cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liberalism and the decay of the American political economy

Abstract Free markets and liberalism in Europe both emerged as the result of a particular combination of structural, cultural and personality variables. Both functioned relatively successfully because they operated within the framework of certain assumptions about the nature and acceptable limits of self-interest. These assumptions are now collapsing, in part as a function of internal contradictions in liberal capitalism itself, and, in part, as a function of the challenge of new elites which have become increasingly significant in advanced capitalist societies.
Disorders of biopterin metabolism

Defects in the metabolism or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) were initially discovered in patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia who had progressive neurological deterioration despite optimal metabolic control (malignant hyperphenylalaninaemia). BH4 is an essential cofactor not only for phenylalanine hydroxylase, but also for tyrosine and two tryptophan hydroxylases, three nitric oxide synthases, and glyceryl-ether monooxygenase. Defective activity of tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases explains the neurological deterioration in patients with BH4 deficiency with progressive mental and physical retardation, central hypotonia and peripheral spasticity, seizures and microcephaly. Five separate genetic conditions affect BH4 synthesis or regeneration: deficiency of GTP cyclohydrolase I, 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase, sepiapterin reductase, dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) and pterin-4α-carbinolamine dehydratase. Only the latter of these conditions is relatively benign and is associated with transient hyperphenylalaninaemia. All these conditions can be identified in newborns by an elevated phenylalanine, with the exception of sepiapterin reductase and the dominant form of GTP cyclohydrolase I deficiency that results in biopterin deficiency/insufficiency only in the brain. Diagnosis relies on the measurement of pterin metabolites in urine, dihydropteridine reductase in blood spots, neurotransmitters and pterins in the CSF and on the demonstration of reduced enzyme activity (red blood cells or fibroblasts) or causative mutations in the relative genes. The outcome of BH4 deficiency is no longer malignant if therapy is promptly initiated to reduce plasma phenylalanine levels and replace missing neurotransmitters. This is accomplished by a special diet and/or BH4 supplements and administration of l-dopa, carbidopa, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and, in certain cases, a MAO-B inhibitor. Patients with DHPR deficiency also require folinic acid supplements, since DHPR may help in maintaining folate in the tetrahydro form. Several patients with BH4 deficiency treated since the newborn period have reached adult age with good outcome.
INTERIM ANALYSIS: THE ALPHA SPENDING FUNCTION APPROACH

Interim analysis of accumulating data in a clinical trial is now an established practice for ethical and scientific reasons. Repeatedly testing interim data can inflate false positive error rates if not handled appropriately. Group sequential methods are a commonly used frequentist approach to control this error rate. Motivated by experience of clinical trials, the alpha spending function is one way to implement group sequential boundaries that control the type I error rate while allowing flexibility in how many interim analyses are to be conducted and at what times. In this paper, we review the alpha spending function approach, and detail its applicability to a variety of commonly used statistical procedures, including survival and longitudinal methods.
The relationship between mastitis and retained placenta in a commercial population of holstein dairy cows

Abstract The relationship between retained placenta and mastitis was studied in a population of dairy cows on commercial farms. Only mastitis cases which occurred shortly after calving were studied. The cows with retained placenta were at a higher risk of developing non-severe mastitis (relative risk = 1.5) and at a much higher risk of developing severe mastitis (relative risk = 5.4). There was a differential effect of long-term (> 6 days) versus short-term ( It is suggested that the relationship between retained placenta and mastitis is moderated by the prepartum peripheral leukocyte activity.
Japanese and Nikkei at Home and Abroad: Negotiating Identities in a Global World

Nobuko Adachi (ed.), Japanese and Nikkei at Home and Abroad: Negotiating Identities in a Global World Amherst, New York: Cambria Press, 2010, 348 pp., $114.99/£67.99 hb. (ISBN 978-1-6049-7686-1) Sc...
Electron microscopy studies of the “Premartensitic” transformations in an aged Ti-51 at%Ni shape memory alloy

Abstract “Premartensitic” transformations in an aged Ti-51at%Ni shape memory alloy have been studied by means of electrical resistance measurements, and electron diffraction and microscopy. On aging at 500°C or below following solution treatment, premartensitic transitions appear in Ti-51at%Ni. The appearance of the premartensitic transitions is attributable to the formation of Ti 3 Ni 4 precipitates. Crystallographic and morphological aspects of the premartensitic transitions in specimens aged under several conditions are described in detail. The premartensitic behavior of the present aged specimens is essentially the same as that of the ternary TiNiFe [8–10] and TiNiAl alloys [16].
Inspection of power and ground layers in PCB images

In this work, we present an inspection method for power and ground (PG (2) decomposition of contours into segments: corner detection and matching lines or circular arcs between two corners; (3) determination of the pads from partial contour information obtained in step (2), and (4) design rules checking for each detected pad.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An improved method for the retrieval of cultured macrophages

We report a simple procedure for the maintenance and retrieval of rodent peritoneal macrophages on dialysis membrane supports. Culture units are easily constructed from plastic petri dishes and dialysis membranes. Macrophages adhere readily but are detached easily from the dialysis membrane by mild mechanical agitation. Cell viability remains high and the morphologic and functional characteristics of the macrophages are maintained.
Searching for a function for nuclear actin

The abundant cytoskeletal protein actin has numerous cytoplasmic roles. Although there are many reports of the presence of actin in the nucleus, in general they have been discounted as artifactual. However, recent work has begun to provide evidence for important roles for actin in nuclear processes ranging from chromatin remodelling to splicing. In addition, several regulators of actin polymerization are localized to the nucleus or translocate to the nucleus in a regulated manner, suggesting that there is some function of actin in the nucleus that is subject to regulation. This review discusses the evidence for actin in the nucleus and summarizes recent work suggesting that actin or actin-related proteins are involved in the regulation of nuclear processes such as chromatin remodelling.
Early learning and adaptive behaviour in toddlers with Down syndrome: evidence for an emerging behavioural phenotype?

Background: Though the Down syndrome behavioural phenotype has been described as involving relative strengths in visuo-spatial processing and sociability, and relative weaknesses in verbal skills and motor planning, the early emergence of this phenotypic pattern of strengths and weaknesses has not yet been fully explored. Method: In this study, we compared the performance of eighteen 2 to 3-year-olds with Down syndrome to an MA-matched comparison group of nineteen 2 to 3-year-olds with mixed developmental disabilities, and an MA-matched comparison group of 24 children with typical development on two developmental measures: the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales. Results: While the specificity of the Down syndrome profile was (for the most part) not yet evident, results showed that toddlers with Down syndrome in this study did show emerging areas of relative strength and weakness similar to that which has been described in older children and young adults with Down syndrome. This pattern included relatively stronger social skills, weaker expressive language, and poor motor coordination. When this pattern of strengths and weaknesses was compared to the developmental profiles of the two comparison groups, socialisation strengths differentiated the Down syndrome group from the mixed developmental disabilities group.
Analysis of Thermal Stresses and Metal Movement During Welding—Part II: Comparison of Experimental Data and Analytical Results

This is the second part of a study of thermal stresses and metal movement during welding. Part I described the finite-element analysis of two-dimensional thermal stresses and metal movement during bead-on-plate and butt welding. Part II presents results of experiments on bead-on-plate and butt welds in 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. Measurements were made of changes of temperature, thermal strains, and metal movement during welding. The paper then compares experimental data with analytical results. Good agreements were obtained between experimental and analytical results.
The South African Military: the Dilemmas of Expanded Influence in Decision-Making

During the regime of President P. W. Botha, circumstances combined to give the South African security establishment an unprecedented impact on decision making. Greater threat perception, along with President Botha's close association with the military allowed the security forces to institutionalize their influence at every level of government. The creeping militarization of South African politics meant that domestic and foreign policy, as well as economic decisions, were subject to military influence. This raised important questions about the role of the security forces and their attitude toward reform of the apartheid system. The increased power of the security establishment created concerns about its role among both liberals and conservatives. It also complicated the military's efforts to protect its corporate interests. For the security forces, the situation produced a dilemma regarding the use of their expanded power in an increasingly fragmented society. Although recent developments have curtailed the formal power of the security forces, they will continue to be influential as pressure mounts for an end to apartheid.
Fractal system--a time domain approach.

A method to analyze the fractal system in the time domain is presented so that the dynamic behavior of the system can be studied. The fractal system is represented by a set of linear time-varying differential equations whose order depends on the order of the system under non-fractal condition. Four different types of fractal system are considered and their solutions in the time domain are presented. These analyses show that the fractal system is dynamically more stable with smooth changes of magnitude and less oscillatory than the non-fractal system. Examples of the physiological system of the conduction pathways in the heart and also the polarization phenomena of noble metal are presented to illustrate the phonomena.
Fifteen years of experience with antepartum fetal testing.

Abstract The introduction of antepartum fetal heart rate testing occurred in the very early 1970s. This article describes the evolution of testing within the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center and encompasses a 15-year time period between 1971 and 1985. During this time approximately 200,000 patients were delivered of their infants. Fetal surveillance increased from
Degradation of Partially Oxidized Alginate and Its Potential Application for Tissue Engineering

Alginate has been widely used in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery and cell transplantation. However, alginate itself has a very slow degradation rate, and its gels degrade in an uncontrollable manner, releasing high molecular weight strands that may have difficulty being cleared from the body. We hypothesized that the periodate oxidation of alginate, which cleaves the carbon-carbon bond of the cis-diol group in the uronate residue and alters the chain conformation, would result in promoting the hydrolysis of alginate in aqueous solutions. Alginate, oxidized to a low extent (approximately 5%), degraded with a rate depending on the pH and temperature of the solution. This polymer was still capable of being ionically cross-linked with calcium ions to form gels, which degraded within 9 days in PBS solution. Finally, the use of these degradable alginate-derived hydrogels greatly improved cartilage-like tissue formation in vivo, as compared to alginate hydrogels.
Tumor-like lesions of the urinary bladder

Tumor-like lesions of the urinary bladder are reviewed emphasizing those that are most diagnostically challenging for the pathologist and may result in serious errors in patient care if misinterpreted. The first category considered, pseudocarcinomatous proliferations, represents an area of bladder pathology only recently appreciated as being particularly treacherous because of the extent to which irregular islands of benign epithelial cells may seemingly penetrate the lamina propria and cause confusion with carcinoma. Somewhat orderly proliferations of this type have been known for years, von Brunn's nests, and are rarely a challenge for the experienced, but proliferations of an irregular nature such as may be seen most often as a result of prior radiation therapy, but sometimes due to chemotherapy or even ischemia, represent a challenging interpretation. The clinical history may be very important in arriving at the correct diagnosis as is the appreciation that the morphology, although architecturally problematic, is different from that of any of the familiar patterns of invasive carcinoma. Florid epithelial proliferations in fibroepithelial polyps are also briefly noted. Within the category of glandular proliferations, emphasis is placed on the wide spectrum of morphology of nephrogenic adenoma including its pseudoinfiltrative pattern and occasional propensity for tiny tubules to be misconstrued as signet-ring cells. The spectrum of mullerian glandular lesions including the relatively recently described mucinous variant, endocervicosis, is reviewed. The reactive papillary proliferation, papillary-polypoid cystitis, is then discussed. This entity has long been known but has recently been re-emphasized. Other non-neoplastic papillary lesions include florid papillary forms of nephrogenic adenoma. The past 25 years has seen a great expansion of knowledge concerning non-neoplastic spindle cell proliferations, including those related to a prior procedure, the postoperative spindle cell nodule and those without such a history, variously designated inflammatory pseudotumor, pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation, or even other terms. The morphologic spectrum is explored and it is recommended that the two categories be retained.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2006

The hurricane season of 2006 in the eastern North Pacific basin is summarized, and the individual tropical cyclones are described. Also, the official track and intensity forecasts of these cyclones are verified and evaluated. The 2006 eastern North Pacific season was an active one, in which 18 tropical storms formed. Of these, 10 became hurricanes and 5 became major hurricanes. A total of 2 hurricanes and 1 tropical depression made landfall in Mexico, causing 13 direct deaths in that country along with significant property damage. On average, the official track forecasts in the eastern Pacific for 2006 were quite skillful. No appreciable improvement in mean intensity forecasts was noted, however.
An analytical electron microscopic study of a pyroxene-amphibole intergrowth

Samples of a garnet granulite from the mafic border units of the Lake Chatuge, Georgia alpine peridotite body were found to contain lamellar intergrowths of a pargastic amphibole in augite having the typical appearance of an exsolution feature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction, optical, electron microprobe and conventional and analytical electron microscopic studies have provided data limiting the compositions and structures of the coexisting phases. Individual lamellae of both materials are from 0.5 to 2.0 μm in width with the lamellar interface parallel to {0 1 0}. The formulae of the minerals, as determined by a combination of electron microprobe and analytical electron microscopy, are (Na0.1Ca1.0Mg0.6Fe3+ 0.3)(Si1.8Al0.2)O6 for the pyroxene and Na0.7Ca1.9(Mg2.1Fe2+ 1.4Fe3+ 0.5Ti0.1Cr0.1Al0.8)(Si5.9Al2.1) O22(OH)2 for the amphibole. Several other studies have described intergrowths similar to those observed in this work, in general favoring exsolution as the formation mechanism for the intergrowths. In the Lake Chatuge samples however, replacement of pyroxene by amphibole is in part indicated by continuous gradation of amphibole lamellae into amphiboles rimming the clinopyroxenes.
Changes in Androgen-Mediated Reproductive Development in Male Rat Offspring Following Exposure to a Single Oral Dose of Flutamide at Different Gestational Ages

Previous studies have indicated that the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, can produce a suite of reproductive malformations in the male rat when orally administered daily on gestation days (GD) 12-21. The objective of this study was to investigate the gestation time dependence for the induction of these malformations to establish a robust animal model for future studies of gene expression related to specific malformations. Groups of timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (GD 0 = day of mating) were administered flutamide as a single gavage dose (50 mg/kg) on GD 16, 17, 18, or 19 with 10 dams per group. Control animals (5 dams per time per group) were administered corn oil vehicle (2 ml/kg). Dams were allowed to litter, and their adult male offspring were killed at postnatal day (PND) 100 +/- 10. Anogenital distance was measured at PND 1 and 100. Areolae were scored at PND 13, and permanent nipples evaluated at PND 100. No reproductive tract malformations were found in control male offspring. In the treated groups, malformations were noted following exposure at every GD, although the incidence of specific malformations varied by GD. At GD 16, the highest incidence was noted for permanent nipples (46% pups, 60% litters), epispadias (12% pups, 30% litters), and missing epididymal components (5% pups, 20% litters). The highest incidences for hypospadias (58% pups, 80% litters), vaginal pouch (49% pups, 70% litters), cleft prepuce (29% pups, 60% litters), and missing prostate lobes (12% pups, 60% litters) were noted at GD 17. At GD 18 the highest incidence of malformations noted were epispadias (5% pups, 30% litters), reduced prostate size (32% pups, 90% litters), and abnormal kidneys (3% pups, 30% litters) and bladders (7% pups, 30% litters), while on GD 19 70% of the litters had animals with abnormal seminal vesicles. Testicular and epididymal morphological changes were noted at all GDs and were consistent with the gross observations and peaked in incidence and severity on GD17. The major discrepancy between this study and previous multiple-dose studies was in the very few numbers of animals presenting with cryptorchidism (only one each on GDs 16 and 17), suggesting that exposure over multiple days may be required to induce this malformation. Thus, a single gestational exposure of flutamide induced numerous reproductive tract malformations consistent with previously reports following multiple exposures, with the timing of the exposure producing marked tissue selectivity in the response noted in adult offspring.
Mast cells and mast cell mediators as targets of dietary supplements

Objective To review the increasing amount of data that support or dispel the use of dietary supplements in the treatment of inflammatory conditions that involve mast cells, such as allergies, arthritis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Data Sources A search was conducted in MEDLINE for natural substances, dietary supplements, flavonoids, and proteoglycans for their in vitro or in vivo effects on allergic and inflammatory conditions. Study Selection Studies were selected for inclusion because of the impact factor of the journal, the definitive nature of the findings, the soundness of the study design, and the expert opinion of the authors. Results Dietary supplements include a large group of products, such as vitamins, minerals, plant, or animal extracts, as well as herbal preparations that are often called medicinal herbs . Many of the available dietary supplements contain a multitude of ingredients, the source and/or purity of which is seldom disclosed; some of these may have biologic effects of their own or may interact with other supplements or drugs, often leading to adverse effects. The most well-documented evidence published to date is on the inhibitory action of natural compounds, especially flavonoids, on mast cells and allergic symptoms. Some flavonoids have weak inhibitory activity, whereas others may have no benefit or may be detrimental. Sulfated proteoglycans could provide synergistic action but require formulations with increased absorption. Conclusions Combining the most active flavonoids with proteoglycans could be helpful in atopic and inflammatory conditions. However, a complete list of active ingredients and their source, purity, and exact concentration should be a requirement for nutraceuticals to standardize, compare, and promote their safe use.
The source-sink flow in a rotating system and its oceanic analogy

Laboratory analogues of theoretical models of wind-driven ocean circulation are based on ideas presented by Stommel (1957). A particularly simple demonstration of the applicability of these ideas is contained in a paper by Stommel, Arons & Faller (1958). The present work develops the source-sink laboratory analogue of ocean circulation models to a point where chosen parametric values allow one to simulate the theoretical models of Stommel (1948) and Munk (1950) exactly. The investigation of the flow in a rotating cylinder generated by a source of fluid near the outer wall leads to a detailed description of the roles of the various boundary layers which occur. This knowledge is used to analyse the more complex source-sink flow in a pie-shaped basin. The laboratory analogue to the Stommel circulation model is analyzed in detail. It is shown that the change in the flow pattern brought about by a radial variation of the position of the eastern boundary in the pie-shaped basin is confined to the interior flow and the boundary layer is largely unaffected. When the bottom of the pie-shaped container slopes, the circulation pattern is changed significantly. For the particular case treated, the depth of the basin along the western boundary is unchanged and the maximum depth occurs at the southeast corner. The circulation generated by a source introduced at the apex of the pie has a gyre whose centre is shifted more toward the southwest corner than the corresponding centre of the gyre for a flat-bottomed basin. Two experiments are reported showing that the western boundary may separate because of the effect of bottom topography or because of the pressure of a cyclonic and an anti-cyclonic gyre generated by suitably placed sources and sinks.
Hormone-regulated transepithelial Na+ transport in mammalian CCD cells requires SGK1 expression.

To study the role of serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) in mammalian cells, we compared Na+ transport rates in wild-type (WT) M1 cortical collecting duct cells with M1 populations s...
Dismount tracking by fusing measurements from a constellation of bistatic narrowband radar

This paper presents a nonlinear filtering approach to detecting and tracking moving targets from a constellation of narrowband radio frequency sensors. The methodology optimally fuses bistatic range and range-rate measurements made by a collection of sensors without thresholding or linear/Gaussian assumptions. We illustrate the efficacy of the algorithm with an experiment where a moving person is detected and tracked from a constellation of 4 sensors using measurements of bistatic range and range-rate. We use a narrowband radar because of its practical benefits and illustrate successful tracking of a moving dismount with just 5 meters of range resolution.
Dioxobis(2,4‐pentanedionato)molybdenum, MoO2(acac)2

[17524-05-9] C10H14MoO6 (MW 326.157) InChI = 1S/2C5H8O2.Mo.O2/c2*1-4(6)3-5(2)7;;1-2/h2*3,6H,1-2H3;;/q;;+4;-2/p-2/b2*4-3-;; InChIKey = QBASZOIKOLHOHI-SUKNRPLKSA-L (catalyst for oxidation of a variety of functional groups in the presence of stoichiometric oxidants; useful in the epoxidation of allylic and homoallylic alcohols as well as isolated olefins, the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides, the oxidative cleavage of vicinal diols and silyl enol ethers, the rearrangement of allylic, propargylic, and cyclopropylcarbinyl alcohols, and the synthesis of oxazolines and thiazolines) Physical Data: mp 179 °C; d 1.640 g cm−3. Solubility: insoluble in water; very slightly soluble in ethanol and chloroform. Form Supplied in: light yellow crystalline solid; widely available. Purification: recrystallized from hot 2,4-pentanedione followed by cooling in a −10 °C freezer. Solid is collected by suction filtration with sequential washing with ethanol and diethyl ether. The solid is then dried in vacuo. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: solid should be stored under nitrogen or vacuum, as slow decomposition to a light blue solid occurs upon exposure to air and fluorescent light. Both molybdenum and 2,4-pentanedione show acute and chronic toxicities in addition to irritating the skin. 2,4-Pentanedione also severely irritates the eyes and is a suspected mutagenic and reproductive hazard.
Adverse Outcomes and Correlates of Change in the Short Physical Performance Battery Over 36 Months in the African American Health Project

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) developed from the Established Populations for Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (EPESE) is based on standing balance, chair stands, and gait speed. In older adults, SPPB is a strong and consistent predictor of progressive disability, hospitalization, nursing home admission, and death (1–6). Easy to administer in both epidemiological (5,7) and clinical settings (8,9), SPPB has excellent test–retest reliability and sensitivity to change (7). Moreover, it has been suggested that SPPB may be used to identify seniors in a “preclinical” stage of disability who may be ideal candidates for interventions aimed at delaying or preventing age-associated disability (2). This knowledge notwithstanding, the predictive validity of SPPB has not been investigated in persons younger than 65 years, nor has it not been evaluated specifically for the African American population. African Americans constitute an important, disadvantaged U.S. minority population with increased risk for disability (10); lower body dysfunction represents one of the most powerful predictors of falls, hip fractures, incident disability, nursing home placement, and mortality [e.g., (2,11–14)]; and African Americans compared to whites generally have different experiences related to lower body physical performance such as prevalence of deficits, types of falls, and performance-related life space mobility [e.g., (15–17)]. For these reasons, examination of the predictive validity of SPPB in this population is crucial. Moreover, factors associated with changes in SPPB over time have not been examined using multivariable methods in well-designed population-based studies. After being identified, factors associated with subsequent change in SPPB could inform interventions to prevent decline in lower body function and thus avoid or delay multiple age-associated adverse outcomes. Accordingly, we used data from the African American Health (AAH) project to address the predictive validity of SPPB in late middle-aged African Americans and to examine correlates in changes in SPPB over time. We hypothesized that SPPB would be associated with death, nursing home placement, hospitalization, physician visits, incident basic and instrumental activity of daily living (ADL) disabilities, and functional limitations. We anticipated that correlates of change in SPPB over time would include older age, female gender, disease status (e.g., diabetes, stroke), poor vision, poor self-rated health, underweight and obesity, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms, adverse neighborhood conditions, and recent hospitalization.
Economics of fertility in high-yielding dairy cows on confined TMR systems.

The objective of this review paper was to summarise the latest findings in dairy cattle reproductive economics with an emphasis on high yielding, confined total mixed ration systems. The economic gain increases as the reproductive efficiency improves. These increments follow the law of diminishing returns, but are still positive even at high reproductive performance. Reproductive improvement results in higher milk productivity and, therefore, higher milk income over feed cost, more calf sales and lower culling and breeding expenses. Most high-yielding herds in the United States use a combination of timed artificial insemination (TAI) and oestrous detection (OD) reproductive programme. The ratio of achievable pregnancies between OD and TAI determines the economic value difference between both and their combinations. Nonetheless, complex interactions between reproductive programme, herd relative milk yield, and type of reproductive programme are reported. For example, higher herd relative milk yield would favour programme relying more on TAI. In addition, improved reproductive efficiency produces extra replacements. The availability of additional replacements could allow more aggressive culling policies (e.g. less services for non-pregnant cows) to balance on-farm supply and demand of replacements. Balancing heifer replacement availability in an efficient reproductive programme brings additional economic benefits. New technologies such as the use of earlier chemical tests for pregnancy diagnosis could be economically effective depending on the goals and characteristics of the farm. Opportunities for individual cow reproductive management within defined reproductive programme exist. These decisions would be based on economic metrics derived from the value of a cow such as the value of a new pregnancy, the cost of a pregnancy loss, or the cost of an extra day open.
Non-uniform attenuation correction using simultaneous transmission and emission converging tomography

Photon attenuation in cardiac single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a major factor contributing to the quantitative inaccuracy and the decrease in specificity of lesion detection. A measured map of the attenuation distribution was used in combination with iterative reconstruction algorithms to accurately compensate for the variable attenuation in the chest. The transmission and emission data were acquired simultaneously using a multidetector, fan-beam collimated SPECT system with a transmission line source (Tc-99m) precisely aligned at the focal line opposite one of the detectors and of a different energy than the emission source (Tl-201). The contamination of transmission data by the high-energy photopeaks of Tl-201 was removed based on measurements from emission-only acquisition detectors. An algorithm was derived to eliminate scatter of Tc-99m transmission photons into the lower-energy Tl-201 window of all three detectors. Results are given for both phantom and patient studies. >
Multicenter Validation of a Computer-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool for Glucose Control in Adult and Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Introduction:Hyperglycemia during critical illness is common, and intravenous insulin therapy (IIT) to normalize blood glucose improves outcomes in selected populations. Methods differ widely in complexity, insulin dosing approaches, efficacy, and rates of hypoglycemia. We developed a simple bedside-computerized decision support protocol (eProtocol-insulin) that yields promising results in the development center. We examined the effectiveness and safety of this tool in six adult and five pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) in other centers.Methods:We required attending physicians of eligible patients to independently intend to use intravenous insulin to normalize blood glucose. We used eProtocol-insulin for glucose control for a duration determined by the clinical caregivers. Adults had an anticipated length of stay of 3 or more days. In pediatric ICUs, we also required support or intended support with mechanical ventilation for greater than 24 hours or with a vasoactive infusion. We recorded all instan...
Evolution of the control of pigment and plastid development in photosynthetic organisms

Abstract How do bioenergetic organelles relate to the cells they are in and how was this relationship established over the course of evolution? Plastids and mitochondria are viewed as prokaryotic residents in eukaryotic cells. These organelles are semiautonomous: they perpetuate themselves by division but regulate and are subject to regulation by the cell in which they are residents. Although these organelles are usually constitutive, their development is arrested in certain organisms when an inducing substrate is absent (light, for example, in the case of the chloroplast) with the formation of precursor organelles such as proplastids. Various trends in the evolution of photocontrol systems are discussed including those concerned with photoperception and photomorphogenesis. The photocontrol of chloroplast development by blue and red light is discussed in relation to its possible evolutionary origins in a system for finding the right light for photosynthesis. Models for various types of cellular regulation by light during chloroplast development are discussed. Also considered is the evolution of plastid pigments in response to available light. A parallel evolution of accessory pigments and chlorophylls is suggested which led to chlorophyll reaction centers serving as energy sinks for light absorbed by accessory pigments and, therefore, having their absorptions pushed to the longest possible wavelengths as accessory pigments evolved to fill the middle of the spectrum in response to ecological selection. An endosymbiotic origin of bioenergetic organelles is suggested based on polyphyletic origins of chloroplasts from a number of oxygenic procaryotic precursors. The similarity between proplastids and these oxygenic procaryotes suggests that the original invading organelle may have resembled a modern proplastid rather than a mature chloroplast.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator patch erosion in a heart transplant patient

A 57-year-old man who had received an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator and subsequent orthotopic heart transplant presented to medical attention for hemoptysis. The hemoptysis was caused by the migration of the left ventricular patch of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator, which had been left in place at the time of orthotopic heart transplant. The patch had eroded into the left lung. We recommend that implantable cardioverter defibrillators be removed completely at the time of heart transplantation to prevent subsequent complications.
THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY STRUCTURE ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERRACIAL CONTACT

Blau's (1977) macrostructural theory builds on the assumption that social structure affects intergroup relations. This relationship depends upon the opportunity for intergroup contact. Previous tests of Blau's theory, however, treat opportunity as an unmeasured construct. P*, as a measure of opportunity for intergroup contact, not only enables a test of that assumption, but also merges general sociological principles with specific middle-range ones like those urban sociology develops. Findings here modestly support Blau's opportunity for contact assumption. Serendipitously, the analysis demonstrates that heterogeneity asymmetrically influences opportunities for intergroup contact between groups of varying size. Because increasing heterogeneity presupposes an increase in the minority proportion and a decrease in the majority, it enhances majority and suppresses minority opportunities for intergroup contact. This suggests that Blau's hete ogeneity theorem, which assumes a symmetrical effect on contact, needs some qualification.
Temperature distribution in multi-layer skin tissue in presence of a tumor

Abstract Analytical investigation of bioheat transfer is of significant importance for numerous medical applications, for example in thermally-driven treatments for cancer. While bioheat transfer has been investigated for a number of specific conditions, relatively less work exists on bioheat transfer in a multilayer structure, such as skin. This paper presents an analytical solution for the steady-state Pennes bioheat equation in a multi-layer structure. The temperature distribution in each layer is derived separately and interface temperature and heat flux compatibility conditions are used to determine the complete solution. This solution is used to analyze the effect of heat generation during thermal therapy on a tumor in skin, which is modeled as a five-layer structure. The model is capable of accounting for the effects of various therapeutic measures such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, etc. as well as various physical phenomena such as conduction, blood perfusion and metabolism. The model is used to analyze the effect of various physical parameters on the temperature distribution. This theoretical treatment, as well as the quantitative results presented here may help improve the fundamental understanding of bioheat transfer in a layered structure such as skin.
Preservation from the bottom-up: affordable housing, redevelopment, and negotiation in Washington, DC

Previous iterations of large-scale redevelopment were been marked by displacement of the residents whose homes stood in the way of perceived progress. Now these neighborhoods face a new kind of urban renewal. A city with significant vacancy and city government ownership, Washington, DC, is in the process of rapid infill redevelopment. As property values surrounding city-backed developments that were once affordable increase, residents struggle to afford housing. DC has developed significant tools for the preservation of affordable housing, including an existing stock of subsidized housing, legal and financial resources, and a network of organizers and advocates that have given many residents in changing neighborhoods the opportunity to remain. This paper uses the example of Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC to examine potential strategies to preserve affordable housing in rapidly changing housing markets.
Investigating the Nature of the Left Periphery in Peninsular Spanish wh-Question Intonation

Background/Aims: In this paper we aim to resolve the phonological status of utterance-initial rises in Spanish wh-questions. Methods/Analysis 1: In analysis 1 we examine the scaling and alignment properties of utterance-initial rises produced by 14 speakers of Peninsular Spanish. Results/Analysis 1: The results provide evidence for a single bitonal pitch accent at the left periphery (L + lH*) despite multiple options at the right periphery. Conclusion/Analysis 1: Our analysis, relying on the notion of sparse tonal specification, helps to explain Sp_ToBI transcribers' past inconsistencies in labeling wh-question initial rises. Methods/Analysis 2: In analysis 2 we tested whether there are scaling differences between the wh-question contours produced in analysis 1 and statement contours produced by the same 14 speakers. Results/Analysis 2: We showed that speakers scale utterance-initial peaks higher in statements, and that they scale utterancefinal peaks higher in wh-questions. Conclusion/Analysis 2: This finding is incompatible with the notion that speakers of Spanish use a higher F0 level from the start of the utterance to distinguish questions from statements.
Aberrant host defense against Leishmania major in the absence of SLPI

SLPI, a potent epithelial and myeloid-derived serine protease inhibitor with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions, is induced by the intracellular parasite Leishmania major, and increased SLPI expression is evident within lesions that follow L. major infection. In contrast to self-resolving infection in C57Bl/6 WT mice, Slpi(-/-) mice launch a strong Th1 response to L. major, yet fail to control infection and develop destructive, nonhealing lesions with systemic spread of parasites. Because SLPI is both produced by murine macrophages and antagonizes their function, we examined the contribution of macrophage polarization to the defective host response in the absence of SLPI. Slpi(-/-) and Slpi(+/+) macrophages were first primed with either IFNγ or IL-4 to generate classically activated M1 or alternatively activated M2 macrophages. After infection with L. major, Slpi(-/-) M1 macrophages expressed elevated iNOS RNA, whereas arginase was more highly expressed in WT than Slpi(-/-) M2 macrophages. After in vivo infection, we found that both IFNγ and iNOS were persistently overexpressed in chronic lesions in Slpi(-/-) mice, but surprisingly, IL-4 and arginase concomitantly remained elevated. Moreover, overexpression of the negative regulators SOCS1 and IL-27 provided insight into the failure of IFNγ to clear L. major from the dermal lesions. Notably, adenoviral delivery of SLPI to L. major-infected Slpi(-/-) mice significantly limited the progression of infection. These studies suggest that convergence of M1 and M2 macrophage responses may influence the outcome of innate host defense against intracellular parasites and that SLPI is critical for coordinating resistance to chronic leishmaniasis.
Genetic studies of low-abundance human plasma proteins. IX. A new allele at the complement subcomponent C1R structural locus.

Genetic variation in the C1R subcomponent of the first complement component C1 was investigated in U.S. whites by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. In addition to the previously described two alleles, the products of a new and rare third allele designated C1R *3 were detected. The expression of the new allele is consistent with autosomal codominant inheritance, which is confirmed by family data. The frequencies of the C1R *1, C1R *2 and C1R *3 alleles in 201 randomly selected U.S. whites are: 0.908, 0.090, and 0.002, respectively.
On the Specificity of Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis in the Male Cecropia Moth

The accessory sex glands (ASG) of adult male Cecropia contain an enzyme that methylates juvenile hormone acids (JH-acids) in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM). The methyltransferase is highly specific. The reaction rates decrease in the order JH-I-acid, JH-II-acid and JH-III-acid; in each case the natural enantiomer is esterified predominantly. Methyltransferase activity with the same substrate specificity was also demonstrated in adult female corpora allata (CA). Male CA have only marginal methyltransferase activity. The CA of male H. cecropia contain substantial amounts of JH-I-acid and JH-II-acid (minimum: 5 pmol/pair). When kept in organ culture, they release JH-acids into the medium. Radiolabeled propionate and mevalonate are incorporated efficiently into the carbon skeletons of the JH-acids. The enzyme system performing these transformations cannot be forced to produce JH-III-acid even in the presence of high mevalonate concentrations, though homomevalonate may enhance biosynthesis of JH-I-acid and JH-II-acid more than tenfold. It becomes evident that the regulation of JH titer balances with regard to the homologous structures during insect development is not merely a question of the availability of low molecular weight precursors, but in addition that of highly specific enzymes acting as regulatory entities in the later steps of the biosynthetic sequence.
Examining How Prescription Drugs Are Illegally Obtained Social and Ecological Predictors

The rise in prescription drug abuse is changing crime patterns among drug users and the structure of illegal drug markets. The illegal distribution of prescription drugs is different from traditional street drug markets because prescription drugs can be obtained from multiple sources including doctors, pharmacies, friends, and street-level dealers. Drawing from drug-market research, this article investigates whether there are individual and ecological predictors of how prescription drugs are illegally obtained. Our study uses multilevel analyses to examine a random sample of 366 drug offenders arrested in Maricopa County, Arizona. Our findings indicate that individual-level characteristics such as mental illness and street drug use, as well as residential mobility within neighborhoods, are significant predictors of how prescription drugs are obtained for nonmedical purposes. This research suggests that an individual’s routine activities and neighborhood characteristics are related to their methods for obt...
Inactivation of Escherichia coli K-12 exposed to pressures in excess of 300 MPa in a high-pressure homogenizer.

Homogenization is used widely in the dairy industry to improve product stability and quality. High-pressure homogenization (HPH) of fluid foods up to pressures of 300 MPa has demonstrated excellent potential for microbial inactivation. Microbial inactivation can be enhanced during HPH with the inclusion of antimicrobial compounds. Escherichia coli K-12 cells, grown statically or in chemostat, were exposed to HPH processing pressures of 50 to 350 MPa in the absence or presence of the antimicrobial nisin. Valve temperature was regulated by a water bath and pressure, and temperature data were recorded continuously after process initiation. Survivors were enumerated via plating on nonselective growth media. Pressure and temperature at the valve outlet port exhibited a quadratic relationship (R2 = 0.9617, P < 0.05). Significant HPH-induced inactivation of the gram-negative microorganism was observed in the range of 100 to 250 MPa. Above 300 MPa, heat was the main factor promoting microbial inactivation, regard...
Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity to transitional cells in cystitis cystica.

AbstractSerum from 20 children with urinary tract infections and proved cystitis cystica has been examined for antibody to a panel of established cell lines derived from normal urothelium and transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity was measured with serial dilutions of patient serum and lymphocytes from normal healthy adults as effector cells. The reaction was quantitated by the release of 51chromium from labeled target cells. The patients were grouped according to the duration of symptoms, the presence or absence of reflux, and the presence or absence of upper tract changes or scarring. No differences between test and control subjects were detected.
Polymerizable Phospholipids: Versatile Building Blocks for Novel Biomaterials

Phospholipids fulfill a number of important functions of basic cell membranes. Synthetic phospholipids, in particular phosphatidylcholines, have received considerable attention because of their ability to produce a variety of morphologies including liposomes or vesicles. These vesicular structures have been used as models for biological membranes1—3 to understand in vitro membrane structure and functions with an intention to enhance their applicability. In vesicles the attention is focussed on the both the central cavity as well as the outer surface.4 During the past 40 years a large number of papers have been published on synthetic and natural phospholipids. It is clearly reflected from the reviews1,5,6that a large number of those papers have focused on the potential of these microstructures for applications in the areas of encapsulation, controlled release, biosensors, enzyme immobilization, and functional protein reincorporation.