cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bond strengths of the lost salt procedure: a new retention method for resin-bonded fixed prostheses.

Abstract Shear bond tests were described for a new lost salt procedure for developing retention to the metal framework for a resin-bonded fixed partial denture. It was found that different salt crystal sizes influence the bond strength. The salt crystal size range of 150 μm to 250 μm was significantly stronger than the smaller and larger size ranges tested. This size range produced a surface more easily evaluated visually than an etched metal surface for retention. The bond failure observed was a fracture of the bonding resin and not an adhesive pulling our of the resin from the cubic surface voids.
A METHOD FOR THE ASSAY OF THE GONADOTROPIN CONTENT OF NORMAL HUMAN URINE1

THE PURPOSE OF THE WORK reported here is to establish a reliable, simple, repn ducible assay method for gonadotropic activity in the urine from normal men and women. Among the many methods which have been suggested for this purpose, the following should be emphasised. Zondek's (1)alcohol precipitation has been modified and used by Albright, Halsted and Cloney (2), Saethre (3),Heller andHeller (4), McCullagh (5), and many others. Katz,man originated the use of tungstic acid(6, 7, 8) and the adsorption of the activity on finely divided bensoic acid (8, 9). The latter he later abandoned (10). Levin and Tyndale (11,12, 13) favor precipitation by tannic acid, a method also used by Katsman (10) Friedman and Weinstein (14) and von Haam and Rothermich (15). In preliminary work we found the tannic acid method satisfactory for human pregnancy urine, butwhen we attempted to use it on the much less active urine of normal women, we found that it was useless because of the high toxicity of the tannic acid precipitates.
Thermodynamics of Micelle-Water Partitioning in Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography: Comparisons with 1-Octanol-Water Partitioning and Biopartitioning

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was evalu ated as a model for biopartitioning. The thermodynamics for water−micelle partitioning are measured and compared with literature values for both biopartitioning and water−1-octanol partitioning. It was found that the free energy of transfer (ΔG) is dominated by the entropic term (ΔS) for both water−micelle partitioning and biopartitioning, but the enthalpic term (ΔH) dominates for water−1-octanol partitioning. Thermodynamic values of transfer and water−micelle partition coefficients are presented for a series of 67 solutes with varying functionalities. This work demonstrates the usefulness of MEKC for estimating biopartitioning by establishing a correlation between biopartitioning and water−micelle partitioning. Also, this method incorporates the economic advantages of capillary electrophoresis (CE), which include fast analysis times, low sample consumption, the use of aqueous buffer systems, and low organic solvent use and disposal. Solute retention...
Electrically Conductive Metallomacrocyclic Assemblies

The design, synthesis, and study of electrically conductive molecular and polymeric substances constitute a new scientific endeavor involving the interaction of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. The strategies, developments, and challenges in these two closely related fields are analyzed via a class of materials that bridges both: assemblies of electrically conductive metallomacrocycles. It is seen that efforts to rationally synthesize tailored, "metal-like" molecular arrays lead logically to structure-enforced polymeric assemblies of linked molecular subunits such as metallophthalocyanines. The properties of these assemblies and fragments thereof provide information on the relationship between atomic-level local architecture, electronic structure, and macroscopic transport properties. Electrcally conductive, processable polymeric materals also follow from these results.
Fatal cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a forty-three-year-old male.

A 43-year-old patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip, multiple actinic keratoses, and multiple sequential SCC on sun-exposed areas of his skin developed a subcutaneous nodule of SCC in an area where a cutaneous SCC had been excised 1 year previously. At the time of the subcutaneous nodule there was no evidence of metastases; 5 months later he had metastatic bone disease as well as apparent metastases to myocardium, pericardium, and pleura. The patient is notable for the young age at primary diagnosis of SCC, the fulminant lethal course of a tumor which is generally considered curable, and a family history to which SCC occurred over three generations.
Effect of ethanol on the oxidative metabolism of tryptamine by rat liver homogenate.

Abstract 1 The effect of a wide range of ethanol concentrations (v/v) on indoleacetic acid (IAA) formation from the oxidative deamination of tryptamine was studied in vitro, in rat whole liver homogenate. 2 IAA production was inhibited progressively by ethanol in concentrations between 0.01% to 0.2%, but the inhibition declined when the ethanol concentration was increased further to 6%. 3 Ethanol-induced inhibition of IAA formation was only partially reversed by excess aldehyde dehydrogenase, whereas reductions in IAA formation were completely prevented by pyrazole or ethanol (6% and 10%) itself. 4 Excess nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide failed to alter the inhibitory effect of ethanol and no evidence was obtained for inhibition of monoamine oxidase by ethanol or its metabolite, acetaldehyde. 5 We conclude that ethanol indirectly inhibits IAA production as a result of oxidation of ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase, during which the oxidative metabolism of tryptamine is shifted towards the reductive pathway, thus favouring the formation of tryptophol in place of IAA.
Covariance analysis and fitting of germanium gamma-ray detector efficiency calibration data

Abstract The measurement of neutron-induced reaction cross sections often requires detection of either prompt gamma rays or gamma rays emitted during the decay of radio nuclides. This paper describes the analytical procedures we use to generate calibrations for germanium gamma-ray detector full-energy-peak efficiency ϵ versus photon energy E, and to predict the associated uncertainties. Our method, which involves fitting a parameterized regression formula to measured data by the principle of least squares, is widely applicable beyond the specific problem considered here. It differs from most commonly used methods in that comprehensive use is made of available information on all known sources of random and systematic (correlated) error associated with the calibration process. This is accomplished through the formation and application of a calibration-data covariance matrix. Objective prediction of the errors in subsequently derived quantities (e.g., detector efficiencies at energies not directly represented in the calibration data) is then achieved through error propagation. Specifically, this paper discusses our experiences in fitting the particular empirical formula In ϵ = Σk−1mpk(InE)k−1 to measured calibration data at gamma-ray energies from just above 200 keV to several MeV. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the utility of this approach.
Effect of surface treatments on the bond strength of etched-metal resin-bonded retainers

The effects of surface treatments on the shear bond strength of etched metal to bovine enamel were evaluated. Abraded etched metal without contamination had the highest shear bond, while debonding occurred within the resin interface rather than in the resin to etched metal or resin to enamel.
Natural history of Trisomy 13 in unselected liveborn patients: Comparison with the S.O.F.T. data

Despite the frequency of trisomy 13, information regarding the natural history is limited. The frequently cited pessimistic survival statistics are based on the large (over 200 cases) study of Magenis et al.which is now 30 years old. More recently a survey of parents belonging to the Support Organization for Trisomies (SOFT) provided more optimistic survival data as well as some information on growth, medical history, and recurrence risk in trisomy 13 (Baty et al 1994). Because these data were provided by parents who belong to a self-selected group, the possibility of ascertainment bias toward milder, longer surviving cases must be considered. We report our series of 18 unselected consecutive liveborn patients with trisomy 13 observed during the last 5 years. 10 patients died in the neonatal period, 1 died at 2.5 weeks, 1 died at 2.5 years, and the remainder were last known to be alive at ages of 1 mo, 3mo, 6mo, 1 yr, and 2 yrs (2 patients). Therefore the probability of survival was 47% at 1 week, 41% at one month, 33% at 6 mo, and 29% at 1 yr. Although the percentage of neonatal deaths is greater, the survival at later ages is comparable to the SOFT data. Complex congenital heart disease was the strongest indicator of poor prognosis, found in 7/9 patients who died neonatally and in none of those surviving more than 1 month. Other indicators of severe prognosis were gestation 36 weeks, not ventilator dependent, and do not have complex congenital heart disease or severe CNS lesions have a significantly better prognosis (5/6 survived > 3months). There were no familial recurrences of trisomy 13 in our study, but one family had a previous child with trisomy 18. The mothers of our patients had a total of 32 previous pregnancies resulting in 19 livebirths (including the trisomy 18) and 13 miscarriages (no reported theraputic abortions). These data are comparable to the SOFT data which included 40 previous pregnancies with 9 miscarriages and one family with a previous trisomy 18 conception. Combining these data yields a risk of 31% for miscarriage and 3% for autosomal trisomy in previous pregnancies. The recurrence risk for autosomal trisomy may be greater than previously suggested.
Use of agent-based modeling for e-governance research

This tutorial focuses on the basic functionalities of an emerging simulation modeling technique (i.e., agent-based modeling), the use of the tool for modeling a managerial issue, and the analysis of simulation data for electronic governance (e-governance) research. It also articulates potential questions that may be raised in each step of modeling. The tutorial ends with perspectives on critical subjects in ABM.
Non‐trophic effects of litter reduce ant predation and determine caterpillar survival and distribution

The tritrophic model featuring plants consumed by herbivores consumed by parasitoids or predators has become the primary paradigm used to describe herbivore dynamics. However, interactions involving herbivores can be habitat- specific and plants often provide habitat, as well as food. Structural complexity of the habitat may favor predators or may allow herbivore prey to escape detection and capture. This study considered the spatial and temporal dynamics of an arctiid caterpillar, Platyprepia virginalis. The tritrophic model that includes only a tachinid parasitoid that attacks P. virginalis and the caterpillars’ primary host-plant, Lupinus arboreus, has failed to provide much insight into this system. Instead, we found that ants killed and removed many small caterpillars. Protecting caterpillars from ants increased their survival three-fold and five-fold in assays conducted during two years. Caterpillars were more likely to survive in short-term assays at sites that naturally had a deeper cover of dead and living plant material. Experiments with baits showed that ant recruitment declined as litter depth increased on average. These survey results indicated that ant predation was an important source of mortality for young caterpillars and that the presence of thick litter reduced this mortality. These results were corroborated in an experiment that manipulated litter depth and ant access to caterpillars. Previous findings that other defoliating caterpillars increased litter depth and benefitted P. virginalis are also consistent with this hypothesis. Litter acts as an important non-trophic resource, allowing caterpillars to avoid predation by ants such that wet sites with deep litter act as source populations for caterpillars. Our results show strong effects of both trophic and non-trophic interactions since plants indirectly provided limiting habitat and this heterogeneous habitat strongly affected risk of predation and ultimately caterpillar abundance and distribution.
Starch–borate complexes for EPTC encapsulation

A modification of the starch-borate technique for encapsulating the herbicide S -ethyl dipropyl­ thiocarbamate (EPTC) was explored. It consists of mixing the herbicide into a neutral paste of pregelatinized starch or flour followed by addition of ammonia or an amine. The paste is treated with boric acid or a borate salt to form a gel, which is coated with additional starch or flour to facilitate breaking down the gel to particles in the 10-35-mesh range suitable for drying. An important ad­ vantage of this neVi technique is the moderate operating pH range (9.0-11.0) and final pH range (7.2-8.5) of aqueous suspensions of the dried product, which may allow encapsulation of acid and alkali labile substances. Addition of a surfactant in the encapsulation mixture improves the recovery of the volatile EPTC. Also, about 15% less water is required than in the original technique. In the presence of water, these particles show greater swelling than particles encapsulated by the starch xanthate or starch calcium adduct techniques. However, swelling is decreased by increasing the borate content. EPTC encapsulated by this new technique shows no loss of active ingredient when dry and exposed to the atmosphere, but shows loss when placed in water. The rate of release of active ingredient through several wetting and drying cycles compares favorably with that of products made by other starch-based encapsulation methods.
Spatiotemporal effects of sonoporation measured by real-time calcium imaging.

Abstract To investigate the effects of sonoporation, spatiotemporal evolution of ultrasound-induced changes in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined using real-time fura-2AM fluorescence imaging. Monolayers of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were exposed to a 1-MHz ultrasound tone burst (0.2 s, 0.45 MPa) in the presence of Optison™ microbubbles. At extracellular [Ca2+]o of 0.9 mM, ultrasound application generated both nonoscillating and oscillating (periods 12 to 30 s) transients (changes of [Ca2+]i in time) with durations of 100–180 s. Immediate [Ca2+]i transients after ultrasound application were induced by ultrasound-mediated microbubble–cell interactions. In some cases, the immediately affected cells did not return to pre-ultrasound equilibrium [Ca2+]i levels, thereby indicating irreversible membrane damage. Spatial evolution of [Ca2+]i in different cells formed a calcium wave that was observed to propagate outward from the immediately affected cells at 7–20 μm/s over a distance >200 μm, causing delayed transients in cells to occur sometimes 60 s or more after ultrasound application. In calcium-free solution, ultrasound-affected cells did not recover, consistent with the requirement of extracellular Ca2+ for cell membrane recovery subsequent to sonoporation. In summary, ultrasound application in the presence of Optison™ microbubbles can generate transient [Ca2+]i changes and oscillations at a focal site and in surrounding cells via calcium waves that last longer than the ultrasound duration and spread beyond the focal site. These results demonstrate the complexity of downstream effects of sonoporation beyond the initial pore formation and subsequent diffusion-related transport through the cellular membrane. (E-mail address: cxdeng@umich.edu )
Textual analysis of government data: an introduction

The goals of this short tutorial are 1) to learn about some methodological approaches for systematically analyzing government text; 2) to share information and ideas about government data research opportunities; and 3) to work through a couple of example applications using the Python and R Programming languages that provide a sense of possibility. Registered participants will receive advance information and may want to bring a laptop or equivalent. Our examples will be in the Python and R programing languages. No advance knowledge of R or Python is required (but is obviously helpful!)
The organic–cathode interface in Alq3-based organic light-emitting devices: new insights from ab-initio molecular dynamics

Abstract A brief summary is given of a recent study of Alq 3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminum) (Alq 3 )–metal interfaces using density-functional-theory-based molecular dynamics. The systems simulated are the organic molecule interacting with lithium, aluminum and calcium surfaces as well as with individual metal atoms. Structural and bonding properties as well as electronic spectra reveal clear differences between the three cases as well as common features.
Analytic Nonstationary Processes

In 1952, Cramer introduced a class of nonstationary processes. This broad class of processes contains the important harmonizable and stationary classes of processes. The Cramer class can have additional structure imposed upon it through Cesaro summability considerations. This paper obtains conditions for the analyticity of the sample paths of a class of these processes. A sampling theorem is presented as a natural application.
Emotional availability: Concept, research, and window on developmental psychopathology

The construct of emotional availability (EA) refers to the capacity of a dyad to share an emotional connection and to enjoy a mutually fulfilling and healthy relationship. The EA Scales were designed to assess multiple components of a relationship from the perspective of both partners. The four caregiver components include sensitivity, structuring, nonintrusiveness, and nonhostility; two scales measure the child's responsiveness to the caregiver and involvement of the caregiver. We describe the EA construct and introduce the papers in this issue, focusing on the contributions of this Special Section to a developmental psychopathology framework.
Aging and Speed of Behavior: CNS Arousal and Reaction Time Distribution Analyses

This research sought to determine the impact of arousal/activation, sex/gender, stimulus quality, practice, and task type on age-related slowing, as measured by reaction time, with analysis of RT distribution characteristics. Forty-four male and female subjects participated in the experiment: 28 young and 16 elderly. Subjects performed four-choice visual reaction tasks while seated and standing (postural stimulation of the central nervous system), with intersession practice and a complete replication of the study on a second day. Visual stimuli were presented as variable choice reaction time (VCRT) and serial choice reaction time (SCRT) tasks, i.e., in intact and degraded forms at varying response stimulus intervals (RSIs) and at a fixed response stimulus interval (RSI = 0), respectively. Data were analyzed by central tendency as well as variance, skewness, and unusually fast or slow responses. In addition to expected age-related slowing, results showed increased variance in elderly RT distributions, an o...
Third response to Kuester's comments on Maxwell's equations

Additional comments on an ongoing controversy on Maxwell's equations are presented. Kuester's (see ibid., vol.EMC-29, no.2, p.187, 1987), relation for the magnitude of the electric field strength for a planar TEM wave with any polarisation excited by an electric step function is discussed. >
Quadratic optimal cooperative control synthesis with flight control application

An optimal control-law synthesis approach is presented that involves simultaneous solution for two cooperating controllers operating in parallel. One controller's structure includes stochastic state estimation and linear feedback of the state estimates, while the other controller involves direct linear feedback of selected system output measurements. This structure is shown to be optimal under the constraint of linear feedback of system outputs in one controller. Furthermore, it is appropriate for flight control synthesis where the full-state optimal stochastic controller can be adjusted to be representative of an optimal control model of the human pilot in a stochastic regulation task. The method is experimentally verified in the case of the selection of pitch-damper gain for optimum pitch tracking, where optimum implies the best subjective pilot rating in the task. Finally, results from application of the method to synthesize a controller for a multivariable fighter aircraft are presented, and implications of the results of this method regarding the optimal plant dynamics for tracking are discussed.
Atmospheric Condensational Properties of Ultrafine Chain and Fractal Aerosol Particles

The purpose for the research sponsored by this grant was to lay the foundations for qualitative understanding and quantitative description of the equilibrium vapor pressure of water vapor over the irregularly shaped, carbonaceous particles that are present in the atmosphere. This work apparently was the first systematic treatment of the subject. Research was conducted in two complementary components: 1. Calculations were performed of the equilibrium vapor pressure of water over particles comprised of aggregates of spheres in the 50-200 nm radius range. The purposes of this work were two-fold. First, since no systematic treatment of this subject had previously been conducted, its availability would be directly useful for quantitative treatment for a limited range of atmospheric aerosols. Second, it would provide qualitative indications of the effects of highly irregular particle shape on equilibrium vapor pressure of aggregates comprised of smaller spheres.
The Schizophrenia Susceptibility Gene dysbindin Controls Synaptic Homeostasis

The molecular mechanisms that achieve homeostatic stabilization of neural function remain largely unknown. To better understand how neural function is stabilized during development and throughout life, we used an electrophysiology-based forward genetic screen and assessed the function of more than 250 neuronally expressed genes for a role in the homeostatic modulation of synaptic transmission in Drosophila. This screen ruled out the involvement of numerous synaptic proteins and identified a critical function for dysbindin, a gene linked to schizophrenia in humans. We found that dysbindin is required presynaptically for the retrograde, homeostatic modulation of neurotransmission, and functions in a dose-dependent manner downstream or independently of calcium influx. Thus, dysbindin is essential for adaptive neural plasticity and may link altered homeostatic signaling with a complex neurological disease.
Inhibitory deficits in Tourette's syndrome.

A developmental approach to the study of psychopathology can broaden understanding of a wide variety of complex psychological disorders. This article reviews research on Tourette’s syndrome (TS), a developmental disorder characterized by unwanted motor and vocal tics. Over the past decade, knowledge of the neurobiology and pathophysiology of TS has progressed rapidly. The application of brain imaging techniques, primarily magnetic resonance imaging, to the study of Tourette’s has increased knowledge of structural and functional deficits in brain areas associated with behavioral and psychological disturbances in the disorder. By reviewing some of this work, we will describe one way in which knowledge of brain function in TS has both informed and been informed by a developmental science approach. In particular, we will consider the extent to which the cognitive and emotional development of persons with TS may be affected by specific neurobiological characteristics of the disorder.
Therapeutic Response to Medium-Chain Triglycerides and ω-3 Fatty Acids in a Patient With the Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome

We have studied the underlying molecular defect in a patient presenting with recurrent pancreatitis, hypertriglyceridemia, and virtually undetectable postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass and activity, who normalized her triglycerides 3 to 6 months after initiation of either medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3-FA) therapy. After treatment, postheparin plasma LPL activity and mass ranged from 24% to 39% of normal and LPL specific activity was normal (1.0 nmol.ng-1.min-1). On discontinuation of MCT oil or omega-3-FA, plasma triglyceride increased to > 2000 mg/dL. Northern blotting revealed both normal size and abundance of LPL mRNA isolated from adipocytes as well as macrophages. Sequence analysis of the LPL gene, which included all 10 exons, intron-exon splice junctions, and 1.7 kb of the 5'-flanking region, and of LPL cDNA failed to identify any mutations. ApoC-II activity and mass assays revealed the presence of normal levels of a fully functional cofactor as well as the absence of circulating plasma inhibitors of lipase function. In summary, we describe a unique patient presenting with classical features of the familial chylomicronemia syndrome who manifests an unusually beneficial therapeutic response to MCT oil and omega-3-FA therapy. Unlike that in most patients with LPL deficiency, the chylomicronemia in this patient is not caused by a mutation in the structural LPL gene but possibly by a posttranscriptional defect. Thus, a subset of LPL-deficient patients with unique genetic defects respond to therapy by normalizing fasting plasma triglycerides; a therapeutic trial with MCT oil should be considered in all patients presenting with the familial chylomicronemia syndrome.
The Taub solution again

A recent paper claiming to have found the true general vacuum solution of the locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type IX spatially homogeneous Einstein equations already found by Taub in 1 rediscovers that solution.
The importance of connection to nature in assessing environmental education programs

Abstract Environmental education imparts knowledge and creates experience to change beliefs, attitudes – and most importantly – behavior. What are the deep motivators of human behavior? Theory and research suggest that feeling connected to someone or something motivates protective and self-sacrificing behavior. This paper reviews the large body of research demonstrating that connectedness to nature is an important predictor of environmentally responsible behavior. We review past research on self-reported behavior, then summarize new research from our lab that demonstrates a link between connectedness to nature and actual conservation behavior (electricity use). We conclude that promoting connectedness to nature should be a goal for environmental education programs, and should therefore be an important part of any assessment.
Comparison of threshold galling results from two testing methods

In this investigation, threshold galling tests were performed on several types of stainless steel using area contact and line contact testing procedures. The area contact test method employed was the ASTM standard G98, button-on-block test. In this test method, the end of a cylindrical button is placed in contact with a flat block at a desired contact pressure. The button specimen is rotated through one revolution and both specimens are visually inspected for the presence of galling. The line contact test method used was the button-on-cylinder test where the end of a stationary button contacts a cylinder along its length. After a given load is applied, the cylinder is rotated for a fixed number of cycles and the wear surfaces are inspected for galling. A comparison of the threshold galling results from each of the test methods is discussed in this report. Various testing conditions that influence the onset of galling are discussed, including sliding distance, surface oxide layer thickness, and stress distribution as well as the impact of the interpretation of experimental data on reported galling threshold magnitudes.
Creep fracture characteristics of weld-repaired cast Ti-6Al-4V

Constant load creep tests were conducted with cast Ti-6Al-4 V bars in air and vacuum at 315† and 650†C. Some of the bars were notched in their gauge section and heliarc-welded to simulate a weld repair in a casting. Results indicate that the welding has little influence on the time to rupture of the bars. Fractographic analysis of the bars indicates minor differences in the welded and unwelded fracture surfaces. However, these differences do not affect the microstructural influence on the creep and fracture processes. The prior beta grain, size and the alpha platelet size are shown to control the creep fracture of this alloy. These data show that weld repair of titanium castings for creep applications should be acceptable.
The formation of vacuole membranes in the presence and absence of cell nucleus in amoebae.

Abstract The formation of new vacuoles around injected algae was studied in amoebae at intervals after enucleation. Algae initially lay free for 3 h within the amoeba cytoplasm, after which they gradually became individually enclosed within single-vacuole membranes. During the initial stage of vacuole formation (4–24 h), discontinuous pieces of non-trilaminar membrane-like structures appeared around the algae, which were not associated with any preexisting membranes. Over 85 and 50% of injected algae became enclosed in vacuoles in amoebae that had been without nuclei between 0–16 and 18–36 h, respectively. Thus, it appeared that vacuole-forming activity was not under the immediate control of cell nuclei. This mode of vacuole formation suggested that the initial vacuole membranes might arise de novo.
Trans-acting factors dictate the species-specific placental expression of corticotropin-releasing factor genes in choriocarcinoma cell lines

CRF, in addition to its role in the hypothalamus, demonstrates species-specific expression in the placentas of higher primates, but not rodents. Transient transfections of BeWo and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, as models for human trophoblasts, demonstrate regulated expression of human (h) CRF-luciferase reporter genes, whereas little or no expression is detected in other lines, including CV-1 cells. The rodent choriocarcinoma cell line, Rcho-1, a model for rodent trophoblasts, is defective in the expression of transfected hCRF genes. The mouse CRF promoter behaves similarly to the corresponding hCRF construct. It is active in BeWo and inactive in Rcho-1 cells. The transcriptional response to cAMP contributes to the specific expression of CRF. Analyses of deleted or mutated hCRF promoters identify a key role for protein kinase A-dependent pathways. A major part, but not all, of this effect is mediated by the canonical cAMP response element conserved in mouse, rat, and human CRF promoters. Additional deletions of the human CRF promoter identify control regions that also contribute to the observed species-specific expression pattern, and each identified region binds factors in nuclear extracts derived from the appropriate cell line. These studies using human and rodent choriocarcinoma cell lines as models of placental trophoblasts demonstrate dominant effects of cellular trans-acting factors, rather than DNA sequence differences, in dictating the species-specific placental expression of CRF.
Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cerebral arteriovenous malformation obliteration after stereotactic radiosurgery

Background Stereotactic radiosurgery is ideal for treating small cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that are surgically inaccessible. However, given the inherent delay of AVM obliteration and the potential for radiosurgical failure, detailed evaluation of the neurovascular architecture is necessary to monitor persistence of residual flow. Modern imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography allow clinicians to assess transnidus flow after radiosurgical intervention. Objective To determine the accuracy of an MRI diagnosis of complete thrombosis and to identify variables that affect the precision of MRI assessment. Methods One hundred twenty patients were reviewed after receiving radiosurgery at the University of Florida from 1990 to 2010. Each patient had an MRI demonstrating AVM obliteration and an angiogram either confirming or denying AVM thrombosis. Results MRI correctly predicted complete AVM obliteration in 82% of patients. There was a significant correlation between AVM volume and MRI accuracy in 2 separate models. In the first model, logistic regression analysis revealed a significant linear relationship between the natural log of AVM volume and MRI accuracy. The second model showed significant evidence of a cutoff point in MRI accuracy near an AVM volume of 2.80 cm(3), above which MRI agreement with angiography is 90% and below which MRI agreement falls off sharply to remain constant at 70%. Conclusion MRI is a useful diagnostic system for assessing AVM obliteration, but its accuracy is inherently linked to the nidus volume it is measuring. These results suggest that MRI may be able to take on an increasingly independent role in the evaluation of AVM regression.
Outer membrane vesicles alter inflammation and coagulation mediators.

Abstract Introduction Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) were previously shown to be capable of initiating the inflammatory response seen in the transition of an infection to sepsis. However, another tenet of sepsis is the development of a hypercoagulable state and the role of OMVs in the development of this hypercoagulability has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of OMVs to elicit endothelial mediators of coagulation and inflammation and induce platelet activation. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with OMVs and were analyzed for the expression of tissue factor (TF), thrombomodulin, and the adhesion molecules P-selectin and E-selectin. Supernatants of OMV-treated HUVECs were mixed with whole blood and assessed for prothrombotic monocyte–platelet aggregates (MPA). Results OMVs induce significantly increased expression of TF, E-selectin, and P-selectin, whereas, the expression of thrombomodulin by HUVECs is significantly decreased ( P Conclusions This study demonstrates that, at the cellular level, OMVs from pathogenic bacteria play a complex role in endothelial activation. Although OMV-bound lipopolysaccharide modulates inflammatory proteins, including E-selectin, it has a negligible effect on the tested coagulation mediators. Additionally, endothelial activation by OMVs facilitates platelet activation as indicated by increased MPAs. By influencing the inflammatory and coagulation cascades, OMVs may contribute to the hypercoagulable response seen in sepsis.
Power generation in fed-batch microbial fuel cells as a function of ionic strength, temperature, and reactor configuration

Power density, electrode potential, coulombic efficiency, and energy recovery in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were examined as a function of solution ionic strength, electrode spacing and composition, and temperature. Increasing the solution ionic strength from 100 to 400 mM by adding NaCl increased power output from 720 to 1330 mW/m2. Power generation was also increased from 720 to 1210 mW/m2 by decreasing the distance between the anode and cathode from 4to 2 cm. The power increases due to ionic strength and electrode spacing resulted from a decrease in the internal resistance. Power output was also increased by 68% by replacing the cathode (purchased from a manufacturer) with our own carbon cloth cathode containing the same Pt loading. The performance of conventional anaerobic treatment processes, such as anaerobic digestion, are adversely affected by temperatures below 30 degrees C. However, decreasing the temperature from 32 to 20 degrees C reduced power output by only 9%, primarily as a result of the reduction of the cathode potential. Coulombic efficiencies and overall energy recovery varied as a function of operating conditions, but were a maximum of 61.4 and 15.1% (operating conditions of 32 degrees C, carbon paper cathode, and the solution amended with 300 mM NaCl). These results, which demonstrate that power densities can be increased to over 1 W/m2 by changing the operating conditions or electrode spacing, should lead to further improvements in power generation and energy recovery in single-chamber, air-cathode MFCs.
Multiple comparisons of three ordered normal means for unbalanced models

Abstract In this paper attention is directed towards the unbalanced one-way analysis of variance model with three populations, where the treatment means are known to satisfy the simple ordering μ 1 ≤ μ 2 ≤ μ 3 . The problem of constructing simultaneous one-sided confidence intervals for the ordered pairwise differences of the treatment means μ 3 − μ 2 , μ 3 − μ 1 and μ 2 − μ 1 , is considered. A method of obtaining the exact critical points required by the confidence intervals is described, and some exact critical points are tabulated for small sample sizes. More generally, a method of obtaining tight conservative critical points is presented, and these conservative critical points are tabulated to cover all possible sample sizes.
Agonistic Behaviour in Larvae of the Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma Gracile): the Effects of Kinship, Familiarity and Population Source

We examined whether kinship and familiarity influenced the agonistic behaviour of larvae from three different populations of the Northwestern salamander, Ambystoma gracile. We tested for differential behaviour (1) between individuals within each population; (2) among the three populations; and (3) between non-siblings originating from the same, versus a different, pond. Within each population, larvae failed to discriminate conspecifics based upon either their genetic relatedness or their familiarity. However, individuals from one population displayed significantly more agonistic behaviour than did larvae from the other two populations. Neither familiarity nor the population source of individuals, by themselves, influenced the ability of individuals to discriminate between unrelated larvae from the same, versus a different, pond. Rather, familiarity and pond of origin interacted to alter larval behaviour in a non-additive fashion. This familiarity x pond interaction suggests that, under some conditions, larvae could distinguish between conspecifics from their own, versus a different pond; i.e. larvae significantly reduced acts of aggression and submission toward unrelated individuals from a different pond, but only when they were familiarized. The apparent lack of kin discrimination in A. gracile contrasts with the discriminatory abilities of most other amphibians that have been investigated. Thus, scrutiny of the life history and ecology of this species may provide important clues as to the selective forces operating on the evolution of kin discrimination in larval amphibians.
Characteristics and Function of Cryopreserved Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Background This study examined ex vivo expansion of bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) from cryopreserved bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells, and evaluated proliferation and migration function of the cryopreserved EPC (Cryo-EPC). Methods Bone marrow samples were taken from swine iliac bone (n = 6). Isolated bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells were cultured or cryopreserved at −80°C for 2 to 3 months. After cell culture for 4 days, attached cells, EPCs with or without cryopreservation, were collected. Direct fluorescent staining by acetylated low-density lipoprotein, isolectin B4, and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole were performed to confirm the attached cells as EPC. Endothelial progenitor cell proliferation by vascular endothelial growth factor was evaluated by the tetrazolium method. Endothelial progenitor cell migration in response to stromal-derived factor-1α was also evaluated by using a Boyden chamber assay. Results The percentage of cells positively stained by direct fluorescent staining by acetylated low-density lipoprotein and isolectin B4 was similar between fresh and Cryo-EPC (EPC = 96.0 ± 0.42 versus Cryo-EPC = 95.2 ± 1.2; p = 0.21). Vascular endothelial growth factor increased proliferation activity in fresh and Cryo-EPC ( p p Conclusions Ex vivo expansion by cell culture was a useful method for collection of bone marrow–derived EPC from cryopreserved mononuclear cells. Proliferation and migration function of EPC is preserved after cryopreservation.
Combustion Hot Spot Analysis for Single-Side-Fired Tubes in a Floor-Fired Box Furnace

The combustion zone in a process heater can be treated as an agglomeration or series of confined jet-flame systems that emanate from burner tiles and expand to an allocated fire box crosssectional area. Possible failure of the tubes containing the process fluid due to local over heating requires the ability to predict detailed radiative heat flux and temperature distribution from the knowledge of the inlet and boundary condition and the system geometry. An analytical model has been developed which is capable of determining the heat transferred by radiation. The variation of the dimensionless heat flux number with varying firebox to burner area ration, length to clearance ratio and a dimensionless distance along the combustion zone is studied. A C-program is developed which displays these results for various single-side-gas-fired tubes in floor-fired box furnace geometry. Results were also displayed for the variation of heat flux along the length of the vertical tube carrying the process fluid for single side fired tubes in a two-burner floor-fired box. The results of the analytical model developed are in good agreement with the published data.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
“Shaping history” or “Riding the wave”?: President Bush's influence on the public opinion of terrorism, homeland security, & crime

Abstract The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to predict the impact of presidential rhetoric on the public's concern for terrorism, homeland security, and crime as the “most important problems facing the country.” Using OLS time-series regression, the authors find consistent results that President Bush influenced public opinion in relation to terrorism, homeland security and crime, despite the overwhelming events of September 11th and its impact. The article concludes by discussing the president's ability to shape events and how some events shape the presidency.
Using Potential Path Trees to Map Sex Offender Access to Schools

Many states and municipalities prohibit registered sex offenders from residing near schools or other places where children gather. Such residence restrictions are employed in order to prevent sex crimes against children by reducing sex offender access to possible victims. Although numerous academic studies suggest that residence restrictions fail to reduce crime rates or are otherwise inappropriate, the potential effectiveness of these policies has not thoroughly been evaluated from a spatial accessibility perspective. This study explores the spatial accessibility of sex offenders to public schools in a city with enforced residence restrictions, St. Louis, Missouri. The goal of the analysis is to examine how accessible schools are to sex offenders with a history of crimes against children or minors. Unlike previous studies, however, accessibility is measured not only near the place of residence but also during expected routine activities that occur away from the home, such as at the work place or during commutes. To accomplish this, methods of time geography are used to measure cumulative sex offender accessibility to schools based on the home and work addresses of registered individuals. Specifically, potential path trees are used to estimate sex offender access to schools given estimated daily travel budgets. The results show that, while few registered offenders in the city live near schools, nearly all are expected to come in close proximity to them either near the work place or during the expected journey to work. In the context of public policy, this suggests that—from a strictly spatial perspective—residence restriction laws are unlikely to achieve their goal of limiting sex offender access to school children.
Technology: The spacesuit unpicked

Margaret Weitekamp reflects on how fashion influenced astronautical attire for the Apollo missions.
Quantum Chemical Evidence for an Intramolecular Charge-Transfer State in the Carotenoid Peridinin of Peridinin-Chlorophyll-Protein

We present theoretical confirmation of an intramolecular charge-transfer (CT) state in peridinin in agreement with experimental results of Frank and co-workers (J. Phys. Chem. B 1999, 103, 8751 and J. Phys. Chem. B 2000, 104, 4569). Quantum chemical calculations using time-dependent density functional theory under the Tamm−Dancoff approximation were made on two structures: fully optimized peridinin and a molecule from the crystal structure of peridinin−chlorophyll−protein. The CT state appears as the third and second excited singlet state, respectively, for the two structures. A dipole-in-a-sphere model is used to estimate the solvation stabilization energies of each state in a variety of solvents. The energy of the CT state is shown to decrease dramatically in solvents of increasing polarity while the energy of the dark S1 (Ag--like) state remains comparatively constant.
Transfer of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genotyping Method, Spoligotyping, from a Reverse Line-Blot Hybridization, Membrane-Based Assay to the Luminex Multianalyte Profiling System

Spoligotyping using Luminex technology was shown to be a highly reproducible method suitable for high-throughput analysis. Spoligotyping of 48 isolates using the traditional membrane-based assay and the Luminex assay yielded concordant results for all isolates. The Luminex platform provides greater flexibility and cost effectiveness than the membrane-based assay.
Chronic Conditions Account For Rise In Medicare Spending From 1987 To 2006

Medicare beneficiaries' medical needs, and where beneficiaries undergo treatment, have changed dramatically over the past two decades. Twenty years ago, most spending growth was linked to intensive inpatient (hospital) services, chiefly for heart disease. Recently, much of the growth has been attributable to chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and kidney disease. These conditions are chiefly treated not in hospitals but in outpatient settings and by patients at home with prescription drugs. Health reform must address changed health needs through evidence-based community prevention, care coordination, and support for patient self-management.
Predicting cumulative risk of disease onset by redistributing weights

We propose a simple approach predicting the cumulative risk of disease accommodating predictors with time-varying effects and outcomes subject to censoring. We use a nonparametric function for the coefficient of the time-varying effect and handle censoring through self-consistency equations that redistribute the probability mass of censored outcomes to the right. The computational procedure is extremely convenient and can be implemented by standard software. We prove large sample properties of the proposed estimator and evaluate its finite sample performance through simulation studies. We apply the method to estimate the cumulative risk of developing Huntington's disease (HD) from subjects with huntingtin gene mutation using a large collaborative HD study data and illustrate an inverse relationship between the cumulative risk of HD and the length of cytosine–adenine–guanine repeats in the huntingtin gene. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.