cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The rat growth hormone gene contains multiple thyroid response elements

The thyroid hormone receptor exerts transcriptional control over a variety of genes. This report describes four sites that bind this receptor with high affinity within the 5′-flanking DNA of the rat growth hormone gene, approximately centered at −180, −160, −60 and −20 nucleotides from the transcription start site. These sites were defined by gel retardation of short synthetic oligonucleotides using native receptor purified several hundred-fold from rat liver. Binding sites were also defined by methylation interference and methidium-propyl-EDTA footprinting. Alignment of the four binding sites suggests that each contains two purine-rich regions, the more downstream of which, GGGTACCG, is highly conserved. Mutations made within each of the two upstream sites reduce receptor binding affinity. For one mutation, a partial loss of receptor binding strength correlated with a change in electrophoretic mobility, indicating that receptor binding may alter DNA conformation. Mutations at each of the four sites also reduce thyroid hormone responsiveness of the −237/+11 promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene coding sequences and transfected into cultured pituitary (GC) cells. These results suggest that several different receptor-binding elements interact to control thyroid hormone responsiveness of the rat growth hormone gene and reveal common sequences that may be important for receptor-DNA recognition.
A robust and efficient mixed-integer non-linear dynamic optimization approach for simultaneous design and control

Abstract In this work, we propose a new algorithm for addressing the simultaneous design and control problem through the robust and efficient solution of a Mixed-Integer Dynamic Optimization (MIDO) problem. The algorithm is based on the transformation of the MIDO problem into a Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) program through the discretization of the MIDO problem. In this approach both the manipulated and controlled variables are discretized along the expected solution trajectory. This leads to a MINLP problem whose solution provides the full manipulated and controlled time variable profiles and the process design structure aiming to reduce operability problems. The new algorithm for addressing the solution of the MIDO problem has been applied to a system of two series connected continuous stirred tank reactors where a first order reaction takes place. Our results demonstrate that the new approach is able to efficiently address the solution of the simultaneous design and control problem in a systematic way.
Properties of a Submicrosomal Particle Containing P-450 and Flavoprotein

Abstract A procedure is described for isolating submicrosomal particles from the livers of rabbits treated with phenobarbital, without the use of proteolytic or lipolytic enzymes. The preparation contains 2.5 mµmoles of P-450 per mg of protein, whereas the content of P-420 and cytochrome b5 is less than 1% of this. The preparation shows no distinct TPNH- or DPNH-cytochrome c reductase activity, but DPNH-ferricyanide reductase activity remains. P-450 in the preparation is not reduced by TPNH or by DPNH in the presence of anaerobic CO, even on addition of TPNH-cytochrome c reductase, but it is reduced by the adrenodoxin reductase system in bovine adrenal mitochondria. The physical properties of P-450 in the cytochrome b5-free preparation confirm that P-450 is a low spin protoheme protein in its oxidized state and indicate that it is a high spin ferroheme in its reduced state. The microsomal Fex signal is shown to be the electron spin resonance manifestation of oxidized P-450.
Histologic evaluation of the shoulder capsule in normal shoulders, unstable shoulders, and after failed thermal capsulorrhaphy.

Background:Attenuation of the shoulder capsule has been noted during revision surgery for failed thermal capsulorrhaphy. Hypothesis: The attenuated capsule seen in patients who have undergone failed thermal capsulorrhaphy will show histologic characteristics distinguishing it from the capsule of normal shoulders and dislocating shoulders.Study Design:Case control study.Methods:The shoulder capsules were studied in 12 patients with traumatic anterior instability and in 7 patients who experienced recurrent instability after a thermal capsulorrhaphy. The capsules of six fresh-frozen cadavers with no shoulder lesions were used as controls.Results:Among patients who had a history of traumatic instability, a denuded synovial layer was present in 58%, subsynovial edema in 58%, increased cellularity in 25%, and increased vascularity in 83%. At the time of surgery, five of seven shoulders in the failed thermal capsulorrhaphy group (71%) were subjectively felt to be thin and attenuated. Denuded synovium was found i...
Laparoscopy for recurrent Crohn’s disease: how do the results compare with the results for primary Crohn’s disease?

Aim To assess the feasibility and outcomes of reoperative laparoscopic-assisted surgery for recurrent Crohn’s disease compared with index laparoscopic resections. Method A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed from 2001 to 2008 on patients who had primary laparoscopy (group I) or reoperative laparoscopy for Crohn’s disease (group II). Data collection included demographic and surgical data, and postoperative outcomes. Results One hundred and thirty patients were included in this study, distributed as follows: group I, 80 patients with a mean age of 35 years; and group II, 50 patients with a mean age of 42 years. Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists score and body mass index were similar in both groups. Patients in group II had a longer period of disease (15.5 vs 8.9 years in groups I and II, respectively; P = 0.0002). Immunosuppressive therapy had been utilized in 66 (82.5%) and in 42 (84%) patients in groups I and II, respectively. Ileocolic resection was the most commonly performed procedure in both groups (82%), followed by subtotal colectomy. Conversion rates were 18.7 and 32% in groups I and II, respectively (P = 0.09). The mean operative time (182 vs 201 min) and mean blood loss (161 vs 202 ml) were not significantly different (P > 0.05); however, the overall incisional length was significantly longer in group II (6.7 vs 11.4 cm, P = 0.045). A stoma was created in 17 and 16% of patients in groups I and II, respectively. Overall, early postoperative complications were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); anastomotic leak occurred in four (5%) and one (2%) patients (P = 0.65), and abdominal abscess in three (3.75%) and four (8%) patients (P = 0.56), in groups I and II, respectively. Reoperative rates were 10 and 6% (P = 0.53), and mean hospital stay was similar in groups I and II respectively (6.7 vs 7.5 days, respectively; P = 0.3266). There was no mortality. Conclusion The results of laparoscopic-assisted resection for recurrent Crohn’s disease are similar to those for primary resection.
Anatomy of Motor Axons to Direct Flight Muscles in Drosophila

The direct flight muscles of Drosophila melanogaster are innervated by the anterior dorsal mesothoracic ( ADM ) nerve and the mesothoracic accessory ( MAC ) nerve. Each of the four conspicuously large axons in the ADM nerve serves one of the muscles designated pal, pa 3, pa 4 and pa 5. Muscle pa4 is additionally innervated by a very small neurosecretory axon. Muscle pa6 , also innervated by the ADM nerve, receives at least one small nerve fibre but no large axon. Muscle pa2 is innervated by a large axon from the MAC nerve. Large motor axons, identified by serial section tracing from their respective muscles, are consistent among different individuals in both relative positions and relative diameters within the ADM nerve.
Management and technology of liquid waste disposal by deep-well injection

Applications of management science techniques to the analysis of design, management, and operational problems in the deep-well injection industry are investigated. A typical liquid waste injection system is described and modeled as a linear goal program to study and resolve the effects of multiple and conflicting objectives such as cost, environmental regulations, equipment utilization, and wastewater quality requirements before injection. The model is validated and solved for the best disposal system design and operating policies that would enable the plant to meet the EPA's standards, and best minimize capital investment, annual operating expense, and deviations from the wastewater quality requirements before injection. >
A Significant Fraction of Functional SecA Is Permanently Embedded in the Membrane: SecA CYCLING ON AND OFF THE MEMBRANE IS NOT ESSENTIAL DURING PROTEIN TRANSLOCATION

SecA has been suggested to cycle on and off the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli during protein translocation. We have reconstituted 35S-SecA onto SecA-depleted membrane vesicles and followed the fate of the membrane-associated 35S-SecA during protein translocation. Some 35S-SecA was released from the membranes in a translocation-independent manner. However, a significant fraction of 35S-SecA remained on the membranes even after incubation with excess SecA. This fraction of 35S-SecA was shown to be integrated into the membrane and was active in protein translocation, indicating that SecA cycling on and off membrane is not required for protein translocation. Proteolysis experiments did not support the model of SecA insertion and deinsertion during protein translocation; instead, a major 48-kDa domain was found persistently embedded in the membrane regardless of translocation status. Thus, in addition to catalyzing ATP hydrolysis, certain domains of SecA probably play an important structural role in the translocation machinery, perhaps forming part of the protein-conducting channels.
Tibet and the Segment-state Hypothesis

Abstract This study examines the claim that the existence of segment states within a country enhances the likelihood of nation-state crises through an examination of the case of Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) within the People's Republic of China. The central argument I present is that the frequent nation-state crises within Tibet are not sufficiently explained through a focus on the influence of the segment state. This is the case for two reasons. First, the TAR cannot be accurately described as a segment state given significant limitations on the autonomy enjoyed by the Tibetan people within their homeland in terms of politics, religion, education and the economy. Second, rather than the existence of a segment state, international factors appear to play an important role in escalating nation-state crises within the TAR.
Failure to form a learned taste aversion in rats with amygdaloid lesions

Rats sustaining bilateral amygdaloid lesions failed to develop aversion to 0.1% saccharin solution after it had been paired with a 0.12 M LiCl injection. These data confirm an important role for the amygdaloid complex in the formation of learned taste aversion and further substantiate the role of this structure in a wide variety of aversively motivated behaviors.
Ultrasensitive immunoradiometric assay for chorionic gonadotropin which does not cross-react with luteinizing hormone nor free beta chain of hCG and which detects hCG in blood of non-pregnant humans

We have developed a sensitive, non-competitive, two-monoclonal antibody, sandwich-type or immunoradiometric assay for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which shows no cross-reaction with the free beta chain of hCG nor with human luteinizing hormone (LH). In the assay procedure, two, highly selected monoclonal antibodies reacted in solution with hCG to be quantified. One antibody was covalently conjugated to biotin. This antibody was specific for the beta subunit of hCG, and showed no reaction with LH nor the alpha subunit. The second antibody was labelled with 125I and was specific for intact hCG and LH, showing no cross-reaction with beta hCG nor the alpha subunit. The separation system was a polystyrene ball conjugated with biotin. This ball bound via an avidin bridge the monoclonal 'sandwich' containing hCG. Counts per minute bound to the ball were directly proportional to the amount of hCG present. The assay was specific for whole hCG and showed no reaction with beta hCG, beta LH, intact LH nor the free alpha subunit. Sensitivity was adequate to detect 'hCG-like' material in all post menopausal women and, when single samples were obtained, in over 2/3 of normal men. When multiple samples were obtained, 'hCG-like' material was detectable in all eugonadal adults studied.
The acute severe headache: Assessment and treatment

Severe headache is usually primary, but secondary causes must be ruled out. History and physical examinations are essential. Neuroimaging, laboratory analysis, and imaging may also be necessary. Diagnosis and therapy for primary and secondary headaches are discussed.
The role of hunger in schedule-induced polydipsia

Food-satiated rats bearing feeding-inducing hypothalamic electrodes were given one 45-mg food pellet per minute during 60-min daily sessions, with water continuously available. Electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (ESLH) was turned on for 3 or 15 sec, either concurrently with pellet delivery or 2-4 sec thereafter. Fifteen seconds of ESLH generated schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP), but 3 sec did not. When 15 sec of ESLH was delayed for 4 sec, strong SIP was manifested even though each ESLH was only initiated after each pellet had been consumed. It is concluded that postpellet hunger is necessary to produce SIP. Hunger during pellet consumption is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition.
In Vivo Evidence for a Direct Effect of Naloxone on Testicular Steroidogenesis in the Male Rat

Abstract It has been suggested that endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) exert paracrine or autocrine effects in the testes. To assess this hypothesis, we examined whether naloxone, by blocking the effects of EOP, influenced serum testosterone levels, apart from its effects on LHRH/LH, in the intact male rat. We found that naloxone increased serum LH and testosterone levels over essentially the same time course and produced dosedependent increases in serum testosterone levels even though LH levels were maximally elevated at all doses. These data are not consistent with the view that naloxone exerts its effects on testosterone exclusively by altering LHRH/LH release. Additional, perhaps more definitive, evidence of a direct effect of naloxone on testosterone's biosynthesis was provided by our observations that 1) naloxone generated increases in serum testosterone levels in male rats in which the naloxone-induced surge in LH was blocked by nembutal; and 2) intratesticular injections of naloxone increased serum ...
Neuroblastoma associated with persistent cloaca: A case report

We describe the case of a 4-year-old female who was born with persistent cloaca and was subsequently diagnosed with posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of neuroblastoma associated with a cloacal malformation. Neither neuroblastoma nor persistent cloaca has a high incidence among the general population. Therefore, we share this case as a rare association of conditions, as well as a potential area for further investigation.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy before and after goniosynechialysis.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the ultrasound biomicroscopic appearance of the anterior chamber angle before and after successful goniosynechialysis. METHODS: Interventional case report. Ultrasound biomicroscopy using a 50-MHz transducer was performed in the supine position preoperatively and postoperatively in a 76-year-old woman with angle-closure glaucoma. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the anterior chamber angle demonstrated restoration of an open anterior chamber angle after goniosynechialysis. CONCLUSION: High-resolution imaging of the anterior segment to evaluate preoperative and postoperative anatomy may be useful in eyes undergoing goniosynechialysis.
New methods of radiobromination. The sodium [77Br]bromide/tetrahalomethane/ triphenylphosphine reagent system

Abstract The combination of sodium [ 77 Br]bromide, tetrahalomethane and triphenylphosphane can be used to convert an alcohol to the corresponding 77 Br-labeled alkyl bromide. Using carbon tetrachloride the no-carrier-added product is obtained, whereas use of carbon tetrabromide yields the carrier-added alkyl halide. The reaction is rapid (5–30 min) and proceeds under conditions of low temperature (0–5°C), neutral pH, and without oxidizing agents. This new radiobromination procedure has been used to prepare [ 77 Br]benzyl bromide and [ 77 Br]16-bromohexadecanoic acid ethyl ester.
Incorporation of proline and conversion to hydroxy-proline in newborn-mouse skin

Abstract Minces of newborn-mouse skin actively incorporate L -[ 14 C]proline into proteins soluble in hot trichloroacetic acid (collagen fraction) and into proteins insoluble in hot trichloroacetic acid (residue fraction). Both epidermis and dermis incorporate proline, but the conversion of proline to hydroxyproline occurs exclusively in the dermis. A protein with solubility properties characteristic of collagen but devoid of hydroxyproline is present in the epidermis of newborn-mouse skin. The ratio of hydroxyproline to proline in the collagen fraction of mouse skin increases with the age of the animals while the incorporation of proline into the collagen fraction decreases with the age of the animals. Parameters of the incorporation system are discussed.
Field configuration of the TMc01 mode in an elliptical waveguide

A new field configuration for the TMc01 mode in an elliptical waveguide is proposed. The theoretical computations are verified by practical measurements.
Eosinophils cocultured with endothelial cells have increased survival and functional properties

Human peripheral blood eosinophils, cells often associated with allergic and parasitic diseases, were maintained in vitro for at least 14 days when they were cocultured with bovine endothelial cells and for at least 7 days when cultured with either bovine or human endothelial cell-derived conditioned medium. The cocultured eosinophils became hypodense and generated about three times as much leukotriene C4 upon activation with calcium ionophore and killed about three times as many antibody-coated larvae of Schistosoma mansoni as freshly isolated normodense eosinophils. That these cells can be maintained in vitro by coculture with endothelial cells, and the surprising finding that the cocultured eosinophils have biochemical, cytotoxic, and density properties similar to those of eosinophils in patients with allergic and other disorders, will facilitate investigation of the regulation and role of these cells in health and disease.
Antioxidant activity of mouse liver and kidney extracts

Die hemmende Wirkung wasseriger Leber- und Nierenextrakte von Mausen auf die DOPA-Auto-Oxydation wurde gepruft. Leber- und Nierenwerte waren von gleicher Grossenordnung und etwa dreimal grosser als die fruher fur Mause- und Menschenhaut bestimmten Werte. Der Hemmfaktor besteht zum grossen Teil aus Eiweiss und konnte in einen -SH-Gruppen enthaltenden, hitzeempfindlichen Teil und einen -SH-Gruppen-freien, hitzestabilen Teil getrennt werden. Die mogliche Bedeutung solcher Hemmstoffe fur die Zelle wird erortert.
Transplantable chemically-induced liver tumors in the viviparous fish Poeciliopsis

Transplantation of five liver tumors induced with the chemicals diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in small live-bearing fish of the genus Poeciliopsis is reported. Five permanent strains representing three distinct tumor types were established in isogenic hosts. Histological characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma, hemangiopericytic sarcoma, and cholangiocarcinoma and the development of the neoplasms in host fish is presented. Transplantability of the experimental liver tumors provides evidence of their malignant nature. Metastasis of the hepatocellular carcinoma occurred from tumor implants in the dorsal musculature or peritoneal cavity and from the hemangiopericytic sarcoma implanted in the intraperitoneal cavity.
1675 SPINAL FLUID ENZYMES AS PREDICTORS OF NEUROLOGIC OF NEUROLOGIC DISABILITY FOLLOWING PERINATAL ASPHYXIA

1675 SPINAL FLUID ENZYMES AS PREDICTORS OF NEUROLOGIC OF NEUROLOGIC DISABILITY FOLLOWING PERINATAL ASPHYXIA
Hemagglutinin linear epitope presentation on monolayer-protected clusters elicits strong antibody binding

Immunoreactive, multicomponent nanoclusters were assembled through the controlled presentation of a known, synthetic peptide epitope. The epitope comes from the hemagglutanin protein of influenza and is known to bind to a monoclonal anti-HA antibody. Antibody affinity for the immunoreactive MPC was compared to the affinity for traditionally used peptide arrays using the quartz crystal microbalance. The two systems had comparable affinities (K a ), ranging from 0.41 × 10 7 M -1 to 1.8 x 10 7 M -1 , though the nanocluster used a much lower density of peptide relative to that of the peptide array. These results suggest that functionalized nanoclusters have potential in nanostructure assembly and medical applications. Water-soluble nanoparticles that present known neutralizing peptide epitopes of protein antigens might be used in antiviral influenza vaccines.
Development of the bifurcation condition for a thick elastic plate

Abstract A consistent six-term asymptotic series is derived for the critical value of the deformation parameter as a function of aspect ratio (thickness: height), in the limit as this ratio becomes unbounded, for a plate of general incompressible isotropic material. Values for both flexural and barreling modes are obtained in the case where the loading is a thrust. The theoretically important class of Mooney-Rivlin materials is treated as a special case.
Stimulation of superficial zone protein accumulation by hedgehog and Wnt signaling in surface zone bovine articular chondrocytes.

Objective To determine the roles of the hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways in accumulation of superficial zone protein (SZP) in surface zone articular chondrocytes. Methods Explant cultures of disks of surface zone cartilage or isolated chondrocytes from the surface zone of articular cartilage of bovine stifle joints were cultured in serum-free chemically defined medium. Accumulation of SZP in the culture medium, in response to hedgehog proteins (sonic hedgehog [SHH] and Indian hedgehog [IHH]), Wnt proteins (Wnt-3a, Wnt-5a, and Wnt-11), agonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (glycogen synthase kinase 3β [GSK-3β] inhibitors), and antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was investigated. The interaction between transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and hedgehog proteins or antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was also investigated. Results Hedgehog proteins stimulated SZP accumulation. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by Wnt-3a and GSK-3β inhibitors led to inhibition of SZP accumulation; however, Wnt-5a and Wnt-11 had no influence on SZP accumulation. Conversely, antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway stimulated SZP accumulation. In addition, there were combinatorial effects of TGFβ1 and hedgehog proteins or antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway on SZP accumulation. Conclusion SHH and IHH signaling has a stimulatory effect on SZP accumulation in surface zone cartilage and isolated articular chondrocytes. These findings provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms of articular cartilage homeostasis and maintenance by morphogens.
SEQADAPT: an adaptable system for the tracking, storage and analysis of high throughput sequencing experiments.

Background High throughput sequencing has become an increasingly important tool for biological research. However, the existing software systems for managing and processing these data have not provided the flexible infrastructure that research requires.
Grain-boundary penetration of type 316 stainless steel exposed to cesium or cesium and tellurium

When 20 pct cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel is exposed to Cs at 700°C under controlled oxygen-chemical potential environment, Cs penetration into the stainless steel grain boundaries occurs at oxygen potentials ΔGo2≥ -96 kcal per mole. At lower oxygen potentials (~ΔGo2 ≤ —110 kcal per mole), no corrosion occurs. Under the same experimental conditions, when the stainless steel is exposed to Cs:Te (2:1, atomic), corrosion occurs and penetration morphology appears to depend strongly on the oxygen-potential environment. The stainless steel suffers intergranular corrosion by Te (in the presence of Cs-Te) under conditions where chromium oxidation is not expected to occur. The kinetics of grain-boundary penetration by Te have been studied at temperatures between 550 and 700°C. The depth of the penetrated zone varies as (time)1/2, and the process has an activation energy of 34 kcal per mole. The results are discussed, and the effects of stainless steel microstructure and externally applied stress on corrosion reactions are also described.
Eating disorders in infancy and early childhood.

The eating disorders in infancy and early childhood are delineated by an overview of the relevant literature. The special methodological problems which impede reserch in this area of study are described. Pilot data concerning one specific eating disorder, nonorganic failure to thrive (NFTT), is presented to illustrate new research approaches and heuristically intersting findings. Specifically, a formula for estimation of degree of protein calorie malnutrition predicts the caloric supplementation required for catch up growth. This estimate of malnutrition can become a useful tool to investigate the relative contribution of inadequate nutrition and inadequate psychosoical stimulation in NFTT.
Exact solutions for the inflationa(t)=a0(1+αt/p)p in a double-field model

We give exact solutions of the «slow-roll» approximated Einstein equations for the inflationa(t)=a0(1+αt/p)p in a model (Phys. Lett. A,172, 404 (1993)) withtwo coupled scalar fields. These solutions should be of considerable interest for analyses of the implications of the large-scale anisotropy recently observed by COBE in the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Frontal photopolymerization for microfluidic applications.

Frontal photopolymerization (FPP) offers numerous advantages for the rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. Quantitative utilization of this method, however, requires a control of the vertical dimensions of the patterned resist material. To address this fundamental problem, we study the ultraviolet (UV) photopolymerization of a series of multifunctional thiolene resists through a combination of experiments and analytical modeling of the polymerization fronts. We describe this nonlinear spatio-temporal growth process in terms of a “minimal” model involving an order parameter φ(x, t) characterizing the extent of monomer-to-polymer conversion, the optical attenuation T(x, t), and the solid front position h(t). The latter exhibits an induction time (or equivalent critical UV dose) characterizing the onset of frontal propagation. We also observe a novel transition between two logarithmic rates of growth, determined by the Beer−Lambert attenuation constants μ0 and μ∞ of the monomer and fully polymerized mat...
A General Continuum Theory With Microstructure for Wave Propagation in Elastic Laminated Composites

Abstract : A discussion is presented on a continuum theory with microstructure for wave propagation in laminated composites. Continuum model construction is based upon an asymptotic scheme in which dominant signal wavelengths are assumed large compared to typical composite microdimensions. A hierarchy of models is defined by the order of truncation of the obtained asymptotic sequence. Particular attention is given to the lowest order dispersive theory. The phase velocity spectrum of the general theory is investigated for one-dimensional wave propagation at various propagation angles with respect to the laminates. Retention of all terms in the asymptotic sequence is found to yield the exact elasticity spectrum, while spectral collation of the lowest order dispersive theory with the first three modes of the exact theory gives excellent agrement. (Author, modified-PL)
MODELING LONG‐MEMORY PROCESSES FOR OPTIMAL LONG‐RANGE PREDICTION

. We look at the implications of modeling observations from a fractionally differenced noise process using an approximating AR (p) model. The approximation is used because of computational difficulties in the estimation of the differencing parameter of the fractional noise model. Because the fractional noise process is long-range dependent, we assess the applicability of the approximating autoregressive (AR) model based on its long-range forecasting accuracy compared with that of the fractional noise model. We derive the asymptotic k-step-ahead prediction error for a fractional noise process modeled as an AR(p) process and compare it with the k-step-ahead prediction error obtained when the model for the observed series is correctly specified as a fractional noise process and the fractional differencing parameter d is either known or estimated. We also assess the validity of the asymptotic results for a finite sample size via simulation. We see that AR models can be useful for long-range forecasting of long-memory data, provided that consideration is given to the forecast horizon when choosing an approximating model.
Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D before allogeneic hematopoietic SCT correlate with the development of chronic GVHD

Vitamin D, a hormone involved in bone and calcium homeostasis, has been shown to have potent immunomodulatory effects. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis to evaluate whether monohydroxyvitamin D levels before allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) correlate with the risk of GVHD. Fifty-three patients who underwent myeloablative HSCT were studied. Vitamin D levels were measured in serum samples obtained before HSCT. The median 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D level was 21.9 ng/mL (7.8-45.7). The cumulative incidence (CI) of grades II-IV acute GVHD at 100 days was 53.1% in patients with vitamin D<25, versus 33.3% in patients with vitamin D ≥ 25 ng/mL (P=0.13). The CI of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) at 2 years in patients with vitamin D<25 was 63.8%, compared with 23.8% in patients with vitamin D ≥ 25 ng/mL (P=0.009). Similarly, the 2 year CI of extensive cGVHD was significantly greater in patients with vitamin D<25 compared with those with vitamin D ≥ 25 ng/mL (54.5% versus 14.3%, P=0.005). In a multivariable competing risk model, low pre-transplant vitamin D levels remained a significant factor associated with cGVHD (hazard ratio=5.26, P=0.02). Our results demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency before HSCT is associated with an increased risk of cGVHD.
Fluorescence nonradiative energy transfer in bulk polymer and miscible and phase-separated polymer blends: A quantitative analysis including correlation effects

A theoretical analysis has been developed to predict fluorescence nonradiative energy transfer (NBET) behavior in homogeneous and phase-separated polymer blends. Conditions where intermolecular correlations need to be included are examined by first investigating the effect of including intermolecular correlations in predictions of NRET behavior in donor and trap (acceptor) end-labeled polymer melts. Donor fluorescence decays and energy transfer efficiencies are predicted for several different polymer systems using donor-trap intermolecular correlations in the theoretical analysis. These results are compared quantitatively to the same predictions recalculated without correlations and demonstrate the need to consider the effects of correlations when analyzing NRET measurements used for quantitative study of phase behavior. For the nonradiative energy transfer systems investigated here, correlation effects can often result in substantial differences, up to 60% as compared to the uncorrelated case, in predictions of relative energy transfer efficiency for bulk polymer. In the case of the blends, the effect of including intermolecular correlations is strongly a function of composition. A two-phase model is proposed to establish a quantitative method for relating energy transfer efficiency to phase-separated blend composition, and it is demonstrated that significant errors in interpretation of experimental NRET data may result if correlation effects are not included. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intersubjectivity — the challenge and opportunity for accounting

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the origin, nature and intellectual character of the frameworks being used by the various critics of the public accounting profession. The paper looks at three major questions: (1) what are the frameworks critics are using to hold the profession accountable? (2) What does the response of the profession tell us about how it perceives the problem? (3) Where is the current mode of response likely to lead the profession? Our analysis identifies two different frameworks that underlie the criticism being directed at the profession. We label these the “rational scientist” and “humanist-philosopher” viewpoints. These frameworks differ in the way in which they approach intersubjective phenomena. The differences are especially sharp on the notion objectivity . The profession, thus, is caught between the crossfire of these views and is in the difficult position of responding to a set of critical standards for which there exists no consensual framework. Unfortunately, they seem to be moving more toward the “rational-scientist” position of objectivity which is likely to compound their difficulties.
Investigation of Water Transport in an Ex-Situ Experimental Facility Modelled on an Actual DOE Automotive Target Complient Fuel Cell

This work utilizes the channel design of a real fuel cell to study cathode side water transport in the gas channels of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). All experimentation was performed under controlled water and air flow conditions aimed to meet the DOE targets [1] for the automotive fuel cells. The experimental facility provides independent control for water flow along the length of the channels to reduce the effects of channel pressure drop on the water flow. Details of channel design and instrumentation are described, as well as some initial results.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Micro-bunching diagnostics for inverse Cherenkov acceleration by coherent transition radiation

Abstract Here, we propose an effective method to detect micro-bunching effects (10 fs bunch length), produced by the inverse Cherenkov acceleration (ICA) interaction, by using the coherent transition radiation (CTR) spectrum. The pre-bunching of initially energy modulated electron beam passing through a Hydrogen gas cell is studied via a Monte Carlo simulation code (STI), as well as in a space-charge dominated region by a multi-particle time domain tracking code (PARMELA). The results show that even in a strong space-charge defocusing “washes out” the final bunching peak only by about 10% (FWHM). The longitudinal distribution of a micro-bunched beam is Fourier analyzed to find the dominant harmonics contributing to the CTR. The CTR spectrum is calculated analytically for the ICA situation. A schematic of the experimental set up is also proposed.
HSF1 is required for extra-embryonic development, postnatal growth and protection during inflammatory responses in mice

HSF1 is the major heat shock transcriptional factor that binds heat shock element (HSE) in the promoter of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and controls rapid Hsp induction in cells subjected to various environmental stresses. Although at least four members of the vertebrate HSF family have been described, details of their individual physiological roles remain relatively obscure. To assess whether HSF1 exhibited redundant or unique in vivo functions, we created Hsf1(-/-) deficient mice. We demonstrate that homozygous Hsf1(-/-) mice can survive to adulthood but exhibit multiple phenotypes including: defects of the chorioallantoic placenta and prenatal lethality; growth retardation; female infertility; elimination of the 'classical' heat shock response; and exaggerated tumor necrosis factor alpha production resulting in increased mortality after endotoxin challenge. Because basal Hsp expression is not altered appreciably by the HSF1 null mutation, our findings suggest that this factor, like Drosophila Hsf protein, might be involved in regulating other important genes or signaling pathways. Our results establish direct causal effects for the HSF1 transactivator in regulating critical physiological events during extra-embryonic development and under pathological conditions such as sepsis to modulate pro-inflammatory responses, indicating that these pathways have clinical importance as therapeutic targets in humans.
Dynamic mechanical properties of polyethyl methacrylate

Abstract The real ( J ′) and imaginary ( J ″) components of the complex compliance have been measured between 24 and 2400 cycles/sec. in the temperature range from 75° to 155°C. for two fractions of polyethyl methacrylate of weight-average molecular weights 1.73 × 10 6 and 0.164 × 10 6 . The data were practically identical for the two fractions except that J ″ was slightly higher at the highest temperatures and lowest frequencies for the lower fraction. The method of reduced variables did not give superposed curves for J ′ and J ″ over the entire temperature range. However, the data could be analyzed in terms of two additive mechanisms; for the α mechanism, J ′ and J ″ superposed with reduction factors a T whose temperature dependence followed an equation of the WLF form, and for the β mechanism they also superposed with reduction factors a Tβ whose temperature dependence corresponded to a constant activation energy of 31 kcal. The coefficients of the WLF equation, reduced to the glass transition temperature, were similar in magnitude to those observed in other polymers. Relaxation and retardation spectra have been calculated for both mechanisms. Those for the α mechanism, attributed to the usual chain backbone motions, resemble in form those for other disubstituted vinyl chains; the friction coefficient per monomer unit in backbone motion has been calculated from the extended Rouse theory. The spectra for the β mechanism, attributed to side chain motions, are relatively broad. The relative locations of the two mechanisms on the time scale change rapidly with temperature.
Adjustments for Unmeasured Confounders in Pharmacoepidemiologic Database Studies Using External Information

Background:Nonexperimental studies of drug effects in large automated databases can provide timely assessment of real-life drug use, but are prone to confounding by variables that are not contained in these databases and thus cannot be controlled.Objectives:To describe how information on additional
A test of visual feature sampling independence with orthogonal straight lines

Well-specified feature detection models of visual character recognition typically assume feature sampling independence; that is, they assume that the detection of one feature is probabilistically independent of the detection of others. Recent results have suggested this assumption may be suspect with letter-like stimuli. The present study utilized very simple stimuli consisting of up to two straight-line segments that were either physically connected or separated by a gap. A strong model that assumed that features are reported if and only if they are sampled together with independence could not be rejected even when the lines were connected.
COMPOSITION OF CARBOHYDRATES AND CONCENTRATION OF β‐GALACTOSIDASE OF COMMERCIAL FROZEN YOGURT

Commercial frozen yogurt samples were analyzed for composition, β-galactosidase activity, and microbial quality. The composition of protein, fat, sugars, other carbohydrates, and total solids varied considerably among the 11 brands tested. All samples contained high levels of lactic acid bacteria (>6. 0 log cfu/mL), as well as active β-galactosidase but the enzymatic activity varied greatly (1. 04 - 43.12 ONP units) among samples. A significant correlation (r = 0. 785) existed between β-galactosidase and lactic acid bacteria concentrations. The major sugars in samples were sucrose (0-12.7%) followed by lactose (2.31 -4.25%) and glucose (0.74-2.49% ). The sugar extraction method developed for the HPLC analysis gave reliable and reproducible data, despite the fact that frozen yogurt samples contained a wide variation in fat, protein, and total solids contents.
Police Responses to Surveys by "Outsiders"

This study represents a test of whether or not the identity of a survel or influences responses to an anon ymous, self-administered questionnaire. Identical questionnaires were distributed to 105 police officers. One group of officers received a cover letter identifying the researcher as a graduate student. A second group was given a cover letterfrom afellow law enforcement officer. Examination of the officers' replies to 25 questionnaire items suggests that the identity of the researcher does not influence responses. A number of possible explanations of the findings are explored, and directions for further research are considered.
Symmetry-breaking bifurcations on cubic lattices

Steady-state symmetry-breaking bifurcations on the simple (SC), face-centred (FCC) and body-centred (BCC) cubic lattices are considered, corresponding to the 6-, 8- and 12-dimensional representations of the group . Methods of equivariant bifurcation theory are used to identify all primary solution branches and to determine their stability; branches with submaximal isotropy are generic for both the FCC and BCC lattices. Complete analysis of the local branching behaviour in the SC (three primary branches) and FCC (five primary branches) cases is given. The BCC case is substantially more complex, owing to the presence of a quadratic equivariant. A degeneracy that arises in the presence of an additional reflection symmetry is analysed first using a normal form truncated at third order. This problem, in which no quadratic equivariants are present, yields 10 primary branches with maximal isotropy and five with submaximal isotropy. The unfolding of the degeneracy is used to show that seven primary branches (six maximal and one submaximal) persist in the generic case, and to determine the form and properties of secondary branches. In certain cases higher-order terms are necessary. The study is motivated by the problem of pattern formation in three spatial dimensions, and extends earlier work by De Wit and co-workers.
Color flow doppler assessment of aortic regurgitation complicated by aneurysmal dilation and dissection of the ascending aorta in the Marfan syndrome

Two-dimensional echocardiography provides us with an excellent tool for delineating the anatomy of aortic dissection&-3 and aneurysms,4 particularly if they involve the proximal aorta. The addition of color Doppler echocardiography now allows us to define and localize normal and abnormal flow patterns within the pathologic anatomy. We present a patient with the Marfan syndrome in whom color Doppler echocardiographic examination permitted us to characterize the abnormal morphology and define the mechanism of aortic regurgitation. A 19-year-old white woman with the Marfan syndrome presented for evaluation of prolonged sharp chest pain, progressive exertional dyspnea, and a new murmur of
Shape Rectangularization Problems in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

In this paper, we present a theoretical study of several shape approximation problems, called shape rectangularization (SR), which arise in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Given a piecewise linear function f such that f(x)≥0 for any x∈ℝ, the SR problems seek an optimal set of constant window functions to approximate f under a certain error criterion, such that the sum of the resulting constant window functions equals (or well approximates) f. A constant window function W(⋅) is defined on an interval I such that W(x) is a fixed value h>0 for any x∈I and is 0 otherwise. A constant window function can be viewed as a rectangle (or a block) geometrically, or as a vector with the consecutive a’s property combinatorially. The SR problems find applications in setup time and beam-on time minimization and dose simplification of the IMRT treatment planning process. We show that the SR problems are APX-Hard, and thus we aim to develop theoretically efficient and provably good quality approximation SR algorithms. Our main contribution is to present algorithms for a key SR problem that achieve approximation ratios better than 2. For the general case, we give a $\frac{24}{13}$ -approximation algorithm. For unimodal input curves, we give a $\frac{9}{7}$ -approximation algorithm. We also consider other variants for which better approximation ratios are possible. We show that an important SR case that has been studied in medical literature can be formulated as a k-MST(k-minimum-spanning-tree) problem on a certain geometric graph G; based on a set of geometric observations and a non-trivial dynamic programming scheme, we are able to compute an optimal k-MST in G efficiently.
EFFECT OF EDIBLE COATINGS ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF FRESH GREEN ASPARAGUS

Green asparagus was treated with different coatings (chitosan-beeswax, sodium caseinate-beeswax and SemperfreshTM) and evaluated for changes in fresh weight, sensory attributes, tiprot disorder and texture after a storage period of 14 days at 4C. Chitosan-beeswax significantly reduced fresh weight loss of asparagus compared to untreated spears. SemperfreshTM and sodium caseinate coatings resulted in the smallest loss of desirable green color in spears. Coatings did not significantly delay the development of tiprot disorder compared to untreated spears; however, chitosan coatings markedly reduced the foul odor in spears affected with tiprot, suggesting antimicrobial activity by chitosan. Coatings did not significantly delay undesirable changes to spear texture. Chitosan and sodium caseinate coatings caused spears to become abnormally stiff or inflexible, and chitosan coatings were responsible for spear yellowing and an astringent taste. The suitability of these coatings for use on asparagus will depend on improvements in formulations and the application technique. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Current recommendations to extend the quality and shelf life of green asparagus rely on storage temperatures between 2–4C and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The practice of storing fresh green asparagus in MAP, however, has not gained wide acceptance by the fresh pack industry. This is likely because of several reasons, including the increasing cost of petroleum-based packaging material, and the fact that end users of packaging products are becoming more interested in packaging material that does not end up in landfills. Edible coatings are used extensively as a postharvest treatment to preserve the quality of many fruits and vegetables, but less is known about their effects on quality attributes of fresh green asparagus. An edible coating comparable to MAP in terms of extending the quality and shelf life of asparagus would be beneficial to the fresh asparagus industry as well as the retail market and consumer.
Cohort parity analysis: Statistical estimates of the extent of fertility control

Cohort parity analysis (CPA) is a method for indirect measurement of the extent and timing of the adoption of fertility control within marriage. It uses information on the parity distribution of a cohort of women of specified marriage ages and durations. A multinomial model of parity provides a convenient framework for the computation of distributional parameters describing the extent to which marital fertility control has been accepted and characterizing the way control has been used within specific durations of marriage. This leads to a pair of easily implemented formulas for upperand lower-bound estimates of the expected proportion of the population ever controlling and the distribution of controllers by parity. The power of CPA is illustrated, using census data for currently married couples in Dublin, Belfast, and other county boroughs of Ireland in 1911.