cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Knock-Out on the Proteolysis of Blood–Brain Barrier and White Matter Components after Cerebral Ischemia

Deleterious processes of extracellular proteolysis may contribute to the progression of tissue damage after acute brain injury. We recently showed that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) knock-out mice were protected against ischemic and traumatic brain injury. In this study, we examined the mechanisms involved by focusing on relevant MMP-9 substrates in blood–brain barrier, matrix, and white matter. MMP-9 knock-out and wild-type mice were subjected to transient focal ischemia. MMP-9 levels increased after ischemia in wild-type brain, with expression primarily present in vascular endothelium. Western blots showed that the blood–brain barrier-associated protein and MMP-9 substrate zonae occludens-1 was degraded after ischemia, but this was reduced in knock-out mice. There were no detectable changes in another blood–brain barrier-associated protein, occludin. Correspondingly, blood–brain barrier disruption assessed via Evans Blue leakage was significantly attenuated in MMP-9 knock-out mice compared with wild types. In white matter, ischemic degradation of the MMP-9 substrate myelin basic protein was significantly reduced in knock-out mice compared with wild types, whereas there was no degradation of other myelin proteins that are not MMP substrates (proteolipid protein and DM20). There were no detectable changes in the ubiquitous structural protein actin or the extracellular matrix protein laminin. Finally, 24 hr lesion volumes were significantly reduced in knock-out mice compared with wild types. These data demonstrate that the protective effects of MMP-9 gene knock-out after transient focal ischemia may be mediated by reduced proteolytic degradation of critical blood–brain barrier and white matter components.
Customer valuation as a foundation for growth

Customers differ widely in the long‐term value they represent to a company, and the “best” customers are often many times more valuable than the average ones. Cites four customer value components: acquisition cost, revenue stream, cost stream and length of relationship. Argues that by understanding and managing lifetime customer value, a company not only allocates resources to its customers more effectively, but also becomes better able to focus on developing long‐term customer relationships. Examines ways to calculate lifetime customer value and use it as the basis for strategy development.
Synergistic interaction between immune serum and thoracic duct cells in the adoptive transfer of rapid expulsion of Trichinella spiralis in adult rats.

Abstract Rapid expulsion of Trichinella spiralis could be transferred to naive adult rats with thoracic duct lymphocytes and immune serum. Thoracic duct cells collected from Days 3–5 and immune serum collected on Day 28, respectively, after infection were effective. Both cells and serum were unable to transfer rapid expulsion when given alone, even in large volumes. Recipients of immune serum and cells eliminated a significantly higher number of larvae than control rats by 1 hr after challenge with muscle larvae. Rapid expulsion produced 30–80% larval worm rejection but could not be increased by the transfer of more cells or immune serum. Mucus trapping did not appear to play a role in the rejection process. After transfer of 2 × 10 8 cells and 4.0 ml immune serum, rapid expulsion persisted for less than 1 week. However, after adoptive transfer of cells alone, the gut remained functionally receptive to the passive transfer of immune serum for 7 weeks. Therefore, the changes effected by transfer of cells were long lived in contrast to the 1 week, or less, of functional persistence by transferred immune serum. The data indicate that two separate processes, one cell mediated and the other immune serum mediated, interact synergistically in the intestine and lead to the expression of rapid expulsion.
Anti-ribosomal-P antibodies in lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric lupus, lupus hepatitis, and Chagas' disease: promising yet limited in clinical utility.

Anti-P antibodies have been associated with organ involvement in SLE, such as in autoimmune hepatitis, and have been suggested to be directly pathogenic. Neuropsychiatric lupus, lupoid hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, lupus nephritis, and Chagas’ disease have been associated with the presence of anti-P antibody. This review seeks to look into the current literature on anti-P antibody and the association between SLE and non-SLE autoimmune connective tissue disorder.
Molecular mechanism of water and ammonia uptake by the liquid/vapor interface of water

Abstract Constrained molecular dynamics techniques were used to investigate the mechanism of the transfer of water and ammonia molecules across the liquid/vapor interface of water. The computed potentials of mean force were nearly constant when the solute was more than several angstrom from the Gibbs dividing surface and decreased with no substantial minimum free energy as they crossed the liquid/vapor interface. The computed solvation free energy for water, estimated from the potential of mean force, was in excellent agreement with the experimental measurement while the corresponding computed solvation free energy for the ammonia molecule somewhat over estimated the experimental value.
Tuning Supramolecular Rigidity of Peptide Fibers through Molecular Structure

We synthesized a series of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) with systematically modified amino acid sequences to control the mechanical properties of the nanofiber gels they form by self-assembly. By manipulating the number and position of valines and alanines in the peptide sequence we found that valines increase the stiffness of the gel while additional alanines decrease the mechanical properties. Vitreous ice cryo-transmission electron microscopy shows that all PA molecules investigated here form nanofibers 8–10 nm in diameter and several micrometers in length. We found through Fourier transform IR experiments a strong correlation between gel stiffness and hydrogen bond alignment along the long axis of the fiber. Molecules that form supramolecular structures with the highest mechanical stiffness were found by circular dichroism to self-assemble into β-sheets with the least amount of twisting and disorder, a result which is consistent with IR experiments. Molecular control of mechanical stiffness in three-dimensional artificial peptide amphiphile matrices offers a chemical strategy to control biological phenomena such as stem cell differentiation and cell morphology.
TU‐C‐BRB‐01: Junior Investigator Winner: Outcome Prediction of Cervical Cancer: Kinetic Model of Tumor Regression During Radiation Therapy

Purpose: A kinetic model on describing tumor response to radiation therapy (RT) was developed to analyze the tumor regression data and predict the RT outcome for cervical cancer.Methods and Materials: Eighty patients of cervical cancer (stages IB2‐IVA) completed four sequential magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scans before, during and after RT. The median follow‐up time is 5.5 years (range 0.2–9.4 years). A kinetic model incorporating three major effects: radiation cell killing, dead‐cell resolving, and tumor repopulation, was developed to fit the volumetric regression data measured by serial MRI scans. The derived radiobiological parameters were correlated with long‐term clinical outcome. Results: The tumor regression kinetics was significantly different for the two outcome groups: local control vs. local failure. The tumor regression rate and model parameters correlated significantly with the treatment outcome (p<0.001), with a median 2‐Gy surviving fraction (S2) of 0.65 and a median half‐time of dead‐cell resolving (T1/2) of 7.9 days for locally controlled tumors, vs. S2=0.70 and T1/2=18 days for locally recurrent tumors. The 6‐year local tumor control rate was 87% vs. 54% for patients with S2<0.70 vs. ⩾0.70 (p=0.001), and 95% vs. 57% for patients with T1/2 <22 days vs. ⩾22 days (p<0.001), respectively. Similarly the 6‐year disease‐free survival was 73% vs. 41% for the patients with S2<0.70 vs. ⩾0.70 (p=0.025), and 87% vs. 52% for patients with T1/2<22 days vs. ⩾22 days (p=0.002), respectively. Conclusion: The kinetic model well fits the temporal change of 3D tumor volume measured by serial MRI. Our data demonstrated that the locally recurrent tumors were not only radioresistant, but also had slow dead‐cell resolving probably due to the poor tumormicrocirculation. This approach shows promise for volume‐based tumor response modeling and potential to refine outcome prediction.
A future for speech communication

William Work's assessment of a technologically rich communication environment stresses a need for developing comprehensive literacy. The failure of education in producing such skills may be due to a time‐bias favoring the present and past in curricular programs. Four developments must take place in order for the field of speech communication to contribute to the future development of high levels of consciousness in human communication. Speech communication must be futurized, civilized, politicized, and globalized.
Treatment of refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma with denileukin diftitox (ONTAK).

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are an uncommon and heterogeneous group of well-differentiated, post-thymic T-cell malignancies that can present in the skin as cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. In general, their prognosis is poor, and specific therapy is not well defined. We report the successful treatment of a patient with relapsed, refractory PTCL who after failing 13 standard single and multiple chemotherapy regimens and experimental agents had a dramatic prolonged response to diftitoxin denileukin (ONTAK ® ). This fusion protein, composed of diphtheria toxin coupled to interleukin-2, is approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, and should be considered for treatment of the rare subset of peripheral T-cell lymphomas.
Estimation of a parameter and its exact confidence interval following sequential sample size reestimation trials.

Pour des essais de confirmation destines a prendre une decision correcte, il est important que des experiences adaptees fournissent une inference avec un niveau nominal correct, des estimateurs sans biais et des intervalles de confiance pour comparer les traitements dans les essais en cours. Mais, une estimation ponctuelle simple et son intervalle de confiance sont souvent biaises dans des experiences sequentielles adaptatives. Nous developpons une nouvelle procedure d'estimation suivant un test a partir d'une taille d'echantillon d'une experience de re-estimation. Pour obtenir un intervalle de confiance exact et une estimation ponctuelle, la methode et basee sur la propriete generale de la distribution d'une fonction pivot d'un essai clinique sequentiel de groupe de Shen et Fisher (1999). On propose un estimateur modifie tenant explicitement compte de la limite d'arret avec biais reduits, quand les tailles de blocs sont petites. Nous montrons que les estimateurs sont convergents. Le calcul des estimations est elementaire. Nous fournissons aussi une fonction de ponderation modifiee pour ameliorer la puissance du test. De nombreuses etudes de simulation montrent que les intervalles de confiance exacts ont une probabilite nominale de recouvrement precise, et les estimateurs ponctuels sont pratiquement sans biais pour les tailles d'echantillon habituels.
Light-beating spectroscopy with collisionless sources

The theory of the Forrester effect is reexamined in both classical and quantum terms. We show that temporal coherence (light beating) can arise from the interference of fields produced either by single atoms or by pairs of atoms. The singles terms, which dominate for a collisionless source with low intensity, give a light-beating signal-to-noise ratio of order unity, independent of the intensity and wavelength. This signal is also unaffected by Doppler broadening. The doubles terms, originally analyzed by Forrester, give a signal-to-noise ratio proportional to the intensity and to the square of the wavelength, and subject to Doppler broadening. Our results suggest the possibility of a new type of rf and microwave spectroscopy for excited atoms.
IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIAL TRISOMY 13 SYNDROME BY DNA REPLICATION STUDIES

The Giemsa stainability of chromosomal regions containing late replicating DNA can be suppressed or enhanced by incorporation of BUdR into the DNA at the end or beginning of the S period. A terminal pulse of BUdR reveals a uniquely informative pattern of chromosomal bands coupled with specific decondensation of late replicating regions. These techniques provide new information for the clinician and cytogeneticist in precise identification of heretofore undecipherable “de novo” structural chromosomal rearrangements with partial aneuploidy. Our patient was a one month old male with multiple congenital anomalies including postaxial polydactyly, heart defect and renal anomaly. Conventional chromosomal analysis revealed a 46, XY, Dq+ karyotype, while Trypsin G-banding suggested an inverted duplication of the distal long arm of chromosome 13 (i.e. 46, XY, inv dup (13q) (ql4→q34). Chromosomes of both parents are normal. Bands q21 and q31 of chromosome 13 are late replicating and would be included in the presumed duplication. Employing a modified “33258 Hoechst” Giemsa procedure, and chromosomes prepared for enhancement and suppression of stainability of late replicating regions, we observed the predicted four bands of late replication on the abnormal D group chromosome, thus allowing confirmation of the diagnosis of partial Trisomy 13 Syndrome.
Influence of bacterial kidney disease on smoltification in salmonids: is it a case of double jeopardy?

Abstract We investigated the effects of a chronic, progressive infection with Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease (BKD), on selected aspects of smoltification in yearling juvenile spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). After experimentally infecting fish with Rs using an immersion challenge, we sampled them every two weeks to monitor changes in gill Na+, K+-ATPase (ATPase), cortisol, infection level, mortality, growth, and other stress-related physiological factors during the normal time of parr–smolt transformation in fresh water (i.e., from winter to spring). A progressively worsening infection with Rs did not alter the normal changes in gill ATPase and condition factor associated with smoltification in juvenile chinook salmon. The infection did, however, lead to elevated levels of plasma cortisol and lactate and depressed levels of plasma glucose, indicating that the disease is stressful during the later stages. A dramatic proliferation of BKD was associated with maximal responses of indicators of smoltification, suggesting that the process of smoltification itself can trigger outbreaks of disease. Our results suggest mechanisms that probably influence the reported inability of Rs-infected fish to successfully adapt to sea water.
Preconcentration of Aliphatic Amines from Water Determined by Capillary Electrophoresis with Indirect UV Detection

Abstract Preconcentration methodology based on adsorption chromatographies for enriching aliphatic amines (CI to C4 substituted primary, secondary, and tertiary) and alkanolamines in water was studied by free zone capillary electrophoresis (CZE) with indirect UV detection. The solid-phase extraction of amines from water (pH 5) as a preconcentration step was studied for ion exchange solid-phase extraction (SCX) cartridges, cation ion exchange extraction disks, and ion-pairing with C18 extraction disks. In the course of the investigations, the electrophoretic properties of the amines was studied in some detail in order to optimize separations and detection limits. The indirect mode is particularly powerful in being able to detect primary through quarternary amines without derivatization. Mobilities of amines were correlated with their Stokes′ radii. Increased selectivity for resolving closely related amines under CZE was explored using nonionic surfactants, pH adjustment, and optimized background electroyle...
The Mouse Iduronate Sulfatase Gene: Identification of a Novel Transcript

Abstract Complementary DNAs, cDNAs, coding for iduronate sulfatase (IDS, E.C.3.1.6.13) have been isolated and characterized in man and mouse. The murine cDNA (MTA16) was highly homologous to the human counterpart. By screening the same mouse thymus cDNA library another cDNA (MTA13) was isolated: it is 1831 bp long and is identical to a part of the MTA16 cDNA in its 5′ region, but it is completely divergent in the 3′ region. Characterization of the MTA13 mRNA as well as its genomic organization are presented. The results herein reported support the hypothesis that MTA13 and MTA16 mRNAs are encoded by the same gene.
Emergency department ventilation effects outcome in severe traumatic brain injury.

Background:Recently, we have demonstrated that patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with an arrival PaCo2 30 to 35 mm Hg have improved outcome compared with those outside this target range. We sought to determine whether achieving ventilation into a target range would translate into better out
Computational modeling of corneal refractive surgery

A finite element method was used to study the biomechanical behavior of the cornea and its response to refractive surgery when stiffness inhomogeneities varying with depth are considered. Side-by-side comparisons of different constitutive laws that have been commonly used to model refractive surgery were also performed. To facilitate the comparison, the material property constants were identified from the same experimental data, which were obtained from mechanical tests on corneal strips and membrane inflation experiments. We then validated the resulting model by comparing computed refractive power changes with clinical results. The model developed provides a much more predictable refractive outcome when the stiffness inhomogeneities of the cornea and nonlinearities of the deformations are included in the finite element simulations. Thus, it can be stated that the inhomogeneous model is a more accurate representation of the corneal material properties in order to model the biomechanical effects of refractive surgery. The simulations also revealed that the para-central and peripheral parts of the cornea deformed less in response to pressure loading compared to the central cornea and the limbus. Furthermore, the deformations in response to pressure loading predicted by the non-homogeneous and nonlinear model, showed that the para-central region is mechanically enhanced in the meridional direction. This result is in agreement with the experimentally documented regional differences reported in the literature by other investigators.
The System CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-H2O at 200°C

The phase relations were established experimentally for the system CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-H2O at 200°C and 1710 kPa. The quaternary compound, crandallite, CaAl3(PO4)2(OH)5· H2O, was found to be stable. Compatibility joins in the system were determined. The phase relations are presented on the isothermal-isobaric 90 wt% water plane and by projecting the primary fields of the liquidus surface onto the same plane.
Natural Premises: Ecology and Peasant Life in the Western Himalaya, 1800-1950

This book discusses the interaction between environment, economy, and society in a major part of the Western Himalaya. It reveals the pervasive influence of ecology on virtually every aspect of human activity in the region, and describes how numerous factors converged to sustain life in the Himalayan countryside.
Palmitic acid-treated astrocytes induce BACE1 upregulation and accumulation of C-terminal fragment of APP in primary cortical neurons.

Abstract High-fat diet is a significant risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, the AD brain is characterized by elevated levels of fatty acids as compared to that of healthy controls. Despite this, it is unclear how elevated levels of fatty acids are related to the pathogenesis of AD. The present study examines the role of saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid (PA), in causing BACE1 upregulation and consequent amyloidogenic processing of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), one of the main characteristic signatures of AD pathology. Here, primary rat cortical neurons and astrocytes were treated with pathological concentration of PA. There was no change in the BACE1 levels in the rat cortical neurons treated directly with PA as compared to controls. The conditioned medium from PA-treated astrocytes, however, caused BACE1 upregulation in the cortical neurons. Moreover, there was a consequent increase in the cleavage of APP leading to the accumulation of the C-terminal fragment of APP (C99) in the cortical neurons. Co-treatment of neurons with 1,3-dimethyl urea (DMU), an antioxidant, decreased PA-induced upregulation in the levels of BACE1 and C99. The present results establish an important role of saturated fatty acids in AD-associated amyloidogenesis through astroglia-mediated oxidative stress.
Atomistic counterpart of micromorphic theory

This paper aims to connect atomistic model to continuum theories. The fundamentals of micromorphic continuum theory are introduced. The instantaneous mechanical variables in an atomic system and the averaged quantities in a continuum field are derived and related to atomic variables. The balance laws of micromorphic continuum theory are formulated and verified from the viewpoint of molecular motion. Some conclusions and discussions are presented.
Effects of the estrous cycle on the sensitivity of rat uterus to oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin.

The sensitivity of the isolated rat uterus to oxytocin and the USP Standard has been found to undergo a cyclic change according to the estrous cycle. The sensitivity of the tissue is lowest at metestrus, and from there it increases progressively during the successive stages of the estrous cycle, reaching the peak at estrus. When desaminooxytocin, a synthetic analogue of oxytocin, is tested on the rat uterus, a similar cyclic change is observed. However, the increase in sensitivity as the uterus approaches estrus is greater to oxytocin and the USP Standard than to desamino-oxytocin. This difference in sensitivity markedly affects the oxytocic potency values obtained for desamino-oxytocin when it is assayed against either oxytocin or the USP Standard on uteri at different stages of estrus. The calculated values for units per mg of oxytocic activity of desaminooxytocin on the basis of the USP Standard are: 771 ±36 at diestrus, 564 +17 at proestrus, 551 ±17 at estrus and 899 ±24 at metestrus.
An Analog Computer Model for the Study of Water and Electrolyte Flows in the Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids

A model has been designed that considers water flow as well as electrolyte flow in the two-compartment system consisting of the extracellular and intracellular fluids. The electrolyte flows are assumed to depend only on the electrolyte concentrations, and the water flow is assumed to depend on the electrolyte concentrations as well as the relative and absolute quantities of water. The intake rates are arbitrary, and the coefficients can be varied to simulate diseased conditions. So far, however, there is not sufficient information available to be sure of the normal values. The model does not claim to explain any of the mechanics of the various flows, but only to give the same effects.
Inactivation of tyrosine hydroxylase by reduced pterins

Abstract Tyrosine hydroxylase [E.C. 1.14.16.2] is inactivated by incubation with its reduced pterin cofactors L- erythro -tetrahydrobiopterin, 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin and 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin. Each of the two diastereoisomers of L- erythro -tetrahydrobiopterin inactivates tyrosine hydroxylase but the naturel (6R) form is much more potent than the unnatural (6S) form at equimolar concentrations. The pterin analog 6-methyl-5-deazatetrahydropterin, which has no cofactor activity, also inactivates the enzyme whereas the oxidized pterins 7,8 dihydrobiopterin and biopterin do not. The inactivation process is both temperature and time dependent and results in a reduction of the V max for both tetrahydrobiopterin and tyrosine. Neither tyrosine nor oxygen inactivates tyrosine hydroxylase.
A PASSIVE SAMPLER FOR WATER VAPOR

Abstract In this preliminary study, we report on improvements made to a passive sampler for water vapor and on the results of tests to determine its suitability for studies of indoor air quality. Tests completed demonstrated precision, accuracy, linear response with exposure, sensitivity, and capacity sufficient for use in large scale studies to determine absolute humidities inexpensively.
The Behavioral Theory of the (Governed) Firm: Corporate Board Influences on Organizations’ Responses to Performance Shortfalls

Please see the Notice of Retraction.The Behavioral Theory of the Firm provides a well-evidenced perspective on organizational decision making that has influenced a wide array of literatures, includ...
Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates angiogenesis and epithelial tumor growth in the skin.

The hypothalamic neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone is the major hypothalamic regulator of the endocrine pituitary–adrenal axis. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is also expressed in many peripheral sites, where its functions are unclear. It is also secreted by diverse neoplasms, where it may be associated with malignant behavior. To provide information regarding the function of corticotropin-releasing hormone in peripheral sites and in tumors, we asked whether corticotropin-releasing hormone has angiogenic properties. In vitro, we found that human corticotropin-releasing hormone specifically stimulates endothelial chemotaxis via a corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-dependent mechanism. In vivo, subcutaneous inoculation of nude mice with human epithelial tumor cells engineered to secrete corticotropin-releasing hormone was associated with significantly enhanced angiogenesis (2.3-fold over control) and tumor growth (5-fold over control). Peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone may thus enhance local angiogenesis, which may provide clues to its function outside of the nervous system.
The individual in economic analysis: toward psychology of economic behavior

Abstract “… Economics is supposed to be concerned with real people. It is hard to believe that real people could be completely unaffected by the reach of the self-examination induced by the Socratic question, ‘How should one live?’—a question that is, also a central motivating one for ethics. Can people whom economics studies really be so unaffected by this resilient question and stick exclusively to the rudimentary hard-headedness attributed to them by modern economics?” Amartya Sen, On Ethics & Economics. “… Apart from a few exceptions, the international consensus view within sociology, anthropology, political science and psychology seems to be that agents are not irrational in the way that neoclassical economists presume. The orthodox economic canons of rationality are thus widely rejected elsewhere,” Geoffrey M. Hodgson, Economics and Institutions. “Once we realize that the human mind is everywhere active and imaginative, then we need to understand the routes of this activity if we are to grasp how the human mind works. This is true whether the mind is trying to come to grips with painful reality, reacting to trauma, coping with the everyday or just making things up. Freud called this imaginative activity phantasy, and he argued both that it functions unconsciously and that it plays a powerful role in the organization of a person’s experience. This surely, contains the seeds of a profound insight into the human condition; it is the central insight of psychoanalysis … a pervasive aspect of mental life …. Are we to see humans as having depth—as complex psychological organisms who generate layers of meaning which lie beneath the surface of their own understanding? Or are we to take ourselves as transparent to ourselves?” Jonathan Lear, Open Minded: Working Out the Logic of the Soul.
Developmental Trajectories of Head Start Children's Reading and Home Environment Scores: Across Ethnicities

ABSTRACT To investigate the relationship of ethnicity in the development of children in Head Start, this study examined the associations between ethnicities and reading trajectories and whether trajectories of home environment could over time explain their differential associations. Participants (N = 696) were selected from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data. Results indicated some similarities and differences in the results obtained. Study findings suggest including an environmentally sensitive family component in Head Start and suggest an early enrollment policy targeting at-risk populations to maintain long-term Head Start impacts across ethnicities. Future research and follow-up studies should investigate other family components that positively affect long-term development among Black, Hispanic, and White children participating in the Head Start program.
The Book of Margery Kempe and the Rhetorical Chorus: An Alternative Method for Recovering Women’s Contributions to the History of Rhetoric

This article defends the “rhetorical chorus” as a useful method for recovering women’s voices in the history of rhetoric. As distinct from the more amorphous term “collaboration,” which designates any act of cooperation in the production of rhetorical texts, the “chorus” offers a more nuanced way to identify and map the recording, preservation, appropriation, and alteration of works originally dictated by women rhetors. Using The Book of Margery Kempe as an example, the study traces both homophonic and polyphonic relationships between the lead voice of Margery and the voices of her scribes and annotators.
Anatomic segmental resection compared to major hepatectomy in the treatment of liver neoplasms.

Abstract Background Familiarity with liver anatomy and refinements in operative technique have led to interest in liver conservation when dealing with hepatic tumors. There is thought to be less morbidity, less blood loss (EBL), a shorter hospital stay (LOS), and no penalty for long‐term survival with segmental hepatectomy. Methods One hundred ninety‐six patients who underwent segmental (SEG group) (N=70) or major (MAJOR group) (N=126) hepatectomy for liver neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical parameters of mortality, morbidity, EBL, LOS, and actuarial survival in patients with colorectal metastases were examined. Results There were no differences in age or gender between the SEG and MAJOR groups. There were no deaths among 64 non‐cirrhotic patients in the SEG group and 4 deaths (3.2%) among 124 non‐cirrhotic patients in the MAJOR group (p=0.19). There were 4 postoperative complications in the SEG group (5.6%) and 22 in the MAJOR group (17.3%) (p Conclusion Segmental resections were associated with less EBL and fewer postoperative complications. There was a trend towards fewer deaths in non‐cirrhotic patients, and no apparent penalty for a smaller hepatic resection in long‐term survival. While sometimes technically more challenging, segmental resections are preferable when feasible and should be utilized in efforts to conserve liver parenchyma.
Treatment of cervical dystonia with botulinum toxin

Cervical dystonia (CD) is the most common form of dystonia encountered in a movement disorders clinic. The treatment of this focal dystonia has improved markedly with the advent on botulinum toxin (BTX) injections, which has now become the treatment of choice. Initial studies, even double-blind controlled trials, failed to show robust effect, largely as a result of poor design, often using fixed dosage and site of administration. When the BTX treatment is customized to the needs of the individual patients and the most involved muscles are targeted, the effects can be quite dramatic and the improvement usually lasts 3 to 4 months. Experience and improved skills can largely prevent the adverse effects such as dysphagia and neck weakness. Although there is no evidence that BTX slows the progression of the disease, as a result of early intervention with BTX, many of the long-term complications of CD, such as contractures and radiculopathy, have been largely eliminated.
Quantitative thermal depth imaging of subsurface damage in insulating materials

A thermal technique is presented for imaging subsurface damage and computing the depth of damaged areas for low diffusivity materials. The measurement technique presented uses uniform heating with quartz lamps over a large area. The surface temperature of the sample is collected using a scanning IR radiometer and a real time image processor during the cooling of the sample after heating. Flaw depths are computed by performing a numeric approximation to the surface Laplacian on each temperature image in the time series. The depth of the damage is then calculated from the time required for the amplitude of the surface Laplacian to reach a minimum in the region over the damage. Experimental results from the application of the technique to low diffusivity materials with surface and subsurface defects at various depths are presented showing the technique's ability to give quantitative depth of damage information. Additionally, the effects of variations in defect size on the time for flux minimum, and thus on the calculated depth, is also investigated. Finally, finite element simulations are compared with experimental results.
Cationic Gradient Reversal and Cytoskeleton-independent Volume Regulatory Pathways Define an Early Stage of Apoptosis

Cell shrinkage, or apoptotic volume decrease (AVD), is a ubiquitous characteristic of programmed cell death that is independent of the death stimulus and occurs in all examples of apoptosis. Here we distinguished two specific stages of AVD based on cell size and a unique early reversal of intracellular ions that occurs in response to activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic cell death signal pathways. The primary stage of AVD is characterized by an early exchange of the normal intracellular ion distribution for sodium from 12 to 113.6 mm and potassium from 139.5 to 30 mm. This early ionic reversal is associated with a 20-40% decrease in cell volume, externalization of phosphatidylserine, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase activation and activity along with nuclear condensation that occurs independent of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, however, prevents a secondary stage of AVD in apoptotic cells, characterized by a loss of both potassium and sodium that results in an 80-85% loss in cell volume, DNA degradation, and apoptotic body formation. Together these studies demonstrate that AVD occurs in two distinct stages with the earliest stage reflecting a cellular cationic gradient reversal.
An empirical analysis of analysts' forecasts in the capital asset pricing model

Abstract Previous theoretical work suggests that it is appropriate to adjust the CAPM for information contained in analysts' earnings forecasts. This paper uses non-parametric statistical methods to test the relation between estimation risk and security returns. The evidence supports the theory that neglected firms earn abnormally high risk adjusted returns.
Comparison of 90° and Epi-geometry for Two-Photon Excitation in Capillaries

Two geometries of excitation/emission optics are compared for two-photon excitation of time-resolved fluorescence in capillaries. The test fluorophore is the enzymatic tag β-naphthylamine (BNA). Two 0.25 NA (numerical aperture) microscope objectives are used in the 90° geometry: This configuration has a sensitivity of 1.9 × 1010 count M−1 min−1 and a detection limit of 2.5 nM [signal-to-noise (S/N) = 3]. The epi-geometry uses single objectives of 0.25, 0.50, or 1.25 NA. This second configuration has a sensitivity of 7.6 × 1010 count M−1 min−1 and a detection limit of 1.7 nM (S/N = 3) for the 1.25 NA objective. The similar performance of the two configurations is in stark contrast to the factor of 46 enhancement predicted by geometric optics for epi-excitation. The discrepancy is attributed to large increases in collected background counts, which make detection of the signal difficult.
Electromagnetic and Hadron Calorimeters in the MIPP Experiment

The purpose of the MIPP experiment is to study the inclusive production of photons, pions, kaons, and nucleons produced in π, K, and p interactions on various targets using beams from the Main Injector at Fermilab. The purpose of the calorimeters is to measure the production of forward‐going photons and neutrons. The electromagnetic calorimeter consists of 10 lead plates interspersed with proportional chambers followed by the hadron calorimeter with 64 steel plates interspersed with scintillator. We collected data with a variety of targets with beam energies from 5 GeV/c up to 120 GeV/c. The energy calibration of both calorimeters with electrons, pions, kaons and protons is discussed. The performance of the calorimeters was tested on a neutron sample.
Gypsies as a litmus test for rational, tolerant rule: Fin-de-siècle Russian ethnographers confront the comparative history of Roma in Europe

This article examines six ethnographic studies of Gypsies published in late imperial Russia that offered a comparative history of Roma in Europe. In representing Gypsies’ culture and history, Russi...
Substance abuse and fathering: adding poppa to the research agenda

Although a number of socioeconomic forces have converged across cultures to make fathering one of the more prominent social issues of the new millennium, the status of substance-abusing men as fathers is rarely acknowledged in the conceptualization of public policy, service delivery or research focusing on the adverse consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. In this commentary, the authors call for the substance abuse research community to expand understanding of fathering occurring across cultures in the context of chronic substance abuse. Building upon research being undertaken with other populations of fathers, the authors argue there is need to clarify (a) the number of substance-abusing fathers, (b) patterns of reproduction among substance-abusing men, (c) ways in which substance abuse contributes to compromise of fathering, (d) ways in which compromise of fathering contributes to psychological distress in substance-abusing men, (e) ways in which compromise of fathering affects developmental outcomes for children, and (f) ways in which clinical and preventive intervention might be used to minimize the harm associated with paternal substance abuse.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone gene expression in the anterior pituitary. IV. Evidence for paracrine and autocrine regulation.

Disulfiram (Dis), an inhibitor of peptidyl-glycine α-amidating monooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for the production ofα -amidated peptides from their immediate, glycine-extended precursors was used to investigate the paracrine effects of TRH on anterior pituitary (AP) hormone secretion. It reduces the production of TRH without directly affecting the classical pituitary hormones, none of which is amidated. Dis (8 μm) decreased the accumulation of TRH accompanied by an equimolar increase in TRH-Gly levels, indicating that pro-TRH biosynthesis persisted. TRH and TSH release into the medium was significantly lowered, whereas other pituitary hormones were unaffected. In contrast, dexamethasone (10 nm), which up-regulates TRH gene expression in this system, increased TRH (+89.5%) and TSH (+61.3%) secretion. The combination of dexamethasone and Dis further diminished the release of TRH (−73%) and TSH (−40.3%) observed with Dis alone, indicating that TRH synthesized within the AP regulates TSH secretion. Dis ...
Systems Considerations for Diffractive Null Correctors (DNC's)

The use of gratings as optical elements is proving to be a powerful technique in the metrology of unusual optical surfaces such as cylindrical X-ray optics, cone-shaped optics for laser ring resonators, and highly aspherized conventional optics. However, the tremendous flexibility for the optical designer is obtained at the cost of unusually tight tolerances in the areas of grating fabrication, interferometer alignment, and interferometer environment. In this paper, a review is given of the use of gratings in optical metrology, followed by derivations and discussion of these various tight tolerances.
The Two-Sample T Test With One Variance Unknown

We consider the situation in two-sample testing when one variance is assumed to be known and the other variance is considered unknown. This situation arises, for example, when one is interested in comparing a standard treatment with a new treatment. Although this situation occurs relatively infrequently, our example discusses the important tool of moment matching and makes the classic two-sample Satterthwaite t approximation transparent.
Democracy through access to legal information for newly democratizing nations: The Kenyan perspective and lessons from the American experience

Abstract The rule of law is essential for a country's development process, providing one of the ingredients for stability in newly democratizing countries that eventually promotes strong judicial systems. Likely factors contributing to weaknesses in the judicial systems include the absence of functional legal information systems, especially the availability of judicial decisions, as well as the inability of the populace generally to access legal material and legal information. Taking Kenya as an example and using the US judicial process as a foil, this paper examines the proposition that the availability of judicial decisions in case reporters enhances democracy by increasing judicial transparency and contributing to some predictability in the law, thus enhancing the rule of law. The paper also emphasizes the crucial role that information technology and the Internet could have in advancing access to legal information.
Rostral medial preoptic area lesions' influence on female estrous processes and LHRH distribution

Abstract The effect of bilateral electrolytic lesions placed in the rostral medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the 26 day old rats was observed on each animal's onset of puberty, vaginal cyclicity, sexual receptivity and LHRH distribution. Lesions located in the lower two-thirds of the rostral MPOA induced persistent vaginal cornification and polyfollicular ovaries. Lesions limited to the dorsal third of the periventricular region of the rostral MPOA were associated with repetitive pseudopregnancy as indicated by repeated series of diestrous smears separated by one or two proestrous or estrous smears and ovaries dominated by corpora lutea. The age of onset of puberty was not altered by any of these lesions. Receptivity induced by estrogen alone or by estrogen followed by a low dosage of progesterone was lower in ovariectomized females with lesions than in control animals. Immunocytochemical identification of LHRH containing neurons using Sternberger's peroxidase-antiperoxidase method revealed LHRH reactive fibers in the MPOA in both lesioned and control animals. A greater reduction in immunopositive LHRH fibers was seen on the same side of the median eminence at the level of the tuberoinfundibular sulcus as that containing the larger damage in the MPOA.
The contribution of science locus of control orientation to expressions of attitude toward science teaching

Science locus of control (SciLOC) orientation is examined as a predictor of attitudes toward science teaching among 104 preservice elementary school teachers. SciLOC orientation refers to beliefs people hold regarding their personal efficacy, or ability to influence the outcome of events, in situations where decisions or actions require either the application of scientific knowledge or the use of reasoning skills associated with scientific thinking. A causal model that links such beliefs to attitudes toward science teaching was formulated and tested in this study. Multiple regression analysis demonstrates that 46% of the variance in attitudes toward science teaching expressed by subjects in the sample studied can be explained by SciLOC orientation. Path analysis of the proposed causal model accounts for 57% of the variance in expressed attitudes and 11% of the variance in SciLOC orientation. These results are interpreted as evidence that SciLOC orientation is a major contributor to attitudes expressed toward science teaching among preservice elementary teachers, with the major contributors to SciLOC orientation remaining to be identified. A troublesome relationship between expressed attitudes and academic performance in college science is also noted.
Commonly used diagnostic criteria for pelvic inflammatory disease have poor sensitivity for plasma cell endometritis

Background : The majority of women with tubal damage do not have a history of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. The prevalence of upper genital tract inflammation was evaluated in women deemed not to have pelvic inflammatory disease by common diagnostic criteria. Goal of this Study : To compare clinical signs and laboratory tests used to diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease with endometrial biopsy histopathology. Study Design : Endometrial biopsy and commonly used physical and laboratory tests were performed on 52 women with pelvic tenderness, 51 with vaginosis or cervicitis, and 22 control subjects who had no evidence of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis and who tested negative for bacterial vaginosis using vaginal swab Gram's stain. Results : Thirty-six of 52 patients (69%) with pelvic tenderness, compared with 22 of 51 patients (43%) with vaginosis or cervicitis and two of 22 control subjects (9%), had plasma cell endometritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention minimal diagnostic criteria for pelvic inflammatory disease had a sensitivity of 33% for plasma cell endometritis. Conclusions : The clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease using published criteria correlates poorly with plasma cell endometritis.
Synthesis of switched-mode converters

An analytical synthesis method is described which is capable of generating the complete set of switching converters which possess given attributes. This leads to a number of useful new converter topologies, as well as to a more fundamental understanding of switched-mode conversion. Two examples are considered. It is found that the class of single-inductor two-topology converters contains seven basic members. In addition, a class of converters with nonpulsating input and output currents also contains seven members. Zero input or output current ripple may be obtained in three of these converters.
Conditions affecting the stability of a simian adenovirus in the presence of magnesium chloride.

SummaryWhen Simian adenovirus Type 15 was heated at 50°C in the presence of 1M MgCl2, it was found that inactivation of the virus infectivity was dependent upon the pH of the test medium. Dilution of dialyzed virus in 0.05M L-histidine buffer at pH 5.0 or 5.4 resulted in no inactivation of the virus following 2 hours' heating at 50°C in 1M MgCl2; however, virus inactivation increased in response to an increase in pH from 5.7 to 6.9 under the same test conditions.