cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alpha-synuclein pathology in colonic biopsy of a suspected multiple system atrophy patient - a case report (P1.177)

Objective: To report a rare case of alpha-synuclein pathology in the colonic biopsy of a suspected multiple system atrophy patient. Background: Alpha-synuclein aggregates are commonly detected on routine colonic biopsies in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but have been rarely reported in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Method: Case report Results: A 72 year old man with hypothyroidism presented with a 12 year history of progressive gait ataxia and an ataxic dysarthria, associated with anti-gliadin antibodies, but without GI symptoms. His response to a gluten-free diet was unclear. He had urinary urgency and incontinence, mild lightheadedness but no dream-enactment. He had no family members with any neurological problems. His MMSE was 18. Eye movements were full, with saccadic pursuit and no nystagmus. He was rigid and hperreflexic but without spasticity or Babinski reflexes. He had limb ataxia, normal strength and normal sensation. He arose from a chair with effort but without pushing-off. His stance was mildly wide-based. Posture was normal. He had mild titubation and lost his balance to either side. His stride was reduced, more on the left and arm-swing was minimal. Balance was poor. Neuroimaging revealed moderate atrophy of the cerebellum and cervical spine. Colonic biopsy taken at routine colonoscopy revealed a polyp which stained positive for alpha-synuclein. Conclusion: Extension of alpha-synuclein pathology beyond the CNS and into the gastrointestinal tract is well-recognized in PD, but has been reported rarely in MSA. Our patient is the second case reported of presumed MSA with alpha-synuclein pathology in the gut. The full extent and significance of this finding warrant further study. Disclosure: Dr. Akbar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stopa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Anthony has nothing to disclose. Dr. Donahue has nothing to disclose. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation for activities with Teva, General Electric, UCB Pharma, Addex Therapeutics, Roche, and Lundbeck Research USA, Inc. as a consultant and/or speaker.
Animal Type Melanoma

Animal type melanoma is a rare form of malignant melanoma with heavily melanized epithelioid cells and a deep periappendageal growth pattern. This entity is supposed to be similar to the so called equine melanocytic disease, a long lasting indolent form of melanoma with multiple lesions, well described in grey horses. Animal type melanoma in humans has to be distinguished from deeply pigmented nevi such as epithelioid blue nevus, deep penetrating nevus and cellular blue nevus. Its relationship, if any, to the equine disease seem fanciful to us.
Catastrophic Success? The Effectiveness of Foreign-Imposed Regime Change

Can states successfully remove threats and advance their interests by overthrowing and replacing foreign governments? Under what conditions might foreign-imposed regime change (FIRC for short) prove more or less successful? The removal of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq has brought renewed attention to these questions, but the practice of FIRC is hardly a new phenomenon: there have been roughly ninety instances of FIRC since the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and FIRC was a common occurrence during major conflicts of the past, such as the Peloponnesian, Thirty Years, and Napoleonic Wars. Although states have toppled foreign government relatively frequently - and the practice moved to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy during the Bush administration - the effects of this policy instrument are not well understood. This paper argues that the utility of FIRC for interveners depends heavily on two categories of variables: the goals it seeks to achieve and conditions in the target state. First, FIRC is most successful when it is least ambitious, notably when it seeks only to restore a ruler who has been overthrown by a domestic revolution or coup. Interventions that hope to obtain more extensive regime change goals - such as establishing reliable long-term control over strategic territory or democratization of the target - are less likely to succeed. Second, FIRC is more likely to endure and prove successful for interveners when target states are relatively wealthy, institutionally developed, ethnically homogeneous, and have been thoroughly defeated in war. Each of these factors reduces the likelihood of domestic opposition to regime change in the target and increases its capacity for self-governance.
How to Build Modeling Agents to Support Web Searchers

In this paper, we sketch a model of what people do when they search for information on the web. From a theoretical perspective, our interest lies in the cognitive processes and internal representations that are both used in and affected by the search for information. From a practical perspective, our aim is to provide personal support for information-searching and to effectively transfer knowledge gained by one person to another. Toward these ends, we first collected behavioral data from people searching for information on the web; we next analyzed these data to learn what the searchers were doing and thinking; and we then constructed specific web agents to support searching behaviors we identified.
A Muscle-based 3D Parametric Lip Model for Speech-Synchronized Facial Animation

We present work on a new anatomically based 3D parametric lip model for synchronized speech that also supports the lip motion required for facial expressions. The lip model is represented with a B-spline surface and highlevel parameters which define the articulation of the surface. The model parameterization is muscle-based to allow for specification of a wide range of lip motion. The B-spline surface specifies not only the external portion of the lips, but the internal surface as well. This complete geometric representation replaces the original lip geometry of any facial model.
The action of halothane on stimulus-secretion coupling in clonal (GH3) pituitary cells

The effect of halothane on the physiological response to excitatory stimuli was assessed in clonal (GH3) pituitary cells. Halothane, at concentrations used to produce general anesthesia in animals (0.25-0.76 mM), inhibited thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin (PRL) secretion. The sustained (extracellular calcium-dependent) phase of PRL secretion was 70 +/- 7% inhibited by the highest concentration of halothane tested (0.76 mM); 50% inhibition was produced by approximately 0.4 mM halothane. The early (largely inositol trisphosphate-mediated) phase of secretion was less sensitive to halothane; 0.76 mM halothane produced 18 +/- 2% inhibition of the early phase of secretion. Consistent with these observations, halothane inhibited (IC50 approximately 0.45 mM) the sustained phase of the TRH-induced rise in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) to a greater extent than the initial [Ca2+]i peak. The sustained phase of the [Ca2+]i elevation was inhibited by 75 +/- 7% at the highest concentration of halothane tested (0.76 mM), whereas the peak [Ca2+]i was only inhibited by 14 +/- 5%, consistent with the observation that halothane did not inhibit TRH-stimulated inositide hydrolysis in these cells. Halothane (0.5 mM) did not inhibit phorbol ester- or ionomycin-induced PRL secretion, indicating that halothane has inconsequential effects on the secretory apparatus. Halothane (0.5 mM) also inhibited KCl-induced PRL secretion by 50-80% and the corresponding KCl-induced rise in [Ca2+]i by 68 +/- 6%. These data indicate that halothane inhibits secretagogue-stimulated PRL secretion by reducing the elevation of [Ca2+]i produced by calcium (Ca2+) influx.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nonlinear Phenomena in Spiral Galaxies

The main nonlinear phenomena in the orbits of stars in spiral galaxies are due to resonances. Such phenomena are: (a) Gaps at the even resonances (2/1, 4/1, etc), (b) Instabilities at all resonances and (c) Stochasticity due to interactions of various unstable regions. It seems that strong spirals are terminated at the 4/1 resonance while bars can extend up to the corotation region. Beyond corotation the orbits partly support spirals, but not bars. Close to corotation most orbits are stochastic. It seems that smooth spiral arms passing through corotation are mostly due to gas and not to stars.
Handbook of PTSD: Science and Practice, edited by M. J. Friedman, T. M. Keane, and P. A. Resick

The field of traumatic stress studies has evolved across divergent disciplines. As a result, a persistent gap in the field has been a single, integrative handbook able to serve as the definitive re...
Real time inverse kinematics for general 6R manipulators

The authors present a real-time algorithm for the inverse kinematics of general 6R robot manipulators. The algorithm involves symbolic preprocessing, matrix computation and a variety of numerical techniques. The numerical accuracy of these operations is well understood and for most cases it is possible to compute accurate solutions using 64-b IEEE floating point arithmetic available on most workstations. The average running time of the algorithm, for most cases, is 11 ms on an IBM RS/6000 workstation. >
Industry Response to SARA Title III: Pollution Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Risk Communication

This paper reports results from a survey designed to: (1) evaluate changes in industrial pollution prevention practices since the passage of the landmark environmental legislation, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, also known as SARA Title III, and (2) identify those factors that may contribute to an industrial facility engaging in pollution prevention and risk communication activities. The survey was conducted under a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Columbia University Center for Risk Communication. Evidence from the survey indicates that a wide variety of waste and pollution reduction activities have been undertaken since passage of the Act. Virtually all facilities surveyed in the pulp and paper, chemical, and petroleum and refining industries reported that they had reduced pollutants or wastes on at least one of ten measures, including reducing toxic air emissions. Most facilities indicated paying more attention to pollution prevention activities as a result of SARA Title III and half reported that their communication activities have also increased. Language: en
Expression of D-type cyclins in normal and neoplastic rat pituitary.

The D-type cyclins (D1, D2, and D3) are involved in progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle and are induced as part of the delayed early response to growth factor stimulation. To better understand the role of D-type cyclins in pituitary cell function and the regulatory role of growth factors in the cell cycle, we analyzed the expression and regulation of D-type cyclins in normal and neoplastic rat pituitary cells. Immunocytochemical and RT-PCR analyses showed expression of all three D-type cyclins in the normal pituitary, with higher percentages of positive cells by immunocytochemistry in the nuclei of normal pituitaries (D1, 20–30%; D2, 50–60%; D3, 70–80%), compared with GH3 cells. In the normal pituitary, there were significantly higher levels of cyclins D2 and D3 in PRL, GH, LH, and TSH cells, compared with ACTH cells. Cyclin D1 protein was not detected in GH3 cells, while D2 was present in less than 1 percent and D3 in 10–15 percent of GH3 cells. There were low levels of cyclin D1 and D2 me...
A Novel Role for the Rho-Associated Kinase, ROCK, in IL-1-stimulated Intestinal Epithelial Cell Responses

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) play a role in mucosal inflammation by producing pro-inflammatory chemokines that may initiate or amplify local responses. IL-1 is a potent activator of IEC and its receptor localizes to focal adhesions. Since the Rho-associated kinase, ROCK, also localizes to focal adhesions, we examined the role of ROCK in IL-1-induced chemokine responses in IEC cell lines. Suppressing ROCK with the Y27632 inhibitor suppressed IL-1-stimulated Caco-2 cell CXCL8/IL-8 and IEC-6 cell CCL2/MCP-1 secretion and mRNA levels. ROCK inhibition also suppressed IL-1-induced JNK phosphorylation in both cell lines, but high levels of the inhibitor had no significant effect on IL-1-stimulated Caco-2 IκBα phosphorylation and degradation or IKK phosphorylation and kinase activity. Therefore, ROCK may exert an effect on IL-1-stimulated JNK signaling to AP-1 activation, with little effect on IKK/IκBα signaling, defining a potentially important mechanism for regulating IL-1 signaling in IEC that may be essential for optimal cytokine responses.
Surface effects at the superconducting phase transition in tantalum and niobium

A sharp diamagnetic drop is observed in the 14-MHz transition of niobium and tantalum very close to ${T}_{c}$, in small parallel dc magnetic fields. The drop occurs in the regime where $\ensuremath{\lambda}g{\ensuremath{\delta}}_{n}$ and occurs over a temperature interval that is smaller than the one corresponding to the BCS dependence of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ with temperature. Because of the sharpness of the drop it is analyzed in terms of an increased conductivity in the normal state very close to ${T}_{c}$ due to enhanced fluctuations of superconducting regions at the surface. The possible role of these fluctuations for the nucleation of the superconducting state is discussed.
MODELING MOISTURE VARIABILITY IN A FIXED-BED DRYER

ABSTRACT A model has been developed to simulate fixed-bed drying of crop particles with randomly distributed average particle moisture contents. A lumped model approach was used to derive a set of ordinary differential equations that predict the distribution of average particle moistures and temperatures, as well as the air humidity and temperature versus time and position within the dryer. The equations were solved numerically, and predicted results compared well with experimental data for English walnuts.
Early events of RNA polymerase II transcription initiation

Abstract We have investigated the earliest stages of assembly of an RNA polymerase II transcription complex. General transcription factors from HeLa cells were partially purified and assayed using the adenovirus-2 major late promoter. Pre-incubation of either all the transcription factors (TF) with the DNA or only the subset consisting of TFIIA, TFIID, and DNA overcame the 15–20 min lag normally observed. The kinetics demonstrate that TFIIA first interacts with the template over a 5 min. period, and then TFIID interacts with the IIA:DNA complex over a 2 min. period. The remainder of the necessary transcription factors then interact with the IIA:IID:DNA complex. There are apparently interactions between IIA and IID, as a pre-incubation of these factors (without DNA) overcomes the lag period. Both IIA:DNA and IIA:DNA:IID interactions are temperature sensitive, resulting in slower kinetics at 0°C. Thus, the kinetics of transcription involve activation processes in addition to DNA binding.
Specially invited opinions and research report of the International Water Law Project: global perspectives on the entry into force of the UN Watercourses Convention 2014: part two

From the Editor-in-Chief, Dr Jerome Delli Priscoli: This is the second part of a research report on opinions of prominent international water lawyers from each continent on the potential impacts of the 1997 UN Convention on the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. The first part of the report was published in Water Policy 16 (6).
TURBULENCE OF A NON-NEWTONIAN FLUID

This paper presents a simple theory for a non-Newtonian fluid, especially the corotational Jeffreys model. Particular attention is paid to the frequency spectrum of the strain fluctuations, and through this article it is found that the Jeffreys fluid will exhibit an “onset” Reynolds number, above which the effects of the non-Newtonian nature of this fluid are felt. Because time dependent behavior of the strain-strain correlation is emphasized, this study is complementary to the molecular theory.
Core Implementation Components

The failure of better science to readily produce better services has led to increasing interest in the science and practice of implementation. The results of recent reviews of implementation literature and best practices are summarized in this article. Two frameworks related to implementation stages and core implementation components are described and presented as critical links in the science to service chain. It is posited that careful attention to these frameworks can more rapidly advance research and practice in this complex and fascinating area.
The utility of the model for end‐stage liver disease score: A reliable guide for liver transplant candidacy and, for select patients, simultaneous hospice referral

Patients with chronic liver disease are referred late to hospice or never referred. There are several barriers to timely referral. First, liver transplantation (LT) and hospice care have always been perceived as mutually exclusive. Yet the criteria for hospice referral and for LT are more similar than different (for example, advanced liver disease and imminent death). Second, physicians, patients, and families have not had a reliable metric to guide referral. However, many patients wait for transplantation but never receive an organ. We hypothesized that the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score already in use to prioritize LT could be used in selected patients for concurrent hospice referral. Furthermore, we hypothesized that patients awaiting LT can receive hospice care and remain eligible for transplantation. Patients with advanced or end-stage liver disease were referred to the University of California Davis Health System hospice program. We correlated the MELD score at admission to length of stay (LOS) in hospice. A total of 157 end-stage liver disease patients were admitted to the hospice service. At the time of hospice admission the mean MELD score was 21 (range, 6-45). The mean length of hospice stay was 38 days (range, 1-329 days). A significant correlation was observed between hospice LOS and MELD score at hospice admission (P < 0.01). Six patients were offered a liver graft while on the combined (LT and hospice) program. MELD can be used to guide clinician recommendation to families about hospice care, achieving one of the national benchmark goals of increasing hospice care duration beyond the current median of 2-3 weeks. A higher MELD score might augment physician judgment as to hospice referral. Hospice care for selected patients may be an effective strategy to improve the care of end-stage liver disease patients waiting for LT.
Tuning fork cavity optomechanical transducers

We present on-chip Si3N4 optomechanical transducers that integrate nanomechanical tuning forks with microdisk resonators for displacement measurements. Enhanced mechanical Q relative to single cantilevers and mechanical frequency adjustment by beam stress engineering were realized.
Calpain-2 regulation of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a complex process involving endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation as well as tube formation. These processes are stimulated by a variety of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-induced cytoskeletal reorganization plays a crucial role in the angiogenic processes. In the present study, we evaluated the role of calpain in VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMEC) were incubated with VEGF (10-60 ng/ml) for 2-24 h, after which we measured calpain activities, protein contents of the calpain subunits and of calpastatin, endothelial monolayer wound repair, tube formation, and actin cytoskeleton changes. Incubation of PMEC with VEGF resulted in dose- and time-dependent increases in calpain activity and protein content of calpain-2. VEGF did not change the protein contents of calpain-1 and the small subunit or of calpastatin. Incubation of PMEC with a VEGF receptor blocker prevented the VEGF-induced increase in calpain activity. Inhibition of calpain activity by siRNA directed against calpain-2 and by overexpression of calpastatin prevented VEGF-induced increases in actin stress fibers in endothelial cells and angiogenesis. Overexpression of calpastatin also inhibits vessel formation in subcutaneous (s.c.) matrigel plugs in mice. These results indicate that calpain mediates VEGF-induced angiogenic effects by modulating actin cytoskeletal organization.
Student and teacher perceptions of motivational strategies in the foreign language classroom

The present paper reports on a study that builds upon Dornyei and Csizer's and Cheng and Dornyei's research on the teaching practices foreign language instructors consider most motivational. The study utilized an instrument based on that of Dornyei and Csizer, but changed the cultural context in which the survey was administered (North America) and added the perspective of foreign language students. The results of the study offer further support to the findings of the earlier studies. Findings also suggest additional cross-cultural differences in perceptions of motivational teaching practices. Furthermore, the present study underscores the importance of including students’ perspectives on classroom practices, as some significant differences were found between teachers’ and students’ responses.
Fluctuations in DNA synthesis by mammary tissue from the pregnant hamster, rat and three strains of mice

Abstract 1. 1. DNA synthesis was determined at midnight and noon in mammary tissue from 13-day pregnant mice (C3H, C57B110 and BALB/c) and 14-day pregnant golden hamsters and Sprague-Dawley rats. 2. 2. Mammary tissue from the hamster and the three mouse strains had elevated DNA synthesis at midnight compared with noon. 3. 3. In contrast, DNA synthesis in mammary tissue from the rat was not different at these two time periods.
PERFORMANCE OF THE VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGE AND THE BULGARIAN INDEXED CAPPED CREDIT

For countries relying on variable-rate, equal monthly installment mortgages, periods of high or unstable inflation can decimate loan affordability and profitability. The Bulgarian Indexed Capped Credit (BICC) can protect bank returns and radically improve loan affordability. Nevertheless, the instrument has a significantly higher credit risk than a fixed rate mortgage. Using Bulgaria as a model, this paper will review the BICC's benefits for borrowers and lenders. In addition, it will examine the instrument's credit risk and explore one option for reducing that hazard. Finally, this report will examine briefly liquidity risk, consumer acceptance and servicing issues.
Computer quantitation of ventricular arrhythmias

This paper describes a system designed around a small laboratory computer directed toward the task of quantitating ventricular arrhythmias in support of pharmacologic research. This class of disorders of cardiac rhythm is so designated because the site of electrical origin is in the ventricles of the heart. In certain clinical states, the new appearance of or increase in frequency of beats of this type is often a herald of more serious, and at times, catastrophic rhythm disturbances. The presence of frequent ventricular beats or of runs of such beats in general usually motivates the Cardiologist to use drugs to suppress these rhythm disturbances. This system is designed to facilitate the data processing task associated with the investigation of such drugs.
Is Russia's Foreign Policy That of a Corporatist-Kleptocratic Regime?

Is Russian foreign policy the foreign policy of a struggling democratic, hybrid, semi-authoritarian, rentier, or corporatist-kleptocratic state? Russia possesses all the trappings of a state with a long-established set of institutions representing state interests abroad, but it also has a set of elites whose purpose is both to represent and promote state interests abroad and to enrich themselves, very often at the state's expense. While Russian foreign policy continues to promote Russian national interests abroad, this article examines the impact of these new kinds of elite rules on Russia and states where corrupt Russian elites find willing partners. Research in the Wikileaks documents is used to study this topic.
Working Adults in Accelerated Cohorts: More than a Learning Community

Abstract There are 54 million working adults in the United States without bachelor's degrees (Pusser et al., 2007). Many would like to obtain a college degree but need an educational program that fits their needs. A viable alternative to a traditional college program is an accelerated program in a cohort format. This article highlights best practices for developing and administering accelerated cohorts for working adults. Specific information is provided about accelerated cohort programs at Mount Olive College in North Carolina, a small, private, not-for-profit institution. Over the last four years, Mount Olive College has increased enrollment an average of 12% each year. Eighty percent of the students enrolled are working adults pursuing a degree through an accelerated cohort program.
Endoscope captures immigrant tapes in duodenum

Taeniasis caused by Taenia solium—the pork tapeworm—or Taenia saginata—the beef tapeworm, and is endemic in Southeast Asia. In a study by Wani et al. [1], the prevalence of T. saginata asiatica was reported to be 7.69 % in rural Kashmir which was secondary to ingestion of measly beef. Most cases of taeniasis are asymptomatic and usually complain of passage of proglottids with stools. However, others present with pruritus ani (77 %), nausea (46 %), abdominal pain (43 %), dizziness (42 %), increased appetite (30 %), and other mild gastrointestinal symptoms [2]. The diagnosis is generally established by identifying eggs or proglottids in the stool. Single dose of 5–10 mg/kg of oral praziquantel is the treatment of choice. Taeniasis is rarely detected on endoscopy. We present an incidental endoscopic removal and detection of T. saginata asiatica in a case of carcinoma of distal esophagus (Fig. 1). He was asymptomatic and in retrospect he revealed episodic passage of white strings/proglottids in stools and was a beef eater. It is essential to improve the protocol detection of parasitism in meat industries. References
Abrogation of the presenilin 1/beta-catenin interaction and preservation of the heterodimeric presenilin 1 complex following caspase activation.

beta-Catenin has previously been shown to interact with presenilin 1 (PS1) in transfected cells. Here we report that beta-catenin co-immunoprecipitates with the endogenous C-terminal fragment of presenilin 1 (PS1-CTF) but not with the endogenous CTF of presenilin 2 (PS2-CTF) in H4 human neuroglioma cells. During staurosporine (STS)-induced cell death, beta-catenin and PS1-CTF undergo a caspase-mediated cleavage. After 12 h of STS treatment, the beta-catenin.PS1-CTF interaction is abrogated. While PS1-CTF immunoprecipitated with all caspase-cleaved species of beta-catenin, beta-catenin holoprotein did not co-immunoprecipitate with the "alternative" caspase-derived PS1-CTF (PS1-aCTF). Thus, the abrogation of the beta-catenin.PS1-CTF complex was due to caspase cleavage of PS1-CTF. beta-Catenin co-immunoprecipitated with PS1-NTF, but only when PS1-NTF was associated with PS1-CTF. Even though PS1-NTF.CTF complex stability was not altered by caspase cleavage, its ability to bind beta-catenin was abolished. Thus, while the PS1-NTF.CTF complex is preserved after caspase cleavage, it may no longer be fully functional.
Mechanistic Studies of Titanocene-Catalyzed Alkene and Alkyne Hydroboration: Borane Complexes as Catalytic Intermediates

The bis(borane) complex Cp2Ti(HBcat‘)2 is a highly active catalyst for the hydroboration of vinylarenes. We provide a detailed mechanistic analysis of this hydroboration process and of the hydroboration of alkynes catalyzed by titanocene dicarbonyl. The hydroboration of alkynes showed a reaction rate that was first order in the concentration of alkyne, inverse second order in the concentration of carbon monoxide, and first order in the concentration of borane. These data are consistent with a mechanism in which two equilibria involving Cp2Ti(CO)(PhCCPh) generate the alkyne borane complex Cp2Ti(HBcat‘)(PhCCPh), which forms the hydroboration product. The hydroboration of alkenes catalyzed by the bis(borane) complex Cp2Ti(HBcat‘)2 involves the similar intermediate Cp2Ti(CO)(RCHCCH2), containing a coordinated alkene, rather than alkyne. The catalytic process for alkene hydroboration is inverse first order in borane and first order in alkene, indicating that the reaction occurs by reversible dissociation of bo...
Supplier Selection Criteria in the Healthcare Industry: A Comparison of Importance and Performace

IN BRIEF As healthcare costs have risen, increased attention has been focused on the role of purchasing within hospitals. This article reviews the attributes traditionally used by purchasing managers in supplier selection and then examines the attributes currently being used within a health care setting. The conclusion is that even though the government and insurers have placed considerable pressure on healthcare providers to reduce costs, low price has not become a more important attribute in supplier selection than product quality, delivery, or service. Further, the research team found that, on average, suppliers are not meeting customer requirements on key supplier selection attributes.
Energy use management: The critical issues of interdependency and indeterminateness

Abstract The translation of energy concerns into effective policies under a democratic regime is currently impaired by two interrelated factors: (1) the interdependency of energy goals with most of society's other concerns and (2) the indeterminateness of both the scientific evidence and public interest. Some of the manifestations of the failure to address these factors are the prevailing energy policy uncertainties and the polarization of values, issues and research efforts. Awareness of this reality has not prevented, however, the suggestion of policies the majority of which either neglect the synergistic effect of the factors or depend for their legitimization on principles incompatible with democratic decision-making. I suggest that systematic examination of the web of interdependencies and of the scientific and public interest indeterminateness supports the assertion that the effectiveness of energy use management will depend on: (i) supplementing quantitative research with qualitative evaluation of scientific and public values; (ii) synthesizing the findings of the numerous currently performed analyses; and (iii) substituting the paternalistic dictates of scientists and special interest groups as the basis for policy decision-making with a participatory process that will aim to maximize the accord among all interested in, and/or impacted by, energy policies.
Weak convergence approach to compound Poisson risk processes perturbed by diffusion

Abstract We obtain the ruin probability and expected discounted penalty function for a diffusion-perturbed classical risk model, by taking limits in a sequence of compound Poisson processes that converge weakly to the former. This allows us to improve upon a result of Tsai and Willmot [Tsai, C.C.L., Willmot, G.E., 2002. A generalized defective renewal equation for the surplus process perturbed by diffusion. Insurance Math. Econ. 30, 51–66].
Principles of complex systems for systems engineering

This paper shows how three systems of types well known to systems engineers can be understood as complex systems. This is important because research in complex systems sciences is vibrant and provides critical insight, but if systems engineers do not understand the complex aspects of the systems they work with daily, they may not be able to use these research results. To date, systems engineering has been looking only at exploiting the “order” side of the order-to-chaos spectrum, and it is time now to understand and begin to utilize principles from the middle and from the chaos side of the spectrum. Three complex systems examples are INCOSE, the systems engineering process (such as a company's standard process), and air traffic control. INCOSE represents most volunteer organizations and social groups. Most systems engineers do not realize that the systems engineering process for a company is a network that can be studied by complex systems methods. Air traffic control may come closest to many systems engineers' definition of a system. This paper provides principles of complex systems based on a variety of sources, and shows the application of complex systems to one of the examples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Teaching Portfolios for Support of Teachers’ Professional Growth

Using standards-based teaching portfolios can prompt teachers to fully consider their range of professional abilities. Portfolios can enhance formative, summative, and self-assessment, and can make the teaching experience more tangible and permanent for novice and veteran teachers.
Characterization of immunoglobulins from the brown bullhead (Ictalurusnebulosus) produced against a naturally occurring bacterial pathogen, Aeromonashydrophila

Abstract The primary immune response in the brown bullhead ( Ictalurus nebulosus ) to intramuscularly injected, chloroform-killed Aeromonas hydrophila reached an agglutination titer of 128 in 3 wk, and the response to the bacteria plus adjuvant reached a titer of 512 in 5 wk. Anti- Aeromonas hydrophila antibodies from brown bullheads were excluded from Sephadex G-200 and had an immunoelectrophoretic migration pattern toward the cathode. Cleavage of the macromolecule by 2-ME reduction and iodoacetamide alkylation yielded subunits that were resumptively heavy chains of about 50,500 daltons and light chains of about 22,500 daltons. Bullhead antibodies were assumed to be tetrameric in configuration and therefore to have an approximate molecular weight of 600,000 daltons assuming a J chain is present in both early (6 wk) and late (20 wk) immune sera. The agglutinating activity of the antibody was completely eliminated by exposure to 65°C for 30 min. Immunoelectrophoresis showed a single antibody component that moved toward the cathode. The structure and molecular weight of bullhead antibodies appears similar to that observed in channel catfish and other closely related teleost fish.
The interleukin-17 receptor B subunit is essential for the Th2 response to Helicobacter pylori, but not for control of bacterial burden.

Helicobacter pylori infection leads to an inflammatory response in 100% of infected individuals. The inflammatory cells which are recruited to the gastric mucosa during infection produce several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines including several cytokines in the interleukin-17 family. The anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 25 (IL-25, also known as IL-17E), signals through a receptor, which is a heterotrimeric receptor comprised of two IL-17 receptor A subunits and an IL-17 receptor B subunit. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that IL-17RA is required to control infection with Helicobacter pylori in the mouse model. Moreover, the absence of IL-17 receptor A leads to a significant B cell infiltrate and a remarkable increase in lymphoid follicle formation in response to infection compared to infection in wild-type mice. We hypothesized that IL-25, which requires both IL-17 receptor A and IL-17 receptor B for signaling, may play a role in control of inflammation in the mouse model of Helicobacter pylori infection. IL-17 receptor B deficient mice, IL-17 receptor A deficient mice and wild-type mice were infected with Helicobacter pylori (strains SS1 and PMSS1). At several time points H. pylori- infected mice were sacrificed to investigate their ability to control infection and inflammation. Moreover, the effects of IL-17 receptor B deficiency on T helper cytokine expression and H. pylori- specific serum antibody responses were measured. IL-17 receptor B−/− mice (unlike IL-17 receptor A−/− mice) exhibited similar or modest changes in gastric colonization, inflammation, and Th1 and Th17 helper cytokine responses to wild-type mice infected with Helicobacter pylori. However, H. pylori-infected IL-17 receptor B−/− mice have reduced expression of IL-4 and lower serum IgG1 and IgG2a levels compared to infected IL-17 receptor A−/− and wild-type mice. These data indicate that signaling through the IL-17 receptor B subunit is not necessary for control of Helicobacter pylori in our model.
Recirculating induction accelerators for inertial fusion: Prospects and status

The US is developing the physics and technology of induction accelerators for heavy-ion beam-driven inertial fusion. The recirculating induction accelerator repeatedly passes beams through the same set of accelerating and focusing elements, thereby reducing both the length and gradient of the accelerator structure. This promises an attractive driver cost, if the technical challenges associated with recirculation can be met. Point designs for recirculator drivers were developed in a multi-year study by LLNL, LBNL, and FM Technologies, and that work is briefly reviewed here. To validate major elements of the recirculator concept, we are developing a small (4-5-m diameter) prototype recirculator which will accelerate a space-charge-dominated beam of K{sup +} ions through 15 laps, from 80 to 320 keV and from 2 to 8 mA. Transverse beam confinement is effected via permanent-magnet quadrupoles; bending is via electric dipoles. This ``Small Recirculator`` is being developed in a build-and-test sequence of experiments. An injector, matching section, and linear magnetic channel using seven half-lattice periods of permanent-magnet quadrupole lenses are operational. A prototype recirculator half-lattice period is being fabricated. This paper outlines the research program, and presents initial experimental results.
Sublimation study of triphenyl boron and the bond-dissociation enthalpy of BC6H5

Abstract The sublimation pressures of triphenyl boron, B(C6H5)3, in the temperature range 340 to 380 K have been determined from simultaneous measurements of the rate of mass effusion and torsional recoil. The measured vapor pressures expressed by the equations: log 10 ( p K p 0 )=(9.52±0.07)−(5.326±0.026)×10 3 ( K T ) log 10 ( p τ p 0 )=(10.08±0.06)−(5.518±0.022)×10 3 ( K T ) where pK and pt are the pressures measured by the Knudsen effusion and torsional recoil techniques, respectively, and po = 101.325 kPa, confirm that triphenyl boron is a monomer in the vapor phase in the temperature range of the measurements. The mean standard molar enthalpy and entropy of sublimation (pc = 101.325 kPa) derived from these equations are: ΔsubHmo{B(C6H5)3, cr, 360 K} = (103.8 ± 2.5) kJ·mol−1 and ΔsubSmo{B(C6H5)3, cr, 360 K} = (187.6 ± 7.6) J·K−1·mol−1. The mean molar bond-dissociation enthalpy (BC6H5) is calculated to be (459 ± 11.6) kJ·mol−1.
Neuronal, but Not Microglial, Accumulation of Extravasated Serum Proteins after Intracerebral Hemolysate Exposure is Accompanied by Cytochrome c Release and DNA Fragmentation

Vasogenic edema after oxidative injury has been accompanied by intracellular accumulation of serum proteins and nuclear damage. This study sought to determine whether serum protein accumulation, along with other markers of brain injury, was present after exposure to intracerebral hemolysate, an oxidant model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Saline (n = 24) or hemolysate (n = 30) was injected into the caudate-putamen of adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Compared with saline, hemolysate deposition was associated with intracellular accumulation of serum proteins as evidenced by Evans blue uptake in neurons and microglia at 4 and 24 hours. Intracellular Evans blue colocalized with DNA fragmentation detected by nick end-labeling and whose presence was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Immunoblots of cytosolic fractions confirmed cytochrome c release. Immunostaining established colocalization of cytosolic cytochrome c and intracellular Evans blue at 4 hours. At 24 hours, cytosolic cytochrome c was evident in astrocytes surrounding Evans blue-positive cells. Immunoblot analysis and immunostaining revealed HSP70 induction at 24 hours in regions adjacent to intracellular serum accumulation. Neuronal accumulation of extravasated serum proteins in this model of ICH was associated with cytochrome c release, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. Stress protein induction in adjacent regions suggested that vasogenic edema might have exacerbated cellular dysfunction and cell death after ICH.
Suitable oviposition site for corn rootworms (coleoptera, chrysomelidae) resulting from concentration of rainwater by corn plant☆

Abstract Corn, by the arrangement and shape of its leaves, can direct rainwater to the soil at the base of the plants. Thus water from a very light rain is available to the plants. This moisture makes soil cracks around the plants acceptable as oviposition sites for corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.).
Electronically Scanned Arrays

Scanning arrays present the radar or communications engineer with the ultimate in antenna flexibility. They also present a multitude of new opportunities and new challenges that need to be addressed. In order to describe the needs for scanned array development, this book begins with a brief discussion of the history that led to present array antennas. This text is a compact but comprehensive treatment of the scanned array, from the underlying basis for array pattern behavior to the engineering choices leading to successful design. The book describes the scanned array in terms of radiation from apertures and wire antennas and introduces the effects resulting directly from scanning, including beam broadening, impedance mismatch and gain reduction and pattern squint and those effects of array periodicity including grating and quantization lobes and array blindness. The text also presents the engineering tools for improving pattern control and array efficiency including lattice selection, subarrray technology and pattern synthesis. Equations and figurers quantify the phenomena being described and provide the reader with the tools to tradeoff various performance features. The discussions proceed beyond the introductory material and to the state of the art in modern array design. Contents: Basic Principles and Applications of Array Antennas / Element Coupling Effects in Array Antennas / Array Pattern Synthesis / Subarray Techniques for Limited Field of View and Wide Band Applications
Intermolecular Spectrum of Liquid Biphenyl Studied by Optical Kerr Effect Spectroscopy

The intermolecular spectra of neat liquid biphenyl and biphenyl/n-heptane mixtures were obtained by using optically heterodyne detected optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) spectroscopy. The intermolecular spectrum of biphenyl is broad and bimodal in character. The spectrum of biphenyl undergoes a red shift and line narrowing with temperature and upon dilution in n-heptane. The spectra can be well fit by a bimodal line shape function. Inconsistencies, however, arise in the interpretation of the effects of temperature and dilution on the individual component bands. The spectrum of biphenyl is similar in frequency and width to that of benzene. Packing models suggest that rotational motion is more hindered in biphenyl than in benzene, which could explain the similarity of the spectra of the two liquids, even though the moments of inertia for the two molecules are quite different.
TARP Auxiliary Subunits Switch AMPA Receptor Antagonists into Partial Agonists

): Quinoxalinedione compounds such as 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) are the most commonly used a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists. However, we find that in the presence of transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs), which are AMPA receptor auxiliary subunits, CNQX acts as a partial agonist. CNQX induced small depolarizing currents in neurons of the central nervous system, and reconstitution of this agonist activity required coexpressionofTARPs. Acrystal structure of CNQX boundto the TARP-lessAMPA receptor ligandbinding domain showed that, although CNQX induces partial domain closure, this movement is not transduced into linker separation, suggesting that TARPs may increase agonist efficacy by strengthening the coupling between domain closure and channel opening. Our results demonstrate that the presence of an auxiliary subunit can determine whether a compound functions as an agonist or antagonist.
Adolescent exposure to nicotine results in reinforcement enhancement but does not affect adult responding in rats

Abstract Background Adolescence is a period of development associated with a peak in an organism's responsiveness to reward. Epidemiological data indicate that the initiation of smoking is high during adolescence and that earlier age of onset is associated with increased incidence of dependence as adults. In rats, nicotine is known to have primary reinforcing and reinforcement enhancing effects. Although the primary reinforcing effects of nicotine have been demonstrated in adolescent rats (self-administration), less is known about its reinforcement enhancing effects during this period. Moreover, the impact of adolescent nicotine exposure on its reinforcement enhancing effects during adulthood has not yet been examined. The objectives of this study were to assess whether (1) nicotine enhances operant responding for an unconditioned visual reinforcer (VS) in adolescent rats, and (2) exposure to nicotine during adolescence affects responsiveness to the VS in adulthood. Methods Rats were exposed to nicotine (0.32 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection) or saline during adolescence (postnatal day 29–42) and adulthood. Nose-poking for the VS was assessed under fixed and progressive ratio schedules. Results Nicotine increased responding for the VS during adolescence. Adolescent nicotine exposure failed to significantly affect adult responsiveness for the VS, regardless of adult nicotine exposure, but early exposure to the VS affected responsiveness to the VS in adulthood. Conclusions Nicotine exhibits reinforcement enhancing effects in adolescent rats. Long-term effects of adolescent nicotine on reinforcement enhancement are minimal, but the impact of early exposure to the VS and/or the primary reinforcing effects of nicotine requires further investigation.
Assessing Attitudes and Preferred Communication Methods toward Forestry from a Statewide Survey of Mississippi Public School Teachers

Forest resources are important economic assets to Mississippi. Therefore, the forestry community needs to maintain viable relationships with key constituency groups such as teachers. The study’s objectives were to use focus groups and mail questionnaires to determine values, attitudes, and educational needs of Mississippi’s public school teachers toward forestry and forest industry. Most teachers had positive or somewhat positive attitudes (70%) toward forest industry. No significant differences were found between prekindergarten through 3rd- and 4th- through 8th-grade teachers (t =0.308, p =0.758), prekindergarten through 3rd- and 9th- through 12th-grade teachers (t = –0.667, p = 0.506), or 4th- through 8th- and 9th-through 12th-grade teachers (t = 0.246, p = 0.806). Preferred communication methods for teachers in general were school visits, educational materials, and partnerships. Preferred topics of interest were the environment, wildlife habitat, and wildlife. This study stresses the importance of tai...