cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in ovarian luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor content and in gonadotropin-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity during prepubertal and pubertal development of the female rat.

Ovarian hCG and FSH receptor content was measured at different postnatal ages (days 4–32), at 4-day intervals, and expressed as counts per min l25I-labeled hormone bound /μg DNA. Specific FSH binding was minimal at day 4 and increased to a maximum at day 28, with the greatest rate of increase between day 4 and 16. hCG receptor content increased 6-fold between day 4 and 32, but contrasting with FSH, its greatest rate of increase occurred between day 16 and 28. The effectiveness of in vivo treatment with LH in inducing ovarian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, measured in 20,000 × g supernatants by the in vitro formation of l4CO2 from labeled ornithine, increased significantly during prepubertal development (days 21–33), paralleling the changes in hCG receptors. Ovarian hCG and FSH receptor content was also measured during the time of puberty. Specific hCG binding increased from anestrus (juvenile 32-day-old animals) to 1300 h of the first proestrus. The levels declined significantly by 1600 h of firs...
Mechanics of fracture in single point incremental forming

Abstract Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is a sheet metal forming technique which has gained considerable interest in the research community due to its enhanced formability, greater process flexibility and reduced forming forces. However, a significant impediment in the industrial adoption of this process is the accurate prediction of fracture during the forming process. This work uses a recently developed fracture model combined with finite element analyses to predict the occurrence of fracture in SPIF of two shapes, a cone and a funnel. Experiments are performed to validate predictions from FEA in terms of forming forces, thinning and fracture depths. In addition to showing excellent predictions, the primary deformation mechanism in SPIF is compared to that in conventional forming process with a larger geometry-specific punch, using the deformation history obtained from FEA. It is found that both through-the-thickness shear and local bending of the sheet around the tool play a role in fracture in the SPIF process. Additionally, it is shown that in-spite of higher shear in SPIF, which should have a retarding effect on damage accumulation, high local bending of the sheet around the SPIF tool causes greater damage accumulation in SPIF than in conventional forming. Analysis of material instability shows that the higher rate of damage causes earlier growth of material instability in SPIF. A new theory, named the ‘noodle’ theory, is proposed to show that the local nature of deformation is primarily responsible for increased formability observed in SPIF, in-spite of greater damage accumulation as compared to conventional forming.
Improved reconstruction of in silico gene regulatory networks by integrating knockout and perturbation data.

We performed computational reconstruction of the in silico gene regulatory networks in the DREAM3 Challenges. Our task was to learn the networks from two types of data, namely gene expression profiles in deletion strains (the ‘deletion data’) and time series trajectories of gene expression after some initial perturbation (the ‘perturbation data’). In the course of developing the prediction method, we observed that the two types of data contained different and complementary information about the underlying network. In particular, deletion data allow for the detection of direct regulatory activities with strong responses upon the deletion of the regulator while perturbation data provide richer information for the identification of weaker and more complex types of regulation. We applied different techniques to learn the regulation from the two types of data. For deletion data, we learned a noise model to distinguish real signals from random fluctuations using an iterative method. For perturbation data, we used differential equations to model the change of expression levels of a gene along the trajectories due to the regulation of other genes. We tried different models, and combined their predictions. The final predictions were obtained by merging the results from the two types of data. A comparison with the actual regulatory networks suggests that our approach is effective for networks with a range of different sizes. The success of the approach demonstrates the importance of integrating heterogeneous data in network reconstruction.
Long-standing lateral neck mass as the initial manifestation of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: To analyze the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of a subset of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma who present with a lateral neck mass and no palpable disease in the thyroid gland. Study Design: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing thyroidectomy for malignancy. Methods: A database of all thyroidectomies performed for malignancy by the Vanderbilt University Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery from 1992 to 1997 was created. Patients who presented with an isolated neck mass without evidence of palpable disease in the thyroid were selected for the study population. Results: There were 60 cases of thyroid malignancy, with 14 cases (23.3%) that presented as isolated lateral neck mass. The characteristics of this group (compared with the population of all thyroid malignancies) include younger age at presentation (37.7 ± 15.2 y vs. 49.8 ± 15.6 y; Student t test:P = .019) and long-standing presence of symptoms (27.4 ± 39.6 mo vs. 3.6 ± 3.9 mo;P = .023). These patients generally presented from a referring facility after having an excisional biopsy, which was 100% accurate. Fine-needle aspiration is becoming more useful and was 66.7% accurate. Histological examination revealed cancer in the thyroid gland in all patients, 11 cases of papillary carcinoma, 2 follicular carcinomas, and one medullary carcinoma. The mean size of the primary focus was 10.9 ± 8.7 mm, with 29% demonstrating bilateral disease and 14% demonstrating multifocal disease in the ipsilateral gland. The neck specimens revealed an average of 5.3 ± 3.2 metastatic nodes in levels II–IV and 3.9 ± 4.6 metastatic nodes in the paratracheal region. Conclusion: Based on this patient population, the long-standing lateral neck mass in the young patient should raise the physician's index of suspicion for thyroid carcinoma. Fine-needle aspiration should be used in conjunction with judicious excisional biopsy. The bilateral and multifocal nature of otherwise occult primary disease argues for total thyroidectomy in this setting.
A Langmuir–Hinshelwood model for a hydrogen transfer mechanism in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene over a Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst prepared by the sol–gel method

Abstract This study represents an effort to fit a Langmuir–Hinshelwood-type mechanism which involves a proposed hydrogen transfer step from a carbonaceous deposit with observed rate data, spectroscopic data, and reported literature results on a supported Pd/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst prepared by the sol–gel method. Our data was taken in a differential reactor as the temperature was varied from 100 to 225°C in six increments. A change in the apparent reactant orders and activation energies support a multiple mechanism rate expression. Our data correlates best with an expression composed of two mechanisms: a competitive, low-temperature mechanism (mechanism I) with an activation energy of 29 kJ/mol, and a non-competitive, high-temperature mechanism (mechanism II) with an activation energy of 168 kJ/mol. Both mechanisms were fit using an enthalpy of adsorption of −124 kJ/mol for acetylene. The enthalpy of the hydrogen transfer was found to be 133 kJ/mol, indicating an endothermic process. Mechanism II is predicted to emerge and dominate at high temperatures.
Two-dimensional macro-mechanics shear models of woven fabrics

Thermo-stamping is a promising process for the manufacture of woven fabric composites due to its relatively low cost and high production rate. However, more research on this process, such as material property characterization, FEA simulation and failure criteria is needed. Analytical modeling of the material properties of woven fabrics is then very desirable because experimental investigation of every woven fabric is not practical due to geometric complexity and labor intensity. In this paper, picture frame experimental results of two glass/polypropylene commingled woven fabrics were presented. A picture frame model was developed to account for the large shear deformation and to calculate the stress and stiffness of the fabrics. An analytical solid mechanics model was also proposed to predict the shear properties of woven fabrics and reduce or ultimately eliminate the need for fabric-level experimental characterization. To complete this model, a proper prediction of the frictional resistance is required, which will be addressed in a future paper.
Feminist International Relations: From critique to reconstruction

(1996). Feminist International Relations: From critique to reconstruction. The Journal of International Communication: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 26-41.
Transcription and translation of R-plasmid 538-1 DNA: effects of mercury induction and analysis of polypeptides coded for by the r-determinant region.

Abstract In vivo transcription and translation of R-plasmid 538-1 in Escherichia coli was analyzed. Transcription of individual restriction fragments was determined qualitatively by utilizing the techniques developed by Southern J. Mol. Biol. 98, 503–517, 1975 and quantitatively by carrying out DNA-RNA filter hybridization. The most active region of R-plasmid transcription in strains repressed for conjugal transfer was found to occur in the region of the R-plasmid carrying the antibiotic resistance genes. In plasmids derepressed for conjugal transfer, a high level of transcription from the transfer gene region was also observed. When strains carrying R538-1 were induced with Hg2+ a high level of transcription was observed from the region of the R-plasmid carrying the genes for Hgr. Hybrid ColE1 plasmids carrying restriction fragments from the antibiotic resistance region of R538-1 were segregated into minicells. Labeling of the minicells with [35S]methionine or [14C]amino acids allowed identification of the proteins coded by the fragments. A limited number of proteins were detected, and several of these have been correlated with the antibiotic resistance genes carried by R538-1.
Learning to predict health status of geriatric patients from observational data

Data for diagnosis and clinical studies are now typically gathered by hand. While more detailed, exhaustive behavioral assessments scales have been developed, they have the drawback of being too time consuming and manual assessment can be subjective. Besides, clinical knowledge is required for accurate manual assessment, for which extensive training is needed. Therefore our great research challenge is to leverage machine learning techniques to better understand patients health status automatically based on continuous computer observations. In this paper, we study the problem of health status prediction for geriatric patients using observational data. In the first part of this paper, we propose a distance metric learning algorithm to learn a Mahalanobis distance which is more precise for similarity measures. In the second part, we propose a robust classifier based on l 2,1 -norm regression to predict the geriatric patients' health status. We test the algorithm on a dataset collected from a nursing home. Experiment shows that our algorithm achieves encouraging performance.
On the theory of the competitive labor-managed firm under price uncertainty

Abstract The short-run behavior of a labor-managed firm under competitive assumptions and price uncertainty is analyzed assuming risk aversion. It is compared with its behavior under certainty and the behavior of a capitalist-managed firm under price uncertainty. It is shown that a risk-averse labor-managed firm employs more labor than a risk-neutral labor-managed firm. Generally, uncertainty is seen to have greater impact on the behavior of a labor-managed firm than on the behavior of a capitalist-managed firm. Except under constant risk aversion, the behavior of a labor-managed firm under price uncertainty is less predictable than that of a capitalist-managed firm.
Vegetation dynamics in an experimentally fragmented landscape

In spatially heterogeneous habitats, plant community change may reflect spatially localized population-level processes that are sensitive to the size of an average habitat patch. However, local species turnover can also be determined by initial conditions and large-scale processes, in which case patch size effects may be overridden. To examine the role of patch size in directing secondary succession, we subdivided a newly abandoned agricultural field into an array of experimental patches (32, 288, and 5000 m2, grouped to sample equivalent portions of the field), and have thereafter censused the resident plant and animal communities at regular intervals. Here we report results from the first 6 yr of studies on the changing vascular plant community in an experimentally fragmented land- scape. The general course of change in all patches followed a trajectory typical of old-field succession, toward increasing dominance by longer lived and larger plant species. The same group of species that dominated at the start of the study continued to dominate after 6 yr, although in very different proportional abundances. Larger patches were more species rich than their smaller counterparts, and had a higher proportion of nonshared species, but the additional species were transient and low in abundance. Spatial heterogeneity in vegetation, measured as local community dissimilarity, increased in all patches but to a lesser extent in the largest patches, where censuses of nearby permanent quadrats indicated less diver- gence over time. At a population level, the strongest effect of patch size was that local populations of clonal species were more prone to disappear from the smallest patches. Nevertheless, summary measures of temporal community change did not reflect significant differences in localized species turnover. We conclude that patch size does not markedly affect the rate or pattern of early secondary succession, at the scales imposed in our experiment.
A process analysis of the transmission of distress from interparental conflict to parenting: Adult relationship security as an explanatory mechanism.

Toward advancing conceptualizations of the spillover hypothesis, this study examined the conditions and mechanisms underlying the transmission of distress from the interparental relationship to parenting difficulties over a 2-year period in a sample of 233 mothers (M = 35.0 years) and fathers (M = 36.8 years) of kindergarten children. Findings from autoregressive structural equation models indicated that parents' gender moderated associations between interparental conflict and parental psychological control and insensitivity to children's negative affect. Pathways between interparental conflict and parenting difficulties over the 2-year period were significant for fathers but not mothers. Analysis of insecurity and depressive symptoms as affective mechanisms of spillover revealed that adult relationship insecurity was a significant mediator in the pathways between interparental conflict and parenting difficulties experienced by fathers.
Anger, fear, and escalation of commitment

Two studies examined how discrete emotions influence escalation of commitment. Study 1 demonstrated that anger was associated with more escalation of commitment than fear in a personnel hiring-appraisal context. In addition, it revealed the mediating effect of risk perception; angry compared to fearful individuals perceived lower risk in their initial decision, which in turn increased the tendency to escalate commitment. Study 2 replicated the pattern of results of Study 1 in a financial decision-making situation. Contrary to conclusions drawn from the results of prior research, the current studies suggest that not all negative emotions alleviate escalation of commitment.
Applying comparative effectiveness research methods in bipolar disorders

Abstract Background Randomized clinical trials [RCT] are the Gold Standard of medical evidence. However, observational comparative effectiveness research [CER] based on real-world data is receiving national attention. This paper demonstrates how observational CER can fill important gaps in clinical knowledge left behind by RCT approaches. An example of CER in bipolar disorders is presented. Methods Paid claims data from a large commercial insurer were used to identify episodes of drug therapy. Episodes were defined each time a patient initiated or restarted therapy using an antipsychotic, antidepressant or mood stabilizing medication. Episode definitions were based on calculations of continuous days of drug therapy using a 15 day gap definition. 105,440 episodes of drug therapy were included in the analysis. Results Most episodes were initiated using a mood stabilizing drug (40%) or an antidepressant (40%). Over 59% of all episodes were for augmentation therapy, followed by switching episodes (25%) and restart episodes (16%). Patient outcomes measured by either duration of uninterrupted therapy or one-year post-treatment cost varied significantly with patient treatment history, especially episode type. The comparative effectiveness of alternative therapies was sensitive to the extent to which treatment history is taken into account. Conclusions Observational research can evaluate patient outcomes across a wide range of clinical presentations with regard to the patient's treatment history. Treatment history is a major determinant of patient compliance and future treatment costs. Failure to account for treatment history can introduce bias into comparative effectiveness results. Observational CER research can also uncover important questions that require future research.
A new simple homotopy algorithm for linear programming I

Abstract We present λ new homotopy algorithm for linear programming. Its salient features are its simple description, and that it arises naturally from mathematical considerations. Specifically, the algorithm is defined by λ homotopy between the singular piecewise linear system (representing the given problem to be solved) and a nonsingular linear system (incorporating all the problem data). In contrast to many homotopy algorithms whose starting points are independent of the particular problem (such as the Dantzig-Lemke Simplex algorithm), this algorithm utilizes all relevant data to start. While the algorithm is primarily of theoretical interest, preliminary computer experiments suggest orthant counts typically favorable to Lemke pivots on large problems.
Ultrathin Organic Layers on Silicon Surfaces.

Ultrathin organic layers of organic molecules can be produced on the Silicon(001) surface using surface analogs of well-known cycloaddition reactions from organic chemistry. Molecules containing one or more unsaturated C=C can readily bond to the surface at room temperature. Since these reactions form two bonds between the molecule and the surface, the attached molecules are also oriented. More complex molecules containing conjugated pi-electron systems such as styrene can also be bonded to the surface with high selectivity for specific bonds. This manuscript reviews recent progress in forming ultrathin organic layers on silicon, and the current understand of the relevant reaction mechanisms.
Biologically Inspired Olfactory Learning Architecture

Abstract Neurons communicate via electrochemical currents, thus simulation is typically accomplished through modeling the dynamical nature of the neuron's electrical properties. In this paper we utilize Hodgkin-Huxley model and briefly compare it to Leaky integrate-and-fire model. The Hodgkin-Huxley model is a conductance-based model where current flows across the cell membrane due to charging of the membrane capacitance, and movement of ions across ion channels. The leaky integrate-and-fire model is widely used example of formal spiking neuron model. In it the action potentials are generated when the membrane potential crosses a fixed threshold value and the dynamics of the membrane potential is governed by a ‘leaky current’. Conductance-based models (HH models) for excitable cells are developed to help understand underlying mechanisms that contribute to action potential generation, repetitive firing and oscillatory patterns. These factors contribute in modeling the olfactory bulb's dynamic behaviors. Due to these characteristics, we have focused on the conductance-based neuronal models in this work. The model consists of input, mitral and granule layer, connected by synapses. A series of simulations accounting for various olfactory activities are run to explain certain effects of the dynamic behavior of the olfactory bulb (OB). These simulation results are verified against documented evidence in published Journal papers.
Factorization for High-Energy Scattering

The author demonstrates that the amplitude of the high-energy scattering can be factorized in a product of two independent functional integrals over ''fast'' and ''slow'' fields which interact by means of Wilson-line operators -- gauge factors ordered along the straight lines.
Quantum fluctuations, pump noise, and the growth of laser radiation.

We have measured the distribution of times for single-mode laser radiation to grow from an equilibrium spontaneous-emission background to a prescribed value of the intensity. These passage-time distributions are compared with the results of Monte Carlo simulations and demonstrate a new technique for the description of statistical fluctuations in lasers.
Geochemical Interpretation of Water Analyses from Tennessee Streams

Abstract The total alkalinity of unpolluted waters in Tennessee streams can be generally related to the nature of the geological formations comprising the stream beds and soil provinces. Data accumulated from 371 localities in streams which are isolated in distinct and separate geological formations show that sixteen geochemical provinces may be recognized as individually effective in determining the character of fishable streams.
The rôle of oxygen in the photo-ageing of bisphenol-A polycarbonate

Most previous reports1–19 on the photo-ageing of bisphenol-A polycarbonate suggest that the key mechanism in this phenomenon involves the photo-Fries reaction. In the work reported in this paper, the importance of O2 in the photo-ageing of bisphenol-A polycarbonate was studied using a variety of uv light sources, including sunlight. Spectral analyses, product studies and oxygen uptake measurements indicate that photo-oxidation is a more important reaction pathway in polycarbonate photo-ageing than the photo-Fries reaction.
The mechanism of oxygen transfer from an oxaziridine to a sulfide and a sulfoxide : a theoretical study

Chiral oxaziridines provide synthetically useful reagents for the asymmetric transfer of an oxygen atom to a variety of substrates. One of the fundamental questions pertaining to the approach of the reactants is whether either of the lone pairs on the electrophilic oxygen exerts a significant electronic influence on the transition structure. Employing a model reaction system, we have found that oxygen atom transfer from an oxaziridine to a sulfoxide is essentially invarient to the torsional orientation of the two fragments in the transition state. The planar and spiro transition structures differ in energy by only 0.4 kcal/mol at the MP4SDTQ/4-31G(d) level of calculation
The IgA myeloma W3129 contains a deletion in CH3 which prevents the formation of the membrane form of heavy chain mRNA.

We report here a 54 base pair deletion in the CH3 exon of the alpha gene in the mouse myeloma W3129. This deletion results in a loss of 18 amino acids and a change from a glycine to a serine at position 464. The extent of the deletion was determined by sequencing a portion of CH3 cloned from a variant of W3129, and Sl nuclease protection showed the deletion pre-exists in the parental cell line. The deletion removes the donor splice site normally used in joining CH3 to the alpha membrane (MB) exon when forming MB-specific mRNA. Examination of cytoplasmic RNA by blot hybridization and Sl nuclease protection using MB-specific probes showed a complete lack of membrane mRNA in W3129 and its derivatives. An RNA transcript of unknown origin and function which includes sequences from the CH3-MB intron was seen in W3129 and in J558, an IgA, lambda myeloma with specificity for alpha (1 → 3) linked dextrans. We discuss the possible influence of the mutation on the W3129 protein. In contrast to the other myelomas studied in this laboratory, light chain loss variants are readily isolated from W3129 and are stable in their production of heavy chain [Dackowski and Morrison (1981) Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.78, 7091–7095].
Correlation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) with high Caspase 3-like activity in myelodysplastic syndromes

Increased intramedullary apoptotic death of hematopoietic cells is thought to contribute to the ineffective hematopoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Furthermore, high amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) have previously been correlated with apoptosis in MDS marrows. The present studies were undertaken to examine the status of two key downstream effectors of TNF alpha signaling, i.e. Caspase 1 and Caspase 3 enzymes, using a fluorometric assay in the bone marrow aspirate mononuclear cells (BMMNC) in relation to apoptotic DNA fragmentation detected by in situ end-labeling (ISEL) of DNA and with localization of TNF alpha in the corresponding biopsies from 14 MDS patients. Both Caspase 1 and 3 were detectable in freshly harvested BMMNC, albeit median Caspase 3 levels (47.5 units/mg protein) being almost 10 times higher than Caspase 1 (4.0 units/mg protein). Upon short-term culture for 4 h in a serum-supplemented medium in vitro a significant increase was seen in Caspase 3 activity (58.8 +/- 13.9 at 0 h vs. 177.8 +/- 55.2 units/mg protein at 4 h, n = 14, P = 0.017) and in percent cells labeled by ISEL (apoptotic index or AI%: 0.76% +/- 0.25% vs. 3.99% +/- 1.1%, n = 14, P = 0.004, respectively). Caspase 1 activity increased after 15 min in culture. Interestingly, TNF alpha levels measured by immunohistochemistry correlated with the net increase in Caspase 3 activity after 4 h (p = 0.517, n = 13, P = 0.07) and the starting levels of Caspase 1 at 0 h correlated with the Caspase 3 levels attained at 4 h (p = 0.593, n = 13, P = 0.033). Additionally when TNF alpha-positive bone marrows (8/14) were compared with the negative marrows (6/14) the Caspase 3 levels were significantly higher in the TNF alpha-positive marrows (189.6 +/- 66.2 vs. 25.0 +/- 14.6 units/mg protein, respectively, P = 0.043). The increase in AI%, though not statistically significant, was also higher in the TNF alpha-positive marrows. Finally in HL60 cells the effects of different Caspase inhibitors and pentoxifylline (PTX) (interferes with lipid signaling of cytokines) on TNF alpha-induced apoptosis were evaluated. TNF alpha treatment significantly increased AI% (P < 0.003) as compared to the untreated controls. A co-treatment with three Caspase inhibitors, zVAD.FMK (inhibitor of Caspases 1 and 3, 10 microM/l), Ac.YVAD.FMK (Caspase 1 inhibitor, 1 microM/l), Ac.DEVD.FMK (Caspase 3 inhibitor, 10 microM/l) as well as PTX (250 microM/l) significantly curtailed the AI% induced by TNF alpha. The present studies thus identify the downstream effectors of TNF alpha-inducible apoptosis in MDS and so also the suppressors of TNF alpha apoptotic signaling. These results may have significant clinical implications in the therapy of MDS in the future.
Activation of G protein-coupled receptors entails cysteine modulation of agonist binding

Abstract The increase in the affinity of agonists with an increase in pH and experiments using thiol-specific reagents indicate that G protein-coupled receptors contain an ionizable cysteine residue at the ligand binding site. Since treatment of receptors with reducing agents produces functional activation and potentiates agonist stimulation, it is likely that this free sulfhydryl modulates receptor activation. We have derived a two-state acid-base model for cysteine modulation of ligand binding which leads to a description of ligand efficacy. We have shown that pH-dependent binding of agonists is closely correlated with measurements of ligand efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor. In general, efficacy is determined by the preference of a ligand for the base form of the receptor. Efficacy may also be described in thermodynamic terms as the coupling free energy involving a ligand and the acid and base states of the receptor. Molecular modeling of the third transmembrane domain of the 5-HT2A receptor, which contains a conserved cysteine, shows that efficacy is determined by the difference between the electrostatic interaction energies of a ligand with the acid and base forms of the receptor model. The difference in interaction energy between the two forms of cysteine makes the largest contribution to this electrostatic interaction energy difference. Therefore, the cysteine makes the largest contribution to ligand efficacy. Using this approach, we can distinguish between the efficacies of agonists with varying molecular structures and account for the difference between the properties of agonists and antagonists.
Action of Low Velocity Electrons on Micro-Organisms

THAT ultra-violet light has a definite lethal action on certain micro-organisms is well known. The nature of this lethal action is being studied extensively, but hitherto (so far as is known) no work has been done to determine the action of low velocity electrons of known energy on micro-organisms. Since electrons and radiant energy seem to be so closely related, it was considered worth while starting a series of experiments in this field. It is the purpose of this note to present an outline of the results obtained to date.
Interaction of Ochratoxin A with Human Serum Albumin. A Common Binding Site of Ochratoxin A and Warfarin in Subdomain IIA

Optical spectroscopy was used to examine the binding of ochratoxin A (OTA) and warfarin (WAR) to human serum albumin (HSA). Both molecules in the deprotonated form showed high affinity binding to HSA. The close proximity of the highest affinity binding site of the OTA dianion to that of the WAR monoanion was suggested by depolarization of WAR emission in ternary mixtures with [OTA]/[WAR] ≥ 3. Fluorescence polarization data also showed that both OTA and WAR simultaneously bind to HSA for 0.1 ≤ [OTA]/[WAR] ≤ 1. The failure of WAR to displace OTA under these conditions is in accord with the much smaller binding constant for WAR. In all displacement experiments either the HSA-to-WAR or HSA-to-OTA concentration ratio was kept constant and close to unity. Evidence of energy transfer from electronically excited WAR to OTA when both species are bound to HSA was obtained from fluorescence emission data. The efficiency of this energy transfer provided an estimate of 27 A as the upper limit of the distance between W...
Aneurysm sac pressure measurements after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Objectives: The goal of endovascular grafting of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to exclude the aneurysm sac from systemic pressure and thereby decrease the risk of rupture. Unlike conventional open surgery, branch vessels in the sac (eg, lumbar artery and inferior mesenteric artery [IMA]) are not ligated and can potentially transmit pressure. The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of various interventional techniques for measuring pressure within the aneurysm sac in patients who had undergone endovascular repair of AAAs. Methods: Sac pressure measurements were performed in 21 patients who had undergone stent graft repair of AAAs. Seventeen of 21 patients had endoleaks demonstrated on 30-day computed tomographic (CT) scans. Access to the aneurysm sac in these patients was through direct translumbar sac puncture (5 patients), through a patent IMA accessed via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (9 patients), or by direct cannulation around attachment sites (3 patients). Four patients had perioperative pressure measurements obtained through catheters positioned along side of the endovascular graft at the time of its deployment. Two of these catheters were left in position for 30 hours during which time CT and conventional angiography were performed. Pressures were determined with standard arterial-line pressure transduction techniques and compared with systemic pressure in each patient. Results: Elevated sac pressure was found in all patients. The sac pressure in patients with endoleaks was found to be systemic (15 patients) or near systemic (2 patients) and all had pulsatile waveforms. Elevated sac pressures were also found in patients without CT or angiographic evidence of endoleak (2 patients). Injection of the sacs in two of these patients revealed a patent lumbar artery and an IMA. Conclusions: It is possible to measure pressures from within the aneurysm sac in patients with stent grafts with a variety of techniques. Patients may continue to have pressurized AAA sacs despite endovascular AAA repair. Endoleaks transmit pulsatile pressure into the aneurysm sac regardless of the type. It is possible to have systemic sac pressures without evidence of endoleaks on CT or angiography. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:32-41.)
Adamantinoma of the tibia treated with a new intramedullary diaphyseal segmental defect implant.

In this case report, a 75-year old male presented with a mass on the anterior surface of the mid-shaft of the right tibia. Imaging studies showed a well-circumscribed radiolucent lesion in the anterior tibial cortex, without soft tissue extension. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scan of the chest were negative. Histological diagnosis was consistent with adamantinoma, a rare primary bone tumour. Wide tumour resection of approximately 16 cm of the tibial diaphysis with a surrounding cuff of normal tissue was performed. The bone defect was reconstructed using an intramedullary diaphyseal segmental defect fixation system. At 26 months post-operatively the patient is alive with no evidence of local recurrence, distant metastases or implant failure. The intramedullary diaphyseal segmental defect fixation system is associated with excellent oncological and functional outcomes. Intra-operative modularity, ease of application, immediate post-operative stability and rapid rehabilitation are the major adva...
A rat model of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a newly defined syndrome encompassing patients with chronic kidney disease that have a triad of biochemical alterations in calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, vascular calcification, and bone abnormalities. Here we describe a novel Cy/+ rat model of slowly progressive kidney disease spontaneously developing the three components of CKD-MBD when fed a normal phosphorus diet. Since the renal disorder progressed 'naturally' we studied the effect of dietary manipulation during the course of the disease. Animals with early, but established, chronic kidney disease were fed a casein-based or a grain-based protein diet both of which had equivalent total phosphorus contents. The two different sources of dietary protein had profound effects on the progression of CKD-MBD, likely due to differences in intestinal bioavailability of phosphorus. Although both dietary treatments resulted in the same serum phosphorous levels, the casein-fed animals had increased urinary phosphorus excretion and elevated serum FGF23 compared to the grain-fed rats. This model should help identify early changes in the course of chronic kidney disease that may lead to CKD-MBD.
Current trends in the practice of dermatologic surgery.

. In a 1984 survey, 2750 members of the American Academy of Dermatology were asked which dermatologic surgery procedures they performed and which procedures they expected to be performing in 5 years. A similar survey was completed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in 1988. In this article, the results of the 1988 survey are presented and compared to that of 1984. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1990; 16:130–131.
Diatomic isotope effects and second-order corrections in the JWKB approximation.

Abstract A method is suggested for testing the reliability of the JWKB technique for the study of diatomic vibrations and the construction of potential functions. The vibrational isotope shifts are calculated from the first-order, semiclassical quantization condition and compared with those determined experimentally. Deviations which may be attributed to failure of the first-order approximation are then used to calculate the second-order correction to the phase-integral quantization condition and the potential function constructed by RKR techniques. The technique is applied to ICl and IBr where accurate data exist and the results indicate that the first-order approximation is remarkably accurate to high vibrational excitation but may fail in the energy range very close to dissociation.
Experimental investigations of fine particle charging by unipolar ions — A review

Abstract Many theories have been offered in attempts to describe accurately the rate of charge accumulation of fine particles in a unipolar ion field. There has been little experimental data, however, for comparison with these new theories. In this study, the existing experimental data are reviewed and compiled, and additional particle charging experiments done to extend the quantity of data. Before this study was performed the majority of the experimental data which was available for comparison with particle charging theories was contained in a paper by G. Hewitt, published in 1957. Hewitt's experiments were carefully done, but the range of experimental variables was limited and his work was never independently verified. The experiments reported here followed Hewitt's procedures closely and were designed to extend the quantity of experimental data. There is some overlap between this and Hewitt's data, and in these instances, the agreement is good. Experimental results are presented in this paper for the charging rate of particles of 0.109–7 μm dia. at various values of electric field strength, ion density and charging time. A limited amount of data is also given which shows the important effects on the charging rate of variations in the particle dielectric constant and the polarity of the corona ion source.
The value of diagnostic aids in detecting pancreas cancer

By contract with the National Cancer Institute, the accuracy of diagnostic techniques was assessed in 184 patients suspected of having pancreas cancer. Of 138 patients who were operated upon, 89 were found to have pancreas duct cancer, 30 had cancer of a different site of origin in the head of the pancreas region and in 19 there was no evidence of cancer at operation. All of the 46 patients who were not operated upon, 13 proven to have cancer and 33 patients discharged as free of cancer, were followed in our clinic. The majority of our patients presented with signs and symptoms of biliary obstruction. Computerized transaxial tomography (CTT) gave a "correct" diagnosis in 31 of 33 patients (94%) with proven cancer, there were 2 patients with a false negative report and a false positive diagnosis occurred in 8 of 20 patients (40%) without cancer. Celiac angiography (CA) gave a correct diagnosis in 78 of 94 patients (83%) with cancer, a false negative in 17%, and a false positive in 32%. 76Selenomethionine pancreas scan correctly diagnosed 27 of 36 patients (75%) with cancer, gave a false negative in 25% and a false positive in 31%. Ultrasonography gave a correct diagnosis in 18 of 27 patients with cancer (67%), a false negative in 33% and a false positive in 28%. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnosed correctly 8 of 11 cases (73%) of cancer, there were false negative diagnoses in 3 cases (27%) and false positives in 3 of 14 patients (21%). Duodenal aspiration techniques gave a very low percentage of correct diagnoses. Chronic pancreatitis most commonly gave rise to a false positive diagnosis. Serum alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 82% of patients, gave 18% false negatives and 33% false positives. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was elevated (greater than 2.5 ng/ml) in most of the pancreas cancer patients but also in patients with other cancers and with non-cancerous diseases. In our hands, CTT, CA, alkaline phosphatase, 75Se-methionine and ultrasonography, in descending order, have given the highest percentage of correct diagnoses but false positive and false negative diagnoses prevented any single test from being conclusive.
Illness representations and cultural practices play a role in patient-centered care in childhood asthma: experiences of Mexican mothers.

AbstractObjective: Patients’ cultural health beliefs and behaviors may conflict with biomedical healthcare values and practices potentially leading to non-adherence with asthma treatment regimens. To optimize shared decision-making, healthcare providers should understand and be sensitive to these cultural beliefs and behaviors and negotiate an asthma management plan acceptable to parents. The purpose of this study was to obtain the perspective of Mexican mothers regarding (1) their experiences of living with a child with asthma, (2) their understanding of the nature of asthma, and (3) how their cultural beliefs influence asthma management. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological study design was employed to assess mothers’ lived experiences with and perceptions of their child’s asthma. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 20 Mexican mothers of children ages 5–17 years with asthma. An inductive, theory-driven, phenomenological analysis approach was used to elicit thema...
Ultrastructure of the thyrotrophic cell in the pars distalis of the lizard

Abstract Pituitary glands from the lizard Anolis carolinensis were examined with the electron microscope after chemical or surgical thyroidectomy and at various times throughout the annual seasonal cycle. A cell type limited to the caudal half of the pars distalis degranulated and hypertrophied in response to thyroidal depression. The same cell type showed variations in morphology which were correlated with changes in the thyroid gland. This cell is basophilic, contains ovoid secretory granules, and apparently represents the lacertilian thyrotroph.
Asymmetry in Farm-Retail Price Transmission for Major Dairy Products

An econometric model is used to estimate the net relationship between changes in the farm-level price of milk and changes in the retail prices of four major dairy products-fluid milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream. Results indicate that the farm-retail price transmission process in the dairy sector is asymmetric. Retail dairy product prices adjust more rapidly and more fully to increases in the farm price of milk than to decreases. The role in pricing asymmetry of retail demand versus farm supply shifts is tested via a Chow-type test. Asymmetry is tested using the Houck procedure for estimating nonreversible functions.
Two techniques for central catheter placement in the hypogastric and azygos veins

A technique is described for total parenteral nutrition access by retroperitoneal dissection of the hypogastric vein in a 10-month-old infant, which provided a successful route for 5 months. Subsequently in the same infant, because of thrombosis of the superior and inferior venae cavae, a second catheter was introduced into the azygos vein via an extrapleural minithoracotomy.
Wave Beaming in Nanostructured Materials With Engineered Defects

Recent advances in the fabrication of nanoscale material systems have made it possible to alter precisely the atomic structure in ways that enhance the properties and allow for certain functions to be realized. This work is concerned with two-dimensional periodic structures and emphasizes the effects of intentional defects on their wave propagation characteristics. In this draft paper, investigations are limited to a two-dimensional spring-mass lattice, composed of “super-cells” where mass inclusions are added to alter band-gap properties, as well as low frequency directionality. The presented results will then be extended to two-dimensional nanostructures, such as graphene nanosheets, in order to investigate their application as nanoscale acoustic waveguides, where engineered defects, uniformally distributed across the entire sheet, are introduced by design with the objective of rendering the medium anisotropic. Such anisoptropy leads to acoustic directionality, which can be exploited for waveguiding or acoustic-focusing purposes.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Why do funding agencies favor hypothesis testing

Abstract Exploratory inquiry has difficulty attracting research funding because funding agencies have little sense of how to detect good science in exploratory contexts. After documenting and explaining the focus on hypothesis testing among a variety of institutions responsible for distinguishing between good and bad science, I analyze the NIH grant review process. I argue that a good explanation for the focus on hypothesis testing—at least at the level of science funding agencies—is the fact that hypothesis-driven research is relatively easy to appraise. I then explore one method by which we might gauge the epistemic merits of different styles of inquiry.
Transgene excision in zebrafish using the phiC31 integrase

Genome engineering strategies employing site-specific recombinases (SSRs) have become invaluable to the study of gene function in model organisms. One such SSR, the integrase encoded by the Streptomyces bacteriophage phiC31, promotes recombination between heterotypic attP and attB sites. In the present study I have examined the feasibility of the use of phiC31 integrase for intramolecular recombination strategies in zebrafish embryos. I report here that (1) phiC31 integrase is functional in zebrafish cells, (2) phiC31 integrase can excise a transgene cassette flanked by an attB and an attP site, analogous to a common use of the Cre/lox SSR system, (3) phiC31 integrase functions in the zebrafish germline, and (4) a phiC31 integrase-estrogen receptor hormone-binding domain variant fusion protein catalyzes attB-attP recombination in zebrafish embryos in a 4-hydroxytamoxifen-dependent manner, albeit less efficiently than phiC31 alone. These features should make this a useful approach for genome manipulations in the zebrafish. genesis 48:137–143, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Implicit Philosophies of Mind: The Dualism Scale and Its Relation to Religiosity and Belief in Extrasensory Perception

ABSTRACT Althought the mind/body problem has been vigorously debated for decades by philosophers, virtually nothing is known about the implicit theories of mind held by people who are not specialists on the subject. In this study, a scale was developed that assessed the extent to which respondents endorsed dualistic theories of mind and rejected materialistic accounts. The Dualism Scale revealed that, to a surprising degree, a sample of American undergraduates held dualistic theories of mind that are at variance with contemporary neurophysiology, psychology, and philosophy. Scores on the Dualism Scale were not correlated with responses on a questionnaire assessing religiosity but were correlated with scores on a scale assessing belief in extrasensory perception. Religiosity, however, moderated this relationship. The connection between belief in extrasensory perception and dualistic theories of mind was stronger among subjects lower in religiosity.