cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mothers' assessments of term and pre-term infants with respiratory distress syndrome: Reliability and predictive validity

Assessments of term and preterm RDS infants were made by mothers on an adaptation of the Brazelton scale. The mothers' assessments were not significantly different from those assessments made by trained clinicians, and both mothers and clinicians assigned less optimal ratings to the preterm infants. These ratings were correlated with Bayley motor scores at eight months. Mothers' assessments of infant temperament were made at four and eight months. These temperament ratings were significantly correlated with each other and with clinicians' ratings on the Brazelton neonatal and eight-month Bayley Scales. These findings suggest that mothers' assessments are reliable and have some predictive validity during early infancy.
Phylogenetic studies of shark immunoglobulins.

ANALYSES of amino-acid sequences of rabbit, mouse and human immunoglobulins have shed considerable light on the structure and phylogenetic relationships of these molecules1. The heavy and light chains of IgG immunoglobulins each consist of a variable amino terminal half and an invariant carboxyl terminal half. Chemical differences observed in the variable regions of these chains are presumably responsible for the heterogeneity of antibodies present in the total serum gamma globulins. Significant homology in the ammo-acid sequences of light and heavy chains of closely related and distant species has suggested that these polypeptide chains originated by duplication from an ancestral gene coding for a polypeptide chain of about 100 amino-acids2.
Spin polarization of CrO2 at and across an artificial barrier.

We report a systematic study of the spin polarization of epitaxial ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}$ films at and across an interface using planar junctions with a superconducting counterelectrode. By chemical modification of the ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}$ surface before the deposition of the superconductor, junctions with a wide range of barrier strength were obtained. Analysis of the conductance data on these junctions, especially under Zeeman splitting of the superconducting density of states, yields consistent, close to full spin polarization for ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}$ regardless of the barrier strength.
Corrigendum to “mitfa is required at multiple stages of melanocyte differentiation but not to establish the melanocyte stem cell” [Dev. Biol. 350 (2011) 405–413]

It has come to the attention of the authors that due to a stock-keeping error, the zebrafish described in this article as bearing the mitfa allele designated fh53 (a missense mutation) instead carried the same mutation as that designated vc7 (which alters a splice site). Therefore, only one allele displaying temperature-sensitivity was in fact identified and characterized, and all specimens labeled as fh53 in Figures 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are in actuality vc7. The true fh53 allele, encoding an asparagine-to-tyrosine substitution in the mitfa basic region, has not yet been recovered and the effect of this mutation on Mitfa activity is not known at this time. The authors attribute the slight variation reported in Table 1 to differences in genetic background. This discrepancy does not alter the central conclusions of the report, that mitfa is not required to establish the melanocyte stem cell, and that mitfa is required at multiple stages of melanocyte differentiation. The authors regret any confusion.
Where College-Bound Students Send Their SAT Scores: Does Race Matter?†

Objective. I examine where Texas students send their SAT scores in 1998 to identify their revealed preferences for higher education and determine if race/ethnicity influences their decision. Methods. Using data from the Texas Schools Microdata Panel, I estimate the influence of race/ethnicity on various college choice sets using a multinomial logit model. Results. The empirical estimation indicates that minorities perceive their opportunities at Texas public institutions to be different from whites. Furthermore, although blacks and Hispanics are less likely than whites to send their SAT scores to selective Texas institutions, they are more likely to send their scores to selective institutions out of state. Conclusion. Although the reasons for this are currently unclear, a possible suspect is the Hopwood v. Texas decision, a court ruling ending affirmative action initiatives in the admissions decisions of all Texas public colleges and universities.
The paradox of voting intelligently

Classical economic models predict far less voting than happens in practice. Expressive voting may partly explain the divergence, but some who are generally uninterested in politics and thus unlikely to take elections as an important form of personal expression nevertheless vote. One possible explanation is that these voters overestimate the instrumental, outcome-changing consequences of voting; such systematic misperception may be more likely among those with less cognitive capacity. Analysis of responses to the American National Election Studies confirms this hypothesis: while intelligence and interest both increase the likelihood of voting, the combination enhances the likelihood of turnout still further.
Ground reaction forces, kinematics, and muscle activations during the windmill softball pitch.

Abstract The aims of the present study were to examine quantitatively ground reaction forces, kinematics, and muscle activations during the windmill softball pitch, and to determine relationships between knee valgus and muscle activations, ball velocity and muscle activation as well as ball velocity and ground reaction forces. It was hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between degree of knee valgus and muscle activation, a direct relationship between ground reaction forces and ball velocity, and non-stride leg muscle activations and ball velocity. Ten female windmill softball pitchers (age 17.6 ± 3.47 years, stature 1.67 ± 0.07 m, weight 67.4 ± 12.2 kg) participated. Dependent variables were ball velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG), kinematic, and kinetic data while the participant was the independent variable. Stride foot contact reported peak vertical forces of 179% body weight. There were positive relationships between ball velocity and ground reaction force (r = 0.758, n = ...
Two polymorphic microsatellites in a coding segment of the canine androgen receptor gene

A 0.6-kb segment of exon 1 of the canine androgen receptor gene contains two polymorphic CAG tandem repeats which encode strings of glutamine homopolymers. The number of CAGs in each tandem repeat was determined by (1) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a gene segment containing both repeats, (2) cleavage between repeats with restriction enzyme EcoO109I and (3) fractionation of the restriction fragments containing individual CAG repeats by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Individual genomic DNA samples from 80 unrelated dogs (53 males plus 27 females for a total of 107 X chromosomes) contained 10-12 CAGs in the 5' repeats and 10-13 CAGs in the 3' repeats. Thirteen distinct androgen receptor genotypes were identified. Eleven (or 41%) of the 27 unrelated females were heterozygous in one or both repeat regions, whereas all male samples produced single bands as expected for X chromosome markers. A total of seven distinct haplotypes contributed to the 13 genotypes. The 'polymorphism information content' or 'PIC' for this seven-allele X chromosome marker was 0.67.
Perforated appendicitis: is early laparoscopic appendectomy appropriate?

Background Laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis is associated with improved outcomes; however, laparoscopy has been challenged for perforated appendicitis owing to higher morbidity compared with open or staged procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the laparoscopic approach for perforated appendicitis results in improved outcomes compared with open appendectomy. Methods Postoperative patient records for confirmed perforated appendicitis from 2005 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, surgical approach, conversion rate, and outcomes were tabulated, including length of stay (LOS), intra-abdominal and wound infections, and duration of antibiotic therapy. Results The incidence of perforation was 27.9% in 885 total patients. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open for perforated appendicitis was 16%. Hospital LOS was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group ( P P Conclusion Successful laparoscopic appendectomy reduces LOS, antibiotic therapy, and wound infections compared with open appendectomy in perforated appendicitis without increasing the incidence of postoperative abscess. We conclude that perforated appendicitis can be managed effectively by laparoscopic appendectomy in a high percentage of patients with improved outcomes compared with open appendectomy.
Metal-free Inorganic Ligands for Colloidal Nanocrystals: S2–, HS–, Se2–, HSe–, Te2–, HTe–, TeS32–, OH–, and NH2– as Surface Ligands

All-inorganic colloidal nanocrystals were synthesized by replacing organic capping ligands on chemically synthesized nanocrystals with metal-free inorganic ions such as S2-, HS–, Se2-, HSe–, Te2-, HTe–, TeS32-, OH– and NH2–. These simple ligands adhered to the NC surface and provided colloidal stability in polar solvents. The versatility of such ligand exchange has been demonstrated for various semiconductor and metal nanocrystals of different size and shape. We showed that the key aspects of Pearson’s hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle, originally developed for metal coordination compounds, can be applied to the bonding of molecular species to the nanocrystal surface. The use of small inorganic ligands instead of traditional ligands with long hydrocarbon tails facilitated the charge transport between individual nanocrystals and opened up interesting opportunities for device integration of colloidal nanostructures.
Transplacental Infection with Non-Cytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Types 1b and 2: Viral Spread and Molecular Neuropathology

Infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) represents a reproducible natural animal model in which to study mechanisms of transplacental viral infection. In the present study, BVDV-seronegative heifers were challenged intranasally with non-cytopathic BVDV of genotype 1b or 2. Fetuses were retrieved by caesarean section 7-114 days post-challenge of the dam and subjected to virological, histopathological and immunohistochemistry(IHC) studies. Gross and histopathological changes were only seen in fetuses infected at gestational age 75-85 days and retrieved at gestational age 190 days. Viral antigen could be detected in most tissues from 14 days post-infection, but the primary target organs for histopathological changes were brain, liver and spleen. In the brain, microscopical changes included leucomalacia and macrophage infiltration of meninges and neuropil. Viral antigen was detected in neurons, oligodendrocyte precursors and infiltrating macrophages. IHC revealed normal to slightly increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in the infected fetuses, with evidence of neuronal apoptosis and induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phospho-p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These findings suggest that hypoxia may play only a limited role in the pathogenesis of the neural lesions. By contrast, virus-induced cytokine cascades, as part of the fetal innate immune response, and apoptosis of neurons and glial precursor cells may be central to the development of lesions.
Correlations of tissue oxypurine levels with xanthine dehydrogenase changes in the chick

Abstract A method was developed for determinating uric acid and hypoxanthine plus xanthine pools in chicken tissues and was applied to the examination of pool fluctuations in association with changes in xanthine dehydrogenase activity. P. C. Lee and J. R. Fisher (Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 148 (1972) 277) suggested that liver xanthine dehydrogenase regulation involves either product repression or substrate (or substrate precursor) induction. Results presented here favor substrate induction over product repression as the regulating mechanism. Correlations between changes in xanthine dehydrogenase and tissue uric acid levels clearly reveal the importance of the enzyme in regulating pool sizes of this metabolite. A lack of direct correlation between hypoxanthine plus xanthine pools and xanthine dehydrogenase changes indicates that xanthine dehydrogenase does not play a major role in the control of total purine flux. Marked differences were observed between the effects of allopurinol on chicken oxypurine levels and the reported effects of this inhibitor on human oxypurine levels. These differences are attributed to variations between mammalian and avian systems with respect to purine flux control and kidney function. Results from developmental and allopurinol injection experiments suggest that, with the exception of the kidney, chicken tissues having high xanthine dehydrogenase activity derive oxypurine pools endogenously without obtaining significant levels of these metabolites from the circulation.
First normal stress difference measurements for polymer melts at high shear rates in a slit-die using hole and exit pressure data

In this paper we determine the ability to obtain values of the first normal stress difference, N1, at relative high shear rates (1.0–100.0 s −1 )i n a slit-die for several polymer melts of varying degrees of fluid elasticity using hole pressure data and the Higashitani–Pritchard–Baird (PHB) equation. Accurate measurements of the hole pressure, Ph, which is defined as the difference between the pressures measured by means of a flush-mounted pressure transducer and a transducer mounted at the base of rectangular slot (i.e. the hole), are extremely difficult to make because Ph is typically less than 2% of the absolute pressure measured. By calibrating the pressure transducers once mounted in the slit-die, accounting for viscous heating, and ensuring the transducers were properly aligned, precise measurements of Ph were made even with commercial pressure transducers. Values of N1 obtained from Ph data agreed well with values of N1 and twice the storage modulus (2G � ) for four different polymer melts for shear rates approaching 70 s −1 and wall shear stresses approaching 80 kPa. Furthermore, exit pressure measurements were made simultaneously in the same slit-die device, and values of N1 extracted from the data were found to be as much as 100% higher than values measured by means of a cone-and-plate device and the hole pressure which was consistent with the reports of others. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The inhibition of sexual behavior in male rats by propranolol is stereoselective

We have previously reported that administration of racemic mixtures of propranolol was associated with a marked inhibition of mating behavior in male rats. To compare the effects of (+)-propranolol, (−)-propranolol, and (±)-propranolol in sexually experienced males, rats ejaculating in four or more mating tests were divided into three groups (N = 16 per group) such that no differences in parameters of copulatory behavior were evident in preexperimental tests. No major effect of propranolol on parameters of behavior associated with initiation of sexual behavior was evident. In contrast, other measures of behavior were profoundly modified. The ejaculatory threshold, indicated by the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation, was increased after (+)- and (±)-propranolol, but not (−)-propranolol. The number of mounts without intromission preceding ejaculation was increased only after (±)-propranolol. A decrease in copulatory efficacy was evident after (−)- or (±)-propranolol, but not after (+)-propranolol. Increases in ejaculation latency, intercopulatory interval, and postejaculatory interval were observed after (−)- and (±)-proranolol, but not after (+)-propranolol. In summary, the present data indicate that the (−) isomer of propranolol is the active form necessary for the inhibitory effects of propranolol on male sexual function. We suggest that this inhibition is due to specific receptor-mediated mechanisms, involving β-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1A receptor interactions.
Effect of specific gait modifications on medial knee loading, metabolic cost and perception of task difficulty

Abstract Background The metabolic cost and cognitive demand of altering natural gait have not been well studied. The purpose of this investigation was to assess three modified patterns – toe out, ipsilateral trunk lean and a medial weight shift at the foot – on the basis of 1) medial knee joint load reduction, 2) metabolic cost of performance and 3) subject perception of task difficulty. Methods 12 healthy individuals underwent 3 dimensional motion analysis and metabolic testing to assess the gait mechanics and energy expenditure of natural gait and the three experimental gait patterns, performed to a self-selected moderate degree. Walking speed was controlled. Perceived workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index. Findings Trunk lean significantly reduced first peak knee adduction moment (↓32%, P P P P P P = 0.026), but had no effect on the first peak. Conversely, toe-out was least demanding in terms of additional energy expenditure (↑2%, P = 0.001) and perceived workload (↑314%, P = 0.001). Medial shift did not reduce knee adduction moment. Interpretation The prioritization of joint load reduction versus additional metabolic and cognitive demands could play a substantial role in the clinical decision making process of selecting a modified gait pattern.
Complications of laparoscopic incisional-ventral hernia repair: the experience of a single institution.

Laparoscopic incisional–ventral hernia repair (LIVH) is used with increasing frequency for the morbidly obese and for complex and recurrent hernias. The experience of a single institution with this technique is reviewed and the findings and complications are presented. Data were collected retrospectively for a single surgeon’s series of patients undergoing LIVH at the institution described in this report. The review showed a complication rate of 15.2%, a recurrence rate of 2%, and a prosthetic infection rate of 2%. Patients with a body mass index greater than 30 cm/m2 accounted for 73% of the complications and made up 62.2% of the patients. The LIVH procedure may be safely performed with low complication and recurrence rates even for the obese, allowing ventral hernia repair to be performed safely with good results. The LIVH technique should be considered for the repair of all incisional and ventral hernias requiring repair with a mesh prosthesis.
Signaling mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide 2-induced intestinal epithelial cell proliferation.

Abstract Background. Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) stimulates intestinal epithelial growth with high potency and specificity. However, the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for the growth-stimulatory action of GLP-2 are not clearly understood. Here we report possible signaling pathways mediating GLP-2's proliferative actions in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. Materials and methods. Caco-2 cells were subcultured under serum-deprived conditions in the presence or absence of GLP-2 (10 μM) and varying concentrations of inhibitors of three candidate kinases: genistein, a global tyrosine kinase inhibitor; LY294002, a phosphatidylinositide (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor; and PD 098059, a mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor. Proliferation was assessed using [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. Relative abundance of the phosphorylated forms of two specific mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1 and ERK2, was assessed by Western blotting. Results. GLP-2-treated cells demonstrated a greater than 10-fold increase in proliferation. This response was inhibited by genistein, LY294002, and PD 098059 in a dose-dependent fashion. A significantly greater abundance of the phosphorylated forms of both ERK-1 and ERK-2 was present in cells within 5 min of treatment with GLP-2. Conclusions. GLP-2 stimulates the proliferation of Caco-2 cells in vitro. This increase in Caco-2 proliferation in response to GLP-2 may be due, at least in part, to the involvement of both the PI 3-kinase and the MAPK pathways.
Effects of Nearly Degenerate States on Photon-Echo Behavior

A density-matrix analysis is given of some properties of photon echoes arising from nearly degenerate ground and/or excited states. Modulations of the echo intensity as a function of pulse separation time are predicted as well as more complicated effects near level crossings. In particular, the analysis is applied to the 2.06-kG level crossing in the ground state of ruby.
A review of pharmacotherapeutics for prosthetic dentistry: Part I

Abstract Statement of problem. Success or failure of a clinical procedure often hinges on the proper application of pharmacologic principles of locally acting drugs. The competent and successful practitioner must therefore have a good background in basic pharmacology, be knowledgeable of pharmacotherapeutics, and keep abreast of the latest advances in medicinal agents. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to review pharmacologic properties of prototype and new drugs that are particularly useful for operative procedures and treatment of the oral cavity. The information presented should enable clinicians to improve clinical outcomes and make a more knowledgeable assessment and comparison of standard drugs with recently released drugs. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:285-92.)
Batch Reactors for Hydrogen Production: Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Characterization

Transient batch-style reactors (CHAMP) were recently shown to be an attractive alternative to continuous-flow reactors for hydrogen production in portable and distributed applications, and idealized kinetic reactor models were used to analyze the performance characteristics. Here, we expand this analysis with the development of a comprehensive batch reactor model which accounts for the effects of mass transport limitations on reactor performance. The relationships between system design parameters and the rate-limiting processes that govern reactor output are identified and mapped out. Additionally, two modes of operation of either constant-volume or constant-pressure reactors are investigated. In constant-volume mode, the residence time is precisely controlled to reach a desired operating state in a trade-off between efficiency and power output without compressing the content of the reaction chamber. In constant-pressure mode, the volume of the reactor is actively reduced by moving a piston along the traj...
Influence of topical and systemic retinoids on basal cell carcinoma cell membranes

Although much recent work suggests that retinoids can prevent the development of epithelial cancers, their mechanism of action remains unknown. Since malignancy has been associated with alterations in gap junctions, desmosomes, microfilaments, and hemidesmosomes, the authors examined freeze-fracture replicas and thin sections of cell membranes of: (1) 11 basal cell cancers (BCC) treated twice daily for two weeks with topical 1.0% retinoid acid (RA); (2) 21 BCC treated for 2 to 17 weeks with oral 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA) (1.0-8.0 mg/kg/day); and (3) 17 BCC prior to retinoid treatment and/or after applications of vehicle alone. Both thin sections and replicas were examined and photographed in a single-blind fashion, and the density and size distribution of gap junctions and desmosomes were computed planimetrically. Topical RA treatment induced a two-fold increase in gap junction density (P less than 0.025) over controls. In contrast, RA produced a concurrent = 35% decrease in desmosome density. Systemic CRA did not significantly alter either gap junction or desmosome density or size. Finally, neither RA nor CRA treatment appeared to influence hemidesmosome or microfilament populations. Structural changes in both treatment groups did not correlate with either tumor regression or inflammation. Topical and systemic retinoids may exert their antineoplastic activity by different cellular mechanisms.
Adsorption isotherms of cholesterol and related compounds in non-aqueous reversed-phase chromatographic systems

Abstract The adsorption isotherms of cholesterol, cholesteryl acetate, cholesteryl formate and cholestanone were measured on two different chemically bonded C 18 silica columns, using acetonitrile-dichloromethane or acetonitrile- n -hexane as mobile phases. In all instances the experimental isotherms are nearly but not extactly linear, exhibit significant deviations from Langmuir isotherm behavior and are fairly well described by a three-parameter quadratic equation. However, the best representation of the experimental data is obtained with a four-parameter quadratic isotherm. A model was worked out to account for these isotherms and to attempt an explanation of the physical meaning of the isotherm parameters on the basis of the limited solubility of the compounds studied in the bulk liquid phase, of two-layer adsorption and of an association between the sorbed molecules. A detailed study of the dependence of the isotherm coefficients on various experimental parameters ( e.g. , type and specific surface area of the C 18 phase, type and concentration of the solvents in the mobile phase) gave results in qualitative agreement with the model.
Pain Management in Children with Severe Neurological Impairment (421)

of last resort. What is more controversial, however, is palliative sedation to unconsciousness for patients whose physical pain may be adequately managed, but whose existential suffering cannot be otherwise abated by aggressive multidisciplinary care. This session offers participants the opportunity to think about how work in existential psychology and philosophy can inform ethical decision-making and policy development related to palliative sedation. The debate over sedation for existential suffering rarely takes the time to articulate what is meant by the term existential suffering. Indeed, more often than not the meaning of the term is simply implied: suffering of or from a nonphysical etiology. In other words, suffering that is not equivalent to or arising from physical pain. While there are a handful of conceptual models of existential suffering in the psychology and palliative care literature, there is no commonly used definition or set of diagnostic criteria to identify suffering as existential. Yet, several professional societies including the American MedicalAssociationhave issuedpositionstatements opposing the use of palliative sedation for existential suffering. The diagnosis and treatment of existential suffering offers an opportunity for translational work between the humanities, social sciences, and palliative care. The literature and practice of psycho-oncology offers one example of such translation. Drawing on the work of Irvin Yolom in existential psychology, Breitbart and colleagues have developed interventions for suffering that translate Yalom’s four realms of existential concern into clinical interventions for advanced cancer patients. The panel will further investigate ways to translate conceptualizations of suffering in existential philosophy and psychology in ways that can more robustly inform the debate on the use of palliative sedation for existential suffering.
Substance abuse treatment completion in child welfare: Does substance abuse treatment completion matter in the decision to reunify families?

Abstract The question of why and under what circumstances family reunification takes place in the context of the child welfare system is complex and the presence of substance abuse only further complicates the picture. Past studies have explored a multitude of factors that are associated with family reunification among caregivers and children engaged with the child welfare system. Yet there is limited understanding of how families with substance abuse problems experience family reunification. This study attempts to fill this gap by investigating to what extent treatment completion is related to the likelihood of family reunification, using a sample of 858 mothers with substance abuse problems and their 1548 children in public child welfare. We utilized descriptive analysis and hierarchal nonlinear models (HNLM) to understand the effects of treatment completion on reunification. This current study provided important empirical evidence for the link between family reunification and treatment completion. Based on these findings, improvements in the way that treatment services are provided to mothers in child welfare are discussed.
Maintenance of Long-Term Weight Loss: Future Directions

This paper examines the limitations of previous adult intervention studies primarily designed for weight loss in obese and overweight subjects. High subject attrition rates, lack of success in long-term weight loss, and lack of programs developed for maintenance of weight loss are critical areas in need of investigation. Future long-term research studies (5 years) with innovative approaches to weight loss and maintenance are needed. For weight loss, screening and profiling subjects to different intervention approaches needs to be tested, along with slow versus fast weight loss. For maintenance of weight loss, tailoring, problem solving therapy, improved long-term physical activity adherence, and meal replacements need to be evaluated. The goal is to find interventions that foster maintenance of 10% weight loss for 3 to 5 years after intervention in 50% of subjects.
Amphiphilic Approach for Preparing Homopolyrotaxanes of Poly(ethylene oxide)

A new concept was introduced for preparing homopolyrotaxanes that lack an enthalpic driving force for threading, and which are therefore truly a physical entrapment of non-interacting cyclic molecules and linear polymer chains. It is based on the ability of amphiphiles to form lamellae and columnar micelles in solvents that selectively solvate one of its components. An amphiphilic macrocrown ether (MC-12) with an average ring size of 42 atoms attached to a hydrophobic 12-carbon tail was prepared by formation of the macrocycle in the presence of multiple potassium template ions under pseudo-high dilution conditions. MC-12 is almost insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, but forms micelles in benzene and toluene in the presence of water. The micellar solutions of MC-12 macroscopically phase separate if water-soluble threads are added, but remain intact and solubilize less-water-soluble poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives. PEG3350−bis(amine) threads do not react, or react incompletely, with tert-bu...
Procoagulant Properties of Flow Fields in Stenotic and Expansive Orifices

In the United States, over 125,000 mechanical heart valves (MHVs) are implanted each year. Flow through the MHV hinge can cause thromboemboli formation. The purpose of this study was to examine various orifice geometries representing the MHV hinge region and how these geometries may contribute to platelet activation and thrombin generation. We also characterized these flow fields with digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Citrated human blood at room temperature was forced through the orifices (400 and 800 μm ID) with a centrifugal bypass pump, continuously infusing calcium chloride to partially reverse the citrate anticoagulant. Blood samples were tested for the presence of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT) and platelet factor 4 (PF4). Velocity and shear stress were measured with DPIV using a blood analog fluid seeded with fluorescent microbeads. The results indicate that small changes in geometry, although they do not affect the bulk flow, change the coagulation propensity as blood flows through the orifices. A more abrupt geometry allows more stagnation to occur resulting in more thrombin generation. PF4 measurements indicated similar levels of platelet activation for all orifices. DPIV showed differences in the jets with respect to entrainment of stagnant fluid. These results help to pinpoint the important parameters that lead to flow stasis and subsequent thrombus formation.
Activities and viscosities of aqueous bile acid salt-lecithin solutions

Isopiestic and viscosity measurements on aqueous sodium cholate-lecithin solutions are reported at high concentrations which include the physiological region as a lower limit. At low cholate concentration, the addition of lecithin increases the activity of water, consistent with earlier studies showing increases of micellar weights. At higher cholate concentrations, the activity of water is independent of lecithin concentrations. Studies of binary solutions of bile acid salts and detergents agree very closely with earlier work.
The protective role of dietary unsaturated fatty acids against 2-undecanone-induced pupal mortality and deformity in Helicoverpa zea

As previously reported, the addition of 2-undecanone to the diet of Helicoverpa (Heliothis) zea (Boddie) causes pupal mortality and deformity. These toxic effects are antagonised by the addition of the unsaturated fatty acid linolenic acid to diet, with pupal deformity eliminated and mortality reduced by as much as one-half. Similar results were obtained with two other unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and oleic acids, but not with saturated stearic acid. These unsaturated fatty acids also increased pupal weight and developmental time. However, measurement of food consumption indicated that the effect of unsaturated fatty acids on pupal mortality is not an artifact of dilution of the fatty acid dietary dosage by an increased body size or of evaporation of 2-undecanone during prolonged larval development.
The scattering potential for a polytrope of degree 5

Abstract By regarding the study of radial and non-redial stellar oscillations as a problem in potential scattering theory, a standard form of the radial Schrodinger equation can be derived. After establishing some preliminary results of astrophysical interest, an analytic expression for the potential is derived for a truncated (i.e., finite radius) polytrope (or class of self-gravitating compressible spheres) of degree n = 5. Properties of the potential are discussed.
Similarity classes of3 × 3 matrices over a discrete valuation ring

Abstract Let Q be a complete discrete valuation ring. Let Π be a prime element in Q. Write P = ΠQ. For n = 1,2,…, letQn be the factor ring Q | Pn. Let G = G13(Qn. Denote by Mn the G-module of 3 × 3 matrices over Qn modulo scalar matrices. Canonical forms are found for every element in Mn, and it is shown that there exist five sets of similarity classes. Some results about the general case of N x N matrices over Q also are proved.
Glutamine and transforming growth factor-α stimulate extracellular regulated kinases and enhance recovery of villous surface area in porcine ischemic-injured intestine ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signals enterocyte proliferation via extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs). Because glutamine is required for EGF-stimulated proliferation and stimulates ERKs in intestinal cell culture, we hypothesized that glutamine and the EGF-related peptide transforming growth factor–alpha (TGF-α) would synergistically enhance repair associated with stimulation of ERKs. Methods: Thiry-Vella loops were created in juvenile pigs. One half of the loop was subjected to 2 hours of ischemia, and the other half served as control. Loops were infused daily with Ringer's solution containing 140 mmol/L glucose, 140 mmol/L glutamine, 140 mmol/L glucose plus 60 μg/L TGF-α, or 140 mmol/L glutamine plus 60 μg/L TGF-α. Results: After 2 hours of ischemia, complete villous epithelial sloughing was present. By 18 hours, villous epithelium had fully restituted, but villi remained stunted until 144 hours after injury. Glutamine + TGF-α triggered sustained increases in ERK activity compared with glucose-treated tissues (maximal at 18 hours), whereas glutamine alone or glucose + TGF-α caused only transient elevations in ERK activity. By 72 hours, villous surface area had increased to normal values with glutamine plus TGF-α treatment, whereas villi remained stunted with glucose alone, glutamine alone, or glucose plus TGF-α. Conclusions: Glutamine plus TGF-α treatment restored mucosal architecture within 72 hours of severe ischemic injury associated with sustained elevations in ERK activity. (Surgery 1999;125:186-94.)
Mission Rivalry: Use and Preservation Conflicts in National Parks Policy

The purpose of this study is to explore the conflict between use and preservation in national parks policy as seen through the mission statement of the National Parks Service. The histories of the national parks were qualitatively coded in order to further explore this controversy, or what we have termed "mission rivalry".
SU‐E‐T‐560: The Use of EBT2 Films for IPlan Commissioning Verification

Purpose: To evaluate the measured dose distributions using radiochromic EBT2 films for small fields in iPlan (BrainLab) commissioning. Methods: Radiochromic EBT2 films were irradiated with 6MV photons on a Varian Trilogy linac using polystyrene phantoms. The measurements included dose profiles and depth doses for field sizes of 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, and 10×10cm2 etc. The dose profile measurements were taken at the depth of 5cm. The calibration films were irradiated at dmax (1.4cm) for doses up to 6 Gy. Films were scanned using an Epson 10000XL flatbed scanner with 72 dpi resolution. Pixel values were converted to doses using the established calibration‐curve. The 2D dose distributions were generated from the film data analysis. In‐house software was utilized to compare the measured doses from films with the associated treatment planing data. In addition, sample patients' SRS plans were also measured with the EBT2 films for comparison with iPlan. MapCHECK was also used to check the central‐axis doses for the SRS patients' measurements. Results: The measured planar dose distributions achieved more than 95% passing rates with a set of 2%/2mm dose and DTA criteria for all patient treatment fields (< 5×5cm2). Agreement with measurement data with MapCHECK at the central axis (+1%) was found with the plan data. This is the first report for SRS small photon‐field measurements using the latest radiochromic film, EBT2. The results shown in this work indicate that the use EBT2 film provides accurate dosimetry measurements for small photon beams. The measurements show excellent agreement with validated small ion chamber measurements data that were entered into iPlan as commissioning data. Conclusions: The patient‐specific EBT2 film QA for iPlan SRS patients showed good results. The EBT2 films could potentially be a useful dosimeter in verification of commissioning as well as patient‐specific QA for SRS cases.
Freja's contribution to the ISTP event of October 27, 1992. A distorted magnetosphere

A unique arrangement of satellites and ground-based magnetometers has provided the opportunity to study the distortion of the magnetosphere by conditions of elevated solar wind dynamic pressure and high geomagnetic activity on October 27, 1992. Data were acquired by the near-Earth satellites Freja, UARS, DMSP-F8 and DMSP-F11, and by IMP-8. This study will focus on patterns of large-scale Birkeland currents deduced from the APL magnetic field experiments on Freja and UARS. Because of the relatively low inclinations of their orbits (63° for Freja and 57° for UARS) these satellites skim the current systems over a wide range of local time and provide a kind of “global image” of the Birkeland currents. Energetic particle data from the DMSP satellites are used in an attempt to complete the image of the auroral region. The principal findings of this study include the following. The dayside Birkeland current system is displaced 6° to 9° equatorward of the statistical pattern determined by Iijima and Potemra [1978] for undisturbed conditions (|AL|< 100 nT) and 3° equatorward of their disturbed statistical pattern (|AL|≥ 100 nT). The densities of these daytime Birkeland currents are estimated to be 1 to 2 µA/m², comparable to, but not larger than the statistical values determined by Iijima and Potemra for disturbed conditions. The nightside Birkeland currents are located close to the Iijima and Potemra disturbed statistical pattern and they are less intense than the dayside currents.
Surface structure of MBE-grown Fe3O4(001) by X-ray photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy

We have investigated the surface termination and interlayer relaxations of Fe3O4(001) grown on MgO(001) by oxygen-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Despite the fact that autocompensated surfaces can be constructed in principle by terminating with either a half layer of tetrahedral Fe, or a modified layer of octahedral Fe plus tetrahedral O, the combination of photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy suggest the former. The first four interlayer spacings are relaxed by-14%, -57%, -19%, and +29% of the respective bulk value. PACS numbers: 61.10Lx, 68.55.Bd.
EGFR kinase possesses a broad specificity for ErbB phosphorylation sites, and ligand increases catalytic-centre activity without affecting substrate binding affinity.

We previously found that EGF (epidermal growth factor) increases the EGFR (EGF receptor) kinase-binding affinity towards the major tyrosine phosphorylation sites in downstream adaptor proteins such as Gab1 (Grb2-associated binding protein 1) and Shc [Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and collagen containing protein], but not that towards EGFR autophosphorylation sites [Fan, Wong, Deb and Johnson (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 38143–38150]. EGFR activation can also result in transphosphorylation of tyrosine resides in the C-terminal region of the related receptors ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 in heterodimers which are formed upon ligand stimulation. In the present study, we investigated the specificity of EGFR kinase by comparing the steady state kinetic parameters for peptides derived from all four ErbBs in the absence or presence of EGF. Our results demonstrated that (i) EGFR kinase can efficiently phosphorylate a broad range of diverse peptide sequences representing ErbB sites; (ii) certain ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 sites had higher specificity constants than any EGFR sequence and (iii) EGF stimulation consistently increases the kcat approx. 5-fold, but does not significantly alter the Km for any ErbB peptides. Furthermore, peptides containing lysine at position −2 or −3 N-terminal to the target tyrosine were found to be poor EGFR kinase substrates, and substitution of these lysines with glutamine decreased the Km and increased the kcat for these substrates. We conclude that EGFR kinase-mediated ErbB transphosphorylations are mostly controlled at the level of oligomerization, and not by a preference of the EGFR kinase for phosphorylation sites in any particular ErbB. The results also demonstrated that, unlike phosphorylation sites in select downstream targets, EGF does not regulate the recognition of phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal region of any of the ErbBs.
The Validity of the Likelihood Principle

Abstract Some difficulties with the likelihood principle, as formulated by A. Birnbaum, are discussed by means of an example that focuses attention on the deeper structure underlying conventional statistical models. A restricted version of the likelihood principle, compatible with the subjective Bayesian approach, is stated.
Increasing returns, human capital, and the Kuznets curve

Abstract We present a simple model of human capital accumulation which generates the Kuznets curve as an equilibrium outcome. The central ingredient that helps generate the Kuznets curve in the model is what we call short-run increasing returns to scale in the learning technology. The learning technology exhibits increasing returns to scale, but only in the short run, since one of the factors of production, time, is bounded above by the endowment. We show that short-run increasing returns to scale is necessary to obtain the Kuznets curve, but not sufficient.
Comparison of the Immunogenicity of Hepatitis B Vaccine Administered Intradermally and Intramuscularly

Although hepatitis B vaccine reliably induces immunity to hepatitis B virus, the expense of intramuscular (im) vaccination with this product has limited its use. To determine if a smaller, less expensive, intradermal (id) dose of hepatitis B vaccine would be an effective alternative, we compared the response of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) following im vaccination to that following id vaccination. Volunteers who were seronegative for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen were enrolled in the study and received either im or id vaccine. A total of 108 subjects received three 1-mL im injections of hepatitis B vaccine, and another 110 subjects received four 0.1-mL id injections of the vaccine. Similar rates of seroconversion occurred; greater than or equal to 10 mIU of anti-HBs/mL was noted following either three im or three id vaccinations. Furthermore, 2 years after initiation of vaccination, the serum concentration of anti-HBs for id vaccine recipients was similar to that for im vaccine recipients.
A single amino acid change in histone H4 enhances UV survival and DNA repair in yeast

Single amino acid changes at specific DNA contacts of histones H3 and H4 generate SWI/SNF-independent (Sin) mutants in yeast. We have analyzed the effect of the Sin mutation at R45 of histone H4 on cell survival following UV irradiation, nucleotide excision repair (NER) and chromatin structure. We find that this mutation renders yeast cells more resistant to UV damage and enhances NER at specific chromatin loci. In the transcriptionally silent HML, repressed GAL10 and the constitutively active RPB2 loci, H4 R45 mutants exhibit enhanced repair of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) compared to wild-type (wt). However, the H4 R45 mutation does not increase the transcription of NER genes, disrupt transcriptional silencing of the HML locus or alter repression in the GAL10 locus. We have further shown that the H4 R45C mutation increases the accessibility of nucleosome DNA in chromatin to exogenous nucleases and may expedite nucleosome rearrangements during NER. Taken together, our results indicate that the increased repair observed in Sin mutants is a direct effect of the altered chromatin landscape caused by the mutation, suggesting that such subtle changes in the conserved histone residues can influence the accessibility of DNA repair factors in chromatin.
Early-Stage Design and Evaluation for Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Upgrades

As control rooms are modernized with new digital systems at nuclear power plants, it is necessary to evaluate operator performance with these systems as part of a verification and validation process. While there is regulatory and industry guidance for some modernization activities, there are no well defined standard processes or predefined metrics available for assessing what is satisfactory operator interaction with new systems, especially during the early design stages. This paper proposes a framework defining the design process and metrics for evaluating human system interfaces as part of control room modernization. The process and metrics are generalizable to other applications and serve as a guiding template for utilities undertaking their own control room modernization activities.