cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Testosterone Propionate and Estradiol Benzoate on the in vitro Synthesis of FSH

The effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) and testosterone propionate (TP) on pituitary and plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the in vitro synthesis of FSH in pituitary tissue was studied in mature male rats. By the 4th day of treatment with EB pituitary content and concentration of FSH had declined and content had fallen to 6% and concentration to 3% of pretreatment values. Similar results occurred during in vitro synthesis. However serum levels of FSH did not show any decline until the 21st and 28th days of treatment. Administration of TP produced a progressive increase in pituitary content and concentration of FSH though serum levels remained unchanged for the 1st 7 days after which they fell slightly. The effect of TP on the in vitro synthesis of FSH showed no consistent pattern though in no case was a decrease in the uptake of labeled leucine into immunoprecipitable FSH observed. The results suggest that EB and TP have different effects on pituitary FSH in normal adult male rats.
A novel mechanism of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor antagonism in vivo.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is widely expressed in a number of solid tumors including colorectal cancers. Overexpression of this receptor is one means by which a cell can achieve positive signals for survival and proliferation; another effective means is by constitutive activation of EGFR. We have elucidated the role of constitutive EGFR signaling in malignant progression by stably transfecting colon cancer cells with a human transforming growth factor-α cDNA (a ligand for EGFR) under repressible control by tetracycline. We show that constitutive expression of transforming growth factor-α and its subsequent constitutive activation of EGFR allows for cancer cell survival in response to environmental stress in vitro and in vivo as well. The reversal of constitutive EGFR activation results in the loss of downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt activation, and a reduction in xenograft size that is associated with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. We used CI-1033, a small molecule antagonist of EGFR, to dissect an activation pathway that shows the ability of ERBb2 to activate Akt, but not Erk in the face of EGFR antagonism. This novel escape mechanism is a possible explanation of why anti-EGFR therapies have shown disappointing results in clinical trials. [Cancer Res 2007;67(2):665–73]
Does Women's Presence Change Legislative Behavior? Evidence from Argentina, 1983-2007

In scores of countries, the adoption of gender quotas has boosted the numbers of women elected to national legislatures. How does the growing presence of women affect legislative behavior regarding women’s rights? Using an original dataset of all the bills submitted to the Argentine Congress between 1983 and 2007, we analyze the relationship between women’s presence in Congress and the introduction and approval of bills related to women’s rights. Our dataset allows us to compare three periods with varying levels of women’s presence in both legislative chambers (the first without quotas, the second with a quota in one chamber, and the third with full quota implementation in both chambers). Our results confirm the necessity of distinguishing between the process of legislative behavior and its outcome. We show that many more women’s rights bills were introduced when women held a greater share of seats in both chambers. However, the approval rates of these bills actually declined. Despite their greater presence, women continue to be marginalized in the legislature and to suffer reduced political efficacy.
Internationalism and Asianism in Japanese Strategic Thought from Meiji to Heisei

Around 1907, 1987, and 2007 Japan faced a crossroads in defining internationalism and Asianism, determining their relative priorities, and assessing their relevance for national identity. Similarities can be found in the far-reaching changes occurring in Japan's external environment in the three periods and in the importance of setting a new direction for strategic thinking. Misjudgments in the first two periods are reviewed in order to draw lessons for responding to today's challenges. A distorted outlook on internationalism led to rejection of shifts in US thinking welcomed elsewhere in the global community. Now as attention focuses on debates over the Six-Party Talks as a test of internationalization and over the East Asian Community and regionalism as a test of Asianism, it is possible that the riveting impact of the ‘abductions’ issue, as with the ‘Northern Territories’ issue 20 years earlier, will remain a symbol that trumps a strategic approach toward Asia at a moment of far-reaching regional reorganization. Shortcomings in dealing with the concepts internationalism and Asianism are connected; at the very time the Japanese struggle with one, they are also at an impasse over the other. The same set of factors may be at work: an absence of agreed principles on which to anchor foreign policy; fragmented strategic thinking that loses sight of interconnections and the big picture; and national identity that excessively separates Japan from global forces that transform politics and society and that narrowly compartmentalize the historical developments that shaped relations with Asian countries without capturing the fundamental regional dynamics.
The World’s Gender Gap in Agriculture and Natural Resources: Evidence and Explanations

On the Ground Inequities, or “gender gaps,” occur between men and women in the control over productive resources and assignment of laborious tasks. This can negatively affect women and their families. Although detailed studies remain rare, gender gaps appear to be common in the world's rangelands. The sizes and types of gaps vary, however. To measure progress toward greater gender equity on rangelands, we need baseline data that quantify information for women and men separately. Research is also needed to understand how and why gender gaps occur. This can help identify interventions to close gender gaps. By stepping into new roles, women who live and work in rangelands can transform local ideas about what is “normal” for women to do.
Possible observation of ballistic contact resistance in wide Si MOSFETs

In conclusion, using a comparison of our experimental data of R EXT versus N S and T to the ballistic FET theory, we have presented experimental evidence on the possible observation of ballistic contact resistance R B in wide-channel Si MOSFETs. Finally, we note that the ballistic contact resistance R B represents the ultimate limit of total series resistance R EXT [8]. This limit for (100) Si is ∼ 40 Ω.µm for NFETs and ∼ 70 Ω.µm for PFETs at N S = 1 × 1013 cm−2. Furthermore, this limit of R EXT is ∼ 55 Ω.µm for III–V NFETs at N S = 1 × 1013 cm−2 with isotropic effective mass m*/m 0 in the 0.02–0.1 range. The value of R B is slightly higher for III–V NFETs than that for Si NFETs because lower m* and lower valley degeneracy lead to lower number of conducting transverse modes.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Career Commitment and Decision-Making Process.

The relations between career decision-making self-efficacy, vocational exploration and commitment, and emotional intelligence were investigated. Furthermore, the extent to which sex moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and career decision-making self-efficacy and between emotional intelligence and vocational exploration and commitment was also examined. Findings revealed that emotional intelligence as measured by the Empathy, Utilization of Feelings, Handling Relationships, and Self-Control factors is positively related to career decision-making self-efficacy and that the Utilization of Feelings and Self-Control factors were inversely related to vocational exploration and commitment. Findings, however, failed to reveal sex as a moderator of the relationship between emotional intelligence and the career variables under investigation.
The Response to Stratospheric Forcing and Its Dependence on the State of the Troposphere

In simple GCMs, the time scale associated with the persistence of one particular phase of the model’s leading mode of variability can often be unrealistically large. In a particularly extreme example, the time scale in the Polvani‐Kushner model is about an order of magnitude larger than the observed atmosphere. From the fluctuation‐dissipation theorem, one implication of these simple models is that responses are exaggerated, since such setups are overly sensitive to any external forcing. Although the model’s equilibrium temperature is set up to represent perpetual Southern Hemisphere winter solstice, it is found that the tropospheric eddy-driven jet has a preference for two distinct regions: the subtropics and midlatitudes. Because of this bimodality, the jet persists in one region for thousands of days before ‘‘switching’’ to another. As a result, the time scale associated with the intrinsic variability is unrealistic. In this paper, the authors systematically vary the model’s tropospheric equilibrium temperature profile, one configuration being identical to that of Polvani and Kushner. Modest changes to the tropospheric state to either side of the parameter space removed the bimodality in the zonal-mean zonal jet’s spatial distribution and significantly reduced the time scale associated with the model’s internal mode. Consequently, the tropospheric response to the same stratospheric forcing is significantly weaker than in the Polvani and Kushner case.
Antibiotic Prescribing in Ambulatory Pediatrics in the United States

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children with conditions for which they provide no benefit, including viral respiratory infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use is increasing, which adds unnecessary cost and promotes the development of antibiotic resistance. OBJECTIVE: To provide a nationally representative analysis of antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory pediatrics according to antibiotic classes and diagnostic categories and identify factors associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the National Ambulatory and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care surveys from 2006 to 2008, which are nationally representative samples of ambulatory care visits in the United States. We estimated the percentage of visits for patients younger than 18 years for whom antibiotics were prescribed according to antibiotic classes, those considered broad-spectrum, and diagnostic categories. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify demographic and clinical factors that were independently associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS: Antibiotics were prescribed during 21% of pediatric ambulatory visits; 50% were broad-spectrum, most commonly macrolides. Respiratory conditions accounted for >70% of visits in which both antibiotics and broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed. Twenty-three percent of the visits in which antibiotics were prescribed were for respiratory conditions for which antibiotics are not clearly indicated, which accounts for >10 million visits annually. Factors independently associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing included respiratory conditions for which antibiotics are not indicated, younger patients, visits in the South, and private insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory pediatrics is extremely common and frequently inappropriate. These findings can inform the development and implementation of antibiotic stewardship efforts in ambulatory care toward the most important geographic regions, diagnostic conditions, and patient populations.
Physical Activity and Functional Limitations in Older Women: Influence of Self-Efficacy

This study examined the role of self-efficacy and physical function performance in the relationship between physical activity and functional limitations. Older women (age, M = 68.2 years) completed measures of physical activity, self-efficacy, physical function performance, and functional limitations at the baseline of an ongoing study. Analyses indicated that physical activity was associated with self-efficacy for exercise, efficacy for gait and balance, and physical function performance. Both measures of efficacy and physical functional performance were associated with functional limitations. Demographic and health status variables did not differentially influence these relationships. Although cross-sectional in nature, our findings suggest that physical activity, self-efficacy, and functional performance may all play a role in reducing functional limitations. Of particular relevance is the fact that both physical activity and self-efficacy represent important, modifiable factors that can enhance function.
A spectrophotometric study of actomyosin.

It is known that when actomyosin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) interact, the ultraviolet absorption is no longer that characteristic either of actomyosin or of ATP. This report deals with a spectrophotometric study of interactions of various chemicals and/or drugs with actomyosin. The intention was to discover whether these agents alter the absorption, i.e., optical density (O.D.) of actomyosin solutions and if so, whether all the agents produce similar changes.
The elaboration order problem of Ada

A serious problem in large Ada programs is finding a satisfactory order of elaboration for all of the program's compilation units. Some elaboration sequence must be selected but access to a program entity before its elaboration will raise the exception (PROGRAM_ERROR) shortly after execution of the program begins. The rules of the 1983 Ada standard1 fail to ensure that validated compilers produce a satisfactory elaboration order, or report an error if static analysis shows that such an order may not exist. The problem can make programs non-portable and sensitive to modifications. This paper presents an algorithm ada_elab which determines an order of elaboration, free of PROGRAM_ERROR, if link-time, static analysis can determine that there is one. Examples are used to illustrate the occurrence of elaboration errors and the inadequacy of pragma ELABORATE to resolve the problem. The paper closes with descriptions of elaboration and elaboration-related problems that cannot be handled by ada_elab, access before initialization and coding practices that should avoid elaboration and initialization errors. While Ada is the subject of this paper, the problem being studied could occur in any language that permits a complex initialization of individual program modules prior to the execution of the main program module.
Progress in engineering‐seismology research At Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

The recent research at Technology has been concentrated largely upon three important problems, none of which would offhand seem to be very difficult, but which have already consumed over two years of work and the end is not yet in sight. These are (1) the behavior of elevated water-tanks when subjected to earthquake-motions, (2) the development of a quake-resistant design for such structures, (3) the development of a machine for reproducing actual earthquake-motions.
Analog modulation of 1.55-μm vertical-cavity lasers

We analyze the performance of InP/GaAs fused 1.55 micrometers vertical-cavity lasers (VCLs) under analog modulation. Our VCLs employ a strain-compensated InGaAsP/InP multi-quantum well (MQW) active region sandwiched between two AlGaAs/GaAs distributed Bragg reflectors. The first AlGaAs layer of the p-doped top mirror is laterally oxidized for optical and electrical confinement. These devices exhibit the lowest threshold current as well as the highest temperature of continuous-wave operation of any electrically pumped long- wavelength VCL. Two different device designs are investigated and compared. Reduction of the MQW barrier strain and enhancement of the optical index guiding by the oxide layer lead to an improvement of VCL performance. However, parasitic effects limit the modulation bandwidth. Higher order harmonic distortion is measured and simulated using a rate equation model. The model includes a non-linear gain function, gain compression, spontaneous emission and Auger recombination as well as carrier density dependent absorption in the quantum wells which reduces the differential gain. The good agreement between measurement and simulation indicates that electron-photon interaction within the quantum wells dominates the non-linear distortion. Multiple higher order response peaks are measured and reproduced by the model.
Achieving physiologic perfusion with ventricular assist devices: comparison of control strategies

Rotary blood pumps (RBP) are currently being used as a bridge to transplantation as well as for myocardial recovery and destination therapy for patients with heart failure. Physiologic control systems for RBP that can automatically and autonomously adjust the pump flow to match the physiologic requirement of the patient while avoiding suction for varying clinical and physical activity conditions are needed to reduce human intervention and error, and to improve the quality of life. For RBP used as left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), we hypothesize that maintaining a constant average pressure difference between the pulmonary vein and the aorta (/spl Delta/Pa) or maintaining a constant average pressure difference between the left ventricle and the aorta (/spl Delta/P) would give rise to a physiologically adequate perfusion while avoiding LV suction. Using a mock circulatory system we tested the performance of the control strategy of maintaining a constant average /spl Delta/Pa and a constant average pump pressure head (/spl Delta/P) and compared it with the results obtained when constant rpm is maintained. The comparison was made for normal, failing, and asystolic left heart during rest and at light exercise. The /spl Delta/Pa was maintained at 95 /spl plusmn/ 1 mmHg and /spl Delta/P was maintained at 75 /spl plusmn/ 1 mmHg for all the scenarios. The results indicate that the /spl Delta/Pa control strategy maintained or restored the total flow rate to that of the physiologically normal heart during rest (3.8 l/m) and light exercise (5.4 l/m) conditions. The /spl Delta/Pa approach adapted to changing exercise and clinical conditions better than the constant rpm and constant /spl Delta/P control strategies. Our computer simulation studies indicate that the /spl Delta/P control strategy performs better than the constant rpm control strategy, especially at higher cardiac demand situations, which could not be tested experimentally due to the limitation of the mock circulatory system.
ARE JURORS' PERCEPTIONS OF EYEWITNESS CREDIBILITY AFFECTED BY THE COGNITIVE INTERVIEW?

Abstract Ninety-one college subjects listened to Cognitive Interviews (CI) and Standard police interviews of 7-year old children who were attempting to describe an earlier incident of playing a game of Simon Says. The subjects evaluated the witness's credibility and also the interviewer's manipulativeness. The perceived credibility of the witness was not affected by the type of interview, i.e., the CI did not render the witness unduly credible. In addition, the CI interviewer was judged to be less manipulative than the Standard police interviewer. These results were discussed in light of some potential legal concerns about using the CI.
Incidence and Predictors of Low Chemotherapy Dose-Intensity in Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Nationwide Study

Purpose To assess the incidence of and risk factors for reduced relative dose-intensity (RDI) in patients treated with chemotherapy for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods A nationwide survey was conducted of 567 oncology practices with data extracted from the records of 4,522 patients with aggressive NHL treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP); CHOP-rituximab (CHOP-R); or cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, and prednisone (CNOP). The primary outcome was the average RDI for each regimen based on both planned and reference standards. Other assessments included the incidence of febrile neutropenia and patterns of colony-stimulating factor (CSF) use, as well as the average RDI in high-risk subgroups. Results Dose reductions ≥ 15% occurred in 40% of patients and treatment delays ≥ 7 days occurred in 24% of patients, resulting in 53% and 48% of patients receiving an RDI less than 85% of the minimum six-cycle and National Comprehensive Cancer Network ...
The spatio-temporal pattern of housing redevelopment in suburban Chicago, 2000–2010:

This study examines the process of housing redevelopment, using data of single-family residential redevelopment that occurred in all 128 inner-ring suburbs of Chicago, USA, located in Cook County, between 2000 and 2010. Using exploratory spatial data analysis techniques, I identify the magnitude and the spatial locations of redevelopment, revealing the different types of suburban neighbourhoods in which redevelopment occurs. I then examine how the location and extent of redevelopment changed between 2000 and 2010 and how the physical manifestation of redevelopment varied across different types of suburban neighbourhoods. Findings reveal that redevelopment is spatially clustered, occurring in a variety of places ranging from modest middle-income neighbourhoods to very highly affluent neighbourhoods. Redevelopment often began in areas with high property values, and as house prices rose rapidly through the first half of the decade, it expanded into adjacent, less affluent neighbourhoods, retracting again at the end of the decade.
Channel-power equalizer and dynamic gain equalizer based on the optical bench platform

We demonstrate the optomechanical platform at the heart of new solutions for channel-power equalization and dynamic gain equalization. The platform is a combination of free-space micro-optics, diffraction grating (DG), polarization diversity, and attenuator array technologies, such as liquid crystal (LC) or MEMs. The flexibility of the platform allows one to build the whole family of channel equalizers, wavelength blockers/switches, and dynamic gain equalizers on the same basic set of optical components, packaging, and electronics.
Programmed pulsewidth modulated waveforms for electromagnetic interference mitigation in DC-DC converters

The regular switching action of a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) circuit generates conducted and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) and may also generate acoustical disturbances. Programmed pulsewidth modulation techniques have been applied using various methods to control harmonics inherent in switched power circuits. A method for generating an optimal programmed switching waveform for a DC-DC converter is presented. This switching waveform is optimized to reduce the amplitude of harmonic peaks in the EMI generated by the converter. Experimental results, a brief discussion of sensitivity, and a practical implementation of a circuit to generate the PWM waveform are given. >
Chemical vapor deposition quality prediction system based on support vector regression and fuzzy learning mechanism

In advanced semiconductor manufacturing, the in-process wafers need to be monitored periodically in order to obtain high stability and high yield rate. However, the actual measurement is usually obtained after all the work-pieces of the same lot have been processed. The parameter drift or shift of the production equipment could not be detected in real-time thereby increasing the production cost. We proposed a quality prediction system (QPS) based on support vector regression (SVR) and fuzzy learning mechanism (FLM) to overcome this problem. The SVR provided good generalization performance for prediction, and the embedded FLM implied a continuous improvement or at least non-degradation of the system performance in an ever changing environment. The effectiveness of the proposed QPS was validated by test on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in practical 12-inch wafer fabrication. The results show that the proposed QPS not only fulfills real-time quality measurement of each wafer, but also detects the performance degradation of the corresponding machines from the information of manufacturing process.
Integrative species delimitation and conservation of tarantulas (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) from a North American biodiversity hotspot

The Madrean Sky Islands of northern Mexico and the south-western United States are located in the Madrean pine–oak woodlands ‘biodiversity hotspot’. This area is renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna, but comparatively little is known about arthropod diversity in this region. We obtained specimens of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma from five different mountain ranges (Huachucas, Pajaritos, Peloncillos, Santa Catalinas, and Santa Ritas) to assess patterns of diversity within the group. Species delimitation in tarantulas is difficult because they possess few informative morphological features. We implemented a rigorous methodological framework for delimiting species that incorporated multiple lines of evidence (molecules, distributional information, morphology, and breeding period) in an explicitly hypothesis-driven manner. Our integrative taxonomic approach delimited three species (all undescribed): one endemic to the Peloncillos, one endemic to the Santa Catalinas, and one that is more widely distributed in the Huachucas, Santa Ritas, and Pajaritos. These patterns of diversity and endemicity are comparable to other arachnids in the region and suggest that species-level diversity of stenotypic/dispersal-limited arthropods throughout the Madrean Sky Island Region may be underestimated. Ecological data are not widely available for Madrean Sky Island tarantulas and it is difficult to evaluate their conservation status. Several intrinsic (patterns of endemicity, limited vagility, and life history) and extrinsic (habitat degradation, commercial exploitation, and climate change) factors, however, suggest that these spiders may be of conservation concern. The approach taken in this study highlights the importance of considering multiple lines of evidence when species delimitation has direct implications on conservation.
Catch‐and‐Release Rates of Sport Fishes in Northern Wisconsin from an Angler Diary Survey

Abstract Recreational freshwater fisheries are key components of local economies in many regions. The quality of these fisheries can be affected not only by harvest but also by catch-and-release practices. Documenting catch and release among sport fish taxa is, therefore, important to fisheries researchers studying sport fishes and managers regulating these fisheries. We used an angler diary survey to assess taxon-specific effort, catch, harvest, release, and reason for release during the 2011 open-water season. Our study included information on 5,007 fishing trips taken by 652 anglers. These anglers visited 279 lakes spanning 11,761.5 km2 of northern Wisconsin. Muskellunge Esox masquinongy, black bass (i.e., Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu and Largemouth Bass M. salmoides), Northern Pike E. lucius, Walleye Sander vitreus, and panfish were released at rates of 99, 97, 86, 67, and 67%, respectively, when targeted by anglers. This study is the first to document black bass catch-and-release rates in the...
The role of cross‐cultural absorptive capacity in the effectiveness of in‐country cross‐cultural training

Based on the theory of absorptive capacity, this study examines the following question. In the context of cross-cultural training, can the amount of previously accumulated cultural knowledge affect the ability of a trainee to absorb further learning about a new culture, thus enhancing total knowledge and presumably cross-cultural adjustment? In-country cross-cultural training was hypothesized to be more effective when the training components are divided and the sessions are distributed over time – resulting in increased cultural knowledge and greater cross-cultural adjustment. Results from an experimental design suggested that in-country cross-cultural training can increase cultural knowledge, when distributed over time. The results also suggested that the training group had greater differences between pre-training and post-training scores on cross-cultural adjustment, but the differences were not statistically different. The results, methodology and conclusions can be generalized to a variety of populations (e.g. international managers and expatriates) and organizations (e.g. multinationals). For international managers and expatriates, the results showed that in-country cross-cultural training, like predeparture cross-cultural training, is also a viable intervention for knowledge acquisition.
Combined neurothrombectomy or thrombolysis with adjunctive delivery of 3K3A-activated protein C in acute ischemic stroke

In the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), vessel recanalization correlates with improved functional status and reduced mortality. Mechanical neurothrombectomy achieves a higher likelihood of revascularization than intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), but there remains significant discrepancy between rates of recanalization and rates of favorable outcome. The poor neurological recovery among some stroke patients despite successful recanalization confirms the need for adjuvant therapy, such as pharmacological neuroprotection. Prior clinical trials of neuroprotectant drugs failed perhaps due to inability of the agent to reach the ischemic tissue beyond the occluded artery. A protocol that couples mechanical neurothrombectomy with concurrent delivery of a neuroprotectant overcomes this pitfall. Activated protein C (APC) exerts pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antithrombotic, cytoprotective, and neuroregenerative effects in stroke and appears a compelling candidate for this novel approach.
COMPLEX DECISION IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ASIAN REGIONAL FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT

Summary: The aftermath of the 1997 financial crisis brings about a strong desire among East Asian countries to develop a regional self-help financial networking in order to stabilize the region’s financial sector. Some progress towards the creation of a regional financial arrangement (RFA) has been made since the announcement of the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) that effectively expanded the swap arrangements to include Japan, the PRC and Korea (hence the term ASEAN+3). However, the results are mixed and skepticism remains. One of the unsettled issues relates to w hat should be the precise form of RFA that could effectively stabilize the region’s financial sector. The focus of this paper is to search for the most suitable form of RFA, the process of which involves a complex decision, having to include not just economic rationales but also political and other considerations. Among the alternative choices, three are explored in the paper: (1) RFA with common currency basket; (2) RFA without a uniformed fixed exchange rate system; and (3) RFA that focuses only on effort s to strengthen the financial system. Measuring consistent prioritization of all benefits, costs, risks, and opportunities of different RFAs are conducted by taking into account the feedback effects between some criteria and alternatives, and between the focus of RFA and the criteria. While a comparison of the results with those obtained from using a simple hierarchy without feedbacks indicate that the resulting weights change, the ranking remains the same. .
IRON RELEASE FROM RECOMBINANT N-LOBE AND SINGLE POINT ASP63 MUTANTS OF HUMAN TRANSFERRIN BY EDTA

Transferrins bind ferric ion and deliver the iron to cells. The mechanism of the iron release has been studied kinetically, in vitro, with the aid of single point mutants in which the iron-binding ligand, Asp63 (aspartic acid-63, D63), has been changed to Ser, Asn, Glu and Ala. Iron release from the unmutated N-lobe of human serum transferrin (hTF/2N) by EDTA is influenced by a variety of factors. The rate-determining conformational-change mechanism may be a major pathway for iron release from hTF/2N's having a 'closed' conformation, which leads to a saturation kinetic mode with respect to ligand concentration. The effect of chloride depends on the protein conformation, showing a negative action in the case of tight binding and a positive action when the protein has an 'open' or 'loose' conformation. The negative effect of chloride could originate from the binding competition between chloride and the chelate to the active site for iron release, and the positive effect could derive from the synergistic participation of chloride in iron removal. The 'open' conformation may be induced by decreasing pH: the transitional point appears to be at about pH 6.3 for the wild-type hTF/2N; the 'loose' conformation may be facilitated by mutations at D63, which result in the loss of a key linking component in interdomain interactions of the protein. In the latter case, structural factors dominate over other potential negative effects because the weak interdomain contacts derived from the mutation of D63 cause the binding site to open easily, even at pH 7.4. Therefore chloride exhibits an accelerating action on iron release by EDTA from all the D63 mutants.
The effect of calcitonin on immobilization osteopenia.

Six nearly mature mongrel female puppies had the entire left hind limb immobilized in a plaster-of-Paris spica cast. After establishing the dose of porcine calcitonin that would significantly lower the concentrations of serum calcium and phosphate, this dose of the hormone (0.25 M.R.C. unit per kilogram of body weight) in a gelatin suspension was given subcutaneously every eight hours to three of the six animals its an attempt to prevent or to alter the pattern of bone loss that could be expected to develop in the immobilized limb after eight weeks. Even though calcitonin induced hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia for fifteen to eighteen hours of every day, the bones of the animals treated with the hormone did not show any beneficial effects from its administration. Bone resorption, which was greatly increased in the immobilized limbs, was not inhibited by this dose of calcitonin in these animals. Since, in theory, a substance such as calcitonin could be useful in the treatment of local or generalized bone diseases characterized by excessive amounts of bone resorption, it is suggested that its possible efficacy is negated, at least in part, by the increased secretion of parathyroid hormone that occurs in response to the hypocalcemia produced by the administration of calcitonin to the intact animal.
The Kansas Business Entity Transactions Act

Since the early 1990s, there has been a proliferation of different types of business entities, in Kansas an elsewhere. Presently there are four major types: corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships (including limited liability partnerships (LLPs)), and limited partnerships (including limited liability limited partnerships). Kansas's Business Entity Transactions Act (BETA) seeks both to fill voids left between some of these entities as well as rationalize prior law with a comprehensive statute that substantively recognizes four types of entities.
Periodic solutions of the functional equation f(t)2 + g(t)2 = 1

A general analysis is given of the periodic solutions to the functional equation f(t)2+g(t)2=1, where it is assumed that f(t) and g(t) have continuous second-order derivatives. Under certain conditions we demonstrate that solutions with period, T>0, exist. We also derive the linear, non-autonomous, second-order ordinary differential equation satisfied by these functions and a number of other properties.
Endocrine interaction between host (Lepidoptera) and parasite (Cheloninae: Hymenoptera): is the host or the parasite in control?

Parasitic wasps of the subfamily Cheloninae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) have been thought by most previous researchers to be under the endocrine control of their lepidopteran hosts. The current hypothesis that these parasites wait passively until the host begins to metamorphose incorrectly emphasizes the host as the dominant partner. Recent data demonstrate that, in contrast, some Chelonus species actively regulate the metamorphosis of their host. For example, host larvae are induced by the parasite to initiate metamorphosis precociously, but then halt the metamorphic process midway through. These expressions of parasite regulation of the host occur even in stung hosts that contain no parasite at the time the endocrine disruptions become manifest. In light of this information, I examined previous studies on this group of parasites, and found that the entire subfamily Cheloninae should serve as a model of host/parasite interaction in which the parasite is dominant.
Glycodeoxycholic Acid Levels as Prognostic Biomarker in Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure Patients

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) remains a major clinical problem. Although a majority of patients recovers after severe liver injury, a subpopulation of patients proceeds to ALF. Bile acids are generated in the liver and accumulate in blood during liver injury, and as such, have been proposed as biomarkers for liver injury and dysfunction. The goal of this study was to determine whether individual bile acid levels could determine outcome in patients with APAP-induced ALF (AALF). Serum bile acid levels were measured in AALF patients using mass spectrometry. Bile acid levels were elevated 5–80-fold above control values in injured patients on day 1 after the overdose and decreased over the course of hospital stay. Interestingly, glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) was significantly increased in non-surviving AALF patients compared with survivors. GDCA values obtained at peak alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and from day 1 of admission indicated GDCA could predict survival in these patients by receiver-operating characteristic analysis (AUC = 0.70 for day 1, AUC = 0.68 for peak ALT). Of note, AALF patients also had significantly higher levels of serum bile acids than patients with active cholestatic liver injury. These data suggest measurements of GDCA in this patient cohort modestly predicted outcome and may serve as a prognostic biomarker. Furthermore, accumulation of bile acids in serum or plasma may be a result of liver cell dysfunction and not cholestasis, suggesting elevation of circulating bile acid levels may be a consequence and not a cause of liver injury.
Alternative approaches for medical countermeasures to biological and chemical terrorism and warfare

The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy, as is well known from many disappointments in clinical trials. Traditional in vitro and in silico approaches are not really game changers here, but the substantial investment into novel tools now underway might bring about a second generation of alternative approaches. The avenue pursued focuses primarily on the development of a Human on a Chip, i.e., the combination of different three-dimensional (stem) cell-based organ equivalents combined with microfluidics. The prospects of such approaches, their impact on the field of alternative approaches, and necessary complementary activities are discussed. The need to adapt quality assurance measures and experiences from validation is stressed.
Cyclosporine in Cardiac Transplantation

Cyclosporine, a new immunosuppressive drug, is partially responsible for the renaissance of cardiac transplantation. It has permitted increased graft survival, fewer and less severe toxic rejection episodes, and fewer and less virulent infections. It does, however, have a significant spectrum of side effects that must be closely monitored to achieve a successful cardiac transplantation. In most centers, the results of cardiac transplantations with cyclosporine have significantly improved over cardiac transplantations performed under the conventional immunosuppressive regimen of azathioprine, prednisone, and ATG.
Drug Quality, Safety Issues and Threats of Drug Importation

Until the last decade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had tight control over drug importation; principally, drug manufacturers were the only entities which could legally import pharmaceuticals. However, in the last ten years, the FDA's tight control has weakened. The number of U.S. residents who personally import prescription medications has increased dramatically. For example, in 2004, over two million U.S. residents purchased over twelve million prescriptions from Canada alone. The number of prescriptions purchased from other countries is unknown, but it is estimated that Americans buy $800 million in drugs from Mexico. Additionally, drug products are entering the United States from across the globe. Drug importation not only affects the economy; importation presents serious drug safety issues for the public. One problem is that some pharmacy Web sites where individuals obtain their prescription drugs are rogue, fraudulent sites, with many selling substandard, counterfeit drug products. Furthermore, many pharmacy Web sites do not require a prescription and thus some sites are shipping a plethora of narcotic and non-narcotic drugs to Americans. Thus, medical supervision by licensed health care practitioners is missing. Some imported products are of poor quality and are counterfeit. The imported drugs have no active ingredients, wrong active ingredients, or are poorly labeled and packaged. However, some imported drug products are FDA-approved and are the same quality as products from U.S. pharmacies. The problem is distinguishing the "good" products from the substandard products. However, documentation of the adverse effects from imported, Director, Center for Pharmacoeconomic Studies, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712. Email: marvshepherd@mail.utexas.edu. 1 Shepherd,: Drug Quality, Safety Issues and Threats of Drug Importation Published by CWSL Scholarly Commons, 2005 78 CALIFORNIA WESTERN INTERNATIONAL LAW JOURNAL [Vol. 36 substandard medications, including hospitalizations and deaths associated with imported drug products, is lacking. Furthermore, information is lacking regarding the type of drugs being purchased, quantities and frequency of drug purchases via the Internet or by people crossing the border, demographic characteristics of the purchasers, and the outcomes of imported drugs on our health care system. This information is essential to better determine the risks, and how to address the risks, of imported drugs. Policy makers need to take a careful look at the information and investigate the potential impact of drug importation before setting policy. At this time, drug importation is not the answer to the U.S. problem of drug access.
The inscrutable past: Writing narrative non-fiction

What do the writing of history, the historical novel and narrative non-fiction have in common, and how do these genres differ? What challenges do they share in attempting to capture an elusive and often inscrutable past? And to what extent do they depend on the imagination to bring the past to life or to transport readers into the past?
Atrophy and proliferation in the young adult prostate.

AbstractAtrophic and proliferative changes in the prostate gland are regarded as beginning in middle age and characterizing the prostates of older men. A total of 51 prostates of men between 19 and 29 years old demonstrated a spectrum of proliferative abnormalities, including ductal and glandular hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and incipient adenocarcinoma. The majority of the prostates also contained substantial areas of atrophy. Patterns of atrophic change included cystic dilatation of glands with flattened epithelium apparently secondary to obstructive hyperplasia of ductal epithelium, areas comparable to sclerotic atrophy of the aged prostate and segments having the appearance of a prepubertal unstimulated prostate. These observations contrast sharply with conventional concepts of the biology of the prostate gland, and suggest a number of hypotheses regarding the early antecedents and evolution of prostatic carcinoma and cancer in general.
Atmospheric-pressure ionization and fragmentation of peptides by solution-cathode glow discharge.

Modern “-omics” (e.g., proteomics, glycomics, metabolomics, etc.) analyses rely heavily on electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry to determine the structural identity of target species. Unfortunately, these methods are limited to specialized mass spectrometry instrumentation. Here, a novel approach is described that enables ionization and controlled, tunable fragmentation of peptides at atmospheric pressure. In the new source, a direct-current plasma is sustained between a tapered metal rod and a flowing sample-containing solution. As the liquid stream contacts the electrical discharge, peptides from the solution are volatilized, ionized, and fragmented. At high discharge currents (e.g., 70 mA), electrospray-like spectra are observed, dominated by singly and doubly protonated molecular ions. At lower currents (35 mA), many peptides exhibit extensive fragmentation, with a-, b-, c-, x-, and y-type ion series present as well as complex fragments, such as d-type ions, not previously observed with atmospheric-pressure dissociation. Though the mechanism of fragmentation is currently unclear, observations indicate it could result from the interaction of peptides with gas-phase radicals or ultraviolet radiation generated within the plasma.
Generation of Hydroacoustic Waves by an Oscillating Ice Block in Arctic Zones

The time harmonic problem of propagating hydroacoustic waves generated in the ocean by a vertically oscillating ice block in arctic zones is discussed. The generated acoustic modes can result in orbital displacements of fluid parcels sufficiently high that may contribute to deep ocean currents and circulation. This mechanism adds to current efforts for explaining ocean circulation from a snowball earth Neoproterozoic Era to greenhouse earth arctic conditions and raises a challenge as the extent of ice blocks shrinks towards an ice-free sea. Surprisingly, unlike the free-surface setting, here it is found that the higher acoustic modes exhibit a larger contribution.
Buttocks Remodeling with Fat Transfer

More than ever, individuals are conscious about the significance played by the buttocks in the context of corporal contouring. The buttocks represent a sexual appealing spot and are also considered as an element of beauty in some ethnic groups. While men seek a small projection, women want a more prominent and round buttocks, which go with their curved body. One important goal is getting a beautiful figure while naked; nevertheless, people also look for a more pleasing fit and harmony in clothing. For these kinds of reasons, demand for buttocks enhancement surgery has increased, attracting the closer attention and analysis of plastic surgeons.
Economically Motivated Relationships and Transactional Sex Among Unmarried African American and White Women: Results from a U.S. National Telephone Survey

Objective.We explored links among economically motivated relationships, transactional sex, and risk behavior for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among ...