cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in teleost renal transport

The teleost renal tubule continues to be a valuable tool with which to investigate epithelial membrane transport mechanisms and factors that control them. Several newer aspects of fish renal transport are reviewed, and hypothetical models incorporating these findings are proposed. Fluorescence microscopy has revealed a new Na-independent organic anion (OA) transport process and new information about the classical Na-dependent transporter. With the latter, OA enters the cytosol in exchange for a-ketoglutarate (αKG) at the basolateral membrane (BLM). Larger molecular weight OAs enter independently of (αKG and exit to the lumen on a brush-border membrane (BBM) ATP-dependent transporter. The Na-dependent OA transporter is inhibited by activation of protein kinase C (PKC). A primary messenger is dopamine whereas adrenergic stimulation increases OA secretion. Avid sulfate secretion by the proximal tubule involves two anion exchangers in series. Recent studies implicate carbonic anhydrase (CA) in facilitation of secretion through dehydroxylation of bicarbonate entering from the lumen in exchange for cellular sulfate. Hydroxyl ions resulting from this catalysis exchange for interstitial sulfate. Factors that activate PKC stimulate phosphate (Pi) secretion; those that activate protein kinase A stimulate Pi reabsorption. The flounder Na-coupled Pi transporter has been cloned (NaPi-II), kinetically characterized, and localized mainly to the BLM of proximal segment II (PII) and BBM of collecting duct. Morphology and ion distribution studies strongly implicate aggregation of Mg in cytosolic vesicles as a step in Mg secretion. These were found in PII and certain collecting duct cells. J. Exp. Zool. 283:653–661, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Structure of a Social Science Collaboration Network: Disciplinary Cohesion from 1963 to 1999

Has sociology become more socially integrated over the last 30 years? Recent work in the sociology of knowledge demonstrates a direct linkage between social interaction patterns and the structure of ideas, suggesting that scientific collaboration networks affect scientific practice. I test three competing models for sociological collaboration networks and find that a structurally cohesive core that has been growing steadily since the early 1960s characterizes the discipline's coauthorship network. The results show that participation in the sociology collaboration network depends on research specialty and that quantitative work is more likely to be coauthored than non-quantitative work. However, structural embeddedness within the network core given collaboration is largely unrelated to specialty area. This pattern is consistent with a loosely overlapping specialty structure that has potentially integrative implications for theoretical development in sociology.
γ-Hydroxybutyrate induces cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation in mouse hippocampus: An involvement of GABAB receptors and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation

Abstract γ-Hydroxybutyrate is a widely used recreational drug. Its abuse has been associated with cognitive impairments and development of tolerance and dependence. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In the present study we investigated the possible cellular signaling mechanisms that might mediate γ-hydroxybutyrate’s action. Acute administration of γ-hydroxybutyrate (500 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to cause a rapid and long-lasting increase in the phosphorylation level of the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein in mouse (C57/BL6) hippocampus. Pretreatment with the specific GABA B receptor antagonist [3-[1-(R)-[(3-cyclohexylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]-2-(S)-hydroxy-propyl]amino]ethyl]-benzoic acid (20 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the action of γ-hydroxybutyrate, confirming a GABA B receptor-mediated mechanism. In addition, acute γ-hydroxybutyrate administration induced a significant increase in cytosolic cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in the hippocampus, and pretreatment with the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H-89 could prevent the effect of γ-hydroxybutyrate on cAMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation, indicating a direct involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in γ-hydroxybutyrate-induced cAMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation. On the other hand, the increased expression of phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element-binding protein was not observed in the hippocampus of mice subjected to repeated γ-hydroxybutyrate exposure, suggesting the development of a γ-hydroxybutyrate-induced desensitization of the signaling pathway leading to cAMP-responsive element-binding protein activation. Since cAMP-responsive element-binding protein activation has been implicated in a variety of neural plasticities, our findings may have revealed a new mechanism underlying γ-hydroxybutyrate-induced neuroadaptations.
Multiple TL-like loci in the grc-G/C region of the rat

The grc-G/C region of the rat is homologous to the Q/TL region of the mouse, and deletions in this region are associated with fetal mortality, developmental defects, and decreased resistance to cancer. Several cosmids spanning approximately 45 kilobases of this region were analyzed for their class I loci, using a mouse general class I probe (pAG64c), grc-specific probes (pGRC1.4, pGRC1.7), and four probes derived from the TL-like locus RT1.N1. The results showed that TL-like genes other than RT1.N1 exist in the rat: a duplicated gene, RT1.N2, was identified, sequenced, and shown to be 99.3% similar to RT1.N1; and a third TL-like gene, RT1.N3, was isolated from a cDNA library, sequenced, and shown to be 92.8% similar to RT1.N1. These observations suggest that the rat TL-like loci are duplicated and that there is more than one cluster of these duplicated genes. The TL-like genes are transcribed predominantly in the thymus, except in grc- strains, and their level of transcription increases during fetal life and reaches its maximum at birth. Finally, a cosmid that appears to identify the end of the deletion in grc- strains was identified.
In-Situ Fabrication and Process Control Techniques in Rapid Thermal Processing †

Advanced rapid thermal processing (RTP) equipment and sensors have been developed for in-situ fabrication of semiconductor devices. High-performance multi-zone lamp modules have been applied to various processes including rapid thermal oxidation (RTO), chemicalvapor deposition (CVD) of tungsten and amorphous/polycrystalline silicon, silicide formation, as well as high-temperature rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Concurrent use of multizone lamps and multi-point temperature sensors allows real-time wafer temperature control and process uniformity optimization. Specific experimental results will be presented on the multi-zone lamp modules, in-situ process control sensors, and single-wafer fabrication processes.
Social Class and a Division of Labor within the Corporate Elite: a Note on Class, Interlocking, and Executive Committee Membership of Directors of U. S. Industrial Firms

Upper-class directors of major industrial companies are directors of more corporations than are the non-upper-class directors, but they are less likely to serve on executive committees of corporate boards. This may indicate that there is a class-based division of labor in which the upper-class directors are more concerned with inter-organizational relationships and with the functioning of the economy as a whole, and that non-upper-class directors are concerned with day-to-day operations of individual companies.
Host-dependent Lewis (Le) antigen expression in Helicobacter pylori cells recovered from Leb-transgenic mice

Variation of surface antigen expression is a mechanism used by microbes to adapt to and persist within their host habitats. Helicobacter pylori, a persistent bacterial colonizer of the human stomach, can alter its surface Lewis (Le) antigen expression. We examined H. pylori colonization in mice to test the hypothesis that host phenotype selects for H. pylori (Le) phenotypes. When wild-type and Leb-expressing transgenic FVB/N mice were challenged with H. pylori strain HP1, expressing Lex and Ley, we found that bacterial populations recovered after 8 mo from Leb-transgenic, but not wild-type, mice expressed Leb. Changes in Le phenotype were linked to variation of a putative galactosyltransferase gene (β-(1,3)galT); mutagenesis and complementation revealed its essential role in type I antigen expression. These studies indicate that H. pylori evolves to resemble the host's gastric Le phenotype, and reveal a bacterial genetic locus that is subject to host-driven selection pressure.
Sort vs. hash revisited

Efficient algorithms for processing large volumes of data are very important both for relational and new object-oriented database systems. Many query-processing operations can be implemented using sort- or hash-based algorithms, e.g. intersections, joins, and duplicate elimination. In the early relational database systems, only sort-based algorithms were employed. In the last decade, hash-based algorithms have gained acceptance and popularity, and are often considered generally superior to sort-based algorithms such as merge-join. In this article, we compare the concepts behind sort- and hash-based query-processing algorithms and conclude that (1) many dualities exist between the two types of algorithms, (2) their costs differ mostly by percentages rather than by factors, (3) several special cases exist that favor one or the other choice, and (4) there is a strong reason why both hash- and sort-based algorithms should be available in a query-processing system. Our conclusions are supported by experiments performed using the Volcano query execution engine. >
The Role of Remote Sensing in Predicting and Determining Coastal Storm Impacts

Abstract Storm-induced flooding and other damage present a major problem as the coastal population continues to increase rapidly and sea level keeps rising. To predict the path and landfall of a hurricane or other coastal storm and assess the damage, emergency managers and scientists need continuous information on the storm's path, strength, predicted landfall, and expected damage over large areas. Satellite and airborne remote sensors can provide the required information in a timely and reliable way, as demonstrated by a case study of hurricane Katrina's impact on New Orleans and surrounding areas. Satellite images and hurricane hunter planes were used to track hurricane Katrina, with modelers predicting accurately its path, strength, surge level, and landfall location. Shore-based radars were used to confirm the data as the hurricane approached land. Medium- and high-resolution satellite sensors, helicopters, and aircraft were employed to assess damage to the city, including transportation, power, and c...
Potential role of curcumin in stroke prevention.

The cause for a majority of ischemic strokes can be attributed to an underlying atherosclerotic disease process. Longitudinal epidemiologic studies have associated several risk factors with the ini...
Pain Management in Young Children Undergoing Diagnostic Tympanocentesis

Objective. To describe the pain associated with diagnostic tympanocentesis and to gather preliminary data comparing the efficacy of 3 methods of pain reduction for tympanocentesis. Methods. In children 6 to 36 months of age undergoing tympanocentesis for acute otitis media, the authors measured pain and distress throughout all phases of the procedure and recovery using physiological (heart rate) and behavioral measures (cry duration, Global Mood Scale score, and pain visual analog scales). They compared—in a randomized controlled trial—3 pain reduction interventions: acetaminophen, acetaminophen plus codeine, and ibuprofen plus midazolam. Results. Heart rate increased throughout the procedure, peaking during needle aspiration. Children treated with acetaminophen alone had higher peak heart rates and Global Mood Scale scores during parts of the procedure. Conclusions. Acetaminophen alone may not be as effective in reducing pain-related physiological and behavioral changes as acetaminophen plus codeine or i...
The Analysis of Thebaine in Urine for the Detection of Poppy Seed Consumption

The consumption of poppy seeds in various foods may lead to a positive opiate result in urine subjected to testing for drugs of abuse. As a natural constituent of poppy seeds, thebaine was investigated as a possible marker for poppy seed consumption. Poppy seeds were examined for opiate content by gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after extraction with methanol. Urine samples spiked with thebaine and urine from subjects given 11 g of poppy seeds were tested for the presence of thebaine, codeine, and morphine. Street heroin, one morphine and one codeine tablet, and urine from individuals who had used heroin were also examined for thebaine. Urine specimens were screened by enzyme immunoassay (EMIT) and confirmed for thebaine by GC-MS using a solid-phase extraction method. The GC-MS assay showed a linear response over a range of 1-100 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.5 ng/mL. Thebaine was detectable in the urine of poppy seed eaters in concentrations ranging from 2 to 81 ng/mL. Because thebaine was absent in powdered drugs and the urine of true opiate drug users, thebaine is proposed as a direct marker for poppy seed use.
An Algorithm for Computer-Aided Loop Shaping

Presented in this paper is an algorithm that facilitates computer-aided loop shaping and it is directly applicable to the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) problem. The algorithm is based on converting the problem of designing an Open Loop Transfer Function (OLTF), whose magnitude and phase at each frequency lies in some allowable region in the complex plane, into a parameter identification problem. The outcome of the identification process is a pulse transfer function representation of the loop which in turn can be transformed into the s-domain giving the desired OLTF.
A Simulation Program for Teaching Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents the Pediatric Gynecology Examination and Procedures

Abstract Study Objective To assess the use of a pelvic simulation curriculum to teach obstetrics and gynecologic residents the pediatric gynecology examination and procedures. Design Residents in obstetrics and gynecology participated in a simulation curriculum using a modified pelvic hemimodel to simulate a pediatric pelvis. Participants 19 obstetrics and gynecology residents completed the study protocol. Interventions Digitally recorded encounters with a standardized patient scenario using the simulator were utilized. After the initial encounter the trainees participated in a formal lecture and demonstration using the model. The trainees were then reassessed at least four weeks after the initial encounter; results were reviewed by a blinded evaluator. Scores were analyzed using the two-sided t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Main Outcome Measures Scores from before to after the simulation training. Results A total of 19 residents completed the study protocol and demonstrated significant improvement in scores from before to after the simulation training. Scores improved from a pre-training mean of 6.1 to post-training mean of 16.7 (P = 0.0001). Improvement was seen at all levels of residency training. Specific skill sets included in the Council for Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Educational objectives (1) were improved including: pediatric gynecologic examination, collection of microbial cultures, vaginal lavage and vaginoscopy. Conclusions This teaching program using a simulation model was found to be an effective tool to improve resident knowledge and performance of the skills needed to accomplish the pediatric gynecology examination.
Respiratory Perioperative Management of Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become a major public health problem in the United State and Europe. However, perioperative strategies regarding diagnostic options and management of untreated OSA remain inadequate. Preoperative screening and identification of patients with undiagnosed OSA may lead to early perioperative interventions that may alter cardiopulmonary events associated with surgery and anesthesia.(1) Hence, clinicians need to become familiar with the preoperative screening and diagnosis of OSA. Perioperative management of a patient with OSA should be modified and may include regional anesthesia and alternative analgesic techniques such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may reduce the need for systemic opioids. Additionally, supplemental oxygen and continuous pulse oximetry monitoring should be utilized to maintain baseline oxygen saturation. Postoperatively patients should remain in a semi-upright position and positive pressure therapy should be used in patients with high-risk OSA.
Characterization of a germ-line proliferation mutation in C. elegans

The C. elegans germ line is generated by extensive proliferation of the two germ-line progenitor cells present in newly hatched larvae. We describe genetic and phenotypic characterization of glp-4, a locus whose product is required for normal proliferation of the germ line. glp-4(bn2ts) mutant worms raised at the restrictive temperature contain approximately 12 germ nuclei, in contrast to the 700-1000 present in wild-type adults. The few germ cells present in sterile glp-4 adults appear to be arrested at prophase of the mitotic cell cycle. This cell-cycle disruption prevents the germ cells from entering meiosis and differentiating into gametes. Shifting sterile glp-4 worms to the permissive temperature enables their germ cells to undergo extensive proliferation and form gametes, demonstrating that the bn2-induced cell-cycle arrest is reversible and that proliferation and differentiation of germ cells can be uncoupled from development of the somatic gonad. The glp-4(bn2ts) mutation can be used to generate large populations of worms that are severely depleted in germ cells, facilitating determination of whether any gene of interest is expressed in the germ line or soma or both.
3-D Electromagnetic Analysis of Armatures and Rails for High Launch Energy Applications

Transient three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic analyses have been performed on armatures and rails which are intended to be used for high launch energy applications. Coupled magnetic and thermal diffusions were solved within moving armatures in both square bore and round bore rail launchers. Current, magnetic field, body force and temperature distributions in the armature and rail conductors were predicted and compared. The predicted mechanical and thermal loading outputs can be further used for launcher structural analysis and rail cooling design.
Direct numerical simulations of supercritical fluid mixing layers applied to heptane–nitrogen

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are conducted of a model hydrocarbon{nitrogen mixing layer under supercritical conditions. The temporally developing mixing layer conguration is studied using heptane and nitrogen supercritical fluid streams at a pressure of 60 atm as a model system related to practical hydrocarbon-fuel/air systems. An entirely self-consistent cubic Peng{Robinson equation of state is used to describe all thermodynamic mixture variables, including the pressure, internal energy, enthalpy, heat capacity, and speed of sound along with additional terms associated with the generalized heat and mass transport vectors. The Peng{Robinson formulation is based on pure-species reference states accurate to better than 1% relative error through comparisons with highly accurate state equations over the range of variables used in this study (6006 T 6 1100 K, 406 p6 80 atm) and is augmented by an accurate curve t to the internal energy so as not to require iterative solutions. The DNS results of two-dimensional and three-dimensional layers elucidate the unique thermodynamic and mixing features associated with supercritical conditions. Departures from the perfect gas and ideal mixture conditions are quantied by the compression factor and by the mass diusion factor, both of which show reductions from the unity value. It is found that the qualitative aspects of the mixing layer may be dierent according to the specication of the thermal diusion factors whose value is generally unknown, and the reason for this dierence is identied by examining the second-order statistics: the constant Bearman{Kirkwood (BK) thermal diusion factor excites fluctuations that the constant Irwing{Kirkwood (IK) one does not, and thus enhances overall mixing. Combined with the eect of the mass diusion factor, constant positive large BK thermal diusion factors retard diusional mixing, whereas constant moderate IK factors tend to promote diusional mixing. Constant positive BK thermal diusion factors also tend to maintain density gradients, with resulting greater shear and vorticity. These conclusions about IK and BK thermal diusion factors are speciespair dependent, and therefore are not necessarily universal. Increasing the temperature of the lower stream to approach that of the higher stream results in increased layer growth as measured by the momentum thickness. The three-dimensional mixing layer exhibits slow formation of turbulent small scales, and transition to turbulence does not occur even for a relatively long non-dimensional time when compared to a previous, atmospheric conditions study. The primary reason for this delay is the initial density stratication of the flow, while the formation of strong density gradient regions both in the braid and between-the-braid planes may constitute a secondary reason for the hindering of transition through damping of emerging turbulent eddies.
A framework for predictive modeling of anatomical deformations

A framework for modeling and predicting anatomical deformations is presented, and tested on simulated images. Although a variety of deformations can be modeled in this framework, emphasis is placed on surgical planning, and particularly on modeling and predicting changes of anatomy between preoperative and intraoperative positions, as well as on deformations induced by tumor growth. Two methods are examined. The first is purely shape-based and utilizes the principal modes of co-variation between anatomy and deformation in order to statistically represent deformability. When a patient's anatomy is available, it is used in conjunction with the statistical model to predict the way in which the anatomy will/can deform. The second method is related, and it uses the statistical model in conjunction with a biomechanical model of anatomical deformation. It examines the principal modes of co-variation between shape and forces, with the latter driving the biomechanical model, and thus predicting deformation. Results are shown on simulated images, demonstrating that systematic deformations, such as those resulting from change in position or from tumor growth, can be estimated very well using these models. Estimation accuracy will depend on the application, and particularly on how systematic a deformation of interest is.
Digitale Signatur per Chipkarte zur maximalen Sicherheit im Internet

Die Offnung des Internet’s fur geschaftliche Anwendungen setzt eine eindeutige Identifizierung der Kommunikationspartner und die Unveranderbarkeit der ausgetauschten Dokumente voraus. Mit Hilfe von kryptographischen Verfahren, wie z.B. der RSA Public Key Algorithmus, konnen Daten durch eine digitale Signatur (gleich ‘elektronische Unterschrift’) sicher gekennzeichnet werden. Voraussetzung fur ein solches Verfahren ist die eindeutige Zuordnung von kryptographischen Schlusseln. Fur die Vergabe von eindeutigen Schlusseln pro Benutzer und Anwendung wurden offentliche Zertifizierungsstellen ‘Certification Authorities’ im Netzwerk eingerichtet, von denen ein personliches Zertifikat fur den offentlichen Schlussel erworben werden kann. Die sichere Generierung, Speicherung und Verwendung dieser Schlusselpaare ist eine wichtige Bedingung fur die eindeutige und rechtlich verbindliche Kennzeichnung der im Internet versendeten Dokumente.
Relationship between the kinetics of the acetylation and excretion of sulfathiazole or other sulfonamides and the occurrence of crystalluria

The kinetics of the excretion and acetylation of sulfathiazole were studied in normal adult humans. Excretion of free sulfathiazole, its acetylation, and excretion of acetylated sulfathiazole were described by a kinetic model previously found to hold for the same processes in the disposition of sulfisoxazole and sulfamethylthiadiazole when 0.5-Gm. doses were ingested. When a 1.0-Gm. dose of sulfathiazole was ingested by one test subject, excretion of acetylated sulfathiazole could not be described in terms of the model. However, repetition of the test during the maintenance of a high water intake during the period of time when excretion rate of acetylsulfathiazole was at high values, gave results that could be interpreted in terms of the model. On the basis of equations developed to calculate maximum excretion rate of acetylsulfathiazole, it was apparent that crystalluria must have occurred during the first test with a 1.0-Gm. dose. The relationship between concentration of acetylated sulfonamide in urine, urine flow rate, and rate of excretion of acetylated sulfonamides was examined for the situation when sulfonamides are used in therapy. This examination allowed establishment of minimum urine flow rates during therapy with sulfathiazole, sulfisoxazole, and sulfamethylthiadiazole as a function of urine pH and dose level.
A low cost, high fidelity nerve block model

We have constructed a simple, inexpensive simulation model for ultrasound guided nerve blocks. To date there are no low cost, high fidelity models for nerve block simulations. The models that do exist are expensive and vaguely resemble actual anatomy. As ultrasound guided nerve blocks become more common in medical education it is essential to develop better training models to help increase the comfort level of the individual provider and increase the chances for success during live-patient procedures [Anaesth Intensive Care 37: 824-829, 2009]. The nerve block model was produced with a single pork loin with pressure-injected ultrasound gel through both CAT 5 cable and IV tubing inserted length-wise into the pork loin. Our nerve block model had a realistic, life-like feel simulating human tissue. This ultrasound nerve block model was inexpensive with life-like feel allowing resident trainees to develop more confidence and tactile skill to increase the chance for success.
Relationships among climate, erosion, topography, and delamination in the Andes: A numerical modeling investigation

Cordilleran orogenic systems such as the Andes are controlled by shortening rates, climatically-controlled erosion rates, and, in some cases, eclogite production and delamination. All of these processes are coupled, however, making it diffi cult to uniquely determine the relative importance of each process and the feedbacks among them. In this paper we develop a massbalanced numerical model that couples an actively-shortening orogen and crustal root with eclogite production, delamination, and climatically controlled erosion. The model provides a fi rst-order quantifi cation of the sources (shortening) and sinks (erosion and eclogite production and delamination) of crustal volume during the Cenozoic in the Andes as a function of latitude and time. Given reasonable estimates for the rates of eclogite production and the threshold size of the eclogitic root required for delamination, the model suggests that, in the central Andes between 5° S and 32° S, the orogen has grown to a suffi cient height to produce and maintain eclogite, which in turn has promoted delamination in the lower crust and mantle. In this region, climatically controlled erosion rates infl uence the size of the orogen through two separate mechanisms: by exporting mass via surface processes and by controlling the lithostatic pressure in the lower crust, which modulates the rates of eclogite production and/or delamination. To the north and south of the central Andes, relatively low shortening rates and high precipitation and erosion rates have slowed eclogite production such that delamination likely has not occurred during the Cenozoic.
Neuropeptide Y and Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Synergize to Stimulate the Development of Cellular Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in the Hamster Adenohypophysis

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) stimulates the development of cellular FSH immunoreactivity in the perinatal hamster adenohypophysis. Because neuropeptide Y (NPY) can act directly on rat adenohypophysial cells to stimulate FSH and LH release and potentiate the stimulatory effect of LHRH on FSH and LH release, we investigated the effects of NPY alone and in combination with a low, ineffective dose of LHRH on inducing cellular FSH immunoreactivity in the neonatal hamster adenohypophysis. Neonatal female pituitary glands were grafted beneath the right renal capsules of hypophysectomized-ovariectomized adult hamster hosts with a catheter implanted in the external jugular vein. After treatment, hosts were decapitated and graft tissue was stained for FSH and LH immunoreactivity. The mean percentage of adenohypophysial cells that stained for FSH was low (2.8%) in grafts in hosts infused continuously with heparinized saline vehicle for 7 days. In other hosts, peptides were pulsed through the catheter every 12 h for 7 days. The mean percentage of FSH cells also was low after pulsing 6 ng LHRH or 2 micrograms NPY but increased substantially when the two peptides were pulsed simultaneously. No differences in the mean percentage of LH cells existed between any of the groups. The results demonstrate that NPY and LHRH can synergize to induce cellular FSH immunoreactivity in the neonatal female hamster.
Subdermal Basal‐Cell Carcinoma

A case of recurrent basal-cell carcinoma at the mandibular ramus presented clinically with a subdermal nodule. The patient had previously been treated with aggressive curettage and electrodesiccation which had penetrated through the dermis. The authors postulate that either incomplete extirpation of the neoplasm with the curet or iatrogenic deep implantation of the tumor during the procedure may have led to the presentation of the recurrence as a subdermal nodule.
Maternal correlates of body mass index in American Indian/Alaska Native and White adolescents: Differences between mother/son and mother/daughter pairs.

Abstract Introduction Obesity rates for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents are among the highest in the US. However, little is known about the influence of maternal correlates on adolescent body mass index (BMI), and the extent to which the size and significance of these correlates vary by adolescent sex and race. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with a sample of 531 AI/AN and 8896 White mother/adolescent pairs from Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We used generalized estimating equations to measure the association of maternal educational attainment, marital status, employment status, obesity status, and adolescent BMI of AI/AN and White adolescents, while controlling for adolescents' demographic and behavioral covariates. We sought to determine whether the size and statistical significance of maternal correlates differed by race, and between mother/son and mother/daughter pairs. Results The strength and statistical significance of maternal correlates varied between mother/son and mother/daughter pairs in both races. However, we did not find effect modification by race. Maternal obesity showed the strongest effect on adolescent BMI in all mother/adolescent pairs. Conclusion Our findings suggest that maternal factors are critical in the transmission of obesogenic behaviors from one generation to the next, and their effects vary between mother/son and mother/daughter pairs, and are similar for AI/ANs and Whites. We encourage future work aimed at preventing adolescent obesity to investigate causal pathways between maternal correlates and adolescent BMI.
Experimental Hypercholesterolemia in Genetic ApoE−/−/Lrp5−/− Mice: Proof of Principle

The low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 5 and 6 (Lrp5 and Lrp6) genes were cloned in 1998 based on their homology with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) [1–4]. Mutations in either LRP5 or LRP6, proteins have caused a number of disease processed in the field of bone [5, 6], and have been associated with cardiovascular disease [4, 7–9]. The LDL-Density-Pressure theory [10] combines the structure, function analysis of these co-receptors with the results from the genetic studies to provide a unique hypothesis for the role of these receptors in the heart. This chapter provides the genetic mouse evidence to demonstrate that in the presence of experimental hypercholesterolemia, Lrp5/6 receptors, Runx2 genes are up-regulated in the presence of cholesterol and mediate calcification by MicroCT analysis.
The Role of Architecture in the Melt-State Self-Assembly of (Polystyrene)star-b-(Polyisoprene)linear-b-(Polystyrene)star Pom-Pom Triblock Copolymers

Using a unique one-pot convergent anionic polymerization strategy, 18 (polystyrene)star-b-(polyisoprene)linear-b-(polystyrene)star (SnISn) pom-pom triblock copolymers were synthesized varying a range of architectural parameters including PS arm molecular weight (Mn,star), the number of arms contained in the star (n), and the PI midblock molecular weight (Mn,PI). A selected series of five of these 18, in which Mn,star was held approximately constant between 14.3 and 16.5 kDa, but with the numbers of arms in the star and PI midblock molecular weight varied, were selected for detailed characterization using rheology, AFM, and SAXS. The five selected all shared PS as the minority component, with star volume fractions (fPS) varying between 0.11 and 0.22. All samples showed clear phase separation, with three of the five adopting a highly ordered hexagonal packing of cylinders (HPC) confirmed through SAXS and AFM. The remaining two systems were limited to liquid-like packing of cylindrical domains (LLP). Longer ...
Dynamic User Equilibrium

Dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) is the positive (descriptive) modeling of time-varying flows of automobiles on road networks consistent with established traffic flow theory and travel demand theory. Dynamic user equilibrium (DUE) is one type of DTA wherein the effective unit travel delay, including early and late arrival penalties, of travel for the same purpose is identical for all utilized path and departure time pairs. In the context of planning, DUE is usually modelled for the within-day time scale based on demands established on a day-to-day time scale.
Pension Coverage: Examining CPS Data

Annual estimates of pension coverage for wage and salary workers are not well documented. Two supplements to the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS)--one conducted annually in March and the other every other year in February--include questions pertaining to pension coverage. These surveys ask different questions, and neither examines pension plan types (defined benefit or defined contribution). However, they provide some insight into overall pension coverage on an annual basis across various demographic and employer characteristics. This article uses both CPS supplements to estimate pension coverage for all wage and salary workers. The March 1993-1999 surveys provide pension coverage estimates across various demographic and employer categories. The February surveys from 1995, 1997, and 1999 provide overall pension coverage estimates as well as data on why a worker is not covered (ineligible versus choosing not to participate) when working for an employer that sponsors a plan. The PDF for the above title, published in the September 2000 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another September EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Prescription Drugs: Continued Rapid Growth."
Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Augment Extinction of Conditioned Fear

Abstract Background Exposure-based therapy parallels extinction learning of conditioned fear. Prior research points to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex as a potential site for the consolidation of extinction learning and subsequent retention of extinction memory. Objective/hypothesis The present study aimed to evaluate whether the application of non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during extinction learning enhances late extinction and early recall in human participants. Methods Forty-four healthy volunteers completed a 2-day Pavlovian fear conditioning, extinction, and recall paradigm while skin conductance activity was continuously measured. Twenty-six participants received 2 mA anodal tDCS over EEG coordinate AF3 during extinction of a first conditioned stimulus. The remaining 18 participants received similar tDCS during extinction of a second conditioned stimulus. Sham stimulation was applied for the balance of extinction trials in both groups. Normalized skin conductance changes were analyzed using linear mixed models to evaluate effects of tDCS over late extinction and early recall trials. Results We observed a significant interaction between timing of tDCS during extinction blocks and changes in skin conductance reactivity over late extinction trials. These data indicate that tDCS was associated with accelerated late extinction learning of a second conditioned stimulus after tDCS was combined with extinction learning of a previous conditioned stimulus. No significant effects of tDCS timing were observed on early extinction recall. Conclusions Results could be explained by an anxiolytic aftereffect of tDCS and extend previous studies on tDCS-induced modulation of fear and threat related learning processes. These findings support further exploration of the clinical use of tDCS.
Experiments on the Variability of the Fermentative Reaction of Bacteria, Especially the Streptococci

In a preceding paper,1 after a series of experiments with different colonies derived from one colony, the statement is made that the carbohydrates cannot be used to separate strains of streptococci. In this investigation the media used were agar prepared from sugar-free broth (containing litmus solution) and nutrose water. One criticism of these experiments was that these were poor media on which to grow streptococci. This criticism was anticipated since the use of media containing ascitic fluid or serum, or broth containing meat sugar, was considered inadvisable, the aim being to determine the fermentability of the pure chemicals. On being tested by Benedict's method, samples of three different lots of ascitic fluid were found to contain, respectively, 0.166 gm., 0.125 gm., and 0.147 gm. of glucose per 100 c.c. of fluid.
The use of exercises to enhance and assess interlocal collaboration in preparedness: A qualitative analysis

Introduction: Interlocal collaboration, or collaboration among neighboring independent municipalities, has been generally accepted as an emergency preparedness strategy. In the absence of large-scale disasters, emergency preparedness exercises may serve to test the effectiveness of interlocal collaboration on emergency preparedness. However, the use of emergency preparedness exercises to enhance or assess interlocal collaboration, or its impact on preparedness, requires additional empirical exploration. Hypothesis / problem: This exploratory study aims to understand the perspectives of key informants (KIs) with broad knowledge of the history, goals, and implementation of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program, as well as knowledge of interlocal collaboration exercises conducted as part of the UASI program, about the role of exercises in improving and assessing interlocal collaboration for emergency preparedness. Method: In early 2014, 28 KIs were interviewed during 24 semistructured interviews. Interviews were recorded and analyzed to identify key themes related to emergency preparedness exercises and the enhancement and assessment of interlocal collaboration. Results: KIs perceived exercises to enhance interlocal collaboration in preparedness by promoting regional, interlocal: risk assessment; emergency plan testing and operationalization; relationship development; support for regional plans and operational structures; capability delivery practice; best practice sharing across interlocal collaborations; and engagement of elected or senior leadership in interlocal preparedness endeavors. Exercise participants, scenarios, administration, formats, and assessment strategies to promote interlocal collaboration were identified. Conclusions: Seven distinct mechanisms by which exercises can enhance interlocal collaboration that can be used to guide future research and policy development were identified. The format, scenario, participation, and administration of emergency preparedness exercises can be tailored to enhance collaboration.
Study on ecology and control countermeasures of ticks in frontiers of Russia,Korea and northeast China

Objective To study the species and ecology of ticks,and work out control measures in frontiers of Russia,Korea and Northeast China.Methods Collecting ticks by dragging a blanket over the vegetation on the ground,and collecting on the cows.Results 30 023 ticks belonged to 3 genera 5 species.The predominant species were Haemaphysalis longicornis(99.7%) in the hilly lands,and H.concinna(69.5%)in the conifer-broadleaf woods.The predominance of 3 habitats were Dermacentor silvarum,of which in the shrubberies for D.silvarum(96.1),in the woodsides for D.silvarum(85.1%),and in the broadleaf woods for D.silvarum(41.2%).The species composition of ticks varied with different months.The active duration of 5 species were 130 days for H.concinna,120 days for H.japonica,100 days for H.longicornis,100 days for Ixodes persulcatus,and 80 days for D.silvarum.During active seasons,everyone had only one peak in 5 species,of which in the front ten-days of May for D.silvarum,in the late ten-days of May for I.persulcatus and H.japonica,in the middle ten-days of June for H.longicornis,and in the late ten-days of June for H.concinna.Conclusion Basis on ecology and control measures in frontiers of Russia,Korea and Northeast China were provided.
Transpulmonary Pressure: The Importance of Precise Definitions and Limiting Assumptions

Recent studies applying the principles of respiratory mechanics to respiratory disease have used inconsistent and mutually exclusive definitions of the term "transpulmonary pressure." By the traditional definition, transpulmonary pressure is the pressure across the whole lung, including the intrapulmonary airways, (i.e., the pressure difference between the opening to the pulmonary airway and the pleural surface). However, more recently transpulmonary pressure has also been defined as the pressure across only the lung tissue (i.e., the pressure difference between the alveolar space and the pleural surface), traditionally known as the "elastic recoil pressure of the lung." Multiple definitions of the same term, and failure to recognize their underlying assumptions, have led to different interpretations of lung physiology and conclusions about appropriate therapy for patients. It is our view that many current controversies in the physiological interpretation of disease are caused by the lack of consistency in the definitions of these common physiological terms. In this article, we discuss the historical uses of these terms and recent misconceptions that may have resulted when these terms were confused. These misconceptions include assertions that normal pleural pressure must be negative (subatmospheric) and that a pressure in the pleural space may not be substantially positive when a subject is relaxed with an open airway. We urge specificity and uniformity when using physiological terms to define the physical state of the lungs, the chest wall, and the integrated respiratory system.
Cost analysis and implications of routine deep venous thrombosis duplex ultrasound scanning after endovenous ablation.

Abstract Background Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is performed by the majority of physicians after endovenous ablation (EVA) of the great saphenous vein to screen for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) at the saphenofemoral junction extending into the femoral vein. Several factors should be considered in assessing the value and cost of routine DUS after EVA: the natural history of EHIT is poorly defined, the incidence appears low, and the majority are both asymptomatic and Kabnick type 2 (projecting only slightly into the femoral vein). Moreover, routine postoperative DUS screening is not recommended for procedures with higher thromboembolic complication rates, such as joint replacement or bariatric surgery. Methods Data on the incidence of death, EHIT, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were derived from a systematic review after either radiofrequency or laser ablation of the saphenous vein from two sources: (1) EVA randomized controlled trials (N = 1482) and a (2) large (>150 patients) EVA case series (N = 12,363). The number of tests required to detect one case of EHIT/DVT was calculated from the incidence in the EVA and case series data bases; the cost to detect a case was estimated using the 2013 Medicare global fee schedule for the cost of a unilateral venous DUS study. Results This analysis included 13,845 EVA-treated limbs. There were no reported deaths. The incidence of DUS-detected venous thromboembolism after EVA is 0.7%. The cost of unilateral DUS according to the Medicare global reimbursement fee for office-based studies is $106.71. The total cost of performing DUS in this study population is estimated to be at least $1,477,399, and the amount of dollars expended per venous thromboembolism detected is $14,667. Conclusions The current Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum recommendation is to perform screening DUS after EVA within 72 hours postoperatively with a weak level of recommendation (grade 2C). The current analysis demonstrates a low incidence of EHIT/DVT with a corresponding high cost to detect each case with routine DUS screening. These data combined with the unclear clinical significance of EHIT suggest that the policy of universal post-EVA screening should be revised in the near future.
On Counting Gods

Our standard scheme for describing and classifying different sorts of religious belief, the trichotomy monotheism-polytheism-atheism , is confused and confusing. In this paper I display some of the confusions and work out a better conceptual scheme, analyzing the concepts deity , god , and ultimate . I then suggest a conservatively revised terminology, discuss historical precedents for this, and show how my suggestions clarify various problems of classification.
Keyless authentication over noisy channel

We consider the problem of keyless message authentication over noisy channels in the presence of an active adversary. Different from the existing models, in our model, the legitimate users do not have any pre-shared key for authentication. Instead, we use the noisy channel connecting the legitimate users for authentication. The main idea is to utilize the noisy channel connecting the legitimate users to generate an output at the receiver that is difficult for the adversary to replicate through his noisy channel, and then use this output to distinguish legitimate messages from fake messages. By interpreting the message authentication as a hypothesis testing problem, we investigate the authentication exponent: For a given message rate, we investigate the speed at which the optimal successful attack probability can be driven to zero. We fully characterize the authentication exponent for the zero-rate message case and a broad class of non-zero message rate cases.