cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total internal reflection fluorescence: a technique for examining interactions of macromolecules with solid surfaces

Abstract Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is a technique that may be used to examine the interaction of macromolecules with solid surfaces. In this report, a TIRF apparatus and its application to the adsorption of proteins from flowing solutions on polymer films are described. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)/crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber) is the protein/surface pair considered herein. To relate TIRF fluorescence signals to actual surface concentrations, a calibration technique using BSA labeled with both tritium and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was developed. Unambiguous calibration results require a linear relationship between observed fluorescence intensity and protein surface concentration, reproducible evanescent field intensities, and constant fluorescence quantum efficiencies. The contribution of bulk solution fluorescence to the total TIRF signal must be ascertained to ensure accurate quantitative interpretation of TIRF data. There are two sources of solution fluorescence: one arising from excitation of fluorescent solution protein by scattered light, the second from solution protein within the evanescent field. Solution protein within the evanescent field is distinguished from reversibly adsorbed proteins by comparing its exchange dynamics with that of nonadsorbing FITC-dextran together with the predictions of a hydrodynamic model. By removing the solution protein contributions to the total TIRF signal, surface-adsorbed protein fluorescence, and thus the amount of protein adsorbed, can be obtained. Bulk solution contribution to the total TIRF signal increases with solution concentration. Experiments were conducted at solution concentrations of 2 and 200 mg%, both corresponding to an equilibrium surface concentration of 0.14 μg/cm 2 , the saturated surface concentrations for BSA adsorbing on silicone rubber. Proteins in the 2 mg% solution contributed negligibly to the total fluorescence, while fluorescence from the 200 mg% solution constituted a significant fraction of the total TIRF signal.
Regeneration of lumbar dorsal root axons into the spinal cord of adult frogs (Rana pipiens), an HRP study.

Lumbar dorsal roots of adult frogs were crushed or cut and reanastomosed. Following survival times of up to 75 days, the regenerating dorsal roots were recut and anterogradely injury-filled with horseradish peroxidase. This revealed that in the adult frog, regenerating axons re-enter the spinal cord. Comparison of the distribution of these axons with that of normal, dorsal root axons showed that there is a partial restoration of the segmental distribution in the gray matter. However, the long ascending sensory tract of the dorsal funiculus was not restored, The dorsal funiculus was markedly gliotic and had relatively few labelled, regenerated axons. The labelled axons that were seen in the dorsal funiculus either extended longitudinally for a distance just beneath the pia, apparently in association with the glia limitans, or traversed the region to enter the dorsal gray matter. Most of the large and small diameter axons that entered the gray matter did so by passing through the region of the dorsolateral fasciculus. Within the gray matter, small diameter, regenerated axons arborized in the region of the dorsal terminal field, a region that has been shown in the normal frog to receive cutaneous afferents only. Many large diameter axons, presumably muscle afferents, arborized in the ventral terminal field, a region shown in the normal frog to receive muscle afferents exclusively. However, many of these large diameter axons had arborizations that extended to both terminal fields, thus suggesting that some abberant connections are made during dorsal root regeneration in the adult frog.
Numerical simulation of wavy falling film flow using VOF method

Surface wave dynamics of vertical falling films under monochromatic-frequency flowrate-forcing perturbations is computed by the direct simulation of Navier-Stokes equations using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to track free surfaces and the Continuum Surface Force (CSF) model to account for dynamic boundary conditions at free surfaces. The numerical VOF-CSF model is completely formulated, and more attention is given to understanding instabilities of thin films. At low frequency and high flowrate, the small inlet disturbance develops into large solitary waves preceded by small capillary bow waves. The circulation flow compatible with the solitary wave size is observed in the solitary peak. On the other hand, at high frequency and low Re, small-amplitude waves in nearly sinusoidal shape without fore-running capillary waves are formed on the surface. The quasi-periodic waveforms are found to occur at the nearly sinusoidal wave regime. The slight increase in wave-amplitude and wavelength, and decrease in residual thickness as waves evolves downstream are observed for both solitary waves and sinusoidal types. The variation of velocity and pressure along a wave are strong at the wave trough and capillary wave region, due to the large surface curvature there. The pressure variation perpendicular to the wall is negligible and only a small variation is observed at the solitary wave trough and capillary region.
Use of the ON-Q Pain Management System Is Associated with Decreased Postoperative Analgesic Requirement: Double Blind Randomized Placebo Pilot Study

Background Narcotics are routinely used to decrease postoperative pain after laparotomy. But they are associated with unwarranted side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of local perfusion of bupivacaine in decreasing narcotic consumption after midline laparotomy. Study design We performed a prospective, randomized, double blind study involving patients who underwent a midline laparotomy with subsequent wound closure. Patients were randomized to receive a 72-hour continuous wound perfusion through the ON-Q pain management system (I Flow Corporation) of the local anesthetic bupivacaine (0.5%, study group) or 0.9% NaCl (control group). In addition, all patients received standardized intraoperative analgesia and postoperative morphine patient-controlled analgesia. Total postoperative analgesic requirement, pain control, recovery of bowel function, and complications were recorded. Results Seventy patients were recruited: 35 in the study group (mean age, 55.7 years) and 35 in the control group (mean age, 58.8 years). There was no difference in overall postoperative pain scores. Patients in the study group reported earlier ambulation as compared with the control group. Mean (±SD) daily narcotic requirements were significantly less in the study group versus the control group (33.7±32 mg versus 60.1±62 mg, respectively; p=0.03). Patients in the study group made 50% fewer attempts to receive patient-controlled analgesia (p=0.011). But there was no significant difference in length of hospitalization or time to first bowel movement. Conclusions This preliminary pilot study reveled that the ON-Q pain management system after midline laparotomy, as part of a multimodal approach, is an effective approach to postoperative pain control.
The effects of sulphur dioxide upon established cell lines cultivated in vitro.

Studies have been made on the effects of SO2 and its salts on strain L, mouse liver, and HeLa cells. Of the cell lines tested, the HeLa cells seemed to be more sensitive to SO2 and its salts than the cells of mouse origin.Cells cultivated in "biological" medium grow in concentrations of gaseous SO2 up to 2000 p.p.m., although somewhat inhibited. Cells subjected to a concentration of 500 p.p.m. in this medium are not affected greatly and their growth is comparable to those cells in control cultures.The addition of various salts of SO2 (Na2SO4, Na2SO3, and NaHSO3) in concentrations from 10 to 200 mg% produced responses ranging from complete inhibition of growth (by 200 mg% NaHSO3) to apparent stimulation of growth by some concentrations of Na2SO4. Toxicity of these salts was in the order of NaHSO3 > Na2SO3 > Na2SO4.When cells in vitro are directly exposed to SO2 in specially designed culture flasks, strain L cells are apparently able to tolerate 5 p.p.m. SO2 for five 8-hour exposure intervals, provided a "r...
From Orality to Textuality in English Accounting and Its Books, 1553-1680: The Power of Visual Presentation.

A survey of English accounting, its origin, its development, and its first books (1553-1680) provides another insight into the shift from orality to textuality in English society. The shift to sophisticated textual expression of accounting occurred as a result of the confluence of the rising English Renaissance trade economy, increasing literacy, and improving typography—all of which made the need for extensive financial records necessary and possible. The shift to a highly sophisticated textual/spatial presentation was nurtured by Ramism, Renaissance Italian art, and the rise of capitalism. Ultimately, this spatial presentation destroyed the oral-aural aspect of accounting. Spatial presentation was essential to the development of accounting techniques for an expanding economy, but spatial, rather than verbal, display led to abstraction in presentation that today makes accounting difficult for the nonaccounting reader to understand and for the expert accountant to verbalize.
Comparable performance for classifier trained on real or synthetic IR-images

We report results that demonstrate that an infrared (IR) target classifier, trained on synthetic-images of targets and tested on real-images, can perform as well as a classifier trained on real-images alone. We also demonstrate that the sum of real and synthetic-image databases can be used to train a classifier whose performance exceeds that of classifiers trained on either database alone. After creating a large database of 80,000 synthetic-images two subset databases of 7,000 and 8,000 images were selected and used to train and test a classifier against two comparably sized, sequestered databases of real-images. Synthetic-image selection was accomplished using classifiers trained on real-images from the sequestered real-image databases. The images were chosen if they were correctly identified for both target and target aspect. Results suggest that subsets of synthetic-images can be chosen to selectively train target classifiers for specific locations and operational scenarios; and that it should be possible to train classifiers on synthetic-images that outperform classifiers trained on real-images alone.
f-Element/crown ether complexes 2. The synthesis and crystal structure of Y(NO3)3(12-crown-4)

Y(NO3)3(12-crown-4) was prepared via reaction of the crown ether and Y(NO3)3·nH2O in acetonitrile. Y(NO3)3(12-crown-4) crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/c witha=12.084(5),b=8.524(4),c=15.150(6) A, β=91.62(3)0 andDcalc=1.92 g cm−3 forZ=4. The structure was refined by least-squares to a final conventionalR value of 0.105 using 1249 independent observed reflections [I≥3σ(I)]. The title compound is isostructural with its Eu(III) analog. The yttrium ion is ten-coordinate, bonded to three bidentate nitrate groups and to the four oxygens of the crown ether. The coordination polyhedron is best described as a 4A, 6B-extended dodecahedron. The Y-O(nitrate) and Y-O(ether) separations average 2.44(5) and 2.46(4) A, respectively.
National Sports and Other Myths: The Failure of US Soccer

Despite its undisputed popularity as the world’s number one sport and despite recent successes, soccer in the US remains in the minor leagues. Notwithstanding the growth of the US soccer market since the 1994 World Cup, the US Major League Soccer (MLS) teams continue to struggle despite their anticipated market potential. The economics of professional sports has much to do with this failure. Without a large fan base, the MLS cannot secure the broadcasting fees necessary to escape its conservative economic model. How will a large and loyal fan base for US soccer emerge? The recent emergence of 14‐year‐old Freddy Adu as the youngest professional player in soccer history, however, may prove to be helpful in helping to create a star system within the US soccer world. One cannot overlook, however, the powerful draw of nationalism that sport evokes. The popularity of baseball, basketball or football in the US has much to do with how these sports have come to be identified with being American. This essay reviews...
Clinical Outcomes of Hepatitis C Treated with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin via Telemedicine Consultation in Northern California

Background Patients in rural communities are less likely to receive treatment for their hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Telemedicine (TM) consultation can close the gap of access to specialists in remote and under-served areas.
Models of the warning process: important implications towards effectiveness

This paper presents a model-guided evaluation of research findings pertaining to warning signs and labels. Several results of significance are noted. First, the observed noticing, reading, and behavioral influence of warnings varied greatly between studies. Analyzing behavior from the perspective of information processing at different levels of performance provides a way of clarifying these mixed research results. Second, this analysis raises the question of how to best accommodate people at varying levels of performance. This seems to be one of the most difficult problems in warning design, in that the most effective warnings at each level are fundamentally different. Third, this analysis points out directions for future research. In particular, there is a strong need to focus future research on skill and rule-based behavior for a wide ranging set of products and use environments.
Interaction of the K channel beta subunit, Hyperkinetic, with eag family members.

Assembly of K channel α subunits of the Shaker (Sh) family occurs in a subfamily specific manner. It has been suggested that subfamily specificity also applies in the association of β subunits with Sh channels (Rhodes, K. J., Keilbaugh, S. A., Barrezueta, N. X., Lopez, K. L., and Trimmer, J. S. (1995) J. Neurosci. 15, 5360–5371; Sewing, S., Roeper, J. and Pongs, O. (1996) Neuron 16, 455–463; Yu, W., Xu, J., and Li, M. (1996) Neuron 16, 441–453). Here we show that the Drosophila β subunit homologue Hyperkinetic(Hk) associates with members of the ether ago-go (eag), as well as Sh, families. Anti-EAG antibody coprecipitates EAG and HK indicating a physical association between proteins. Heterologously expressed Hkdramatically increases the amplitudes of eag currents and also affects gating and modulation by progesterone. Through their ability to interact with a range of α subunits, the β subunits of voltage-gated K channels are likely to have a much broader impact on the signaling properties of neurons and muscle fibers than previously suggested.
The compromise inherent in structural feedback control

Abstract Structural feedback control problems can be formulated as underdetermined, as uniquely determined, or as overdetermined problems. This paper shows that compromises in the structural feedback control are endemic to the formulation. The compromises are made between the control effort, the dynamic performance, and the sensitivity of the control system. As an illustration, the decentralized control of a circular membrane is carried out by using a minimum gain optimal control method (underdetermined), a pole placement method (uniquely determined), and a uniform damping control method (overdetermined). The illustration indicates the inherent compromises among the formulations.
InGaN/GaN quantum dot lasers

Low threshold visible lasers are required for a number of applications including full-color mobile projectors, heads-up displays, optical information processing systems and a host of medical applications. Lasers emitting at λ= 420 nm (blue) and 520 nm (green), have been realized with GaN-based InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) as the gain media. With one exception, these laser heterostructures have been grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The large In composition and associated mismatch strain in the ternary InGaN quantum wells lead to clustering effects and a large piezoelectric polarization field, especially for c-plane heterostructures, both of which are detrimental for laser performance. The threshold current density of these lasers is generally very large due to reduced electron-hole (e-h) overlap in the quantum wells. Additionally, a large blue shift of the emission peak with injection is observed due to the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE) associated with the polarization field. It is known that material inhomogeneities and the piezoelectric field increase in InGaN/GaN quantum wells with increasing In content. Furthermore, a wider well width that is needed for emission at longer wavelengths is not an option since the band bending due to a strong polarization field reduces e-h wavefunction overlap significantly. While shorter wavelength lasers have been realized, red-emitting lasers incorporating InGaN/GaN MQWs have not yet been demonstrated.
Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty: Two‐Year Results

Objective/Hypothesis: Laser eustachian tuboplasty (LETP) combined with appropriate medical management will eliminate the chronic presence of middle ear effusions in selected patients. Methods: The study population consisted of 13 adults with otitis media with effusion (OME). Patients underwent slow-motion video endoscopy to identify the location and extent of surgical resection. A diode or argon laser was used to vaporize areas of hypertrophic mucosa and submucosa along the cartilaginous eustachian tube. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Successful outcome was defined as absence of OME. Patients with evidence of reflux disease or allergic rhinitis were treated with medical therapy before surgery and throughout the follow-up period as indicated. Results: LETP combined with medical management eliminated OME in 36% (4 of 11) of patients at 6 months, 40% (4 of 10) at 1 year, and 38% (3 of 8) at 2 years. Failure of LETP correlated with presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (P = .01) or allergic disease (P = .05) for the results at 1 year but not at 2 years. Conclusions: LETP combined with appropriate medical management may be an effective treatment in select patients with chronic persistent eustachian tube dysfunction. A controlled trial with a larger number of subjects will be necessary to determine the efficacy of LETP and identify those factors predictive of successful outcome.
Low perceived control as a risk factor for episodic memory: the mediational role of anxiety and task interference

Low perceived control is considered a risk factor for poor cognitive functioning, but the mechanisms are unclear. The goal of the present study was to analyze anxiety and task interference as sequential mediators of the association between control beliefs and episodic memory. Cognitive-specific control beliefs were assessed prior to the lab session. State anxiety was assessed in the lab, followed by a word list recall task. The frequency of intrusive thoughts during the memory task was reported by the participants as a measure of task interference after the completion of the cognitive testing. The results for 152 participants from the ages of 22 to 84 years supported the predicted three-path mediation model. Lower levels of control beliefs were associated with higher state anxiety, which in turn affected episodic memory performance by increasing the likelihood of task interference, with age, sex, and verbal abilities as covariates. The implications of the results for developing interventions to improve memory performance are considered.
Role of Cl- channels in α-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the anesthetized rat

Abstract In vitro studies have provided evidence that Cl − ion currents are important for activation of vascular smooth muscle contraction. The stilbene, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), disrupts Cl − metabolism by blocking Cl − channels and by inhibiting Cl − bicarbonate exchange. The aims of this study were to: (i) characterize the hemodynamic responses produced by DIDS in pentobarbital anesthetized rats, and (ii) examine vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine before and after administration of DIDS. DIDS (2.5–50 μmol/kg, 92.5 μmol/kg total dose, i.v.) produced dose-dependent but transient reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and in hindquarter, renal and mesenteric vascular resistances. Prior to the administration of DIDS, norepinephrine (1.0–5.0 μg/kg, i.v.) produced dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure, renal resistance and mesenteric resistance, but decreases in hindquarter resistance that were inversely related to dose. After administration of DIDS, the peak pressor responses produced by norepinephrine were either slightly diminished (1.0, 2.5 μg/kg) or unchanged (5.0 μg/kg). Peak norepinephrine-induced changes in hindquarter and renal vascular resistance were unaffected by DIDS, while increases in mesenteric resistance were augmented. The total norepinephrine-induced increases in mean arterial pressure (mm Hg×s) were markedly reduced by DIDS. These effects of DIDS on norepinephrine-induced responses were similar, but not identical to those of the voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channel blocker, nifedipine (500 nmol/kg, i.v.). These findings suggest that DIDS may interfere with norepinephrine-induced depolarization of resistance arteries, thereby preventing activation of voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels.
Classical Limits of Scalar and Tensor Gauge Operators Based on the Overlap Dirac Matrix

It was recently proposed by the second author to consider lattice formulations of QCD in which complete actions, including the gauge part, are built explicitly from a given Dirac operator D. In a simple example of such theory, the gauge action is proportional to the trace of Ginsparg-Wilson operator D chosen to define the quark dynamics. This construction relies on the proposition that the classical limit of lattice gauge operator trD(x,x) is proportional to trF{sup 2}(x) (up to an additive constant). Here we show this for the case of the overlap Dirac operator using both analytical and numerical methods. We carry out the same analysis also for the tensor component of D, which is similarly related to the field-strength tensor F, and obtain results identical to our previous derivation that used a different approach. The corresponding proportionality constants are computed to high precision for a wide range of the negative mass parameter values, and it is verified that they are the same in finite and infinite volumes.
Ubiquitylation-independent degradation of Xeroderma pigmentosum group C protein is required for efficient nucleotide excision repair

The Xeroderma Pigmentosum group C (XPC) protein is indispensable to global genomic repair (GGR), a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER), and plays an important role in the initial damage recognition. XPC can be modified by both ubiquitin and SUMO in response to UV irradiation of cells. Here, we show that XPC undergoes degradation upon UV irradiation, and this is independent of protein ubiquitylation. The subunits of DDB-Cul4A E3 ligase differentially regulate UV-induced XPC degradation, e.g DDB2 is required and promotes, whereas DDB1 and Cul4A protect the protein degradation. Mutation of XPC K655 to alanine abolishes both UV-induced XPC modification and degradation. XPC degradation is necessary for recruiting XPG and efficient NER. The overall results provide crucial insights regarding the fate and role of XPC protein in the initiation of excision repair.
Comparative extraocular muscle blood flow

This study was designed to quantitatively determined blood flow to the extraocular muscles (EOM) of animals showing a wide range of ocular motility Blood-flow values (ml/minute/gm) for EOM in primates (0.25 +/- 0.03), dogs (0.33 +/- 0.06), sheep (0.12 +/- 0.01), and geese (0.12 +/- 0.04) were determined using the Reference Sample Method with 15 +/- 3 micrometer 103Ru microspheres and complete cardiovascular monitoring. Mammalian EOM blood flow was significantly higher than that determined for other skeletal muscle; however, EOM blood-flow values for sheep were significantly lower than those for primates and dogs. No significant blood-flow differences were found between avian EOM and other skeletal muscle, reflecting the unique avian ocular anatomy. These data indicate that high blood flow is not a general property of EOM and suggest a relationship between functional ocular motility and blood flow.
An examination of Jaques' Felt Fair Pay Construct among owners of small to medium sized enterprises in Switzerland

This study tests a portion of Jaques' theory of equitable payment using a sample of 330 small to medium sized business owners in Switzerland. Results support Jaques' proposition about who would be satisfied with their pay level and who would be dissatisfied with their pay.
Issues Related to Defining and Measuring Violence Against Women: Response to Kilpatrick

This paper asserts that although there is considerable agreement in the U.S. and internationally about the importance of uniform terminology and measurement related to violence against women, we need a strategy for choosing standardized definitions and measures. Responding to Kilpatrick's comments at the October 2003 national research conference on violence against women, the author stresses the importance of developing and using uniform terminology related to violence against women, and discusses the lack of a formal mechanism to achieve uniformity of definitions and measurement. Uncertainty about the impact of context on survey findings and the lack of agreement about the optimal scope of measurement are discussed. The author also comments on some difficulties associated with implementing Kilpatrick's proposed modifications to existing measures of rape and sexual assault.
The Functions of Work-related Group Participation for Poor Women in Developing Countries: An Exploratory Look

The purpose of this research was to take an exploratory look at the psychological functions of par ticipation in work-related groups for poor women in developing countries. Specifically, the research examined the attitudes of poor women in Nicaragua towards various aspects ofgroup membership and the self-reported attitudinal and behavioural changes that occurred as a result of participation in the group. A total of 57 women from eight different work-related groups participated in on site group interviews. Categories reflective of the meaning ofgroup membership included being no longer marginalised, social and emotional support, development of group and organising skills, technical skills, and an awareness of women's rights. Changes were evident at the personal. interpersonal, community and organisational levels. The positive outcomes ofgroup participation for women in developing countries and a framework to guide future research in this area are discussed.
Rural Adolescent Alcohol Use: An Overview*

Summary Use and abuse of alcohol by rural adolescents is an important problem for those who care for youth and for the future of rural communities. Alcohol use is common and associated with many of the risk factors identified in previous urban-sampled research. However, there is considerable rural heterogenety, and the specific characteristics of rural families and communities that may predispose certain adolescents to earlier use or problem drinking are not well understood. Identification of these factors are not only critical for the treatment of affected adolescents and their families, but also for the prevention of adolescent problem drinking. While a number of authors have attempted to describe rural adolescent drinking and associated factors, these studies have been limited by sampling only school populations, small samples, use of unstandardized instruments and no long-term follow-up. In the same vein, no investigators have described the impact of population density, farm residence, predominant local industry, or sociocultural characteristics of rural families and communities on adolescent alcohol use and other health compromising behaviors. Thus, prospective longitudinal studies are sorely needed. Even more important, no research exists that explores the effectiveness of treatment or prevention services for rural adolescents. Communities and providers are forced to rely on models developed in urban settings that do not take into account the lack of access to other services, the shortage of trained specialists, and the limited economic resources of rural communities. A focused effort by investigators, research agencies, and local communities will be necessary for these barriers to be overcome.
Modified electrodes for electrochemical sensors

Chemically modified electrodes exhibit unique behavior that can greatly benefit electrochemical sensing. In this article we review the development and applications of modified electrodes for chemical sensing. After a general introduction, different strategies for surface modification, as employed in chemical sensing, are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to permselective coatings, which offer controlled access at the sensor surface or the surface immobilization of biological entities that specifically recognize the analyte. Better, understanding of these modified electrodes is achieved by using high resolution surface characterization techniques. Future prospects are evaluated.
Effects of montelukast on subjective and objective outcome measures in preschool asthmatic children

It is well accepted that control of airway inflammation is crucial for overall asthma control. Hence, efficient anti-inflammatory therapy is important for disease control. Therefore, we studied the effect of a treatment with montelukast on subjective and objective measures in preschool asthmatic children with insufficient control of airway inflammation, illustrated by increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Thirty-one preschool children (2.5-5 years) were included in this study. Children with FeNO > or = 10 ppb at the first visit received montelukast 4 mg as a first line therapy or an add-on therapy to their baseline treatment (group 1). Therapy was not changed at first visit in children with FeNO < 10 ppb (group 2). Symptom scores, FeNO, lung function (forced oscillation, Rrs8Hz) and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) were assessed at visits 1 and 2 eight weeks apart. There was a significant decrease in FeNO (median [interquartile range]; 12.9 [3.7] vs. 7.6 [6.85] ppb, P = 0.011), Rrs8Hz (mean +/- SD; 10.03 +/- 3.1 vs. 8.72 +/- 2.43 hPa.s/L; P = 0.047) and symptom scores (2[2] vs. 1.5[2], P = 0.034) and a significant increase in the provocative AMP dose (2.65 +/- 2.1 vs. 4.54 +/- 1.05; P = 0.015) in group 1 but not in group 2. First line or add-on treatment of oral montelukast in preschool children with mild to moderate asthma and elevated FeNO, decreased levels of FeNO, improved airway responsiveness to AMP, lung function and symptom scores.
Transformation Functions in the Theory of Production Indexes

Abstract Indexes of output are defined by a transformation function expressing alternative outputs of given productive factors. Different interpretations of the function are possible, depending on the definition of productive factors. Paasche and Laspeyres formulas are derived as linear approximations. The error is related to cost conditions of production.
Time Perspective and Identity Formation: Short-Term Longitudinal Dynamics in College Students.

Planning for the future and developing a personalized identity are conceived of as important developmental tasks that adolescents and emerging adults are confronted with on the pathway to adulthood. The present study set out to examine whether both tasks develop in tandem by using a short-term longitudinal dataset consisting of 371 college students assessed at two time-points, four months apart. Identity formation was assessed using identity commitment and three identity processing styles; time perspective was assessed using the present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, and future-oriented perspectives. Using cross-lagged structural equation modeling, three competing models were tested: a time perspective main-effects model; an identity main-effects model; and a reciprocal model. In accordance with expectations, evidence was found for the reciprocal model with identity formation and time perspective mutually reinforcing one another across time. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Development of improved powder for bonded permanent magnets

Modified high-pressure gas atomization (HPGA) produces spherical, rapidly solidified powder, which is more suitable for bonded magnet processing. He atomization produced powder in the diameter <45 /spl mu/m size that has a glassy fraction comparable to melt-spun ribbon quenched from about 16 m/s. Differences in magnetic properties are attributed to differences in solidification microstructures.
A Collaborative Quasi-Linear Programming Framework for Ad Hoc Sensor Localization

In this paper, we propose a collaborative localization scheme which utilizes, in addition to the range estimates to nodes with known locations (anchors), the range estimates between un- localized nodes to estimate their positions. The proposed collaborative method is incorporated into the linear programming (LP) framework proposed in Venkatesh, S. and Buehrer, R. M., (2006) and is implemented in a distributed fashion. We also adopt a constrained nonlinear optimization method to deal with the degenerate cases in the LP approach, i.e., when an unlocalized node has less than three line-of-sight (LOS) range estimates to localized nodes. Simulation results suggest that this collaborative quasi-LP framework can improve the localization accuracy as well as increase the percentage of nodes that are able to be localized, as compared to the standard sequential least-squares (LS) estimator.
MORAL OBLIGATION AFTER THE DEATH OF GOD: CRITICAL REFLECTIONS ON CONCERNS FROM IMMANUEL KANT, G. W. F. HEGEL, AND ELIZABETH ANSCOMBE

Once God is no longer recognized as the ground and the enforcer of morality, the character and force of morality undergoes a significant change, a point made by G.E.M. Anscombe in her observation that without God the significance of morality is changed, as the word criminal would be changed if there were no criminal law and criminal courts. There is no longer in principle a God's-eye perspective from which one can envisage setting moral pluralism aside. In addition, it becomes impossible to show that morality should always trump concerns of prudence, concerns for one's own non-moral interests and the interests of those to whom one is close. Immanuel Kant's attempt to maintain the unity of morality and the force of moral obligation by invoking the idea of God and the postulates of pure practical reason (i.e., God and immortality) are explored and assessed. Hegel's reconstruction of the status of moral obligation is also examined, given his attempt to eschew Kant's thing-in-itself, as well as Kant's at least possible transcendent God. Severed from any metaphysical anchor, morality gains a contingent content from socio-historical context and its enforcement from the state. Hegel's disengagement from a transcendent God marks a watershed in the place of God in philosophical reflections regarding the status of moral obligations on the European continent. Anscombe is vindicated. Absent the presence of God, there is an important change in the force of moral obligation.
Use of temporary wetlands by anurans in a hydrologically modified landscape

We examined larval anuran assemblages at 12 temporary wetlands occurring on the MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research center (MAERC) in southcentral Florida. MAERC is an active cattle ranch, and the wetlands on the site are heavily influenced by an extensive series of ditches that drain the landscape. Ditching has resulted in a change from a historically extensive marsh system to a series of isolated wetlands surrounded by upland habitats. Because a majority of anurans in Florida breed exclusively or facultatively in wetlands whose drying regime excludes fish, we were interested in determining the value of these modified wetlands as breeding sites. We examined the effect of wetland size and hydrology on anuran use, and compared breeding activity across three summers that varied greatly in rainfall pattern. We sampled tadpoles from May 93 to August 93 and from May 94 to September 95. A total of 3678 tadpoles from 11 species was collected. Rana utricularia was the most abundant species and the only species found in every wetland Species richness was related positively to wetland size (r=0.65, p=0.023) but not hydroperiod (r=0.03, p=0.93). Tadpole abundance was not related to wetland size (r=0.35, p=0.29) nor hydroperiod (r=0.40, p=0.22). Annual variation in rainfall resulted in significant changes in species composition. A drought during 1993 resulted in no breeding. A high water table in the spring of 1995 resulted in localized flooding in early summer on part of the ranch. Wetlands in these areas were exposed to spillover of water from ditches containing fishes. Wetlands so impacted showed significant changes in species composition from the previous year (x2=1008, p < 0.0001), whereas wetlands that were not impacted did not differ in composition. The wetlands at MAERC provide dynamic habitats that offer varying breeding opportunities that are highly dependent on meteorological conditions.
Gelatin Microgel Incorporated Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Bioadhesive with Enhanced Adhesive Property and Bioactivity

Up to 7.5 wt % of chemically cross-linked gelatin microgel was incorporated into dopamine-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGDM) adhesive to simultaneously improve the material property and bioactivity of the PEG-based bioadhesive. Incorporation of gelatin microgel reduced cure time while it increased the elastic modulus and cross-linking density of the adhesive network. Most notably, the loss modulus values for microgel-containing adhesive were an order of magnitude higher when compared to microgel-free control. This drastic increase in the viscous dissipation ability of the adhesive is attributed to the introduction of reversible physical bonds into the adhesive network with the incorporation of the gelatin microgel. Additionally, incorporation of the microgel increased the adhesive properties of PEGDM by 1.5- to 2-fold. From in vitro cell culture studies, the composite adhesive is noncytotoxic and the incorporation of microgels provided binding site for promoting fibroblast attachment and viability. The subcutaneous implantation study indicated that the microgel-containing PEGDM adhesive is biocompatible and the incorporated microgels provided pockets for rapid cellular infiltration. Gelatin microgel incorporation was demonstrated to be a facile method to simultaneously enhance the adhesive property and the bioactivity of PEG-based adhesive.
Productivity, firm size and trade liberalization in a partner country: Evidence from Korean firm-level data

In this paper, I study the impact of partner-country tariffs on Korean firm-level productivity for the period from 2005 to 2009. I start by documenting that the rates at which total factor productivity, spending on technology, number of exporting firms, and exports grow are increasing with firm size. My results show that a reduction in China's tariffs induces Korean firms above median size to increase their productivity. Also, I find that the effect of any given tariff reduction is highest in the uppermost quartile of the firm-size distribution.
Strategies to overcoming rituximab-chemotherapy resistance by targeting the autophagy pathway using bortezomib in combination with the Bcl-2 inhibitor obatoclax in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL)

8543 We found that repeated rituximab exposure leads to deregulation of Bcl-2 proteins and concomitant chemotherapy resistance. We demonstrated that obatoclax (O), a potent Bcl-2 inhibitor, enhance...
Winners and Losers in Appellate Court Outcomes: A Comparative Perspective

The question of who wins and loses in appellate courts may be the most important question we seek to answer as judicial scholars. In fact, "Who gets what ?" has traditionally been viewed as the central question in the study of politics generally. Therefore, understanding who wins in the courts is an essential component of a full appreciation of "the authoritative allocation of values" in society (Easton 1953). In this paper we examine the relationship between the status of litigants, especially the comparison of repeat player "haves" (RP) to one-shotters (OS) who are usually "have-nots," and their rates of success in top appellate courts in the common law world. A number of prior studies employing what is generally referred to as "party capability theory" have examined how the resources and litigation experience of litigants affect their chances for success. Using data from the highest courts of appeals across six countries we explore winners and losers in a comparative context. The results indicate that there is greater variation in who wins and who loses than party capability theory would suggest.
Myeloperoxidase: Its Structure and Expression During Myeloid Differentiation

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a major protein present in myeloid cells and is used by these cells to help kill microbes. The human promyelocytic HL-60 line can be induced to differentiate to granulocytes or macrophagelike cells. Poly (A) containing RNA was isolated from HL-60 granulocytes, HL-60 macrophages, HL-60 blasts, and normal human granulocytes. The mRNA was translated in a reticulocyte lysate system in the presence of 35S-methionine. The MPO was precipitated from the lysate with rabbit IgG antiserum to human MPO. The resulting precipitate from HL-60 blasts gave a major band of radioactivity of approximately 77,000 daltons and another band at approximately 46,000 daltons on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The MPO identity of the labeled bands was confirmed by cold competition. The relative mRNA activity expressed as a percentage of radioactivity incorporated into MPO (77,000-dalton band) as compared with total trichloracetic acid (TCA) precipitable radioactivity was 0.2%. Negligible mRNA activity for MPO was present in HL-60 granulocytes, HL-60 macrophages, and normal human granulocytes. Pulse-chase experiments showed that MPO was an approximate 75,000-dalton major band and 77,000-dalton minor band of radioactivity after HL-60 blasts were labeled for 1/2 hour with 35S-methionine and the cell lysate immunoprecipitated and subjected to SDS-PAGE. The chase experiments (one to 24 hours) showed that the 77,000- and 75,000-dalton bands of radioactivity were replaced with two major bands (55,000 and 15,000 daltons) and one minor band (approximately 39,000 daltons) of radioactivity. Six-hour 35S-methionine labeling experiments showed that the relative rate of MPO synthesis compared with total TCA precipitable radioactivity was 0.5% in HL-60 blasts and almost negligible in HL-60 macrophages and granulocytes, normal human granulocytes, and B-lymphocytes. The KG-1 myeloblasts and KG-1a early myeloblasts synthesized a small amount of the 75,000-dalton MPO protein. Although HL-60 cells no longer synthesized MPO after differentiation, HL-60 granulocytes and HL-60 macrophages continued to contain MPO as measured by enzyme activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Clinicopathologic and cytogenic features of CD34 (My 10)-positive acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

The authors performed membrane antigen phenotyping on 75 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia with a panel of myeloid-associated monoclonal antibodies. The 34 patients (45%) with CD34-positive leukemia were not significantly different from the 41 with CD34-negative leukemia with respect to age, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, or platelet count at presentation, but their blasts were more likely to lack the CD15 or CD33 antigens and to have FAB Ml or M2 morphologic characteristics. CD34-positive leukemia was more likely to arise after chemo-therapy. Patients with CD34-positive leukemia were less likely to enter a complete remission even when analysis was limited to those patients receiving a high-dose induction-type chemotherapy regimen. Giemsa-banding karyotyping studies were obtained in 55 of the cases. In 30 of these cases (56%) clonal karyotypic abnormalities were demonstrated. Although the karyotypic abnormalities and phenotypes were varied, there was a high degree of association between the karyotypic abnormalities monosomy 7/del (7q) and the CD34-positive phenotype; this antigen was expressed on blasts from eight of the nine patients displaying this abnormality. Monoclonal antibody phenotyping of myeloid leukemia with reagents such as anti-CD34 may help to define biologically interesting subsets of ANLL with distinct clinicopathologic expression.
Sources of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter Species Found in Human Culture Materials

Cultures from 360 outpatient, 264 inpatient and 149 environmental sources were examined for the presence of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species. Pseudomonads other than P. aeruginosa were found in wet environmental sources and in respiratory tract cultures from patients with tracheostomies but not in other patient materials. P. maltophilia and P. putida were the most frequent of these. Acinetobacters were found in both wet and dry environmental sources and in both inpatient and outpatient cultures.
Consequences of Location-Dependent Organ of Corti Micro-Mechanics

The cochlea performs frequency analysis and amplification of sounds. The graded stiffness of the basilar membrane along the cochlear length underlies the frequency-location relationship of the mammalian cochlea. The somatic motility of outer hair cell is central for cochlear amplification. Despite two to three orders of magnitude change in the basilar membrane stiffness, the force capacity of the outer hair cell’s somatic motility, is nearly invariant over the cochlear length. It is puzzling how actuators with a constant force capacity can operate under such a wide stiffness range. We hypothesize that the organ of Corti sets the mechanical conditions so that the outer hair cell’s somatic motility effectively interacts with the media of traveling waves—the basilar membrane and the tectorial membrane. To test this hypothesis, a computational model of the gerbil cochlea was developed that incorporates organ of Corti structural mechanics, cochlear fluid dynamics, and hair cell electro-physiology. The model simulations showed that the micro-mechanical responses of the organ of Corti are different along the cochlear length. For example, the top surface of the organ of Corti vibrated more than the bottom surface at the basal (high frequency) location, but the amplitude ratio was reversed at the apical (low frequency) location. Unlike the basilar membrane stiffness varying by a factor of 1700 along the cochlear length, the stiffness of the organ of Corti complex felt by the outer hair cell remained between 1.5 and 0.4 times the outer hair cell stiffness. The Y-shaped structure in the organ of Corti formed by outer hair cell, Deiters cell and its phalange was the primary determinant of the elastic reactance imposed on the outer hair cells. The stiffness and geometry of the Deiters cell and its phalange affected cochlear amplification differently depending on the location.