cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides overcome the unresponsiveness of neonatal B cells to stimulation with the thymus-independent stimuli anti-IgM and TNP-Ficoll.

Neonates are very vulnerable to pathogenic encapsulated bacteria due to their inability to mount an antibody response to capsular polysaccharides, which are thymus-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigens (Ag). Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides induced neonatal B cells to proliferate to anti-IgM, a TI-2 stimulus. CpG ODN inhibited the spontaneous and B cell receptor-mediated apoptosis of neonatal B cells and reduced the amount of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS , strongly correlated with anti-IgM-induced apoptosis of neonatal B cells. CpG ODN protected neonatal B cells from apoptosis by down-regulation of the Bcl-xS protein. Neonatal B cells underwent polyclonal differentiation upon stimulation with CpG ODN, but unlike in adult B cells, this was not preceded by IL-6 secretion. CpG ODN stimulated neonatal B cells to mount an Ag-specific antibody response to TNP-Ficoll, another TI-2 Ag. Thus CpG ODN could provide a novel approach to induce the immune system in neonates to respond to harmful encapsulated bacteria.
105 nm wavelength conversion of 40-Gb/s DPSK in a dispersion-engineered silicon waveguide

We demonstrate wavelength conversion of 40-Gb/s DPSK signals across a 105-nm range in a dispersion-engineered silicon waveguide with 1.83-dB average power penalty, further confirming broadband and format-transparent parametric-processing potential in silicon.
Behavior of the electron-gas dielectric function near q = 2 k F

Whether or not the exchange and correlation correction $G(q)$ to the dielectric function of an electron gas has a sharp peak at $q=2{k}_{F}$ is a longstanding and unresolved problem. Using pseudopotential theory and a model dielectric function that has a peak in its $G(q)$, we have calculated the effects of such a peak on the lattice dynamics of potassium. It is found that the phonon frequencies in a certain region of reciprocal space are altered in a unique way (by the peak) and that this effect can be resolved by neutron scattering experiments. We suggest that the question of whether or not there is a prominent peak in $G(q)$ can be settled by carrying out inelastic-neutron scattering experiments on potassium to measure phonon-dispersion curves along a [$0.280.14\ensuremath{\xi}$] trajectory in reciprocal space.
Peripheral gating of pain signals by endogenous lipid mediators

Primary sensory afferents and their neighboring host-defense cells are a rich source of lipid-derived mediators that contribute to the sensation of pain caused by tissue damage and inflammation. But an increasing number of lipid molecules have been shown to act in an opposite way, to suppress the inflammatory process, restore homeostasis in damaged tissues and attenuate pain sensitivity by regulating neural pathways that transmit nociceptive signals from the periphery of the body to the CNS. Here we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the modulatory actions of lipid mediators in peripheral nociceptive signaling.
THE FRAMINGHAM RISK SCORE IS A POOR PREDICTOR OF SECONDARY CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a valuable tool for primary coronary heart disease (CHD) risk prediction. Modifications to the original 1998 model were made in 2001 and 2008. We evaluated the ability of these models to predict death, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure (HF) among those
On the crystallinity, probability of occurrence, and rheology of lava and magma

Given a set of comagmatic lavas of similar composition but varying crystallinity, a diagram can be constructed using only the modes of the phenocrysts that quantitively shows the sequence of crystallization. This is done by plotting the amount of each phenocryst against the total crystallinity or percentage of melt of the lava itself. A histogram of the total phenocryst content measures the probability of the magma to be erupted as lava. This eruption probability (P E ) is the product of the probability of finding the magma at any state of crystallinity (thermal probability, P T ) and the rheological probability (P R ) of the magma being physically able to erupt (i.e. P E =P T P R ). It is shown that P E is given by dX/dT, where X is the crystallinity of the magma as a function of temperature (T). Because crystal production is generally nonlinear—in most rocks it is step-like—P E is a bellshaped curve stradling the temperature at which the magma is one half crystallized. Near the liquidus it is most favorable rheologically for the magma to erupt. But the probability is small of sampling a magma near its liquidus, because it cools quickly there. It is maximum when there are high rates of crystal production, because it then cools slowly. As the crystallinity increases, it reaches a critical point of maximum packing (i.e. lowest porosity) around 50–60% crystals where it becomes rheologically impossible to erupt. The magma looses its potential to become a lava and it becomes a pluton. From a histogram of crystallinity and P T ,P R can be found. This technique, as well as the construction of the mode-crystallization (M-C) diagram, is illustrated using a set of Aleutian lavas. These lavas also show that the point of critical crystallinity decreases with increasing silica content of the lava. Because this critical crystallinity is much lower for granitic magmas, they are much more probable than basaltic magmas to become plutons. Beyond this point, granitic magmas can only erupt as ash flows. This correlation of critical crystallinity and silica content is used to show a method by which the viscosity of the magma can be estimated as a function of crystallinity. This variation is found to compare favorably with Roscoe's equation of the dependence of viscosity on the concentration of suspended solids. These results show that differentiation probably can not normally take place beyond this critical crystallinity. The extraction of melt beyond this critical point by filter pressing is unlikely because the assemblage dilates upon stressing. Only if the phenocrysts deform viscously can additional melt be extracted, and this can probably only occur with large (−30km) bodies.
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme inhibitors as potential enhancers of tumor radioresponse

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme induced by a variety of factors including tumor promoters, cytokines, growth factors and hypoxia. It is involved in the metabolic conversion of arachidonic acid to prostanoids, primarily in inflammatory states and tumors. In normal tissues, prostanoids are synthesized by COX-1, and they exert numerous homeostatic physiologic functions. COX-2 overexpression is linked to carcinogenesis, maintenance of progressive tumor growth and facilitation of metastatic spread. COX-2 and its products may act as protectors against cell damage by ionizing radiation. I describe findings showing that inhibition of COX-2 or prostanoids by selective COX-2 inhibitors or commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has antitumor activity and may improve tumor response to radiation without significantly affecting normal tissue radioresponse. COX-2 inhibitors and radiation interact in multiple complex ways, with the enzyme inhibitor directly or indirectly augmenting tumor cell destruction by radiation. COX-2 represents a potential molecular target for improvement of cancer radiotherapy.
Gender Differences in Self-Rated Emotional Expressiveness.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess gender differences in the expression of different feelings as well as to examine the relationship between each gender's confidence in expressing different feelings and the target person's gender. The subjects, 100 male and 125 female psychology students at a community college, self-rated their confidence in expressing emotions by completing the Efficacy and Consequence Expectations for Social Skills (ECESS). Multivariate analyses and then univariate and post hoc analyses were performed. Findings indicated a significant interaction between subject gender and target person gender for confidence in expressing anger and love/liking/affection. Males reported lower confidence in expressing anger to females than did female subjects, and males were more confident expressing anger to men than to women. Females reported significantly higher confidence in expressing liking/love/affection to males than did male subjects. Female subjects were significantly more confident in expressing fear and sadness than male subjects regardless of the target person's gender. However, females did not report significantly more confidence in expressing loneliness than males with either target gender.
On the D-optimality of group divisible designs

Abstract In this paper we consider the determination of D-optimal block designs within classes of designs having υ treatments arranged in b blocks of size k . In particular, we prove that connected group divisible designs having parameters υ=mn , m=υ ⧸2, n =2 and λ 2 =λ 1 ±1 are D-optimal within their corresponding classes.
An efficient procedure for selecting equal probability samples

FORTRAN code that implements an algorithm for selecting equal probability samples is given. The procedure is brief and decides to include or not include a record as it is called. Consequently, storage requirements are minimal. The procedure gives the exact number of values specified, with each record in the population having an equal probability for inclusion in the sample, including the last.
Effect of free surface heat transfer on thermocapillary flow in double-layer fluid structures

In this paper, we examine the effect of heat transfer at the free encapsulant-air surface on thermocapillary flow in a rectangular melt-encapsulant double-layer fluid structure. We show that increased heat transfer to the double-layer system through the free surface weakens thermocapillary convection in the encapsulant phase and enhances the convection in the melt phase.
Transition to academic nurse educator: a survey exploring readiness, confidence, and locus of control.

The purpose of this study was to describe nurse transition to the role of academic nurse educator and to investigate the resources and barriers that nurses experience during this career transition, specifically the relationships among levels of readiness, confidence, personal control, support, decision independence, general self-esteem, and work locus of control. A convenience sample of registered nurses in the United States ( N = 541) who hold current full-time employment at an accredited nursing program granting baccalaureate or higher degrees was utilized. Subjects were recruited via electronic mail and answered an on-line survey. Pearson product–moment correlation and multivariate analysis of variance were used for statistical calculations. Results indicated significant, positive relationships among all the variables except readiness and personal control ( p = .01). Significant differences were found in amount of time that nurses were in the role of academic nurse educator and the demographic variables of number of children, marital status, and highest degree held. The results of this study provide evidence to support and enhance processes to develop and retain nurse academicians, to promote excellence in the academic nurse educator role, and to advance the science and practice of the profession.
Acting Up: Drama and the Rhetorical Education of Progressive-Era Teachers at Three Massachusetts State Normal Schools

Abstract This essay considers the diverse pedagogical purposes the study of drama served in the rhetorical preparation of teachers at three progressive-era normal schools for women, the Framingham, Westfield, and Salem State Normal Schools. Drawing on scholarship and archival materials, I argue that these normal schools both introduced future teachers to drama as a tool to help their pupils learn and employed dramatic activity as a means to prepare future teachers for their lives in the classroom. Through work in drama, future teachers made explicit connections between learning and playmaking, pedagogy and theatrics, teaching and performance.
A Single-Institution Review of Portosystemic Shunts in Children: An Ongoing Discussion

Purpose. Review the safety and long-term success with portosystemic shunts in children at a single institution. Methods. An IRB-approved, retrospective chart review of all children ages 19 and undergoing surgical portosystemic shunt from January 1990–September 2008. Results. Ten patients were identified, 8 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 15 years (range 5–19 years). Primary diagnoses were congenital hepatic fibrosis (5), hepatic vein thrombosis (2), portal vein thrombosis (2), and cystic fibrosis (1). Primary indications were repeated variceal bleeding (6), symptomatic hypersplenism (2), and significant liver dysfunction (2). Procedures performed were distal splenorenal bypass (4), side-to-side portocaval shunt (3), proximal splenorenal shunt (2), and an interposition H-graft portocaval shunt (1). There was no perioperative mortality and only minor morbidity. Seventy percent of patients had improvement of their symptoms. Eighty percent of shunts remained patent. Two were occluded at a median follow-up of 50 months (range 0.5–13.16 years). Two patients underwent subsequent liver transplantation. Two patients died at 0.5 and 12.8 years postoperatively, one from multisystem failure with cystic fibrosis and one from post-operative transplant complications. Conclusions. The need for portosystemic shunts in children is rare. However, in the era of liver transplantation, portosystemic shunts in selected patients with well-preserved liver function remains important. We conclude that portosystemic shunts are safe and efficacious in the control of variceal hemorrhage and symptoms related to hypersplenism.
Reduced successive quadratic programming implementation for large-scale optimization problems with smaller degrees of freedom

Abstract Many process optimization problems consist of large numbers of equations and only a few degrees of freedom. To exploit this feature an implementation of the range and null space decomposition (RND) strategy for large-scale problems is described, with emphasis on the optimization of engineering systems. The RND technique for successive quadratic programming (SQP), as detailed in Vasantharajan and Biegler (Comput. chem. Engng 12, 1087–1101, 1988), is based on an inexpensive nonorthonormal decomposition. However, the original study evaluated a dense implementation. Here we discuss the incorporation of general-purpose sparse matrix techniques. Also, we consider safeguards for dealing with inconsistent linearizations and infeasible quadratic programs (QPs), which can compromise the robustness of this method. Here systematic ways of generating a nonsingular basis for general nonlinear programs are implemented to adapt this strategy to solve large, sparse problems efficiently. We describe an LP-based procedure which serves to partition the variables into decisions and dependents, thereby generating a nonsingular basis. Any redundancies/degeneracies in the constraints are also detected and processed separately. The reduced SQP implementation has been integrated into the modeling system, GAMS (Brooke et al., GAMS, A User's Guide, 1988). Finally, a comparison of the RND-based reduced SQP strategy with MINOS (Murtagh and Saunders, Minos/Augmented Supplementary User's Manual, 1978) is presented on a set of NLPs and process design problems. The process problems include the optimization of the operation of distillation columns. These problems warrant special mention as they have been implemented in a fully equation-oriented manner, thus exploiting the potential of the GAMS architecture. Results are presented that confirm the success of the reduced SQP implementation for efficient solution of large, difficult nonlinear programs.
Catalysis of the Oxidation and Reduction Reactions of Steroid and Stilbene Estrogens by Nuclear Enzymes

Abstract We demonstrated for the first time that nuclei were able to convert a stilbene estrogen (diethylstilbestrol) to reactive metabolites, which covalently bind to nuclear proteins and DNA. Depending on the cofactor used, nuclear enzymes catalyzed oxidation and/or reduction of stilbene and steroid estrogens. 2-Hydroxyestradiol (a major metabolite of steroidal estrogen, 17β-estradiol) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) were oxidized to 2,3-estradiol quinone and DES quinone, respectively, by peroxide-supported nuclear cytochromes P450. A Lineweaver-Burk plot of rate of formation of DES quinone at various substrate concentrations yielded a Km = 15 μM and Vmax = 10 nmol/mg protein/min. The oxidation of DES to DES quinone by nuclei was drastically decreased by known inhibitors of cytochromes P450. DES quinone was reduced back to DES by nuclei in the presence of NADPH, presumably through cytochrome P450 reductase. The reduction of DES quinone to DES by nuclei was significantly inhibited by antibodies and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 reductase. Under reaction conditions similar to oxidation of DES to DES quinone by nuclei, it was observed that nuclear metabolic products of DES were able to covalently bind to nuclear proteins and DNA. The data reported here establish that DES and a catechol estrogen can be oxidized to quinones and that the quinones may be reduced back to the hydroquinones by nuclear preparations when fortified with an appropriate cofactor and that reactive intermediates are involved based on observed covalent binding to macromolecules. The significance of these events, and their possible role in toxicity/cancer/teratogenicity, however, is not at all clear.
The transfer RNA identity problem: a search for rules

Correct recognition of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is central to the maintenance of translational fidelity. The hypothesis that synthetases recognize anticodon nucleotides was proposed in 1964 and had considerable experimental support by the mid-1970s. Nevertheless, the idea was not widely accepted until relatively recently in part because the methodologies initially available for examining tRNA recognition proved hampering for adequately testing alternative hypotheses. Implementation of new technologies has led to a reasonably complete picture of how tRNAs are recognized. The anticodon is indeed important for 17 of the 20 Escherichia coli isoaccepting groups. For many of the isoaccepting groups, the acceptor stem or position 73 (or both) is important as well.
Sequence dependence of the stability of RNA hairpin molecules with six nucleotide loops

Thermodynamic parameters are reported for hairpin formation in 1 M NaCl by RNA sequence of the types GCGXUAAUYCGC and GGUXUAAUYACC with Watson-Crick loop closure, where XY is the set of 10 possible mismatch base pairs. A nearest-neighbor analysis of the data indicates the free energy of loop formation at 37 degrees C varies from 3.1 to 5.1 kcal/mol. These results agree with the model previously developed [Vecenie, C. J., and Serra, M. J. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 11813] to predict the stability of RNA hairpin loops: DeltaG degrees (37L(n) = DeltaG degrees (37i(n) + DeltaG degrees (37MM) - 0.8 (if first mismatch is GA or UU) - 0.8 (if first mismatch is GG and loop is closed on the 5' side by a purine). Here, DeltaG degrees (37i(n) is the free energy for initiating a loop of n nucleotides, and DeltaG degrees (37MM) is the free energy for the interaction of the first mismatch with the closing base pair. Thermodynamic parameters are also reported for hairpin formation in 1 M NaCl by RNA sequence of the types GACGXUAAUYUGUC and GGUXUAAUYGCC with GU base pair closure, where XY is the set of 10 possible mismatch base pairs. A nearest-neighbor analysis of the data indicates the free energy of loop formation at 37 degrees C varies from 3.6 to 5.3 kcal/mol. These results allow the development of a model for predicting the stability of hairpin loops closed by GU base pairs. DeltaG degrees (37L(n) (kcal/mol) = DeltaG degrees (37i(n) - 0.8 (if the first mismatch is GA) - 0.8 (if the first mismatch is GG and the loop is closed on the 5' side by a purine). Note that for these hairpins, the stability of the loops does not depend on DeltaG degrees (37MM). For hairpin loops closed by GU base pairs, the DeltaG degrees (37i(n) values, when n = 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, are 4.9, 5.0, 4.6, 5.0, and 4.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The model gives good agreement when tested against six naturally occurring hairpin sequences. Thermodynamic values for terminal mismatches adjacent to GC, GU, and UG base pairs are also reported.
Thallium stress testing does not predict cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing cadaveric renal transplantation

Abstract purpose: This study assessed the usefulness of thallium stress testing as a predictor of perioperative cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing cadaveric renal transplantation. Demographic factors influencing the exercise performance in these patients were also examined. patients and methods: The medical records of 189 consecutive patients with diabetic nephropathy who were evaluated for cadaveric renal transplantation were reviewed. Thallium stress testing was the initial examination of cardiovascular status in 141 patients. An adequate examination was one in which at least 70% of maximum heart rate was achieved. A thallium stress test was normal if there were no ST segment depressions on the electrocardiogram and no perfusion abnormalities on the thallium scan. Forty-four patients underwent cardiac catheterization as the initial evaluation (Group C) and four patients underwent transplantation without a formal cardiovascular evaluation (Group D). results: Sixty-four of the 141 patients undergoing thallium stress testing had an adequate and normal examination (Group A). The incidence of perioperative cardiac events in this group was 2%. Seventy-seven patients (Group B) had an abnormal ( n = 41) or an inadequate ( n = 36) thallium stress test and most ( n = 61) then underwent coronary angiography. The use of β-blockers was the only predictor of an abnormal or inadequate thallium stress test (10 of 64 versus 27 of 77, χ 2 = 6.66, p ≤0.025). Forty-three percent (26 of 61 in Group B) of patients with inadequate or abnormal thallium stress tests had significant coronary artery disease on cardiac catheterization. The perioperative risk of cardiac events was not different in Group A versus Groups B, C, and D combined. Survival of Group A and B patients was not different but was significantly longer than that of Group C patients (p conclusions: Thallium stress testing allowed 45% of patients to avoid cardiac catheterization before renal transplantation. Discontinuing β-blockers before thallium stress tests may improve exercise performance. The risk of perioperative cardiac events after transplantation was low and not different among patient groups. The relatively low predictive value of thallium stress testing for significant coronary artery disease and perioperative cardiac events in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease suggests the need for the development of a more cost-effective, noninvasive screening test for this patient population.
Industrial sales lead conversion modeling

Purpose – This paper seeks to develop a theory and a practical qualitative modeling tool that accurately predicts the probability that an industrial sales lead will convert to a booking based on observable lead characteristics and one that can be used by a typical sales manager.Design/methodology/approach – Past lead characterization models were reviewed and gaps and weaknesses examined. A qualitative model of lead characterization and qualification was then developed based upon the determinants of customer purchase decisions.Findings – In total, 16 commonly available lead characteristics that represent proxies for the eight determinants of industrial customer purchase decisions were identified. These were adapted to a scoring model that enables sales and marketing personnel to assess the probability that a lead will convert to a booking.Research limitations/implications – Different companies use different criteria and different weighting factors for making purchase decisions; therefore, no single quantit...
Decision-making capacity in the elderly

Abstract A patient’s right to give informed consent to treatment holds numerous challenges often faced by clinicians. The challenges can be further complicated in an older or elderly woman whose capacity to make an informed decision may be affected due to cognitive impairment secondary to age-related changes or dementia. Addressing the factors that are contributing to mental status changes, such as delirium or depression, can prevent cognitive impairment that can lead to an inability to provide a meaningful informed consent. Knowledge of the legal issues and outcomes of case law can give some guidance to the clinician in approaching the task of assessing decision-making capacity.
Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Mortality Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective Previous examinations of depression as a predictor of mortality in end-stage renal disease have yielded inconsistent findings. We sought to clarify the possible link with mortality by assessing depression at an earlier stage of renal impairment before the uremic disease state and depressive symptoms become highly confounded, and then following patients during the period of disease progression.
Formation of NO2 in range-top burners

This paper describes results of a study that examined NO and NO2 formation on range-top burners and in diffusion flames. These flames were characterized by composition and temperature profiles. Range-top burner flames and pilot flames displayed qualitatively similar behavior with respect to the kinds of flame regions in which relatively high NO2/NO ratios were identified. These regions of high NO2/NO ratios were consistently either regions of low oxygen concentration or flame surfaces subjected to thermal quenching. A limited series of experiments with modified burners indicated that reduced emissions from both the RTB and pilot flames could be achieved by (1) improved primary aeration, using 50% or greater primary air, and (2) using flame geometries designed to minimize flame surface, e.g., flat-flame burners or other designs having effectively fewer distinct ports. Both NO and NO2 are readily produced in diffusion and partially premixed Bunsen-type flames, mainly in the vicinity of the hot visible zone. High NO2/NO ratios are associated with the cooler regions of the flame, as, for example, at the base of the flame in the highly diluted downstream region and in the fuel-rich regions of the flames. A simplified reaction mechanism based on CN and NH radicals being oxidized to NO followed by NO + HO2 → NO2 + OH appears to explain the high NO2/NO ratios observed. A practical implication of the study is that a burner designed with improved aeration and mixing minimization of flame surface should emit less NO2.
Free surface instability of a rotating liquid film of a second-order fluid

The free surface instability of a liquid film of an incompressible second-order fluid attached to a rotating circular cylinder is studied with respect to rotationally symmetric infinitesimal disturbances. The surface mode is examined in detail; the shear wave mode is qualitatively discussed. The results show that for any Reynolds numberR and any surface tensionT, there is always a range of wave numberm for which the flow is unstable. The dependence of the growth rate as well as the critical wave numberm, on the normal stress coefficients of the fluid is studied quantitatively for small as well as for finiteR. It is found that while the first normal stress coefficient has no effect on the stability of the flow, the presence of the second normal stress coefficient always tend to make the flow less stable (i.e., larger growth rate). The critical wave length (which corresponds to the mode of maximum instability and thereby determines the wave length of the breaking apart of the rings formed on the cylinder) is longer for a second-order fluid than for a Newtonian one. These effects (larger growth rate and longer critical wave length) are more pronounced asR increases and/orb (the thickness parameter) increases for a fixed surface tension parameterS. Surface tension is always stabilizing. Decreasing surface tension increases the growth rate, more so for larger magnitude of the second normal stress coefficient.
Kinetic Characterization of the Glycosyltransferase Module of Staphylococcus aureus PBP2

We report the heterologous overexpression and purification of Staphylococcus aureus PBP2 and demonstrate efficient glycan polymerization from lipid II in vitro. S. aureus PBP2 is the first purified gram-positive class A penicillin-binding protein to show good transglycosylase activity. This enables further studies on this important class of enzymes.
Brønsted acid-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of protected alkenylamines. Synthesis of pyrrolidines and piperidines.

The cyclization of aminoalkenes bearing an electron-withdrawing group on the nitrogen atom was catalyzed by triflic or sulfuric acid in toluene. Pyrrolidines and piperidines were formed in excellent yields. N-Phenylanilides also underwent cyclization to form γ-lactams.
From goods to great: Service innovation in a product-dominant firm

Abstract Increasingly, service innovation is a source of competitive differentiation for product-dominant companies such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. However, the relative intangibility of services has led to uncertainty concerning how to apply product innovation expertise to the services space. We argue that meaningful service innovation by a product-dominant company must begin with the recognition that services are solutions to customer needs. As such, the primary goal of a product-dominant company seeking service innovation should not be to innovate service. Rather, it should be to help customers get a specific job done better or to help them get more jobs done. To this end, we offer three approaches for companies seeking new service innovation based on how customers define value.
Effect of increasing amounts of supplemental progesterone in a timed artificial insemination protocol on fertility of lactating dairy cows

The objectives were to evaluate the effect of supplemental progesterone during a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on pregnancy per insemination and pregnancy loss. Lactating dairy cows from 2 dairy herds were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) 14 d apart, and cows observed in estrus following the second PGF(2alpha) injection were inseminated (n = 1,301). Cows not inseminated by 11 d after the end of the presynchronization were submitted to the TAI protocol (d 0 GnRH, d 7 PGF(2alpha), d 8 estradiol cypionate, and d 10 TAI). On the day of the GnRH of the TAI protocol (study d 0), cows were assigned randomly to receive no exogenous progesterone (control = 432), one controlled internal drug-release (CIDR) insert (CIDR1 = 440), or 2 CIDR inserts (CIDR2 = 440) containing 1.38 g of progesterone each from study d 0 to 7. Blood was sampled on study d 0 before insertion of CIDR for determination of progesterone concentration in plasma, and cows with concentration or =1.0 ng/mL were classified as high progesterone (HP). From a subgroup of 240 cows, blood was sampled on study d 3, 7, 17 and 24 and ovaries were examined by ultrasonography on study d 0 and 7. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 38 +/- 3 and 66 +/- 3 d after AI. Data were analyzed including only cows randomly assigned to treatments and excluding cows that were inseminated after the second PGF(2alpha) injection. The proportion of cows classified as HP at the beginning of the TAI protocol was similar among treatments, but differed between herds. Concentrations of progesterone in plasma during the TAI protocol increased linearly with number of CIDR used, and the increment was 0.9 ng/mL per CIDR. The proportion of cows with plasma progesterone > or =1.0 ng/mL on study d 17 was not affected by treatment, but a greater proportion of control than CIDR-treated cows had asynchronous estrous cycles following the TAI protocol. Treatment with CIDR inserts, however, did not affect pregnancy at 38 +/- 3 and 66 +/- 3 d after AI or pregnancy loss.
The hydrothermolysis of the picrate anion: kinetics and mechanism

Abstract The hydrothermolysis of the picrate anion in aqueous solution has been studied at 260–325 °C in liquid water. At starting pH values above 12, the disappearance of picrate begins immediately and is first order in OH − . At lower pH, there is an induction period preceding the disappearance, and over the pH range 6.7–11.9 there is no pH dependence in the developed reaction phase. Added borate and silicate salts promote the reaction, suggesting their acting as nucleophiles at hydrothermal conditions. Nitrite is an initial product, while acetate is a final product and reflective of a vigorous oxidative sequence consuming the intermediate products. A reaction sequence consistent with the results at the lower pH includes initiation of a chain process by displacement of nitrite by water, followed by nucleophilic displacement of nitrite by nitrite such that a nitro group is replaced by an ONO group. The ester then rapidly hydrolyzes, and the net reaction is the production of an additional nitrite with each cycle. A simple modeling of this system satisfactorily fits the experimental findings.
Indomethacin Attenuates the Renal Actions of Atrial Natriuretic Factor in Dogs With Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract The interaction between renal prostaglandins and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) for the regulation of renal hemodynamic and excretory function was examined in conscious dogs with arteriovenous fistula and chronic compensated high-output heart failure (n = 6). After two control clearance periods, 100 nglkglmin ANF was administered for the duration of the study. After two clearance periods with ANF infusions, 10 mglkg indomethacin intravenous bolus was given, and three additional clearance periods were obtained. Atrial natriuretic factor alone increased sodium excretion from a baseline of 25 ± 7 p,Eqlmin to 158 ± 24 p,Eq/min (P
A Practitioner’s Guide to Prescribing Felbamate for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We developed this felbamate guideline using drug prescribing information and reviewing the available literature on relevant neuropsychiatric disorders in populations without intellectual disabilities because of the dearth of available literature on the population with intellectual disabilities. This guideline includes indications, contraindications, assessments prior to and during treatment, dosing with particular focus on dosing modifications required by drug–drug interactions or personal characteristics, and adverse drug reactions. The procedures contained in this guideline may not fully account for all of the possible risks of treatment in this population because of the limited studies available; thus, there will be a need to periodically update this guideline as new information becomes available. Nevertheless, we believe that this guideline provides a useful resource for clinicians who treat epilepsy in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. A felbamate drug utilization review that summarizes this guideline is described.
Question Mark Ear Deformity and a Modified Surgical Correction Method

The authors present another type of correction for a relatively rare congenital ear deformity aptly named by Cosman et al. [1,2], the ‘‘question mark ear.’’ The authors appropriately describe the defect as a deficiency of tissue at the junction of the ear lobe and helical rim and adjacent scapha (root of the helix), resulting in a partial cleft associated with varying degrees of protrusion of the ear itself. In the single case described, the authors used a technique of elevating a posterior subcutaneous skin flap based laterally over a free graft of cartilage from the underlying concha to restore helical rim continuity. With this technique, the flap is rolled up to cover the grafted cartilage, and the skin flap donor site is closed, as depicted in their illustration. Unlike some other methods using either a Z plasty or multiple interdigitating flaps, the authors 1 technique results in surgical scars on only the posterior surface of the ear, which is commendable
Stereological analysis of estrogen receptor expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of ob/ob and agouti mice.

Abstract Circulating gonadal steroid levels affect metabolic homeostasis by regulating appetite and food intake. The actions of estrogen are mediated through its two receptors ERα and ERβ. ERα expression is necessary to maintain normal food intake, body weight and adiposity. Leptin plays a central role in regulating feeding behavior, homeostasis and reproduction. It is known that there is an effect of estrogen and leptin on feeding behavior. The present study was undertaken 1) to assess the changes in the reproductive cycle in obese, infertile ob/ob mice with no circulating leptin and infertile, obese, agouti (A y /a) mice with high circulating leptin levels, 2) to evaluate the hypothalamic distribution of ERα and ERβ, and 3) to analyze the differences in expression of ERs related to leptin and β-estradiol levels in these mouse lines. The results show that the ob/ob and A y /a mice were acyclic and were at a persistent estrous phase. The β-estradiol levels were similar between WT, ob/ob and A y /a mice. Stereologic analysis showed that there were significantly higher numbers of ERα-immunoreactive cells in ob/ob mice irrespective of sex when compared to wild-type (WT) in arcuate nucleus (ARH) and no significant change in ERβ immunoreactive cell numbers in ARH or paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Ovariectomy in female wild-type mice caused a 50% increase of ERα-immunoreactive cells. Results suggest that leptin and estrogen act via the same neuronal circuits to affect reproduction, neuroendocrine and behavioral processes. However, estrogen levels and acyclicity have more profound effect on the regulation of ERα cell numbers in the ARH than circulating leptin levels.
Micro-arheometer: High throughput system for measuring of viscoelastic properties of single biological cells

The micro-arheometer (micro-array of rheometers) is a multi-functional system on a chip. It is capable of cell manipulation and sorting utilizing dielectrophoresis, as well as measuring frequency-dependent viscoelastic cell properties by applying a known force with the desired frequency (piezoelectric actuation) and measuring displacement using a piezoresistive read-out. The micro-arheometer will accelerate biomedical research generating a larger statistical data set in a shorter amount of time by automating the process of micro-rheology on multiple cells at a time.
Functional Proteomic Analysis of Protein Kinase C ε Signaling Complexes in Preconditioning.

Studies from our laboratory and others have shown that transgenic (Tg) mice expressing low levels of active protein kinase C e (PKCe) exhibit resistance to ischemic injury, a cardioprotected phenotype analogous to that observed during preconditioning. Although PKCe has been shown to activate multiple downstream targets in preconditioning, the …
Late Precambrian tectonism in the Kingston Range, southern California

Speculation on the early history of the Cordilleran geosyncline of North America has relied in part on interpretation of the tectonic setting of the Precambrian Pahrump Group. Recent mapping in the Kingston Range resulted in new data to aid our speculation. Specifically, Precambrian tectonic events involving folding and later low-angle normal faulting affected the Crystal Spring Formation, Beck Spring Dolomite, and lower part of the Kingston Peak Formation. Unconformably overlying these units is a relatively undeformed conglomerate. Diamictite occurs both above and below the unconformity; hence, Cordilleran-wide correlations of the Kingston Peak Formation based on diamictite require reassessment. The nature of boundaries, localized deformation, and outcrop distribution of the Pahrump Group suggest that these rocks may be preserved in transtensional basins associated with strike-slip faulting, possibly occurring during development of the late Precambrian continental margin.
Septic shock : An analysis of outcomes for patients with onset on hospital wards versus intensive care units

Objective: To determine if early interventions for septic shock were associated with reduced mortality. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University hospital intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards. Patients: Forty-one consecutive patients prospectively identified with positive blood cultures and septic shock. Although all patients were eventually treated in an ICU, ten (24%) patients were on a general ward at the onset of septic shock, and 31 (76%) were in an ICU setting. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Over a period of 9 mos, a cohort of 41 patients who had positive blood cultures and septic shock was prospectively identified. The 28-day crude mortality was 46% (19 deaths). We compared the management of septic shock and outcome for patients on a general ward vs. those patients in an ICU setting. Of the ten patients on the ward at time of shock onset (median age 55.5 yrs; median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score of 18.5), seven (70%) died. In contrast, the 31 patients receiving intensive care when shock developed were older and more ill (median age 66 yrs; median APACHE II 24), yet had a mortality of 39% (12 deaths). The odds ratio (OR) for death for ward patients compared with ICU patients was 3.57 (p = .17). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, two risk factors for mortality were important: APACHE II score (p =.015) and ward status (p = .08). Candida species in the bloodstream is known to have a high attributable mortality. When type of bloodstream pathogen (Candida species vs. bacteria) was added to the model, APACHE II (OR 2.64 for 10-unit increase) remained significant (p =.014), but ward status (OR 3.97) became statistically nonsignificant (p = .222). The patients who were on a general ward when their shock developed had a median delay of 67 mins before transfer to an ICU setting. Ward patients received an intravenous fluid bolus after a median delay of 27 mins, whereas those in the ICU who received a fluid bolus did so after a median of 15 mins (p =.48). Ward patients also had a median delay of 310 mins to receive inotropic support compared with a median 22.5 mins (p =.037) for the patients in an ICU setting when shock started. Conclusions: The data suggest that for patients with septic shock on wards, there were clinically important delays in transfer of patients to the ICU, receipt of intravenous fluid boluses, and receipt of inotropic agents. However, the most powerful predictors of mortality were APACHE II scores and bloodstream infection with Candida species.
The Concurrent Validity of Unobtrusive Measures of Conflict in Small ISOLATED Groups

Abstract : Six unobtrusive measures of group behavior (type of response to a conflict criterion item) and response or not to a sociometric questionnaire were correlated with 3 criteria reflecting a concurrent validation procedure. Results supported the general hypothesis that the unobtrusive measures used were indicative of conflict in small isolated groups. An unexpected finding indicated that response to stress or conflict may be characterized by apparently opposite types of behavior within groups -- either withholding information or making strong negative statements about another.
The heterogeneous nuclear RNA of chicken erythroblasts

Abstract Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) from chicken erythroblasts has a modal molecular weight of 1.6 · 106 in 99% dimethylsulfoxide. When erythroblasts are labeled continuously with [14C]uridine, nuclear RNA is labeled as a single kinetic component with a half-life of 18 min. After a 10–20 min lag, label appears in cytoplasmic RNA at about 1% of the initial rate of total RNA synthesis. Of the hnRNA sedimenting faster than 28 S ribosomal RNA in both an aqueous sucrose gradient and a subsequent fructose gradient in 99% dimethylsulfoxide, about one-third is polyadenylated, although only about one in 2000 (i.e. about four molecules per cell) contain a globin messenger sequence. The hnRNA of erythroblasts isolated from 5.7- and 11-day chick embryos have the same content of globin messenger sequences as erythroblasts from anemic adults.
Thermal decomposition of energetic materials 46. The formation of melamine-like cyclic azines as a mechanism for ballistic modification of composite propellants by DCD, DAG, and DAF

Abstract The gas products from dicyandiamide (DCD), diaminoglyoxime (DAG), and diaminofurazan (DAF) heated at dT dt ≥ 100 °C/s, under pressure up to 1000 psi Ar have been determined. Contrary to the behavior of most materials, large, thermally stable cyclic azines (melamine and melon) form in addition to common low-molecular-weight gases NH3, CO2, HCN, and N2O. The structural isomer of DCD, ammonium dicyanamide, NH4[N(CN)2] also vaporizes from DAG and DAF. The cyclic azines are proposed to contribute to the burn-rate suppression and the lowering of the pressure exponent when DCD, DAG, and DAF are formulated in composite propellants. The azines are proposed to form on the burning surface and reduce the heat and mass transfer in this region. DCD, DAG, and DAF liberate NH3 as part of the cyclization process that may also contribute to burn-rate suppression.
Local anesthesia for above knee femoropopliteal bypass: an alternative technique to endoluminal bypass grafting.

Abstract Background: The majority of patients with peripheral vascular disease have associated medical illnesses that contribute to a substantial incidence of perioperative complications. Some of the these complications may be related to the choice of anesthetic used. An ideal anesthetic would provide good analgesia, have few complications associated with its use, including minimizing hemodynamic instability, and provide an adequate surgical environment. Materials and methods: Ten patients with an occluded superficial femoral artery and claudication or rest pain were selected. Eligibility criteria were a non-obese thigh and an above knee popliteal segment of at least 10 cm. Lidocaine local anesthesia with systemic sedation was employed. Above knee femoropopliteal bypasses were performed in all patients. Intraoperative fluid volume, anesthetic dose and perioperative morbidity were recorded. Results: All patients tolerated the procedure well. The operating environment was excellent. Intraoperative fluid requirements were less for patients receiving local anesthesia as compared with a similar group of patients undergoing above knee femoropopliteal bypass receiving regional anesthesia (mean 1750 ml versus 3386 ml). The mean dosage of lidocaine (0.5%) was 367 mg over a mean of 116 min operating time. All patients ambulated within 8 hours. There was no perioperative morbidity, mortality or graft occlusion. Conclusion: This technique is easy to perform and further reduces the systemic magnitude of anesthesia, while providing excellent perioperative analgesia and a satisfactory surgical environment. It may be ideal for the high risk patient, as intraoperative fluid volume requirements are reduced. In an era where endoluminal bypass grafting is being increasingly advocated, this technique retains the benefits of bypass grafting while possibly reducing the physiological insult.