cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CNS Elevation of Vascular and Not Mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecules in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) appear to play roles in the recruitment of leukocytes to specialized endothelium lining the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of MAdCAM and VCAM in the central nervous system by comparing protein expression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and control subjects by immunohistochemistry. Specific antibodies to human VCAM and MAdCAM were used to confirm expression in control and MS nervous system specimens by immunohistochemistry. VCAM immunoreactivity was detected in endothelial cells, perivascular tissue, and in some cases, leukocytes within the meninges, gray, and white matter, of both controls and MS patients. VCAM immunoreactivity was maximal in a patient with acute active plaques, but of lower intensity and reduced distribution in controls and those with chronic active or inactive MS plaques. In contrast, MAdCAM immunoreactivity could not be detected in brain tissue from unaffected or MS patients. Taken together, these data support a role of VCAM, but not MAdCAM in the development of MS.
Renal Giant Cytoplasmic Inclusions in Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome: First Ultrastructural Demonstration in a Human Biopsy

This report ultrastructurally illustrates the giant lysosome-related organelles in the various cellular components of a renal biopsy from a 10 year-old female affected by the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Albeit similar observations have been made and reported in animal models of the syndrome, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first illustration of the changes as demonstrated in a human renal biopsy.
Preparation and characterization of M(CH3)5 (M = Nb or Ta) and Ta(CH2C6H5)5 and evidence for decomposition by α-hydrogen atom abstraction

Abstract The preparations of Nb(CH3)5, Ta(CH3)5, and Ta(CH2C6H5)5 are reported in detail. The M(CH3)5 complexes decompose autocatalytically to give 3.4 ± 0.1 mol of methane and a non-hyclrolyzable residue with approximate composition MC1–5H while Ta(CH2C6H5)5 decomposes in a non-autocatalytic manner to give ca. 2.6 mol of toluene per Ta. Decomposition of Nb(CD3)5 gave 96% CD4 in diethyl ether while the toluene produced on decomposition of Ta(CD2C6H5)5 was at least 90%-d3. An observed kinetic deuterium isotope effect of 2–3 in each case is evidence that an α-CH(D) bond is broken in a slow step of the decomposition. It is postulated that M(CH3)5 and Ta(CH2C6H5)5 decompose primarily by α-hydrogen atom abstraction though almost certainly in a complex, possibly intermolecular fashion in the case of M(CH3)5. In neither case (R = CH3 or CH2C6H5) was there evidence for significant homolytic cleavage of the metalcarbon bond to give free alkyl radicals.
Measured Particle Rebound Characteristics Useful for Erosion Prediction

Extensive high temperature particle rebound testing has been continuing at the University of Cincinnati for the past three years utilizing the new high temperature material erosion facility. Particle rebound characteristics including particle angle and velocity restitution ratios are important in the prediction of particle trajectories through a turbomachine or other flow devices where particulate erosion is present and the prediction of erosion patterns is desired. This paper presents particle rebound data which has been accumulated for 160 microns particles impinging on INCO 718, Ti 6-4 and 2024 AL targets. Particle rebound characteristics are compared with important parameters such as target temperature, particle impingement velocity and particle impingement angle. In addition a semi-empirical erosion rate equation for INCO 718 material is derived.Copyright © 1982 by ASME
An evaluation and force gradient determination of mechanically linked reversible sidestick controllers for General Aviation aircraft

In connection with the increase in air traffic, IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight in the air traffic control system has become very demanding. It has, therefore, become imperative to optimize the pilot's skills in his management of the various aircraft systems. The present investigation is concerned with the human factors aspects of the use of sidesticks in direct mechanical linkage (reversible) control systems in a production General Aviation (G.A.) aircraft. A total of 140 fifteen to twenty minute flight tasks were flown on the NASA Langley G.A. motion base simulator. The study involved a comparison of three locations of the sidestick, left side, center, and right side, and the standard yoke. It was found that the sidestick is preferable to the standard yoke. However, some of the design and installation features of the sidestick are critical for pilot acceptance.
Heating strategies for Li-ion batteries operated from subzero temperatures

Abstract Electric vehicles (EVs) suffer from significant driving range loss in subzero temperature environments due to reduced energy and power capability of Li-ion batteries as well as severe battery degradation due to Li plating. Preheating batteries to room temperature is an essential function of an effective battery management system. The present study employs an electrochemical–thermal coupled model to simulate, for the first time, the process of heating Li-ion batteries from subzero temperatures. Three heating strategies are proposed and compared using battery power, namely self-internal heating, convective heating and mutual pulse heating, as well as one strategy (AC heating) using external power. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in terms of capacity loss, heating time, system durability, and cost. For heating using battery power, model predictions reveal that Li-ion batteries can be heated from −20 °C to 20 °C at the expense of only 5% battery capacity loss using mutual pulse heating with high-efficiency dc–dc converter, implying considerable potential for improved driving range of EVs in cold weather conditions. Moreover, the heating time can be reduced to within 2 min by increasing cell output power using convective heating and mutual pulse heating. For external power heating, high frequency AC signal with large amplitude is a preferred choice, offering both high heating power and improved battery cycle life.
Sex differences and hormone influences on tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cells in the leopard frog.

We examined sex differences in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) cell populations in the preoptic area (POA), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), posterior tuberculum (TP), and caudal hypothalamus (Hy) in the leopard frog (Rana pipiens), in addition to the effects of natural variation in sex steroid hormones on these same populations in both sexes. All four of these populations have been shown to be dopaminergic. Gonadal sex, androgens, and estrogen all influenced TH-ir cell numbers, but in a complicated pattern of interactions. After factoring out the effects of sex steroids by multiple regression, TH-ir cell numbers in all four areas differed between the sexes, with males having a greater number of TH-ir cells. The influence of androgens and estrogen differed by region and sex of the animals. Androgens were the main influence on TH-ir cell numbers in the POA and SCN. Plasma androgen concentrations were positively correlated with TH-ir cell numbers in both areas in males. In females, androgen concentration was negatively correlated with TH-ir cell numbers in the POA; there was no significant relationship in the SCN in females. In the more caudal populations, estrogen (E2) levels were positively correlated with TH-ir cell numbers in the TP of both males and females. In the caudal hypothalamus, E2 levels were positively correlated with TH-ir cell numbers in females, but there was no significant correlation in males. The results indicate that gonadal sex imposes a baseline sex difference in the four TH-ir (dopamine) populations, resulting in a higher number of such cells in males. Individual and sex-linked differences in gonadal steroid hormones lead to variation around this baseline condition, with androgens having a greater influence on rostral populations and estrogen on caudal populations. Last, an individual's gonadal sex determines the effect that androgens and estrogen have on each population. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 54–65, 2003
Computation of Chemical Shifts for Paramagnetic Molecules: A Laboratory Experiment for the Undergraduate Curriculum.

A computational experiment investigating the 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of molecules with unpaired electrons has been developed and implemented. This experiment is appropriate for an upper-level undergraduate laboratory course in computational, physical, or inorganic chemistry. The chemical shift range for paramagnetic systems differs substantially from the well-known range of diamagnetic compounds. Students carried out density functional theory calculations of the chemical shifts of an organic radical and a related closed-shell system. This simple exercise illustrated that a single unpaired electron may result in dramatically different chemical shifts. Organometallic systems were also considered. The chemical shifts of the closed shell molecule ferrocene were compared to those of vanadocene and nickelocene, which afford three and two unpaired electrons, respectively. A natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis was employed to study the electronic structure of NiCp2.
Malleable conformation of the elastic PEVK segment of titin: Non-co-operative interconversion of polyproline II helix, β-turn and unordered structures

To understand the structural basis of molecular elasticity and protein interaction of the elastic PEVK (Pro-Glu-Val-Lys) segment of the giant muscle protein titin, we carried out a detailed analysis of a representative PEVK module and a 16-module PEVK protein under various environmental conditions. Three conformational states, polyproline II (PPII) helix, β-turn and unordered coil were identified by CD and NMR. These motifs interconvert without long-range co-operativity. As a general trend, the relative content of PPII increases with lower temperature and higher polarity, β-turn increases with lower temperature and lower polarity, and unordered coil increases with higher temperature and higher polarity. NMR studies demonstrate that trans-proline residues are the predominant form at room temperature (22 °C), with little trans-to-cis isomerization below 35 °C. Ionic strength affects salt bridges between charged side chains, but not the backbone conformation. We conclude that titin PEVK conformation is malleable and responds to subtle environmental changes without co-operativity. This gradual conformational transition may represent a regulatory mechanism for fine-tuning protein interactions and elasticity.
Discriminating Among Co‐monomer Sequence Distributions in Random Copolymers Using Interaction Chromatography

Interaction chromatography has been employed to validate that adsorption of poly[styrene-co-(4-bromostyrene)] (PBr(x) S) random copolymers, where x denotes the mole fraction of 4-bromostyrene (4-BrS) in PBr(x) S in solution depends on the average number of adsorptive segments, the type of adsorbing substrate, and on the co-monomer sequence distribution in PBr(x) S.
Direct Observation of the Resistive Wall Mode in a Tokamak and Its Interaction with Plasma Rotation

Using newly developed techniques and improved diagnostics, rotating wall-stabilized discharges have been maintained in the DIII-D tokamak for 30 characteristic resistive wall decay times{emdash}significantly longer than was previously achieved. The terminating resistive wall mode has been directly identified using internal fluctuation diagnostics, and its correlation with the slowdown in the plasma rotation is established. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
An algorithm for clustering relational data with applications to social network analysis and comparison with multidimensional scaling

Abstract A method of hierarchical clustering for relational data is presented, which begins by forming a new square matrix of product-moment correlations between the columns (or rows) of the original data (represented as an n × m matrix). Iterative application of this simple procedure will in general converge to a matrix that may be permuted into the blocked form [ −1 1 1 −1 ]. This convergence property may be used as the basis of an algorithm (CONCOR) for hierarchical clustering. The CONCOR procedure is applied to several illustrative sets of social network data and is found to give results that are highly compatible with analyses and interpretations of the same data using the blockmodel approach of White ( White, Boorman & Breiger, 1976 ). The results using CONCOR are then compared with results obtained using alternative methods of clustering and scaling (MDSCAL, INDSCAL, HICLUS, ADCLUS) on the same data sets.
Masseteric reflex inhibition induced by afferent impulses in the hypoglossal nerve.

Summary o 1. Effects of stimulation of the central cut end of the hypoglossal nerve on the masseteric reflex were studied in cats (spinal cord sectioned between C 2 and C 3 ). Hypoglossal stimulation with 1–3 pulses induced a prolonged suppression of the ipsilateral and contralateral masseteric reflex, with or without a facilitatory phase following the peak of suppression. 2. The threshold of suppression was 2–3 times higher than the threshold for firing axons of hypoglossal motor neurons and maximal suppression was obtained when the hypoglossal nerve was stimulated with pulses supramaximal for these axons. Pulses of longer duration than necessary to induce suppression were usually required to induce facilitation. 3. Hypoglossal influences on the masseteric reflex were almost completely abolished following section of the hypoglossal roots on the stimulated side, whereas the effects still remained following section of the glossopharyngeal, vagal and accessory nerve roots and the dorsal roots of C 1 and C 2 when the hypoglossal roots were left intact. 4. Dihydro-β-erythroidine did not alter the hypoglossal effects on the masseteric reflex. 5. Neither precollicular nor medullo-spinal transection altered these hypoglossal influences, whereas ponto-medullary transection completely abolished them. 6. From these results it was concluded that afferent impulses in the hypoglossal nerve enter the brain stem primarily through the hypoglossal roots, ascend bilaterally in the brain stem via a polysynaptic route to the trigeminal motor nucleus and induce inhibition and facilitation of the masseteric monosynaptic reflex.
Primary spermatic cord tumors: disease characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Experience with management of spermatic cord tumors (SCTs) is uncommon. We utilized a large population-based cancer registry to characterize the demographic, pathological, treatment characteristics, and outcomes of SCTs. Material and methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1973–2007) was queried. Results From the database, 362 patients were identified with SCT. The annual incidence of SCT was 0.3 cases per million and did not change over time. The most common histologic types were liposarcoma (46%), leiomyosarcoma (20%), histiocytoma (13%), and rhabdomyosarcoma (9%). The median age of diagnosis for rhabdomyosarcomas was (26.3 y), whereas for other SCTs, it was (64.7 y) ( P Conclusion We describe the largest cohort of SCT studied to date. Liposarcoma was most common, while leiomyosarcoma and histiocytoma histologic subtypes were observed to be the most aggressive. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor grade, stage, histologic type, and lymph node involvement were independently predictive of prognosis.
Resurrection of the Wild: Ohio Ecology As Regeneration

L'A. decrit avec beaucoup de conviction une partie de la region de l'Ohio, qui detient un ecosysteme et un environnement qu'il s'agit de proteger. Cette nature devrait etre preservee car ce site naturel est l'oeuvre du temps, avec une histoire qui debute il y a plusieurs milliers d'annees
Progestin metabolism in the rhesus monkey corpus luteum

Abstract For the purpose of describing the pathway by which estrogens are synthesized in the rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta ) corpus luteum (CL), CL were obtained during the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle and fragments incubated with equimolar amounts of [7-3H]pregnenolone plus [4-14C]progesterone. Metabolites including 3H-progesterone, 3H, 14C-20α-dihydroprogesterone, 3H, 14C-17-hydroxyprogesterone, 3H-estrone and 3H-estradiol-17β appeared in the medium during the first 20 minutes of incubation, 3H, 14C-Androstenedione was not consistently noted until after 60 minutes. Despite the fact that the 14C/3H-17-hydroxyprogesterone ratio quickly approached a constant value in the medium, 14C-estrogens were not detected in the medium or tissue fragments suggesting that progesterone was not a principal precursor for estrogen synthesis. As evidenced by the observation that the 14C/3H-progesterone ratio was significantly higher in luteal fragments than the 17-hydroxyprogesterone ratio, 17-hydroxyprogesterone appeared to be synthesized from pregnenolone both by way of progesterone and by another route which did not include progesterone. C21- and C18-Steroids were more concentrated in tissue fragments after 120 minutes of incubation than in the medium indicating that these steroids were sequestered by luteal tissue.
Resveratrol preferentially inhibits protein kinase C-catalyzed phosphorylation of a cofactor-independent, arginine-rich protein substrate by a novel mechanism.

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic natural product abundantly present in grape skins, is a candidate cancer chemopreventive agent that antagonizes each stage of carcinogenesis and inhibits protein kinase C (PKC), a key mediator of tumor promotion. While resveratrol has been shown to antagonize both isolated and cellular forms of PKC, the weak inhibitory potency observed against isolated PKC cannot account for the reported efficacy of the polyphenol against PKC in cells. In this report, we analyze the mechanism of PKC inhibition by resveratrol. Our results indicate that resveratrol has a broad range of inhibitory potencies against purified PKC that depend on the nature of the substrate and the cofactor dependence of the phosphotransferase reaction. Resveratrol weakly inhibited the Ca2+/phosphatidylserine-stimulated activity of a purified rat brain PKC isozyme mixture (IC50 = 90 μM) by competition with ATP (Ki = 55 μM). Consistent with the kinetic evidence for a catalytic domain-directed mechanism, resveratrol inh...
Rapid dramatic alterations to the tumor microstructure in pancreatic cancer following irreversible electroporation ablation.

Aim: NanoKnife® (Angiodynamics, Inc., NY, USA) or irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a newly available ablation technique to induce the formation of nanoscale pores within the cell membrane in targeted tissues. The purpose of this study was to elucidate morphological alterations following 30 min of IRE ablation in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Materials & methods: Immunohistochemistry markers were compared with diffusion-weighted MRI apparent diffusion coefficient measurements before and after IRE ablation. Results: Immunohistochemistry apoptosis index measurements were significantly higher in IRE-treated tumors than in controls. Rapid tissue alterations after 30 min of IRE ablation procedures (structural and morphological alterations along with significantly elevated apoptosis markers) were consistently observed and well correlated to apparent diffusion coefficient measurements. Discussion: This imaging assay offers the potential to serve as an in vivo biomarker for noninvasive detection of tumo...
Electrophoretic Evidence for the Presence of an Estrogen-Binding β-Globulin in Human Plasma

Most investigators currently agree that a significant fraction of estradiol-17β is reversibly bound to albumin in human plasma (1–4). However, recent studies from this laboratory have disclosed an increase in the binding of estradiol in the plasma of a group of male patients with cirrhosis of the liver. All these patients had a significantly reduced concentration of albumin in their plasma. If albumin were the major binding protein for estradiol, one would have anticipated a decreased binding of estradiol in the plasma of these patients. In view of the unexpected observation it was inferred that estradiol is bound to a factor other than albumin (5, 6). This communication presents direct evidence for the presence of such a protein in human plasma.
Uncertainty and risk in nuclear power plant design

Abstract Nuclear power plant design consists of capability, reliability, and safety analyses. None of these analyses should be carried out under deterministic conditions but rather under risk or uncertainty. It is concluded that the capability analyses should be conducted under conditions of risk, reliability analyses under risk or uncertainty, and safety analyses under uncertainty. Design approaches are proposed for each of these situations.
Study of the fluoride adsorption characteristics of porous microparticulate zirconium oxide

Abstract Lewis acid sites are present on the surface of metal oxide chromatographic supports and are responsible for the very strong adsorption of Lewis bases. Such sites must be masked or modified to elute solutes which contain Lewis base groups. Fluoride ion coordinates strongly with these sites on zirconium oxide and forms a surface whose composition is pH and ionic strength dependent. Coverages range from 13.7 μmol/m 2 fluoride at pH 4.8 to 0 μmol/m 2 fluoride at pH 13. Washing the particles with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide quantitatively desorbs all bound fluoride without harming the underlying zirconium oxide particle. Readsorption of the fluoride can be accomplished by equilibrating the particles in a buffer of suitable fluoride concentration. Such fluoride modification has been found to occur on a time scale suitable for displacement chromatography on the Lewis acid sites.
Real-Time Detection of Explosive Residues by Surface Laser Photofragmentation-Fragment Ionization Spectroscopy

Residues of RDX, HMX, and TNT are detected in real time by surface laser photofragmentation-fragment ionization spectroscopy. The effects of laser wavelength and energy, electrode configuration, and analyte concentration on ion signal are investigated.
Heritability of MMPI-2 scales in the UCSF family alcoholism study

The current study evaluated the heritability of personality traits and psychopathology symptoms assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2nd Edition (MMPI-2) in a family-based sample selected for alcohol dependence. Participants included 950 probands and 1,204 first-degree relatives recruited for the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Family Alcoholism Study. Heritability estimates for MMPI-2 scales ranged from .25 to .49. When alcohol dependence was used as a covariate, heritability estimates remained significant but generally declined. However, when the MMPI-2 scales were used as covariates to estimate the heritability of alcohol dependence, the scales measuring antisocial behavior, depressive symptoms, and addictive behavior led to moderate increases in the heritability of alcohol dependence. This suggests that the scales may explain some of the non-genetic variance in the alcohol dependence diagnosis in this population when used as covariates, and thus may serve to produce a more homogeneous and heritable alcohol-dependence phenotype.
Mothers’ Experiences of Labor Support: Exploration of Qualitative Research

Objective To review and synthesize qualitative research studies of women's perceptions of professional labor support. Data Sources Journal articles dated from 1990 to 2001. Search terms included labor support, labor and delivery, childbirth, birth, and caring during labor. Qualitative studies and combined quantitative/qualitative studies with open-ended questions were included. Study Selection The focus of the 17 studies was laboring women's rather than nurses' perceptions of labor support or care during labor. Data Extraction Data describing methods, samples, and findings were extracted from study reports. Data Synthesis Similarities reported in the study findings were synthesized using a model of labor support. Synthesis of the study findings was reported using exemplary statements in the words of women who experienced labor support. Categories included expectations of labor support, physical comfort, caring and emotional support, interpersonal communication style, communication of information and instructions, advocacy, and competence of the professional. Conclusions There were a limited number of qualitative studies of labor support. Professional labor support was influenced by the interpersonal communication style of the caregiver. Cultural differences existed in caregiver actions considered supportive.
Heroes, Lovers, and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood, by Clara E. Rodriguez

(2009). Heroes, Lovers, and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood, by Clara E. Rodriguez. Women's Studies in Communication: Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 258-261.
Comparing Employer-Sponsored And Federal Exchange Plans: Wide Variations In Cost Sharing For Prescription Drugs

Just under seven million Americans acquired private insurance through the new health insurance exchanges, or Marketplaces, in 2014. The exchange plans are required to cover essential health benefits, including prescription drugs. However, the generosity of prescription drug coverage in the plans has not been well described. Our primary objective was to examine the variability in drug coverage in the exchanges across plan types (health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization) and metal tiers (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum). Our secondary objective was to compare the exchange coverage to employer-sponsored coverage. Analyzing prescription drug benefit design data for the federally facilitated exchanges, we found wide variation in enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs for generic, preferred brand-name, nonpreferred brand-name, and specialty drugs, not only across metal tiers but also within those tiers across plan types. Compared to employer-sponsored plans, exchange plans generally had low...
Recombinant, attenuated Salmonella typhimurium stimulate lymphoproliferative responses to SIV capsid antigen in rhesus macaques.

Abstract Recombinant bacteria are useful vectors for delivering foreign antigens to muscosal surfaces and may elicit immune protection against sexually-transmitted pathogens. Recombinant, attenuated Salmonella typhimurium expressing the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus capsid protein (p27) were given to rhesus macaques by intragastric intubation. This route of immunization was compared with intramuscular injection of soluble p27 in adjuvant, and with immunization protocols that combined intragastric and intramuscular antigen exposures. Recombinant Salmonella stimulated p27-specific lymphoproliferative responses that were present transiently in peripheral blood, and were recalled easily by booster immunizations. Intramuscular p27 injection elicited strong serum antibody responses, but only low level capsid-specific proliferative responses. Recombinant Salmonella immunization elicited low levels of p27-specific antibodies in serum and did not suppress subsequent responses to parenteral immunization. Intragastric immunization of macaques with recombinant Salmonella typhimurium was safe and induced immune responses specific for the expressed, foreign antigen.
The luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neuronal networks of the guinea pig brain. III. The regulation of cyclic gonadotropin secretion

Abstract The effects of selected CNS lesions on the ovulatory cycle as well as the distribution of LHRH terminals in the median eminence of the female guinea pig were examined. Radiofrequency lesions were placed in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) or suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Animals were studied for varying lengths of time (1–5 months) following lesion placement. The occurrence of at least two ovulatory cycles was determined by cyclicity in vaginal opening, the presence of viable corpora lutea and measurements of luteal phase elevations in serum progesterone. The distribution of LHRH immunoreactivity was determined by immunocytochemical procedures on Bouin's fixed, paraffin-embedded brain sections. Lesions of the MPOA or SCN resulted in different degrees of loss of LHRH fibers in the zona externa of the ventral and lateral aspects of the infundibular stalk as well as complete loss of terminals throughout the zona interna. Despite depletion of LHRH fibers, all animals with SCN (n= 8) and the majority with MPOA (4/6) lesions showed regular ovulatory cycles. Two females with MPOA lesions presented two different anovulatory syndromes. Anovulation appeared unrelated to the size or site of the lesions or the degree of depletion of LHRH fibers in the infundibulum. It would appear that these brain areas and their LHRH projections are not essential for cyclic gonadotropic release.
Welfare Loss from Inaccurate Information: An Economic Model with Application to Food Labels

This study develops an economic framework which explains the welfare loss to consumers from imperfect information and provides a mechanism for analyzing the benefits from improved information. The model is applied to imperfect net weight information for packaged chicken and empirical estimates of the resulting welfare loss are obtained.
Effects of Base Stacking on Guanine Electron Transfer: Rate Constants for G and GG Sequences of Oligonucleotides from Catalytic Electrochemistry

The electron-transfer rate constants for oligonucleotides containing adjacent guanines were determined by digital simulation of cyclic voltammograms of Ru(bpy)32+ in the presence of the oligonucleotides (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine). These experiments showed that sequences containing an isolated guanine (included in a 5‘-AGT segment) gave a rate constant of 1.4 × 105 M-1 s-1 (in terms of guanine concentration) while sequences containing a 5‘-GG segment gave an overall rate constant of 7.5 × 105 M-1 s-1. Both rate constants were independent of DNA concentration in the simulations. By assuming that the 3‘-G of the GG doublet exhibits the same rate constant as the isolated guanine, we estimate the ratio of rate constants for the 5‘-G of the GG doublet to the 3‘-G to be kGG/kG = 12 ± 2. This value was independent of DNA concentration and scan rate. Similar experiments using oligonucleotides containing inosine (I) in place of guanosine gave the same rate constant for a 5‘-IG doublet as for isolated guanine (kIG/kG =...
A note on the use of elasticity identities as empirical devices

Abstract This note investigates the empirical properties of identities commonly used by empiricists in international trade. The analysis suggests that traditional applications of the identities to empirical problems are invalid, but that a modified procedure may be useful.
A Critical Challenge: The Engagement and Assessment of Contingent, Part-Time Adjunct Faculty Professors in United States Community Colleges

In 2011, according to a National Center for Education Statistics report, part-time instructional staff in all higher education institutions exceeded full-time faculty members for the first time, accounting for 50% of all instructional staff (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2012). The same report indicates part-time faculty in community colleges exceeds 70% of instructional staff. Perhaps more alarming are the numbers of contingent instructional staff—faculty without long-term employment commitments. According to this measure, nearly 70% of faculty members in all areas of higher education have little-to-no job stability (American Association of University Professors [AAUP], 2013; Schuster & Finklestein, 2006). However, limited research exists on the working experiences of this major subpopulation of United States professors. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of part-time contingent community college faculty regarding the assessment processes their institu...
A histological study of chromatolytic cell groups in the trigeminal ganglion of the rat

Abstract A detailed description of chromatolytic cell group locations was derived from experimental lesions in young adult Wistar rats. Surgical division of the inferior alveolar, mental, infraorbital, external nasal or superior labial nerves was performed on four rats for each type of nerve lesion. The animals were sacrificed 10 days postoperatively, the heads fixed in Bouin's fluid, and histologic sections prepared. Tracings of trigeminal ganglia were made from photomicrographic enlargements of alternate sections in each slide series selected for study. The locations of chromatolytic cells were plotted. External nasal and superior labial cells were located respectively at the medial and lateral sides of the ophthalmic-maxillary part of the ganglion, with some overlap ventrally. Inferior alveolar nerve cell bodies were closely arranged in a posterolateral protuberance at the side of the ganglion, with the mental nerve cells concentrated in the dorsal part of this group.
Condyle transplantation in free flap mandible reconstruction

Fourteen patients requiring hemimandible resection were reconstructed with bone free flaps onto which the resected condyle was mounted as a nonvascularized graft. Postoperative mandible function, facial aesthetics, and patient symptoms were reviewed. The follow-up period ranged from 13 to 56 months (average 30.4 months). Interincisal opening ranged from 25 to 52 mm (average 37.10 mm). Opening ability inversely correlated with a need for intraoral soft tissue replacement and with the administration of postoperative radiation therapy. Eight patients were available for late study of the transplanted condyle with lateral tomograms and computed tomographic scans. Condyle volume diminished considerably in some, but this did not correlate with a decrease in function
Continuous in situ growth rate extraction using pyrometric interferometry and laser reflectance measurement during molecular beam epitaxy

We describe a new, universal, and easy-to-use method for real-time thickness and growth rate extraction based on in situ optical monitoring during molecular beam epitaxy of GaAs/AlAs layered structures. The method is based on a novel least-square phase extraction algorithm and a model-reference comparison scheme. The new method demonstrates a significantly reduced growth rate estimation error (<2%) on both pyrometric interferometry (PI) and laser reflectance (LR) monitored data over conventional methods. Based on preliminary studies, the new method also shows excellent dynamic tracking of growth rate with a thickness resolution of only 30 nm when the growth rate is intentionally changed.
Effect of μ-Calpain on m-Calpain

The free Ca2+ concentrations required for half-maximal proteolytic activity of m-calpain are in the range of 400–800 μM and are much higher than the 50–500 nM free Ca2+ concentrations that exist in living cells. Consequently, a number of studies have attempted to find mechanisms that would lower the Ca2+ concentration required for proteolytic activity of m-calpain. Although autolysis lowers the Ca2+ concentration required for proteolytic activity of m-calpain, 90–400 μM Ca2+ is required for a half-maximal rate of autolysis of m-calpain, even in the presence of phospholipid. It has been suggested that μ-calpain, which has a lower Ca2+ requirement than m-calpain, might proteolyze m-calpain and reduce its Ca2+ requirement to a level that would allow it to be active at physiological Ca2+ concentrations. We have incubated m-calpain with μ-calpain for 60 min at a ratio of 1:50 μ-calpain:m-calpain, in the presence of 50 μM free Ca2+; this Ca2+ concentration is high enough for more than half-maximal activity of μ-calpain, but does not activate m-calpain. Under these conditions, μ-calpain caused no detectable proteolytic degradation of the m-calpain polypeptide and did not change the Ca2+ concentration required for proteolytic activity of m-calpain. μ-Calpain also did not degrade the m-calpain polypeptide at 1000 μM Ca2+, which is a Ca2+ concentration high enough to completely activate m-calpain. It seems unlikely that μ-calpain could act as an “activator” of m-calpain in living cells. Because m-calpain rapidly degrades itself (autolyzes) at 1000 μM Ca2+ and because the subsite specificities of μ- and m-calpain are very similar if not identical, failure of μ-calpain to rapidly degrade m-calpain at 1000 μM Ca2+ suggests a unique role of autolysis in calpain function.
Limitations of Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate From Serum Creatinine in the General Population

OBJECTIVE To compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the general population on the basis of equations derived from different subsets of the general population. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Adults (ages ≥45 years) were randomly selected from 1997 to 2000 from the Olmsted County, Minnesota, population and had their serum creatinine levels measured. The GFR was estimated using previously reported equations derived from a sample of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a sample of healthy persons, and the combined samples. Serum creatinine was measured with the same assay used to derive these equations. RESULTS Of 4203 subjects, 2042 (47% participation rate) were enrolled and studied. Serum samples from 1982 subjects were used to measure creatinine levels. The prevalence of a reduced estimated GFR ( 2 ) was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-13%) based on an equation derived with all CKD patients, and this finding was similar to prior reports. However, the prevalence of a reduced estimated GFR was 5.7% (95% CI, 4.8%-6.8%) based on an equation derived with both CKD patients and healthy persons and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.5%) based on an equation derived with all healthy persons. Women had a higher risk of reduced estimated GFR according to an equation derived with all CKD patients, but men had a higher risk with an equation derived with both CKD patients and healthy persons. CONCLUSION The use of serum creatinine to diagnose CKD requires a different approach (eg, normal value study) from the use of serum creatinine to estimate GFR once the diagnosis of CKD has been made.
A modified “shell” type of temporary acrylic resin fixed partial denture

Abstract Temporary fixed partial dentures are important in fixed prosthodontic treatment. A technique for a modified “shell” type temporary acrylic resin fixed partial denture is described. It produces a temporary restoration that (1) has an excellent fit, (2) provides good occlusion, (3) maintains tooth position, (4) is nonirritating to the gingival tissues, (5) provides good esthetics, and (6) requires minimal chair time.
A model to predict the pollution potential with the use of Airways Surface Observation data

Abstract An atmospheric diffusion model of the Lettau-box type is developed, tested and applied. The principle attribute of the model is that readily available Airways Surface Observation data is used to estimate the mixing depth. In addition, the model does not assume that specific emitter-receptor location information be available. The test of the model yields added support to the validity of several physical relationships found in the literature. An application of the model emphasizes the value of Holzworth's “pollution potential” in its use of making comparisons between different cities.
Conformal invariance: Moving away from criticality

Abstract A brief review is given of some recent progress in applying the methods of conformal invariance, which holds at critical points, to obtain results away from criticality.
Signature for the existence of eta-mesic nucleus.

It is shown that strongly-bound \ensuremath{\eta}-nucleus systems, which we term \ensuremath{\eta}-mesic nuclei, can be formed between an \ensuremath{\eta} meson and nuclei of mass number Ag10. We show that a distinct experimental signature for the formation of the \ensuremath{\eta}-mesic nucleus can be observed in (${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$,p) reactions. The formation cross sections are predicted. Effects of higher order dynamics on the predicted width of the \ensuremath{\eta}-mesic nucleus are also estimated.
Nonlinear transmission and excited-state absorption in fluorene derivatives

The nonlinear transmission and the excited-state absorption spectra of three fluorene derivatives exhibiting large two-photon absorptivity were measured by the third harmonic of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser. We analyzed their capability for exhibiting stimulated emission in polar solvents and found that asymmetrical fluorene compounds with a diphenylamino substituent exhibited large Stokes shifts (∼8000 cm-1), high quantum yields (∼0.9 – 1.0), and no optical gain over their entire fluorescence spectral region. In contrast, a symmetrical fluorene derivative with vinylphenylbenzothiazole substituents in positions 2 and 7 underwent lasing under one-photon excitation by use of picosecond pulsed irradiation.
Effect of Silane Adhesion Promoters on Subcritical Debonding of Epoxy/Glass Interfaces After Hygrothermal Aging

Subcritical debonding is of particular concern for microelectronic packaging, coating, and adhesive applications. Time-dependent subcritical debonding at polymer/substrate interfaces occurs at lower mechanical loads and strain energy release rates compared with those required for catastrophic interface fracture. In this work, the role of organosilane adhesion promoters, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, in subcritical debonding of epoxy/glass interfaces under hygrothermal condition is investigated. The epoxy systems studied included a thermally cured bisphenol F-based epoxy resin and a bisphenol F-based epoxy resin cured with a UV active curing agent. Subcritical debonding results revealed that there are two regions, the threshold strain energy release rate (G TH) and the power law region, observed in subcritical debonding curves. Hygrothermal aging not only lowers the critical debonding driving energy required for debond extension (GC) but also lowers G TH, below which int...
Ultrasonic periodontal diagnostic instrumentation system with clinical results

A non-invasive electronic instrumentation system for the diagnosis of periodontal disease is proposed. With the exception of radiography, all diagnostic procedures are invasive and either painful or uncomfortable to the patient. While radiography is non-invasive, it cannot be used as frequently as desired due to the potentially harmful effects of radiation. A new device is proposed which is safe, non-invasive, and absolutely painless. The device consists of a pulser/receiver connected to a piezoelectric transducer which is housed within a hand-held probe. A breadboard model of this device was built and clinically tested. Preliminary results indicate that ultrasonic probe measurements may provide a potentially useful role for the diagnosis of periodontal disease.
Surgical Versus Non-surgical Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common degenerative disorder affecting the lumbar spine. It is most commonly associated with facet arthropathy and hypertrophied ligamentum flavum, with a small subset due to large acute disc herniations. Patients may present with a wide variety of neurological signs and symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic presentation to neurogenic claudication, and in the most severe form, cauda equina syndrome. Methods of diagnosis include careful history and physical examination, along with magnetic resonance imaging. Non-surgical management includes physical therapy, pain management, and epidural steroid injections. Surgical treatment includes lumbar laminectomy with or without fusion. A review of the causes and treatment options for lumbar stenosis is described in this manuscript.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein mediate the interaction between an oral erythromycin breath test and rifampin.

Background The intravenous 14C-erythromycin breath test (ERMBTIV) does not measure aggregate liver and intestinal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity. Accordingly, we evaluated an oral stable-labeled (13C) formulation of the test (ERMBToral) as an alternative CYP3A4 phenotyping probe. Methods After an overnight fast, 14 young healthy volunteers (5 women and 9 men) received the ERMBTIV (0.07 μmol, 3 μCi), followed by the ERMBToral (500 mg). The next morning, the CYP3A4 inhibitor troleandomycin (500 mg) was given, and both ERMBTs were repeated. After at least 24 hours, the CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inducer rifampin (600 mg; INN, rifampicin) was given daily for 7 days, and both ERMBTs were repeated 24 hours after the last dose of rifampin. Plasma samples were collected for 10 hours with each administration of the ERMBToral, and erythromycin levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Finally, the effect of troleandomycin on erythromycin transport was examined in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Results Compared with baseline values, the median ERMBTIV and ERMBToral results and erythromycin apparent oral clearance (CL/F) all significantly decreased, by at least 70%, with troleandomycin treatment (P = .001 for each comparison). With rifampin treatment, the median ERMBTIV result and CL/F increased 2-fold (P ≤ .01), but the median ERMBToral result was unchanged (P = .30). There were no rank-order correlations between the ERMBTIV and ERMBToral results or between either ERMBT result and CL/F within each treatment group (P ≥ .07). In addition, troleandomycin had no effect on erythromycin transport in Caco-2 cells (P ≥ .20). Conclusions The ERMBToral was influenced by processes in addition to intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 activity and therefore did not provide a straightforward measure of aggregate CYP3A4 phenotype. The erythromycin-rifampin interaction cannot be attributed to CYP3A4 induction alone and probably also reflected intestinal P-glycoprotein induction. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 72, 524–535; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.128387
From lipid second messengers to molecular motors: microtubule‐organizing center reorientation in T cells

In T lymphocytes, polarization of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the immunological synapse enables the directional secretion of cytokines, cytolytic factors, and other soluble molecules toward the antigen-presenting cell. This is likely to be crucial for maintaining the specificity of T-cell effector responses. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of MTOC reorientation in T cells, focusing first on the importance of diacylglycerol and protein kinase C isozymes and then on the molecular motor proteins that function downstream to drive MTOC movement.