cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Choline dehydrogenase polymorphism rs12676 is a functional variation and is associated with changes in human sperm cell function.

Approximately 15% of couples are affected by infertility and up to half of these cases arise from male factor infertility. Unidentified genetic aberrations such as chromosomal deletions, translocations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be the underlying cause of many cases of idiopathic male infertility. Deletion of the choline dehydrogenase (Chdh) gene in mice results in decreased male fertility due to diminished sperm motility; sperm from Chdh−/− males have decreased ATP concentrations likely stemming from abnormal sperm mitochondrial morphology and function in these cells. Several SNPs have been identified in the human CHDH gene that may result in altered CHDH enzymatic activity. rs12676 (G233T), a non-synonymous SNP located in the CHDH coding region, is associated with increased susceptibility to dietary choline deficiency and risk of breast cancer. We now report evidence that this SNP is also associated with altered sperm motility patterns and dysmorphic mitochondrial structure in sperm. Sperm produced by men who are GT or TT for rs12676 have 40% and 73% lower ATP concentrations, respectively, in their sperm. rs12676 is associated with decreased CHDH protein in sperm and hepatocytes. A second SNP located in the coding region of IL17BR, rs1025689, is linked to altered sperm motility characteristics and changes in choline metabolite concentrations in sperm.
Couplings of watersheds and coastal waters: sources and consequences of nutrient enrichment in Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts

Human activities on coastal watersheds provide the major sources of nutrients entering shallow coastal ecosystems. Nutrient loadings from watersheds are the most widespread factor that alters structure and function of receiving aquatic ecosystems. To investigate this coupling of land to marine systems, we are studying a series of subwatersheds of Waquoit Bay that differ in degree of urbanization and hence are exposed to widely different nutrient loading rates. The subwatersheds differ in the number of septic tanks and the relative acreage of forests. In the area of our study, groundwater is the major mechanism that transports nutrients to coastal waters. Although there is some attenuation of nutrient concentrations within the aquifer or at the sediment-water interface, in urbanized areas there are significant increases in the nutrient content of groundwater arriving at the shore’s edge. The groundwater seeps or flows through the sediment-water boundary, and sufficient groundwater-borne nutrients (nitrogen in particular) traverse the sediment-water boundary to cause significant changes in the aquatic ecosystem. These loading-dependent alterations include increased nutrients in water, greater primary production by phytoplankton, and increased macroaglal biomass and growth (mediated by a suite of physiological responses to abundance of nutrients). The increased macroalgal biomass dominates the bay ecosystem through second- or third-order effects such as alterations of nutrient status of water columns and increasing frequency of anoxic events. The increases in seaweeds have decreased the areas covered by eelgrass habitats. The change in habitat type, plus the increased frequency of anoxic events, change the composition of the benthic fauna. The data make evident the importance of bottom-up control in shallow coastal food webs. The coupling of land to sea by groundwater-borne nutrient transport is mediated by a complex series of steps; the cascade of processes make it unlikely to find a one-to-one relation between land use and conditions in the aquatic ecosystem. Study of the process and synthesis by appropriate models may provide a way to deal with the complexities of the coupling.
Comparison of arterial and venous patency in a rat model of subendothelium-stimulated thrombosis

The effectiveness of anticoagulants and platelet aggregation inhibitors was compared using comparable rat models of arterial and venous thrombosis. A mechanical endotheliumdenuding injury was created on the lumenal surface of donor Lewis rat carotid arteries. These were cut into 4-5 mm lengths and grafted into femoral veins and arteries of recipient syngeneic rats using microvascular anastomotic techniques. Recipients received either systemic heparin, or aspirin with dipyridamole, or saline (control). In the arteries, the 1-day patency rate was 94% in the heparin-treated rats, but only 50% in the aspirin/dipyridamole group and 44% in the control group. The venous patency rate was 56% in the heparin group, 31% in the aspirin/dipyridamole group, and 0% in the control group. This unique model for comparing thrombosis in arteries and veins shows that anticoagulation is more effective than inhibition of platelet aggregation in the rat arterial system, with less of a differential effect in the venous system.
HABITAT QUALITY IN A HOSTILE RIVER CORRIDOR

Stream fish often occur in tributaries at high densities, and dispersal between tributaries must occur through the intervening river, whose attributes may differ from those of the tributaries. In Trinidad, tributaries of the Guanapo River have high densities of a killifish, Rivulus hartii, but the river also contains a strong piscivore that may affect the quality of the river as a movement corridor linking the adjoining tributaries. We hypoth- esized that R. hartii in the river, where they are scarce and confined to margins, would show stress as predicted for an animal in transit through a hostile corridor. We predicted that river fish would take in less food, grow more slowly, and contain fewer mature oocytes than tributary fish. We tested these predictions by comparingR. hartii from paired tributary and river sites for food intake, growth, and oocyte counts. We also asked whether R. hartii could spawn successfully in shallow water, such as at the river margins. To determine whether the river would satisfy criteria for its use as a movement corridor (movement along the river and movement in and out of tributaries), we marked 709 R. hartii in a 500-m stretch of river and two adjoining tributaries and recaptured them on seven sampling dates over a 15-mo period. Contrary to our predictions, R. hartii in the river showed no stress in the form of reduced food intake, growth, or suppressed reproductive output. Instead, we detected no difference in food intake of R. hartii sampled from paired tributary-river sites, and river R. hartii displayed a greater growth rate and contained more mature oocytes than did their tributary counterparts. Laboratory and field studies also revealed that R. hartii can spawn viable eggs in shallow water that does not cover their bodies. The movement study confirmed that the river has a conduit function for communication between tributaries, but the river also has a habitat function, as it contains resident indi- viduals that grow and reproduce in the corridor. This means that movement of alleles and recolonization of local extinctions can occur via offspring of dispersers, rather than require successful movement of individuals directly between tributaries.
Species interactions in a mixed colony of common terns (Sterna hirundo) and black skimmers (Rynchops niger)

Abstract Black skimmers ( Rynchops niger ) frequently nest among common terns ( Sterna hirundo ) on coastal islands from North Carolina to New York. Behavioural interactions among terns, skimmers, and several potential avian predator species were quantified during the 1973 breeding season at Fisherman Island, Virginia. Common terns were dominant to skimmers, chasing and dive-attacking neighbouring pairs, while skimmers rarely chased terns. Despite agonistic interactions, nesting success of both species was no different whether nearest neighbours were conspecifics or heterospecifics. Common terns chased away potential avian predators much more frequently than did skimmers. Black skimmers, then, appear to derive a ‘protective cover’ benefit from nesting among the terns. Neither nest-site limitation nor food ‘information-sharing’ appear to account for the species associations.
The initiation of switching

Abstract A discussion is given on how a shrinkage of the energy gap in an amorphous semiconductor is implied by the Anderson hamiltonian, and how such a shrinkage can lead to an instability as observed in “ovonic” switches.
Fitting the generalized lambda distribution to data: a method based on percentiles

The generalized lambda distribution, GLD(λ1:,λ2:,λ3:,λ4), is a four‐parameter family that has been used for fitting distributions to a wide variety of data sets. In almost all cases the method of moments has been used to determine the parameters of the GLD that fits a given data set, negating the possibility of applying those members of the GLD family that do not possess the first four moments and yet may provide superior fits to the data. This paper develops a method for fitting a GLD distribution to data that is based on percentiles rather than moments. This approach makes a larger portion of the GLD family accessible for data fitting and eases some of the computational difficulties encountered in the method of moments. Examples of the use of the proposed system are included.
Molecular form of adenosine deaminase in severe combined immunodeficiency

Abstract The specific activity of adenosine deaminase was reduced to approximately 0.5% of normal in splenic tissue obtained from a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency. Sedimentation analysis of splenic homogenate from this patient revealed a major peak of adenosine deaminase activity which corresponded with respect to the sedimentation coefficient of one of three molecular species observed in control spleens but had markedly reduced activity. These findings suggest that the molecular heterogeneity of human adenosine deaminase is under the control of a single genetic locus and that the deficiency of adenosine deaminase activity in severe combined immunodeficiency is not due to a genetic deletion.
Noninvasive monitoring the biology of atherosclerotic plaque development with radiolabeled annexin V and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in spontaneous atherosclerotic mice

To compare the ability of 99mTc-labeled broad-based matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (RP805) (MPI) and 99mTc-annexin V to identify more advanced atherosclerotic disease in apolipoprotein E-null (apoE−/−) mice. Both MMP expression and apoptotic cell death occur in both early and in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Eight 6-9-week-old apoE−/− mice, 10 apoE−/− mice at 20 weeks, and 12 apoE−/− at 40 weeks were injected with both tracers in alternating sequence separated by 48 h, underwent planar imaging and were killed. Radiotracer uptake was quantified from the scans as percent whole body and from tissue as percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Quantitative immunohistopathology of the aorta and carotids for macrophages, MMPs, and caspase was performed. At 6 weeks, mice showed no tracer uptake in the chest or neck and had minimal lesion. At 20 weeks, uptake of annexin V as %ID was borderline higher than MPI (1.10 ± .48% vs .77 ± .31%, P = .09), between 20 and 40 weeks aortic lesion area increased from 37.4 ± 12.0% to 46.2 ± 7.4% and at 40 weeks MPI was significantly greater than annexin V uptake (1.11 ± .66% vs .70 ± .16%, P = .05). On histology there were greater increases in % MMP-2 and -9 than % caspase positive cells. Carotid uptake of MPI was greater than annexin V at both 20 and 40 weeks (1.25 ± .48% vs .78 ± .25%, P = .02 and 3.70 ± 1.45% vs 2.25 ± .66%, P = .005). The carotid lesion area at 40 weeks was 74 ± 9% with greater % cells positive for MMP’s than caspase. %ID/g annexin V correlated significantly with % macrophages and with caspase-3 positive cells and %ID/g MPI correlated significantly with % macrophages and with MMP-2 and -9 positive cells. In apoE−/− mice, MMP expression is greater than apoptosis as the disease progresses and MPI may be a better imaging agent for more advanced disease.
Increasing muscle mass to improve metabolism

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a predictor of the development of type 2 diabetes and maintenance of adequate muscle glucose disposal in muscle may help to prevent diabetes. Lipodystrophy is a type of diabetes caused by a reduction of white adipose tissue and the adipokine leptin. Lipidemia, insulin resistance and hyperphagia develop as a consequence. In a recent study, we showed that increasing skeletal muscle mass by inhibiting signaling of myostatin, a transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family member that negatively regulates muscle growth, prevents the development of diabetes in a mouse model of lipodystrophy. Muscle-specific myostatin inhibition also prevented hyperphagia suggesting muscle may regulate food intake. Here we discuss these results in the context of strategies to increase muscle insulin sensitivity as well as new findings about the effects of myostatin and other TGFβ family members on similar metabolic processes.
Hemodynamic simulations and computer-aided designs of graft-artery junctions

Severe occlusion of graft-artery junctions due to restenosis, e.g., excessive tissue overgrowth and renewed plaque formation, may occur within a few months or years after bypass surgery. Our hypothesis is that nonuniform hemodynamics, represented by large sustained wall shear stress gradients, trigger abnormal biological processes leading to rapid restenosis and hence early graft failure. In turn, this problem may be significantly mitigated by designing graft-artery bypass configurations for which the wall shear stress gradient (WSSG) is approximately zero and hence nearly uniform hemodynamics are achieved. Focusing on the distal end of several femoral artery bypass junctions, a validated finite volume code has been used to compute the transient three-dimensional velocity vector fields and its first and second surface derivatives in order to test the idea. Specifically, it is shown that the Taylor patch, which generates higher patency rates than standard end-to-side anastomoses, exhibits lower WSSG levels than standard configurations, and that further geometric design improvements reduce the WSSG in magnitude and local extent even more.
Implantation in interplanetary dust of rare-gas ions from solar flares.

Measurements of excess Ar36 + Ar38 ( released mainly at 1200°C) in magnetic concentrates of Pacific sediments and in a dense concentrate of Greenland dust agree within an order of magnitude with expected concentrations implanted by solar-flare ion streams of energy less than 10 Mev per atomic-mass unit. The agreement implies that more than 10 percent of each concentrate may be extraterrestrial, depending on size distribution and flare spectra. Rare-gas measurements on fine-grained dust can provide data on: solar-flare "paleo-ion" fluxes, energy spectra, and isotopic abundances; identification, mineralogy, and chemistry of interplanetary dust; influx rates to Earth and sedimentation rates of oceanic cores; and lunar-surface residence and mixing times.
A dynamic t-SNARE complex.

Syntaxin-1/SNAP-25 heterodimers with 1:1 stoichiometry likely play a key role in neurotransmitter release but they have been difficult to characterize. In this issue of Structure , Weninger et al. present a beautiful single molecule spectroscopy study showing the dynamic nature of these heterodimers and how they are influenced by other factors.
Going beyond traits: multimodal classification of personality states in the wild

Recent studies in social and personality psychology introduced the notion of personality states conceived as concrete behaviors that can be described as having the same contents as traits. Our paper is a first step towards addressing automatically this new perspective. In particular, we will focus on the classification of excerpts of social behavior into personality states corresponding to the Big Five traits, rather than focusing on the more traditional goal of using those behaviors to directly infer about the personality traits of the person producing them. The multimodal behavioral cues we exploit were obtained by means of the Sociometric Badges worn by people working at a research institution for a period of six weeks. We investigate the effectiveness of cues concerning acted social behaviors as well as of other situational characteristics for the sake of personality state classification. The encouraging results show that our classifiers always, and sometimes greatly, improve the performances of a random baseline classifier (from 1.5 to 1.8 better than chance). At a general level, we believe that these results support the proposed shift from the classification of personality traits to the classification of personality states.
Reducing cache conflicts by partitioning and privatizing shared arrays

Parallelizing compilers for shared-memory multiprocessors typically generate fork-join programs in which multiple threads may access different sections of shared arrays. Each thread tends to access discontiguous addresses due to the gap between sections which belong to different arrays. Such interarray discontiguity often causes cache-set conflicts even when the private cache is large enough to hold the working set. A compiler technique, called array partition and privatization (or APP), is proposed to correct this problem. The APP technique partitions a shared array into sections, one for each computing thread, and then maps each section to the private stack of the corresponding thread. Interarray discontiguity is thus removed and the cache performance improved. This paper presents a compiler algorithm for APP and preliminary experimental results based on four benchmark programs running on an SGI Origin 2000 multiprocessor.
Fluid transport by active elastic membranes

A flexible membrane deforming its shape in time can self-propel in a viscous fluid. Alternatively, if the membrane is anchored, its deformation will lead to fluid transport. Past work in this area focused on situations where the deformation kinematics of the membrane were prescribed. Here we consider models where the deformation of the membrane is not prescribed, but instead the membrane is internally forced. Both the time-varying membrane shape and the resulting fluid motion result then from a balance between prescribed internal active stresses, internal passive resistance, and external viscous stresses. We introduce two specific models for such active internal forcing: one where a distribution of active bending moments is prescribed, and one where active inclusions exert normal stresses on the membrane by pumping fluid through it. In each case, we asymptotically calculate the membrane shape and the fluid transport velocities for small forcing amplitudes, and recover our results using scaling analysis.
A practical synthesis of (R)- and (S)-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one

Asymmetric alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester with 2-nitrobenzyl bromide followed by reductive cyclization provides (R)- and (S)-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one in high yield and high enantiomeric excess.
PROGRESS REPORT ON RESEARCH OF PAVING BRICK FROM IOWA SHALES1

Test on full size pavers made from 11 shales showed that five would make an excellent paving material and others had possibilities of making a block that would give service. Various processes were tried as soft-mud, roller expression machine, dry-press, and a new belt machine, also additions of magnesium and colloidal materials. The soft-mud, roller expression machine gave equal if not better results than the stiff-mud process, and the other processes required higher temperatures to get a suitable block for test. Magnesium reduced the rattler test from 27% to 22% and changed the color to buff similar to that of fire clay. The colloidal materials made the shale more refractory and hence the brick were too soft for the rattler test.2
Effect of vehicle viscosity and an anticholinergic agent on bioavailability of a poorly absorbed drug (phenolsulfonphthalein) in man.

The purpose of this study was to determine if an increase in the viscosity of the solution vehicle, or premedication with an anticholinergic agent, can increase the bioavailability of a poorly absorbed drug in man. The absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein by healthy adults was decreased significantly during the 1st hr. when the drug was administered in very viscous sodium alginate solution or when the subjects had been premedicated with propantheline. Sodium alginate had no effect on the total amount of phenolsulfonphthalein absorbed; pretreatment with the anticholinergic agent increased the total amount of phenolsulfonphthalein recovered in the urine from an average of 16 to 24% of the dose. This effect is attributed to a decrease of the GI transit rate.
Steam reforming of methanol to H2 over nonreduced Zr-containing CuO/ZnO catalysts

Abstract Zr-containing CuO/ZnO catalysts are examined for their use in the reaction of methanol with water to produce hydrogen. Catalyst samples with varying compositions were prepared by means of a coprecipitation method, and the effect of different pretreatment conditions was examined. Activity testing shows that the catalysts do not require prereduction to obtain good activity for the steam reforming of methanol, although prereduction with diluted H 2 increases activity in some cases. The catalysts were characterized using BET surface area analysis, Cu surface area analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), thermo-gravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization suggests that the most active steam-reforming catalysts initially consist of CuO, ZnO, and a high surface area amorphous phase of zirconia that contains carbonates; however, partial reduction of surface copper during the reaction is apparent from XPS results.
A reactive core–shell nanoparticle approach to prepare hybrid nanocomposites: effects of processing variables

Reactive core–shell nanoparticles are prepared in aqueous media by the addition of a solution of an amphiphilic organic polymer and a metal oxide precursor. The nanoparticles are thought to form by nucleation, with a core–shell structure forming later. Using acid catalysis the precursor is converted to metal oxide by an in situ sol–gel reaction. The hybrid nanoparticles, prepared with 10, 15, and 20 wt% Al(OiPr)3, are dried and compression moulded, yielding flexible, transparent films (0.5 and 2 mm) that retain a core–shell nanoparticle structure and show well-distributed alumina-rich domains throughout the organic matrix. Preliminary results are given that show relationships between processing variables and film properties (particle diameter, appearance of the core, Tg (glass transition temperature), and storage modulus). The apparent stability of the alumina distribution is also discussed. Nanoparticles prepared using 10 wt% Al(OiPr)3 (aluminium isopropoxide) gave films that, depending on the nanoparticles' process conditions, possessed core–shell nanoparticles with a median diameter of 45 ± 2 nm and a Tg that was 27 °C above the matrix polymer's Tg, or a median nanoparticle diameter of 161 ± 30 nm and a Tg that was 17 °C above the matrix polymer's Tg.
Onset of Rayleigh-Bénard convection in cylindrical containers.

We determined the critical Rayleigh numbers Ra{c} for the onset of convection in cylindrical containers with aspect ratios 1 approximately 4, an m=1 mode was found again, but near Gamma=4 either m=1 or m=2 was observed in different runs. These results are consistent with the marginal stability curves calculated by Buell and Catton in the sense that the mode that is the first as a function of Ra to acquire a positive growth rate is the one that is observed. For Gamma approximately >4, the theoretical marginal curves for the four lowest modes lie very close together. There we found patterns near onset that corresponded to various modes, including m=2 and 4. At relatively large Gamma approximately > 6, we observed parallel straight rolls quite close to onset. Our patterns agree with several DNS investigations by others, but at some Gamma values differ from those observed experimentally by Stork and Muller. Some results for the pattern evolution with increasing Ra are reported as well.
Effects of Chronic Treatment with the Leukotriene D4-Antagonist Compound LY171883 on B6C3F1 Mice

Abstract A 2-year toxicity/oncogenicity study was done to evaluate the potential effects of the leukotriene antagonist LY171883 in B6C3F 1 mice. Dietary concentrations of LY171883 during the initial 7 months of the study were 0.0, 0.005, 0.015, or 0.05% but were increased to 0.0, 0.0075, 0.0225, or 0.075% during Months 7 through 24. The estimated average daily compound intake was 0.0, 7.3, 22.5, or 80.5 mg/kg for males and 0.0, 9.2, 27.5, or 95.9 mg/kg for females. Survival was not adversely affected by treatment, however, body weight of males and females in the high dose group was significantly lower than that of controls. The chronic toxicity was localized primarily to the liver. Liver weights were increased in males in the high dose group and in females in the mid and high dose groups. Microsomal p -nitroanisole- O -demethylase activity was increased in mid and high dose females. Hepatic peroxisomal β-oxidation was increased approximately twofold in both sexes in the high dose group only. Centrilobular eosinophilic granular change of hepatocytes was a common histopathologic finding in male and female mice in the high dose group, with the incidence and severity being greater in females. An increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas was observed in female mice in the mid and hith dose groups. The number of male mice in the high dose group with hepatocellular carcinomas was higher than that of controls but the change was not statistically significant. Hepatocellular adenomas were increased in females in the high dose group but not in males. All groups of treated females had increased nodular hepatocellular hyperplasia. The number of males in all dose groups with this lesion was increased although not significantly.
The Threshold of Skin Flare in Persons with and Without Malignant Neoplastic Disease12

INTRODUCTION The threshold of pain is identified as the lowest intensity at which a noxious excitant when applied for an arbitrary time, such as one second, will produce a painful or a pricking sensation. The threshold of the skin flare reaction is identified as the lowest intensity at which a noxious excitant when applied for an arbitrary time, such as one minute, will cause a flare reaction or “blush” about the point of application of the excitant.
1H NMR spectral simplification with achiral and chiral lanthanide shift reagents. Tranylcypromine, trans-2-phenylcyclopropanamine

Abstract The 60 MHz 1 H NMR spectra of racemic tranylcypromine, 1 , have been studied with the achiral shift reagent, tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium(III), 2 , and the chiral tris[3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)- d -camphorato] europium(III), 3 . Appreciable values of the enantiomeric shift differences, ΔΔδ, were observed for each cyclopropyl proton except for the proton β and trans to the amino group (furthest from the expected europium complexation site). The proton α to the amino group showed ΔΔδ as high as about 38 Hz for a 3:1 ratio of 0.71; the ΔΔδ decreased at higher 3:1 ratios. Optical purity evaluations should be most practical using this α proton with 3:1 ratios near 1.07 to minimize interference due to peak overlap.
Fishing for the Universe

It is a sobering fact that of all the matter in the universe, only 17% is made of particles we know ( 1 ). Little is actually known about the remaining 83%, but we do have a name for it—dark matter. On page 1619 of this issue, the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) Collaboration ( 2 ) presents tantalizing results from their recent experimental run that may provide an answer soon to the question of what all that dark matter is made from.
The duration of human electroencephalographic arousal responses elicited by photic stimulation.

Abstract Observations on the duration of arousal responses elicited by single stroboscopic light flashes of constant intensity and duration have been made in 80 normal adults. Normal values have been established for the response duration curves for periods up to 30 min. The response duration in the first 30 sec. tends to be almost two times as long as the duration seen after 30 sec. The values then stabilize and remain stable for periods as long as 30 min. Recovery of the prolonged duration of the early responses is incomplete in 20 min. but complete after 24 hours. Extraneous sound stimuli and attention have no effect on the duration of the arousal response. The validity of using arousal response duration in assessing the influence of drugs and disease on central nervous system activity is established.
Capacity Expansion for Random Exponential Demand Growth with Lead Times

The combination of demand uncertainty and a lead time for adding capacity creates the risk of capacity shortage during the lead time. We formulate a model of capacity expansion for uncertain exponential demand growth and deterministic expansion lead times when there is an obligation to provide a specified level of service. The service level, defined in terms of the ratio of expected lead-time shortage to installed capacity, is guaranteed by timing each expansion to begin when demand reaches a fixed proportion of the capacity position. Under this timing rule, the optimal facilities to install can be determined by solving an equivalent deterministic problem without lead times. Numerical results show the effects of the demand parameters and lead-time length on the expansion timing. The interaction of timing with expansion size is explored for the case when continuous facility sizes are available with economies of scale.
The relation between commercial bank profit rates and banking concentration in Canada, Western Europe, and Japan

Abstract This paper examines the relation between the profit rates of 60 banks and concentration in the ‘home’ banking market of each. Other explanatory variables found to be significant are whether the bank is government owned, a proxy for profit rates throughout each country, and the rate of growth of individual banks' assets. The evidence supports the view that greater concentration leads to higher profit rates. However the relatively small coefficients of the concentration variable indicate that relatively large changes in concentration are necessary to reduce profit rates by one percentage point.
The effect of screw position on the initial fixation of a reverse total shoulder prosthesis in a glenoid with a cavitary bone defect.

Patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy can be treated successfully with a reverse total shoulder prosthesis. In patients with significant glenoid bone loss, achieving stable bone fixation can be challenging, as the surgeon must know when bone grafting is necessary and when the plan to implant the reverse total shoulder prosthesis should be abandoned because of the likelihood of early implant loosening. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the initial stability of a metal glenoid implant fixed in a glenoid with a central cavitary defect and (2) to determine whether an altered screw configuration would sufficiently resist implant micromotion and, thereby, allow bone ingrowth to occur. The Delta III reverse total shoulder glenoid implant was fixed into foam scapulae with a uniform density similar to normal glenoid bone density. The control group implants were fixed into foam scapulae without a glenoid defect, by use of the standard surgical technique for screw placement. The second group was fixed into foam scapulae containing a central cavitary glenoid defect, by use of the standard surgical technique for screw placement. The central cavitary defect was meant to simulate the bone loss typically found after the removal of a loose pegged glenoid implant, and it was created with a 4-pegged glenoid drill guide. A third group was fixed into foam scapula with a central cavitary glenoid defect, with an experimental screw configuration by use of a posterior screw directed toward the spine of the scapula and an anterior screw directed inferior to the central peg. All specimens were loaded with 500 cycles of 1 body weight (70 kg) to simulate the forces generated during arm elevation that occur during the first 3 months after surgery. Micromotion between the implant and the foam bone was measured with a digital video motion analysis system (accuracy, ± 2.6 μm). After loading of the implant with 70 kg for 500 cycles in the superior direction, the mean micromotion was 54 μm (SD, 22) in the control group, 159 μm (SD, 70) in the second group, and 86 μm (SD, 32) in the third group ( P = 0.003). Fixing the posterior screw into the spine of the scapula and directing the anterior screw below the central peg decreased the micromotion of a metal glenoid implant fixed in a glenoid with a cavitary defect by 46% and, more importantly, reduced the micromotion below the critical threshold of 150 μm, which is necessary for bone ingrowth and long-term survival of the implant.
Biochemical correlates of thiazolidinedione‐induced adipocyte differentiation by high‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy

Thiazolidinediones, a class of synthetic ligands to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, induce terminal adipocyte differentiation of 3T3 F442A cells, and have already been used as alternative therapeutic agents for the treatment of liposarcoma in clinical trials. The biochemical changes occurring in the 3T3 F442A cell line and well-differentiated liposarcoma following induction of adipocyte differentiation with the thiazolidinedione troglitazone were measured using high-resolution magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. 3T3 F442A cell differentiation was characterized by a large accumulation of intracellular triglyceride and withdrawal from the cell cycle. Phosphatidylcholine (PTC), phosphocholine (PC), myo-inositol, and glycerol were found to be possible biochemical markers for adipocyte differentiation induced by thiazolidenediones. The molar ratio of PTC to PC increased fourfold in differentiated 3T3 F442A cells compared to undifferentiated cells, suggesting a substantial increase in CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase activity with differentiation. A 2.8-fold increase in the PTC:PC ratio was observed in the lipoma-like well-differentiated liposarcoma of three patients who were treated with troglitazone when compared to liposarcoma from patients not treated with this drug. Thus, this ratio may be an NMR-detectable marker of troglitazone efficacy and response to differentiation therapy for liposarcoma. Magn Reson Med 48:602–610, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effects of intimate partner violence before, during, and after pregnancy in nurse visited first time mothers.

To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) before, during and after pregnancy in a national sample of women enrolled in the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP); and, to determine correlates of IPV exposure. Clients enrolled in the NFP between 2002 and 2005 were selected. Data were extracted from NFP client encounter forms including demographic, health habits, family and relationships, and maternal and infant health information. IPV was measured by self-report and assessed during three time periods: 12 months prior to enrollment into the NFP program; during pregnancy up to 36 weeks; and, 12 months since the infant’s birth. Multiple imputation methods were used to account for missing data; univariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine characteristics of IPV exposure over time. IPV in the 12 months prior to pregnancy and at NFP enrollment was 8.1% (95% CI: 5.8–11.2%); 4.7% (4.3.0–5.1%) of women reported IPV during the first 36 weeks of their pregnancy; and, 12.4% (8.5–17.6%) of women reported IPV in the 12 months following delivery. Several IPV correlates were noted, including relationship status (having a partner before and after pregnancy, p < 0.001, p = 0.023, respectively), and maternal health and habits such as smoking (before, during and after pregnancy, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). In longitudinal follow-up, reduced use of contraception following the birth of her infant, and rapid repeat pregnancy were significantly associated with IPV exposure. For NFP visited mothers, IPV prevalence is lowest during pregnancy, compared to periods before and after pregnancy. IPV had no demonstrable effect on perinatal outcomes such as gestational age, and birth weight; however, IPV was associated with lower rates of contraceptive use and higher rates of rapid repeat pregnancy in longitudinal follow-up.
Expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and P53 in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

It has been shown in vitro that JC viral protein can form a complex with wild-type p53 protein, which is a key regulator of both cell proliferation and cell death. Cellular factors, Bax and Bcl-2, are two essential downstream elements involved in p53-dependent apoptosis. To determine whether association of JC virus with p53 protein affects the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in viral-infected cells in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), we studied the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 in 14 cases from 13 PML patients by using paraffin immunohistochemistry. Seven of 13 patients were known to be HIV positive. Overexpression of p53 was found in viral-infected oligodendrocytes and some astrocytes in all 14 cases. Intense immunostaining of Bax was strongly expressed in viral-infected oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Bax immunostaining was also found in macrophages in the demyelinating lesions. Bcl-2 was not detected in viral-infected glial cells. The expression pattern of Bax positive/Bcl-2 negative in viral-infected glial cells suggests that the oligodendrocyte may be undergoing apoptosis which may in turn contribute to the demyelinating process in PML. The coexpression of p53 and Bax in the infected glial cells suggests that p53 detected by immunohistochemistry may still maintain its wild-type function.
Keeping the White Family Together: Racial Disparities in the Out-of-Home Placements of Maltreated Children

The likelihood of being removed from the home following a case of maltreatment is much higher for black youth than for whites. Two explanations exist in the literature. The first, black children experience more serious forms of maltreatment and have fewer resources to remedy the maltreatment situation than do whites. The second, there is an underlying racial bias within the child welfare system. The present study examines 789 dependency cases from child welfare services in a large urban county in the Northwest United States. Using multiple logistic regression models, it examines whether race has an effect on child placement within the child welfare system, and whether the factors influencing placement are the same for white and black youth. Findings illustrate a racial disparity in out-of-home placements supporting both of the competing explanations in the current literature. Overall, the present study finds that two separate processes seem to be at play in the placement decisions of maltreated youth, and concludes with possible explanations for this differential treatment.
Patterns and determinants of global marketing

This paper discusses the patterns and determinants of global marketing, based on a contingency framework of industry globalization drivers, company position and strategy, organizational factors, and parent company characteristics. These patterns and determinants are examined in a sample of 64 businesses belonging to very large American, European and Japanese multinational companies. The study finds that these businesses mostly use global branding and global packaging but make much less use of global uniformity in other elements of the marketing mix. Several factors, including nationality, explain the use of global marketing.
Interpretation of image flow: a spatio-temporal approach

A general formulation is described for the interpretation of image flow. In the framework of this formulation, computational methods have been derived for image flow interpretation for many important cases, including simple cases of nonrigid and nonuniform motions. It is possible to derive computational methods for other situations not considered explicitly. The formulation is general in that it is applicable to any situation provided that the scene geometry, the scene transformation, and the image flow are all 'smooth' or analytic. >
MANAGING ACNE IN ADOLESCENTS

Acne vulgaris, more commonly termed acne, is the most common skin disease treated by physicians. 60 It affects an estimated 17 million people in the United States, including 85% or more of adolescents and young adults. 7,80 Acne is a chronic condition that may last for years and cause emotional distress and permanent scarring. Although no cure exists, medications can control the disease and limit or prevent scar formation. Most adolescents with acne can be managed successfully by their pediatricians.
Institutional change through cross-functional collaboration

The approach taken on the case study reported in this paper is multi-faceted involving various perspectives including those of the students, faculty, and administration to ensure that any ‘solution’ will not merely end up being a ‘quick fix’, which could ultimately make the situation worse. Although course availability is still an issue at our institution and will continue to be so due to the increasing number of new high school graduates who will subsequently enrol, the results obtained so far have helped shaped how we approach this issue — and other related issues as well.
A review of soluble transition-metal nanoclusters as arene hydrogenation catalysts

Abstract A critical review of the use of soluble transition-metal nanoclusters for the hydrogenation of monocyclic aromatic compounds is presented. The review begins with a brief introduction to arene hydrogenation and to nanocluster science. The introductory material is followed by a detailed discussion of the approximately 20 papers in the literature that deal with the use of soluble transition-metal nanoclusters for the hydrogenation of monocyclic aromatic compounds. Metal particle catalysts on solid supports are not reviewed herein, and are considered only as far as they serve to compare and contrast with soluble transition-metal nanoclusters. The major findings of this review are: (i) soluble nanocluster catalysts are implicated as the true catalysts in many putatively “homogeneous” arene hydrogenations; (ii) with few exceptions, nanocluster catalysts used for arene hydrogenation are poorly characterized; (iii) soluble nanocluster catalysts for arene hydrogenation have modest activity and lifetime; (iv) Rh and Ru are used almost exclusively as the active metals; (v) two catalyst systems, one developed by Roucoux and co-workers and the other by our own research group, stand out from the rest in terms of activity and lifetime; (vi) selective arene hydrogenation, especially for the synthesis of the all-cis diastereomer of substituted cyclohexanes, has received considerable attention and is a promising area for future study and, perhaps, fine chemical applications (selectivities >90% for the all-cis diastereomer have been achieved by several groups).
132 Can a Topical Antimicrobial Agent Penetrate a Bi-Layered Cell Therapy and be Effective Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus?

Background: Bilayered cell therapy (BLCT) is a significant advancement in the field of wound healing. BLCT expresses multiple growth factors found in normal skin, and provides a biologically active matrix in chronic wounds. Antibiotic-resistant bacterium continues to be a major problem in chronic wounds. The use of appropriate topical antimicrobial agents could be one of the first steps in prevention of wound infection, although their use with BLCT is limited due to reported toxicity to cultured keratinocytes. Objectives: This study was designed to see whether a topical antimicrobial agent is able to permeate through the BLCT and inhibits the growth of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Mupirocin was used because of its lack of toxicity to cultured keratinocytes. Methods: MRSA (ATCC# 33591) strain was used for these studies. The entire surface of blood agar plates were covered with a high inoclum of MRSA. BLCT specimens were placed on the agar plates and mupirocin was then applied on the top surface. As a positive control, mupirocin was applied directly on the agar plate, while BLCT specimens alone were used as negative control. The plates were subsequently incubated for 24 hours after which the zones of inhibition were assessed. Results: Placing mupirocin on top of BLCT gave a 41.9 ± 17.2 mm inhibition zone diameter. Although it was smaller than the inhibition zone diameter produced by direct administration of mupirocin (26.3 ± 9.4 mm), this difference was not statistically significant. BLCT by itself did not create a zone of inhibition. Conclusion: Mupirocin is able to permeate BLCT and inhibit the bacterial growth underneath it. This study may have important clinical implications.
Preliminary Mating Analysis of American Crocodiles, Crocodylus acutus, in Las Baulas, Santa Rosa, and Palo Verde National Parks, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Abstract Studying the mating system of wild populations of American crocodiles, Crocodylus acutus, has important conservation implications. We conducted a preliminary analysis of the mating system of C. acutus in Las Baulas (2007 and 2008), Santa Rosa (2007) and Palo Verde (2008 and 2009) National Parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We captured hatchlings during crocodile surveys and analyzed them with nine polymorphic microsatellite loci to determine relatedness values. High relatedness values indicated that full and half siblings were sampled in a single locality and season. We found full siblings between the years that hatchlings were collected in Las Baulas and Palo Verde National Parks, which suggested mate fidelity. The mate fidelity and high relatedness values could be a consequence of the smaller number of adult crocodiles found within these areas or indicative of a small number of dominant males in the populations. Our results support the need to conduct future studies describing the mating system a...