cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of energy balance and somatotropin on insulin-like growth factor I in serum and on weight and progesterone of corpus luteum in heifers

Holstein heifers (approximately 1 yr old) were fed to be in negative energy balance (n = 14; NEB) or positive energy balance (n = 15; PEB) during four estrous cycles. Each heifer was given PGF2 alpha to control the timing of fourth estrus. From 1 d after PGF2 alpha injection until 10 d after estrus, half of the heifers were injected daily with 14 mg of somatotropin (bST), and the corpus luteum (CL) was collected on d 10. Heifers in NEB had less IGF-I in serum (P < .01), smaller CL (P < .01), and less progesterone in CL (P < .01) than heifers in PEB. Exogenous bST increased (P < .01) IGF-I in serum, but this increase was greater in heifers in PEB than those in NEB (P < .01 for interaction of energy balance and bST). Nonetheless, bST did not alter weight or progesterone content of the CL in either energy balance group. In addition, serum IGF-I during the first 10 d after estrus was not correlated to luteal weight and only weakly correlated (r = .3) with luteal progesterone content. We conclude that exogenous bST given during luteal development does not alter growth or progesterone content of the CL in heifers. Reduced concentration of IGF-I in serum during luteal development does not account for suppressed luteal growth and progesterone synthesis of heifers in NEB.
Identification of a novel lncRNA (G3R1) regulated by GLIS3 in pancreatic β-cells

Recent advances in high throughput RNA sequencing have revealed that, in addition to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of many cell functions and of organ development. While a number of lncRNAs have been identified in pancreatic islets, their function remains largely undetermined. Here, we identify a novel long ncRNA regulated by the transcription factor GLIS3, which we refer to as GLIS3 regulated 1 (G3R1). This lncRNA was identified for its significant loss of expression in GLIS3 knockout mouse pancreatic islets. G3R1 appears to be specifically expressed in mouse pancreatic β-cells and in a β-cell line (βTC-6). ChIP-seq analysis indicated that GLIS3 and other islet-enriched transcription factors bind near the G3R1 gene, suggesting they directly regulate G3R1 transcription. Similarly, an apparent human homolog of G3R1 displays a similar expression pattern, with additional expression seen in human brain. In order to determine the function of G3R1 in mouse pancreatic β-cells, we utilized CRISPR to develop a knockout mouse where ~80% of G3R1 sequence is deleted. Phenotypic analysis of these mice did not reveal any impairment in β-cell function or glucose regulation, indicating the complexity underlying the study of lncRNA function.
Novel Aggregative trans-eQTL Association Analysis of Known Genetic Variants Detect Trait-specific Target Gene-sets

Abstract Large scale genetic association studies have identified many trait-associated variants and understanding the role of these variants in downstream regulation of gene-expressions can uncover important mediating biological mechanisms. In this study, we propose Aggregative tRans assoCiation to detect pHenotype specIfic gEne-sets (ARCHIE), as a method to establish links between sets of known genetic variants associated with a trait and sets of co-regulated gene-expressions through trans associations. ARCHIE employs sparse canonical correlation analysis based on summary statistics from trans-eQTL mapping and genotype and expression correlation matrices constructed from external data sources. We propose a resampling based procedure to test for significant trait-specific of trans-association patterns in the background of highly polygenic regulation of gene-expression. By applying ARCHIE to available trans-eQTL summary statistics reported by the eQTLGen consortium, we identify 71 gene networks which have significant evidence of trans-association with groups of known genetic variants across 29 complex traits. A majority (50.7%) of the genes do not have any strong trans-associations and could not have been detected by standard trans-eQTL mapping. We provide further evidence for causal basis of the target genes through a series of follow-up analyses. These results show ARCHIE is a powerful tool for identifying sets of genes whose trans regulation may be related to specific complex traits.
Growth of topological insulator nanoparticles by droplet epitaxy

Topological insulators (TIs) are a class of materials which exhibit unique electronic states delocalized on the outer surface of the material. Due to the strong spin-orbit coupling in TIs, these states are spin-polarized and robust against scattering. The robust nature of these states could present a potential solution to the problem of decoherence in qubits. This has motivated research into creating quantum information storage/transport devices using TIs. In order to create such a device, we first must understand how to isolate these states energetically, and this can be done using quantum confinement. Our first step involves the creation of quantum confined TIs. Here, we report on the growth of TI quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy. We chose the TI Bi2Se3, a commonly studied 3D topological insulator, and growths were performed on GaAs in a molecular beam epitaxy chamber. We varied the growth conditions of bismuth deposition time and substrate temperature to determine the degree to which TI nanoparticle dimensions could be controlled. Within the growth window, we observed particles in the range of 5-15 nm tall and 500-3000 nm2 in area (equivalent circular radius ~12-30 nm). We observed various trends in particle height, area, density and polydispersity as a result of varying growth conditions and adjusting the growth procedure (ex. adding a long anneal step between bismuth and selenium deposition steps). Overall, these results will be helpful in aiding further development of topological insulator devices.
T cells critically depend on pyruvate oxidation.

Supporting the notion that cell lineage is a key determinant of cancer cell metabolism, Jun et al. (2021) identify a selective requirement for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity in T cells and T cell leukemia, but not hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or myeloid leukemia, in this issue of Cell Metabolism.
A Universal Ballot to Enable Voting for All

Voting is a glocalized event across countries, states and municipalities in which individuals of all abilities want to participate. To enable people with disabilities to participate accessible voting is typically implemented by adding assistive technologies to electronic voting machines to accommodate people with physical and visual disabilities. To overcome the complexities and inequities in this practice, two interfaces, EZ Ballot, which uses a linear yes/no input system for all selections, and QUICK Ballot, which provides random access voting through direct selection, were designed with multi-modal inputs and outputs to provide one system for all voters. This paper reports on the results of Phase I usability testing of EZ Ballot with 21 adults with visual, dexterity and cognitive limitations, which indicated the need for the second interface and describes the Phase II efficacy testing of both interfaces that is currently ongoing. Participants performed a standard set of voting tasks including: voting for one and two candidates, using the write-in function, voting on a referendum and changing their vote. Task performance was recorded by video. Post-trial interviews solicited feedback about ease of use and preferences. Overall, the study demonstrated that people with different limitations could perform voting tasks on a single system, although their preferred input and output methods varied, suggesting that providing flexibility through multi-modal inputs is important to ensure participation of all individuals in the voting process.
Comparison of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with stress nuclear perfusion for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

To assess the diagnostic performance of stress cardiac magnetic resonance (stress CMR) vs stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain. SPECT imaging is the most utilized outpatient procedure in the United States. The diagnostic accuracy of SPECT can be limited by soft tissue attenuation and low spatial resolution. Stress CMR has much higher spatial resolution and without the susceptibility to soft tissue attenuation. Eighty-seven patients without a history of CAD presenting to the ED with chest pain were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent both stress CMR and stress SPECT imaging within 12 hours of presentation. Both the stress imaging tests were interpreted immediately for clinical purposes and coronary angiography was performed if either was abnormal. Patients were considered to have significant CAD if identified by angiography (≥50%) or if a cardiac event (cardiac death, myocardial infarction or revascularization) occurred during follow-up (mean 2.6 ± 1.1 years). Thirty-seven patients were referred for coronary angiography; 29 due to a positive stress test and eight patients for persistent chest pain despite two negative stress tests. There were 22 patients who had significant CAD (≥50%). The remaining patients were followed for 2.6 ± 1.1 years. At the conclusion of the follow-up period, there were four clinical events. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CMR are 85%, 93%, and 89%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of stress SPECT are 84%, 91%, and 88%, respectively. Stress CMR has similar diagnostic accuracy as stress SPECT in diagnosis of CAD.
Limited Efficacy of Leukopoor Platelets for Prevention of Febrile Transfusion Reactions

Leukopoor red cell components have a reduced incidence of febrile transfusion reactions. An analogous efficacy for leukopoor platelets has not been convincingly established. The authors analyzed the transfusion records of 36 patients (26 women, 10 men) who received leukopoor platelets following febrile reactions to unmodified platelets. These patients received 409 unmodified transfusions (mean/patient 11) with 84 febrile reactions (rate 20.5%). Reaction rates to unmodified, non-HLA-matched single donor platelets (14.0%) and HLA-matched platelets (6.5%) were significantly lower than to pooled concentrates (27.2%) (P less than .01 and P less than .001, respectively). Of 623 leukopoor transfusions (mean/patient 17), 84 resulted in reactions (13.5%). Although leukodepletion significantly lowered the overall reaction rate as compared with unmodified products (P less than .02), a majority of patients (28 of 36) continued to have reactions. When individual reaction rates to unmodified and leukopoor transfusions were compared, only two patients showed a significant decrease in their reaction rate with leukopoor platelets. It appears that most susceptible patients continue to react to leukopoor platelets, particularly when pooled concentrates are used, and many patients show no reduction in reaction rate.
Novel robust feature extraction based on spectrally masked channel energy ratio (SMaChER) for speech recognition

Comparing speech recognition performance between human beings and computer, the latter's performance degrades dramatically in a noisy mobile environment. Based on the perceptual study of speech sounds in terms of auditory masking and speech perception study, it has been suggested that the contribution of each auditory channel is rather independent as used in articulation index model. From the point of view of the signal process perspective, we can diminish the noise caused variability by using spectral masking so that the noise signal between spectrum gaps is masked and limit the error propagation between frequency (auditory) channels. Based on this observation, we propose a novel robust feature extraction based spectrally masked channel energy ratio (SMaChER). We show the significant error reduction rate on noisy data has been achieved.
Integrating immunological and epidemiological models

Disease affects populations in two major and complementary ways: at the individual level, the infected may die or suffer other non-lethal but still undesirable consequences from the disease; at the population level, there may be devastation caused be it by diseases that decimate large numbers of individuals, or by creating endemic situations that are very costly in terms of treatment, prevention or isolation, for example. For many decades mathematical models have been proposed and analyzed to describe the evolution of epidemics through populations. Aside from the simplest ODE-based models that contain only epidemiologically relevant variables, several structural variables have been introduced through the years, such as size, age of disease, chronological age, gender, etc. Separately, in last few decades, several models have been proposed and analyzed for the immunological response at the individual level that is the main determinant of recovery, chronic disease, or death. Even though these types of models naturally beckon modelers to combine them, only very recently has this idea taken strength. We propose a general framework for immuno-epidemiological models that use variables of immunological nature (e.g. viral load and some measure of immune response such as T-cell density) as structure variables of epidemiological models. This results in coupled systems of ordinary and partial differential equations, possibly with nonlocal terms and/or boundary conditions. Under this general framework, we describe a simple such combination in an SIR case, and present a partial analysis of the resulting model, as well as generalizations.
¿Está la economía del comportamiento condenada a desaparecer? Lo ordinario frente a lo extraordinario

La economia moderna examina una variedad de temas que abarca desde la politica economica hasta la teoria de las organizaciones. La economia del comportamiento (behavioral economics) propone ser instrumental para comprender estos temas. El objetivo de este articulo es responder la pregunta sobre que es lo que aporta la economia del comportamiento a la ciencia economica. El hombre (o mujer, con mas frecuencia en estos tiempos) moderno paradigmatico de la economia moderna difiere de la maquina calculadora y fria que se utiliza como instrumento de trabajo. El tomador de decisiones de la economia moderna esta rodeado de incertidumbre por todos lados. Nuestro interes central es medir que tan exitosos somos en la comprension de la incertidumbre. Mi objetivo en este articulo no es detallar la teoria tal como se encuentra en la mente de los criticos que no estan familiarizados con ella, sino como se encuentra en la mente de los economistas que la utilizan. Esta teoria es mucho mas exitosa de lo que la mayoria imagina —pero no carece de debilidades que la economia del comportamiento tiene el potencial de remediar.
A Simulation Study of the Epidemiological Impact of Air Pollution: Diagnostics of the Confounding Effects for Generalized Linear Models

Using synthetic data sets, the present study shows the impact of confounding on the estimated coefficients of the covariates and the significance of the estimated coefficients in a generalized linear model. The study also shows how this impact changes with the ranges of the covariates and the sample size. There is qualitative agreement between the study results and the corresponding expressions for the large-sample limit in the ordinary linear models. Modeling bias or misfit is a likely occurrence when regression models are used in an effort to identify the causes of a health outcome in an uncontrolled environment. This occurrence can lead to seriously erroneous conclusions when confounding between the relevant variates or covariates exists. The main effect of confounding for model overfit is a reduction in the significance of the estimated coefficients. The effect of model underfit or misfit, on the other hand, leads to not only erroneous estimated coefficients, but a misguided confidence that the estimated coefficients are significant.
NMDA Receptors, Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

Much research on the aging of the brain has been devoted in recent years to the possible alterations in specific neurotransmitter systems and the receptors which subserve neural transmission. This emphasis on transmitter systems is the result of the availability of new and specific ligands to probe receptor numbers and function as well as highly sensitive assays to directly measure transmitter content. The possibility that breakdowns in individual transmitter systems may correlate with specific clinical symptoms in aging-related disease has received much support, and indeed is well demonstrated in the dopaminergic dysfunction of Parkinson’s disease, and, to a lesser extent, the cholinergic deficits seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it is not well understood how changes in transmitter systems during the course of “normal” aging affect brain function.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sr2MgMoO6 − δ An Anode Material for the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

The double-perovskite Sr 2 MgMoO 6-δ (SMMO) was investigated as an anode material of a solid oxide fuel cell. Via a synthetic method based on thermal decomposition of metal complexes with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as the complexant, phase-pure SMMO was readily obtained. Oxygen vacancies are introduced by reduction with 5% H 2 at 800°C. With a 300 μm thick La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ga 0.83 Mg 0.17 O 2.815 disk as the electrolyte and SrCo 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ as the cathode, the SMMO anode showed power densities of 0.84 W/cm 2 in H 2 and 0.44 W/cm 2 in CH 4 at 800°C. Moreover, it performed stably on power cycling and tolerated sulfur and moisture well. Only 1% degradation in the output was observed in H 2 containing 5 parts per million (ppm) H 2 S and 16% degradation in H 2 containing 50 ppm H 2 S compared with the output in pure H 2 . Thermogravimetric analysis showed a drop in mass at around 750°C in the atmospheres of both air and 5% H 2 , indicative of the formation of oxygen vacancies. The mean thermal expansion coefficient was a = 12.7 X 10 -6 K -1 at the operating temperatures. The conductivity strongly depended on the atmosphere, and the electronic activation energies were E a = 0.084 eV in H 2 and 0.126 eV in CH 4 . Our results show that SMMO is a potential anode material for operation with natural gas.
Evidence for Nonphononic Superconductivity in Nb3Ge

We present the results of a quantitative test to separate phononic from nonphononic contributions to the superconductivity in A15 Nb3Ge. The method proposed by V.Z. Kresin has been used. This method is based on analysis of heat capacity and tunneling α2F(ω) data and neutron scattering data. We obtained evidence that the superconductivity in Nb3Ge is substantially caused by a nonphononic mechanism. In contrast, our results suggest the superconducting state in Pb and V3Si is due to phonons.
Reconstruction of the magnetization in a thin film by a combination of Lorentz microscopy and external field measurements

A combination of two measurements is shown to be sufficient to determine the magnetization in a thin film except for a constant out-of-plane component, under the condition that the magnetization is uniform through the thickness. The measurements consist of DPC (differential phase contrast) Lorentz microscopy, which measures the path integral of the in-plane B field, and some measurements of the out-of-plane component of H above and below the film, for example by Hall probe. Field measurements on one side only are sufficient if the magnetization is in-plane. The in-plane magnetization is decomposed into a divergence-free part and a part with zero component of curl perpendicular to the plane of the film. The DPC measurement directly yields the divergence-free component, and the curl-free as well as the out-of-plane parts are found from a deconvolution of the perpendicular field. Several examples are given, and the interpretation of the two magnetization components in terms of B and H provides a qualitative description of the physics. >
Bias in equations used to estimate fossil primate body mass

Abstract The body mass of a fossil primate is often estimated from a regression equation in which both variables are transformed to logarithms. During this procedure, a bias is introduced when the body mass estimate derived in logarithmic units is detransformed back to arithmetic units. Detransformed estimates represent the geometric mean of the conditional distribution of the dependent variable at the selected value of the independent variable. This value is always less than the arithmetic mean; the difference between the geometric and arithmetic means being the magnitude of the bias. Several formulas have been proposed for correction factors that can be applied to predicted values to correct for this underestimation. The quasi-maximum likelihood estimate (QMLE), smearing estimate (SE), and ratio estimate (RE) are calculated for 12 equations that have been used to predict fossil primate body mass. A few of the equations have biases of 18-19%, but most are under 8%, and a few have 0-2% bias. The three estimators are compared and recommendations are made for their use. The magnitude of detransformation bias and the consistency of correction factors for an equation are criteria to be considered when selecting equations for paleontological inference.
Incidence of temporomandibular joint symptoms following whiplash injury

Abstract Recently there has been considerable litigation involving the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction following cervical musculo-skeletal injury (whiplash). The purpose of this investigation was to interview, examine, and follow up patients with a diagnosis of whiplash injury to determine the incidence of associated temporomandibular disorders. Patients were divided into two categories: those with and those without radiologic evidence of cervical skeletal injury. In the 63 patients with radiographic evidence of cervical skeletal injury (group 1), none had clicking at the time of initial examination. In the 92 patients without positive radiographs (group 2), only one had clicking. At 1 month follow-up by telephone, 2 of 51 available patients in group 1 had developed clicking, but no new TMJ symptoms were reported by the 78 patients in group 2 contacted by phone. Seventy percent of the initial follow-up group (44 patients) with radiographic evidence of injury were contacted by telephone at 1 year and none reported new symptoms of TMJ pain or clicking. Sixty-five percent of the initial follow-up group without radiographic evidence of injury (60 patients) were interviewed and also reported no new TMJ symptoms. These data indicate that the incidence of TMJ pain and clicking following whiplash injury is extremely low, and that patients who do not have clicking on resolution of their initial pain/dysfunction subsequently do not develop this problem.
Calibration of a detector for nonlinear chromatography

In many studies of nonlinear or preparative chromatography, chromatographic signals must be recorded for relatively concentrated solutions and the detectors, that are designed for analytical applications and are highly sensitive, must be used under such experimental conditions that their responses are often nonlinear. Then, a calibration curve is needed to derive the actual concentration profiles of the eluates from the measured detector response. It becomes necessary to derive a relationship between the concentration of the eluent and the detector signal at any given time. The simplest approach consists in preparing a series of solutions of known concentrations and in flushing them successively through the detector cell, recording the height of the plateau response obtained. However, this method requires relatively large amounts of the pure solutes being studied and these are not always available or they may be most costly, although these solutions can be recovered. We describe and validate an alternative procedure providing this calibration from a series of peaks recorded upon the injection of increasingly large pulses of the studied compound.
The employment relation as a social relation

Abstract This paper suggests how formal models of employment relations in economics might be enriched by paying greater attention to various themes emphasized in recent sociological and social psychological research. A review of the sociology of work highlights some areas where formal economic models of employment relations diverge from empirical reality. For instance, the emphasis on problems of “effort aversion” overlooks informal norms and social psychological forces that often motivate workers more powerfully than financial incentives do. In evaluating the efficiency of various forms of labor contracting, the economic literature has paid too little attention to such factors as workplace “atmosphere,” equity, and the “control costs” that workers associate with various systems of rewarding and monitoring labor, which play a major role in affecting how workers respond to a given employment system. Economic analyses of incentive systems have also often given short shrift to the impact of custom, political struggles within organizations, and constituencies external to organizations (including the state) in shaping employment regimes. The role of these sociological and social psychological forces in shaping employment systems is illustrated in the concluding section of the paper, which briefly compares selected aspects of employment systems in Japanese versus U.S. organizations. J. Japan. Int. Econ., December 1988, 2(4), pp. 492–525. Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5015.
Enhanced Osteogenesis of Adipose Derived Stem Cells with Noggin Suppression and Delivery of BMP-2

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are believed to be the most potent osteoinductive factors. However, BMPs are highly pleiotropic molecules and their supra-physiological high dose requirement leads to adverse side effects and inefficient bone formation. Thus, there is a need to develop alternative osteoinductive growth factor strategies that can effectively complement BMP activity. In this study, we intrinsically stimulated BMP signaling in adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) by downregulating noggin, a potent BMP antagonist, using an RNAi strategy. ASCs transduced with noggin shRNA significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of cells. The potency of endogenous BMPs was subsequently enhanced by stimulating ASCs with exogenous BMPs at a significantly reduced dose. The level of mineralization in noggin shRNA treated ASCs when treated with BMP-2 was comparable to that of control shRNA treated cell treated with 10-fold more BMP-2. The complementary strategy of noggin suppression + BMP-2 to enhance osteogenesis was further confirmed in 3D in vitro environments using scaffolds consisting of chitosan (CH), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and apatite layer on their surfaces designed to slowly release BMP-2. This finding supports the novel therapeutic potential of this complementary strategy in bone regeneration.
Changes in Apparent Molar Water Volume and DKP Solubility Yield Insights on the Hofmeister Effect

This study examines the properties of a 4 × 2 matrix of aqueous cations and anions at concentrations up to 8.0 M. The apparent molar water volume, as calculated by subtracting the mass and volume of the ions from the corresponding solution density, was found to exceed the molar volume of ice in many concentrated electrolyte solutions, underscoring the nonideal behavior of these systems. The solvent properties of water were also analyzed by measuring the solubility of diketopiperazine (DKP) in 2.000 M salt solutions prepared from the same ion combinations. Solution rankings for DKP solubility were found to parallel the Hofmeister series for both cations and anions, whereas molar water volume concurred with the cation series only. The results are discussed within the framework of a desolvation energy model that attributes solute-specific changes in equilibria to solute-dependent changes in the free energy of bulk water.
Evidence of structural and material adaptation to specific strain features in cortical bone

Background Functionally induced strains provide epigenetic signaling for bone modeling and remodeling activities. Strain gauge documentation of the equine third metacarpal reveals a neutral axis passing through the craniolateral cortex, resulting in a narrow band of cortex loaded predominantly in tension, with the remainder of the cortex experiencing a wide range of compression strain magnitudes that are maximal in the caudomedial cortex. This predictable strain pattern provides a model for examining the hypothesis that strain mode, magnitude, and strain energy density are potential correlates of compact bone structural and material organization. Methods Structural and material variables were quantified in nine equine (standard breeds) third metacarpals for comparison with the in vivo strain milieu that was evaluated in thoroughbred horses. The variables quantified included secondary osteon population density (OPD), fractional area of secondary bone (FASB), fractional area of porous spaces, collagen fiber orientation, mineral content (% ash), and cortical thickness. Each bone was sectioned transversely at 50% of length, with subsequent quantification of eight radial sectors and three intracortical regions (periosteal, middle, endosteal). Linear regression analysis compared these variables to magnitudes of corresponding regional in vivo longitudinal strain, shear strain, and strain energy density values reported in the literature. Results The craniolateral (“tension”) cortex of this bone is distinguished by its 30% lower FASB and with the lateral cortex exhibits 20% darker gray level (more longitudinal collagen) compared with the average of all other locations. Conversely, the remaining (“compression”) cortices as a group have a high OPD, are more extensively remodeled, and contain more oblique-to-transverse collagen. The caudal cortices (caudomedial, caudal, caudolateral) are significantly thinner (P < 0.01) and have 4% lower mineral content (P < 0.05) than all other locations. Moderately strong correlations exist between collagen fiber orientation and normal strain (r = 0.752) and shear strain (r = 0.555). When normal and shear strains were transformed to their respective absolute values, thus eliminating the effects of strain mode (tension vs. compression), these correlation coefficients decreased markedly. Conclusions Collagen fiber orientation is related to strain mode and may function to accentuate rather than attenuate bending. These differences may represent adaptations that function synergistically with bone geometry to promote a beneficial strain distribution and loading predictability during functional loading. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Oscillating two-phase channel flows

Die in einem Kreisrohr durch pulsierende Krafte in Bewegung gesetzte Stromung einer inkompressiblen Flussigkeit mit schwebenden kugelformigen Teilchen wird analysiert. Das Losungsverfahren beruht auf der Zusammenfassung der Teilchen- und Flussigkeit-Impulsgleichungen zu einer einzelnen Integrodifferentialgleichung, die durch die Laplace-Transformation gelost wird. Die Geschwindigkeit von Teilchen und Flussigkeit und der Reibungswiderstand werden als Polynome angegeben und durch einen Computer numerisch berechnet. Uberraschenderweise ergibt sich, dass im Gleichgewichtsgrenzfall das Teilchen-Flussigkeit-System, das durch eine stetige Massenkraft in Bewegung gesetzt wird, sich wie ein Teilchenloses verhalt. Es wird auch gezeigt, dass die Wirkung der Massen- und Druckkrafte etwa gleich ist, wenn die Dichte des Teilchenmaterials viel grosser als die Dichte der Flussigkeit ist. Die Wirkung dieser Krafte ist verschieden, wenn diese beiden etwa gleich sind.
THE METABOLISM OF GALACTOSE II. BLOOD SUGAR CURVES

In a recent paper (29) the senior author discussed the results obtained in a study of the assimilation limit for galactose, using normal men and women as subjects. This earlier report, as well as the present article, are portions of a comprehensive study undertaken to establish, if possible, a series of objective criteria for the diagnosis of disturbed endocrine functions. In the present paper no direct reference will be made to the diagnostic phase of the work. Cases are collected into groups of etiological relationship solely for convenience and to determine a basis of equality in comparison. In beginning these studies, nearly 10 years ago, the choice of a sugar as the basis for one part of the work was of paramount importance. As a sugar not foreign to the human economy; with a low assimilation limit; of so simple a structure as to be capable apparently of direct assimilation, and susceptible of preparation in a state of high purity, galactose presented itself as the sub
Multiphonon-based comparison of erbium-doped yttria in large, fine grain polycrystalline ceramics and precursor forms

Abstract We have studied the phonon-induced non-radiative decay in erbium doped yttria (Y2O3). The technique employed allows for the evaluation of potential ceramic and crystalline laser materials. The frequency of the dominant phonon that deactivates the fluorescing levels and an approximate prediction of 0 K lifetime can be determined. Results show no significant quantitative difference between very large grain polycrystalline (with grain size ∼200–500 μm) ceramic, fine grain polycrystalline (with grain size ∼0.3 μm) ceramic and the precursor powder (with ∼30 nm particle size) of Er3+ doped Y2O3, when it comes to the dominant phonon frequency and the phonon occupancy number. The results show that a correct evaluation of the final product can be made in the precursor stage of the process eliminating the need to proceed to crystalline or fully sintered ceramic form to evaluate the spectroscopic properties of the material. It should be noted that the powders must be carefully prepared and handled. Adsorbed species such as water can drastically change the effective lifetimes observed in powder samples.
Nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen species in airway epithelial signaling and inflammation

Nitric oxide (NO(.-)) is produced by many diverse cell types as a cellular or intracellular signaling molecule, by the activation of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). All three known NOS isoforms are expressed within the respiratory tract and mediate various airway functional properties such as airway smooth muscle tone, ciliary function, epithelial electrolyte transport, and innate host defense. The respiratory epithelium is a major source of NO(.-), in which it regulates normal epithelial cell function and signaling as well as signaling pathways involved in airway inflammation. In addition to its normal physiological properties, increased airway NO(.-) production in inflammatory respiratory tract diseases such as asthma may activate additional signaling mechanisms to regulate inflammatory-immune pathways, and epithelial barrier (dys)function or repair. The biological actions of NO(.-) are controlled at various levels, including mechanisms that regulate NOS localization and activation, and variable oxidative metabolism of NO(.-), resulting in generation of bioactive reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Moreover, in addition to altered production of NO(.-) or RNS, the presence of various target enzymes and/or metabolic regulators of NO(.-)/RNS can be dramatically altered during airway inflammatory conditions, and contribute to alterations in NO(.-)-mediated signaling pathways in disease. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding NO(.-)-mediated epithelial signaling, as well as disease-related changes in airway NOS biology and target enzymes that affect NO(.-)/RNS signaling mechanisms. A detailed understanding of these various changes and their impact on NO(.-) signaling pathways are needed to fully appreciate the contributions of NO(.-)/RNS to airway inflammation and to develop suitable therapeutic approaches based on regulating NO(.-) function.
Desk Bound No More: Reference Services at a New Research University Library

The authors discuss a newly established academic library at the University of California, Merced, as a model for reference service that foregoes a desk staffed with reference librarians. The library provides innovative, quality reference services for its users by using well-trained staff at a library services desk and employing new technologies for asynchronous communication and instruction.
p53 Immunopositivity in Histologically Favorable Wilms Tumor Is Not Related To Stage At Presentation Or To Biological Aggression

ABSTRACTPurpose: Previous studies have suggested that increased p53 expression is associated with advanced stage and biologically aggressive (chemotherapy resistant) Wilms tumors. We decided to test the hypothesis that increased immunopositivity of p53 is associated with biological aggressiveness in patients with histologically favorable Wilms tumors.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of all patients with unilateral Wilms tumor treated at our institution between 1976 and 2001. Histological characteristics, tumor stage, clinical course and p53 expression as determined by immunohistochemical analysis were determined. All immunohistological evaluations were performed on tissue obtained before administration of chemotherapy.Results: A total of 63 cases of unilateral histologically favorable Wilms tumor were assessed. Five cases (8%) were p53 positive. No significant relationship to p53 expression or stage at presentation was noted in 1 of 21 (5%) stage 1, 3 of 21 (14%) stage 2, 1 of 11 (9%) stage 3...
Digitalis sensitivity of Na+,K+-ATPase, myocytes and the heart

Abstract Cardiac Na + ,K + -ATPase, the receptor molecule for digitalis glycosides, have isoforms with different intrinsic affinities for the glycosides. Expressionof these isoforms are under developmental and hormonal regulation. Switching in isoforms to those with lower intrinsic affinity may decrease digitalis sensitivity of the heart. In addition to the intrinsic affinity of the cardiac Na + ,K + -ATPase for the glycoside, increases in the rate of Na + influx and decreases in extracellular K + concentrations increase glycoside sensitivity of the heart and also reduces the margin of safety by reducing reserve capacity of the sodium pump. Reserve capacity of the sodium pump is also reduced by pathological conditions or aging, resulting in reduced margin of safety for the glycoside. Events that follow sodium pump inhibition also effect sensitivity of the heart to digitalis toxicity. These are hypercalcemia and magnesium depletion. It is now feasible to predict digitalis sensitivity of the heart, not empirically but based on the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the positive inotropic and toxic actions of the glycoside.
Experimental study on the two phase flow behavior in PEM fuel cell parallel channels with porous media inserts

Abstract In this study, the air–water two phase flow behavior in PEM fuel cell parallel channels with porous media inserts was experimentally investigated using a self-designed and manufactured transparent assembly. The visualization images of the two phase flow in channels with porous media inserts were presented and three patterns were summarized. Compared with the traditional hollow channel design, the novel configuration featured less severe two phase flow mal-distribution and self-adjustment to water amount in channels, although a higher pressure drop was introduced due to the porous media inserts. The dominant frequency of pressure drop signal was found to be a diagnostic tool for water behavior in channels. The novel flow channel design with porous media inserts may become a solution to the water management problem in PEM fuel cells.
Ritual and conflict in the audit profession

Abstract Conflicts are not new to the auditing profession, but why do they continue to persist? The purpose of this paper is to consider the ritualistic use of the audit process and its supporting standards to mask societal conflicts existing in the auditing environment. We suggest that conflict persists, in part, due to the ritualistic nature of the audit process and its supporting standards. In addition, we suggest that rituals are used to mask conflict in order to maintain social order and to legitimize the Profession's actions. This alternative view provides a new direction for future auditing research.
Default Bayesian Priors for Regression Models with First‐Order Autoregressive Residuals

. The objective of this paper is to develop default priors when the parameter of interest is the autocorrelation coefficient in normal regression models with first-order autoregressive residuals. Jeffreys’ prior as well as reference priors are found. These priors are compared in the light of how accurately the coverage probabilities of Bayesian credible intervals match the corresponding frequentist coverage probabilities. It is found that the reference priors have a definite edge over Jeffreys’ prior in this respect. Also, the credible intervals based on these reference priors seem superior to similar intervals based on certain divergence measures.
Analysis of [C-11]alpha-methyl-tryptophan kinetics for the estimation of serotonin synthesis rate in vivo.

We describe the tracer kinetic analysis of [C-11]-labeled alpha-methyl-tryptophan (AMT), an analogue of tryptophan, which has been developed as a tracer for serotonin synthesis using positron emiss...
TENSILE PROPERTIES OF BINARY TITANIUM-ZIRCONIUM AND TITANIUM-HAFNIUM ALLOYS

Abstract The effects on the tensile properties of alloy content and heat treatment for the Ti-Zr and Ti-Hf systems were found to be approximately the same. Strength increased and ductility decreased with additions of up to 40 wt.% Zr and Hf. The beta-quenched structures showed considerably higher strengths than the beta-furnace-cooled structures; this was attributed to the nucleation and growth in the beta-furnace-cooled specimens of a relatively low alloy content, weak alpha phase.
Convergence of the Von Zeipel Procedure

In the last fifteen years notable progress has been made in celestial mechanics, centered around the contributions of Siegel, Kolmogorov, Moser and Arnold. Perhaps the key paper in a whole series of brilliant papers by these distinguished mathematicians was the four page announcement by Kolmogorov [5]. Moser and Arnold generalized Kolmogorov's theorems, and extended them in various fashion with appropriate proofs, but no proof has been given following Kolmogorov's original outline. The present paper is devoted to doing this. Moreover, it is felt that as an introduction to this chain of ideas, the Kolmogorov approach is the least complicated. Before proceeding, let us give a brief history of the problem under consideration. Given a Hamiltonian:
Corporate governance within the context of antitakeover provisions

This paper advances understanding of corporate governance relationships with a longitudinal study of multiple antitakeover options. Prior analyses have been primarily cross-sectional, focused exclusively on a single provision ignoring provisions which require subsequent stockholder approval. The current study uses agency theory, and broadens this perspective by examining the differential impact of institutional investors' stockholding, managerial stock ownership, and corporate board characteristics on the rate of adoption of six provisions, including provisions which do and do not require stockholder approval. Results of hazard analyses of the rate of amendment adoption of 185 firms between 1984 and 1988 indicate that the impact of governance variables on antitakeover provisions differ depending on whether these actions require stockholder approval or not. The pattern of differences indicates that institutional investors use their voting power when they are given an opportunity to vote and that substitution between direct shareholder control and managerial stock ownership exists.
Raman-scattering effects at the shorter visible wavelengths in clear ocean waters

The limits and nawre of the influence of water Raman scattering in clear ocean waters are the subject of continuing investigations. At shorter wavelengths (less than 500 nm) the in-water effects ofwater Raman scattering are confined to the near surface layers while the water leaving irradiance is significantly augmented by Raman emission. The water leaving Raman irradiance is apparently affected by the Fraunhofer lines of the solar spectrum.
What Determines the Rate of Growth of Crystals from Solution

Crystallization from solution underlies numerous laboratory, industrial, geological, and biological processes. The interface between a crystal and the solution is smooth and comprised of singular crystal faces. On such smooth interfaces, the locations at which a molecule from the solution can associate to the crystal, the kinks, are few and located along the edges of unfinished crystalline layers, the steps. The rate of step propagation, and through it, the rate of growth of a crystal from solution, is determined by the kink density and by the kinetics of incorporation into the kinks. In turn, the latter depends on the free energy barriers for incorporation. Here, three mechanisms of generation of kinks are discussed: by thermal fluctuations of the steps, by one-dimensional nucleation of new crystalline rows, and by association to the steps of two-dimensional clusters, preformed on the terraces between the steps. The latter two mechanisms only operate in the cases where the kink density, determined by the...
An efficient route to N6 deoxyadenosine adducts of diol epoxides of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are metabolized to a wide variety of oxidized derivatives, including highly reactive diol epoxides which alkylate DNA. The reaction lacks regio- or stereospecificity but occurs primarily at the exocyclic amino groups of deoxyguanosine and deoxyadenosine. An efficient route to N 6 adducts of deoxyadenosine is described using as examples those arising from trans opening of the anti -tetrahydrodiol epoxides of naphthalene, benzo[ a ]pyrene, and benzo[ c ]phenanthrene. The adducts were synthesized in 50–92% yields by reaction of 6-fluoropurine 2′-deoxyriboside with aminotriols formed by trans opening of racemic dihydrodiol epoxides using liquid NH 3 . The diastereomeric adducts were separated by HPLC and their absolute configurations were assigned by circular dichroism. 1 H NMR studies revealed significant differences in conformation of the tetrahydroaromatic ring between the sterically unrestricted naphthalene derivative and the sterically congested derivatives of benzo[ a ]pyrene and benzo[ c ]phenanthrene. These differences may have a bearing on the higher carcinogenicity shown by the latter hydrocarbons. Undecadeoxyoligonucleotides bearing regio- and stereochemically defined adenine N 6 - anti - trans -benzo[ a ]pyrene adducts have been prepared.
Summarization of personal photologs using multidimensional content and context

In this paper, we propose a framework for generation of representative subset summaries from large personal photo collections. These summaries will help in effective sharing and browsing of the personal photos. We define three salient properties: quality, diversity and coverage that an informative summary should satisfy. We propose methods to compute these properties using multidimensional content and context data. The objective of summarization is modeled as an optimization of these properties, given the size constraints. We also propose metrics which will evaluate the photo summaries based on their representation of the larger corpus and the ability to satisfy user's information needs. We use a dataset of 40K personal photos collected by crawling photo sharing and storage sites of sixteen users. Our experiments show that the summarization algorithm works better than the baseline algorithms.