cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU‐G‐BRA‐09: MR Elastography as a Predictor of Therapeutic Response: Assessment in Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

Purpose: To develop magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) as a noninvasive imaging biomarker of treatment response in cancer and to evaluate its prognostic potential for assessing chemotherapy response in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Methods: A small animal cancer MRE methodology was developed which included a custom-built 4 cm, 8-channel receive-only coil and an electromechanical driver capable of producing shear waves at a frequency of 800 Hz attached to an MRI-compatible needle inserted in tissue. MRE reproducibility was evaluated in tumor phantoms and in vivo mouse experiments. Tumor shear stiffness was monitored following a single chemotherapy treatment in a murine xenograft of NHL to determine the biomechanical effect of an initial therapy response followed by tumor regrowth. The effect of an increased chemotherapy dose on the resulting decrease in tumor shear stiffness was quantified. In vivo evaluation of the feasibility of this potential biomarker was performed on three patients with NHL prior to and 2 weeks after chemotherapy treatment. Results: Tumor phantom models and in vivo measurements demonstrated excellent shear stiffness reproducibility with a standard deviation of ±3%. In the murine model, tumor shear stiffness and volume changes following chemotherapy treatment corresponded to periods of response and subsequent tumor regrowth. Shear stiffness alterations demonstrated a dose dependency with a decrease of 15% and 25% for the low and high dose group respectively compared to an increase of 7% in an untreated control group. In three patients with NHL, tumor shear stiffness decreased by an average of 38% within 2 weeks of chemotherapy treatment. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that MRE is a potentially sensitive biomarker of disease stage and response to therapy in cancer. The results demonstrate that MRE-derived shear stiffness measurements are sensitive to chemotherapy response and disease progression in vivo, and are the first human application of MRE as a noninvasive assessment of therapy response. Funding provided by the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, Imaging Biomarker Discovery Program and the Mayo Graduate School.
Topoisomerase-I (Scl-70) Autoantibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of anti topoisomerase-I antibodies. Studies include intensive efforts to define associations with disease or clinical presentation and characterize antigenic and biological properties of these antibodies. The presence of antitopoisomerase I antibodies confirms the diagnosis of scleroderma. The antibody predicts the development of tight skin in patients with primary Raynaud's syndrome. In scleroderma patients, the antibody is associated with the presence of diffuse skin thickening, lung involvement, and the development of cancer.
Doany: Not Just Another Parallel Loop

Two types of parallel loops suggested in the literature are DOALL, which describes a totally parallel loop (no dependence between iterations), and DOACROSS, which supports parallelism in loops with dependences between iterations by “delaying” execution of subsequent iterations. Limiting ourselves to the classical parallel loops essentially restricts us to parallel algorithms which correspond to simply-parallelized sequential algorithms, which inhibits any compiler restructuring that might vary from the sequential semantics. We propose a new parallel loop type, which we call a DOANY loop, and show by example how it is useful for specifying and restructuring parallel algorithms.
Investigation of BMVC transport between cancer and normal cell lines

B54 The fluorescence of a 3,6-bis(1-methyl-4-vinylpyridinium)carbazole diiodide (BMVC) molecule increases by two order magnitudes upon interaction with DNA. Of particular interest is that bright BMVC fluorescence is detected prominently in the nuclei of many cancer cells. In contrast, BMVC fluorescence is rarely detected in the nuclei of normal cells. Accordingly, we have designed and set up a simple handheld device based on BMVC fluorescence for the screening of cancer cells. In this study, we attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of the distinct selectivity of BMVC to normal and cancer cell lines. The decrease of uptake at 4 o C leads us to hypothesize that BMVC is transported into cancer cell nuclei by a specific protein and/or is pumped out of normal cell nuclei by another protein. Nucleolin is a candidate transporter protein for BMVC. It is known that nucleolin can function as a cell surface receptor, shuttling between cell surface, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Particularly, it is overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. The second candidate is the hTERT, since telomerase is overexpressed in most cancer cells. Our preliminary studies of siRNA knockdown in CL1-0 lung cancer cells suggested that both nucleolin and hTERT are unlikely to response the transport of BMVC into the nucleus of cancer cells based on the localization of BMVC. The next candidate is P-glycoprotein, an ATP transporter of the multidrug resistance (MDR) family expressed in most normal cells. P-glycoprotein plays a role in the efflux of many drugs. The preliminary results from verapamil, an inhibitor for P-glycoprotein, show that the uptake of BMVC in MRC-5 lung normal fibroblast depends upon verapamil concentration and BMVC fluorescence appeared strong in verapamil treated MRC-5 normal lung fibroblast. Further study is in progress.
Seismic Response of Soil Deposits

An analytical procedure for the evaluation of the seismic response of horizontal soil layers incorporating equivalent linear moduli and damping ratios varying with depth is presented. The use of this procedure is illustrated and its results compared to recorded values and to computed values using a constant damping solution. These comparisons indicate that the variable damping solution often provides response values that are in better agreement with recorded values than those obtained from a constant damping solution. The difference does not appear to be very great when the deposit consists of soils that are essentially of similar characteristics. Much greater differences are obtained when the deposit consists of sublayers having greatly varying charactristics.
Farms, Food, and the Future: Legal Issues and Fifteen Years of the ‘New Agriculture’

The article will discuss a series of current legal and policy developments now underway in the United States which are shaping America’s farm and food future, continuing our movement toward the New Agriculture predicted fifteen years ago. It will also describe some of the examples and opportunities for how lawyers and law students can use the law to help influence the direction and impact of these social movements. The critical lesson of the last fifteen years is that while the mechanisms of law and justice may appear to move slowly, when they are measured over time our progress toward a more just, progressive, and democratic society is inexorable.
Financial Crises and Bank Liquidity Creation (This is an OLD WP that has been split into 2 parts: (1) How does Capital affect Bank Performance during Financial Crises (JFE, July 2013); and (2) Bank Liquidity Creation, Monetary Policy, and Financial Crises (WP 2012))

Financial crises and bank liquidity creation are often connected. We examine this connection from two perspectives. First, we examine the aggregate liquidity creation of banks before, during, and after five major financial crises in the U.S. from 1984:Q1 to 2008:Q1. We uncover numerous interesting patterns, such as a significant build-up or drop-off of "abnormal" liquidity creation before each crisis, where "abnormal" is defined relative to a time trend and seasonal factors. Banking and market-related crises differ in that banking crises were preceded by abnormal positive liquidity creation, while market-related crises were generally preceded by abnormal negative liquidity creation. Bank liquidity creation has both decreased and increased during crises, likely both exacerbating and ameliorating the effects of crises. Off-balance sheet guarantees such as loan commitments moved more than on-balance sheet assets such as mortgages and business lending during banking crises.Second, we examine the effect of pre-crisis bank capital ratios on the competitive positions and profitability of individual banks during and after each crisis. The evidence suggests that high capital served large banks well around banking crises - they improved their liquidity creation market share and profitability during these crises and were able to hold on to their improved performance afterwards. In addition, high-capital listed banks enjoyed significantly higher abnormal stock returns than low-capital listed banks during banking crises. These benefits did not hold or held to a lesser degree around market-related crises and in normal times. In contrast, high capital ratios appear to have helped small banks improve their liquidity creation market share during banking crises, market-related crises, and normal times alike, and the gains in market share were sustained afterwards. Their profitability improved during two crises and subsequent to virtually every crisis. Similar results were observed during normal times for small banks.
Long-term survival in a dog with meningoencephalitis and epidural abscessation due to Actinomyces species:

A 2-year-old, female spayed Golden Retriever dog was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for evaluation of ataxia, cervical pain, 1 episode of acute collapse, dull mentation, and inappetence. Physical examination revealed an elevated temperature of 39.7°C and severe cervical pain. Blood work revealed a mature neutrophilia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed nondegenerative neutrophilic pleocytosis with no infectious agents. A presumptive diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis was made, and corticosteroid therapy was started. The patient improved initially but experienced a vestibular episode characterized by falling and vertical nystagmus. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an epidural abscess in the cervical vertebral canal and diffuse meningeal enhancement in the brain and cranial cervical spine. Abscess drainage revealed degenerate neutrophils and several filamentous, branching organisms. Culture of the initial CSF using an enrichment broth revealed growth of a Gram-positive organism 5 days after fluid collection. The isolate was identified by partial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing as Actinomyces spp. The patient was successfully treated with long-term antibiotics. Our study reports the long-term survival after medical treatment of bacterial meningoencephalitis and epidural abscessation due to Actinomyces sp. infection in a dog. Bacterial meningoencephalitis should be included as a differential diagnosis in patients with cervical pain and fever, even when a nondegenerative neutrophilic pleocytosis is found on CSF analysis. Culture of the CSF with use of an enrichment broth should be considered in all cases of neutrophilic pleocytosis to rule out infections of the central nervous system.
Open data kit 2.0: expanding and refining information services for developing regions

Open Data Kit (ODK) is an open-source, modular toolkit that enables organizations to build application-specific information services for use in resource-constrained environments. ODK is one of the leading data collection solutions available and has been deployed by a wide variety of organizations in dozens of countries around the world. This paper discusses how recent feedback from users and developers led us to redesign the ODK system architecture. Specifically, the design principles for ODK 2.0 focus on: 1) favoring runtime languages over compile time languages to make customizations easier for individuals with limited programming experience; 2) implementing basic data structures as single rows within a table of data; 3) storing that data in a database that is accessible across applications and client devices; and 4) increasing the diversity of input types by enabling new data input methods from sensors. We discuss how these principles have led to the refinement of the existing ODK tools, and the creation of several new tools that aim to improve the toolkit, expand its range of applications, and make it more customizable by users.
Enhancement of boll weevilAnthonomus grandis Boh. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) pheromone biosynthesis with JH III

The juvenile hormone JH III, when incorporated at 1.0 ppm in the diet of adult male boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis Boh.), increased the biosynthesis of its 4 pheromone compounds by 3 times. The biosynthesis at lower and higher levels of JH III was less. JH I was not active at any of the concentrations tested.
CONCEPTUALIZING AND MEASURING GENDER IDEOLOGY AS AN IDENTITY

Although gender idology is sometimes conceptualized as an identity, researchers invariably measure it with attitude scales. The author introduces a self-administered, vignette-style instrument that measures gender ideology as an identity. Using a sample of 309 married or cohabiting respondents, she demonstrates the instrument's construct validity by showing it is strongly related to measures of the evaluation and the potency of three cultural categories: a feminist, a traditionalist about women's roles, and a househusband. The author discusses the benefits of using such an instrument as an alternative to attitude scales in housework studies. She also discusses how this measurement approach can be useful for measuring variation in the meaning of a marital identity and for operationalizing gender in “doing gender” investigations.
Synthesis and reactivity of functionalized rhenium germyl complexes (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh2X); dynamic equilibria with germylene complex [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh2)]+X−

Abstract Reaction of Li+[(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]− with Ph3GeCl and Ph2GeCl2 (THF, −75°C) gives germyl complexes (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh3) (84%) and (η5-C5H5) Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh2Cl) (3, 82%), respectively. Reaction of 3 and (CH3)3SiOTf gives (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh2OTf) (4, 82%). Several properties show the triflate substituent in 4 to be extremely labile. First, reaction of 4 and pyridine to give [(η5- C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(GePh2NC5H5)]+TfO− (5) is complete in
Thermodynamic interactions and nonlinear rheological properties of plasticized polyvinyl chloride

The nature of thermodynamic interactions in plasticized semicrystalline materials has a profound effect on the rheological properties. In this work we investigated the effect of mixing thermodynamics on the linear and nonlinear rheological properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). The stress-dependent creep compliance has been modeled in terms of stress, temperature, concentration, and thermodynamic interaction strength.
Aging and memory for faces versus single views of faces

Differences in the ability of young adults and elderly to recognize faces were examined under two conditions. In a standard single-view condition, in which each input face was shown as one photograph, we confirmed prior findings that young adults perform better than the elderly at distinguishing photographs seen before from photographs of new faces. We also found that the elderly had more trouble distinguishing photographs seen before from photographs of(l) old faces changed in facial expression and (2) old faces changed in expression and pose. Yet there were no reliable age differences in distinguishing old-but-changed faces from entirely new faces. In a more naturalistic multi-view condition, in which each input face was shown in four poses and with two expressions, no age differences were found. A second experiment ruled out the possibility that varied repetition, by itself, removes age differences in recognizing faces. These data supported age differences in remembering facial expressions and possibly other details of photographs of faces, but not in remembering faces perse.
Burial diagenesis of middle Ordovician carbonate buildups (Alabama, USA): documentation of the dominance of shallow burial conditions

Abstract Middle Ordovician carbonate buildups at two localities (Red Mountain Expressway = RME; Tidwell Hollow = TWH) record evidence of burial diagenesis. Burial diagenetic phases include (from oldest to youngest): (1) blocky calcite, (2) planar dolomite associated with stylolites, (3) saddle dolomite in primary voids and late veins, and (4) blocky calcite in late veins. All blocky calcite cements post-date Ordovician meteoric cement based on cross-cutting and superposition relationships and blocky calcite is the most common burial diagenetic phase present in the Chickamauga buildups. Blocky calcite (not in late veins) formed from post-Ordovician meteoric water based on the multiple lines of evidence, which include: (1) variable δ18O values (−5.2 to −11.4‰ some of which are significantly more negative than values from Ordovician meteoric cement; (2) non-radiogenic 87 Sr 86 Sr values (0.70847 to 0.70869); and (3) low Fe and Mn values near or below detection limit (400 ppm). Planar dolomite associated with stylolites has variable δ18O values (−1.4 to −6.1%e), is Ca-rich (non-stoichiometric), and has relatively low Mn and Fe values. This phase is interpreted as forming during the Mississippian or earliest Pennsylvanian at a relatively shallow burial depth. Rare saddle dolomite has 880 = −5.9 to −7.2%0. This phase post-dates planar dolomite and appears to record migration of basinal brines into the platform succession during the Alleghenian orogeny. Late veins filled with saddle dolomite and blocky calcite have variable δ18O compositions like blocky calcite (−4.8 to −12.8%0) and likely formed under elevated temperature conditions if precipitation from δ18O-enriched burial brines is assumed.
Baptism, Trinity, and ecclesial pedagogy in the thought of Gregory of Nyssa

This paper elucidates the connections in Gregory of Nyssa's thought between the rite of baptism, the doctrine of God as Trinity, and practices of ecclesial pedagogy. These components formed a dynamic and differentiated whole for Gregory. To consider one element in isolation from the others runs the risk of interpretive distortion of Gregory's work. This means that the current tendency to harvest Gregory's trinitarian ideas abstracted or disembodied from the rite of baptism and practices of ecclesial pedagogy perpetuates the false notion that the doctrine of the Trinity can be adequately treated apart from liturgical and pedagogical concerns.
Simulation and comparison of several crack closure assessment methodologies using three-dimensional finite element analysis

Abstract Plasticity induced fatigue crack closure simulations were performed using a three-dimensional finite element analysis of a single edge-cracked tension specimen under constant amplitude loading and load ratio R = 0. Four different methodologies were considered to assess fatigue crack closure: (a) a node displacement method monitoring the first and second nodes behind the crack tip, (b) a contact stress method, (c) the traditional compliance offset method, and (d) the adjusted compliance ratio (ACR) technique. The evolution of crack driving force was compared in terms of U = Δ K eff / Δ K , where ΔKeff and ΔK are the effective and applied stress intensity factor ranges, respectively. The node displacement method using the first node behind the crack tip and the contact stress method produced the lowest levels of U. Larger U levels were obtained from the node displacement method using the second node behind the crack tip followed by those from the compliance offset technique. The ACR methodology provided the highest U values for the range of applied loading considered in this study.
MMP‐2 plays an essential role in producing epithelial‐mesenchymal transformations in the avian embryo

To investigate the roles that matrix-degrading proteases may have in development of the chicken embryo, we documented the expression pattern of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2, 72-kDa type IV collagenase or gelatinase A) and perturbed its function in vitro and in vivo. MMP-2 is expressed as neural crest cells detach from the neural epithelium during an epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) but is rapidly extinguished as they disperse. It is also expressed in the sclerotome and in the dermis at the time that the EMT is initiated, and also as these cells migrate, and is down-regulated once motility has ceased. These patterns suggest that MMP-2 plays a role in cell motility during the EMT and during later morphogenesis. Inhibitors of MMPs, including BB-94 and TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2), prevent the EMT that generates neural crest cells, both in tissue culture and in vivo, but do not affect migration of the cells that have already detached from the neural tube. Similarly, knockdown of MMP-2 expression in the dorsal neural tube using antisense morpholino oligos perturbs the EMT, but also does not affect migration of neural crest cells after they have detached from the neural tube. On the other hand, when somites in culture are treated with TIMP-2, some mesenchymal cells are produced, suggesting that they undergo the EMT, but show greatly reduced migration through the collagen gel. MMP-2 is also expressed in mesenchyme where tissue remodeling is in progress, such as in the developing feather germs, in the head mesenchyme, in the lateral plate mesoderm, and in the limb dermis, especially in the regions where tendons are developing. Comparisons of these expression patterns in multiple embryonic tissues suggest a probable role for MMP-2 in the migration phase of the EMT, in addition to mesenchyme dispersion and tissue remodeling. Developmental Dynamics 229:42-53, 2004.
Shock wave-induced bubble motion

Abstract There is a lack of data on transient interphase shear forces on bubbles. The present work is an experimental and analytical investigation of unsteady bubble motions induced by shock waves. Bubble trajectories were monitored in a shock tube using high-speed Schlieren photographs. Pressure histories at two locations weere used to determine the average wave speed in the bubbly mixture. An equation of motion was developed and solved for predicting the bubble trajectories and velocities. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the experimental results and the analytical predictions. It was found that for experimental range of Reynolds numbers (200 – 12,000), a constant drag coefficient c D ⋍ 2.6 can be utilized to estimate the drag force.
Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation by Acid-Etched and/or Grit-Blasted Titanium Substrate Topography Is Enhanced by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a Sex-Dependent Manner.

This study assessed contributions of micron-scale topography on clinically relevant titanium (Ti) to differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells and osteoblasts; the interaction of this effect with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3); and if the effects are sex-dependent. Male and female rat bone marrow cells (BMCs) were cultured on acid-etched (A, μm), grit-blasted (GB, μm), or grit-blasted/acid-etched (SLA, μm) Ti. BMCs were sensitive to surface topography and underwent osteoblast differentiation. This was greatest on SLA; acid etching and grit blasting contributed additively. Primary osteoblasts were also sensitive to SLA, with less effect from individual structural components, demonstrated by enhanced local factor production. Sex-dependent responses of BMCs to topography varied with parameter whereas male and female osteoblasts responded similarly to surface treatment. 1α,25(OH)2D3 enhanced cell responses on all surfaces similarly. Effects were sex-dependent and male cells grown on a complex microstructured surface were much more sensitive than female cells. These results indicate that effects of the complex SLA topography are greater than acid etching or grit blasting alone on multipotent BMCs and committed osteoblasts and that individual parameters are sex-specific. The effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3 was sex dependent. The results also suggest that levels of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in the patient may be important in osseointegration.
Prenatal hypoxia-ischemia alters expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase in the young rat brain and causes learning deficits

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is known to possibly impair learning and memory. Our previous studies have demonstrated that prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) decreases NOS expression and NOS activity in the neonatal rat brain. To investigate whether effects of prenatal HI on NOS expression continue and whether prenatal HI affects learning and memory in young rats, NOS expression and NOS activity were determined in the hippocampus of rat brains at 28 days of age following a prenatal HI insult on G17. Performances in the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test were also studied in these young rats prior to sampling. Rat fetuses were subjected to either a 30-min prenatal HI insult or a sham operation (SH) on gestation day 17 and rat pups were delivered naturally. Increased locomotor activity was observed in the prenatal HI rats as compared to the SH rats on postnatal days 13 and 15, but not on postnatal days 20 and 30. Prenatal HI affected learning ability in these young rats at 28 days of age, as indicated by a delayed acquisition of passive avoidance and by longer escape latency in the Morris water maze test as compared to the SH group. Prenatal HI did not affect retention of passive avoidance and spatial memory. Concomitant with these learning deficits, expression of neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS mRNAs as well as Ca2(+)-dependent NOS activity in the hippocampus of the prenatal HI rat brain were significantly decreased as compared to the SH group. These results suggest that a 30-min prenatal HI insult on gestation day 17 in rats has long-lasting effects on NOS expression and NOS activity in the offspring brain and on learning ability of these young rats. The learning deficit in offspring is possibly associated with the reduction in expression of NOS mRNA and NOS activity in the hippocampus of these animals.
Recurrence risk of stillbirth in the second pregnancy.

Please cite this paper as: Herring A, Reddy U. Recurrence risk of stillbirth in the second pregnancy. BJOG 2010;117:1173–1174.
INCREASED LEVELS OF PLASMA CHOLESTERYL ESTER HYDROPEROXIDES IN PATIENTS WITH SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

The pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may involve free radical production and lipid peroxidation. We examined plasma levels of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (CEOOH) and antioxidants in 25 patients with SAH, and 10 neurologic controls with lacunar stroke. Patients with SAH had significantly increased plasma levels of CEOOH, which peaked on day 5 after the ictus. Concentrations of CEOOH were significantly increased, and ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly decreased in patients who developed vasospasm compared with patients without vasospasm. Increased levels of CEOOH were associated with increased mortality and correlated with clinical outcome scales. These results implicate oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of SAH and suggest that measurements of CEOOH in plasma may be useful both prognostically as well as in monitoring therapeutic interventions.
Estrogen receptor expression in serially cultivated rat endometrial cells: Stimulation by forskolin and cholera toxin

Serially propagated with 3T3 feeder layer support, epithelial cells derived from normal rat endometrium expressed estrogen receptor activity. Specific binding of 17-beta-estradiol was in the range of 30-60 fmol/mg of protein and was of high affinity (Kd = 0.3 nM). A survey of cell lines derived from several other normal epithelia showed that rat vaginal and human cervical cultures also had high-affinity estrogen receptors (6-13 fmol/mg of protein), while rat epidermal and esophageal cells had no detectable activity. In the endometrial cultures, receptor levels were elevated nearly two- to fourfold by cholera toxin or forskolin in the medium. This effect was detectable after 4 hr but not 1 hr of treatment and did not occur in the presence of cycloheximide. We conclude that serially cultivated rat endometrial cells retain hormonal properties expressed in vivo while exhibiting some keratinocyte character. These cells may provide a useful model for study of receptor modulation.
Race and Art: Prices for African American Painters and Their Contemporaries

This article investigates the extent to which economic markets have incorporated mainstream artistic acceptance of African American art. Prices of oil paintings sold at auction from 1972 to 2004 for African American artists are compared to their contemporaries. Gross means between the two groups reveal averages significantly lower for African American artists throughout the time period. Hedonic regressions, used to refine the statistical analysis by controlling for factors characterizing the painting and auction environment, also reveal that African American artists fetch lower prices. The hedonic regressions, however, reveal a narrowing gap between the two groups since price appreciation has been higher for works by African American artists. The high investment returns have made investment in paintings by African American artists a relatively profitable niche in recent years comparing well with traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. This profitability may continue since painting prices for Afr...
cGMP accumulation by spinal cord neurons during the period of neuromuscular junction formation

A 4--5-fold increase in cGMP levels in spinal cord neurons has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo upon association with skeletal muscle. The increase on cGMP was temporally coincident with the onset of neuromuscular junction formation and independent of any concomitant change in cAMP. The response was specific for spinal cord neurons cocultured with skeletal muscle; glial cells could not be substituted for spinal cord neurons nor could fibroblasts be substituted for muscle cells. The response was not dependent upon action potential activity, synaptic transmission or muscle contractile activity. Muscle conditioned medium was found to produce the largest increase of cGMP in spinal cord neurons of 23-fold.
Experimental Investigation of Miniature Three-Dimensional Flat-Plate Oscillating Heat Pipe

An experimental investigation on the effects of condenser temperatures, heating modes, and heat inputs on a miniature three-dimensional (3D) flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (FP-OHP) was conducted visually and thermally. The 3D FP-OHP was charged with acetone at a filling ratio of 0.80, had dimensions of 101.60×63.50×2.54 mm 3 , possessed 30 total turns, and had square channels on both sides of the device with a hydraulic diameter of 0.762 mm. Unlike traditional flat-plate designs, this new three-dimensional compact design allows for multiple heating arrangements and higher heat fluxes. Transient and steady-state temperature measurements were collected at various heat inputs, and the activation/start-up of the OHP was clearly observed for both bottom and side heating modes during reception of its excitation power for this miniature 3D FP-OHP. The neutron imaging technology was simultaneously employed to observe the internal working fluid flow for all tests directly through the copper wall. The activation was accompanied with a pronounced temperature field relaxation and the onset of chaotic thermal oscillations occurring with the same general oscillatory pattern at locations all around the 3D FP-OHP. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of these thermal oscillations, along with the presentation of the average temperature difference and thermal resistance, for all experimental conditions are provided. The novelty of the three-dimensional OHP design is its ability to still produce the oscillating motions of liquid plugs and vapor bubbles and, more importantly, its ability to remove higher heat fluxes.
Copulatory behavior of Calomys callosus

A quantitative description of copulatory behavior in Calomys callosus (laucha de campo) was obtained under laboratory conditions. The copulatory pattern is characterized by intravaginal thrusting and multiple intromissions preceding ejaculation. Copulatory locks were rare. Copulatory behavior typically ceased upon attainment of the first ejaculation. Their small number of ejaculations per test resembles some other South American cricetines.
Case Study Schizophrenia in a 48, XXXX Child

Abstract A 13-year-old girl presented with psychiatric problems, mental retardation, tall stature, and craniofacial and hand dysmorphology. Chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood cells revealed four chromosomes (48,XXXX). Three independent examiners diagnosed the child schizophrenic. This is the first report of schizophrenia in an individual with the tetra-X genotype. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis of children with developmental disabilities and emotional problems is discussed. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1988, 27, 4:474–478.
Understanding twin-twin transfusion syndrome: role of Doppler ultrasound.

Summary: The high risks of monochorionic (MC) twin gestations are largely related to the vascular anatomy of the shared placentae and the presence of intertwin vascular connections. These anastomoses are implicated in twin-twin transfusion syndrome and co-twin sequelae after intrauterine death of one twin. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is the most common complication of MC twinning. Obstetrical sonography, with the use of Doppler techniques, can be used to assess these high-risk pregnancies and to interrogate the vascular connections in the shared placentae. The information obtained can improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of syndromes that complicate these pregnancies and may help inform obstetrical management.
The relation between the plastic deformation of aluminium single crystals and polycrystals

Abstract Single crystals of 〈100〉, 〈111〉 and 〈110〉 axial orientation, and poly-crystals, both of 99·99% pure aluminium, were deformed in tension at temperatures of 27%, 200°c, 400°c and 600°c. The experiments on single crystals reveal that as the temperature is increased, the shear stress-shear strain curves for the three orientations become more and more similar until at 600°c they are identical. On the other hand, the surface appearance of the crystals strained at 600°c indicates that the mode of deformation depends drastically on orientation. Taylor's criterion for the comparison of the stress–strain curves of single and Folycrystals was found to be valid at 27°c. As the temperature is raised, however, the criterion ceases to be applicable. From the results of these experiments it is proposed that at the lower temperatures in both single crystals and polycrystals the principal hardening mechanism is the formation of Lomer–Cottrell barriers that act as obstacles against which glide dislocations can pile...
Mycorrhizae, mycorrhizal fungi and fungal biomass in subalpine tundra at Eagle Summit, Alaska

The root systems of 16 dominant higher plants in 6 tundra plant communities were examined for the presence of mycorrhizae. Six are ectomycorrhizal, one strictly ectendomycorrhizal, six endomycorrhizal, and three nonmycorrhizal. The higher fungi which fruited among these plants were identified and related to the plants with appropriate ectomycorrhizal associations. Fungal biomass was measured in each community and the mycorrhizal component discussed and estimated. New records of Alaskan species of higher fungi are presented along with new descriptions of mycorrhizae on two subalpine plants.
A note on the effect of trifluoroacetate on the growth of rat liver.

The influence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA) and sodium trifluoroacetate (TFA) on the liver weight to body weight ratio was measured in rats by two methods. When TFA or TFAA were added to the drinking water at a concentrate of 1 Normal, rats became dehydrated and a slight increase in the ratio was noted after ten days. However, when these substances were administered to rats (1 ml per day) by gastric intubation no change in the ratio was noted after eight days.
Role of the extracellular matrix in myelination of peripheral nerve

Assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been tightly linked to compact myelin formation in the peripheral nervous system. We recently demonstrated that myelination of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons by Schwann cells may occur in the absence of basal lamina. We have now determined whether laminin deposition occurs around myelinating SC, even though basal lamina has not been assembled. DRG/SC co-cultures were prepared from E15 rat embryos and incubated in fully defined medium (B27) with and without ascorbic acid for 21-24 days. Cultures were stained with a rabbit anti-laminin antibody and examined by laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. Myelination occurred in both groups. In the presence of ascorbic acid, there was dense even laminin staining around myelinating SC. In the absence of ascorbic acid, laminin staining was also present but was irregular and less dense. DRG and SC were co-cultured without ascorbic acid in the presence or absence of a function blocking anti-beta(1) integrin receptor antibody. The antibody completely inhibited myelination. Finally, DRG/SC co-cultures were prepared both with and without ascorbic acid and incubated under control conditions or in the presence of continual, gentle motion. Movement in the absence of ECM significantly inhibited myelination. This demonstrates that laminin deposition on the surface of SC but not ECM assembly is required for formation of compact myelin. ECM is required to provide mechanical stability during the process of myelination.
Improving methods of resident selection

Objectives: Applying the concept of the ACGME general competencies, it is possible to define the essential job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. The objective of this study is to incorporate commercially available tools of business in the identification of competencies specific to the junior otolaryngology resident and develop behavioral-based interview questions and techniques designed to identify these qualities in candidates for residency. Study Design: Institution of a pilot program involving a focus group within an otolaryngology department, a professional development consultant, commercial business software for occupational analysis and personnel selection, and an interview technique training seminar for faculty and residents. Methods: In coordination with a university-based professional development consultant, a formal job analysis was conducted to define the job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. These results were used to generate behavioral-based interview questions for use in the resident selection process. All interviewing faculty and residents were trained in behavioral-based interviewing. Results: Occupational objectives for the junior resident position specific to a particular university department of otolaryngology were identified. Additionally, the essential skills, areas of knowledge, and competencies were identified. Behavioral-based questions specific to the competencies were created and incorporated into the current resident selection interview. Conclusions: Using tools of occupational analysis and personnel selection, a list of job objectives and competencies for the junior otolaryngology resident can be created. Using these results, behavioral-based interviews may be implemented to complement traditional interviews with the ultimate goal of improving candidate selection. Laryngoscope, 2010
hzar: hybrid zone analysis using an R software package

We present a new software package (HZAR) that provides functions for fitting molecular genetic and morphological data from hybrid zones to classic equilibrium cline models using the Metropolis-Hastings Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. The software applies likelihood functions appropriate for different types of data, including diploid and haploid genetic markers and quantitative morphological traits. The modular design allows flexibility in fitting cline models of varying complexity. To facilitate hypothesis testing, an autofit function is included that allows automated model selection from a set of nested cline models. Cline parameter values, such as cline centre and cline width, are estimated and may be compared statistically across clines. The package is written in the R language and is available through the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN; http://cran.r-project.org/). Here, we describe HZAR and demonstrate its use with a sample data set from a well-studied hybrid zone in western Panama between white-collared (Manacus candei) and golden-collared manakins (M. vitellinus). Comparisons of our results with previously published results for this hybrid zone validate the hzar software. We extend analysis of this hybrid zone by fitting additional models to molecular data where appropriate.
The pancreas as a source of cardiovascular cell activating factors.

Objective:Physiological shock leads to elevated levels of plasma factors that activate circulating leukocytes and endothelial cells, thereby compromising microvascular functions. The nature and source of these plasma-derived activators are unknown. To examine the possible origin of these factors, we homogenized rat internal organs and measured their activity on cardiovascular cells in vivoand in vitro. Methods:Fresh tissue samples from small intestine, spleen, heart, liver, kidney, adrenals, and pancreas were homogenized. Their ability to induce leukocyte pseudopod formation and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was tested and their impact in vivoon blood pressure, survival, and microvascular cell injury was examined. Results:A dramatic increase (p< 0.001) in leukocyte activation compared to controls was observed with pancreas homogenate but not with homogenates from the other organs. Leukocyte activation was induced by homogenates of other tissues only after prior incubation with substimulatory conce...
Beyond patch spraying: site-specific weed management with several herbicides

Site-specific weed management can include both limiting herbicide application to areas of the field where weed pressure is above the economic threshold (patch spraying) and varying the choice of herbicide for most cost-effective weed control of local populations. The benefits of patch spraying with several, postemergence herbicides in irrigated corn were evaluated in simulation studies using weed counts from 16 fields. Patch spraying with one, two or the number of herbicides that maximized net return for a field was simulated. With patch spraying of one herbicide, the average area of a field left untreated is 34.5%. Net return increases by $3.09 ha−1 compared to a uniform application without decreasing crop yield. Additional herbicides increase the average benefits with just 4% more of the field treated. With two herbicides, the increase in net return is almost tripled and herbicide use is reduced nearly 10-fold compared to patch spraying with one herbicide, and weed control is better than the uniform application in 10 fields. Using more than two herbicides for patch spraying further reduces weed escapes, but herbicide use is greater than a uniform application in 10 fields. Growers might be more willing to adopt patch spraying if more than one herbicide is used in a field.
Social Solidarities and Environmental Separations

(1994). Social Solidarities and Environmental Separations. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 84, No. 4, pp. 715-721.
Reduction of scintillation in optical modulating retro-reflector links

Optical modulating retro-reflectors enable free-space optical links that have greatly reduced pointing requirements and do not require a laser at one end of the link. However, these types of links can exhibit very high optical scintillation due to the double passage of the beam through the atmosphere. This high scintillation causes fades and surges that can lead to packet errors in the link. It is shown that scintillation can be greatly reduced through a combination of techniques including retro-reflector diversity, aperture averaging and bistatic optical interrogation. Improvements of 20 dB in link performance are demonstrated.
New processable low band-gap, conjugated polyheterocycles

Abstract Poly(2,3-dihexylthieno[3,4-b]pyrazine) (2b) has been prepared by ferric chloride polymerization of 2,3-dihexylthieno[3,4-b]pyrazine(4) and studied. It is a dark blue-black soluble material which becomes light yellow in the doped state as either a solution or film. Doped films can be cast directly from solution. The band-gap, obtained from the absorption edge, is ca. 0.86–1.02 eV as the film and 1.14 eV as a CHCl3 solution. This value of about 0.95±0.1 eV is lower than that of poly(isothianaphthene) and poly(5-decylisothianaphthene), which we report here. It is consistent with theoretical predictions and is one of the lowest band-gaps reported to date. When doped with nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate the films show conductivities of up to 3.6 × 10−2 S cm−1. Poly(50decylisothianaphthene) {(1b; poly(5-decylbenzo[c]thiophene)} has been prepared by FeCl3 oxidation of 5-decyl-1,3-dihyhrobenzo[c]thiophene (6). It is a soluble dark blue-black material which forms a light yellow transparent solution when doped.
The two-dimensional condensation of 2-methyl-4,6-dihydroxy-pyrimidine at the water/mercury interface

Abstract The named compound exhibits two-dimensional condensation leading to two condensed films which differ in capacitance, charge density and inhibiting properties, yet can be made and studied at the same potentials.
Screening of steroids in horse urine and plasma by using electron impact and chemical ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography with chemical ionization mass spectrometry and selected-ion monitoring provided a sensitive method for the screening and confirmation of steroids in horse urine and plasma. Chemical ionization mass spectrometry was more sensitive than the electron impact ionization mass spectrometry for most of the steroids except for testosterone, prednisone-metabolite-2 and prednisolone-metabolite-2. The chromatographic conditions used in this study provided clean separation of different natural and synthetic steroids. Approximately 75-85% of the steroids added to plasma and approximately 65-70% of the steroids added to urine were recovered by the extraction procedure used in this study.