cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship of TSH levels with cardiometabolic risk factors in US youth aged 12-18 years and population-based reference percentiles for thyroid function tests.

Context: Thyroid hormones play an important role in the metabolic homeostasis of the body and have been associated with cardiometabolic risk. Objective: To examine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) with TSH levels in youth at population level in the US. Design & Setting: Cross-sectional study of youth aged 12-18 years without known thyroid abnormalities from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2012. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) was defined as TSH levels 4.5-10 mIU/L. Assessed CMRF included abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 90th percentile), hypertriglyceridemia (TG ≥ 130 mg/dL), low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C 3.16) and elevated alanine transferase (ALT ≥ 50 U/L for boys and ≥ 44 U/L for girls). Age and sex- specific percentiles for thyroid parameters were calculated for youth with normal weight. Results: In this cohort of youth (51.3% male), 31.2% had overweight/obesity. The prevalence of SH was 2.0 % (95% CI 1.2-3.1). The median TSH levels were higher in youth with overweight/obesity (p<.001). Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity and level of obesity, youth with TSH in the 4th quantile had higher odds of abdominal obesity (OR 2.53 [1.43-4.46], p = .002), higher HOMA-IR (OR 2.82 [1.42-5.57], p=.003) and ≥ 2 CMRF (OR 2.20 [1.23-3.95], p=.009). Conclusions: The prevalence of SH is low in US youth. The higher odds of insulin resistance and CMRF in youth with TSH levels > 75th percentile requires further study.
Does Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Hyperthyroidism Cause Cancer

Radioactive iodine has been considered a safe and effective therapeutic option for hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves' disease and autonomously functioning thyroid nodules since the mid-20th century. The question of whether I-131 at the doses used for hyperthyroidism might increase the risk of cancer has been investigated in a number of observational cohort studies over the years, with the preponderance of evidence being reassuring as to its safety. In particular, the 1998 Cooperative Thyrotoxicosis Therapy Follow-up Study (CTTFUS) has been widely cited as compelling evidence that I-131 is safe in hyperthyroidism therapy with respect to carcinogenesis. However, in 2019, a study by Kitahara and colleagues re-analyzed the CTTFUS cohort, extending the follow-up time and applying a novel dosimetric model for estimating tissue absorbed doses of radiation. This new analysis concluded that radioactive iodine was associated with an increased risk for mortality from overall cancer, breast cancer, and non-breast solid cancers. Reaction to this study was vociferous and particularly negative in the nuclear medicine literature. This mini-review was inspired by the 2019 CTTFUS controversy, and is intended to provide the necessary context for clinicians to provide nuanced advice to their patients on the subject. To that end, the pre-2019 literature is surveyed, the 2019 CTTFUS study and a 2020 follow-up are discussed, and lessons from the literature and critical commentaries are considered.
Racial Disparities in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma Enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Program

Background: We examined the impact of race/ethnicity and age on survival in a publicly insured cohort of children and adolescent/young adults (AYA; 15–39 years) with Hodgkin lymphoma, adjusting for...
Microstructural Effects of High Dose Helium Implantation in ErD2

Abstract Metal hydrides can store hydrogen isotopes with high volumetric density. In metal tritides, tritium beta decay can result in accumulation of helium within the solid, in some cases exceeding 10 at.% helium after only 4 years of aging. Helium is insoluble in most materials, but often does not readily escape, and instead coalesces to form nanoscale bubbles when helium concentrations are near 1 at.%. Blistering or spallation often occurs at higher concentrations. Radioactive particles shed during this process present a potential safety hazard. This study investigates the effects of high helium concentrations on erbium deuteride (ErD2), a non-radioactive surrogate material for erbium tritide (ErT2). To simulate tritium decay in the surrogate, high doses of 120 keV helium ions were implanted into ErD2 films at room temperature. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated spherical helium bubble formation at a critical concentration of 1.5 at.% and bubble linkage leading to nanoscale crack formation at a concentration of 7.5 at.%. Crack propagation occurred through the nanocrack region, resulting in spallation extending from the implantation peak to the surface. Electron energy loss spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the presence of high-pressure helium in the nanocracks, suggesting that helium gas plays a predominant role in deformation. This work improves the overall understanding of helium behavior in ErD2 by using modern characterization techniques to determine: the critical helium concentration required for bubble formation, the material failure mechanism at high concentration, and the nanoscale mechanisms responsible for material failure in helium implanted ErD2.
The Compact Group Approach to Representation Theory

In this chapter, we follow Hermann Weyl’s original approach to establishing the Weyl character formula and the theorem of the highest weight. Throughout the chapter, we assume K is a connected, compact matrix Lie group, with Lie algebra \(\mathfrak{k}.\) We fix on \(\mathfrak{k}\) an inner product that is invariant under the adjoint action of K, constructed as in the proof of Theorem 4.28. Throughout the chapter, we let T denote a fixed maximal torus in K and we let \(\mathfrak{t}\) denote the Lie algebra of T. We let R denote the set of real roots for \(\mathfrak{k}\) relative to \(\mathfrak{t}\) (Definition 11.34), we let \(\Delta \) be a fixed base for R, and we let R+ denote the positive real roots relative to \(\Delta \). We also let W : = N(T)∕T denote the Weyl group for K relative to T. In light of Theorem 11.36, W is isomorphic to the subgroup of \(\mathsf{O}(\mathfrak{t})\) generated by the reflections about the hyperplanes orthogonal to the roots.
Nearly private information retrieval

A private information retrieval scheme is a protocol whereby a client obtains a record from a database without the database operators learning anything about which record the client requested. This concept is well studied in the theoretical computer science literature. Here, we study a generalization of this idea where we allow a small amount of information about the client's intent to be leaked. Despite having relaxed the privacy requirement, we are able to prove three fairly strong lower bounds on such schemes, for various parameter settings. These bounds extend previously known lower bounds in the traditional setting of perfect privacy and, in one case, improve upon the previous best result that handled imperfect privacy.
Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a common non-motor symptom associated with synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Several recent clinical studies indicate that cardiovascular autonomic impairments including orthostatic hypotension and sympathetic denervation may precede the development of the cardinal motor symptoms in PD, making cardiovascular dysfunction an attractive target for the development of biomarkers for early detection and potential neuroprotective strategies for PD. However, the pathologic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular dysfunction as well as many of the non-motor symptoms in PD remain unknown. This is likely due, in part, to an initial under-appreciation of PD as a systemic disorder as well as limited research in cardiovascular dysfunction in animal models of PD. Here, we highlight studies that have investigated cardiovascular dysfunction in rodent models of PD and the potential usefulness of genetic mouse models of PD for this endeavor.
Use of Bacterial Antigen Detection in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Two immunochemical methods were used to identify Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular antigens in the urine and serum of 162 children with acute lower respiratory tract infection. These methods were compared with standard bacterial blood culture. Viral and mycoplasma cultures of respiratory secretions were obtained simultaneously to determine the frequency of antigenuria at the time of nonbacterial acute lower respiratory tract infection. Urine from groups of well children and children with acute otitis media was tested for capsular antigens to determine the incidence of antigenuria. Antigenuria was found in 24% of children 2 months to 18 years of age with acute lower respiratory tract infection compared with a 2% incidence of bacteremia. Antigenuria was found in 4% of asymptomatic children and 16% of children with acute otitis media. One third of children with symptoms of acute lower respiratory tract infection and viral isolates from the oropharynx had bacterial antigenuria. The sixfold increase in frequency of bacterial antigenuria in children at the time of lower respiratory symptoms suggests that bacterial acute lower respiratory tract infection may be more common than identified by traditional culture techniques. Because bacterial antigen may come from other sites such as the middle ear, further studies are needed to determine the role of antigen detection in the diagnosis of pediatric acute lower respiratory tract infection.
Power system on a chip (PSoC)

This paper addresses modeling issues behind the development of a hardware analog emulator of power system behavior referred to as a power system on a chip (PSoC). The paper reviews various problems and proposed solutions encountered from the design stage to PC-board hardware implementation to anticipated VLSI implementation. It has already been noted that using analog emulation for power system analysis allows for reduction in computation time, without significant loss in accuracy, compared to numerical methods. This is further validated in this paper through observations obtained from comparative runs between software and analog hardware environments.
Toward a Theory of Human Rights: Religion, Law, Courts

Part I. The Morality of Human Rights: 1. The morality of human rights 2. The morality of human rights: a religious ground 3. The morality of human rights: a nonreligious ground? Part II. From Morality to Law: 4. From morality to law 5. Capital punishment 6. Abortion 7. Same-sex unions Part III. From Law to Courts: 8. Protecting human rights in a democracy: what role for the courts? 9. How should the Supreme Court rule?: capital punishment, abortion, and same-sex unions.
Modeling Firewalls for Behavior Analysis

Abstract This work presents a software behavioral model of the capabilities found in firewall type devices and a process for taking vendor specific nuances to a common implementation. This includes understanding interfaces, routes, rules, translation, and policies; modeling them in a common manner such that different models may be compared to each other for functional similarity. This work makes use of recent efforts to model firewall policies in a concise efficient data structure referred to as a Firewall Policy Diagram (FPD). The structure facilitates the canonical representation of a policy as well as human comprehension of the policy. Its use with behavior modeling is to capture and compare the results of a potentially large solution space.
Matrix interference from Fc–Fc interactions in immunoassays for detecting human IgG4 therapeutics

Background: An assay measuring an IgG4 biotherapeutic in human serum used a drug-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) capture reagent and an antihuman IgG4 mAb as detection reagent. However, serum IgG4 binding to the capture mAb via Fc-interactions was detected by the anti-IgG4 mAb, causing high background. Results: Two approaches were developed to minimize background; incorporating a mild acid sample preparation step or using the Fab of the capture antibody. Either strategy improved signal:noise dramatically, increasing assay sensitivity >20-fold. Biophysical analyses of antibody domains indicated that noncovalent Fc oligomers could inhibit the background. Conclusion: Matrix interference from human IgG4 binding to the capture mAb was reduced with a Fab fragment of the drug-specific capture antibody or by incorporating a mild acid sample treatment into the assay.
Integral and non-negativity preserving Bernstein-type polynomial approximations

In this paper, we consider the problem of approximating a function by Bernstein-type polynomials that preserve the integral and non-negativity of the original function on the interval [0, 1], obtaining the Kantorovich-Bernstein polynomials, but providing a novel approach with advantages in numerical analysis. We then develop a Markov finite approximation method based on piecewise Bernstein-type polynomials for the computation of stationary densities of Markov operators, providing numerical results for piecewise constant and piecewise linear algorithms.
Recovery of motor deficits after lumbar disc herniation: commentary on Overdevest et al.

COMMENTARY ON Overdevest GM, Vleggeert-Lankamp CLAM, Jacobs WCH, et al. Recovery of motor deficit accompanying sciatica—subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Spine J 2014;14:1817–24 ( in this issue ).
Direct electron acceleration in plasma waveguides for compact high-repetition-rate x-ray sources

Numerous applications in fundamental and applied research, security, and industry require robust, compact sources of x-rays, with a particular recent interest in monochromatic, spatially coherent, and ultrafast x-ray pulses in well-collimated beams. Such x-ray sources usually require production of high-quality electron beams from compact accelerators. Guiding a radially polarized laser pulse in a plasma waveguide has been proposed for realizing direct laser acceleration (DLA), where the electrons are accelerated by the axial electric field of a co-propagating laser pulse (Serafim et al 2000 IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 28 1190). A moderate laser peak power is required for DLA when compared to laser wakefield acceleration, thus offering the prospect for high repetition rate operation. By using a density-modulated plasma waveguide for DLA, the acceleration distance can be extended with pulse guiding, while the density-modulation with proper axial structure can realize the quasi-phase matching between the laser pulses and electrons for a net gain accumulation (York et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 100 195001; York et al 2008 J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 25 B137; Palastro et al 2008 Phys. Rev. E 77 036405). We describe the development and application of a test particle model and particle-in-cell model for DLA. Experimental setups designed for fabrication of optically tailored plasma waveguides via the ignitor-heater scheme, and for generation and characterization of radially polarized short pulses used to drive DLA, are presented.
TestingQ 2 duality in charmonium potential models

The\(\bar p\) bound-state contributions to electron-positron annihilation into hadrons in the 4–6 GeV range are calculated using a wide class of confining potentials. When suitably averaged over, they satisfy “precocious scaling”, i.e. they closely approximate the quark-parton value forR. This illustrates duality in theQ2 variable between the (almost free) quark-parton approach and the bound-state (vector meson) approach.
SODIUM, POTASSIUM-REQUIRING ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY. I. PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES.

Abstract Purification of the ATPase activity stimulated by Na + and K + from calf kidney resulted in a preparation which is completely dependent upon the addition of these monovalent cations. Na + , K + -requiring ATPase activity hydrolyzes only the terminal phosphate group of ATP. The enzymatic activity is specific for ATP and does not hydrolyze other nucleotide triphosphates. The enzymatic activity is inhibited by nucleoside diphosphates and is stimulated by the addition of phosphoenolpyruvic acid and pyruvate kinase. For optimal activity, the enzymatic activity requires also the presence of Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ . Fe 2+ or Co 2+ , but not Ca 2+ or Ba 2+ , can partially replace Mg 2+ . However, all divalent cations, with the exception of Mn 2+ , proved inhibitory when added together with Mg 2+ . The ATPase activity is not affected by inhibitors of the mitochondrial ATPase. It is inhibited by various mercurial compounds and by phloridzin. The inhibitory power of this latter compound is related to the MgCl 2 and KCl concentration.
Fluoride ion as a nmr relaxation probe of paramagnetic metalloenzymes: the binding of fluoride to galactose oxidase

Summary The use of fluoride ion, as a novel nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation probe of paramagnetic metalloenzymes, has been tested on galactose oxidase. The concentration dependence of the F − longitudinal relaxation rates, R 1 = 1/T 1 , and competition studies with CN demonstrate that F binds to the enzyme at or near the Cu 2+ site with a binding constant of the order of 1 M −1 . Competition studies with galactose indicate that a ternary or higher order complex between enzyme, galactose and F − is formed.
Male sexual development in the monkey. I. Cross-sectional analysis of pulsatile hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular function.

Pulsatile secretion of serum gonadotropins and testosterone was studied in 46 monkeys of varying ages from 9 days of age through adult life. Although some of the hormonal analysis was longitudinal in nature, most comparisons were cross-sectional. On the basis of pulsatile secretory patterns, hCG and GnRH stimulation, skeletal age, testicular volume, and histology, we have arbitrarily defined four developmental age groups: postnatal (<7 months), prepubertal or juvenile (7–27 months), pubertal (28–59 months), and adult (≥60 months). In accomplishing the pulsatile studies, blood was withdrawn at 15-min intervals over 24 h without anesthesia using a mobile vest and tether assembly to support an indwelling cannula. GnRH and hCG challenge tests were done on one or more occasions on all animals. Plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and δ4-androstenedione by established RIAs and an in vitro bioassay for LH.During the frequent sampling period of 24-h duratio...
Innovation and Venture Capital Policy in Brazil and South Africa

This paper examines what constrains and what augments innovation in emerging markets, with a focus on the role of venture capital. It analyses what policy options are open to the government to facilitate innovation. To do this it looks at two country case studies: Brazil and South Africa.
Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons on silver: conversion of 1-butene to maleic anhydride by atomically adsorbed oxygen on Ag(110)

Abstract The reaction of 1-butene with atomically adsorbed oxygen on Ag(110) has been studied using temperature-programmed reaction mass spectrometry (TPRS) and high-resolution electron-energy-loss vibrational spectroscopy (HREELS). The reaction was studied as a function of oxygen coverage from 0.00 to 0.50 ML. 1-Butene is oxidized by atomically chemisorbed oxygen via a sequence of reactions on the surface to 1,3-butadiene, 2,5-dihydrofuran, furan, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of maleic anhydride. 1,3-Butadiene is the principal oxidation product; the 2,5-dihydrofuran and furan yields are approximately 50% and 10%, respectively, of the 1,3-butadiene yield for oxygen atom coverages of 0.50 monolayers. 1,3-Butadiene is formed from 1-butene via C-H bond activation of the acidic allylic C-H bonds by atomically chemisorbed oxygen, a reaction that has a precedent in the oxidation of cyclohexene on Ag(110). The oxygen-containing products are formed via oxygen atom addition to 1,3-butadiene; this addition resembles the epoxidation of norbornene and styrene on Ag(110) and the epoxidation of styrene and 3,3-dimethylbutene on Ag(111).
Stability of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in stored obstetric sera.

Abstract Objective: To determine the stability of immunoglobulin E levels in obstetric sera. Methods: AlaSTAT R and AlaTOP R (Diagnostic Products) were used to assay total and specific IgE levels in obstetric sera collected in Memphis, TN and Portland, OR. The samples were collected from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) between 1959 and 1965 and stored at −20°C. The assay results were compared with IgE levels found in sera collected at the same locations for the Calcium for Pre-eclampsia Prevention Study (CPEP) and stored since 1992 at −70°C. The samples were also assayed for cockroach (CR) and mouse urine specific IgE using the AlaSTAT R assay (Diagnostic Products). Results: Total IgE and specific IgE to CR and mouse urine were detectable in older and recent samples. The median total IgE for the recent and older Portland samples was 26 IU/ml and 65 IU/ml, respectively. The median total IgE was identical (40 IU/ml) in the recent and older Memphis samples. Conclusion: Long-term storage does not diminish the ability to measure serum IgE. Levels of IgE in sera stored 32–37 years were equal to or greater than levels in sera stored for 5 years.
Composition and Muscle Cellularity of Japanese Quail After Selection for High Body Weight Under an Optimal or Suboptimal Nutritional Environment

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if the compositional and cellularity changes associated with selection for rapid growth rate in an optimal and suboptimal nutritional environment were similar. The P-line Japanese quail had undergone long-term selection for high 4-week body weight and received a 28% protein diet. The unselected C-line quail received the same diet. T-line quail were selected by the same criteria as P-line quail but received a 20% protein diet containing .2% thiouracil. Body weights and muscle weights of P- and T-line quail were similar at 10 days of age. At 56 days T-line body weight and muscle weights were intermediate between C-and P-line quail, but whole body composition of P- and T-line quail was similar. The P- and T-line quail possessed a greater apparent number of muscle fibers than C line quail. Total muscle DNA content was lower in T-line muscles compared to P-line muscles at 56 days of age. No differences within age were observed among lines for myofiber diameter, fiber type composition, for concentrations of DNA, RNA and protein, or for protein/DNA and RNA/DNA. At 10 days the weight, length, and diameter of the humerus and femur bones were greatest in T-line quail; these same parameters were intermediate between C- and P-line quail at 28 and 56 days of age. It was concluded that selection for rapid growth rate per se caused apparent fiber number and fiber length to increase while the effect of suboptimal nutritional environment was not evident until after 10 days of age. Selection under suboptimal conditions as exercised in this study prevented expression of the maximum number of muscle DNA units.
Comparison of the effects of instructions and reinforcement in the treatment of a neurotic avoidance response: A single case experiment☆

Abstract The technique of experimental analysis of a single case employing a sequential design and quantifiable behavioral measures was used to study the contribution of instructions and reinforcement to the modification of severe neurotic behavior. The overall effect of instructions was small or transient compared to that of reinforcement procedures which produced stable changes of clinical relevance.
Prospective Analysis of Failure Rate and Predictors of Failure After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Allograft

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures. Failures are a reality of surgery; to limit failures, we must first understand and quantify them.Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine the rate and factors associated with graft failure after anatomic ACL reconstruction performed with allograft.Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: All consecutive subjects who underwent anatomic single- or double-bundle ACL reconstruction with allograft between January 2007 and December 2009 were included and followed clinically. Graft failure was defined as patient-reported instability, pathological laxity during the physical examination, or evidence of a failed graft on magnetic resonance imaging or during arthroscopy. Potential predictors of graft failure that were explored included subject age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, meniscus injury, and time of return to preinjury sports.Results: There were 206 s...
First principles study of interfacial adhesion: The Mo/MoSi2 interface with and without impurities

Adhesive properties of the Mo(001)//MoSi 2 (001) heterophase interface with and without C, O, B, S, and Nb impurities are calculated using a first principles local density functional approach. The adhesive energy and interfacial strength of the impurity-free interface are 10% to 15% smaller than the respective values for cleavage along the (001) planes of Mo and MoSi 2 . All of the impurities were found to decrease the Mo//MoSi 2 adhesive energy. The substitutional impurities S and Nb decrease the interfacial strength, while the interstitial impurities C, O, and B increase it. All of the impurities increase the interfacial spacing in proportion to their covalent radii. The impurity effects on adhesion may be described in terms of competing bonding and strain effects.
FILTRATION AND FILTER SYSTEM FOR TREATED FRYING OIL

Used canola oil was treated with commercially available adsorbents (HB 600, Magnasol, and Frypowder) and a UGA blend for flow rate study and oil quality improvement. Viscosity measurements offresh and used oil indicated that the oil temperature > 140C was best suited for active filtration. One percent adsorbent gave better flow rates than 2% except for Frypowder, which showed no difference in flow rates. All the adsorbents significantly improved the oil quality. Most significant improvement was observed in FFA values (15-20% and 24-35 % for 1 % and 2% adsorbent level, respectively) except for Frypowder, which resulted in least improvement (4 to 7%). Neither increasing the duration of treatment, prior to filtration, from 3 to 6 min, with 3% UGA blend, nor the multipass filtration treatment showed any significant improvement in oil quality. Pressure system was more promising for active filtration than vacuum and gravity systems. L'objectif de cette etude est d'examiner les parametres de filtration actifs comme la temperature, le taux d'adsorbant, la duree du traitement, l'effet de filtrations multiples, et de selectionner un systeme de filtration de l'huile de friture pour un usage de routine dans les etablissements de service alimentaire. Les mesures de viscosite indiquent qu'une temperature de 140°C ou plus est adaptee pour le traitement par adsorbant de l'huile.
Reliability and Validity of Likert's Profile of Organizational Characteristics

Summary The reliability and validity of Likert's Profile of Organizational Characteristics were examined with a convenience sample of 436 students of business administration who had jobs. The results showed that the scales of the instrument are not factorially independent, the criterion-related validity of the scales and discriminant validity of the items are questionable, and 11 of its 49 items are not free from social desirability bias.
A Historical Perspective on Evaluation Research

Editor's Note: Professor Polansky was a pioneer in promoting empirical research within the field of social work. The editor of our field's earliest research textbook [Polansky, N. (Ed.) (1960). Social work research. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press], Dr. Polansky's involvement as a student, practitioner, and researcher with some of the major figures of psychological and social work research renders his historical observations of particular interest to contemporary social workers. This essay was submitted at the invitation of the Editor.
Exogenous heme restores in vivo functional capacity of hepatic cytochrome P-450 destroyed by allylisopropylacetamide.

Abstract Administration of allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) produces a dose-related destruction of the heme moiety of the phenobarbital-induced subspecies of hepatic cytochrome P-450. This results in delayed plasma disappearance of the inactivating agent as determined after injection of [14C]AIA. In phenobarbital-pretreated rats, infusion of heme reversed this AIA-mediated impairment of the plasma disappearance of [14C]AIA. In the absence of phenobarbital pretreatment, cytochrome P-450 destruction by AIA was minimal and heme infusion failed to enhance plasma disappearance of [14C]AIA. Since exogenously administered heme is incorporated into hepatic cytochrome P-450 in vivo , these observations suggest that the infused heme restored the functional capacity of the phenobarbital-induced mixed function oxidase system by substituting for the prosthetic heme moiety destroyed by AIA. Heme infusion is a potentially useful therapeutic modality for enhancing drug biotransformation after intoxication with compounds that inactivate cytochrome P-450.
2013 U.S. Propulsion Industrial Base Health Metrics Survey Preliminary Results

Over the past few decades, as the number of propulsion systems development programs have declined, there has been an adverse effect on the health of the propulsion industrial base of the United States and its ability to develop new propulsion systems for civil, military and commercial uses. While there have been many studies documenting these effects, the US government needs a method to track the overall health of the industrial base over time. The National Institute for Rocket Propulsion Systems (NIRPS) recently conducted an Industrial Base Health Metrics Survey to track the health of the US propulsion industrial base over time. The data collected will allow NIRPS to develop “critical indicators” that will be used to predict the possible effects of policy decisions made by the Government. Additionally, the data will be used to inform senior leadership within the Government regarding decisions on policy, propulsion technology development and acquisitions. This paper will provide the preliminary data and analysis of the 2013 Propulsion Industrial Base Health Metrics Survey conducted by NIRPS.
Dipolar Oscillations and Phase Interferometry in Solid State n.m.r.

Dipolar modulation and phase interferometry, which are part of the class of high-resolution, double-resonance n.m.r. experimental techniques used to study solids, are examined in detail. A general theory of double-resonance interactions based on the heteronuclear dipolar Hamiltonian is presented. A number of experiments dealing with both heteronuclear and homonuclear dipolar modulation and selective dipolar difference spectra are discussed. These experiments are used to study hydrogen-bonded systems and catalytic systems. A simple theory explaining phase interferometry in n.m.r. is presented. Several phase interferometric experiments are also discussed. The motion and structure of 23 Na ions in β-alumina are examined with the use of this technique.
Potent siRNA Inhibitors of Ribonucleotide Reductase Subunit RRM2 Reduce Cell Proliferation In vitro and In vivo

Purpose: Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) is a therapeutic target for DNA replication–dependent diseases such as cancer. Here, a potent small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplex against the M2 subunit of RR (RRM2) is developed and shown to reduce the growth potential of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo . Experimental Design: Three anti-RRM2 siRNAs were identified via computational methods, and the potency of these and additional “tiling” duplexes was analyzed in cultured cells via cotransfections using a RRM2-luciferase fusion construct. Knockdown of RRM2 by the best duplex candidates was confirmed directly by Western blotting. The effect of potent duplexes on cell growth was investigated by a real-time cell electronic sensing assay. Finally, duplex performance was tested in vivo in luciferase-expressing cells via whole animal bioluminescence imaging. Results: Moderate anti-RRM2 effects are observed from the three duplexes identified by computational methods. However, the tiling experiments yielded an extremely potent duplex (siR2B+5). This duplex achieves significant knockdown of RRM2 protein in cultured cells and has pronounced antiproliferative activity. S.c. tumors of cells that had been transfected with siR2B+5 preinjection grew slower than those of control cells. Conclusions: An anti-RRM2 siRNA duplex is identified that exhibits significant antiproliferative activity in cancer cells of varying human type and species (mouse, rat, monkey); these findings suggest that this duplex is a promising candidate for therapeutic development.
Predegenerated nerve autografts as compared with fresh nerve autografts in freshly cut and precut motor nerve defects in the rat.

Fresh nerve grafts and predegenerated nerve grafts from a sensory fascicle of the femoral nerve were placed in freshly cut and precut defects in the motor fascicle of the femoral nerve of the opposite side. This allowed us to compare fresh with predegenerated motor nerve grafts in both types of nerve defects. Evaluation was carried out 40 days after graft insertion by axon counts on transverse sections 1 cm proximal and distal to the graft, and the number of axons distal to the grafts was expressed as a percentage of the number proximal. In order to confirm that the axons were functional, muscle tension in the quadriceps muscle was measured at the time the histological specimens were taken, by stimulating the femoral nerve proximal to the graft and by measuring the force of contraction in the quadriceps muscle. This test of muscle contraction confirmed reinnervation of the muscle, but was not used as a quantitative measure. In freshly cut recipient nerve defects, fresh grafts did better (P = 0.01), but when precut defects were grafted, the predegenerated grafts did better (P = 0.05). This experimental design also allowed comparison of the two types of recipient nerve defects. When fresh grafts were inserted in both freshly cut and precut defects, the freshly cut gave a better result (P = 0.10), but when predegenerated grafts were placed in freshly cut and precut defects, the precut defect gave a better result (P = 0.01). These results indicate that the best results were obtained with fresh grafts in fresh defects and precut grafts in precut defects and that in nerve grafting the relationship between the graft and the recipient nerve is important in determining the end result.
Attempts to cathodically reduce boron oxides to borohydride in aqueous solution

Abstract Sodium borohydride is being considered as a chemical hydrogen storage material (hydrogen being released through hydrolysis) and as an anodic fuel for fuel cells. However, the current cost of sodium borohydride is prohibitively high for automotive applications. Thus, there is interest in recycling the by-product of the hydrolysis or oxidation reaction, sodium metaborate. Numerous patents claim that this reaction is feasible in aqueous solution. Here, we report extensive experiments based upon methods outlined in the patents (particularly, the so-called direct reduction using high overpotential cathode materials). We also attempt to address concerns not discussed in the patents. In particular, to the authors’ knowledge, previous reports have not addressed electrostatic repulsion of metaborate anion from the cathode. We further report several methods that were designed to overcome this problem: (1) use of a cathode material having a very negative potential of zero charge, (2) modification of the electrical double layer by using specifically adsorbing tetraalkylammonium hydroxides, (3) use of a rectangular wave pulse, and (4) use of chemically modified cathodes. None of these methods produced measurable quantities of borohydride. We then speculate as to why this reaction is not feasible, at least in aqueous solutions.
A note on ‘A closed form solution for the G/M/r machine interference model’ by B. D. Bunday and E. Khorram

SUMMARY In this note, we characterize the scope of the product form solution that has been presented in the paper, ‘A closed form solution for the G/Msr machine interference model’ (International Journal of Production Research, 1988,26, 1811-1818). In this paper, the machine interference problem has been solved for JV heterogeneous machines that are ‘repaired’ by a set of r operatives, which repair the machines in a service-in-random-order fashion. The authors solve the model allowing for different, independent and identically distributed times between breakdowns for each machine and different negative-exponential repair times for each machine. In this short critique, we show that the solution presented by Bunday and Khorram does not solve the classical machine interference problem unless the hypothesis of heterogeneous machines is relaxed.
The effects of amygdaloid lesions on a classically conditioned auditory discrimination in the rabbit (Oryctalagus cuniculus)

The performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) sustaining amygdaloid lesions was compared to that of control Ss during the acquisition of a classically conditioned auditory discrimination. Amygdala damaged Ss showed a reliable (p <.05) elevation in the percentage of nictitating membrane CRs to the CS+ and a marginally significant (p <.10) elevation in CRs to the CS—. The lesion effects are discussed in terms of response inhibitory mechanisms or changes in shock-produced arousal. Additional experiments are suggested.
Simulation of bead-and-spring chain models for semidilute polymer solutions in shear flow

We report preliminary results of simulations of the steady-state rheological behavior for semidilute polymer solutions of head-and-spring chain models in planar Couette now. The simulations include examination of the effects of excluded volume. hydrodynamic interactions and density. Hydrodynamic interactions are modeled by the Rotne -Prager Yamakawa tensor. The simulations are based on the nonequilibrium Brownian dynamics algorithm of Ermak and McCammon. In addition to the spring potential between neighboring beads in the chain. the interaction between any two beads in the solution is modeled using a shifted, repulsive Leonard-Jones potential. Lees Edward sliding brick boundary conditions are used for consistency with the Couette flow field.
Biocompatible hydrogel membranes for the protection of RNA aptamer-based electrochemical sensors

Electrochemical-aptamer based (E-AB) sensors represent a universal specific, selective, and sensitive sensing platform for the detection of small molecule targets. Their specific detection abilities are afforded by oligonucleotide (RNA or DNA) aptamers employed as electrode-bound biorecognition elements. Sensor signaling is predicated on bindinginduced changes in conformation and/or flexibility of the aptamer that is readily measurable electrochemically. While sensors fabricated using DNA aptamers can achieve specific and selective detection even in unadulterated sample matrices, such as blood serum, RNA-based sensors fail when challenged in the same sample matrix without significant sample pretreatment. This failure is at least partially a result of enzymatic degradation of the RNA sensing element. This degradation destroys the sensing aptamer inhibiting the quantitative measurement of the target analyte and thus limits the application of E-AB sensors constructed with RNA aptamer. To circumvent this, we demonstrate that a biocompatible hydrogel membrane protects the RNA aptamer sensor surface from enzymatic degradation for at least 3 hours - a remarkable improvement over the rapid (~minutes) degradation of unprotected sensors. To demonstrate this, we characterize the response of sensors fabricated with representative DNA and RNA aptamers directed against the aminoglycoside antibiotic, tobramycin in blood serum both protected and unprotected by a polyacrylamide membrane. Furthermore, we find encapsulation of the sensor surface with the hydrogel does not significantly impede the detection ability of aptamer-based sensors. This hydrogel-aptamer interface will thus likely prove useful for the long-term monitoring of therapeutics in complex biological media.
Alumni giving at a small liberal arts college: evidence from consistent and occasional donors

Abstract This study observed the financial giving of alumni at a small, private liberal arts college covering a 23 year period of consistent (longitudinal) and occasional donors. After observing historical characteristics of donors, college officials have a greater probability of accurately predicting future alumni gifts. Key determinants of alumni giving for both consistent and occasional donors are as follows: volunteering for the college, major in a social science division, language school attendance, residence in states with alumni chapters, and employment within the financial sector. Additionally, alumni with relatives who have attended the college, and alumni who have played a varsity sport during college, are two groups very likely to donate. Our study suggests that Alumni Offices may benefit from rating donors' giving potential (and subsequently focusing on these individuals), extensively publicizing reunions, and by targeting those who volunteered during their college years. Among occasional donors, Alumni Offices may want to target males, fraternity/sorority members, and alumni who are close to retirement.
The Partition of Error in Randomized Blocks

Abstract * Journal Paper No. J-2270 of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa, Project No. 890.
On the ejection-induced instability in Navier–Stokes solutions of unsteady separation

Numerical solutions of the flow induced by a thick-core vortex have been obtained using the unsteady, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The presence of the vortex causes an adverse pressure gradient along the surface, which leads to unsteady separation. The calculations by Brinckman and Walker for a similar flow identify a possible instability, purported to be an inviscid Rayleigh instability, in the region where ejection of near-wall vorticity occurs during the unsteady separation process. In results for a range of Reynolds numbers in the present investigation, the oscillations are also found to occur. However, they can be eliminated with increased grid resolution. Despite this behaviour, the instability may be physical but requires a sufficient amplitude of disturbances to be realized.
Laser-cooling and trapping neutral atoms

The NBS-Gaithersburg experiments on laser deceleration and cooling of atomic beams are reviewed. The laser-cooling process is presented as an example of « lumino-refrigeration » by optical pumping originally proposed by Kastler. Prospects for using laser-cooled atoms in magnetostatic or radiative atom traps are discussed.
Seed size variation: magnitude, distribution, and ecological correlates

We examined seed-mass variation in 39 species (46 populations) of plants in eastern-central Illinois, USA. The coefficient of variation of seed mass commonly exceeded 20%. Significant variation in mean seed mass occurred among conspecific plants in most species sampled (by hierarchical ANOVA), averaging 38% of total variance. For most species, within-plant variation was the larger component of total variance, averaging 62% of total variance. Variation in seed mass among fruits within crops was significant in most species tested. We conclude that variation in seed mass among and within plants is widespread and common. There was little evidence of trade-offs between number of seeds and mean or variance of seed mass, and little correlational evidence of local competition for maternal resources. No consistent ecological (dispersal mode and growth form) correlates of variance of seed mass were evident.
Isotope effects and the experimental transition state for a prototypical thermal ene reaction

Abstract A complete set of 2 H and 13 C kinetic isotope effects was determined for the ene reaction of allylbenzene with maleic anhydride. Both bond formation to C 1 and hydrogen transfer are implicated by the isotope effects for the rate-limiting step, and a concerted pericyclic transition state is concluded. The observed isotope effects correspond well with those predicted from Becke3LYP transition structures. These structures provide a good model for the steric interactions previously concluded to control selectivity in similar reactions.
Marketing pharmaceutical and cosmetic products to the mature market

Purpose – Because the growth in the elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon, it is essential for businesses to develop an understanding of the older consumer market. Older consumers are especially important to companies operating in the pharmaceutical industry, since they spend more on medical supplies and drugs than any other age group. The aim of this paper is to examine older consumers' preferences for sources of information and methods of purchasing prescription drugs and cosmetics, as well as the reasons they choose specific drug stores and specific brands of drugs and health aids. Design/methodology/approach – This study employs a large national sample and various statistical procedures. Responses given to selected attitudinal and behavioral measures were tabulated and cross-tabulated by selected demographic and other characteristics. Grouping of older Americans into four segments based on aging characteristics and life events circumstances was achieved by means of cluster analysis. Findings – ...
Generalized finite element enrichment functions for discontinuous gradient fields

A general GFEM/XFEM formulation is presented to solve two-dimensional problems characterized by C0 continuity with gradient jumps along discrete lines, such as those found in the thermal and structural analysis of heterogeneous materials or in line load problems in homogeneous media. The new enrichment functions presented in this paper allow solving problems with multiple intersecting discontinuity lines, such as those found at triple junctions in polycrystalline materials and in actively cooled microvascular materials with complex embedded networks. We show how the introduction of enrichment functions yields accurate finite element solutions with meshes that do not conform to the geometry of the discontinuity lines. The use of the proposed enrichments in both linear and quadratic approximations is investigated, as well as their combination with interface enrichment functions available in the literature. Through a detailed convergence study, we demonstrate that quadratic approximations do not require any correction to the method to recover optimal convergence rates and that they perform better than linear approximations for the same number of degrees of freedom in the solution of these types of problems. In the linear case, the effectiveness of correction functions proposed in the literature is also investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic inversion and prediction applied to concrete overlay systems

A model for a concrete overlay structure using two beams with interface stiffnesses as unknown parameter is used to examine the inverse problem formulation. Using deformation and frequency data, probability density functions (p.d.f.'s) are constructed over a sample space consisting of interfacial stiffness coefficients. Estimators of interfacial parameters can be obtained as maximizers of these p.d.f.'s. Furthermore, the p.d.f.'s are used to assess likely performance under loading. Finally, a comparison is made to compare the information content for different finite element refinements when using deformation and frequency data to construct p.d.f.'s.