cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Challenge of Education and Learning in the Developing World

Across many different contexts, randomized evaluations find that school participation is sensitive to costs: Reducing out-of-pocket costs, merit scholarships, and conditional cash transfers all increase schooling. Addressing child health and providing information on how earnings rise with education can increase schooling even more cost-effectively. However, among those in school, test scores are remarkably low and unresponsive to more-of-the-same inputs, such as hiring additional teachers, buying more textbooks, or providing flexible grants. In contrast, pedagogical reforms that match teaching to students' learning levels are highly cost effective at increasing learning, as are reforms that improve accountability and incentives, such as local hiring of teachers on short-term contracts. Technology could potentially improve pedagogy and accountability. Improving pre- and postprimary education are major future challenges.
Androstenedione metabolism in human lung fibroblasts.

Abstract Human lung fibroblasts in culture metabolized [ 3 H]androstenedione to a number of different compounds, including testosterone, 5α-androstanedione, androsterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, isoandrosterone, and 5α-androstane-3a,-17β-diol. The major products were 5α-androstanedione and testosterone. Estrone, estradiol-17β and 5β-reduced steroids were not formed. The production rates of testosterone and 5α -androstanedione from [ 3 H]androstenedione by lung fibroblasts were studied both as a function of incubation time and substrate concentration. The rates of formation of testosterone and 5α -androstanedione remained linear with time up to 4 h. The apparent K m of human lung fibroblast 5α-reductase was 1 μM, and that of 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase was 11 μM. The findings of this study suggest that mesenchyma may contribute to the metabolism of androstenedione in human lung tissue.
Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology. Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology underlying this disorder, no effective medical therapy has been identified for halting disease progression. The aim of this investigation wa st odetermine the safety and estimated efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the treatment of PSC. Thirty patients with PSC received MMF 1 g daily to a maximum of 3 g daily for 1y r. Liver tests were determined at 3-month intervals with the Mayo risk score calculated at baseline and at the end of therapy. Twenty-three (77%) patients completed 1 yr of therapy. Significant but clinically marginal improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase level after 1 yr of therapy was observed (1135 ± 581 U/L vs 912 ± 463 U/L, p = 0.02). No other significant changes in liver biochemistries or Mayo risk score was observed. Seven patients (23%) discontinued MMF due to adverse events possibly related to therapy. Adverse reactions resolved spontaneously or with dose reduction in 10 (33%) patients. One patient developed pancreatitis, bacterial cholangitis, and sepsis during the eighth month of MMF therapy. No patient developed cytopenia on therapy. In conclusion, MMF does not appear to have clinically important benefits for PSC despite being tolerated by most patients. The results of this pilot study do not support further study of MMF as a single agent in the treatment of PSC. (Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:308‐312)
CRTC2 (TORC2) Contributes to the Transcriptional Response to Fasting in the Liver but Is Not Required for the Maintenance of Glucose Homeostasis

Summary The liver contributes to glucose homeostasis by promoting either storage or production of glucose, depending on the physiological state. The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a principal regulator of genes involved in coordinating the hepatic response to fasting, but its mechanism of gene activation remains controversial. We derived CRTC2 (CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2, previously TORC2)-deficient mice to assess the contribution of this cofactor to hepatic glucose metabolism in vivo. CRTC2 mutant hepatocytes showed reduced glucose production in response to glucagon, which correlated with decreased CREB binding to several gluconeogenic genes. However, despite attenuated expression of CREB target genes, including PEPCK , G6Pase , and PGC-1 α, no hypoglycemia was observed in mutant mice. Collectively, these results provide genetic evidence supporting a role for CRTC2 in the transcriptional response to fasting, but indicate only a limited contribution of this cofactor to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis.
A preliminary report of vibriosis in cultured American lobsters, Homarus americanus

Abstract A vibrio-like bacterium, designated Vibrio sp. (BML 79-078), was isolated from moribund juvenile Amercan lobsters, Homarus americanus. This is the first report of a vibrio-like bacterium being associated with a disease of lobsters. Koch's postulates have been satisfied for this bacterium. In this study, Vibrio sp. (BML 79-078) and Vibrio anguillarum (ATCC 19264) were found to be pathogenic when injected into juvenile lobsters held at 20°C, while Enterobacter aerogenes was not. An endotoxin was found to be associated with the pathogenesis of the disease syndrome caused by Vibrio sp. (BML 79-087).
Isolation and identification of process impurities in trimethoprim drug substance by high-performance liquid chromatography, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Twenty-two lots of recently synthesized trimethoprim drug substance, from five different manufacturers, in three different countries of origin, China, Israel and the United States, were investigated for the presence of impurities. A liquid chromatographic system, using gradient elution, and a mobile phase consisting of 0.25% TEA/0.1% formic acid (pH 5.8)–acetonitrile, was used to separate and detect two significant, recurring impurities in trimethoprim drug substance. The two impurities were isolated by preparative liquid chromatography and identified, using a combination of liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, as 2,4-diamino-5-(4-ethoxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine and 2,4-diamino-5-(3-bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine. These impurities were not detected by the compendial method and were present at significant levels in 17 of the lots tested. Total impurity concentrations were in the range of 0.1–2.1%.
The optics of surface and guided wave polaritons

Abstract In this review we describe a numerical method for the study of the reflection, transmission, and conversion into volume electromagnetic fields of surface polaritons or radiation fields incident (a) onto the end face of a surface polariton active medium or (b) from one polariton active medium to another separated from it by barrier of variable width, and present results obtained by this approach. Analogous problems in which guided wave polaritons interact with material and/or geometrical discontinuities in their propagation path are also considered. The method is based on placing shorting planes above and below the surface along which the surface polaritons and/or guided wave polaritons propagate. The presence of these shorting planes renders the electromagnetic modes of the resulting closed wave-guided discrete, and they provide a convenient basis in which to expand the reflected and transmitted fields, as well as the volume electromagnetic field in the region above the surface.
Growth‐interruption surfaces within chaetetid skeletons: Records of physical disturbance and depositional dynamics

Records of growth interruptions within spongiomorph and colonial skeletons provide a unique window into the disturbance dynamics of ancient shallow marine benthic environments at ecological time scales. The utility of growth-interruption surfaces for inferring the frequency of physical disturbance and the relative rate of sediment accumulation is illustrated by chaetetid skeletons from several Middle Pennsylvanian (Desmoinesian) sequences of southeastern Kansas. Five different growth-interruption surfaces are recognized within these calcareous demos-ponges: (1) breaks in growth with apparent continuity of tubules across the surface, (2) surfaces of rejuvenation or recolonization with reorientation of tubules, (3) sediment-filled tubules or trapped sediment partings, (4) encrusted surfaces, and (5) biocorroded or bored surfaces. A single skeleton may contain several types of surfaces, and individual surfaces may change in character across the skeleton. The type and spacing of growth-interruption surfaces vary with chaetetid growth form. Together with growth form, these surfaces provide a basis for paleoen-vironmental interpretation.
The molten salt synthesis of single magnetic domain BaFe12O19 and SrFe12O19 crystals

This report sets down a synthetic process utilizing molten NaCl KCI as a solvent whereby BaFe12O19 and SrFe12O19 submicron crystals are prepared which possess near-theoretical magnetic properties. The present process, unlike previous preparations, yields a high-magnetic quality product as a direct result of the synthesis. No special treatment steps are required to enhance the product magnetic properties. Control of the Fe(II) content and the crystallite perfection resulting from the use of molten salt solvents are responsible for the high magnetic quality.
MEASURING THE UTILITY OF ANCILLARY TRAVEL: REVEALED PREFERENCES IN RECREATION SITE DEMAND AND TRIPS TAKEN

Abstract The issues involved in determining economic values of travel as a component of away-from-home trips are discussed. Four distinct concepts are relevant and useful depending on circumstances: marginal and total values of travel, and gross versus net values. A utility-theoretic inverse demand systems approach is implemented to estimate the separate demands for recreation trips and time onsite at the destination, and implemented using data on pink salmon fishing in Alaska. The distance function underlying the demand system is used to determine the net values of travel ancillary to fishing. Some 64% of fishermen had positive net values of travel, and the value of travel per hour traveled averaged $1.64/h with a median of −$3.18/h.
Phosphoric monoester hydrolases in cotyledons of germinating peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract A tentative characterization of the phosphatase activity in cotyledons of germinating peanut seeds is presented. Ammonium sulfate precipitation of the crude homogenate yielded a fraction that included most of the phosphohydrolytic activity and indicated the presence of inhibitor(s) specific for P-choline phosphohydrolysis in the crude extract. Assay of the ammonium sulfate fraction with ATP displayed two pH optima. One was at pH 5·3, the other at pH 8·9. Activity toward non-nucleotide P-esters was confined to acid pH. Chromatography of the ammonium sulfate precipitate on a DEAE-Sephadex column resolved four major peaks of phosphohydrolytic activity. Peaks I and II apparently represent orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolases (EC 3.1.3.2) of wide substrate specificity at pH 5·0. Peaks III and IV appear to represent 5′-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolases (EC 3.1.3.5) with the unique feature of displaying activity against ATP and ADP over an unusually wide pH range. The activity profile of the DEAE-Sephadex eluate obtained by assaying at pH 5·0 was very similar to that at pH 8·5 suggesting that the phosphohydrolytic activity of a given fraction in both acid and alkaline conditions resided in a single enzyme. Kinetic data supplement the thesis that the four DEAE-Sephadex peaks represent separate enzymes.
Liddle's syndrome, an underrecognized entity: A report of four cases, including the first report in black individuals

Abstract Liddle's syndrome, a rare cause of hypokalemic hypertension, is characterized by a renal tubular sodium channel defect resulting in excessive sodium absorption and concomitant potassium wasting. In this disorder, although the clinical manifestations resemble primary aldosteronism, serum and urine aldosterone are suppressed. The syndrome is transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern. It has been reported previously in white and oriental populations but not in the black individuals. We identified four patients (two of whom are black) in our nephrology clinic, with severe hypokalemic hypertension not correctly diagnosed for several years. All patients underwent an extensive work-up for secondary hypertension because of persistent severe hypertension (average blood pressure, 210130 mm Hg) despite high-dose multi-drug therapy. Primary aldosteronism was excluded because of low serum aldosterone. Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis, and enzymatic deficiencies of cortisol synthesis (11β-hydroxylase, 17α-hydroxylase, 5β-reductase, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) were ruled out with extensive endocrine and radiologic studies. Once the diagnosis of Liddle's syndrome was suspected, all patients were treated with either triamterene or ameloride, with resolution of hypokalemia and correction of hypertension occurring within 5 to 7 days. Our findings suggest that Liddle's syndrome can occur in the black population. Although the actual incidence of this syndrome remains unknown, it may be significantly more common than we are led to believe since it is inherited in a Mendelian pattern. Whether there is a subset of low-renin, salt-sensitive black hypertensive patients who have the same or similar sodium channel defect remains to be elucidated.
The gentrification of “Boerum Hill”: Neighborhood change and conflicts over definitions

The article presents a case history of a gentrifying neighborhood, with special reference to the interplay between cultural artifacts and the forces of the political economy. In Boerum Hill, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, newly arriving middle-class homeowners used various political and cultural methods, including changes in nomen-clature, house tours, manipulation of boundaries and an attempt to secure historic landmark status, in order to enforce their definition of what the neighborhood should be. A countermovement then emerged on the part of older residents, who, using a different set of cultural referents (based on the notion of ethnic pride), sought to enforce a different definition. The author proposes that while the “neighborhood” is a socially constructed entity, the resources with which this construction takes place are unequally distributed. Moreover, as the notion of neighborhood has become increasingly politically salient in recent years, the author suggests that cultural conflicts over the definition of neighborhoods have become a feature of urban politics.
DNA content of ovarian immature teratomas and malignant germ cell tumors

Abstract Objective. Ovarian germ cell tumors (GCT) show greater histologic and biologic heterogeneity than their testicular counterparts and remain poorly understood. Ploidy analysis was performed on ovarian GCT registered on Pediatric Oncology Group germ cell tumor protocols 9048 and 9049 to distinguish biologically distinct subsets of immature teratomas and malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Methods. Tumors from 22 patients (mean age 12 years) were analyzed and classified according to the submitting diagnosis; when pure samples of different histologic subtypes within a single tumor were possible, these were analyzed separately. Archival tissue was disaggregated and Feulgen stained; DNA index (DI) was determined by static image analysis utilizing internal normal cells as diploid controls. Results. 26 histologic subtypes from 22 patients were analyzed. The tumors of 18 patients were composed of a single histologic subtype according to the submitting institution, including 6 dysgerminomas, 8 immature teratomas (IT), and 4 endodermal sinus tumors (EST). Two tumors contained both IT and EST components that were separately analyzed. Two tumors were classified as mixed germ cell tumors; 1 showed multiple intermingling subtypes unable to be separately analyzed and the second showed three histologic subtypes separately analyzed (IT, EST, embryonal carcinoma). From a total of 15 malignant histologic GCT subtypes in 14 patients, all but 2 demonstrated a DI of 1.4–2.4 (mean 1.85). Two diploid malignant GCT (1 EST, 1 dysgerminoma) were both associated with gonadoblastoma. Overall, 11 IT subtypes were analyzed and 9 were diploid (2 grade 1, 5 grade 2, and 2 grade 3). Two tumors originally submitted and classified as pure IT (grades 2 and 3) were aneuploid with a dominant diploid and a secondary aneuploid peak (both DI 1.7). On central review, both of these tumors demonstrated the presence of subtle patterns of EST that were unrecognized by the submitting institution and were much too small for separate analysis. Analysis of the 3 patients containing sufficient IT and EST to be separately analyzed all showed a diploid IT component and an aneuploid EST component. Conclusions. Analysis of ploidy data suggests that polyploidization is a consistent finding in malignant ovarian GCT arising in normal patients, similar to the data for adult testicular GCT. Immature teratomas in this pediatric population, however, are most commonly diploid, regardless of grade. The development of EST within an IT is associated with the development of an aneuploid clone. Therefore, the finding of such a clone in an IT may be of diagnostic utility, as EST may be difficult to recognize. Last, the development of a malignant GCT in patients with gonadal dysgenesis may be pathogenetically different from those arising in normal patients, in that polyploidization is not required.
Abstract 5489: CRK protein domains diminish cell invasiveness of non-small cell lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC CRK (c-Crk) as an adaptor protein is involved in several oncogenic signal transduction pathways, conveying oncogenic signals to its downstream effectors, and thereby affecting multiple cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and migration. For example, CRK expression and phosphorylation have been linked to heightened invasiveness of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In order to intervene in CRK signaling pathway, we examined whether CRK protein domains can be used as a therapeutic tool to interrupt CRK signaling thereby influencing cell invasiveness in NSCLC. For this purpose, Src homology domains of CRK-I (i.e., SH2 and SH3 domains) were overexpressed in H157, Rh2 and A549 cells. CRK-I SH3 domain expression induced epithelial morphology in H157 cells and enhanced epithelial morphology of A549 and Rh2 cells as compared to cells transfected with SH2 domain or control vector. In addition, CRK-I SH3 domain expression induced E-cadherin expression in H157 cells. Furthermore, CRK-I SH3 domain expression significantly decreased the motility of A549 and H157 cells and also decreased the invasiveness of H157 cells. In summary, these data provide evidence that CRK protein domains can be utilized to influence the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells and also reduce the metastatic potential of these cells. Citation Format: Matthew Rettig, Fariborz (Fred) Mortazavi. CRK protein domains diminish cell invasiveness of non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5489. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5489
QUANTITATION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS DNA IN SERUM BY AMMONIUM SULFATE PRECIPITATION AND MOLECULAR HYBRIDIZATION

We developed a method to quantitate hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum by ammonium sulfate fractionation and DNA hybridization. Serum samples were precipitated with 45% saturated ammonium sulfate, resuspended in buffer, and spotted on a nylon membrane. Following denaturation in alkali, HBV DNA sequences on the membrane were detected by hybridization with a 32P-labeled DNA probe of the entire HBV genome. Bound radioactivity was measured with liquid scintillation counting. Ammonium sulfate fractionation of positive samples increased assay sensitivity by 10-30-fold compared to no treatment. Sensitivity for detection of cloned HBV DNA added to negative serum was 0.2 pg. Recovery of cloned HBV DNA added to negative serum before fractionation was equivalent to direct spotting of DNA onto the membrane in the absence of serum. This method enhanced HBV DNA recovery from serum into small volumes, thereby expanding the potential analytic range of spot hybridization assays.
Development of a nonisotopic acetylcholine receptor assay for the investigation of cholinergic ligands

Abstract A nonisotopic receptor based assay is developed which is centered upon the α-toxin-binding nicotinic acetyl-choline receptor and fluorescein labeled α-bungarotoxin. The assay method is based on sequential saturation of the receptor by unlabeled and fluorophore labeled ligands, followed by separation of the free from the bound label by centrifugation. Subsequently, the free concentration is determined by use of a flow injection system. Unlabeled ligands investigated include both the agonist and antagonist types that bind to the receptor α-subunits, i.e., α-bungarotoxin, carbamylcholine, decamethonium, gallamine, d-tubocurarine, pancuronium, and hexamethonium. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by Scatchard analysis, Hill plot of the labeled ligand, and displacement curves for unlabeled ligands.
Intracapsular and extracapsular technique of lens implantation with Healon

Summary This study showed a dramatic decrease in the amount of postoperative corneal edema and endothelial cell loss when Healon was injected into the anterior chamber during cataract surgery and used to coat an iris suture medallion-style lens prior to its insertion. Significant postoperative intraocular pressure elevations lasting 24 to 48 hours were frequently encountered when Healon was not irrigated from the eye after surgery. Dilution of intracameral Healon immediately after lens implantation eliminated postoperative pressure elevation.
RANDALL: A Microsoft FORTRAN Program for a Randomization Test of Hypothesized Order Relations:

In 1987, Hubert and Arabie proposed a randomization test of hypothesized order relations, and this has been operationalized in the Microsoft FORTRAN RANDALL program. This program enables the evaluation of the fit of any pattern model to a data matrix of similarities or dissimilarities. The exact probability of the model-data fit exceeding chance (as defined by a random relabeling of the rows and columns of the data matrix) is provided. This program is especially valuable in the evaluation of circumplex models of data as found in color perception, vocational interests, and interpersonal behavior.
Mentoring and Psychological Contract Breach

Mentoring and psychological contracts are related and important organizationally based social exchange relationships. Research indicates that social support from internal mentors might buffer the negative effects of psychological contract breach (PCB), but less is known about the possible negative influence that mentors might have on psychological contracts. This study investigates proteges' perceptions of their mentors’ failure to fulfill mentoring obligations and proteges’ perceptions of PCB. Because either the formality of the mentoring relationship or the supervisory status of the mentor might serve as additional signals of the mentor’s status as an organizational agent, and, therefore, exacerbate the negative association between mentoring breach and PCB, both are investigated as potential moderating variables. A sample of 144 proteges from various occupations completed a questionnaire assessing mentoring breach, PCB, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Results indicate the relations between mentoring breach and the outcome variables of interest were mediated by PCB, and that the relation between mentoring breach and PCB is stronger in supervisory mentoring relationships. A similar result was expected, but not confirmed, for formal mentoring relationships. The current study provides evidence that the actions (or inactions) of mentors contribute to PCB and related negative outcomes. Such knowledge might encourage organizations to provide training to potential mentors in managing the mentoring relationship to minimize the probability of mentoring breach. The current study is the first to examine the potential negative effect that mentoring relationships might have on protege psychological contracts.
Labor Market Segmentation and the Implications for Public Sector Retrenchment Programs

Abstract Despite the importance placed on reducing public sector employment in sub-Saharan Africa, remarkably little is known about the labor market transition paths of departing public sector workers. This paper uses household survey data from Conakry, Guinea to establish evidence of labor market segmentation between the wage and nonwage sectors. An empirical model of the unemployment durations experienced by departing public sector workers finds that transition paths vary significantly according to personal characteristics that also affect the resulting earnings opportunities in segmented labor markets. Particularly, there is a marked tendency of females to enter quickly the nonwage sector, relative to males, and a negative influence of severance payments on wage sector employment acceptance. J. Comp. Econom., December 1997, 25 (3), pp. 385–402. Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech University, 208 Hutcheson Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060-0401 and Cornell University, 3M28 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853.
Harming by Conceiving: A Review of Misconceptions and a New Analysis

An objection often is raised against the use of reproductive technology to create “nontraditional families,” as in ovum donation for postmenopausal women or postmortem artificial insemination. The objection states that conceiving children in such circumstances is harmful to them because of adverse features of these nontraditional families. A similar objection is raised when parents, through negligence or willful disregard of risks, create children with serious genetic diseases or other developmental handicaps. It is claimed that such reproduction harms the children who are created. In reply to this Harm to the Child Argument, it has been pointed out that the procreative acts that supposedly harm the child are the very acts that create the child. This reply has been developed into an argument that, in most of the types of cases under consideration, creating the child does not harm her. This reply, the No Harm Argument, has been stated in three main ways, and it is one of the most misunderstood arguments in...
MECHANISTIC EVALUATION OF SATURATED BASES UNDER CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

A mechanistic method for predicting the response of concrete pavements overlying a multilayer soil system is proposed. The method incorporates a finite-element discretization of a concrete slab and a variable foundation support that depends on the nonlinear resilient moduli of the underlying soil layers. The method allows for determination of excess pore-water pressure in saturated granular layers and the corresponding loss of foundation support under the pavement structure. To illustrate the idea, the proposed method was applied to investigate the behavior of a concrete pavement supported by granular bases over a soft clay layer. Moist-compacted and saturated conditions were examined for typical dense-graded and open-graded unbound granular bases. Pavement deflections, stresses, excess pore pressure, and compression settlement associated with pore-pressure dissipation for the different support conditions were evaluated and compared.
Bio-inspired approaches and biologically derived materials for coatings

The synthesis of composite materials that exhibit inhomogeneities on the sub-micron or nanometer scale using chemical and physical deposition processes is a challenge. The use of a biomimetic approach may compliment existing methods in creating materials that exhibit properties that would not be otherwise achieved. We describe herein our efforts to fabricate functional optical devices that incorporate biomolecules. By incorporating biomolecules into monomer systems that can be cured using a two-photon polymerization mechanism, greater spatial resolution and increased biological viability can be achieved. In addition, the polymer can be patterned using ultrafast nonlinear holography to create a functional optical device. By exploiting the use of biomolecules to control the deposition of inorganics, functional coatings can be fabricated for a variety of optical and electronic applications.
Effects of hypoxemia on the extent of myocardial necrosis after experimental coronary occlusion

Abstract Arterial oxygen tension is variable in patients with acute myocardial infarction, and the effect of hypoxemia on the extent of myocardial necrosis after coronary occlusion has not been defined. In 11 anesthetized open chest dogs the left anterior descending coronary artery or one of its major branches was occluded for 20 minutes, and 10 to 15 epicardial electrocardiographic leads were recorded in the distribution and vicinity of the site of occlusion. Average S-T segment elevation and the number of sites showing S-T segment elevation greater than 2 mv, 15 minutes after occlusion were used as indexes of the severity and extent of ischemic injury. After occlusion with an inspired oxygen concentration of 20 percent these indexes were, respectively, 2.0 ± 0.5 mv (mean ± standard error) and 3.6 ± 0.8 sites; the respective values increased to 3.3 ± 0.5 mv ( P P
On Critical Phenomena in Interacting Growth Systems. Part I: General

Components which are placed in a finite or infinite space have integer numbers as possible states. They interact in a discrete time in a local deterministic way, in addition to which all the components' states are incremented at every time step by independent identically distributed random variables. We assume that the deterministic interaction function is translation-invariant and monotonic and that its values are between the minimum and the maximum of its arguments. Theorems 1 and 2 (based on propositions which we give in a separate Part II), give sufficient conditions for a system to have an invariant distribution or a bounded mean. Other statements, proved herein, provide background for them by giving conditions when a system has no invariant distribution or the mean of its components' states tends to infinity. All our main results use one and the same geometrical criterion.
Protamine insulin in the treatment of diabetes.

1. Diabetes showing marked fluctuations in the blood sugar, or those cases associated with certain complicating factors, as hyperthyroidism, hepatic enlargement, etc., can be controlled better by protamine insulin than by regular insulin. 2. Cases of diabetes showing a persistent hyperglycemia or where it is desired to diminish the frequency of insulin administration should receive protamine insulin. 3. Protamine insulin should not be used in cases of acidosis or impending coma or those complicated by surgical conditions. 4. Untreated cases of diabetes should not receive protamine insulin as an initial form of treatment. 5. When changing from regular to protamine insulin we have obtained good results by giving 70% of this amount as protamine insulin and the balance as regular insulin, both administered about one hour before breakfast as separate injections. 6. After a period of 4 to 7 days if the morning urine is sugar free, discontinue the dose of regular insulin. If the morning glycosuria persists, increase the protamine insulin. 7. Increases or decreases in protamine insulin should consist of only five units at a time. 8. Too many factors should not be changed at one time, nor should the effected changes be made at too frequent intervals, when using protamine insulin.
Induction and decay of thermosensitivity in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis

When pharate adults of the flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis are exposed to 40°C for 4 h they become more tolerant of high temperatures that are normally lethal (thermotolerance). In contrast, a 1-h exposure to 45°C decreases tolerance to a subsequent high temperature challenge (thermosensitivity). While control flies experience little mortality when held at 35°C for 24–48 h the thermosensitized flies die when exposed to 35°C. Sensitivity to a second thermal challenge slowly decays over a 72-h period. The acquisition of thermotolerance prevents the development of thermosensitivity. Brains from thermosensitized flies cultured at 43°C express the 72-kDa heat-shock protein and normal protein synthesis is inhibited. This implies that development of thermosensitivity is not associated with a loss in the capacity to express the 72-kDa heat-shock protein.
Responses of single units in cervical spinal cord of alert monkeys

Abstract Activity of single units was recorded extracellularly in the cervical spinal cord of five unanesthetized monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ), three of which had been trained to flex and extend the right wrist. Units were recorded with tungsten microelectrodes advanced through a chamber mounted over two cervial segments between C 6 and T 1 . Unit responses to electrical stimulation of the medullary pyramidal tract and three peripheral nerves of the arm at the brachial plexus were tested with chronically indwelling electrodes. The adequate natural stimuli for each unit also were characterized. Many spontaneously active units were not influenced by natural or electrical stimulation, or during active wrist movements. Units activated by cutaneous stimulation were isolated in the dorsal portion of the cord and most were not spontaneously active. Isolated units with well demarcated cutaneous receptive fields responded to brushing hairs, touching skin, gentle pinching, or some combination of these. Units responding to passive joint movements of the fingers, wrist, elbow, and/or shoulder were isolated at all depths of the cord and most exhibited some spontaneous activity. Many units responded during the phasic components of active wrist movements, and some were driven by comparable passive wrist movements.
Are there meaningful differences in blood pressure control with current antihypertensive agents

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and small reductions in blood pressure can have a substantial impact on outcome. Effective control of hypertension per se is important in reducing morbidity and mortality, but there is growing evidence that the class of drug used in treatment may affect patient outcomes. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) trial provided evidence that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), agents that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), are particularly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in a wide range of patients. These beneficial effects of ACEI may be independent of antihypertensive effect. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are the newest class of antihypertensive drug to enter clinical use. By blocking the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, ARB achieve more complete blockade of the RAS than ACEI. The ARB also have a substantially better side effect profile than ACEI, and early evidence suggests that ARB are beneficial in combating hypertension-related target organ damage. These favorable characteristics suggest that ARB should be considered as first-line treatment for hypertension. Based on comparative antihypertensive efficacy, olmesartan, a new ARB, may represent a significant addition to this drug class.
Regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors by parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic cells: role of second messenger pathways

The regulation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) abundance in MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts and UMR 106-01 rat osteosarcoma cells by rat PTH 1-34, human PTH-related protein 1-34, and agents that activate specific signal transduction pathways was studied. Treatment of these cells with forskolin (FSK) caused up-regulation of VDR, whereas treatment with phorbol esters suppressed VDR levels. PTH or PTH-related protein treatment induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in VDR, which was equivalent to that elicited by FSK in UMR 106-01 cells but less than the FSK-induced increase (approximately 8-fold) in MC3T3-E1 cells. PTH treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells resulted in an approximately 3-fold increase in VDR levels with maximum stimulation occurring at 10(-9) M PTH after 4 h of treatment. In UMR 4-7 cells, a subclone of UMR 106-01 cells that express cAMP resistance due to regulated expression of a mutant form of the type 1 regulatory subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), the up-regulation of VDR abundance due to FSK and PTH treatment was mostly prevented. Pretreatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with staurosporine, an inhibitor of PKC, resulted in an approximately 3-fold increase in basal VDR levels but did not enhance the PTH-mediated up-regulation of VDR. Collectively, these data suggest that the increase in VDR abundance observed in these target cells is mainly due to the activation of the PKA signal transduction pathway. Treatment of UMR 106-01 cells with PTH for 4 h before exposure of the cells to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 resulted in a 2-fold increase in the induction of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24 hydroxylase messenger RNA. Thus, exposure of target cells to PTH augments their response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 due to up-regulation of VDR abundance.
Herpes virus infections and HIV disease

Abstract Nearly all individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus will display cutaneous lesions at some time during their infection. One series reports that at least one cutaneous lesion was found in 98.3% of AIDS patients and 53.6% of patients with AIDS-related complex. 1 These lesions often represent atypical and florid manifestions of common skin infections and may occur before a frank decline in the patient's clinical and immunological status.
Elastic deformation in orthotropic oval vessels: a mathematical model.

A treatment is presented which quantitates deformation of thin-walled, mildly tapered or untapered vessels having oval cross sections in the unstressed state. The discussion is limited to the quasi-static case and provides a basis for further work involving dynamic contributions and wall coupling. Results are presented for mathematical models and it is shown that the elastic constants and dimensions have significant and often profound effects especially during the initial transmural loading phase. Displacements of the major and minor semi-axes may be unequal and in different directions. These effects are more pronounced with greater eccentricity and with thinner walls. The resultants of extensible and inextensible strain combinations determine the displacements at the semi-axes. In unrestrained vessels, the resulting wall displacement can be predicted from a knowledge of the elastic constants and the principal dimensions, by determining the effective stresses at the semi-axes.
Sampling and Modeling Approaches to Assess Water Quality Impacts of Combined Sewer Overflows—The Importance of a Watershed Perspective

Abstract As part of the planning effort for combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatement, a combination of sampling and mathematical modeling was used to characterize both CSO and receiving water quality in the city of Buffalo, NY. Samples collected during storm events showed that while CSOs within the city boundary are a source of fecal coliform to the Buffalo River, higher concentrations enter the river from the upper watershed, upstream of the city. Loading estimates of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Hg were made for design storms and on an annual basis using a combined model and sampling approach. While the metals loads were quantifiable from the CSOs, the loads associated with the upper watershed discharge were greater, for example, by a factor of 3 to 18 times for the design storms. Continuous, automated sampling of conventional parameters at 15 minute time steps indicated that the river experienced non-compliant periods for dissolved oxygen. In some cases, low dissolved oxygen levels may be associated with CSO inputs, but the hydraulics of the river system also had an important negative impact on dissolved oxygen. In developing CSO abatement options for the Buffalo River, it is essential to recognize that there are other significant contaminant sources in the upper watershed that will continue to negatively impact water quality.
Proton Radiography of Megagauss Electromagnetic Fields Generated by the Irradiation of a Solid Target by an Ultraintense Laser Pulse

Laser generated protons have been used to probe the temporal and spatial evolution of megagauss magnetic fields. Grid deflectometry techniques have been applied to proton radiography to obtain precise measurements of proton beam angles caused by magnetic fields in laser produced plasmas. Data are presented in two different regimes of interactions at ultra high intensity (1020 W/cm2) where hots electrons are supposed to be responsible of the B field, and at lower intensity (1017 W/cm2) and later time where the gradients of temperature and density are responsible of the B field.
Effects of the rate and composition of fluid replacement on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous furosemide

Effects of differences in the rate and composition of intravenous fluid replacement for urine loss on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of furosemide were evaluated using the dog as a model animal. Each of six dogs received 8-hr constant intravenous infusion of 20 mg (15 mg used in one dog) of furosemide with 0% replacement (treatment I), 50% replacement (treatment II), and 100% replacement (treatment III) with lactated Ringer's solution, as well as with 100% replacement with 5% dextrose in water (treatment IV). Most pharmacokinetic parameters, such as plasma clearance, steady-state volume of distribution, mean residence time, and terminal half-life, were essentially the same in all four treatments. Renal clearances and urinary excretion rates of the drug in treatments II–IVwere essentially the same, but about 20% higher than those in treatment I.In spite of the similarities in kinetic properties, diuretic and/or natriuretic effects from furosemide were markedly different among the four treatments. For example, mean 10-hr urine outputs were 646, 1046, 3156, and 1976 ml and mean 10-hr sodium excretions were 87.0, 142, 383, and 97.2 mmole for treatments I–IV,respectively. Except for treatment III,diuresis and/or natriuresis were found to be time-dependent, generally decreasing with time until reaching a low plateau during later hours of infusion. The present findings also showed that (1)no fluid replacement and 100% replacement with 5% dextrose solution both produced the same degree of severe acute tolerance in natriuresis, indicating the insignificance of water compensation in tolerance development; (2)in treatment II,where neutral sodium balance was achieved, the development of acute tolerance in diuresis and natriuresis can mainly be attributed to negative water balance under this special condition; (3)at steady state the hourly diuresis and natriuresis could differ up to about ten times between treatments. Some implications for the kinetic/dynamic relationship or modeling, in the clinical use, and in the bioequivalence evaluation of dosage forms are discussed.
Equation of State Effects on Nucleon Transport

Previous studies have examined the nucleon transport in charge symmetric beam-on-target reaction systems as a probe for the asymmetry energy of nuclear matter. Using the iBUU transport model, isospin transport in charge symmetric as well as mass symmetric systems of Zn and Ni isotopes at 35 MeV/nucleon will be explored. Comparisons of the behavior of charge symmetric (70,64Zn + 70,64Zn) to mass symmetric (64Zn,64Ni + 64Zn,64Ni) reaction systems will be studied. The effect of different nucleon interactions will also be studied. This set of reaction systems will be used to determine what effect the difference in charge between projectile and target may have on the proton transport as compared to the neutron transport. These studies will be carried out with a view for use in the analysis of experimental data acquired using the NIMROD-ISiS array and TAMU Neutron Ball at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M.
Comment on “Finite-element modeling method for the study of dielectric relaxation at high frequencies of heterostructures made of multilayered particle” [J. Appl. Phys. 102, 124107 (2007)]

The article of Fourn et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 102, 124107 (2007)] uses the numerical finite-element method to study the dielectric relaxation of a square array of coated cylinders. The comment here shows that similar results can be calculated immediately from the appropriate analytical expression. Our results are also compared to some figures in the article of Fourn et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 102, 124107 (2007)].
Transduction of light in the suprachiasmatic nucleus: evidence for two different neurochemical cascades regulating the levels of Per1 mRNA and pineal melatonin

Abstract The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contains a circadian clock and regulates melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland. Light exposure during the subjective night acutely increases the mRNA levels of the Period (Per)1 gene in the SCN and acutely suppresses melatonin levels in the pineal gland. Activation of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the SCN has been demonstrated to phase-shift the circadian clock in a manner similar to light. We tested the hypothesis that activation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in the SCN mediates the acute effects of light on Per1 mRNA levels and pineal melatonin. NMDA, injected into the SCN of Syrian hamsters during the night, acutely suppressed melatonin levels in the pineal gland. Both the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) inhibited the light-induced increase of Per1 mRNA levels in the SCN. In the same animals, however, these antagonists had no effect on the ability of light to suppress pineal melatonin. These results support the hypothesis that EAA receptor activation in the SCN is necessary for the acute effects of light on Per1 mRNA levels. They also indicate that NMDA receptor activation in the SCN is sufficient but may not be necessary for the acute effects of light on pineal melatonin. These data suggest that there may be at least two different neurochemical cascades that transduce the effects of light in the SCN
Strategic Models of Sovereign-Debt Renegotiations

The sovereign-debt literature has often implicitly assumed that all the power in the bargaining game between debtor and creditor lies with the latter. This paper explores that assumption by analyzing three game-theoretic models of debt renegotiations. In two of the models, both of which are built on the traditional one-sector growth model, all the subgame-perfect equilibria have an extreme form in which the game's surplus is captured by the creditor. The third game has many subgame-perfect equilibria that do not have this feature, however. The roles of various assumptions in all three games are examined.