cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Code-sharing in the U.S. Airline Industry: Effective Disclosure Requirements for an Aspect of Air Transport That is Complex, Important, and Often Misunderstood

Over the past 25 years, airlines have increasingly relied on code-share relationships to help them remain competitive. A code-share relationship is defined as a "commercial agreement between 2 airlines under which an airline operating a service allows another airline to offer that service to the traveling public under its own flight designator code, even though it does not operate that service." While only one carrier operates the code-share flight, each airline in a code-sharing arrangement "may hold out, market, and sell the flight as its own in published schedules." This article analyzes the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) code-sharing disclosure requirements for larger U.S. carriers and their regional partners, and for U.S. majors and their European counterparts. The first section explains why carriers form code-share relationships and how they benefit both airlines and customers. The second section provides a history of code-share relationships between regional airlines and their larger affiliates. Section three addresses why the U.S. developed a strong international aviation policy in favor of code-sharing. Section 4 sets forth the legal obligations imposed on carriers to disclose to consumers certain information regarding code-share flights. The section includes an analysis of how the rules are applied and enforced by the U.S. DOT, and concludes that the number of code-share disclosure complaints is very low, and that the current regulations and their enforcement are effective in promoting full disclosure of code-share flights.
Sindbis virus nsP1 functions in negative-strand RNA synthesis.

Abstract A mutation at nucleotide 1101 of Sindbis virus ts11 nsP1 caused temperature-sensitive negative-strand synthesis and suppressed the 24R phenotype, which is caused by a mutation in nsP4. Nonstructural proteins synthesized and accumulated by ts11 at 40 degrees C did not cause the reactivation of negative-strand synthesis upon return to 30 degrees C and did not prevent the formation of new replication complexes at 30 degrees C.
Family systems and sibling relationships

Abstract— Family systems theory suggests the importance of the role of sibling relationships in the regulation of behavior and affect, not only as children develop but, in fact, throughout the life span. However, little research has been done on the potentially unique contributions that sibling relationships make to development. The 3 articles in this Special Section detail the existing literature on this topic and indicate important directions for further investigation.
Aggregation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by Human Salivary Secretions

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is generally transmitted by parenteral contact with infected body secretions. Although extensive epidemiological data and familial studies have failed to provide any conclusive data that saliva may act as a vehicle for transmission of AIDS, both professional and public anxieties remain. The present study, as well as others, suggests that salivary secretions may act as inhibitors of HTV-1 replication in vitro. In our study, the inhibitory activity was determined to be associated mainly with secretions obtained from the human submandibular-sublingual glands. Human submandibular-sublingual (HSMSL) and parotid (HPS) salivas were collected and tested for their ability to modulate the replication of HIV-1, using a plaque assay on HeLa/CD4+ cell monolayers. Initial results examining freshly collected salivary samples from ten individuals confirmed the results previously obtained by Fox et al. (1988, 1989). An average plaque reduction of~66% was obtained with HSMSL, in contras...
Building a model of group emotional intelligence

Purpose – This paper aims to review and re‐conceptualize group emotional intelligence (GEI). It seeks to analyze past understandings of GEI to arrive at the conclusion that the concept may be multifaceted. GEI has been a challenge to distinguish theoretically due to inadequate theoretical understanding and improper empirical analysis.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a model of GEI and proposes a means of empirical evaluation of the concept. The objectives are achieved by a critical appraisal of the literature to demonstrate theoretical issues that demonstrate the multifaceted nature of the concept. Additionally, past methods of empirical evaluation of group emotional intelligence (GEI) are critically appraised and alternate means are proposed.Findings – The complexity of the construct requires a more sophisticated evaluation of group emotional intelligence. The paper provides a theoretical model that may demonstrate how GEI is developed in the group. Proposed methodological means of analy...
Prediction of steady-state skin permeabilities of polar and nonpolar permeants across excised pig skin based on measurements of transient diffusion: Characterization of hydration effects on the skin porous pathway

Abstract The applicability of a two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model for predicting the skin steady‐state permeability based on measurements of the transient transport of permeants across the skin was tested. Using five model permeants possessing different physicochemical properties and pig skin as the model membrane, the skin permeabilities predicted by the two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model were compared with the measured skin permeabilities. Results show that the transient skin permeation profiles of the hydrophobic permeants, estradiol, testosterone, and dolichol, across split‐thickness pig skin can be modeled adequately by the two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model (with constant parameter values), and therefore, that this model can be utilized to shorten the experimental time required to determine the skin permeabilities of these compounds. However, the skin permeabilities of the highly hydrophilic permeants, mannitol and sucrose, predicted by the two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model (with constant parameter values) were significantly lower than the experimentally determined values, indicating that the dominant skin pathway of polar permeants within the excised pig skin undergoes significant structural changes during the in vitro diffusion cell studies. Although the skin permeability values determined experimentally using the traditional steady‐state method normally correspond to a highly hydrated skin sample, the two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model enables an estimation of the skin permeability of the skin membrane at its less‐hydrated state (a condition more representative of in vivo and clinical situations). Using the two‐parameter Fickian diffusion model and a recently developed skin porous‐pathway theory, the effects of skin hydration on the skin porous pathway within the excised pig skin were characterized. Specifically, we found that hydration leads to induction of new pores/reduction of the tortuosity of existing pores within the excised pig skin during the 48 h diffusion cell studies conducted, while the skin average pore radii remain relatively constant (∼26 A) for up to 48 h. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:1891–1907, 2002
In vitro effects of trans-4-hydroxy-2-alkenals on mouse liver cytochrome P-450.

Abstract Under in vitro conditions, trans -4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (t-4HH), trans -4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (t-4-HN) and trans -2-hexenal (t-2H) significantly reduced the levels of mouse liver microsomal cytochrome P -450. Incubation of trans -4-hydroxy-alkenals, under anaerobic conditions in the absence of an NADPH-generating system indicated that these compounds were converting cytochrome P -450 to cytochrome P -420. Prior activation by the mixed function oxidase system was not required for trans -4-hydroxy-alkenals to alter cytochrome P -450 concentrations. trans -4-Hydroxy-alkenals and non-hydroxylated α,β-unsaturated aldehydes may be exerting their effects on cytochrome P -450 by binding to sulfhydryl groups in a similar manner as reported for sulfhydryl reagents such as p -chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid and p -chloromercuribenzoate.
Spfkh1 encodes a transcription factor implicated in gut formation during sea urchin development.

A member of the forkhead class of transcription factors from sea urchins (Spfkh1) that is expressed specifically in the endoderm of developing embryos has been identified. Spfkh1 was expressed transiently in the embryo, with peak levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) accumulating at the time endoderm invaginated into the interior of the embryo. Expression was limited to the invaginating endoderm in the early gastrula, then became further restricted to the base of the invaginating gut at the mid-gastrula stage. Expression diminished by the end of gastrulation. This expression pattern indicates that Spfkh1 mRNA accumulates in endodermal cells as they invaginate, but disappears rapidly in endodermal cells that undergo convergent extension. Treatment of embryos during cleavage stages with lithium or phorbol esters caused an increase in Spfkh1 mRNA accumulation and expanded the domain of expression of Spfkh1, suggesting that signaling through the inos-itol-tris-phosphate protein kinase C (IP3-PKC) signaling pathway is upstream of Spfkh1 expression. The expression pattern of Spfkh1 suggests that it is centrally involved in specification and/or differentiation of the gut. Disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) prevents formation of the gut, but does not inhibit initiation of Spfkh1 expression. Embryos arrested prior to gastrulation continued to express Spfkh1 well past the time it was down-regulated in normal embryos, suggesting the ECM or cell movement is required for the decrease in Spfkh1 mRNA during gastrulation.
“If at first you don't succeed … ”: web site redesign at the UNLV Libraries

Purpose – To document a library web site redesign from start to finish, with special attention and emphasis placed on process – what worked and what did not.Design/methodology/approach – Documentation and techniques used in the redesign are discussed in depth, with special attention as to why these techniques were chosen, how they were integrated into the process, and what problems were encountered.Findings – One of the biggest problems with a redesign is the political dimension and communication issues involved, rather than the technical problems. Deciding what testing methodology to use to gather patron input and using that input efficiently in the site design are also a challenging area.Research limitations/implications – Since this is a case study, some of the problems encountered may not be applicable to other libraries in different environments. At the same time, many of the findings relating to problems with communication are general and could apply to redesign efforts in a variety of environments....
Curvature and torsion estimation for coronary-artery motion analysis

The dynamics of curvature and torsion are important for the geometric description of arteries and for the distribution of accumulating plaque. In this research, two methods for estimating curvature and torsion are analyzed with respect to their accuracy. The first method is based on estimating the curvature and torsion of the artery centerline using the Fourier transform. Since the centerline always represents an open curve, extensions ensuring a minimal spectral energy are added on both ends to obtain a closed curve suitable for Fourier analysis. The second method has been previously used for analyzing the motion of coronary arteries and is based on the least squares fitting of a cubic polynomial to the centerline of the artery. Validation is performed using two mathematical, time-varying phantoms as well as 4-D (3-D plus time) in-vivo data of coronary arteries reconstructed by fusion of biplane angiograms and intravascular ultrasound images. Results show that both methods are accurate for estimating curvature and torsion, and that both methods have average errors below 2.15%.
Regulated yeast promoters produced by DNA rearrangements selected in vivo

Abstract DNA rearrangements that activated a promoterless his3 gene were selected in vivo . DNA segments that promote the expression of his3 were identified in Ty1 DNA sequences and a variety of sites in the vector DNA. These elements appear to function when placed in either orientation relative to his3 but not when placed at the 3′ end of the his3 gene. Promoter elements regulated by carbon source, nitrogen source, pyrimidines or galactose were characterized. The assembly of more complex regulatory elements and transposons from these units is discussed.
Calibrating Maxwellian-view optical systems

Either of two problems in calibrating Maxwellian-view optical systems can arise when troland value is calculated from measurements made by photometers requiring a visual match. Both problems lead to inaccurate estimates of light levels produced by the optical system.
An Optimization Based Approach for Topology Exploration of Switched-Capacitor Biquad Filters

Optimization has been used in many areas of electrical and computer engineering. This paper presents the idea of applying an optimization based approach to solve system-level topology exploration issues in design of circuits and systems. It is found that for many classes of circuits, the topology exploration problem can be formulated as an optimization one, which can then be optimally solved. The resulting design solutions have been shown to be much better or at least very competitive compared to traditional ones in the literature. We illustrate the optimization based approach in the context of switched-capacitor biquad filter circuits. Experiments confirm the flexibility and efficiency of the approach under various design tradeoffs.
(Na+,K+)-ATPase of mammalian brain: differential effects on cation affinities of phosphorylation by ATP and acetylphosphate.

Abstract Because of their differing concentration dependencies, the Na+ interactions required for the phosphorylation of (Na+,K+)-ATPase ([Na+]0.5 = 1.5 m m ) and those required for the transformation of (Na+,K+-ATPase into its high-K+affinity form ([Na+]0.5 = 6 m m with ATP and 28 m m without ATP) appear to be distinct. This distribution is not attributable to modulation by either nucleotide or K+ binding. In the absence of Na+, acetylphosphate reacts to form a phosphorylenzyme the hydrolysis of which is only slightly accelerated by K+. Phosphorylenzyme formed under similar conditions except for the presence of Na+ is highly sensitive to the addition of K+. ATP and acetylphosphate both act synergistically with sodium to favor the existence of the ATPase in its high-K+-affinity form. Acetylphosphate, however, acts only by increasing the proportion of enzyme in this form, whereas, ATP also causes a reduction in [Na+]0.5. Previous studies have shown that this ATP effect is a consequence of formation of phosphorylenzyme. Results presented here suggest that Na+ binding may be necessary to produce K+-sensitive phosphorylenzyme and that nucleotide binding increases the Na+ affinity of phosphorylenzyme.
Extending service life of concrete and masonry structures with fiber composites

Abstract Considering the deteriorating state of the infrastructure worldwide and the limited resources available for repair and rehabilitation of constructed facilities, it is imperative to find effective and economical techniques to revive the aging infrastructure. In this paper, the utilization of modern materials such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)for strengthening and rehabilitation of concrete and masonry structures is presented. Three different applications of FRPs will be discussed. In one application, composite plates are epoxy bonded to the soffit of girders to increase their ultimate strength. The results of an analytical and experimental study on ten 4.88 m long girders indicate that significant strength gains can be achieved with this retrofitting technique. In the second study, FRP straps are used as external confinement for enhancing seismic response of concrete bridge columns. Ten columns were subjected to simulated earthquake loading. The results of the hysteresis loops of retrofitted columns, when compared to those for unretrofitted control specimens, revealed gain in ductility level of up to four times. In the third study, composite fabrics were epoxy bonded to the faces of unreinforced masonry walls to improve their in-plane and out-of-plane responses during seismic loading. Significant improvements in the behavior were also observed for this technique.
A short note on the origin of the yellow glasses at the Haiti Cretaceous/Tertiary section

Abstract The Cretaceous/Tertiary section in Haiti consists of the alteration products of palagonite, smectite and zeolites (> 95%), black glass (1%), and yellow glass (
Using 3D seismic reflection data to find fluid seeps from the Costa Rica Accretionary Prism

Submersible dives planned using 2D and 3D seismic reflection data off Costa Rica successfully found numerous sites of fluid expulsion predominantly along surface fault scarps. These data were used because more typical data, such as deep-towed side-scan sonar, bottom photography, and heat flow, were unavailable. Because fluids and fluid pressure distribution profoundly affect the way an accretionary prism deforms, detecting fluid pathways and recovering fluids is a key to its deformation processes. Detailed seismic interpretation of the shallow subsurface identified apparently active faults which are most likely to act as fluid pathways. Due to a quasi inverse relationship between surface dip and reflection amplitude, the amplitude of the seafloor reflection, displayed in map-view, shows the orientation and extent of surface scarps, many of which appear related to subsurface faults. Because the seafloor amplitude response depends on seafloor morphology as well as near-surface physical properties, removing the effect of the surface dip, calculated directly from picked surface structure, leaves a residual that may be related to variation in physical properties. Although the search for fluid seeps by submersible dives over the Costa Rica prism was sparse and irregular, the seeps that have been discovered are all on structural highs of the apron/prism boundary.
The Bfa1/Bub2 GAP complex comprises a universal checkpoint required to prevent mitotic exit

Abstract At the end of the cell cycle, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity is inactivated to allow mitotic exit [1]. A protein phosphatase, Cdc14, plays a key role during mitotic exit in budding yeast by activating the Cdh1 component of the anaphase-promoting complex to degrade cyclin B (Clb) and inducing the CDK inhibitor Sic1 to inactivate Cdk1 [2]. To prevent mitotic exit when the cell cycle is arrested at G2/M, cells must prevent CDK inactivation. In the spindle checkpoint pathway, this is accomplished through Bfa1/Bub2, a heteromeric GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that inhibits Clb degradation by keeping the G protein Tem1 inactive [3–5]. Tem1 is required for Cdc14 activation. Here we show that in budding yeast, BUB2 and BFA1 are also required for the maintenance of G2/M arrest in response to DNA damage and to spindle misorientation. cdc13-1 bub2 and cdc13-1 bfa1 but not cdc13-1 mad2 double mutants rebud and reduplicate their DNA at the restrictive temperature. We also found that the delay in mitotic exit in mutants with misoriented spindles depended on BUB2 and BFA1 , but not on MAD2 . We propose that Bfa1/Bub2 checkpoint pathway functions as a universal checkpoint in G2/M that prevents CDK inactivation in response to cell-cycle delay in G2/M.
A flexible clockless 32-ch simultaneous wireless neural recording system with adjustable resolution

Advanced research in behavioral neuroscience aims at forming a better understanding of the underlying principles of the human brain and root causes of its malfunctions. The majority of the ongoing research is conducted on animal models and there is a considerable demand for microsystems that can simultaneously record neural signals from a large number of electrodes in animals that are awake [1,2]. For decades, researchers have been using racks of bulky data-acquisition systems, connected to electrodes through a bundle of thin wires and a pre-amplifier headstage. Wires are wideband and easy to use. However, they can potentially bias the animal behavior and add noise and motion artifacts to the recorded signals. Thus, neuroscientists are interested in replacing the wire bundles with a wireless link and continue recording and processing the “entire” neural signals in their high-performance computing clusters without losing any information.
Alternating Stereospecific Copolymerization of Ethylene and Propylene with Metallocene Catalysts

The copolymerization of ethylene and propylene with bridged metallocenes Me(2)E(3-RCp)(Flu)X(2)/MAO (E = C, X = Me; E = Si, X = Cl; R = H or alkyl) was investigated. Ethylene/propylene copolymerization with metallocenes having heterotopic active sites (R =Me, i-Pr) yield alternating, isotactic ethylene/propylene copolymers with percentages of alternating EPE+PEP triads in the range of 61-76% at 50% ethylene incorporation. Both the nature of the substituent R and the bridge E influence the copolymerization behavior including the copolymerization activity, copolymer sequence distribution, molecular weight, and stereochemistry. Silicon-bridged metallocenes produce copolymers with higher activity and molecular weight but lower propylene incorporation at similar feeds than the carbon-bridged analogues. Isotactic PEPEP sequences were observed for all metallocenes, while the tacticities of the EPPE sequences varied with the bridge and the substituent on the metallocene ligand. Isotactic PEPEP sequences and atactic EPPE sequence errors in the alternating copolymers are consistent with a mechanism where the comonomers are enchained alternately at the heterotopic coordination sites of the metallocenes. Isotactic EPPE sequences are indicative of occasional multiple insertions at the stereospecific site, caused by an isomerization of the chain prior to monomer insertion (backskip).
Dynamic pulmonary computed tomography angiography: a new standard for evaluation of combined airway and vascular abnormalities in infants

Airway abnormalities are frequently associated with congenital heart disease in infants and children. Respiratory distress in these children frequently requires prolonged respiratory support. Wide-detector dynamic pulmonary computed tomography angiography (DP-CTA) is a non-invasive technique that completely evaluates vascular and airway abnormalities during a single breathe. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of DP-CTA to provide unique actionable information for patient care in newborns and infants with congenital heart disease and persistent respiratory distress. 23 infants with congenital heart disease and persistent respiratory distress underwent DP-CTA. All were intubated at the time of the examinations. The most common cardiac anomalies were tetralogy of Fallot (6) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome variants (5). The most common cardiac surgeries prior to DP-CTA were Norwood (4) and hybrid (3) procedures. The protocol for DP-CTA for intubated infants is four gantry rotations in 1.4 s after intravenous contrast injection. 3D and multiplanar reconstruction with cine loops were created for combined cardiopulmonary imaging. Tracheobronchomalacia was present in 17 children. Lobar bronchomalacia was identified in six children. Branch pulmonary artery stenosis was the most common vascular finding (10 children). Medical management was changed or a surgical procedure performed based on the information resulting from DP-CTA in 16 of the 23 patients (70 %). DP-CTA is non-invasive, fast and provides unique information for the management of infants with congenital heart disease and persistent respiratory distress. DP-CTA is uniquely suited for comprehensive and simultaneous evaluation of airway and vascular abnormalities in infants.
Brain norepinephrine levels and turnover rates in castrated mice isolated for 13 months.

Funktionsdynamik von Gehirn-Norepinephrin (NE) in kastrierten und scheinkastrierten mannlichen, geschlechtsreifen (C57Br/6J)-Mausen wurde nach 13 Monaten Isolierung untersucht. Kastrierung bewirkt starken Abfall des ursprunglichen Niveaus und der Stoffwechselgeschwinddigkeit von NE.
Estimation of Power Extinction Factor in Presence of Brillouin Precursor Formation Through Dispersive Media

In this paper, we analyze the advantages of the Brillouin precursor formation through dispersive media for a given modulated monopulse signal. The algebraic power extinction factor associated with the formation of Brillouin precursor appears to be in charge of the optimized propagation distance within the dispersive media. The analysis has been done in UHF band for rectangular and Gaussian pulses for three different dispersive media, namely, triple distilled water, vegetation and soil. It appears that Brillouin precursors will form given a suitable pulse configuration within a proper frequency window that is related to the dielectric model of the underlying media.
Policy-based shared path protection for dual link failures*

In this paper, we study novel shared path protection schemes that use different policies to deal with different dual-link failure scenarios in order to minimize total bandwidth consumption (or spare capacity allocation). Our work addresses two open problems. The first is minimum total bandwidth allocation under deterministic routing (i.e., when three link-disjoint paths, one active path and two backup paths are pre-selected for each connection). For the dual-link failure case, this problem is much more complex than a similar problem for the single-link failure case because one needs to decide which one of the two backup paths for a connection is preferred to reroute the traffic along its active path affected by a single-link (or a simultaneously dual-link) failure. We propose a new concept of policy , which specifies the preferred backup path to use, and study different policies (including no policy) which will result in different performances in terms of amount of bandwidth needed and different implementation complexity. The second open problem we address in this paper is to minimize additional bandwidth to be allocated for each connection under several different policies and adaptive routing in on-line setting. In this case, the solution entails how to find optimal paths for each connection. From our simulation results, we find that shared path protection with a policy can considerably reduce bandwidth consumption compared with shared path protection without a policy.
Bioactive analogs that simulate subsets of biological activities of 1α, 25(OH)2D3 in osteoblasts

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] treatment of osteoblastic cells elicits a series of measurable responses that include both rapid, membrane-initiated effects and longer-term nuclear receptor-mediated effects. Structural analogs have been identified and characterized that selectively activate subsets of these pathways. Two analogs from over 35 that have been tested were chosen for this comparison because they activate non-overlapping response pathways, presumably representing either membrane-initiated or nuclear receptor-initiated activities. Compound AT [25(OH)-16ene-23yne-D(3)] lacks the 1-hydroxyl essential for interacting with the nuclear receptor, but triggers Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels, augments parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced Ca(2+) signals, dephosphorylates the matrix protein osteopontin (OPN), and along with PTH stimulates release of calcium from calvaria in organ culture. Compound BT [1alpha,24(OH)(2)-22ene-24cyclopropyl-D(3)] does not elicit any of the rapid responses or enhance PTH-induced bone resorption, but binds to the nuclear receptor for 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and increases steady state mRNA levels of both OPN and osteocalcin over a 48 h period. Together, these two analogs recapitulate all of the known actions of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on osteoblasts. Based on these findings, we conclude that Ca(2+) release from bone stimulated by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and PTH is related to the rapid, membrane-initiated actions and is not likely to involve binding to the nuclear receptor for 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Longer term stimulation of bone formation by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), however, appears to involve solely the nuclear receptor-mediated effects. These findings support our model of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) as a coupling factor for bone resorption and formation during bone remodeling.
Neurotensin-induced hypothermia prevents hippocampal neuronal damage and increased locomotor activity in ischemic gerbils

Hypothermia induced by surface cooling has shown to protect vulnerable regions of the brain during an ischemic insult. This study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of neurotensin, a potent hypothermic agent, using a 5-min carotid occlusion procedure in the gerbil. In Experiment 1, the dose-response and time course of neurotensin-induced hypothermia were evaluated (n = 5/dose). Central infusion of 10, 20, and 30 micrograms neurotensin were found to significantly decrease core body temperature of conscious gerbils within 30 min of administration. In Experiment 2, gerbils pretreated with 30 micrograms neurotensin were permitted to become hypothermic or were maintained at 37 degrees-38 degrees C (rectal) during ischemic insult. Other gerbils were pretreated with peptide vehicle prior to ischemic insult (at 37 degrees -38 degrees C) or underwent a sham procedure (n = 6/condition). At 24 h after surgery, gerbils were tested for increased locomotor activity in an open-field apparatus. Gerbils pretreated with peptide vehicle or neurotensin and maintained at 37 degrees-38 degrees C during ischemia had significantly higher activity levels compared to the other treated groups. In contrast, gerbils made hypothermic with neurotensin exhibited activity levels similar to sham gerbils. Histological assessment revealed that neurotensin-induced hypothermia protected the CA1 region from ischemic damage.
Endovascular Repair of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injuries

Blunt traumatic aortic injury is a highly fatal injury caused from rapid deceleration of the thorax. Most victims do not survive to obtain emergency medical care. Immediate open surgical repair had been the standard of care for decades, but more recent strategies and the emergence of thoracic aortic endografting have changed protocols for the treatment of this highly lethal lesion. This article reviews the current treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury and the use of thoracic aortic stent grafting for this patient population.
Microtargeted gene silencing and ectopic expression in live embryos using biolistic delivery with a pneumatic capillary gun

Modulating gene expression, either by transfection or by RNA-interference (RNAi), is a powerful means for studying the functions of essential genes during nervous system development and maintenance. Both approaches depend on the successful delivery of the corresponding nucleic acids into the targeted cells. Here we demonstrate the fast, accurate and highly localized biolistic delivery of plasmid-DNA and dsRNA into central neurons and muscle cells in internal layers of living leech embryos using carrier particles launched with a recently developed pneumatic capillary gun. This delivery method is used to perform RNAi to silence the expression of the axon guidance factor netrin in muscle cells and central neurons of leech embryos, and to induce ectopic expression of actin tagged with a fluorescent protein in both types of cells. We also show the biolistic transfection and staining in monolayer cultures of mammalian cells and carry out independent injection of two different lipophilic tracking dyes with a single capillary gun.
Repeat unintended, unwanted and seriously mistimed childbearing in the United States.

CONTEXT: The high level of unintended fertility in the United States is a serious public health issue. Whether unintended fertility occurs across the population or is concentrated among a subset of women who experience multiple unintended births is unclear. METHODS: Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were used to determine levels of unintended unwanted and seriously mistimed childbearing and chi-square and t tests were used to identify group differences in these measures in two cohorts of women (those born in 1958-1962 and those born in 1965-1969). Both births (by ages 33-37) and mothers were used as units of analysis. RESULTS: The proportion of births identified as unintended was greater in the 1965-1969 cohort than in the earlier cohort (37% vs. 34%) largely because a higher proportion of births to women in the former cohort were unwanted. In both cohorts more than a third of women (36-41%) reporting at least one unintended birth had had at least one more and women reporting unintended or unwanted births had higher overall fertility than others. Levels of repeat unintended fertility were greatest among black women and the proportion of blacks who reported two or more unwanted births was 94% higher in the 1965-1969 cohort than in the 1958-1962 cohort (19% vs. 10%). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat unintended fertility is common especially among black women who may differ from other groups in their contraceptive and fertility decisions as well as in their access to and ability to afford family planning services.
Adcumulus dunite growth in a laboratory thermal gradient

Laboratory experiments near 1450° C at 1 bar (QFM) on komatiite bulk composition show olivine and liquid in cumulus textures which evolve with experiment duration. Orthocumulus texture with settled olivine crystals separated by liquid matrix is developed within a day. Experiments quenched after a few days to a week show a progression of textures which include development of columns of olivine crystals separated by channels of liquid. Olivine grain sizes increase with the cube root of time suggesting that dissolution and reprecipitation of olivine may be involved in the organization into columns and channels. Experiments quenched after two weeks have well developed adcumulus texture. The basal polycrystalline granular olivine aggregate forms from the decay of the olivine columns. Melt expulsion from the aggregate can be virtually complete, leaving 1% or less of the melt originally present.
Effects of corticosterone on brain cholinergic enzymes in chick embryos.

The effects of corticosterone on the cholinergic enzymes, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were studied in the chick embryonic brain. Chick embryos received either 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 μg of corticosterone via the air sac daily for three days during either embryonic days 6 through 8 (E6-E8), of cerebral neurogenesis, or days 10 through 12 (E10-E12), a period of cerebellar neurogenesis. Enzyme activities were determined in cerebral hemispheres, optic lobes, cerebellum and remaining brain at 10, 15, and 20 days of incubation. In embryos treated from E6 to E8, ChAT activity was generally higher at day 10 in cerebral hemispheres and optic lobes (cerebellum was not determined) while AChE activity was not affected. At day 20 ChAT activity of treated chick embryos was lower in the cerebral hemispheres and optic lobes, but not in the cerebellum; AChE activity was higher in the cerebral hemispheres, lower in the optic lobes, and not changed in the cerebellum as compared to controls. However, in embryos treated from E10 to E12 both cerebellar ChAT and AChE activities were higher at day 15 in comparison to controls. These data show that the hormonal effects were most prominent only in the brain areas undergoing neurogenesis during the period of hormonal treatment. Since AChE activity is also present in nonneuronal cells, the observed alterations caused by corticosterone may reflect glial cell responses to the hormone. Whether the hormone affects the final number and/or maturation of cholinergic neurons and/or glial cells remain to be investigated.
Sarcomere length 'orders' relaxation in cardiac muscle.

Some microscopic aspects of relaxation were studied in thin, intact heart muscles isolated from the right ventricles of rats. Mean sarcomere length (SL) was observed, and changes in SL distribution inferred by light diffraction from 100 to 300 μm regions of the muscle. Direct feedback or programmed stretch and release allowed suitable control of regional SL. When the muscle was isometric, regional sarcomere shortening and lengthening appeared uniform and synchronous throughout a preparation's undamaged, fully striated 1 to 2 mm midlength. When a preparation's cross-sectional area varied, asynchronies in regional relaxation behavior were seen. However, direct control of regional SL produced contractions similar in shape and duration but varying in strength with the amount of muscle in any region. Uniformity during shortening and its enhancement during late relaxation agreed well with the observed SL force-velocity behavior. There was most often no direct evidence of increased dispersion when the SL was controlled directly, and contractile tension often fell completely without slowing. Whether measured as (1) the fall of tension at constant SL, or (2) the decrease of sarcomere shortening after a load release, the relative speed of relaxation always slowed at longer SL (2.0<SL<2.4 μm). The length-induced slowing of relaxation sometimes revealed a late, abrupt fall in tension followed by an exponential decay. Neither SL nor activation substantially influenced the shape of the rising phase of contraction when SL was held constant. These results indicate a specific well ordered influence of SL on relaxation dynamics. Like the increment of developed tension, the slowing of relaxation at longer SL may reflect an intrinsic property of the contractile lattice, and this feature may promote contractile uniformity in living heart muscle.
The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and ethanol on acetylphenylhydrazine‐stressed human erythrocytes

Abstract The hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has been shown to inhibit red blood cell and tissue G‐6‐PD activity levels, in vitro. Red blood cell samples fron six adult human subjects were collected in order to evaluate DHEA‐treated erythyrocyte responses to the oxidant stressor agent, acetylphenylhydrazine (APH). Human erythrocytes were incubated with DHEA for half an hour, then with with 0.5 to 5.0 mg APH for one to two hours. Methemoglobin and reduced glutathione levels were measured after incubation. The erythrocytes treated with DHEA were sensitive to the oxidant Stressor effects of all levels of APH, compared to the responses of normal red blood cells. However, erythrocytes treated with the ethyl alcohol carrier were similarly sensitive to the oxidizing effects of APH.
Modeling the Negative Feedback Mechanism in the Enzyme Carboxyltransferase

The enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the first committed step in fatty acid synthesis in all organisms. The E. coli form of the carboxyltransferase subunit was recently found to regulate its own activity and expression by binding its own mRNA. By binding acetyl-CoA or the mRNA encoding its own subunits, Carboxyltransferase is able to sense the metabolic state of the cell and attenuate its own translation and enzymatic activity using a negative feedback mechanism. In this paper, this network of interactions is modeled mathematically using mass action kinetics. Numerical simulations of the model show agreement with experimental results.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Assessing category vulnerability across retail product assortments

Purpose – A critical issue faced by retailers is determining the composition of the product assortment in every category and setting the price levels for each product without compromising category‐level customer demand or operational efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel, model‐based clustering approach to bring parsimony to retailers' assortment configuration and pricing process. The objective of the model is to group alternative assortment configurations into sets to which the category exhibits equivalent vulnerability.Design/methodology/approach – In this method, each possible assortment and pricing configuration is first conceptualized as a unified entity and then these entities are clustered based on the vulnerability of category level sales. The authors illustrate the benefits of this new method for category planning using two sets of data for brands of soft drinks and enhanced water, collected from a panel of adult customers.Findings – The results from both data sets show that...
Some Economic Aspects of Multiple Exchange Rates

NE FUNCTION of exchange rates is to assist in bringing a country's international payments into a tenable balance, one in which receipts on current and ordinary capital account are adequate to meet payments on current and ordinary capital account. With satisfactory exchange rates, a country ought not to find it necessary, when the world economic environment is reasonably favorable, to impose restrictions, to deplete its monetary reserves, or to seek extraordinary financing to meet a balance of payments deficit. This function is performed in two ways. On the one hand, by bringing foreign prices and domestic costs into a relationship which is satisfactory for exports, the exchange rate should encourage a supply of exports sufficient to provide the foreign exchange needed for imports and other payments. On the other hand, by bringing foreign prices for its imports and domestic prices for home output into a satisfactory relationship, the exchange rate should limit the demand for imports to the amount that can be paid for with current exchange receipts and normal capital inflow. This does not imply, of course, that the exchange rate is the only factor that determines the flow of foreign exchange receipts and payments. The effects which exchange rates have on exports and on imports might be examined independently of each other. Before doing this, however, two other general points should be emphasized: First, in any system free from exchange controls, the export rate and the import rate (i.e., the buying rate and the selling rate) will be substantially the same. Second, any country for whose exports the world demand is infinitely elastic, and for whose imports the world supply is infinitely elastic, will secure the maximum advantage from its international trade by having substantially the same rate for exports and imports. Where recipients of exchange are free to dispose of the exchange, they will sell it at a rate uniform for all sellers and substantially equal to that paid by importers. Buyers of exchange have no reason to dis-
Photodegradation of Polythiophene-Based Polymers: Excited State Properties and Radical Intermediates†

Polythiophene-based polymers are an important class of organic semiconductors that serve as the building blocks for polymer-based hybrid solar cells. These polymers are susceptible to oxidative photodegradation in air. A model water-soluble polymer, the sodium salt of poly[2-(3-thienyl)ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate], was employed to investigate the role of excited-state and singlet-state properties in the photodegradation of the polymer. The singlet excited state produces characteristic absorption at 770 nm with a lifetime of 22 ps. The triplet state exhibits a broad absorption in the 650−800 nm region and has a lifetime of 18.7 μs in deaerated water. The excited triplets are readily quenched by oxygen with a rate constant of 1.9 × 109 M−1 s−1 via both electron and energy transfer pathways. Pulse radiolysis experiments have been conducted to verify the identity of the cation radical and hydroxyl adduct of the polymer. It is evident from the photochemical experiments that the high photochemical reactivity of tri...
Phase stability diagram program for personal computers

Abstract Phase stability diagrams (PSD's) have become widely used in the analysis of metallurgical problems. As manual construction of these diagrams is very time consuming, many computer programs have been developed to perform this task. A new algorithm is described for the construction of PSD's. After specification of all of the possible components to be considered for the desired diagram, the component to be plotted on the x and y axes and the temperature, the balanced equations for all of the possible three condensed phase equilibria are created. The coordinates for the points on the PSD which represent three condensed phase equilbrium are then calculated. Finally, the “stable” three condensed phase equilibria points and the correct order for their connection are established, and the resulting diagram constructed and presented. The FORTRAN program which performs the above calculations runs on an IBM-PC and is very fast and user-friendly. Several examples of its use are presented.
Uncertainty analysis of the recovery of hollow-fiber ultrafiltration for multiple microbe classes from water: A Bayesian approach

In this study, we introduce a Bayesian approach to address uncertainty of microbial recoveries from hollow-fiber ultrafilters (HFUF) and to determine any sources of uncertainty. Microbial recoveries were measured under twenty conditions, including two types of water, two types of ultrafilters, and five types of microorganisms. The probability distributions of the recoveries were approximated using Bayesian statistics with Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling after integrating the likelihood function of the recovery data and prior information about the data. Then a variance-decomposition method was used for examining influential factors on microbial recovery by HFUF. The results revealed that HFUF efficiently recovered Escherichia coli KO11, E. coli O157:H7 and bacteriophage MS2, but recoveries for Bacillus atrophaeus spores and adenovirus 41 were markedly different between source and treated waters. The uncertainty analysis indicated that the probability distributions for recoveries had dissimilar patterns under different conditions. Among these test factors, the type of microorganisms and associated interaction effects had great impacts on the recovery. To sum up, the Bayesian approach to uncertainty analysis shows advantages in evaluating the recovery of HFUF by providing its full probability distribution.
The Coupled Influences of Substrate Stiffness and Cell Spreading Area on Traction Force

Traction forces that cells generate play an important role in their interactions with the local environment. Cells use actin polymerization and myosin contraction to indirectly transmit cytoskeletal tension to their adhesions in order to provide stability for active spreading, pull themselves forward during migration, and probe the matrix rigidity. Interestingly, there is developing evidence to show that cells regulate their traction forces in response to feedback they obtain from mechanical factors in their environment like stiffness, geometry, and adhesivity [1,2]. What is unclear is to what extent are mechanical factors and biological interactions interdependent. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to examine the coupled influence of two main regulators of traction forces: substrate stiffness and cell spreading area.Copyright © 2009 by ASME