick test positive to cat extract; that is, they are sensitized to their animal. However, only 5% of those dog owners are dog skin prick test positive, much lower than cat owners. Human diseases most commonly associated with environmental allergens include allergic asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. Allergens associatedwith these illnesses are low-molecular-weight proteins, or glycoproteins, derived from various plants or animals. In this case, the allergens are derived from the skin particles or flakes that slough from the animal skin. Even when cats or dogs are removed from a household, up to 6 months may be needed before the pet allergen levels become sufficiently low so as not to cause an allergic exacerbation. Many misconceptions persist among physicians, health care professionals, and the general population about pet dander allergy. The notion that a particular cat or dog breed is “hypoallergenic” has the potential to be a lucrative business. Several US-based companies (eg, Mindeelyn Siberian Cats, Siberian Cat Breeder, Allerca Lifestyle Pets, Kitails Siberian Cattery) market “hypoallergenic pets.” However, an Internet search resulted in only 1 company stating they have produced the “world’s first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cat, followed by a true hypoallergenic dog.” In 2004, Allerca Lifestyle Pets, a company based out of San Diego, California, began to market “hypoallergenic” cats and dogs. Although Allerca does not claim a 100% success rate for all customers, they do state that these pets “allow some of the millions of people with feline or canine allergies to finally enjoy the love and companionship of a
Z-band proteins in the flight muscle and leg muscle of the honeybee.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb's) have been raised against proteins in preparations of Z-discs isolated from honeybee fibrillar flight muscle. These antibodies have identified four Z-disc antigens on immunoblots of honeybee fibrillar proteins. Antibody
Atmospheric pressure infrared MALDI imaging mass spectrometry for plant metabolomics.

The utility of atmospheric pressure infrared MALDI mass spectrometry (AP IR-MALDI) was assessed for plant metabolomics studies. Tissue sections from plant organs, including flowers, ovaries, aggregate fruits, fruits, leaves, tubers, bulbs, and seeds were studied in both positive and negative ion modes. For leaves, single laser pulses sampled the cuticle and upper epidermal cells, whereas multiple pulses were demonstrated to ablate some mesophyll layers. Tandem mass spectra were obtained with collision-activated dissociation to aid with the identification of some observed ions. In the positive mode, most ions were produced as potassium, proton, or sometimes sodium ion adducts, whereas proton loss was dominant in the negative ion mode. Over 50 small metabolites and various lipids were detected in the spectra including, for example, 7 of the 10 intermediates in the citric acid cycle. Key components of the glycolysis pathway occurring in the plant cytosol were found along with intermediates of phospholipid bi...
Use of S-wave attenuation from perforation shots to map the growth of the stimulated reservoir volume in the Marcellus gas shale

Abstract Water-filled fractures stimulated by hydraulic fracturing will severely attenuate S-waves. By comparing the P- and S-wave amplitudes generated from perforation shots in the Marcellus gas shale, one can infer the existence and constrain the location of stimulated hydraulic fractures. The waveforms of the perforation shots in unstimulated gas shale are first analyzed to define the prestimulation radiation pattern. Then the change of perforation-shot S-wave waveform is examined for information about the development of hydraulic fractures. S-wave attenuation validates the existence of offstage hydraulic fractures and the invasion of treatment fluid from another neighbor stage. This method might have potential use in designing an active seismic survey to more effectively monitor hydraulic-fracture stimulation beyond the current microseismic mapping techniques.
A Geometric Spectral Theory for n-tuples of Self-Adjoint Operators in Finite von Neumann Algebras☆☆☆

Abstract Suppose b 1 , …, b n are self-adjoint elements in a finite von Neumann algebra M with trace τ and define a map Ψ from M to complex ( n +1)-space by the formula Ψ ( x )=( τ ( x ), τ ( b 1 x ), …, τ ( b n x )). Next let B denote the image of the positive unit ball of M under the map Ψ . B is called the spectral scale of τ , b 1 , …, b n . It is clearly compact and convex. The main theme of this work is that the geometry of the spectral scale B reflects spectral data for the b i 's. For example, in the finite dimensional case the operators commute if and only if the spectral scale is a polytope. Thus, one can “see” that the operators commute from the shape of spectral scale. In the case of a single operator, where the scale lies in the plane, the slopes of the boundary fill out the spectrum of the operator, corners correspond to gaps in the spectrum, and flat sports indicate eigenvalues. Analogous results hold when there is more than one operator. In the commutative setting, the spectral scale “determines” the ( n +1)-tuple ( τ , b 1 , …, b n ). However, an example is given that shows this is not generally true in the noncommutative case. Finally, a matricial version of the spectral scale is shown to be sufficient to completely determine the ( n +1)-tuple ( τ , b 1 , …, b n ).
On What Basis Hope? Modern Progress and Postmodern Possibilities.

Abstract Modern and postmodern versions of hope as they apply to services for persons labeled as having mental retardation were examined. Proponents of modernism construct hope as relying on an ever-improving science to accurately comprehend mental retardation and other disabilities and the effectiveness of professional interventions. This myth of scientific progress is traced in various forms through American intellectual history to the development of special education as interventionist social science. Advocates of postmodernism cast doubt upon the grand narrative of modernism and critique modern social science as perpetuating stigmatized “mentally retarded” identities through the exercise of power. A rhetorical analysis of the current controversy over facilitated communication demonstrates the utilization of the language of modern science for its power effects in special education discourse.