cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Totalization Agreements

International social security totalization agreements eliminate double social security taxation for workers who reside and work in different country from their home country. Because totalization agreements affect a number of economic agents in a variety of ways, we develop a cost-benefit framework of totalization agreements to facilitate the comparison and assessment of these impacts from a cost-benefit perspective. It lists the important stakeholders and the types of potential effects of the agreement on them, and attempts to quantify each type of effects for each stakeholder. The framework can be useful to policy makers and researchers to evaluate the economic implications of current or proposed future agreements, depending on scenarios of economic conditions, characteristics of partner countries, and how they affect different stakeholders. The paper also summarizes what is currently known about the effects and related costs and benefits of totalization agreements. We provide relatively simple and straightforward example calculations for some of these effects, as well as calculations using a stylized micro-economic model for workers and a stylized macro-economic model for firm investment and production allocation. In a few cases, we have both simple calculations of direct effects and model calculations that take more channels into account (under strong assumptions), and they agree well, implying that the simple calculations capture most of the total effect.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Involved in Cocaine-Mediated Potentiation on Behavioral Changes in CX3CR1-Deficient Mice.

Microglia, the primary immunocompetent cells of the brain, are suggested to play a role in the development of drug addiction. Previous studies have identified the microglia-derived pro-inflammatory factor IL1β can promote the progression of cocaine addiction. Additionally, the activation status of microglia and “two-hit hypothesis” have been proposed in the field of drug addiction to explain how early life stress (ELS) could significantly increase the incidence of drug addiction in later life. However, the mechanisms underlying microglia prime and full activation and their roles in drug addiction remain greatly unexplored. Here, we employed CX3CR1-GFP mice (CX3CR1 functional deficiency, CX3CR1−/−) to explore whether primed microglia could potentiate cocaine-mediated behavioral changes and the possible underlying mechanisms. CX3CR1−/− mice revealed higher hyperlocomotion activity and conditional place preference than wild-type (WT) mice did under cocaine administration. In parallel, CX3CR1−/− mice showed higher activity of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome than WT mice. Interestingly, CX3CR1 deficiency itself could prime NLRP3 signaling by increasing the expression of NLPR3 and affect lysosome biogenesis under basal conditions. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that the functional status of microglia could have an impact on cocaine-mediated reward effects, and NLRP3 inflammasome activity was associated with this phenomenon. This study was consistent with the two-hit hypothesis and provided solid evidence to support the involvement of microglia in drug addiction. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome may represent a novel therapeutic approach for ameliorating or blocking the development of drug addiction.
Variation in Timing, Duration, Intensity, and Direction of Adolescent Growth in the Mandible, Maxilla, and Cranial Base: The Fels Longitudinal Study

There is considerable individual variation in the timing, duration, and intensity of growth that occurs in the craniofacial complex during childhood and adolescence. The purpose of this article is to describe the extent of this variation between traits and between individuals within the Fels Longitudinal Study (FLS). Polynomial multilevel models were used to estimate the ages of onset, peak velocity, and cessation of adolescent growth, the time between these ages, the amount of growth between these ages, and peak velocity. This was done at both the group and individual levels for standard cephalometric measurements of the lengths of the mandible, maxilla, and cranial base, the gonial angle, and the saddle angle. Data are from 293 untreated boys and girls age 4-24 years in the FLS. The timing of the adolescent growth spurt was, in general, not significantly different between the mandible and the maxilla, with each having an earlier age of onset, later age of peak velocity, and later age of cessation of growth as compared to the cranial base length. Compared to lengths, angles had in general later ages of onset, peak velocity, and cessation of growth. Accurate characterization of the ontogenetic trajectories of the traits in the craniofacial complex is critical for both clinicians seeking to optimize treatment timing and anatomists interested in examining heterochrony.
The Transversal Method of Lines (TMOL) Applied to Unsteady Conduction in Large Plates, Long Cylinders and Spheres With Prescribed Surface Heat Flux

The T ransversal M ethod O f L ines (TMOL) or Rothe method is a general technique for solving parabolic partial differential equations that uses a two-point backward finite-difference formulation for the time derivative and differential spatial derivatives. This hybrid approach leads to transformed ordinary differential equations where the spatial coordinate is the independent variable and the time appears as an embedded parameter. The transformed ordinary differential equations may have constant or variable coefficients depending on the coordinate system and are first-order accurate. In this work, TMOL is applied to the 1-D heat equation for large plates, long cylinders and spheres with constant thermophysical properties, uniform initial temperature and prescribed surface heat flux. The analytic solutions of the adjoint heat equations are performed with the symbolic Maple software. It is demonstrated that the approximate semi-analytic TMOL temperature distributions for the three simple bodies are much better than first-order accurate. This signifies that TMOL temperature distributions are not only valid for short times, but they are valid for the entire heating period involving short, moderate and long times.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Post-demagnetization characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous machines

This work investigates post-demagnetization characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). A combination of closed-form analysis using a magnetic equivalent circuit model and finite element (FE) analysis is used to provide physical insights into the flux paths associated with demagnetizing electromotive force (MMF). Post-demagnetization behavior in several types of PMSMs is studied to better understand post-fault PM machine performance and the key characteristics that can be used to monitor demagnetization faults. Topics include the key role of magnet flux leakage paths in interior PM machines for attenuating the negative impact of demagnetizing stator MMF, and the particular vulnerability of PM machines with fractional-slot concentrated windings to progressive accumulated degradation following exposure to multiple demagnetization events. FE analysis is used to build confidence in the demagnetization predictions of the developed model and to provide more insights that are difficult to obtain using the analytical model.
Is Dialysis Always Justified? Ethics and Economics

Introduction: Terminally ill patients requiring dialysis present complex ethical and medical dilemma to the nephrologists. With the rising health care costs and futility of care in such cases, the financial burden is a lingering concern. Methods: We describe a 77-year-old male with lymphoma and prostate cancer admitted for abdominal pain and weight loss. He was found to have metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma on laparotomy. His malignancy was deemed inoperable and was offered palliative care. Subsequent hospital course was complicated by sepsis with multiple organ failure resulting in acute renal failure requiring dialysis support. Being aware of his poor prognosis, patient initially declined interventions including dialysis. He was later convinced by his family and agreed to aggressive therapeutic intervention. Anticipating a complicated course, hemodialysis was initiated through cuffed tunneled catheter (CTC). Subsequently, he had multiple episodes of sepsis resulting in removal of CTC, necessitating insertion of 9 temporary dialysis catheters and 3 CTC over a 9-month period; further complicated by thrombosis of both femoral veins. Eventually, patient's condition progressively deteriorated and dialysis was withdrawn with family's consent 9 months following surgery. Patient was put on comfort care and died 2 days later. He spent a total of 7½ months in ICU, 1 month in skilled care facility, and 2 weeks on regular hospital floor. Total VAMC expenditure was $373,964, which in a private setting would be approximately $1.0 million. Conclusion: This case highlights the futility of aggressive management of renal failure in terminally ill elderly patients. Besides its inability to improve quality of life, it adds as a financial burden to the society.
A relational algebra for data/metadata integration in a federated database system

The need for interoperability among databases has increased dramatically with the proliferation of readily available DBMS and application software. Even within a single organization, data from disparate relational databases must be integrated. A framework for interoperability in a federated system of relational databases should be inherently relational, so that it can use existing techniques for query evaluation and optimization where possible and retain the key features of SQL, such as a modest complexity and ease of query formulation. Our contribution is a logspace relational algebra, the Meta-Algebra (MA), for data/metadata integration among relational databases containing semantically similar information in schematically disparate formats. The MA is a simple yet powerful extension of the classical relational algebra (RA). The MA has a natural declarative counterpart, the Meta-Query Language (MQL), which we briefly describe. We state a result showing MQL and the MA are computationally equivalent, which enables us to algebratize MQL queries in fundamentally the same way as ordinary SQL queries. This algebratization in turn enables us to use MA equivalences to facilitate the application of known query optimization techniques to MQL query evaluation.
FTY720: from bench to bedside

Abstract FTY720, a synthetic myriocin analogue derived from culture filtrates of Isaria sinclairii, is a novel immunosuppressant that in experimental animals and nonhuman primates produces lymphocytopenia and prolongs allograft survival in dose-dependent fashion. FTY720 exerts synergistic interactions not only with calcineurin antagonists, but also with proliferation signal inhibitors. These interactions proffer the possibility of reducing exposure to and mitigating toxicity of existing drugs. The mechanism of drug action is not entirely clear. FTY720 appears to undergo phosphorylation by sphingosine phosphokinase 2, rendering it capable of interacting with the specific G protein-linked receptors for its structural homologue—sphingosine-1-phosophate. However, it is not clear how this interaction leads to emigration of lymphocytes from the peripheral blood and sequestration in secondary lymphoid structures. Present theories suggest that the drug prevents emigration rather than directing the onset of sequestration. Thus, the drug is the archetype of a new class of agents that alter lymphocyte homing patterns: the adhesion-migration paradigm. These modalities reduce interstitial infiltration of grafts and attenuate their release from lymph nodes. Since FTY720 seems to spare nonspecific elements of host resistance, it may not only represent a useful addition to the immunosuppressive armamentarium but also address the not infrequent complications of infections associated with existing therapies.
Surface fatigue life of carburized and hardened M50NiL and AISI 9310 spur gears and rolling-contact test bars

Spur gear endurance tests and rolling-element surface tests were conducted to investigate vacuum-induction-melted, vacuum-arc-melted (VIM-VAR) M50NiL steel for use as a gear steel in advanced aircraft applications, to determine its endurance characteristics, and to compare the results with those for standard VAR and VIM-VAR AISI 9310 gear material. Tests were conducted with spur gears and rolling-contact bars manufactured from VIM-VAR M50NiL and VAR and VIM-VAR AISI 9310. The gear pitch diameter was 8.9 cm (3.5 in.). Gear test conditions were an inlet oil temperature of 320 K (116 F), and outlet oil temperature of 350 K (170 F), a maximum Hertz stress of 1.71 GPa (248 ksi), and a speed of 10,000 rpm. Bench rolling-element fatigue tests were conducted at ambient temperatures with a bar speed of 12,500 rpm and a maximum Hertz stress of 4.83 GPA (700 ksi). The VIM-VAR M50NiL gears had a surface fatigue life that was 4.5 and 11.5 times that for VIM-VAR and VAR AISI 9310 gears, respectively. The surface fatigue life of the VIM-VAR M50NiL rolling-contact bars was 13.2 and 21.6 times that for the VIM-VAR and VAR AISI 9310, respectively. The VIM-VAR M50NiL material was shown to have good resistance to fracture through a fatigue spall and to have fatigue life far superior to that of both VIM-VAR and VAR AISI 9310 gears and rolling-contact bars.
The applicability of advanced ionosondes to the IRI

Abstract The ionosonde has evolved from the early analog film-recording depictor of the ionosphere, into a precision diagnositic instrument. Contemporary monitoring ionosondes occupy an intermediate niche in this evolution. Some of these present digital ionogram images to interpretation experts who use the conveniences of digital data presentation to identify and record parameter values. This approach can improve parameter precision, but it remains as labor intensive as in the days of film recording. Other monitoring in accuracy compared to manual analysis. The reduction in accuracy is often unquantified, which can introduce unknown errors into the IRI and other ionosphere models. Autoscaling algorithms have not succeeded to duplicate expert judgments because, in part, of the limited information available from contemporary monitoring instruments. Advanced digital ionosondes can make up this difference, and much more, with precision measurements of all available echo properties. Automated data reduction algorithms can use these measurements to improve the accuracy and continuity of established parameters, and to develop new diagnostic capabilities for a wider variety of ionospheric properties. These improvements are essential for the continuing development of ionospheric models such as the IRI.
The Orphan Drug Act. Should it be changed

IT IS A FACT of political life that much legislation, no matter how well intended and well crafted, often has unforeseen effects. That is one of the reasons the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 is such an outstanding example of successful law making. It has done exactly what its supporters intended it to do. The act represents sound and responsible public policy. But, more importantly, it has served millions of people suffering from rare diseases. The Congress, therefore, should deliberate very carefully before changing it. The act seeks to encourage development of pharmaceutical therapies for disorders that afflict fewer than 200 000 people by providing incentives for drug companies to undertake the task. Recognizing that market incentives alone are inadequate given the relatively small patient size, it provides tax credits and 7 years of market exclusivity to pharmaceutical firms willing to "adopt" and develop a drug. A look at the
Screening for Osteoporosis

Excerpt To the Editors:The recent paper on screening for osteoporosis by Melton and colleagues (1) was an excellent review of the existing data. Their estimates of the effectiveness of screening ar...
Profile of numbers of sequence differences among V-genes coding for the variable regions of T cell receptor for antigen alpha and beta chains

When human T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) alpha chain V-genes were compared pair-wise, the numbers of nucleotide differences showed a characteristic distribution; most were in the range of 100 to 200 differences out of a total of about 300 bases. The same distribution was observed for mouse TCR alpha chains. Even more interesting was that comparing human alpha chains and mouse alpha chains gave essentially the same nucleotide difference pattern. It is inferred from the large number of differences and from the nonspecificity of trans-species (human and mouse) nucleotide sequence differences of TCR V-genes that TCR alpha chains probably diverged early during evolution. The same feature was also observed for human and mouse TCR beta chains, although the alpha and beta chain V-genes were distinct. This evolutionary preservation could be of vital importance to the fidelity of the complicated trimolecular interactions among TCR alpha and beta chains, the processed peptide, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or II molecules.
Molecular beam photoionization study of H2S

Abstract Photoionization efficiency data for H 2 S + , S + and HS + have been obtained in the region 645–1190 A using the molecular beam method. The ionization energy of H 2 S was determined to be 10.4607±0.0026 eV (1185.25±0.30 A). The observed autoionizing vibrational progressions are tentatively assigned to the Rydberg transitions: 5 a 1 → nsa 1 ( n = 5 and 6) and 2 b 2 → nda 1 ( n = 4 and 5).
The Genus Oecleus in the United States (Homoptera: Fulgoridae)

The genus Oecleus belongs to that division of the family Cixidae in which the end of the female abdomen is modified into a large transverse wax-forming plate to the lower margin of which the reduced pygofers and ovipositor are attached. The following key will enable one to readily determine the common genera.
Predictive Dosimetry for Threshold Phototoxicity in Photodynamic Therapy on Normal Skin: Red Wavelengths Produce More Extensive Damage Than Blue at Equal Threshold Doses

The goal of this investigation was to establish methodology to determine and prevent phototoxic responses of normal skin to photodynamic therapy (PDT). The drug used was a second-generation photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA). The dependence of skin phototoxicity on drug dose (0.5-2.0 mg/kg), fluence (1.2-390 J/cm2), and wavelength (690 nm and 458 nm) was studied in the New Zealand albino rabbit in the first 5 h after injection. Skin responses were recorded for 2 wk after irradiation. Noninvasive measurements of drug fluorescence were made on unexposed skin sites during the first 5 h after drug injection. Immediate responses to PDT included erythema induced by 458 nm light and blanching induced by 690 nm light. Delayed reactions included edema on the day of exposure, purpura at 24 h, eschar by day 2 or 3, and scar by the end of follow-up. The threshold fluence for immediate responses correlated strongly with the threshold fluence for delayed reactions. The induction of threshold purpura on day 1 was a reliable index for skin phototoxicity that led to necrosis. The minimum purpura dose on day 1 after irradiation increased exponentially with the interval between drug injection and irradiation, independent of irradiation wavelength, for all drug doses. The action spectrum for threshold purpura mimics closely the absorption spectrum of BPD-MA. The in vivo drug fluorescence correlated with skin phototoxicity, thus allowing predictive dosimetry. This model system defines the safety limits for skin phototoxicity of PDT with BPD-MA.
Dynamical behavior and influence of stochastic noise on certain generalized Boolean networks

Abstract This study considers a simple Boolean network with N nodes, each node’s state at time t being determined by a certain number of parent nodes. The network is analyzed when the connectivity k is fixed or variable. Making use of a Boolean rule that is a generalization of Rule 22 of elementary cellular automata, a generalized formula for providing the probability of finding a node in state 1 at time t is determined. We show typical behaviors of the iterations, and we study the dynamics of the network through Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams and fixed point analysis. We conclude that the network may exhibit stability or chaos, depending on the underlying parameters. In general high connectivity is associated with a convergence to zero of the probability of finding a node in state 1 at time t . We also study analytically and numerically the dynamics of the network under a stochastic noise procedure. We show that under a smaller probability of disturbing the nodes through the noise procedure the system tends to exhibit more nodes in the same state. For many parameter combinations there is no critical value of the noise parameter below which the network remains organized and above which it behaves randomly.
Petrology of Venus: Further Deductions

The carbon dioxide pressure of the atmosphere of Venus may be controlled by one or more of several decarbonation reactions. One of these is the formation of carbonate-rich liquids. The pressure-temperature equilibrium conditions of these reactions are in the range of those proposed for the surface of Venus.
Integral equations of axisymmetric heat-conduction problems of homogeneous bodies with cracks

The fundamental heat conduction problems for axisymmetric bodies with cracks are considered. Integral representations of temperature functions are constructed in terms of temperature jumps and heat flows in axisymmetric surfaces and cuts. By means of these representations, boundary-value problems for a space with cuts at whose edges are specified either a temperature, heat flow, or heat conduction conditions are reduced to singular integral equations. Integral equations are also found for boundary-value problems for a conical body of revolution with cavities and cracks. Numerical results are presented for a space with simply or doubly connected nonplanar cracks.
An Invitation to Participate in Affairs of the Journal of Macromarketing

This invitation explains our goal and illustrates specific objectives of macromarketing study. It identifies current priorities in macromarketing thought and explains why we believe the Journal of Macromarketing can serve the professional scholar and public and managerial social policy formulating communities concerned with marketing.
Large matrix, small rank

For the problem of computing the rank of a matrix we have a complexity result and a practical implementation, both of which apply best to the case of a matrix whose rank is substantially smaller than its order.First, matrix rank can be computed in essentially optimal time when the rank is sufficiently small, specifically when the rank is less than the matrix order to the two-thirds power.Second, we have built software infrastructure to improve efficiency of matrix operations over a small finite field. Using this we have computed the 3-ranks of the first 7 matrices of the sequence D(3,k). These are adjacency matrices of strongly regular graphs defined by a construction of Dickson based on operations in a semifield of order 32k.In particular, D(3,7) is a 4,782,969 by 4,782,969 matrix and it's rank computation uses four days of CPU time.On the basis of the first 7 values, we conjecture that the sequence of ranks of the D(3,k) satisfies a linear recurrence of degree three.
Estimates of dispersal and home-range fidelity in American black bears

Abstract I examined dispersal, home-range establishment, and home-range fidelity in American black bears (Ursus americanus) using radiotelemetry data for individuals whose natal ranges were known (n = 43), individuals whose natal ranges were identified using microsatellite DNA (n = 13), and individuals whose natal ranges were unknown (n = 86). Dispersal was highly male-biased. Nearly all males emigrated 22–62 km from their natal ranges between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Some males continued to float, moving their ranges 15–68 km between successive years. Most males settled into a permanent home range by age 4 years, and all males settled by age 7 years. One 8-year-old male apparently did not disperse and resided only 7 km from his natal range. Females were more philopatric and settled 0–7 km from their natal ranges. Only 1 female moved her range >20 km at the age of 5 years. The adaptive significance of male-biased natal dispersal is discussed.
A definition of Chisholm's notion of immanent causation

What Chisholm calls the "metaphysical problem of human freedom," we may identify with the problem of determining whether this argument is sound. At least one philosopher, C.D. Broad, has argued that it is sound. 3 Few philosophers, however, would be willing to accept this conclusion. I myself would claim to know that there are states of affairs that I am responsible for having brought about, and I think I know this beyond all possibility of argument: I am more certain of my responsibility in these cases than I should ever be of the cogency of any philosophical argument. And in this, I think, Chisholm would agree with me. Among philosophers who reject (3), the most popular view is that (1) is false. Philosophers who deny (1) are now generally called
Holocene evolution of the western Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

The pristine nature of the Orinoco Delta of eastern Venezuela provides unique opportunities to study the geologic processes and environments of a major tropical delta. Remote-sensing images, shallow cores, and radiocarbon-dating of organic remains form the basis for describing deltaic environments and interpreting the Holocene history of the delta. The Orinoco Delta can be subdivided into two major sectors. The southeast sector is dominated by the Rio Grande—the principal distributary—and complex networks of anastomosing fluvial and tidal channels. The abundance of siliciclastic deposits suggests that fluvial processes such as overbank flooding strongly influence this part of the delta. In contrast, the northwest sector is represented by few major distributaries, and overbank sedimentation is less widespread relative to the southeast sector. Peat is abundant and occurs in herbaceous and forested swamps that are individually up to 200 km 2 in area. Northwest-directed littoral currents transport large volumes of suspended sediment and produce prominent mudcapes along the northwest coast. Mapping of surface sediments, vegetation, and major landforms identified four principal geomorphic systems within the western delta plain: (1) distributary channels, (2) interdistributary flood basins, (3) fluvial-marine transitional environments, and (4) marine-influenced coastal environments. Coring and radiocarbon dating of deltaic deposits show that the northern delta shoreline has prograded 20–30 km during the late Holocene sea-level highstand. Progradation has been accomplished by a combination of distributary avulsion and mudcape progradation. This style of deltaic progradation differs markedly from other deltas such as the Mississippi where distributary avulsion leads to coastal land loss, rather than shoreline progradation. The key difference is that the Orinoco Delta coastal zone receives prodigious amounts of sediment from northwest-moving littoral currents that transport sediment from as far away as the Amazon system (∼1600 km). Late Holocene progradation of the delta has decreased delta-plain gradients, increased water levels, and minimized overbank flooding and siliciclastic sedimentation in the northwest sector. These conditions, coupled with large amounts of direct precipitation, have led to widespread peat accumulation in interdistributary basins. Because peat-forming environments cover up to 5000 km 2 of the delta plain, the Orinoco may be an excellent analogue for interpreting ancient deltaic peat deposits.
Metabolism of analogues of coproporphyrinogen-III with modified side chains: Implications for binding at the active site of coproporphyrinogen oxidase

Porphyrinogens with modified propionate side chains bearing methyl substituents were found to be modest substrates for coproporphyrinogen oxidase; the results indicate that alteration of the substituents involved in secondary binding interactions has a comparable affect to modifying the side chain that undergoes degradation at the catalytic site.
DETERMINATION OF PORPHYRINS IN HUMAN BLOOD BY HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract A method for the reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of porphyrin carboxylic acids and zinc protoporphyrin with fluorescence detection is described. The method is applied to determine the porphyrins in human blood. Erythrocyte porphyrins were extracted from whole blood with 300 μl of acidic methanol solution. Metalloporphyrin was separately extracted with an acetone-pyridine-sterox solution from another aliquot of blood. The supernatants from both extracts were simultaneously injected onto aμBondapak C18 column for detection of porphyrins with excitation wavelength at 405 nm and emission wavelength at 630 nm. The separation required a pre-treatment of the column with a binary mobile phase containing 0.1 M sodium phosphate in acetonitrile (29: 16, v/v, pH 5.3) for 10 min prior to sample injection. The separation was completed isocratically by increasing the acetonitrile concentration in the mobile phase (0.1 M sodium phosphate: acetonitrile = 18: 129, v/v, pH 5.3) 4 min af...
Grubbs's cross metathesis of eugenol with cis-2-butene-1,4-diol to make a natural product. An organometallic experiment for the undergraduate lab

An experiment for the undergraduate organic laboratory course, the ruthenium catalyzed cross metathesis of eugenol with cis-1,4-butenediol, is described in detail. The Grubbs' catalyst is dispersed in paraffin wax to eliminate the need for inert atmosphere storage. Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, is coupled at room temperature overnight with cis-1,4-butenediol to yield the crystalline (E)-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)but-2-en-ol, also a natural product. The experiment is an excellent example of the powerful selectivity possible with the Grubbs' catalyst. Both the preference for trans over cis alkene formation and for cross metathesis over homodimerization are demonstrated. The experiment also provides an opportunity for students to gain proficiency in the organic synthesis techniques of column chromatography, TLC, recrystallization, and melting point determination. Optional characterization of the product by IR, mass spec, and 1H NMR make the experiment applicable for all levels of undergraduate...
Behavioral impairment produced by exposure to subclinical amounts of methylmercury chloride.

Abstract Rats exposed to small amounts of methylmercury at age 28, 35, and 42 days were impaired in their ability to learn an active avoidance response on tests conducted when they reached adulthood. The amount of methylmercury to which the animals were exposed did not affect food or water intake, body weight, brain weight, or adrenal weight. Adult rats exposed to an equivalent amount of methylmercury did not exhibit behavioral impairment. The data suggest that young organisms are more susceptible to the toxic effects of methylmercury than adults, and that behavioral indices provide a more sensitive index of the toxic effects of methylmercury than clinical indices.
Topical peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha activators reduce inflammation in irritant and allergic contact dermatitis models

Activators of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha, a nuclear hormone receptor that heterodimerizes with retinoid X receptor, stimulate epidermal differentiation and inhibit proliferation. Here we determined the anti-inflammatory effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists in models of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis produced in mouse ears by topical treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and oxazalone, respectively. As expected, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment resulted in a marked increase in the thickness and weight of the ears and provoked an inflammatory cell infiltrate in the dermis. Topical treatment with three different peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists, clofibrate, WY 14643, or linoleic acid, 45 min and 4 h after 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate application, resulted in a marked decrease in ear thickness and weight and a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells in the dermis. The reduction in inflammation by these peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists was of similar magnitude to that seen with a potent topical glucocorticoid, clobetasol. In contrast, stearic acid, a free fatty acid that does not activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha, had no effect on the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation. Moreover, clofibrate did not significantly alter ear thickness following 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha-/- mice, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha. As tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha are major mediators of cutaneous inflammation we next used immunohistochemistry to determine whether the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists reduce the levels of these cytokines in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-treated skin. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment resulted in an increase in tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1alpha staining in the epidermis that was reduced by clofibrate treatment. Finally, clofibrate treatment also reduced ear thickness and weight in oxazalone-induced allergic dermatitis, a change that was accompanied by a reduction in inflammatory cells in the dermis and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha levels in the oxazalone-treated epidermis. These studies demonstrate that topically applied peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists possess receptor mediated, anti-inflammatory activity in both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis animal models. The anti-inflammatory properties of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha agonists, coupled with their anti-proliferative and pro-differentiating effects, suggest that they could be beneficial for the treatment of a variety of cutaneous diseases.
The Radiofrequency Spectra of Atoms Hyperfine Structure and Zeeman Effect in the Ground State of Li 6 , Li 7 , K 39 and K 41

The molecular beam magnetic resonance method previously used for the study of molecules has been extended to the study of atoms. Transitions between the members of hyperfine structure multiplets of the ground state of atoms have been observed directly. In this way the hyperfine structure intervals of the normal states of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$, ${\mathrm{K}}^{39}$ and ${\mathrm{K}}^{41}$ have been measured. Since the measurement of frequency alone is involved, the results are of very high precision. These spectra have been observed in external magnetic fields varying from 0.05 to 4000 gauss, i.e., from the ordinary Zeeman to the complete Paschen-Back region. The lines in the pattern are completely resolved even at the low fields. The h.f.s. separations derived from measurements at different fields are in excellent agreement. Comparison is made between the ratio of the nuclear moments of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$ and ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ as derived from the h.f.s. measurements with the directly measured ratio. The two ratios are 3.9610 and 3.9601, respectively. They agree within the experimental error of 0.04 percent. The h.f.s. separations are given both in absolute frequency units and in wave numbers. ${{\mathrm{sec}.}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6},{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}}{{\mathrm{Li}}^{6},228.220.007613}{{\mathrm{Li}}^{7},803.540.026805}{{\mathrm{K}}^{39},461.750.015403}{{\mathrm{K}}^{41},254.020.008474}$
Automatic operation of a high-precision Wheatstone bridge

A novel logic circuit which has been successfully applied to secure automatic operation of a high precision Wheatstone bridge is described. The method relies on the fact that the installation determines the instant of equilibrium of the resistance of a platinum wire subjected to a constant heat flux, thus giving highly accurate pairs of values of wire temperature and time. The logic circuit starts and stops six electronic counters in the right sequence and unbalances the bridge by a predetermined resistance after each equilibrium. The latter instant provides the signal to stop one preselected counter.
Weight Operators and Group Geometries

Abstract S. D. Smith′s work on Cohen-Macaulay complexes is extended. Weight operators show the well known weight vectors of modular representations of Lie-type groups in a simpler and more geometric light. A number of sporadic geometries are also analyzed in this fashion.
Advanced in Predictive Data Mining Methods

Predictive models have been widely used long before the development of the new field that we call data mining. Expanding application demand for data mining of ever increasing data warehouses, and the need for understandability of predictive models with increased accuracy of prediction, all have fueled recent advances in automated predictive methods. We first examine a few successful application areas and technical challenges they present. We discuss some theoretical developments in PAC learning and statistical learning theory leading to the emergence of support vector machines. We then examine some technical advances made in enhancing the performance of the models both in accuracy (boosting, bagging, stacking) and scalability of modeling through distributed model generation.
Crop responses to CO2 enrichment

Carbon dioxide is rising in the global atmosphere, and this increase can be expected to continue into the foreseeable future. This compound is an essential input to plant life. Crop function is affected across all scales from biochemical to agro-ecosystem. An array of methods (leaf cuvettes, field chambers, free-air release systems) are available for experimental studies of CO2 effects. Carbon dioxide enrichment of the air in which crops grow usually stimulates their growth and yield. Plant structure and physiology are markedly altered. Interactions between CO2 and environmental factors that influence plants are known to occur. Implications for crop growth and yield are enormous. Strategies designed to assure future global food security must include a consideration of crop responses to elevated atmospheric CO2. Future research should include these targets: search for new insights, development of new techniques, construction of better simulation models, investigation of belowground processes, study of interactions, and the elimination of major discrepancies in the scientific knowledge base.
Magnetic fluid motion in rotating field

Abstract Through experiment and analysis, tangential free-surface-stress is identified as the dominant mechanism in the coupling of uniform rotary magnetic fields to the spin-up motion of colloidal magnetic fluid.
Snaking of radial solutions of the multi-dimensional Swift–Hohenberg equation: A numerical study

Abstract The bifurcation structure of localized stationary radial patterns of the Swift–Hohenberg equation is explored when a continuous parameter n is varied that corresponds to the underlying space dimension whenever n is an integer. In particular, we investigate how 1D pulses and 2-pulses are connected to planar spots and rings when n is increased from 1 to 2. We also elucidate changes in the snaking diagrams of spots when the dimension is switched from 2 to 3.
Importance of anion content and osmolarity in flush solutions for 48 to 72 hr hypothermic kidney storage.

Abstract Some new formulations of the “intracellular” flush solution for hypothermic kidney storage have been characterized by increased osmolarity and the use of anions other than phosphate. The influence of these factors has been investigated in a 48- and 72-hr canine kidney preservation model. Neither substitution of citrate or sulphate for phosphate nor increase of the osmolarity of the C 2 solution improved the results.
Current experience with pancreatogastrostomy.

Background The reconstruction technique for the pancreatic remnant remaining after pancreatoduadenectomy has most frequently been pancreatojejunostomy. Although the mortality rate hag been reduced to rather low levels in many centers, the leakage rate from this anastomosis remains high, in the range of 10% or greater. An alternative reconstruction, pancreatogastrostomy, has been known for almost 50 years and has been performed on small numbers of patients. The leakage rate for this anastomosis is less than 1% in literature reports in more than 200 patients. The purpose of this report was to add to the previously reported experience with this technique and to compare it with standard reconstruction as performed in a major American medical center by experienced surgeons. Methods The medical records of all patients operated on at the Loyola University Medical Center and the Edward Hines, Jr., Veteran's Affairs Hospital from August 1986 to May 1993, with a procedure code relating to the pancreas, were reviewed. Results A total of 58 Whipple procedures were identified, including 34 pancreatogastrostomies, 23 pancreatojejunostomies and 1 stapled pancreatic stump. No leaks in any pancreatogastrostomies were observed in the 38 patients so treated, whereas 4 leaks and 2 deaths related to the anastomosis occurred in the group of 23 patients with panereatojejunostomies. The average length of stay was 14.2 days for the pancreatojejunostomy group and 15.5 days for the pancreatogastrostomy group, excluding duration data from those who died or experienced leakage. There was no significant difference in the length of stay between pancreatojejunostomy and pancreactogactrostomy; there was a statistically significant lengthening of stay for those patients whose anastomosis leaked versus those whose did not leak. The 10 patients having a pylorus-sparing operation had an average postoperative stay of 16 days, including both types of reconstruction. Conclusions The gradual adoption of this procedure at a major medical center has led to the abandonment of pancreatojejunostomy as a reconstruction technique for the pancreatic remnant remaining after pancreatoduodenectomy.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with increased pulmonary vascular resistance is a frequent complication of congenital heart disease, most commonly occurring with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt lesions. The natural disease progression involves pulmonary endothelial damage due to exposure to increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure, and in its most severe form results in Eisenmenger syndrome, in which there is shunt reversal and cyanosis. Because of anatomic and pathologic simi- larities of PAH in the congenital heart disease population compared with idiopathic PAH, there is an evolving role for the use of the newer targeted PAH therapies in these patients. While early closure of shunt lesions is the best preventive measure, the concept of a combined medical- surgical approach for these patients has emerged as well. An additional group of patients that may benefit from the use of targeted PAH therapies includes the rapidly growing subpopulation of patients who have undergone the Fontan operation due to single ventricle anatomy.
AN INEXPENSIVE AND CONVENIENT PREPARATION OF METHOXYMETHYL AND PHENYLTHIOMETHYL ETHERS

(1990). AN INEXPENSIVE AND CONVENIENT PREPARATION OF METHOXYMETHYL AND PHENYLTHIOMETHYL ETHERS. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 63-70.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Children and Adolescents: Reproducibility, Hemispheric, and Age-Related Differences

Abstract We evaluated intra-rater, inter-rater, and between-scan reproducibility, hemispheric differences, and the effect of age on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in healthy children (age range 5.5–19.1 years) examined with a clinical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) protocol at 1.5 T, using a region of interest (ROI) methodology. Measures of reliability and precision were assessed in six ROIs using two different ROI shapes (polygonal and ellipsoidal). Results: Highly reproducible values of ADC and FA were obtained with the polygonal method on intra-rater (coefficients of variation ≤ 2.7%) and inter-rater (coefficients of variation ≤ 4.8%) reproducibility. For between-scan reproducibility, the coefficients of variation were ≤ 5.0%. Mean asymmetry indices were in the range from − 4% to 9% for FA and from − 6% to 3% for ADC. ADC showed significant negative correlation with age in 13 of 15 examined fiber tracts and FA increased significantly in three fiber tracts. Our results show that the evaluated DTI protocol is suitable for clinical application in pediatric population.
PIRANDELLO'S SEI PERSONAGGI IN CERCA D'AUTORE

THE highly successful presentation in New York this winter of "Six Characters in Search of an Author" has brought the name of Pirandello prominently before the playloving public. Although called a comedy (and a comedy yet to be written, "Commedia da Fare," as the title page reads) it is a tragedy, one of those tragedies that lurk not only in the monotony of our modern life, but, according to Pirandello, in the very essence of the soul of man. It is woven around the ironical contradictions
Factors affecting a fluorometric assay of folic acid.

Abstract A fluorometric method of assaying folic acid, based on the oxidation of folic acid by potassium permanganate, has been investigated.Various factors were found to affect the relative fluorescence obtained in the assay.These include the concentration of potassium permanganate, the length of oxidation time, and the pH and temperature of the solution.
Is Cellular Radiosensitivity Influenced by Tumor Perfusion Status During Radiation Therapy of Cervical Cancer

However, on multivariate analysis, a strong interaction (p < 0.001) was identified between CNC and IFP. To explore this further, the patients were divided into two equal-sized groups using the median IFP. In patients with low IFP, there was no significant effect of CNC. However, in patients with high IFP, CNC was an independent predictor of DFS (HR 1.13, p Z 0.03) after correcting for tumor size (pZ 0.06) and lymph node status (pZ 0.05). Patients with high IFP and CNCs in the lowest, middle and highest tertiles had 5-year DFS’s of 79 8%, 71 9%, and 40 10%, respectively. Conclusions: This study identifies a clinically relevant, biologic interaction between neutrophils and IFP, an indicator of abnormal tumor vascular function, which could have important implications for the management of patients with cervical cancer and other malignancies where RTCT plays an important role. Further investigation is underway using biopsies from these patients to better understand this relationship, and explore ways of modulating relevant molecular pathways to improve clinical outcome. Author Disclosure: E.W. Leung: None. M. Pintilie: None. M. Yap: None. J. Cuartero: None. H. MacKay: None. B. Clarke: None. B. Wouters: None. R.P. Hill: None. A. Fyles: None. M. Milosevic: None.