cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simple analysis of gene expression and variability in gene arrays based on repeated observations.

Background and Aim: At the present time there is an explosion of research in the area of gene arrays, and their application for detection of genes related to disease as well as its therapeutic manipulation. However, as individual arrays are expensive, comparisons of gene expression are often not repeated. In the current study, gene array experiments were repeated multiple times in order to understand the variability associated with measurements of gene expression. By focusing upon the pharmacologically important target of prostate cancer cell detachment, the current study employed multiple repeats of gene array experiments. This was used as a model system to demonstrate the utility of the experimental approach and statistical methods used. Methods: To identify genes involved in detachment of prostate cancer cells (a prerequisite for metastases), we analyzed gene expression changes in metastatic variant PC3-M cells undergoing spontaneous detachment in culture. The data were interpreted using an elementary statistical approach. The between-experiment and within-repeated-observations variability in expression of 3582 genes possibly related to prostate cancer was also evaluated. Results: One important gene related to prostate cell detachment was identified, based on the magnitude of its change in expression, as measured by a ratio of the expression after cell detachment and expression before detachment. On average, the variation between experiments was greater by about 30 to 40% than the variation between repeated observations. Conclusion: These findings have implications relating to the use of gene arrays to detect variance of gene expression, and should be taken into consideration in the prospective design of array experiments.
Calixarenes as second-sphere ligands for transition metal ions. Synthesis and crystal structure of [(H2O)5 Ni(NC5H5)]2(Na)[calix[4]arene sulfonate] · 3.5 H2O and [(H2O)4Cu(NC5H5)2]-(H3O)3 [calix[4]arene sulfonate] · 10 H2O

The title compounds crystallize such that bilayers of calixarenes are separated by hydrophilic layers. In each case the transition metal has, in addition to a primary sphere of ligands, a second-sphere coordination by a calixarene. [(H2O)5Ni(NC5H5)]2(Na)[calix[4]arene sulfonate]·3.5 H2O,1, crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP\(\bar 1\) witha = 12.487(4),b = 14.281(2),c = 15.055(5) A, α = 85.66(2), β = 80.07(2), γ = 80.48(2)°, andDc = 1.64 g cm−3 forZ = 2. Refinement based on 2441 observed reflections led to a finalR value of 0.066. There are two different environments for the nickel-containing cations: one is positioned within the hydrophilic layer with the pyridine ligand intercalated into the hydrophobic calixarene bilayer and the other is also positioned within the hydrophilic layer, but the pyridine ligand is inserted into the hydrophobic cavity of the calix[4]arene. [(H2O)4Cu(NC5HS)2](H3O)3[calix[4]arene sulfonate]·10 H2O,2, crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP\(\bar 1\) witha = 15.438(4),b = 15.727(6),c = 12.121(9) A, α = 112.74(4), β = 102.02(4), γ = 85.34(4)°, andDc = 1.57 g cm−3 forZ = 2. Refinement based on 3925 observed reflections led to a finalR value of 0.107. The structure is similar to that of 1 except that the one copper-containing cation spans the hydrophilic layer and is intercalated into the bilayer of calixarenes on one side and positioned into the calixarene cavity on the other.
Influence of the tubular flow rates on the endocytic uptake and the excretion of horseradish peroxidase by rat kidney.

Summary The renal clearances of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in diuretic and anti-diuretic rats were compared with the concentrations of HRP in the renal cortex of the same rats. The injection of mannitol, hypertonic saline, or antagonists to histamine and serotonin, together with HRP, caused diuresis. The renal clearance of HRP was 7–15% of the inulin clearance, relatively small amounts of HRP were reabsorbed into the renal cortex, and relatively large amounts were excreted in the urine. However, when HRP was injected alone causing vascular leakage and anti-diuresis, 6–10 times higher concentrations of HRP were found in the renal cortex, and only a few percent of the protein were excreted in the urine during the first 20 minutes after injection. It is suggested that the low or high endocytic uptake of HRP by the renal cortex was related to the high or low tubular flow rates during diuresis or anti-diuresis.
Effect of graded exercise on esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux in trained athletes.

We evaluated the effect of graded exercise on esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux. We studied eight trained cyclists using a catheter with three strain-gauge transducers connected to a solid-state datalogger and an ambulatory intraesophageal pH monitor. Each study lasted 4 hr during which subjects exercised on a stationary bike for 1 hr at 60% of peak O2 uptake (O2 max), 45 min at 75% of O2 max, and for 10 min at 90% of O2 max. Subjects rested 1 hr before exercise (control period) and for 30 min between exercise sessions. Studies were performed after an overnight fast and subjects received only intravenous infusion of 5% glucose solution during the study. Plasma concentrations of gastrin, motilin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were determined at rest and before and after each exercise session. The duration, amplitude, and frequency of esophageal contractions declined with increasing exercise intensity, and the differences were significant (P≤0.05) for all three variables at 90% O2 max. The number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and the duration of esophageal acid exposure were significantly (P≤0.05) increased during exercise at 90% O2 max. Plasma hormone concentrations showed no significant changes between rest and the various exercise sessions. Thus, exercise has profound effects on esophageal contractions and gastroesophageal reflux which are intensity dependent. These effects are not mediated by the hormones measured.
Time-Resolved Optical Transmission and Reflectivity of Pulsed-Ruby-Laser Irradiated Crystalline Silicon

The time-resolved optical transmission and reflectivity of $n$-type crystalline silicon has been observed during and after pulsed-laser irradiation. The transmission goes to zero, and remains at zero, during the period of enhanced reflectivity, contradicting reports of earlier experiments. Our measurements are in quantitative agreement with results of thermal melting model calculations and with known optical properties of molten silicon.
Lysosomal enzymes in relation to the isoproterenol-induced secretory cycle in rat parotid gland.

Abstract Two lysosomal enzymes, cathepsin D and acid phosphatase, were detected in significant amounts in the lysosome-containing subcellular fractions of rat parotid tissue and found to have dissimilar distributions in these fractions. The total levels of these enzymes were measured at various times throughout a complete secretory cycle induced synchronously by fasting rats overnight and administering isoproterenol at time zero. The results showed a 30% increase in cathepsin D activity in the glands by 10 h post-stimulation, and a 20% decrease in acid phosphatase activity 7 h after stimulation. These results suggest that there are cyclic changes in lysosomal enzymes during the secretory cycle of this gland, but that these changes are complex ones and cannot be related to specific cellular processes at this time.
SELF‐MODIFICATION AS THE BASIS FOR AN ETHICAL ECONOMIC ORDER

I. Introduction The political events of the late 1980's and the early 1990's taken place in Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Nicaragua certainly represent the predicament, if not the collapse, of the communist economic system. Indeed, the centrally planned solution of attacking the basic economic problems of what, how, and for what seems to be never before as doubtful as it is now. Although the free market solution of the capitalist economy seems to progress smoothly in economic matters as far as the aggregate production is concerned, on the political and social front and with respect to the distribution of income, these economies are not as trouble‐free as they appear on the surface. The bloody poll tax revolt and the IRA attacks in England, the racial unrest in South Africa, and the drug and oil wars fought by the US are but a few examples of the troubles in the basically capitalist systems. Less obvious but surely problematic are the subtle trade wars among them, especially between the US and Japan, the hungry and homeless, and the mounting budget deficit of the US economy.
Trialling GSM data services for the mobile office

This paper presents the results of a field trial in which a group of salespeople, with minimal experience of using computers, were provided with mobile computing equipment and access to the GSM data and short message service (SMS) for communications. The trial had three purposes: (1) to evaluate the quality of service provided by the GSM data and SM services and determine whether they provide a significant improvement over the data service provided by analogue cellular networks; (2) to investigate the potential for a personal server/mobile client architecture in which the server provides additional communications services to the mobile client; and (3) to learn about the problems experienced by novice users of mobile services. The trial was carried out in Denmark at the end of 1994. >
Children's genotypes interact with maternal responsive care in predicting children's competence: diathesis-stress or differential susceptibility?

We examined Genotype × Environment (G × E) interactions between children’s genotypes (the serotonin transporter linked promoter region [5-HTTLPR] gene) and maternal responsive care observed at 15, 25, 38, and 52 months on three aspects of children’s competence at 67 months: academic skills and school engagement, social functioning with peers, and moral internalization that encompassed prosocial moral cognition and the moral self. Academic and social competence outcomes were reported by both parents, and moral internalization was observed in children’s narratives elicited by hypothetical stories and in a puppet interview. Analyses revealed robust G × E interactions, such that children’s genotype moderated the effects of maternal responsive care on all aspects of children’s competence. Among children with a short 5-HTTLPR allele (ss/sl), those whose mothers were more responsive were significantly more competent than those whose mothers were less responsive. Responsiveness had no effect for children with two long alleles (ll). For academic and social competence, the G × E interactions resembled the diathesis–stress model: ss/sl children of unresponsive mothers had particularly unfavorable outcomes, but ss/sl children of responsive mothers had no worse outcomes than ll children. For moral internalization, the G × E interaction reflected the differential susceptibility model: whereas ss/sl children of unresponsive mothers again had particularly unfavorable outcomes, ss/sl children of responsive mothers had significantly better outcomes than ll children.
Chemical Composition and Evaluation of Nicotine, Tobacco Alkaloids, pH, and Selected Flavors in E-Cigarette Cartridges and Refill Solutions

Introduction: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing dramatically in developed coun- tries, but little is known about these rapidly evolving products. This study analyzed and evaluated the chemical composition including nicotine, tobacco alkaloids, pH, and flavors in 36 e-liquids brands from 4 manufacturers. Methods: We determined the concentrations of nicotine, alkaloids, and select flavors and meas- ured pH in solutions used in e-cigarettes. E-cigarette products were chosen based upon favorable consumer approval ratings from online review websites. Quantitative analyses were performed using strict quality assurance/quality control validated methods previously established by our lab for the measurement of nicotine, alkaloids, pH, and flavors. Results: Three-quarters of the products contained lower measured nicotine levels than the stated label values (6%-42% by concentration). The pH for e-liquids ranged from 5.1-9.1. Minor tobacco alkaloids were found in all samples containing nicotine, and their relative concentrations varied widely among manufacturers. A number of common flavor compounds were analyzed in all e-liquids. Conclusions: Free nicotine levels calculated from the measurement of pH correlated with total nicotine content. The direct correlation between the total nicotine concentration and pH suggests that the alkalinity of nicotine drives the pH of e-cigarette solutions. A higher percentage of nicotine exists in the more absorbable free form as total nicotine concentration increases. A number of products contained tobacco alkaloids at concentrations that exceed U.S. pharmacopeia limits for impurities in nicotine used in pharmaceutical and food products.
Effect of additional hydroxyl functionalities on the hydrolytic stability of oligoesters

The addition of a trifunctional polyol (trimethylolpropane) to oligoesters comprised of hexahydrophtalic anhydride, cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, neopentyl glycol, and cyclohexane-1,4-dimethanol was investigated via an accelerated hydrolysis environment. The oligoesters were dissolved in an acetone/water solution, and the hydrolysis was evaluated by monitoring carboxylic acid formation and by measurement of the molecular weight shift by size exclusion chromatography. Aliquots of the oligoester solution were evaluated intermittently over a 36-week period. Both the initial rate and the overall rates of hydrolysis were reported as hydrolysis velocities. The influence of hydroxyl concentration is apparent in the initial velocity of hydrolysis. After the induction period, steric effects appear to be the controlling factor for the retardation of main chain scission.
Warthin-like Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid

Abstract Background.—Warthin-like papillary carcinoma of thyroid is characterized by distinct papillary formations lined by tumor cells with oncocytic cytoplasm, nuclear features of papillary carcinoma, and brisk lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the papillary stalks. This tumor derives its name from its close resemblance to Warthin tumor of major salivary glands. Design.—The clinicopathologic features of 17 patients with Warthin-like papillary carcinoma were studied. Results.—Fifteen tumors occurred in women and 2 arose in men (age range, 23–63 years). The lesions ranged in size from 3 mm to 2.5 cm. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed in 7 cases; 4 were diagnosed as papillary carcinoma, 2 as consistent with lymphocytic thyroiditis, and 1 as atypical cells. All 17 tumors were confined to the thyroid; 6 showed prominent cyst formation and the remaining tumors were solid. In each case, the tumor arose in a background of lymphocytic thyroiditis. Nodal metastases were identified in 3 cases; however,...
Model Describing Transdermal lontophoretic Delivery of Lidocaine Incorporating Consideration of Cutaneous Microvascular State

A three-compartment pharmacokinetic model describing percutaneous absorption of iontophoretically driven topically applied lidocaine in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap is presented. Delivery from the active (drug-dosed) electrode to skin is estimated as a ramp input profile. Model parameters were estimated separately for dosing (4 h current-on) and washout (4 h current-off) periods in experiments with coadministered vasoactive drugs [tolazoline (vasodilator) and norepinephrine (vasoconstrictor)] and controls (lidocaine alone). The model presented was able to predict 8-h lidocaine absorptions and compartmental mass profiles for each of the three treatments, was able to document vascular effects of co-iontophoresed vasoactive compounds, and gives insight into the factors that modulate cutaneous disposition of iontophoretically delivered lidocaine in a biologically relevant model approximating in vivo delivery.
Comparative Antioxidant Effectiveness of Dietary β-Carotene, Vitamin E, Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 in Rat Erythrocytes and Plasma

Five groups of five weanling rats were each fed a Torula yeast-based diet either unsupplemented or supplemented with 30 mg beta-carotene/kg, 30 IU vitamin E/kg, 1 mg selenium/kg or 30 mg coenzyme Q10/kg. Elevated levels of plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase are sensitive indicators of liver damage. The former enzyme was lower (P less than 0.01) in the vitamin E-, selenium- and beta-carotene-supplemented groups than in the unsupplemented control group, and the latter enzyme was lower in the vitamin E- and selenium-supplemented groups, suggesting a relatively equal effectiveness of these three antioxidants against liver damage. Erythrocytes were tested for protection against uninduced oxidative damage or that induced by 1 mmol/L bromotrichloromethane (BrCl3C) by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hemoglobin, hemolysis, protein precipitation, alanine release and several enzyme activities. In untreated erythrocytes, selenium, beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 exhibited protection by lowering (P less than 0.05) TBARS and alanine release, but only vitamin E protected against hemolysis. In BrCl3C-treated erythrocytes, vitamin E, selenium and beta-carotene protected by decreasing (P less than 0.05) protein precipitation, whereas selenium and beta-carotene decreased alanine release. The results of this study suggested that, in a manner analogous to vitamin E and selenium, beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 function as antioxygenic nutrients.
Effect of the staging schema on melanoma cancer reporting, 1999 to 2006.

Background Staging schemas have changed multiple times over the past 10 years. Objective We sought to examine the impact of staging schemas on the distribution of stages at diagnosis over time. Methods We examined the stage at diagnosis for melanoma cancer cases diagnosed between 1999 and 2006 using data provided by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) programs. The staging schemas were summary staging 1977 (SS1977), summary staging 2000 (SS2000), derived SS2000, and SEER historic staging systems. Results Melanoma was predominantly staged as a localized disease in all schemas. Using SEER data, the proportion of localized melanomas diagnosed in 2001 to 2003 using SS2000 was about 2.5% lower than the proportion diagnosed in 1999 to 2000 using SS1977, whereas the proportion of cases staged as regional was 2.7% higher using the SS2000 than SS1977. The distribution of stages for cases diagnosed in 2001 to 2003 using SS2000 was similar to that for cases diagnosed in 2004 to 2006 using a derived SS2000. Shift in stage distribution among SS1977, SS2000, and SEER historic staging was found to be about 6% (localized to regional) and about 17.5% (unknown to regional stage). The distribution of changes in stage observed for the SEER cases was not evident for cases from NPCR. Limitations SEER historic staging was not available for NPCR cases. Conclusion Changes in staging rules resulted in cases being moved from the localized to the regional stage and from unknown to the regional stage. Without staging rules that have been consistently applied to melanomas over many years, surveillance of prevention, treatment, and control of this condition is difficult.
Stress potentiation of morphine-induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell is dependent upon stressor uncontrollability and is mediated by the dorsal raphe nucleus

A single session of uncontrollable (inescapable tailshock, IS), but not controllable (escapable tailshock, ES), stress is known to selectively potentiate subsequent morphine-conditioned place preference in a dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT) dependent manner. Here, in vivo microdialysis is used to test the hypothesis that prior IS, but not ES, will potentiate morphine-induced dopamine (DA) efflux in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and that this will occur by a pathway involving DRN 5-HT neurons. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to yoked IS, ES, or no stress. Twenty-four hours later, morphine (3 mg/kg s.c.) or saline was administered during microdialysis. As predicted, prior IS selectively potentiated morphine-induced DA, but not 5-HT, efflux in the NAc. This potentiation was due to morphine's action in the DRN because it was blocked by intra-DRN microinjection of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (10 microg). IS potentiation of morphine-induced DA efflux in the NAc was also dependent upon activation of 5-HT neurons in the DRN because it was blocked by intra-DRN microinjection of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-(propylamino)-tetralin (1 microg). No effect of IS was found on morphine-induced 5-HT or DA efflux in the ventral tegmental area. These results suggest a neural substrate for stress potentiation of morphine reward involving 5-HT neurotransmission in the DRN.
Does Forest Land Posted Against Trespass Really Mean No Hunter Access

Hunters report diminishing access to private forest land in the United States due to increasing numbers of landowners posting their land against trespass. While many hunters assume posting is synonymous with prohibited access, the relationship between the two is not clear. To address this issue, we predicted the likelihood a family forest landowner who posts their property will, in fact, allow hunter access. Factors that influence this likelihood were identified. We found that the probability of a landowner who posts allowing access was approximately 47%, with all explanatory variables evaluated at their means. Factors decreasing the likelihood of access included a perception that allowing access would interfere with their own hunting or result in property damage. Factors increasing the likelihood of allowing access included increasing parcel size, a perception of excellent hunting opportunity on their parcel, and a high percentage of the surrounding area that is open to public hunting.
Quantification of dopant ions in polypyrrole films with electrochemical ICP-atomic emission spectrometry and comparison to electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies

Abstract Quantification of electroinactive dopants in conductive polypyrrole (PPY) films was performed with electrochemistry combined on-line with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (EC/ICP-AES). Anion (HSO 4 − ) ejection out of a PPY film was first chosen as a model system and the results obtained with EC/ICP-AES were found to be comparable with values deduced by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The EC/ICP-AES approach was then extended to cases where EQCM findings become difficult to interpret (i.e. simultaneous insertion of Na + into and ejection of HSO 4 − out of PPY film). It is demonstrated that EC/ICP-AES can simultaneously quantify both cationic and anionic species involved in the PPY redox switching. This is in contrast with EQCM studies that can only detect the net mass change from the two competing processes. This study shows that EC/ICP-AES is a viable technique for providing accurate information concerning the doping/dedoping processes without the necessity of removing the polymer-modified electrode from the electrochemical flow cell. More importantly, the species investigated do not need to be electroactive. It is clear that the comparative study between the two techniques can be powerful in unraveling relatively complicated redox reactions and ion-transport processes in conductive polymer films.
Industrial Anthropology: Conditions of Revival

Anthropologists Made Major Contributions to management and organization research in business and industry in the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. Since then, anthropologists have largely disappeared from the mainstream of management and organization research in business and industry. This paper examines the conditions that prevailed during the initial flourishing of industrial anthropology and asks whether the prominent role that it once occupied can be revived. The answer of this author is, maybe. While past conditions can never be repeated, there are interesting trends that may open the door for a revival. [management, organization research, industrial anthropology, business]
Activity of Ribavirin against Hantaan Virus Correlates with Production of Ribavirin-5′-Triphosphate, Not with Inhibition of IMP Dehydrogenase

Ribavirin (RBV) is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent that inhibits the production of infectious Hantaan virus (HTNV). Although the mechanism of action of RBV against HTNV is not understood, RBV is metabolized in human cells to both RBV-5′-monophosphate, which inhibits IMP dehydrogenase, resulting in a decrease in intracellular GTP levels, and RBV-5′-triphosphate (RBV-TP), which could selectively interact with the viral RNA polymerase. To elucidate which activity of RBV was most important to its anti-HTNV activity, the mechanism of action of RBV was studied in Vero E6 cells. Incubation with 10 to 40 μg/ml RBV resulted in a small decrease in GTP levels that was not dose dependent. Increasing the RBV concentration from 10 to 40 μg/ml resulted in a decrease in viral RNA (vRNA) levels and an increase in RBV-TP formation. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), an inhibitor of IMP dehydrogenase, also resulted in a decrease in vRNA levels; however, treatment with MPA resulted in a much greater decrease in GTP levels than that seen with RBV. Treatment with both MPA and RBV resulted in increased reduction of vRNA levels but did not result in enhanced depression of GTP levels. Although guanosine prevented the depression in GTP levels caused by RBV, guanosine only partially prevented the effect of RBV on vRNA levels. These results suggest that the inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase by RBV is of secondary importance to the inhibition of vRNA replication by RBV and that the interaction of RBV-TP with the viral polymerase is the primary action of RBV.
Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy for Progressive Bilateral Mooren's Ulcer

Nine patients with progressive bilateral Mooren's ulcer unresponsive to conventional ocular and systemic therapy were treated with methotrexate or with cyclophosphamide. The progressively destructive inflammatory process was arrested, and ocular anatomy and function were preserved, in eight patients who were adequately treated with immunosuppressive doses of the cytotoxic drugs for 6 to 24 months. The inflammatory process eventually destroyed both eyes of one patient who received inadequate therapy and follow-up care. Used properly, cytotoxic immunosuppressive therapy may offer a reasonable option in the care of patients with bilateral progressive Mooren's ulcer.
Rubrospinal projections in the rat.

Following stereotaxically placed lesions in the magnocellular and parvicellular portions of the red nucleus in a series of young adult albino rats, the site of termination of the rubrospinal fibers in the cervical cord has been studied using the Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer silver methods and electron microscopy. Following three days survival the degenerating rubrospinal tract could be identified in the dorsal aspect of the lateral funiculus, principally contralateral to the lesion. Degenerating axons could be seen projecting to the base of the dorsal horn and intermediate regions of the ventral horn. Degenerating synaptic terminals were electron dense, contained remnants of synaptic vesicles and mitochondria, and usually made synaptic contact with small to medium size dendrites. This study finds that the rubrospinal tract in the rat projects chiefly to the base of the dorsal horn and intermediate regions of the ventral horn. The system forms axodendritic synapses with spinal neurons. This projection is in contrast to the dorsomedial projection of corticospinal terminals seen in this species. The significance of these apparently diverging pathways is discussed.
Effect of high-temperature, high-oxygen-fugacity annealing on the stability of the (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10±δ-type compound

The stability of the (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10{+-}{delta}}-type compound has been evaluated under conditions of elevated temperature (500--860 C) and elevated oxygen fugacity (i.e., in O{sub 2}/Ar gas mixtures containing {le}20% O{sub 2} at total pressures of {le}207 MPa). At sufficient high oxygen fugacities and temperatures, the (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10{+-}{delta}}-type compound transformed into a mixture of a strontium-rich (Bi, Pb){sub 1}(Sr,Ca,Cu){sub 2}O{sub y}-type compound, a calcium-rich (Bi,Pb){sub 1}-(Sr,Ca,Cu){sub 2}O{sub y}-type compound, CuO, and a small amount of (Sr,Ca)O. The decomposition of the (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca-Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10{+-}{delta}}-type compound was accompanied by a 2%--3% weight gain, which was consistent with an oxidation reaction. The conditions of oxygen fugacity and temperature leading to decomposition, and the resulting decomposition products, are compared for the (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10{+-}{delta}}-type and Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 1}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 8{+-}{Psi}}-type compounds.
Children's Use of Emergency Departments for Asthma: Persistent Barriers or Acute Need? #

Our objective was to explore, in a predominantly Latino inner-city population, why caregivers bring their children with asthma to the ED (emergency department). We conducted bilingual parent surveys and medical chart abstractions of a consecutive ED sample consisting of 234 children with asthma (69% Latino; 54% Spanish-speaking) and their caregivers. Outcome measures included: (1) the acute need for ED services based on objective physiological measures, (2) the extent to which these children experienced barriers to quality primary care for asthma before the ED visit, and (3) the relative importance caregivers assigned to worsening symptoms versus perceived barriers to non-ED care when deciding to bring their child to the ED. Most children had moderate or severe asthma attacks. In the prior month, only 33% went to a primary care provider, 83% had used a bronchodilator, and 63%, an age-appropriate spacer device. Seventy-five percent of caregivers cited perceived acute need, instead of barriers to primary care, as the most important reason for using the ED. This perception of acute need was associated with moderate or severe asthma attacks according to objective physiological measures, after controlling for health and sociodemographic characteristics. Children with asthma who use the ED encounter barriers to primary care, but caregivers' perception of acute need--validated by independent measures of attack severity--dominates caregivers' decision to use the ED. Ensuring continuity of care for children with asthma would involve not only improving various aspects of access to and quality of primary non-ED care--including parent education about early recognition and treatment of asthma attacks--but also providing families with practical low-cost alternatives for 24-hour care and assuring linkages between the ED and sources of primary care.
Normal Blood Flow Response and Vasomotion in the Diabetic Charcot Foot

Vasomotion, the spontaneous rhythmic contraction exhibited by small arteries and arterioles is dysregulated in patients with diabetic neuropathy. We examined the relationship between Charcot arthropathy and vasomotion at the dorsum of the foot. We studied nine diabetic patients with clinically diagnosed neuropathy and Charcot arthropathy in 13 feet (n=13), twelve subjects with diabetic neuropathy and no Charcot deformity (n=12), and 11 healthy controls (n=11). Following neuropathy assessment, blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry with local skin warming. Fast Fourier transformation was performed to provide an index of vasomotion. Subjects with Charcot osteoarthropathy had more severe somatic neuropathy and higher circulating levels of serum calcium (9.8+/-0.1 versus 9.3+/-0.1 mg/dL). Raising local temperature increased skin blood flow and vasomotion in both control subjects and Charcot subjects, but not in diabetic patients with neuropathy alone (p < 0.05 for blood flow, p < 0.02 for vasomotion). Patterns of peripheral vasomotion and blood flow which are clearly disordered in diabetic neuropathy are intact in patients with a Charcot osteoarthropathy, despite a more severe sensory nerve impairment. These findings suggest that the loss of peripheral blood flow and vasomotion often seen in diabetic neuropathy may actually be protective against Charcot arthropathy by preventing bone resorption. It remains unclear then whether the Charcot arthropathy is a direct result of a failure to decrease blood flow to bone, or is the manifestation of some other pathology.
Thematic Minireview Series on Biological Applications of Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique with many applications in biology as well as chemistry and physics. The increases in sensitivity and resolution of the instruments, coupled with improvements in the analysis of data, have opened new dimensions in analyses of complex biological systems. Examples presented here include drug metabolism, lipid analysis, metabolomics, quantitative proteomics, direct analysis of intact proteins, and imaging of both small molecules and proteins in tissues.
Broadcasting International Learning

Participation in a study abroad program provides international experiential learning opportunities that greatly enhance students’ preparedness for analyzing and taking on today’s changing, evermore- global world. Apart from easier access to international traveling, another key aspect of globalization is related to advances in technology and communication. This paper examines the use of communication technologies by study abroad participants in the form of maintaining a web log while in the field, and the effect of this tool on (1) students’ processing of their own experiences and of the impact the study abroad program had on them and (2) international learning by other members of the home campus community who accessed the web log. The data for this project was collected in the Summer of 2010, when I co-organized and conducted a three-week long study abroad program for twenty-six University of Houston students in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. As part of the program I taught a course on the Political Economy of Europe, with teaching methods including site visits to government agencies, corruption watchdog NGOs, local businesses, and scholarly institutions, as well as simulation projects based on information obtained during the site visits. An important component of the course and the program consisted of maintaining a weblog of field experiences, on a website accessible to all University of Houston students.
Treatment of munitions in soils using phytoslurries.

ABSTRACT Phytoremediation is an established technology for the treatment of explosives in water and soil. This study investigated the possibility of using slurried plants (or phytoslurries) to treat explosives (TNT and RDX). The degradation of TNT in solution using intact and slurried parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), spinach (Spinicia oleracea), and mustard greens (Brassica juncea) was evaluated. Phytoslurries of parrotfeather and spinach removed the TNT faster than the intact plant. Conversely, the removal rate constants for slurried and intact mustard greens were about the same. A study using pressurized heating to destroy enzymatic activity in the phytoslurries was also conducted to compare removal from released plant chemicals to adsorptive removal. Aqueous phase removal of TNT by autoclaved spinach phytoslurry was compared with nonautoclaved spinach phytoslurry. The autoclaved phytoslurry did remove TNT, but not as completely as nonautoclaved slurry. This suggests that some removal is due to a...
Jury Racial Construct: The Antithesis of the Reason Curve

It has been observed that a major challenge confronting the American jury system is how to ensure that jury trials are truly representative of the communities in which they serve. Historical records show that minorities (as currently defined) have been disproportionately excluded from jury service over the years. This is has been attributed a combination of factors at each stage of the juror identification process and the civil rights movement. In terms of summons, the judicial system lacks the means to sufficiently identify enough members of the minorities due to their position on the socio-economic scale as well as their social mobility. When it comes to juror selection, the rate of reporting of those ethnic minority members who are summoned is very low. Finally, voir dire and peremptory challenge are used by attorneys to excuse most potential minority jurors.
Murine immunization with CS21 pili or LngA major subunit of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) elicits systemic and mucosal immune responses and inhibits ETEC gut colonization

CS21 pili of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most prevalent ETEC colonization factors. CS21 major subunit, LngA, mediates ETEC adherence to intestinal cells, and contributes to ETEC pathogenesis in a neonatal mouse infection model. The objectives of this work were to evaluate LngA major subunit purified protein and CS21 purified pili on immunogenicity and protection against ETEC colonization of mice intestine. Recombinant LngA purified protein or purified CS21 pili from E9034A ETEC strain were evaluated for immunogenicity after immunization of C57BL/6 mice. Specific anti-LngA antibodies were detected from mice serum, feces, and intestine fluid samples by ELISA assays. Protection against gut colonization was evaluated on immunized mice orally challenged with wild type E9034A ETEC strain and by subsequent quantification of bacterial colony forming units (CFU) recovered from feces. Recombinant LngA protein and CS21 pili induced specific humoral and mucosal anti-LngA antibodies in the mouse model. CS21 combined with CT delivered intranasally as well as LngA combined with incomplete Freund adjuvant delivered intraperitoneally inhibited ETEC gut colonization in a mouse model. In conclusion, both LngA purified protein and CS21 pili from ETEC are highly immunogenic and may inhibit ETEC intestinal shedding. Our data on immunogenicity and immunoprotection indicates that CS21 is a suitable vaccine candidate for a future multivalent vaccine against ETEC diarrhea.
Lower extremity muscular strength, sedentary behavior, and mortality.

To examine whether lower extremity strength (LES) is predictive of all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity and among those with vary levels of sedentary behavior. Data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used (N = 2768; 50–85 years). Peak isokinetic knee extensor strength was objectively measured, sedentary behavior and physical activity were self-reported, and mortality was assessed via the National Death Index, with follow-up through 2011. Participants were followed for up to 12.6 years with the weighted average follow-up period lasting 9.9 years (standard error, 1.13). In the sample, 321,996 person-months occurred with a mortality rate of 2.1 deaths per 1000 person-months. After adjustments (including physical activity), for every 15 N increase in LES, participants had a 7 % reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.93; 95 % CI 0.91–0.95; P < 0.001). When adding a three-level sedentary behavior variable (< 2, 2–4, 5+ h/day) as a covariate in this model, results were unchanged (HR = 0.93; 95 % CI 0.92–0.96; P < 0.001). Similarly, when sedentary behavior was included as a continuous covariate in the model, results regarding the relationship between LES and mortality were unchanged (HR = 0.94; 95 % CI 0.91–0.96; P < 0.001). There was no evidence of statistical interaction between LES and sedentary behavior on all-cause mortality (HRinteraction = 1.01; 95 % CI 0.92–1.10; P = 0.88). LES was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, and this association was unchanged when considering the participant’s sedentary behavior.
An analysis of the US decking materials market: perceptual mapping approach

Abstract This paper analyzes the product positioning and market demand of preservative-treated, naturally decay-resistant, and composite decking materials in the United States using an innovative perceptual mapping technique. Market analysis using perceptual mapping is generally used for end-user market scenarios for strategic planning. This paper establishes that the perceptual mapping technique can also be a valuable tool for analyzing the US decking products market, which is predominantly a business-to-business (B2B) market. Using perceptual mapping of the US decking market, this paper proposes a method for incorporating market demand density on a perceptual space, incorporating a kernel regression based nonparametric demand distribution. Representation of products and demand distribution on the same perceptual space in the proposed mapping technique enables simultaneous visualization of product positioning and demand density distribution in the marketplace. The mapping results obtained in this paper w...
Synonymy of Odontacarus Ewing, 1929, and Acomatacarus Ewing, 1942, with Redescriptions of O. Dentatus (Ewing) and O. Australis (Ewing), Also Descriptions of Three New Species from Southern United States (Acarina: Trombiculidae)

Examination of type specimens of the respective generotypes shows that Odontacarus ( = Acomatacarus ). Both the species placed by Ewing in Odontacarus are redescribed from their tvpes, and three new species are described, viz: O. cayolargoensis , of cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus, Florida; O. morlani , off wood rat, Neotoma micropus, New Mexico; and O. shawi , off gecko, Coleonyx variegatus, southern California.
Reasonable surgery for thoracic neuroblastoma in infants and children

Neuroblastoma is the most commonly encountered soft tissue malignant tumor of childhood. Over the past 30 years we have treated 180 patients with neuroblastoma. Sixty-five percent had primary abdominal tumors and 20 percent (41 patients) had primary chest tumors. For the 22 patients under the age of 2 years, the 2 year survival rate was 87 percent. There were 19 patients who were 2 years of age or older, and of these only seven patients have survived 2 years after the diagnosis was made. The vast majority of these patients were treated with surgery (debulking type procedure) and postoperative radiation and chemotherapy. Patients with the most differentiated tumors had a remarkably good survival rate, with no deaths. However, the tumors with lesser differentiation did not stratify enough focus to draw conclusions as to survival. Staging correlated the least with survival when compared to age or grading. The 2 year survival rates for patients with Stage I, II, III, IV, and IV-S disease were 75, 82, 100, 17, and 80 percent, respectively. In conclusion, 41 cases of documented primary thoracic neuroblastoma are reviewed, with follow-up from 2 to 27 years (average 9.3 years). We have concluded from this experience that age is the main determining factor influencing survival. Heroic and/or radical surgery is contraindicated in this disease.
APPLICATION OF STIFFNESS DECOMPOSITIONS TO SYNTHESIS BY SPRINGS

Sti®nessdecompositionsoriginatingfromtwodistincteigenvalue problems are applied to sti®ness synthesis by springs. The resultingfree-vectorandline-vectorsynthesesprovideacleargeometric explanation of the methods. Numerical examples and algorithms are also provided to verify the results.
Teammate Influence on Collegiate Swimmers’ Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction: A Qualitative Perspective

To enhance student-athletes’ psychological welfare and motivation it is essential to foster positive relationships and interactions with those in their surroundings, especially when considering that others’ actions toward them can have a significant impact on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Vallerand & Losier, 1999). Deci and Ryan’s (2000) self-determination theory offers an ideal lens to understand social influences as it suggests that various social factors have a direct influence on individuals’ basic psychological need satisfaction (Vallerand, 1997), which in turn affects the development of self-determined forms of motivation and well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The purpose of the current research was to explore how teammates act as social factors for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I swimmers’ basic psychological need fulfillment. Eight NCAA Division I swimmers participated in semistructured interviews. Consensual qualitative research (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997...
Synthesis of narrowband AlN Lamb wave ladder-type filters based on overhang adjustment

By adjusting the aluminum nitride (AlN) “overhang” dimension, OH, measured from the center of the outermost electrode to the edge of AlN plate, independently of the interdigital transducer (IDT) pitch, AlN Lamb wave mode resonators (LWRs) with 0.25% relative frequency control were demonstrated. Unlike adjusting electrode number, NE, device length, L, and electrode coverage, η, all of which affect device parameters such as Q, R m , C 0 , and k t 2, overhang frequency selection technique can linearly shift the center frequency up to 2.5% with no influence on other resonator parameters. Preliminary results of narrowband ladder filters using these finely spaced AlN LWRs as building blocks were fabricated and measured. Fine tuning of bandwidth and center frequency were studied.
De-noising mechanical signals by hybrid thresholding

This paper presents a hybrid wavelet thresholding approach for reducing white Gaussian noise in mechanical fault signals to offset the deficiencies of hard and soft thresholding. We observed that it is not appropriate to use the mean squared error (MSE) as the only criterion in the evaluation of the de-noising results of mechanical signals. As such, we proposed a combined criterion incorporating both MSE and false identification energy (Efalse) to evaluate the de-noising results. In our simulation studies, the proposed hybrid thresholding approach outperforms both the soft- and hard-thresholding methods in terms of the combined criterion. The proposed approach is then successfully applied to noise reduction and fault feature extraction of bearing signals
Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy and Focal Malformation

The efficacy and long-term treatment outcome of a classic ketogenic diet (KD) addon treatment (4:1 lipid/nonlipid ratio, without initial fasting and fluid restriction) were evaluated retrospectively in 47 children with intractable epilepsy and focal malformation of cortical development, in a study at Severance Children’s and Sanggye Park Hospitals, Seoul, Korea.
CdTe growth model by close spaced sublimation

Close spaced sublimation (CSS) has attractive features for high-rate deposition of CdS/CdTe thin film solar modules. It is necessary to have a solid growth model to explain their growth. In past 20 years, there are several growth models which are conflict each other. In this paper, a growth model was developed for CdTe deposition. The model can explain the effect of source and substrate temperature, ambient gas pressure and the separation between source and substrate on the growth rate of CdTe by CSS.
Green for All? Gender Segregation and Green Fields of Study in American Higher Education

Using the example of green fields of study in higher education, which emerged largely in response to growing prevalence of the environmental movement over recent decades, this paper posits that new...