cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LYMPHOCYTE FORMATION IN THE THYMUS OF THE EMBRYONIC CHICK.

Embryonic thymus provides a distinct advantage over the definitive thymus because the earliest formation of lymphocyte and lymphocytic precursors can be observed in a relatively simple and uncomplicated situation. Special cytological techniques combined with light, phase, and electron microscopy have been performed in this investigation involving over 150 chick embryos between 5 and 18 days of embryonic development. Sequential cytological changes in the development of the thymus into an active lymphocytopoietic organ indicate that lymphoblasts develop by the gradual proliferation and transformation of “undifferentiated” epithelial cells comprising the primordial thymus. Lymphoblastic transformation begins on the seventh day of embryonic development in the chick and is characterized by increased cytoplasmic and nucleolar basophilia and chromatin condensation. “Undifferentiated” epithelial cells undergo two distinct lines of differentiation between the seventh and tenth days: into lymphoblasts and into stellate reticular-epithelial cells which constitute the organ parenchyma. All stages of lymphocytic maturation may be observed by 10–11 days as the thymus assumes a predominately lymphocytic character. Absence of lymphocytes or lymphocytic precursors in the connective tissue surrounding the embryonic thymus before and during the period of initial lymphoblastic transformation; presence of a continuous basement membrane surrounding the developing thymus; and absence of cells passing through this membrane during this phase of development indicate that the lymphocytic elements appearing in the embryonic thymus parenchyma are of epithelial rather than mesenchymal derivation. Although a contribution of mesenchymal elements to the lymphocytic population via vascular invasion and lobular formation in later stages of thymic development is unlikely, this question cannot be answered at this time. In spite of functional immunological distinctions between the lymphocytes of the chick thymus and bursa of Fabricius, the similarity of origin of the lymphocytic elements of these lympho-epithelial organs is apparent.
HDAC6-Pack: Cortactin Acetylation Joins the Brew

The reversible acetylation of lysine residues is an important posttranslational modification for the regulation of histones, transcription factors, chaperones, and microtubules. In a recent article in Molecular Cell, Zhang et al. (2007) describe a new target of reversible acetylation, the actin binding protein cortactin.
Comparison of depreciation and corporate tax policies between the countries of the North American free trade area (NAFTA) and the European Community (EC)

Abstract This paper compares the depreciation rules, corporate income tax rates and investment tax credits of Canada, Mexico and the United States (North American Free Trade Area) with the twelve countries of the European Community: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. For illustrative purposes, a comparative example of computer systems is included.
Congestive heart failure, dilated cardiac ventricles, and sudden death in hyperthyroidism.

Abstract Symptoms and signs of cardiac dysfunction are common in patients with untreated hyperthyroidism. The symptoms may be due to the thyroid condition alone or they may be due to aggravation of an underlying cardiac condition by the thyroid disorder. 1–3 Left ventricular dilatation, congestive heart failure, and death have been reported in humans with hyperthyroidism and in spontaneously hyperthyroid non-human animals without other associated cardiac diseases. 4–8 This report describes tindings in 2 young women with fatal hyperthyroidism unassociated with another cardiac abnormality which in itself could have produced the cardiac dysfunction.
A 1900-year paleohurricane record from Wassaw Island, Georgia, USA

We present here the first paleotempestology record from Wassaw Island on the Georgia Bight, located in the south Atlantic coast of the United States. In the historical period, the Georgia Bight has experienced less frequent hits by hurricanes than other locations along the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The 1900-year record inferred from the overwash sand layers from a back- barrier marsh on Wassaw Island suggests that the island was directly struck by major storms on nine occasions during this interval. The Wassaw Island record shows alternating regimes, with periods of increased activity from >2000 a BP until � 1100 a BP, and � 100 a BP until the present, sandwiching a quiet period from � 1100 to 250 a BP. Storm deposits from the most recent active period are perhaps amalgamated, indicating that site-specific conditions may result in event undercounting and suggests that the relative thickness of sand layers in the sedimentary record is not always indicative of hurricane strength. Copyright # 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Investigation of the Learning Disability Construct by the JAN Technique

Profiles of 25 possible learning disabilities (LD) cases were constructed. Thirty-four North Dakota LD specialists served as raters making a diagnostic decision. A judgment analysis was performed on the decisions of the 34 raters, and one major judgmental policy and one minor policy were found to be operating among the raters. These judgmental policies, it was argued, represented the construct of learning disabilities for the respective groups.
Roentgenographic examination of edentulous jaws

Abstract 1. This preliminary report indicates a greater frequency of pathologic findings than has been shown by other recent studies. This may be due to improved roentgenographic techniques and materials which enable dentists to make more complete and accurate diagnoses. 2. The indication for complete mouth roentgenographs of edentulous patients is re-emphasized by the findings. 3. The data indicate an increased appreciation of the diagnostic possibilities of the biopsy.
Molecular structure in phospholipid essential to activate (Na+-K+-Mg2+)-dependent ATPase and (K+-Mg2+)-dependent phosphatase of bovine cerebral cortex

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of mono- and dialkyl phsphates and related compounds were studied on (Na + -K + -Mg 2+ )-activated ATPase and (K + -Mg 2+ )-activated phosphatase prepared from bovine cerebral cortex by deoxycholate treatment. 2. 2. The ATPase was activated by either mono- or dialkyl phosphate. When both alkyl phospates possessed ten carbon atoms in a single alkyl residue, the activation effects were highest and comparable to those of natural phospholipids. Dodecyl sulfate (in narrow ranges of concentration), long-chain fatty acids, and alcohols were slightly effective. Alkyl amines were ineffective. 3. 3. The p -nitrophenyl phosphatase was stimulated by dialkyl phosphates only. Didecyl phosphate was again most active and the degree of its stimulation was the same as that of natural phospholipids. Monoalkyl phosphates, dodecyl sulfates long-chain fatty acids, alcohols and alkyl amines were all generally inhibitory. 4. 4. It is suggested that the essential structures needed for activation are a phosphate plus one or two fatty acyl residues for the ATPase and a phosphate plus two acyl residues for the p -nitrophenyl phosphatase.
The effect of the immunosuppressant FK-506 on alternate pathways of T cell activation.

Structurally unrelated, FK-506 and cyclosporin (CsA) bind to and inhibit the action of distinct cytoplasmic receptors, FK-506-binding protein (FKBP) and cyclophilin (CyP), respectively. These receptors, termed immunophilins, share no sequence similarity, and yet both have been demonstrated to be capable of catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of peptidyl-prolyl bonds (rotamase activity). Because FK-506 and CsA bind to different intracellular target structures, we investigated the spectrum of action of FK-506, in comparison to CsA, on T cell activation. We have shown that FK-506, like CsA, is able to inhibit T cell activation mediated not only by the T cell receptor-CD3 complex, but also via another surface molecule, CD2. T cell proliferation, stimulation of interleukin 2 production, and induction of apoptosis were all sensitive to inhibition by both FK-506 and CsA. With each parameter of activation, FK-506 is approximately 10-100-fold more effective than CsA. In contrast, FK-506 did not affect T cell proliferation induced by anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. This CD28 pathway, however, was inhibitable by a structural homolog of FK-506, rapamycin, demonstrating that the mechanism of action of FK-506 has specificity. These data suggest that immunophilins or the complex of drug coupled to immunophilin (i.e. FK-506/FKBP, CsA/CyP) are involved in and regulate selective pathways of T cell stimulation.
Minimization of cost, sediment load, and sensitivity to climate change in a watershed management application

One challenge of climate change adaptation is to design watershed-based stormwater management plans that meet current total maximum daily load targets and also take into consideration anticipated changes in future precipitation patterns. We present a multi-scale, multiobjective framework for generating a diverse family of stormwater best management practice (BMP) plans for entire watersheds. Each of these alternative BMP configurations are non-dominated by any other identified solution with respect to cost of the implementation of the management plan and sediment loading predicted at the outflow of the watershed; those solutions are then pruned with respect to dominance in sensitivity to predicted changes in precipitation patterns. We first use GIS data to automatically precompute a set of cost-optimal BMP configurations for each subwatershed, over its entire range of possible treatment levels. We then formulate each solution as a real-valued vector of treatment levels for the subwatersheds and employ a staged multiobjective optimization approach using differential evolution to generate sets of non-dominated solutions. Finally, selected solutions are mapped back to the corresponding preoptimized BMP configurations for each subwatershed. The integrated method is demonstrated on the Bartlett Brook mixed-used impaired watershed in South Burlington, VT, and patterns in BMP configurations along the non-dominated front are investigated. Watershed managers and other stakeholders could use this approach to assess the relative trade-offs of alternative stormwater BMP configurations.
Recognition of partially‐folded mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase by GroEL. Steady and time‐dependent emission anisotropy measurements

The binding of partially-folded mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH) to GroEL was assessed by steady and nanosecond emission spectroscopy. Partially-folded intermediates of mMDH show significant residual secondary structure when examined by CD spectroscopy in the far UV. They bind the extrinsic fluorescent probe ANS and the protein-ANS complexes display a rotational correlation time of 19 ns. Similar rotational correlation time (phi = 18.6 ns) was determined for partially-folded species tagged with anthraniloyl. GroEL recognizes partially-folded species with a K(D) approximately 60 nM. The rotational correlation time of the complex, i.e., GroEL-mMDH-ANT, approaches a value of 280 ns in the absence of ATP. Reactivation of mMDH-ANT by addition of GroEL and ATP brings about a significant decrease in the observed rotational correlation time. The results indicate that partially-folded malate dehydrogenase is rigidly trapped by GroEL in the absence of ATP, whereas addition of ATP facilitates reactivation and release of folded conformations endowed with catalytic activity.
Object-oriented behavioral testing through trace generation

One challenge in software design is ensuring that the design meets the requirements of the user. One way to do this is to create a prototype from the design, then devising a set of test cases to test for the behavioral requirements. Here we present our automated prototype generator and method for testing behavior.
Evaluation of EA-PSM opaque repair on 90-nm lithography

Increasing complexity, smaller design rule and development of PSM (Phase Shift Mask) are required more precise photomask repair technology. Recently, It is important unit process to enhance yield, production time and delivery in 130nm node below mass production. Furthermore, opaque defects are on the increase compare to clear defects using dry process. Therefore key issue of advanced repair technology is opaque defects removal and edge placement accuracy control. In this paper, we will discuss opaque repair technology of 90nm node EA-PSM to get improved edge placement using FIB (Focused Ion Beam) machine. Firstly, we started with a concept of low ion beam current at 30keV acceleration voltage. To optimize image quality in low beam current, we have changed suitable scan parameters in target FOV (Field Of View) and checked scan damage in these parameters with AIMS. Secondly, we have applied a reregistration function to enhance edge placement control and analyzed edge placement variation by CD-SEM and AIMS tool after pattern drift. Thirdly, transmission of repaired region was confirmed with AIMS and inspection tool.
Sequestosome 1/p62 – More than just a scaffold

The interaction of proteins with ubiquitin receptors is key to solving the mystery that surrounds the functional role ubiquitin chains play in directing traffic. The specificity of these interactions is largely mediated by UbL/UBA domains. Sequestosome 1/p62 is a protein that is gaining attention as it is intimately involved in cell signaling, receptor internalization, and protein turnover. Herein we review recent advances in the field.
Shower and high-pressure oil temperature control

Summary Oil showering for temperature control of precision tools is an effective way of achieving close temperature stability and isolation from variations in room air temperature. The oil must be controlled to temperature variations less than tolerances specified for machine and parts. Principal disturbances come from heat transfer into the plumbing between the heat exchanger and the tool and from variations in the chill water in the heat exchanger. We describe the successful employment of measuring techniques, isolation from disturbances, and the use of integral control with proportional and commercially available temperature controllers. Commercially available heat exchangers are low-pressure devices. For high-pressure oil applications a pump follows the heat exchanger, and, because of the high velocities and large surface area, the oil passing the pump is sensitive to heat from its motor and from room air. Combinations of feedback from different locations in the system are discussed. Compromises with regard to measuring at the functional point versus minimizing time delay, and the importance of measuring near the site of disturbing heat sources lead to multiple sensors in some cases. Each measurement may be used through Integral feedback to provide the beat performance. The introduction of integral control to commercial a-c bridge controllers can be awkward. Six approaches are compared, and the millidegree performance of our current designs is presented.
Endogenous peptide Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2 (Tyr-W-MIF-1) is transported from the brain to the blood by peptide transport system-1

Tyr-W-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2) is a recently isolated peptide that belongs to a larger family that includes Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) and MIF-1 (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2). Despite similarities in structure, Tyr-MIF-1 and MIF-1 can act differently in behavioral, blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport, and receptor binding systems. Tyr-W-MIF-1, like Tyr-MIF-1, has both opiate and antiopiate activity, but may be more opiate-like than Tyr-MIF-1. Tyr-MIF-1, but not MIF-1, is transported from brain to blood by peptide transport system (PTS)-1. PTS-1 transports mainly Tyr-MIF-1 and methionine enkephalin, but does not transport amino acids, peptide fragments of Tyr-MIF-1, D-Tyr-MIF-1, or unrelated peptides and proteins. We tested whether Tyr-W-MIF-1 also was transported across the BBB and, if so, whether PTS-1 was involved. 125I-Tyr-W-MIF-1 had a half-time disappearance from the brain of 22.4 min. This is faster than the efflux occurring with non-saturable reabsorption of the cerebrospinal fluid and, therefore, is consistent with saturable transport, but it is slower than the efflux rate of Tyr-MIF-1, suggesting a less robust transport than for Tyr-MIF-1 Self-inhibition with excess unlabeled Tyr-W-MIF-1 confirmed a saturable component, with a dose of 4.2 nmol producing 50% inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Using Neutron Star Observations to Determine Crust Thicknesses, Moments of Inertia, and Tidal Deformabilities

We perform a systematic assessment of models for the equation of state (EOS) of dense matter in the context of recent neutron star mass and radius measurements to obtain a broad picture of the structure of neutron stars. We demonstrate that currently available neutron star mass and radius measurements provide strong constraints on moments of inertia, tidal deformabilities, and crust thicknesses. A measurement of the moment of inertia of PSR J0737-3039A with a 10% error, without any other information from observations, will constrain the EOS over a range of densities to within 50%--60%. We find tidal deformabilities between 0.6 and $6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{36}\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{s}}^{2}$ (to 95% confidence) for $M=1.4\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$, and any measurement which constrains this range will provide an important constraint on dense matter. The crustal fraction of the moment of inertia can be as large as 10% for $M=1.4\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ permitting crusts to have a large enough moment of inertia reservoir to explain glitches in the Vela pulsar even with a large amount of superfluid entrainment. Finally, due to the uncertainty in the equation of state, there is at least a 40% variation in the thickness of the crust for a fixed mass and radius, which implies that future simulations of the cooling of a neutron star crust which has been heated by accretion will need to take this variation into account.
Sanctions, perceptions, and crime: implications for criminal deterrence

A survey of empirical research concerning the determinants of an individual’s perceptions of the risk of formal sanctions as a consequence of criminal behavior. The specific questions considered are: (1) How accurate is people’s knowledge about criminal sanctions? (2) How do people acquire and modify their subjective probabilities of punishment risk? (3) How do individuals act on their risk perceptions in specific criminal contexts? Three broad classes of extant studies are reviewed. The first is the relationship between objective sanctions, sanction enforcement, and risk perceptions—research that includes calibration studies and correlational studies. The second is the relationship between punishment experiences (personal and vicarious) and change in risk perceptions, in particular, research that relies on formal models of Bayesian learning. The third is the responsiveness of would-be offenders to immediate environmental cues—a varied empirical tradition that encompasses vignette research, offender interviews, process tracing, and laboratory studies. First, research concerning the accuracy of risk perceptions suggests that the average citizen does a reasonable job of knowing what criminal penalties are statutorily allowed, but does a quite poor job of estimating the probability and magnitude of the penalties. On the other hand, studies which inquire about more common offenses (alcohol and marijuana use) from more crime-prone populations (young people, offenders) reveal that perceptions are consistently better calibrated to actual punishments. Second, research on perceptual updating indicates that personal experiences and, to a lesser degree, vicarious experiences with crime and punishment are salient determinants of changes in risk perceptions. Specifically, individuals who commit crime and successfully avoid arrest tend to lower their subjective probability of apprehension. Third, research on the situational context of crime decision making reveals that risk perceptions are highly malleable to proximal influences which include, but are not limited to, objective sanction risk. Situational risk perceptions appear to be particularly strongly influenced by substance use, peer presence, and arousal level. The perceptual deterrence tradition is theoretically rich, and has been renewed in the last decade by creative empirical tests from a variety of social scientific disciplines. Many knowledge gaps and limitations remain, and ensuing research should assign high priority to such considerations as sampling strategies and the measurement of risk perceptions.
Multiple successional pathways on recently disturbed jack pine sites in Michigan

Abstract Jack pine communities in northern lower Michigan recently disturbed by clearcutting, deliberate burning, or wildfire were studied over three growing seasons, and were compared to undisturbed jack pine stands. Newly disturbed sites generally had more vascular plant species than mature forests. Many of these species did not persist, especially on burned sites, and species richness declined sharply the second year after fire. In several cases annual and biennial species dominated first-year burns but were unimportant thereafter. Several pathways of early successional development were evident on the disturbed sites, which was facilitated by jack pine regeneration failure on all but one of the disturbed sites. Unburned clearcuts rapidly developed into Carex meadows, with few other species of any importance. This pathway was also followed on some deliberately-burned and wildfire sites. Other burned areas developed a stratified canopy of shrubs and early successional hardwoods, and were rich in species and high in cover. Stand replacement by jack pine occurred on one mature jack pine site burned by wildfire. Jack pine regeneration failure has been attributed to numerous factors involving: seed loss due to fire and predation, and low germination and seedling survival due to inadequate seedbed, drought, competition, pathogens, grazing and high surface temperatures. Index of similarity comparisons showed that different sites of the same post-disturbance age were significantly (P
Phosphorylation of the carbocyclic analog of 2'-deoxyguanosine in cells infected with herpes viruses.

The carbocyclic analog of 2t′-deoxyguanosine [(±)-2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(1α, 3β, 4α)-3-hydroxy -4-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentyl]-6H-purine-6-one] (2′-CDG) is highly active in cell culture against strains S148 and E377 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), both of which code for thymidine kinase, and much less active against strain BW10168 which is deficient in this enzyme activity. Antiviral activity is associated primarily with the d-enantiomer; the l-enantiomer has much lower but significant activity. The metabolism of racemic 2′-CDG and its d- and l-enantiomers was studied in uninfected HEp-2 cells and in HEp-2 cells infected with the S148 or BW10168 strains of HSV-1. Nucleotides were separated by HPLC, and their elution was monitored by spectrophotometry. The chromatograms of extracts of cells infected with the S148 strain and treated with (±)-2′-CDG or d-2′-CDG included a new peak which appeared in the triphosphate region. This peak, the area of which exceeded that of the GTP peak, was shown to be due to the triphosphate of 2′-CDG. The new peak was not observed by HPLC of extracts of uninfected cells treated with (±)-2′-CDG or either of its enantiomers, cells infected with the S148 strain and treated with l-2′-CDG, or cells infected with the BW10168 strain and treated with (±)-2′-CDG or either of its enantiomers. The results were similar when these studies were performed with uninfected Vero cells and with Vero cells infected with strain S148 of HSV-1. In experiments with d-[8-3h]-2′-cdg, small amounts of phosphates of 2′-CDG could also be detected in uninfected HEp-2 cells and in cells infected with the BW10168 strain of HSV-1. Thus, 2′-CDG apparently is a good substrate for the virus-coded kinase and a very poor substrate for cellular phosphorylating enzymes. The selective phosphorylation of 2′-CDG by the virus-specific kinase presumably is critical for its antiviral activity as it is for that of acyclovir and other acyclic derivatives of guanine.
Distribution of water molecules at Ag(111)/electrolyte interface as studied with surface X-ray scattering

The spatial distribution of water molecules at solid-electrolyte interfaces has received extensive theoretical study, due to the importance of this interface in electrochemistry and other sciences. Such studies suggest that adjacent to the interface water is arranged in several layers, that the molecular arrangements in the inner layer is similar to bulk water, and that the inner-layer molecules have an oxygen-up (oxygen-down) average orientation for negative (positive) electrode charge (or, equivalently, potential). However, little of this has been verified by experimental measurements. In this paper we report surface X-ray scattering measurements of the water distribution perpendicular to a Ag(111)-electrolyte interface in 0.1M NaF at two potentials: +0.52 and −0.23 V from the potential of zero charge (PZC) on the electrode. We find that, first, the water is ordered in layers extending about three molecular diameters from the electrode. Second, the extent of ordering and the distance between the electrode and first water layer depend on potential, the latter being consistent with an oxygen-up (oxygen-down) average molecular orientation for negative (positive) electrode potential. Third, the inner water layer contains 1.55 × 1015 (at −0.23 V) and 2.6 × 1015 (at +0.52 V) water molecules per cm−2, remarkably more than expected from the bulk water density (i.e., ∼ 1.15 × 1015cm−2). Such a large compression shows that the molecular arrangements in the inner layer are significantly different from bulk, which has not been anticipated in current models of charged, aqueous interfaces. We give a qualitative explanation of this large density as resulting from the strong electric field at the charged Ag(111) electrode and present a tentative model of the molecular arrangements.
Testing Factorial Invariance in Multilevel Data: A Monte Carlo Study

Testing factorial invariance has recently gained more attention in different social science disciplines. Nevertheless, when examining factorial invariance, it is generally assumed that the observat...
How do glutamate transporters function as transporters and ion channels

Plasma-membrane glutamate transporters move the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, glutamate, across the membrane against its concentration gradient. This uphill transport is achieved by coupling transmembrane glutamate movement to the cotransport of three Na+ ions down their own concentration gradient. In addition, one potassium ion is countertransported.
Family history studies. VI. Depressive disease types

Abstract On the basis of genetic studies, previous investigators have proposed the existence of two types of affective disorder: (1) primary affective disorder, manic-depressive disease, and (2) primary affective disorder, depressive type. This is a study of the pattern of inheritance in families of probands with the depressive type disease. Data from five previously published series of patients with affective disorder were analyzed for morbid risk of affective illness in siblings and children of probands who had depressions only and in whose families no mania occurred. Significant sex differences in morbid risk were found in both siblings and children of female probands: low risks for affective disorder in brothers and sons, compared to higher risks for sisters and daughters. Morbid risks for the siblings and children of male probands showed no sex difference in morbid risk for affective disorder. This pattern of risk for depressive illness is not compatible with the genetic model proposed by Reich, Clayton and Winokur of an X-linked dominant inheritance for manic-depressive illness. This finding supports the hypothesis of two types of affective disorder. The pattern of an excess of ill daughters and sisters of female probands is difficult to explain by a simple genetic model, but is compatible with the hypothesis that depressive illness is made up of at least two subgroups: one group in which males and females inherit an equal morbid risk, and a second group in which the illness is sex-limited to females.
A hybrid transfinite element approach for nonlinear transient thermal analysis

A new computational approach for transient nonlinear thermal analysis of structures is proposed. It is a hybrid approach which combines the modeling versatility of contemporary finite elements in conjunction with transform methods and classical Bubnov-Galerkin schemes. The present study is limited to nonlinearities due to temperature-dependent thermophysical properties. Numerical test cases attest to the basic capabilities and therein validate the transfinite element approach by means of comparisons with conventional finite element schemes and/or available solutions.
The sensitivity of the analytic hierarchy process to alternative scale and cue presentations

Abstract The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has gained prominence in the accounting literature as a method to model the decisions of experts. Also, the AHP is used to help individuals structure decisions. AHP researchers have several choices when constructing AHP instruments that elicit judgments from participants; however, little guidance is available regarding the ‘best’ choice. In particular, the AHP response scale can be numerical, verbal, or graphical. Paired comparisons can be presented in a random or nonrandom format, or in a top-down or bottom-up order. This paper reports the results of three related experiments investigating whether differences in the scale used or the format order of paired comparisons yields significant differences in the AHP models. The results offer some evidence that the scale used is associated with different AHP models. Also, some evidence is provided that the random versus nonrandom format of the paired-comparison presentation is associated with different AHP models. However, the results for the scale and format effects are not evident across all experiments.
Communication curricula in the multicultural university

This essay argues that it is important for communication faculty to develop and adapt curriculum that responds to an increasingly multicultural student body. In addition, a multicultural perspective in curricular content is necessary to encourage theory development that is generalizable beyond the U.S. Anglo population. Typical problems facing students entering an educational system outside their own cultural context are presented. The dominance of a U.S. Anglo perspective in communication skills, theory, and methods courses is described. The essay concludes with five suggestions for developing communication curricula appropriate to a multicultural university.
The Effects of Supraphysiologic Doses of Vitamin D3 in Conjunction With Teriparatide on Bone Mineral Density in Two Postmenopausal Females With Severe Osteoporosis

Teriparatide was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fractures. Previous studies involving the use of teriparatide in conjunction with vitamin D and calcium supplementation have suggested that sufficient vitamin D levels may not be a requirement to achieve an effective response to teriparatide. We present a case of two postmenopausal females with severe osteoporosis who were treated with teriparatide along with calcium and supraphysiologic doses of vitamin D, as illustrated by an increase from their baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Both patients experienced an increase in bone mineral density that was significantly higher than what has been seen in prior studies of teriparatide administration in conjunction with physiologic doses of vitamin D. These findings suggest that administering supraphysiologic doses of vitamin D may in fact potentiate the effects of teriparatide in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis, resulting in larger increases in bone mineral density than would otherwise be expected. doi:10.4021/jem104 w
Finite-element analysis of the strain variations in excised lobe of canine lung.

Abstract The excised right lower lobe of a 10-kg dog's lung was manually inflated to the total capacity and then deflated in a step-wise manner to record the three-dimensional displacements of small metallic markers, which were affixed to the pleural surface, by employing a computer-based biplane roentgen-videographic technique. The temporal and spatial changes of the strains in the lobe during deflation were determined by partitioning of the lobe into a finite number of tetrahedral regions. By taking the implanted markers as the vertices of the tetrahedrons and utilizing their changes in spatial coordinates, finite-element calculations of the strain variations in the lobe were performed. Sample results of strains are presented. It shows that except in the vicinity of one of the implanted markers, the normal strains are generally higher than the shearing strains in the deflating excised lobe.
Neuropathologic confirmation of definitional criteria for human immunodeficiency virus–associated neurocognitive disorders

Research findings have suggested a need for modifications to the original nomenclature for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders issued in 1991 by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) proposed a diagnostic scheme that departs from the AAN 1991 criteria primarily in the inclusion of an asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) category that relies on cognitive disturbances as a necessary criterion for diagnosis, without requiring declines in daily functioning, motor, or other behavioral abnormalities. In order to test the predictive validity of these two nomenclatures, the authors compared the correspondence between antemortem neurocognitive diagnoses resulting from AAN and HNRC criteria to a neuropathological diagnosis of HIV encephalitis (HIVE) made at autopsy. Agreement between the two sets of definitional criteria was 79% regarding the classification of cases as either neurocognitively normal or impaired, and 54% with regard to specific neurocognitive diagnoses. When pathological evidence of HIVE was considered as the external indicator of HIV-related brain involvement, 64% of cases were correctly classified by AAN criteria, compared to 72% by HNRC criteria. HNRC criteria had better positive predictive power (95% versus 88%), sensitivity (67% versus 56%), and specificity (92% versus 83%). Three cases with HIVE and were correctly identified by HNRC criteria for ANI but called normal by AAN criteria, supporting inclusion of an asymptomatic neurocognitive condition. The modifications to the AAN 1991 criteria proposed by the HNRC and others in the field have served as a point of departure for a recently revised consensus nomenclature.
Application of Temporal Gap Filling to Natural Power Law Spectrums

Power law spectrums are frequently used to model complex natural processes. Estimation of power law behavior can be severely hampered by temporal gaps in measured data, which can occur frequently for data sets spanning many years. The author presents an algorithm for iterative gap filling through the use of an autoregressive model. This technique is validated with a simulation study, and its benefits are demonstrated through application to measured data sets.
Kac's moment formula and the Feynman-Kac formula for additive functionals of a Markov process

Abstract Mark Kac introduced a method for calculating the distribution of the integral A v =∫ 0 T v(X t ) d t for a function v of a Markov process (X t , t⩾0) and a suitable random time T, which yields the Feynman–Kac formula for the moment-generating function of Av. We review Kac’s method, with emphasis on an aspect often overlooked. This is Kac’s formula for moments of Av, which may be stated as follows. For any random time T such that the killed process (X t , 0⩽t is Markov with substochastic semi-group K t (x, d y)= P x (X t ∈ d y, T>t) , any non-negative measurable function v, and any initial distribution λ, the nth moment of Av is P λ A v n =n!λ(GM v ) n 1 where G=∫ 0 ∞ K t d t is the Green’s operator of the killed process, Mv is the operator of multiplication by v, and 1 is the function that is identically 1.
Confined and Propagating Modes of Microstructured Optical Fibers With Three-Dimensional Geometry Variation

Microstructured optical fiber inline cavity designs are presented with lengths less than 60 μm, mode volumes less than 3 (λ0/n)3, and Q factors exceeding 3000. The device geometries are consistent with the fiber postprocessing capabilities of focused ion beam or femtosecond micromachining. The devices are based on introducing a longitudinally periodic hole array into a microstructured optical fiber. The micromachined fiber dispersion is calculated using the 3-D finite-different time-domain method. Bandgap frequencies, confined cavity mode frequencies, and quality factors are presented. Application of the device as a fast-response-time refractometer is explored, and sensitivities of 150 nm per refractive index unit are predicted.
PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RESISTANCE OF METEORITE PENETRATION OF INTERPLANETARY SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS

Meteoroid flux - nature and distribution of & micrometeoroid model for meteoroid hazard study
Is fixed combination therapy appropriate for initial hypertension treatment

Recent clinical trials in hypertension prove how seldom single drug therapy achieves target blood pressure (BP) and reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A natural response is the testing and marketing of fixed-dose combination products for hypertension, of which 14 have been approved in the United States since 1993. Currently, only five products are indicated by the Food and Drug Administration for initial therapy of hypertension; all include a diuretic. To achieve such an indication, studies must show not only safety and efficacy of the combination, but also BP lowering that is at least additive compared with the two agents given separately, as well as a "synergy" not present when each agent is given alone. Some advantages to initial combination therapy include greater BP reduction, improved adherence to pill taking, fewer side effects, and lower cost. The most likely candidates for initial combination therapy are patients with initial BP higher than 160/100 mm Hg, or those with a BP goal lower than the customary 140/90 mm Hg. These include patients with target organ damage, clinical cardiovascular disease, proteinuria, renal impairment, or diabetes mellitus. In many of these circumstances, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist is frequently recommended; adding a diuretic or calcium antagonist to it is much more likely to result in achievement of the BP goal. More research is being done to explore the combination of not only two representatives from classes of conventional agents, but also other drugs that may help address the multiple manifestations of the "metabolic syndrome" that often accompanies hypertension.
Grape seed extract inhibits EGF-induced and constitutively active mitogenic signaling but activates JNK in human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells: possible role in antiproliferation and apoptosis

A loss of functional androgen receptor and an enhanced expression of growth factor receptors and associated ligands are causal genetic events in prostate cancer (PCA) progression. These genetic alterations lead to an epigenetic mechanism where a feedback autocrine loop between membrane receptor and ligand (e.g. EGFR-TGFalpha) results in a constitutive activation of MAPK-Elk1-AP1-mediated mitogenic signaling in human PCA at an advanced and androgen-independent stage. We rationalized that inhibiting these epigenetic events could be useful in controlling advanced PCA growth. Recently, we found that grape seed extract (GSE), a dietary supplement rich in flavonoid procyanidins, inhibits advanced and androgen-independent human PCA DU145 cell growth in culture and nude mice. Here, we performed detailed mechanistic studies to define the effect of GSE on EGFR-Shc-MAPK-Elk1-AP1-mediated mitogenic signaling in DU145 cells. Pretreatment of serum-starved cells with GSE resulted in 70% to almost complete inhibition of EGF-induced EGFR activation and 50% to complete inhibition of Shc activation, which corroborated with a comparable decrease in EGF-induced Shc binding to EGFR. Conversely, EGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited only by lower doses of GSE; in fact, higher doses showed an increase. Additional studies showed that GSE alone causes a dose- and time-dependent increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in starved DU145 cells that is inhibited by an MEK1 inhibitor PD98059. Independent of this increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, GSE showed a strong inhibition of ERK1/2 kinase activity to Elk1 in both cellular and cell-free systems. GSE treatment of cells also inhibited both EGF-induced and constitutively active Elk1 phosphorylation and AP1 activation. GSE treatment also showed DNA synthesis inhibition in starved and EGF-stimulated cells as well as loss of cell viability and apoptotic death that was further increased by adding MEK1 inhibitor. Since GSE strongly induced apoptosis independent of its affect on an increase in phospho-ERK1/2, we hypothesized that apoptotic effect of GSE could be by other mechanism(s) including its effect on stress-associated MAPK, the JNK. Indeed, GSE-treated cells showed a strong and sustained increase in phospho-JNK1/JNK2 levels, JNK activity and phospho-cJun levels. An inhibition of GSE-induced JNK activation by a novel JNK inhibitor SP600125 resulted in a significant reversal of GSE-induced apoptotic death suggesting the involvement of JNK activation by GSE in its apoptosis response. Together, these results suggest that anticancer effects of GSE in PCA be mediated via impairment of EGFR-ERK1/2-Elk1-AP1-mediated mitogenic signaling and activation of JNK causing growth inhibition and apoptosis, respectively.
Use of a regional wall motion score to enhance risk stratification of patients receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Abstract Objectives . We postulated that preoperative assessment of both regional wall motion and left ventricular ejection fraction would serve as an accurate prognostic indicator of long-term cardiac mortality and functional outcome in patients treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Background . Long-term cardiac mortality has remained high in patients receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The ability to risk stratify patients before defibrillator implantation is becoming increasingly important from a medical and economic standpoint. Methods . The hypothesis was retrospectively tested in 74 patients who had received an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator. Left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion score, derived from centerline chord motion analysis, were calculated for each patient from the preoperative right anterior oblique contrast ventriculogram. Wall motion score was the only significant independent predictor of long-term cardiac mortality and functional status by multivariate analysis because of its enhanced prognostic capability in patients with an ejection fraction in the critical range of 30% to 40%. Results . Patients with an ejection fraction >40% had a 3-year cardiac mortality rate of 0% compared with 25% for those with an ejection fraction of 30% to 40% and 48% for those with an ejection fraction 40% were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II during long-term follow-up compared with 59% of those with an ejection fraction 30% to 40% and 29% of those with an ejection fraction 16% had a 3-year cardiac mortality rate of 0% compared with 71% of those with a wall motion score ≤ 16% (p = 0.002). In addition, 86% of patients with a wall motion score >16% were in functional class I or II during long-term follow-up compared with 13% of those with a wall motion score ≤16% (p = 0.001). Conclusions . Long-term cardiac mortality and functional outcome in patients receiving an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator can be predicted if the left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion score are measured preoperatively.
In vivo lipogenesis and enzyme levels in adipose and liver tissues from pair-fed genetically obese and lean rats.

Abstract Genetically obese Zucker rats pair-fed to lean controls were similar in body weight and food intake, however, epididymal fat pads were considerably larger than lean controls. In vivo incorporation of acetate-14C into adipose tissue lipid was not significantly different, however, in vivo liver lipogenesis was elevated in the obese rat. Characterization of enzyme profiles in both liver and adipose tissues revealed that enzymes normally associated with lipogenesis were elevated in liver tissue from obese rats. Malic enzyme and citrate cleavage enzyme were both depressed in adipose tissue of obese animals. From these data, it appears that the liver may be prominently involved in the development of excessive blood lipid and enlarged fat cells in the Zucker obese rat.
Rare earth pseudohalide complexes

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of thiocyanate complexes of the type [(n−C4H9)4N]3[M(NCS)6] for all of the tripositive rare earth ions except CeIII, PmIII, TmIII, and LuIII is described. The analogous selenocyanate and cyanate complexes were found to be very unstable, decomposing even in an inert atmosphere at low temperatures. Infrared spectral measurements indicate that the pseudohalides are N-bonded in all of the complexes. The thiocyanate complexes do not dissociate appreciably in poorly coordinating solvents such as nitrobenzene and acetonitrile. Visible spectral measurements in the latter solvent reveal striking differences in the number and intensity of the bands in the spectra of the thiocyanate complexes, relative to those in the spectra of the hexachloro complexes of the same metal ions. The enhancement of the intensity of the bands in the thiocyanate spectra is indicative, especially in the case of the hypersensitive pseudoquadrupolar transitions, of a marked deviation from Oh symmetry, and may be attributed to non-linear M-NCS linkages. The molar absorptivities of the bands are even larger than those of the corresponding bands in the spectra of the aquo ions, [M(H2O)9]3+, which lack a center of symmetry. The PrIII and HoIII thiocyanate complexes were found to be photosensitive, the nature of the reaction being unknown.