cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Human Liver Carboxylesterase (hCE1) by Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Plasticizers: Implications for Pharmacotherapy.

Organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers, consumer product additives with widespread human exposure, were evaluated for their effect on the activity of purified human liver carboxylesterase (hCE1). Four of the 15 OPEs tested had IC50 values lower than 100 nM, including triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), 4-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4IPPDPP), and 4-tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4tBPDPP), as did four commercial flame retardant mixtures tested. Because hCE1 is critical for the activation of imidapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor prodrug prescribed to treat hypertension, the most potent inhibitors, TPHP and 4tBPDPP, and an environmentally relevant mixture (house dust) were further evaluated for their effect on imidapril bioactivation in vitro. TPHP and 4tBPDPP were potent inhibitors of hCE1-mediated imidapril activation (Ki = 49.0 and 17.9 nM, respectively). House dust extracts (100 µg/ml) also caused significant reductions (up to 33%) in imidapril activation. Combined, these data suggest that exposure to OPEs may affect pharmacotherapy.
3D Microstrip Line Taper on Ultra-low Dielectric Constant Substrate

In this paper, a new microstrip three-dimensional taper is presented. This new taper enables circuit-in-substrate (CIS) integration of high-quality microwave components with a microstrip line designed on a thick, ultra-low dielectric constant substrate. The width of microstrip lines on thick low dielectric constant materials is considerably large and can create a shunt capacitive loading when using edge mount connectors. The microstrip line can be tapered in the planar direction to reduce the shunt capacitance at the cost of added mismatch. The proposed technique adds a vertical tapering of the substrate, which results in a constant impedance across the substrate and reduces the mismatch between the microstrip and the connector. For verification, the 3D microstrip line taper is fabricated and measured. Full-wave simulation results and measurements are compared to validate the proposed design.
Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner: Proceedings of an Expert Panel Roundtable Meeting.

The role of the stratum corneum (SC) and several associated epidermal barrier (EB) functions in both healthy and compromised skin have gained increased recognition over more recent years. This is most evident based on the work of research that has defined correlations between EB impairments and compromised skin, including those related to specific skin disorders.1-3 Although atopic skin and eczematous dermatitis have been the primary focus, the importance of SC impairments and EB dysfunction in other skin diseases has also gained increased recognition.3-7 In addition, the importance of developing topical vehicle formulations that are “barrier friendly” is well recognized. The main goal of this supplement is to encourage clinicians to understand the importance of addressing EB function in maintaining healthy skin and to appreciate its role in the overall management of many skin disorders. Objectives to support this goal are to provide summaries of physiologic SC and EB barrier functions, outline SC self-repair mechanisms, define compromised skin and SC impairments, evaluate potential differences in the EB among different skin types and ethnicities, and review the roles of moisturization and barrier repair in the management of specific skin disorders.
Impact of Adding Carotid Endarterectomy to Supra-aortic Trunk Surgical Reconstruction.

Background Up to 20% of patients requiring open supra-aortic trunk (SAT) reconstruction have significant carotid artery stenosis. The addition of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to SAT has been described. Yet, additive risks are not well defined and controversy remains as to whether concomitant CEA increases stroke risk. This study assessed the perioperative effects of adding CEA to SAT. Methods Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), patients who underwent SAT from 2005 to 2015 were evaluated. SAT + CEA were identified. An isolated SAT (ISAT) cohort was created by removing patients who underwent concurrent secondary procedures. Nonocclusive indications were excluded. SAT + CEA were compared with ISAT as well as a propensity-matched ISAT cohort. Primary outcomes were 30-day stroke, death, and composite stroke/death/myocardial infarction (SDM). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results After review, 1,515 patients were identified: 1,245 ISAT (82%) and 270 SAT + CEA (18%). Most were women (56%), 86% were Caucasian, and 24% were symptomatic. Average age was 65 ± 12 years and SAT + CEA were older (69 vs. 64 years, P Conclusions Addition of CEA does not confer increased perioperative stroke or SDM risk over ISAT. Perioperative outcomes appear to be more affected by disseminated disease risk factors than the addition of CEA. In patients undergoing SAT, it is reasonable to consider performing combined CEA in populations with tandem carotid bifurcation disease and appropriate operative risk profile.
Effects of genetic information on memory for severity of depressive symptoms

The general public is increasingly aware of the role of genes in causing depression. Recent studies have begun uncovering unintended negative consequences of learning about a person's genetic susceptibility to disorders. Because people tend to believe that genes determine one's identity, having genes related to a disorder can be misinterpreted as equivalent to having the disorder. Consequently, learning that a person is genetically predisposed to depression can make people misremember mild depression as more severe. Participants across three experiments read a target vignette about a character displaying mild depressive symptoms, while descriptions of the character's genetic susceptibility to depression were experimentally manipulated. Participants then read a foil vignette describing a character with more severe depressive symptoms. Afterwards, participants who had learned that the target character was genetically predisposed to depression were comparatively more likely to misremember the target symptoms as being severe, when in fact they were mild. This pattern of results was obtained among both laypeople (Experiments 1 and 2) and practicing master's-level, but not doctoral-level, mental health clinicians (Experiment 3). Given that depression is diagnosed primarily based on a person's memory of depressive symptoms, the current findings suggest that genetic information about depression may lead to over-diagnosis of depression.
Imaging of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of neoplasms that arise from cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Neuroendocrine tumors occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors can produce a variety of hormones resulting in specific symptoms that may aid in their detection and classification. While all NETs have malignant potential, these tumors vary in their biologic characteristics and potential for metastatic disease. Although several classification schemes for neuroendocrine tumors have been proposed, the World Health Organization classification is currently the most widely accepted that will be reviewed in this paper. Various imaging modalities and techniques have evolved in recent years, including both morphologic and functional imaging techniques that will be explored in this paper. A thorough knowledge of the most recent classification schemes greatly aids radiologists in the assessment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Appropriate application of both morphologic and functional techniques is likewise essential for proper diagnosis and surveillance of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
Volatilization of Mercuric Chloride by Mercury-Resistant Plasmid-Bearing Strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Several bacterial strains carrying genes determining mercury resistance on naturally occurring plasmids will convert 10(-5)m Hg(2+) (chloride) to a form of mercury which is volatile and soluble in organic solvents. The volatilization activity is induced by exposure to HgCl(2).
Risks and macroeconomic impacts of HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa : why waiting to intervene can be costly

The authors develop a model of optimal growth to assess the risks of an HIV/AIDS epidemic and the expected economic impact in nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa region-Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Yemen. The model incorporates an HIV/AIDS diffusion component based on two transmission factors-sexual intercourse and exchange of infected needles among intravenous drug users. Given high levels of uncertainty on the model parameters that determine the dynamics of the epidemic and its economic impact, the authors explore large regions of the parameter space. The prevalence rates in year 2015 would be below 1 percent in 16 percent of the cases, while they would be above 3 percent in 50 percent of the cases. On average, GDP losses across countries for 2000-2025 could approximate 35 percent of today's GDP. In all countries it is possible to observe scenarios where losses surpass today's GDP. The authors quantify the impact of expanding condom use and access to clean needles for intravenous drug users. They show that these interventions act as an insurance policy that increases social welfare. They also show that delaying action for five years can cost, on average, the equivalent of six percentage points of today's GDP.
An upper bound on the BER of block coded hierarchical constellations

In this paper a simple upper bound for block coded hierarchical modulations is presented. Our new bound gives much tighter results compared to the classical union-Chernoff bound.
Apollo 11 Ilmenite Revisited

An account is given of the problems associated with beneficiation of the high-Ti regolith represented by Apollo 11's ilmenite sample. Magnetic and electrostatic separation, combined with sizing to reject all but the best fractions of the lunar regolith, will be essential; the production of high-grade ilmenite concentrates on the scale required for lunar oxygen production may still, however, be unachievable. These findings suggest that ilmenite production directly from high-Ti-content basalt may be a superior alternative.
Epidemiologic Trends in Neonatal Intensive Care, 2007-2012

Importance Neonatal intensive care has been highly effective at improving newborn outcomes but is expensive and carries inherent risks. Existing studies of neonatal intensive care have focused on specific subsets of newborns and lack a population-based perspective. Objectives To describe admission rates to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for US newborns across the entire continuum of birth weight and how these rates have changed across time, as well as describe the characteristics of infants admitted to NICUs. Design, Setting, and Participants An epidemiologic time-trend analysis was conducted on April 1, 2015, of live births (≥500 g) from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, to residents of 38 US states and the District of Columbia, recorded using the 2003 revision of the US Standard Certificate of Live Birth (N = 17 896 048). Exposure Birth year. Main Outcomes and Measures Crude, stratified (by birth weight), and adjusted admission rates. Trends in birth weight, gestational age, weight for gestational age, and use of assisted ventilation are presented to describe the cohort of admitted newborns. Results In 2012, there were 43.0 NICU admissions per 1000 normal-birth-weight infants (2500-3999 g), while the admission rate for very low-birth-weight infants ( P P Conclusions and Relevance After adjustment for infant and maternal risk factors, US newborns at all birth weights are increasingly likely to be admitted to a NICU, which raises the possibility of overuse of neonatal intensive care in some newborns. Further study is needed into the causes of the increased use observed in our study as well as its implications for payers, policymakers, families, and newborns.
Ammonia Chemical Ionization Mass Spectra of Sydnones

The mass spectra of twenty-nine sydnones were measured by using NII3 as a reagent gas. The [M + H + NH3]+ ions are the base peaks for the entire series. Very few fragment ions were observed except for the derivatives of 4-hydroxymethylenesydnones (XXI-XXIX). Only the relatively stable sydnonyl-methylene cations are formed. With consistent formation of [M + 18]+ ion as the base peaks with simple spectra, the NH3 CI-MS can be an excellent method for the molecular weight determination.
Microstructure and Ablation Property of a Carbon/Carbon–ZrC Composite Fabricated by Reactive Melt Infiltration with Zr/Cu Powder Mixture

A carbon/carbon–ZrC(C/C–ZrC) composite was fabricated by reactive infiltration of a Zr–40 wt% Cu powder mixture. The C/C–ZrC composite was composed of C, ZrC, and residual Cu. Continuous ZrC layers around the pyrolytic carbon and isolated ZrC particles dispersed in Cu were detected. Linear ablation rate of the composite increased with the increase of ablation time. Ablation surface of the composite was mainly composed of monoclinic ZrO2, while the quantity of Cu and Cu2O decreased with the increase of ablation time. The better ablation resistance of the C/C–ZrC composite was mainly attributed to the protective ZrO2 layer and the cooling effect of Cu.
Superior oblique tendon sheath syndrome (Brown syndrome): MR findings.

We report a case of a patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and vertical diplopia in whom Brown syndrome was diagnosed clinically. MR clearly showed the fibrotic nature of the affected superior oblique tendon caused by chronic inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MR findings of orbital Brown syndrome
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Binds Constitutively to α/β-Tubulin and Binds to γ-Tubulin in Response to Insulin

Abstract Recently we reported the localization of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) by immunofluorescence to microtubule bundles and the centrosome (Kapeller, R., Chakrabarti, R., Cantley, L., Fay, F., and Corvera, S.(1993) Mol. Cell. Biol. 13, 6052-6063). [Abstract] In complementary experiments we used the recombinant p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase to identify proteins that associate with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and found that phosphoinositide 3-kinase associates with α/β-tubulin. The association occurs in vivo but was not significantly affected by growth factor stimulation. We localized the region of p85 that interacts with α/β-tubulin to the inter-SH2 domain. These results support the immunofluorescence data and show that p85 directly associates with α/β-tubulin. We then determined whether phosphoinositide 3-kinase associates with α/β-tubulin. We found a dramatic growth factor-dependent association of phosphoinositide 3-kinase with α/β-tubulin. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase associates with α/β-tubulin in response to insulin and, to a lesser extent, in response to platelet-derived growth factor. Neither epidermal growth factor nor nerve growth factor treatment of cells results in association of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and α/β-tubulin. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase is also immunoprecipitated with antibodies to pericentrin in response to insulin, indicating that phosphoinositide 3-kinase is recruited to the centrosome. Neither phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity, nor intact microtubules are necessary for the association. Treatment of cells with 0.5 M NaCl dissociates α/β-tubulin from the centrosome and disrupts the association of phosphoinositide 3-kinase with pericentrin, but not α/β-tubulin. Recombinant p85 binds to α/β-tubulin from both insulin stimulated and quiescent cells. These results suggest that the association of phosphoinositide 3-kinase with α/β-tubulin is direct. These data suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinase may be involved in regulating microtubule responses to insulin and platelet-derived growth factor.
Leaving group effects on the selectivity of the gas-phase fragmentation reactions of side chain fixed-charge-containing peptide ions

The effect of trialkylsulfonium versus quaternaryalkylammonium ions on the multistage gas-phase fragmentation reactions of side chain, fixed-charge, cysteine-containing peptides has been examined in a quadrupole linear ion trap. These tandem mass spectrometry experiments reveal that selective loss of dialkylsulfide from fixed-charge sulfonium ion derivatives is the dominant fragmentation pathway regardless of the degree of proton mobility, indicating that it is the most energetically favored fragmentation pathway. In contrast, the loss of trimethylamine from the side chain of fixed-charge ammonium-ion-containing cysteine derivatives appears to be less energetically favored, and as a result extensive charge-remote fragmentation is observed under low proton mobility conditions, while under conditions of high proton mobility, amide bond fragmentation reactions dominate. These findings are supported by molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP/6-31 + G(d, p) level of theory, which showed that the neutral loss of dimethylsulfide is both thermodynamically and kinetically preferred over the loss of trimethylamine.
Physical effects of the choroid plexus on the cochlear nuclei in man.

Relatively deep invaginations on the surface of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) inside the fourth ventricle lateral recess were observed just below the choroid plexus. The ependymal cells and neurons in the affected areas of the DCN manifest coarse inclusions in their cytoplasm. The inclusions are rounded granules, approximately 2 urn in diameter, relatively evenly spread through cytoplasm of these cells. The inclusions are not lipofuscin or known, non-viral cytoplasmic bodies specific for certain diseases accompanied by degeneration of the nervous tissue. The inclusions are, however, observed in cells with relatively high lipofuscin content. The change in transportation of the nutrients and metabolites between the affected areas in the DCN, cerebrospinal fluid, and capillaries as well as metabolic impairments in the DCN may be a reason for the observed accumulation of inclusions and lipofuscin. These pathological changes may also be a reason for certain hearing disorders.
The reaction 9Be(α, n)12C

Abstract Using a stilbene crystal as a neutron detector, the 0° cross section for the reaction 9Be(α, n) has been measured as a function of bombarding energy for n0 (5.0 ≦Eα≦12.0 MeV), n1 (4.3 ≦ Eα ≦ 12.0 MeV and n2 (6.0 ≦ Eα ≦ 10.1 MeV). Resonances in the ground state stated in MeV (with c.m. resonance widths in keV): 5.40 (240), 6.20 (400), 7.10 (210), 7.95 (240), 9.10 (380), 9.7 (140), 10.2 (280), 11.10 (400) and 11.70 (80).
Polymer-based solar cells

A significant fraction of the cost of solar panels comes from the photoactive materials and sophisticated, energy-intensive processing technologies. Recently, it has been shown that the inorganic components can be replaced by semiconducting polymers capable of achieving reasonably high power conversion efficiencies. These polymers are inexpensive to synthesize and can be solution-processed in a roll-to-roll fashion with high throughput. Inherently poor polymer properties, such as low exciton diffusion lengths and low mobilities, can be overcome by nanoscale morphology. We discuss polymer-based solar cells, paying particular attention to device design and potential improvements.
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering of adsorbates under liquid nitrogen

We compare the room temperature surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectra of three molecules (riboflavin, 1-nitropyrene, and rhodamine 6G) adsorbed on rough silver films with SERRS spectra of the same samples submerged in liquid nitrogen. We find that the spectra obtained in the liquid nitrogen environment exhibit substantially higher signal-to-noise ratios, which we attribute to an increase in the SERRS electromagnetic enhancement factor in the liquid nitrogen environment arising from the dielectric properties of liquid nitrogen.
Anomalous U(1), holomorphy, supersymmetry breaking and dilaton stabilization

We show that in models with family symmetries, the implementation of the alignment mechanism for the suppression of the flavor changing neutral currents requires specific mass matrices, necessarily with holomorphic zeros in the down quark sector. Holomorphic zeros open flat directions that spoil the uniqueness of the supersymmetric vacuum, making alignment models less attractive. We are thus unavoidably lead to the recently found, unique, anomalous U(1) model without holomorphic zeros in the quark sector that can reproduce all the mass hierarchies, provided that tan{beta} is of order one. To avoid undesired flavor changing neutral currents, we propose a supersymmetry breaking mechanism and a dilaton stabilization scenario that result in degenerate squarks at M{approximately}M{sub GUT} and a calculable low energy spectrum. We present the numerical predictions of this model for the Higgs boson mass for different values of {ital M} and tan{beta}. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
A Transplant of Real Life

A case of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis leading to renal failure in a 4-year-old girl is described by her mother, with special emphasis on the problems resulting from recurrence of this disease, with graft loss in three successive kidney transplants. This report chronicles the gradual evolution from a family's initial heavy dependence upon medical solutions to their ultimate primary emphasis upon spiritual values, with medicine seen as the support toward achieving the child's psychological well-being and spiritual growth. The physician's role in balancing medical decision making, non-medical alternatives, and demands on limited and precious resources in such difficult cases is discussed.
Longstanding Occupation: The Relation of the Continuity and Meaning of Productive Occupation to Life Satisfaction and Successful Aging

This study examined the relation of longstanding productive occupation to life satisfaction and successful aging in a sample of 292 community-dwelling older adults. The continuity and meaning dimensions of occupational engagement were used operationally to define longstanding occupation. Correlational procedures were used to collect and analyze data on longstanding occupation, successful aging, and life satisfaction. The meaning of longstanding productive occupation had a small significant correlation with life satisfaction. There were small to moderate significant correlations between longstanding productive occupation and successful aging. The study supports earlier findings that productive occupation is related to both life satisfaction and successful aging. For this sample of older adults the meaning of longstanding productive occupation significantly related to both life satisfaction and successful aging. The meaning or value of longstanding productive occupation was more related to life satisfaction...
Electron and hole trapping in the bulk and interface with Si of a thermal oxide grown on the sidewalls and base of a U-shaped silicon trench

Abstract We report on the results of deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and capacitance–voltage studies made on U-shaped trench-gated n+-polycrystalline Si-oxide–Si capacitors. The two processing steps examined are the reactive ion etching of the trench and the thermal oxide growth between 900 and 1175 °C. The mid-gap SiO2/Si interface state density (∼1011 eV−1 cm−2) and the total oxide charge (∼10 nC cm−2) are observed to increase with increasing oxide growth temperature. The electron trapping and hole trapping at the interface are observed by DLTS and are argued to occur within dangling bonds. Variations in dangling bond orientation with respect to the plane of the interface coupled with the variation in the local stress state at the dangling bond site, are suggested to cause energy level splitting and/or broadening, thereby, giving rise to interfacial dangling bond energy bands. These bands are observed by DLTS as symmetrical and broad signals (∼100 meV wide) at ∼0.20–0.29 eV below the bottom of the conduction band for the electron traps, and at ∼0.29 eV above the valence band edge for the hole traps. As carriers are trapped within states in these bands the corresponding dangling bond defects change their charge states from neutral to singly negative in the electron traps or to singly positive in the hole traps. This is inferred from the capture cross-sections obtained for electrons and holes at the traps which are found to be of the order of 10−15 cm2.
Shape Evolution of a Coherent Tetragonal Precipitate in Partially Stabilized Cubic ZrO2: A Computer Simulation

The kinetics of shape evolution of a tetragonal precipitate coherently embedded in a cubic matrix are examined. Specifically, the morphology of tetragonal ZrO2 particles in partially stabilized cubic ZrO2 is discussed. A computer simulation, carried out without any a priori constraint on possible kinetic paths and particle morphologies, shows that a lenslike shape appears during growth of a tetragonal particle. Upon further coarsening, the shape relaxes into a rhombus bounded by facets. Depending on the balance between interfacial and strain energies controlled by the particle size, the facets can be smoothly curved or straight. The predicted particle morphologies are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The kinetic model proposed is quite general for simulating microstructural developments during decomposition involving a crystal lattice symmetry change where elastic strain accommodation plays an important role.
ANDROGENS AND SPATIAL ABILITY: FAILURE TO FIND A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TESTOSTERONE AND ABILITY MEASURES

Shute, Pellegrino, Hubert, and Reynolds (1983) found spatial ability to be positively related to androgen levels in females and negatively related to androgen levels in males. Although they intended to study the relationship of a specific steroid, testosterone (T), to spatial ability, their antibody was not specific for T. The present study assessed the relationship of T, specifically, to spatial and verbal abilities. Additionally, possible T-level differences between left- and right-handed subjects were assessed. Results showed females and left-handers to be inferior in spatial ability to males and right-handers, respectively, on the Stafford Identical Blocks Test. This replicates previous findings (McKeever, 1986). No other sex or handedness effects were obtained on ability measures. No handedness effect was found for T levels. No relationship of T to either spatial or verbal measures was found. We concluded that T is not the critical androgen implicated in spatial ability by studies employing nonspecific steroid measures.
Microscopic studies of achondroplastic rabbit cartilage.

The cartilage of long bones in newborn achondroplastic (ac/ac) dwarf rabbits was compared with that of phenotypically normal littermates using histologic, histochemical, and electron-microscopic procedures. The dwarf cartilages contained (1) dead chondrocytes (nuclear pyknosis and absence of surrounding moat) distributed with increasing frequency from the periphery to the center of the resting cartilage (littermate controls showed far fewer and a random distribution of dead chondrocytes); (2) fewer chondrocytes in the isogenous groups or capsules of central portion of the metaphyseal growth plate compared to controls; and (3) less cartilage matrix. Based on these observations it is suggested that a metabolic defect may become expressed specifically in achondroplastic cartilage cells when they are isolated from their vascular supply.
Automated interventions for multiple health behaviors using conversational agents.

Objective An automated health counselor agent was designed to promote both physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption through a series of simulated conversations with users on their home computers.
Cytological differentiation of constitutive heterochromatin

The constitutive heterochromatin, as demonstrated by the C band technique, may be subdivided into a number of categories when other characteristics are considered. The responses to fluorochromes QM and 33258 Hoechst, the behavior following G band staining, the repetitive DNA content, and many other criteria are useful for the classification of heterochromatin. The heterochromatin patterns of three mammalian species are presented to demonstrate that within each karyotype there may be several different types of C bands. In general, a correlation may also be made between GC-rich satellite DNA and dull (or negative) Q fluorescence, and between AT-rich satellite DNA and bright Q, fluorescence.
Neuroendocrine alterations in systemic disease

Systemic disorders clearly may exert a significant influence on neuroendocrine function. Disorders that cause significant stress to the body, either physical or psychological, may cause a resetting upward of the HPA axis to provide sufficient cortisol to counteract the stress and to help sustain energy substrate levels. GH levels also increase in many of these situations, again promoting sufficient energy substrate levels. In some circumstances the concomitantly low somatomedin activity may be speculated to be adaptative to prevent the insulin-like agonist activity of these substances as well as to prevent energy expenditure in body growth. However, in other situations such as chronic renal failure and cirrhosis, the decreased somatomedin activity may be primary, causing decreased feedback at the hypothalamic-pituitary level and increased GH levels. The stress-induced rise in PRL may also play a minor role in preserving energy substrate since high levels may promote insulin resistance. In most illnesses the 'euthyroid sick syndrome' develops. Whether such patients are 'euthyroid' or mildly hypothyroid is a matter of controversy. The fact that protein losses are increased during fasting when the lowered T3 levels are returned to normal with exogenous T3 supplementation suggests that these patients are indeed hypothyroid and this hypothyroidism serves to conserve energy substrate by decreasing the metabolic rate. The reproductive axis is often impaired with systemic illness. Again, teleologically this may be viewed as an inactivation of non-essential functions in times of stress. It would appear that the changes that occur with systemic illness, in general, are favourable to the organism in that they promote survival. The detailed neurotransmitter and hypophyseotrophic hormone changes resulting in the alteration in pituitary function remain to be elucidated for the most part.
Polaronic anharmonicity in the Holstein-Hubbard model.

We demonstrate for the nearly half-filled Holstein-Hubbard model that the presence of antiferomagnetic spin correlations can cause polaronic carrier self-localization, and hence a strongly anharmonic lattice potential, already at moderate electron-phonon coupling strengths \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\sim}0.2\char21{}0.4, up to substantial hole dopant concentrations ${\mathit{c}}_{\mathit{h}}$\ensuremath{\sim}(20\char21{}30)%. The results are compared to recent observations of anharmonicity in the apical oxygen c-axis motion of cuprate superconductors.
A dynamic model of oligopoly and oligopsony in the U.S. potato‐processing industry

In this paper, we estimate oligopoly and oligopsony price distortions in the U.S. potato chips and frozen French fries sectors, based on a linear-quadratic, multi-period optimization model of processors that face quadratic adjustment costs associated with a change in the processed quantity of input. Based on this model, we are able to derive a parameter that nests various types of firm conduct, ranging from price taking through Nash-Cournot behavior to collusion. In addition, we estimate market conduct and associated price distortions in a sub-game perfect, dynamic-feedback model, and compare the results with those derived from an open-loop model. The results indicate that the behavior of potato-processing firms is much closer to price taking than to collusion. Moreover, we find that price distortions due to oligopsony in the purchase of potatoes are smaller than oligopoly price distortions in either the potato chips or the frozen French fries sectors. [EconLit citations: L13, Q13.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 409–428, 2005.
Parsimony in protein evolution

Pohl found the activation enthalpy and entropy for melting of his mesophilic proteins to be linear in the total number of residues and Privalov and colleagues found this same linearity for the standard heat-capacity, enthalpy and entropy changes in the overall melting equilibria. Despite the small samples these results suggest that mesophiles individually, and as a class, are related through a single standard representative. If so, very extensive convergent evolution has provided both great simplification and very sophisticated goals for genome decoding and quantitative description of protein substructures [R. Lumry, The protein primer, http://www.umn.edu.chem. /groupslumry].
Marketing and Economic Development: A Case Study from Classical India:

A study of marketing in Classical India demonstrates that a substantial expansion of marketing activity promoted ideologies conducive to economic development, with major social and political consequences. This raises ethical, political and strategic issues for those intent on fostering the expansion of marketing in developing countries today.
Relative Milk Production Value of Barley, Dried Beet Pulp, Molasses Dried Beet Pulp, and Concentrated Steffen Filtrate Dried Beet Pulp

Summary Concentrated Steffen nitrate (CSF) is a by-product of beet sugar manufacture which may be added to beet pulp. A study was conducted to compare the feeding value of CSF dried beet pulp with plain and molasses dried beet pulp. Each of the three types of beet pulp was fully equal to barley in the replacement of approximately 25% of the energy of a basal ration consisting of 70% alfalfa hay and 30% barley.
Arrest and metastasis of blood-borne tumor cells are modified by fusion of plasma membrane vesicles from highly metastatic cells

B16 mouse melanoma sublines in culture spontaneously shed intact plasma membrane vesicles. These vesicles can be fused with the plasma membrane of cells from homologous and heterologous B16 sublines by using polyethylene glycol and phytohemagglutinin-P. Fusion of vesicles from a highly metastatic subline (F10) that localizes exclusively in the lung with cells from a poorly metastatic subline (F1) significantly increased the ability of F1 cells to become arrested in the lung and form metastases in this organ. In contrast, fusion of F1 vesicles with F10 cells did not alter the ability of vesicle-modified cells to localize in the lung or form lung metastases. F10 vesicle-modified F1 cells reverted to their original arrest behavior and metastatic capacity after removal of F10 vesicle components from the plasma membrane. The changes in the arrest and metastatic behavior of F10 vesicle-modified F1 cells were highly highly specific. Vesicles from other B16 sublines that are poorly metastatic and show limited localization in the lung (F1, FLLr, and F10Lr) did not modify the arrest behavior and metastatic capacity of FU cells. These results suggest that the differences in the abilities of the F1 and F10 sublines to localize in the lung are determined by differences in cell surface properties.
Graphical Portfolio Analysis

This paper presents a new methodology for portfolio analysis based on the correspondence between the expression for the standard deviation of a two-asset portfolio and the magnitude of the sum of two complex numbers. This approach offers a geometric alternative to traditional portfolio analysis. The pedagogical advantages of the new framework are illustrated by rederiving many efficient set mathematics results. A previously unrecognized fact is uncovered using the graphical technique that the sum of the maximum and minimum betas for efficient portfolios is 1, so knowledge of one extreme beta implies knowledge of the other.
E.S.R. of a one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet which undergoes a crystalline to discotic phase transition

Abstract Single crystals and polycrystalline samples of the compounds bis(1,3-di(p-n-octylphenyl)propane-l,3-dionato)copper(II) [I], and bis(l,3-di(p-n-octyloxy-phenyl)propane-l,3-dionato)copper(II) [II] have been studied by E.S.R. The E.S.R. spectra of single crystals of [I] at 298 K have the features associated with a spin 1/2 one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet while the spectra of single crystals of [II] do not. E.S.R. of single crystals of [I] and [II] provides a reliable means of detecting previously reported crystalline to discotic phase transitions. Single crystals of [I] heated beyond the temperature of the first discotic phase transition yield single line E.S.R. spectra which have an angular dependence and an asymmetric lineshape; these observations suggest that, in the discotic phase, exchange interactions are still significant and a degree of long range order is maintained.
Quality assessment and meta‐analysis of systemic tetracycline use in chronic adult periodontitis

The use of systemic tetracycline in the treatment of periodontal disease has been controversial. To investigate this controversy, we performed a quality assessment and attempted to perform a meta-analysis of 13 published studies. We evaluated the quality of the study protocol and data analysis and presentation for each study. We were unable to combine data from the majority of studies due to heterogeneity of the outcomes evaluated and limitations in data reported in the individual studies. Therefore, only 2 studies were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. On a scale of 0-1, the mean score for this group of studies was 0.27 (+/- 0.19) for study protocol and 0.31 (+/- 0.11) for data analysis and presentation. Mean reduction in probing depth for the group treated with tetracycline plus scaling was 2.45 mm; for the group which received only scaling, 2.02 mm; for the group that received only tetracycline, 1.98 mm; and for the control group, 0.65 mm. We conclude that analysis of data from the published literature does not demonstrate that the use of systemic tetracycline is more beneficial than conventional treatment in the management of adult periodontal disease. More information is needed in order to perform an extensive meta-analysis of this subject.
Exchange price equilibria and variational inequalities

The aim of this paper is to show the relevance of the concept and the theory of variational inequalities in the study of economic equilibria.
The potential utility of a rapid CK-MB assay in evaluating emergency department patients with possible myocardial infarction.

Study objectives: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of a new rapid creatine kinase-MB (R-CK-MB) assay compared with a standard CK-MB (S-CK-MB) assay and to determine its potential use in the evaluation of emergency department patients with possible myocardial infarction. Design: Retrospective patient identification with subsequent testing of excess sera for CK-MB and total CK using an identity-unlinked procedure. Setting: Large, urban, teaching hospital ED. Participants: All adult patients with excess sera and one of several defined presentations chosen to identify those with possible myocardial ischemia or infarction. Patients with clearly documented noncardiac etiologies of their symptoms or signs were excluded. Main results: The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 271 patient specimens for the R-CK-MB assay compared with the S-CK-MB assay were 100%, 96.8%, 75.0%, and 100%, respectively. The R-CK-MB assay was positive for 32 patients (11.8%). Of these, eight (25.0%) were admitted to unmonitored beds, and five (15.6%) were discharged home. All of these 13 patients had initial ECGs without evidence of ischemia or infarction. On follow-up, at least eight of the 13 had evidence of infarction. Conclusion: The R-CK-MB assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity compared with the S-CK-MB assay. When used for patients in whom a cardiac care unit admission is not considered, the rapid assay may identify some patients with unsuspected myocardial infarction and prevent inadvertent discharge or admission to unmonitored beds.
Some features of mother-young relationships in Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

Abstract The behavior of an adult female Reeve's muntjac and its young was studied in large outdoor enclosures beginning after the post-partum period and terminating with the age of weaning. Twelve variables were quantified and regressed on the age of the young in weeks. Activity of the young increased with age, whereas six behaviors promoting contact between mother and young decreased with age. The hiding phase in muntjac may last 4 weeks. Subsequent to this phase, the young becomes conspicuously active compared to earlier weeks, and the mother begins scent marking and is aggressive toward other adult females. Aggressiveness in the mother is possibly adaptive in nature by ensuring sufficient food supplies for the young. The results of this study will be used to develop future management programs for muntjac at the National Zoological Park.
Urea-mediated freeze-thaw hybridization of lactate dehydrogenase.

Abstract The subunits of lactate dehydrogenases from a wide variety of related and unrelated organisms can be reassociated in vitro into functional “hybrid molecules”. This can be accomplished by subjecting isozyme mixtures to a freeze-thaw cycle in phosphate buffer containing the necessary hybridization-promoting substances: I−, Br−, Cl−, thiocyanate, or 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate. It has been observed now that low concentrations of urea (less than 0.1 M) in sodium phosphate buffer also will promote freeze-thaw hybridization. Urea and the other hybridization-promoting substances appear to function by a similar mechanism. It has been suggested that urea disrupts protein structure by an ion-exchange mechanism. It has also been observed that Tris not only inhibits freeze-thaw hybridization, but also protects the enzyme against freeze-thaw destruction. Under various conditions, the isozymes possessing the least net negative charge are more susceptible to irreversible freeze-thaw denaturation than the other isozymic types. This may be the result of evolutionarily preserved structural characteristics common to all isozymic forms.
Atherosclerosis—Relationship to coronary blood flow

Abstract Human atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries consist of a variable mixture of lipids, cells and fiber proteins synthesized by the cells. The 2 major space-occupying components of the advanced lesions, which together obstruct the lumen, are the fibrous cap and the necrotic core from which the lesions derive their name. The smooth muscle cells, which make up most cells of the plaque, including the fibrous caps, are produced by migration from the media as well as by proliferation of these cells in the intima. The lipids, mostly supplied by circulating lipoproteins, are present not only in the atheromatous acellular core, but also in the cytoplasm of the cells of the lesion and extracellularly, often attached to 1 or more constituents of the fibrous matrix of the plaque (collagen, elastin and proteoglycans). In both human and rhesus monkey coronary arteries, the lumen becomes more stenotic as the plaque becomes larger and enlarges as the plaque becomes smaller in response to lipid-lowering therapy. Recent studies in other nonhuman primate models of advanced atherosclerosis have questioned the influence of the plaque lesion on coronary blood flow. For example, in the cynomolgus species of macaque ( M. fascicularis ), depending on how the plaques are induced, the artery lumens may dilate as the plaques become larger because the outside diameters of the arteries increase. Furthermore, some diseased arteries are found to stenose further when the animals with advanced coronary plaques are treated by measures that substantially reduce the lipids in the plaques. Questions now being studied in several animal models and in human arteries include the relative influence of the degree of medial involvement, of lesion cell types, and of lesion circumferential localization (concentric versus eccentric) on these paradoxical phenomena.
Carbon tetrachloride-mediated expiration of pentane and chloroform by the intact rat: The effects of pretreatment with diethyl maleate, SKF-525A and phenobarbital

Abstract Measurements were made of pentane, a product of lipid peroxidation, and chloroform (CHCl 3 ), a product of the reductive metabolism of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ), expired by rats administered CCl 4 plus either phenobarbital (PB), 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenyl valerate hydrochloride (SKF-525A), or diethyl maleate (DEM). In rats fed a standard laboratory diet, treatment with PB prior to injection of CCl 4 increased expiration of both CHCl 3 and pentane. SKF-525A pretreatment decreased the metabolism of CCl 4 and CCl 4 -induced lipid peroxidation. DEM, a depleter of intracellular glutathione, increased lipid peroxidation. In rats fed 10% corn oil diets that contained either 0 or 40 IU of dl -alpha-tocopherol acetate, oxidant stresses caused by glutathione depletion and CCl 4 -intoxication were found to be additive.
Exploring Equilibria in Stochastic Delay Differential Equations Using Persistent Homology

This paper explores the possibility of using techniques from topological data analysis for studying datasets generated from dynamical systems described by stochastic delay equations. The dataset is generated using Euler-Maryuama simulation for two first order systems with stochastic parameters drawn from a normal distribution. The first system contains additive noise whereas the second one contains parametric or multiplicative noise. Using Taken’s embedding, the dataset is converted into a point cloud in a high-dimensional space. Persistent homology is then employed to analyze the structure of the point cloud in order to study equilibria and periodic solutions of the underlying system. Our results show that the persistent homology successfully differentiates between different types of equilibria. Therefore, we believe this approach will prove useful for automatic data analysis of vibration measurements. For example, our approach can be used in machining processes for chatter detection and prevention.Copyright © 2014 by ASME