cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Do Firms Finance Non-Primary Market Investments? Evidence from REITs

Using a large sample of commercial property acquisitions by real estate investment trusts (REITs), we show that property investment characteristics affect financing. Specifically, REITs are 4-8% less likely to use secured (mortgage) debt when investing in core market properties. The evidence points to a demand-side explanation for the relation between investment characteristics (core vs. non-core) and project financing. Moreover, our analysis provides support for the hypothesis that firms avoid mortgage financing in core markets to preserve operational flexibility in these markets.
Characterization of cognitive function in survivors of diffuse gliomas using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI)

As treatments for diffuse gliomas have advanced, survival for patients with gliomas has also increased. However, there remains limited knowledge on the relationships between brain connectivity and the lasting changes to cognitive function that glioma survivors often experience long after completing treatment. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study explored functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with cognitive function in survivors of gliomas. In this pilot study, 22 patients (mean age 43.8 ± 11.9) with diffuse gliomas who completed treatment within the past 10 years were evaluated using rs-fMRI and neuropsychological measures. Novel rs-fMRI analysis methods were used to account for missing brain in the resection cavity. FC relationships were assessed between cognitively impaired and non-impaired glioma patients, along with self-reported cognitive impairment, non-work daily functioning, and time with surgery. In the cognitively non-impaired patients, FC was stronger in the medial prefrontal cortex, rostral prefrontal cortex, and intraparietal sulcus compared to the impaired survivors. When examining non-work daily functioning, a positive correlation with FC was observed between the accumbens and the intracalcarine cortices, while a negative correlation with FC was observed between the parietal operculum cortex and the cerebellum. Additionally, worse self-reported cognitive impairment and worse non-work daily functioning were associated with increased FC between regions involved in cognition and sensorimotor processing. These preliminary findings suggest that neural correlates for cognitive and daily functioning in glioma patients can be revealed using rs-fMRI. Resting-state network alterations may serve as a biomarker for patients’ cognition and functioning.
Experiencing Market Dynamics with TraderEx: A Trading Decision-Making Simulation

Trading education is vital for success in the securities and investments industry. Are apprenticeships and time on an institutional trading desk the only way to learn how to trade? Do you need to work with real orders and have real money at risk to gain experience interacting with the dynamic process of price formation? The answers are no and no. Trading simulations that are well-designed can create experiences with price discovery and impose the challenges of illiquidity in ways that replicate the learning accomplished (and pressures felt) on a real trading desk. With TraderEx, you will appreciate the complexity of trading and understand it as a distinct profession within the financial industry, even if it is not always thought of as such in business school curriculum.
Ultrastructural changes in primary endings of deaf white cats: Second Place—Resident Basic Science Award 1996

Abstract Changes in brain structure occur as a consequence of altered experience. During maturation of the auditory nervous system, sensory deprivation is known to cause cell loss, abnormal axonal projections, and synaptic alterations. These animal data may be relevant to clinical observations that cochlear implants provide superior benefit for individuals who become deaf postlingually compared with those who become deaf prelingually. That is, implantation appears most efficacious if it occurs after functional connections are established but before deprivation-induced changes in the central auditory system. After this period, synaptic reorganization may underlie the diminished effectiveness of cochlear implants. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;116:286-93.)
Singularities in Social Science/Arts

Considerable efforts have been expended to determine if economic time series can be modeled as nonlinear chaotic dynamics. A motivation has been the recognition that often, economic observables appear chaotic, although they are clearly generated by some form of determinism. Unfortunately, these attempts have not been distinguished by unequivocal results. In the case of economic data, a fundamental problem has not been addressed; namely, the correspondence of economic data to the fundamental assumptions of chaos and other fully determined models. It has been suggested that what separates a true artist from a craftsman is the artist's ability to create the element of surprise in the observer. In terms of the clinical psychology of common problems (to differentiate from disorders that may involve psychoses), the well appreciated success of cognitive therapies devolve around a patient's ability to overcome historicism's curse. Certainly, the dynamic, plastic evolution of the neural system can exhibit numerous difficulties for the person, in as much as the dynamics by definition are not fixed, and are stochastic. It is pointed out that variability in social science studies is significantly higher than in physical studies.
Triple anterior screw fixation of an acute combination atlas-axis fracture. Case report.

✓ The authors report the successful treatment of an acute combination atlas—axis fracture in an 85-year-old man using anterior odontoid and C1–2 transarticular facet screw fixation and a Philadelphia collar. Treatment with halo brace immobilization failed, and the patient experienced recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation when placed partially prone for chest physiotherapy. If a posterior approach is not feasible, an anterior odontoid and C1–2 transarticular facet screw fixation can be considered as a salvage procedure for patients with acute combination atlas—axis fractures.
Latest developments in optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography has proven to be a useful diagnostic tool in several medical specialties. The time-domain interferometric basis of OCT has, however, limited its application effectively to point-sampling imaging. Recently, several new innovations, including frequency domain methods have significantly extended the capabilities of OCT and open the possibility of comprehensive diagnostic screening.
Highly Altered Organic Matter on Earth: Biosignature Relevance

On earth, organic matter of biological origin is subjected to various alteration processes, dominated by oxidation and thermal metamorphism due to deep burial, typically a result of plate-tectonic processes. Other alteration processes unrelated to the oxidizing atmosphere and plate tectonics include impact metamorphism, irradiation and thermal degradation of dissolved organic species. The implications of these transformation processes as observed on earth for the use of carbon forms as biosignatures on other planetary bodies are discussed. Carbon minerals, such as graphite and diamond, are potential biosignatures, their major advantage being a high degree of stability.
A Volumetric Study of Aqueous Primary Alcohols as Functions of Concentration and Temperature

Density measurements of aqueous solutions of ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-pentanol made in this laboratory along with those made for methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol by Benson and Kiyohara form the basis for a volumetric analysis of solutes possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions as functions of both concentration and temperature. The extent of deviation of the modified volume function with mole ratio was shown to provide a quantitative measure of non-ideality. The deviations from ideality for dilute solutions are mediated by the solvated regions surrounding the hydrophobic region and are a function of the number of methylene groups. This region was shown to consist of water exhibiting a higher degree of hydrogen bonding than that of bulk water in accordance with previous studies. Moreover, the partial molar volume at infinite dilution for these primary alcohols is nearly a linear function of the number of methylene groups.
DBXplorer: enabling keyword search over relational databases

1. Motivation Internet search engines have popularized keyword based search. While relational database systems offer powerfifl structured query languages such as SQL, there is no support for keyword search over databases. The simplicity of keyword search as a querying paradigm offers compelling values for data exploration. Specifically, keyword search does not require a priori knowledge of the schema. The above is significant as much information in a corporation is increasingly being available at its intranet. However, it is unrealistic to expect users who would browse and query such information to have detailed knowledge of the schema of available databases. Therefore, just as keyword search and classification hierarchies complement each other for document search, keyword search over databases can be effective.
Corticosteroid therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

In recent years, various clinical trials have documented the benefit of glucocorticoid therapy in the palliation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Prednisone therapy, daily or on alternate days, has been confirmed to be of value in enhancing muscle strength and function in DMD for up to two years. However, there is evidence that corticosteroid treatment results in muscle weakness and degeneration. This review, therefore, examines the available studies and addresses various possible mechanisms involved in the efficacy of prednisone therapy and amelioration of DMD. The progression of DMD is known to be associated with profound changes in structure, biochemistry and physiology of the affected muscles. It is hypothesized, therefore, that these very changes offer a fortunate set of circumstances, and it is owing to these alterations, as well as the well known anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive action of steroid, that muscles in DMD are rendered responsive resulting in significant improvement of muscle bulk and function.
The interaction of law and special education: Observing the emperor's new clothes

Abstract Every courtroom victory on behalf of handicapped individuals contributes to the establishment of legal precedent regarding the rights of the handicapped. However, when lawsuits are viewed in the context of creating and revitalizing a social movement on behalf of handicapped people, it becomes apparent that legal victories may have adverse as well as positive effects on the social movement. Similarities regarding the effects of obtaining judicial and political approval are explored in four movements that were designed to benefit handicapped individuals—the institution building movement, the eugenics movement, the special class movement, and the recent community movement. Paradoxical as it may seem, the process of obtaining judicial and political approval has also contributed to the stagnation of each of these movements. The interactions of lawyers, consumer advocacy groups, and special education professionals over the last decade are traced to develop a critical perspective on the political coalitions that are supporting current belief systems in the field of special education. As an alternative to the popular belief regarding the legal concept of rights, a multidisciplinary concept of rights is presented that recognizes the complex interrelationships between political coalitions, laws and judicial interpretations, science and technology, personal satisfaction, and public attitudes. Finally, a method is proposed for building new political coalitions using a multidisciplinary concept of rights to insure the development of appropriate community services for handicapped individuals in the 1980s.
A Thalamo-Hippocampal-Ventral Tegmental Area Loop May Produce the Positive Feedback that Underlies the Psychotic Break in Schizophrenia

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction model of schizophrenia is based on the ability of NMDAR antagonists to produce many symptoms of the disease. Recent work in rats shows that NMDAR antagonist works synergistically with dopamine to produce delta frequency bursting in the thalamus. This finding, together with other results in the literature, suggests a mechanism for the sudden onset of schizophrenia. Among the thalamic nuclei most activated by NMDAR antagonist is the nucleus reuniens. This nucleus excites the cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus. Experiments indicate that such activation can lead to excitation of dopaminergic cells of the ventral tegmental area by a polysynaptic pathway. The resulting elevation of dopamine in the thalamus will enhance thalamic bursting, thereby creating a loop with the potential for positive feedback. We show through computer simulations that in individuals with susceptibility to schizophrenia (e.g., because of partially compromised NMDAR function), an event that stimulates the dopamine system, such as stress, can cause the system to reach the threshold for thalamic bursting. When this occurs, positive feedback in the loop will cause all components to become highly active and to remain active after the triggering stimulus is removed. This is a physiologically specific hypothesis for the sudden and lasting transition that underlies the psychotic break in schizophrenia. Furthermore, the model provides an explanation for the observed selective activation of the CA1 hippocampal region in schizophrenia. The model also predicts an increase of basal activity in the dopamine system and thalamus; the relevant evidence is reviewed.
General conservation equations for multi-phase systems: 3. Constitutive theory for porous media flow.

Abstract Equations which describe single phase fluid flow and transport through an elastic porous media are obtained by applying constitutive theory to a set of general multiphase mass, momentum, energy, and entropy equations. Linearization of these equations yields a set of equations solvable upon specification of the material coefficients which arise. Further restriction of the flow to small velocities proves that Darcy's law is a special case of the general momentum balance.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. Surgical excision remains the standard of treatment, but several alternative treatment modalities exist. This review aims to provide a current analysis of evidence for the treatment of BCC; specifically, which treatments have the lowest recurrence rates and the best cosmetic outcomes. We searched PubMed (January 1946 to August 2013), Ovid MEDLINE (2003–August 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 1993 to August 2013), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (The Cochrane Library Issue 9, 2013) databases for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or comparative studies for the treatment of BCC. We found 615 potential articles. Two independent reviewers selected 40 studies: 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), seven systematic reviews, and four nonrandomized prospective trials. Treatment modalities reviewed include surgical therapy, radiotherapy and cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), topical imiquimod, topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), topical solasodine glycoalkaloids, topical ingenol mebutate, intralesional 5-FU, intralesional interferon (IFN), and oral hedgehog pathway inhibitors. The available data suggest that surgical methods remain the gold standard in BCC treatment, with Mohs micrographic surgery typically utilized for high-risk lesions. Suitable alternate treatment options for appropriately selected primary low-risk lesions may include PDT, cryotherapy, topical imiquimod, and 5-FU. Radiotherapy is a suitable alternate for surgical methods for treatment in older patient populations. Electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC however, there were no RCTs examining EDC however, side effects are a concern for some patients, and much remains to be learned regarding optimal treatment length, risk of recurrence, and potential development of resistance. There is insufficient evidence at present to make recommendations on topical solasodine glycoalkaloids, topical ingenol mebutate, and intralesional 5-FU and IFN-α. Overall continued research on the efficacy of treatment modalities is needed. In particular, studies should include histologic ascertainment of clearance, long-term follow-up, stratification based on tumor subtype, and comparison with surgical outcomes.
Growth and characterization of ZnxCd1−xSe∕Znx′Cdy′Mg1−x′−y′Se asymmetric coupled quantum well structures for quantum cascade laser applications

The authors report the growth of a II-VI ZnxCd1−xSe∕Znx′Cdy′Mg1−x′−y′Se asymmetric coupled quantum well (asymmetric-CQW) structure that was used to investigate the active region of an intersubband electroluminescence structure designed for emission at λ=4.5μm. Such a structure could comprise the active region of a quantum cascade laser. The results of photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis show good agreement with the expected transition energies predicted by simulation results for the asymmetric-CQW structure. High resolution x-ray diffraction analysis indicates high structural quality of the sample and good control of the growth.
Marketing planning and the policy environment in the European Union

While global economic conditions create incentives for new market entry and expansion strategies, the environmental factors affecting these strategies must be fully considered. For example, the international marketer will encounter unfamiliar laws and policies that can create confusion about standards and require changes in marketing philosophy and practice. This article utilizes a general marketing planning framework to examine the effects of government policy on marketing activities. Using the European Union as an example, the discussion includes an overview of policy inputs to international marketing decisions, specific legislation related to marketing strategy, and impending issues that may affect marketing decision making in the future. The article incorporates a proactive orientation toward the marketing policy environment through a review of both current laws and other topics with a legal and political component. The information presented is useful to international marketing managers and educators for understanding the effects of government policy on the international marketing planning process.
Lipase bound cellulose nanofibrous membrane via Cibacron Blue F3GA affinity ligand

Abstract Cellulose (Cell) nanofibrous membranes were prepared by nucleophilic reaction of the cellulose hydroxyl with the triazinyl chloride of Cibacron Blue F3GA (CB) ligand and studied as affinity membranes for lipase enzyme. Cell nanofibrous membranes containing fibers with 200 nm average diameters were prepared by electrospinning of cellulose acetate (CA), followed by alkaline hydrolysis. The CB capacity of the Cell nanofibrous membranes was optimized by lengthening the nucleophilic reaction time and increasing CB concentration and ionic strength. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms of CB on the Cell nanofibrous membranes followed a typical Langmuir monolayer adsorption behavior. At 242 mg CB/g of Cell, the maximum lipase adsorption capacity ( q m ) and the dissociation constant ( K d ) values were 41.02 mg/g and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. Optimal lipase adsorption capacity was obtained at pH 4.0, its isoelectric point, with added NaCl on Cell membranes 86 mg CB capacity per g of Cell. A facile lipase loading capacity of 16.21 mg/g of CB–Cell was achieved under moderated conditions and could be optimized to reach at least 150 mg/g. The CB–Cell bound lipase had similar catalytic rate and retained 86.2% activity as in its free form. These findings clearly show that the CB bound Cell nanofibrous membrane is a highly efficient ultra-high specific porous support for lipase enzyme and is potentially versatile for immobilizing other enzymes and as affinity membrane for proteins.
A clumped-foliage canopy radiative transfer model for a global dynamic terrestrial ecosystem model. I: Theory

This study develops a simple but physically based canopy radiative transfer scheme for photosynthesis, radiative fluxes and surface albedo estimates in dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs), and particularly for the Ent Dynamic Global Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (Ent DGTEM). The Ent DGTEM can represent vegetation in mixed as opposed to homogeneous canopies. With active growth and competition, it must predict radiative transfer for dynamically changing vegetation structure, and requires computational speed for coupling with atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). The canopy radiative transfer scheme accounts for both vertical and horizontal heterogeneity of plant canopies by combining the simple two-stream scheme with a well-described actual vertical foliage profile, an analytically derived foliage clumping factor from geometric optical theory, and, for needleleaf trees, an empirical needle-to-shoot-clumping factor. In addition, the model accounts for the effect of trunks, which is significant in bare canopies. This model provides better radiation estimates (light profiles, albedo) than the two-stream scheme currently being used in most GCMs to describe light interactions with vegetation canopies. This scheme has the same computational cost as the current typical scheme being used in GCMs, but promises to provide better canopy radiative transfer estimates for DGVMs, particularly those that model heterogeneous vegetation canopies.
Application of Probabilistic Analysis and Design Methods in Space Programs

The use of probabilistic analysis and design methods in space programs is steadily gaining acceptance within the aerospace community. To further enhance the development and application of probabilistic methods, four actions are recommended: 1) the development of theories, codes, and tools to match the task areas; 2) an understanding of prior applications/uses of probability and statistics, and databases; 3) the development of databases, in particular structural failures; and 4) education of engineers and managers on the merits and basics of probability/reliability methods. The approaches, the status, and the needs for these actions are examined in terms of the current limitations of probabilistic engineering methods, a basic approach for its application, a discussion of some specific uses, and recommendations of critical development areas.
Laminar Mixed Convection Adjacent to Three-Dimensional Backward-Facing Step

Simulations of three-dimensional laminar buoyancy-assisting mixed convection adjacent to a backward-facing step in a vertical rectangular duct are presented to demonstrate the influence of Grashof number on the distributions of the Nusselt number, and the reverse flow regions that develop adjacent to the duct's walls. The Reynolds number, and duct's geometry are kept constant: heat flux at the wall downstream from the step is kept uniform but its magnitude varied to cover a Grashof number range of 0-4000; all the other walls in the duct are kept at adiabatic condition; and the flow, upstream of the step, is treated as fully developed and isothermal
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of adenine nucleotides from erythrocytes

Abstract The separation by undimensional thin-layer chromatography, for the purpose of quantitative determination, of high-energy phosphate compounds and some of the glycolytic intermediates in human erythrocytes is described. These data are compared to those obtained after separation of these compounds by column chromatography. The mean erythrocyte content of ATP (20 min incubation) after TLC separation was 101.8 ± 11.5 μmoles/100 ml erythrocytes, and after column separation, 103.3 ± 6.0 μmoles/100 ml erythrocytes. After 120 min incubation values were 111.9 ± 11.4 μmoles/100 ml erythrocytes and 113.0 ± 7.0 μmoles/100 ml erythrocytes, respectively. Within each method the change was significant, but there was no correlation between the two methods for the per cent change in ATP. The primary advantages of the TLC method are the ease with which 2,3-DPG and ATP are separated and the considerable reduction of time required for the separation compared to column chromatography. It was concluded that TLC is a useful screening procedure.
MIGRATION: RAVENSTEIN, THORNTHWAITE, AND BEYOND

Over one hundred years have passed since Ernst Georg Ravenstein published his “Laws of Migration.” This paper addresses the question of how these laws have withstood the test of time. Ravenstein’s 1885 paper also includes a map of “Currents of Migration,” not mentioned in the text, which this article examines for its impacts on the study of migration. Warren Thornthwaite (1934) also compared migration to currents, but did not pursue this analogy in subsequent work. Others have used similar terminology, and examination of more recent migration studies suggests that they may yield new laws.
The stability of self-control

Abstract Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime contends that low self-control interacts with opportunity to produce criminal and analogous behaviors. Although several theoretical and empirical attempts have been aimed at assessing the general theory, researchers have been slow to examine one of the central postulates of the general theory: the stability postulate. Gottfredson and Hirschi contend that once established by ages eight to ten, self-control remains relatively stable over the life-course. In the only study to address this question, Arneklev, Cochran, and Gainey found that self-control levels were relatively stable in a four month test–retest among college students. In this article, the work of Arneklev et al. is extended and examination is made of the stability postulate in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Using a national probability sample, as well as behavioral and attitudinal measures of self-control, the results offer mixed support for Gottfredson and Hirschi's stability postulate. Theoretical and future research directions are advanced.
Structural features of thyroid hormone response elements that increase susceptibility to inhibition by an RTH mutant thyroid hormone receptor.

The chicken lysozyme silencer F2 (F2) thyroid hormone response element (TRE) contains an unusual everted palindromic arrangement, has a high affinity for thyroid hormone receptor (TR) homodimers, and is especially sensitive to dominant negative inhibition by, the T3 resistance (RTH) mutant TR beta P453H. We used various TREs and TR mutations to determine the mechanisms for this sensitivity. Changing the F2 orientation from an everted palindrome to a direct repeat with a 4-bp gap (DR+4) (F2-DR) decreased the sensitivity to inhibition at high T3 concentrations, while a loss of this sensitivity occurred with a palindromic arrangement of these same half-sites. F2 contains the dinucleotide TG 5' to each consensus half-site conforming to the optimal TR-binding octamer, YRRGGTCA. A T to A change in position 1 of both F2 half-sites markedly reduced T3-induction, yet only slightly reduced TR homodimer or TR-retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimer binding. The TR beta ninth heptad mutation, L428R, prevents TR heterod...
Fracture anisotropy characterization in crystalline bedrock using field-scale azimuthal self potential gradient

The potential for the geophysical characterization of fractured rock bulk anisotropy using azimuthal self potential gradient (ASPG) method was investigated at four fractured rock field sites in the New Jersey Highlands (NJH) province. A visual (from polar plots) and empirical (from linear regression of cross plots) correlation exists between ASPG measurements and dominant fracture strike orientations mapped at three of the four study sites, with the magnitude of the SP signal positively correlated to the number of fractures (N) along the same azimuth. This result is consistent with recent electrokinetic theory that invokes a dependence of the streaming potential coupling coefficient on microgeometry in addition to hydraulic gradient. Based on local surface drainage patterns and regional fracture orientations, the direction of the positive lobe of the ASPG signal appears indicative of the likely flow direction within fracture sets. Three repeat measurements at one site over a one year period consistently reproduced the ASPG lobes along major and minor fracture sets, although the magnitude of the self potential varied along the major strike set possibly due to variable rates of groundwater flow. Whereas ASPG captured hydraulic-anisotropy at three of four sites, resistivity anisotropy only dominated azimuthal resistivity surveys (ARS) data at one site. Our results suggest that ASPG is a surprisingly simple, effective tool for characterization of fracture-dominated media. In addition to defining the fracture-induced hydraulic anisotropy, the direction of fracture-controlled flow is evident from the polarity of the SP signal.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid vs. Reconstruction of the External Auditory Canal in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Aural Atresia: A Comparison Study of Outcomes

Objectives/Hypothesis: Congenital aural atresia is a rare condition in children affecting 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 children a year. Surgery is required to restore hearing to facilitate normal development. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in hearing, complications and quality of life of surgical reconstruction of the external auditory canal (EACR) and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) in a pediatric population with congenital aural atresia. Study Design: Subjects were children who had a diagnosis of congenital aural atresia or stenosis and who received either BAHA or EACR. Methods: The medical records of 68 children were reviewed for operative complications and audiometric results. A quality of life questionnaire was prospectively administered to a subset of subjects. Results: Pre-operatively, air conduction threshold were not significantly different between groups at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz (p>0.05). Post-operatively, the BAHA group (44.3 ± 14.3 and 44.5 ± 11.3) demonstrated a significantly larger hearing gain than the EACR group (20.0 ± 18.9 and 15.3 ± 19.9) in both the short and long-term periods (p 0.05). Quality of life assessment revealed no statistical significance between the two groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: Although the quality of life and incidence of surgical complications between the two interventions was not significantly different, BAHA implantation appears to provide a better, more reliable audiologic outcome than EACR.
Distribution of lysosomal hydrolases in human and bovine ocular tissues

We have studied the distribution of the lysosoma1 sphingolipid hydrolases β-glucosaminidase, β-galactosaminidase, β-galactosidase, α- and β-glucosidases, and α-mannosidase in the bovine and human ocular tissues, choroid, cornea, lens, retina, and sclera using synthetic substrates in the form of the 4-methylumbelliferyl derivatives of the corresponding glycosides. As compared to the bovine ocular tissues, the human ocular tissues possessed higher levels of all the enzyme activities examined with the exception of β-glucosidase in the cornea. Bovine retina contained higher levels of fi-hexosaminidases, β-galactosidase, and a-glucosidase than the other bovine ocular tissues. In contrast to the retina, which is primarily a neural tissue, human and bovine lens have minimal or trace levels of all the lysosomal hydrolases examined. Human and bovine retina, cornea, sclera, and choroid possess enzyme activities which are higher than the lens. This would indicate a slow turnover of glycosphingolipids in lens tissue ...
Electro-elastic modeling of a dielectric elastomer diaphragm for a prosthetic blood pump

A dielectric elastomer diaphragm is to be designed for potential use in a prosthetic blood pump. Application of an electric field deforms the membrane such that it moves from an initially flat configuration to an inflated state. This motion creates positive displacement of blood from the cardiac chambers thus mimicking the pump-like behavior of the natural heart. A comprehensive large deformation model accounting for the combined dielectric and elastic effect has been formulated. This paper presents recent developments in the model to further incorporate the entire nonlinear range of material elastic behavior and to more accurately represent the applied electric field by keeping the voltage constant as the membrane thickness decreases. The updated model is used to calculate the effects of varying system parameters such as pressure, voltage, prestretch, material constants, and membrane geometry. Analytical results are obtained for biaxially stretched 3M VHB 4905 polyacrylate films.
HIV protease inhibitors block adipogenesis and increase lipolysis in vitro.

Abstract AIDS therapies employing HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) are associated with changes in fat metabolism. However, the cellular mechanisms affected by PIs are not clear. Thus, the affects of PIs on adipocyte differentiation were examined in vitro using C3H10T1/2 stem cells. In these cells the PIs, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and ritonavir, reduced triglyceride accumulation, lipogenesis, and expression of the adipose markers, aP2 and LPL. Histological analysis revealed nelfinavir, saquinavir and ritonavir treatment decreased oil red O-staining of cytoplasmic fat droplets. Inhibition occurred in the presence of the RXR agonist LGD1069, indicating the inhibitory effects were not due to an absence of RXR ligand. Moreover, these three PIs increased acute lipolysis in adipocytes. In contrast, two HIV PIs, amprenavir and indinavir, had little effect on lipolysis, lipogenesis, or expression of aP2 and LPL. Although, saquinavir, inhibited ligand-binding to PPARγ with an IC 50 of 12.7±3.2 μM, none of the other PIs bound to the nuclear receptors RXRα or PPARγ, (IC 50 s>20 μM), suggesting that inhibition of adipogenesis is not due to antagonism of ligand binding to RXRα or PPARγ. Taken together, the results suggest that some, but not all, PIs block adipogenesis and stimulate fat catabolism in vitro and this may contribute to the effects of PIs on metabolism in the clinic.
Genetic mapping of Dn7, a rye gene conferring resistance to the Russian wheat aphid in wheat

The Russian wheat aphid is a significant pest problem in wheat and barley in North America. Genetic resistance in wheat is the most effective and economical means to control the damage caused by the aphid. Dn7 is a rye gene located on chromosome 1RS that confers resistance to the Russian wheat aphid. The gene was previously transferred from rye into a wheat background via a 1RS/1BL translocation. This study was conducted to genetically map Dn7 and to characterize the type of resistance the gene confers. The resistant line '94M370' was crossed with a susceptible wheat cultivar that also contains a pair of 1RS/1BL translocation chromosomes. The F2 progeny from this cross segregated for resistance in a ratio of 3 resistant: 1 susceptible, indicating a single dominant gene. One-hundred and eleven RFLP markers previously mapped on wheat chromosomes 1A, 1B and 1D, barley chromosome 1H and rye chromosome 1R, were used to screen the parents for polymorphism. A genetic map containing six markers linked to Dn7, encompassing 28.2 cM, was constructed. The markers flanking Dn7 were Xbcd1434 and XksuD14, which mapped 1.4 cM and 7.4 cM from Dn7, respectively. Dn7 confers antixenosis, and provides a higher level of resistance than that provided by Dn4. The applications of Dn7 and the linked markers in wheat breeding are discussed.
Polyethyleneimine-induced flocculation and flotation of cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae for gas vesicle production

Abstract Gas vesicles are hollow, proteinaceous structures found in some strains of cyanobacteria. They have been used to increase the oxygen supply and improve the cultivation of shear-sensitive mammalian cells. However, the production and, especially, collection of cells and gas vesicles were laborious and ineffective. In this study we examined the use of the cationic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), for improving the cell harvesting by flocculation and flotation. PEI was examined to determine the appropriate molecular weight, pH range, and dosage. The dose of 20–30 mg/l of PEI with molecular weight of 25,000 in the pH range of 6.0–8.5 was found to provide effective and efficient cell flocculation and flotation. As the PEI dose increased, the rate of flotation increased but the clearance (collection) efficacy declined slightly. The culture samples used in this study were taken from light-limiting continuous culture systems at different dilution rates (0.05–0.24 h−1). Without PEI addition, the cells at dilution rates lower than 0.1 h did not float while those at higher dilution rates would float slowly. With PEI addition, the flocculated cells at the dilution rate of 0.05 h−1 sank and those of higher dilution rates would float and the flotation rate increased with increasing specific growth rate. Nonetheless, PEI flocculation and flotation (or sedimentation) could be used to harvest cells at a wide range of growth states.
Stepping by chronic spinal cats

We investigated the consequences of spinal cord transection in adult cat. All became capable of stepping upon a treadmill. Two of six animals stepped in the first postoperative testing session, 1 week after surgery. It took up to 6 weeks for the others to start stepping. None of the cats became capable of hindquarter support within 2 months after surgery. There was permanent loss of fore-hindlimb coordination and increased variability in the duration of each step cycle and its components. Coordination between the hindlimbs was also impaired, as signaled by increased variability in the time between foot contacts with the belt. These changes may be due to the loss of timing signals coming down from supraspinal levels to the segmental step generators or - alternatively - to decreased excitability of segmental motoneurons leading to less precise execution of stepping commands from the hypothetical pattern generators.
Gear Failure Modes—Importance of Lubrication and Mechanics

Any rational approach to gear design must consider, as a minimum, the impact of the various modes of gear-tooth failure on gear performance; operating life and reliability; and size, weight, and cost. Gear teeth may fail basically by either strength-related or lubrication-related causes. However, many strength-related failures are influenced by lubrication, or may be induced by lubrication-related failures. This paper emphasizes the principal lubrication-related failure modes of gear teeth, and examines the complex interactions between gear mechanics and gear lubrication in affecting such failure modes. Presented at the 30th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, May 5–8, 1975
Comments on ``separated high-energy electron beams using synchrotron radiation''

Abstract Inadequacies of a semi-classical estimates of energy straggling in synchrotron radiation are discussed.
Pion production by 600 MeV protons on light nuclei.

Abstract The forward cross section at E p = 600 MeV is calculated for the reaction p+( N , Z )→( N +1, Z ) * + π + using a single-nucleon mechanism, distorted pion and proton wave functions and bound-state nucleon wave functions with realistic asymptotic behavior. Good agreement with experiment is found for 4 He, 12C and 14 N.
A study on substance abuse among school going male adolescents of Doiwala Block, District Dehradun

Adolescent boys are recognized as a vulnerable group to substance abuse. The present study has the objective to study the biosocial profile and habit pattern of substance abusers. The study was conducted on 511 male adolescents, students of 10 th to 12 th class from the four intermediate schools of the Doiwala block of Dehradun district. 46.9% students accepted substance abuse. In 75.5% cases, friends were providing the substances. 80.2% substance abusers expressed their desire to quit the habit. The study is indicative of need for developing a supportive environment involving both parents and teachers so that adolescent can decide and sustain with the right choices for healthy life.
Model of sustained load cracking by hydride growth in Ti alloys

This paper presents a solution to the two-dimensional time and temperature dependent diffusion problem adjacent to a crack tip. This solution is used in addressing the problem of sustained load cracking in titanium-aluminum-hydrogen alloys. The theoretical solution presented indicates a maximum in sustained load cracking rate as a function of temperature. Experimental results confirm the presence of this maximum growth rate as a function of temperature. However, the temperature at which the maximum occurs is somewhat lower than that calculated theoretically. The importance of the result is that sustained load cracking rate in titanium alloys containing as little as 100 ppm hydrogen increases by several orders of magnitude as temperature decreases from room temperature to approximately −70 °C.
EvaluaTiNg faCES ON TruSTwOrThiNESS afTEr miNimal TimE ExpOSurE

Previous studies have shown that trustworthiness judgments from facial appearance approximate general valence evaluation of faces (Oosterhof & Todorov, 2008) and are made after as little as 100 ms exposure to novel faces (Willis & Todorov, 2006). In Experiment 1, using better masking procedures and shorter exposures, we replicate the latter findings. In Experiment 2, we systematically manipulate the exposure to faces and show that a sigmoid function almost perfectly describes how judgments change as a function of time exposure. The agreement of these judgments with time-unconstrained judgments is above chance after 33 ms, improves with additional exposure, and does not improve with exposures longer than 167 ms. In Experiment 3, using a priming paradigm, we show that effects of face trustworthiness are detectable even when the faces are presented below the threshold of objective awareness as measured by a forced choice recognition test of the primes. The findings suggest that people automatically make vale...
NF-κB and matrix-dependent regulation of osteopontin promoter activity in allylamine-activated vascular smooth muscle cells.

Repeated cycles of oxidative injury by allylamine in vivo induce a proliferative rat vascular (aortic) smooth muscle cell (vSMC) phenotype characterized by matrix-dependent enhancement of mitogenic sensitivity, changes in cell surface integrin expression, and osteopontin (opn) overexpression. Here, we show that constitutive and mitogen-stimulated NF-κB DNA binding activity is enhanced in allylamine vSMCs. Matrix-specific changes in cellular Rel protein expression were observed in allylamine vSMCs. The NF-κB DNA binding element located at −1943 in the 5′-UTR strongly inhibited opn promoter activity in allylamine vSMCs, and this response was regulated by the extracellular matrix. Constitutive increases in opn promoter activity were only seen when allylamine cells were seeded on a fibronectin substrate, and this response was independent of the NF-κB DNA binding sequence within the regulatory region. Thus, NF-κB functions as a critical regulator of the allylamine-induced proliferative phenotype in vSMCs.
PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS OF HIV-ASSOCIATED MALIGNANCIES

Approximately 25% of patients infected with HIV will develop malignancies, most commonly Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgin's lymphoma. These tumors can involve the lung, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the pulmonary complications of the malignancies associated with HIV infection.
Forming-Limit Diagrams for Magnesium AZ31B and ZEK100 Alloy Sheets at Elevated Temperatures

Modern design and manufacturing methodologies for magnesium (Mg) sheet panels require formability data for use in computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering tools. To meet this need, forming-limit diagrams (FLDs) for AZ31B and ZEK100 wrought Mg alloy sheets were developed at elevated temperatures for strain rates of 10−3 and 10−2 s−1. The elevated temperatures investigated range from 250 to 450 °C for AZ31B and 300 to 450 °C for ZEK100. The FLDs were generated using data from uniaxial tension, biaxial bulge, and plane-strain bulge tests, all carried out until specimen rupture. The unique aspect of this study is that data from materials with consistent processing histories were produced using consistent testing techniques across all test conditions. The ZEK100 alloy reaches greater major true strains at rupture, by up to 60%, than the AZ31B alloy for all strain paths at all temperatures and strain rates examined. Formability limits decrease only slightly with a decrease in temperature, less than 30% decrease for AZ31B and less than 35% decrease for ZEK100 as the temperature decreases from 450 to 300 °C. This suggests that forming processes at 250-300 °C are potentially viable for manufacturing complex Mg components.
Development of a Ct equation for the inactivation of Cryptosporidium oocysts with ozone.

Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan parasite, has been implicated in a number of waterborne disease outbreaks. It is difficult to inactivate using free chlorine, but appears to be easily inactivated by ozone. Therefore, the US EPA has promulgated the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, which for the first time, addresses the control of C. parvum in drinking water. The use of Ct (concentration of disinfectant in mg/L times, time in minutes) values is being considered as one of the options for controlling this organism. This paper proposes a Ct equation, based on first order kinetics, to provide guidance to drinking water utilities for the application of ozone for controlling C. parvum oocysts in drinking water. The equation, which provides mean estimates of inactivation, was developed using standard statistical techniques and currently available field and bench scale data. In addition, the possibility of using a statistically conservative upper bound Ct value in order to insure an appropriate safety factor is explored.
Topologically Massive AdS Gravity

We analyze (2+1)-dimensional gravity with a Chern-Simons term and a negative cosmological constant, primarily at the weak field level. The full theory is expressible as the sum of two higher derivative SL(2,R) "vector" Chern-Simons terms, while the physical bulk degrees of freedom correspond to a single massive scalar field, just as for Λ=0. The interplay of Λ and the mass parameter µ can be studied, and any physical mass--including the conformal value with null propagation-is accessible by tuning µ. The single bulk mode yields a complete set of normalizable positive energy wave packets, as long as one chooses the usual, "wrong" sign of G necessary to connect smoothly with the known Λ=0 limit. The chiral Chern-Simons coupling leads to gauge invariant linearized curvatures propagating with chirality-dependent masses. Linearized metric fluctuations have a finite asymptotic Fefferman-Graham expansion about the Poincar'e metric for any mass value greater or equal to a "critical" one, where various amusing effects appear, such as vanishing of one of the two "vector" Chern-Simons terms and an equivalence between tensor and vector excitations. We also find a set of chiral, pp-wave metrics that exactly solve the full nonlinear equations.