cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Oxygen Saturation on the Relationship Between Hemoglobin Mass and VO2max

Hemoglobin mass (tHb) is a key determinant of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). We examined whether oxyhemoglobin desaturation (ΔSaO2) at VO2max modifies the relationship between tHb and VO2max at moderate altitude (1,625 m). Seventeen female and 16 male competitive, endurance-trained moderate-altitude residents performed two tHb assessments and two graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2max and ΔSaO2. In males and females respectively, VO2max (ml·kg−1·min−1) ranged from 62.5–83.0 and 44.5–67.3; tHb (g·kg−1) ranged from 12.1–17.5 and 9.1–13.0; and SaO2 at VO2max (%) ranged from 81.7–94.0 and 85.7–95.0. tHb was related to VO2max when expressed in absolute terms and after correcting for body mass (r=0.94 and 0.86, respectively); correcting by ΔSaO2 did not improve these relationships (r=0.93 and 0.83). Additionally, there was a negative relationship between tHb and SaO2 at VO2max (r=–0.57). In conclusion, across a range of endurance athletes at moderate altitude, the relationship between tHb and VO2max was found to be similar to that observed at sea level. However, correcting tHb by ΔSaO2 did not explain additional variability in VO2max despite significant variability in ΔSaO2; this raises the possibility that tHb and exercise-induced ΔSaO2 are not independent in endurance athletes.
Comparative Analysis of Subventricular Zone Glioblastoma Contact and Ventricular Entry During Resection in Predicting Dissemination, Hydrocephalus, and Survival.

BACKGROUND Ventricular entry during glioblastoma resection and tumor contact with the subventricular zone (SVZ) have both been shown to associate with development of hydrocephalus, leptomeningeal dissemination, distant parenchymal recurrence, and decreased survival. However, prior studies did not analyze these variables together in a single-patient population; therefore, it is unknown which is an independent predictor of these outcomes. OBJECTIVE To conduct a comparative outcome analysis of surgical ventricular entry and SVZ contact by glioblastoma in a retrospective cohort of 232 patients. METHODS Outcomes studied included hydrocephalus, leptomeningeal dissemination, distant tumor recurrences, and progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival. The Cox proportional regression analyses were adjusted for age at diagnosis, preoperative Karnofsky performance status score, extent of resection, temozolomide and radiation treatments, and tumor molecular status (specifically, IDH1/2 mutation and MGMT promoter methylation). RESULTS Surgical ventricular entry, SVZ-contacting glioblastoma, hydrocephalus, leptomeningeal dissemination, and distant recurrences were observed in 85 (36.6%), 114 (49.1%), 19 (8.2%), 78 (33.6%), and 59 (25.4%) patients, respectively. Multivariate, adjusted analysis revealed SVZ tumor contact-but not ventricular entry-associated with hydrocephalus (hazard ratio, HR, 4.20 [1.13-15.7], P = .03), leptomeningeal dissemination (HR 1.93 [1.14-3.28], P = .01), PFS (HR 2.10 [1.53-2.88], P < .001), and OS (HR 1.90 [1.35-2.67], P < .001). Distant recurrences were not associated with either. No interaction between the 2 variables was statistically noted. CONCLUSION SVZ contact by glioblastoma was independently associated with the development of hydrocephalus, leptomeningeal dissemination, and decreased survival. SVZ tumor contact was associated with ventricular entry during surgical resections, which did not independently correlate with these outcomes.
The Effects of Risky Places, Motivated Offenders, and Social Disorganization on Sexual Victimization: A Microgeographic- and Neighborhood-Level Examination.

We test microgeographic (i.e., street segment) effects reflective of routine activities/lifestyle theories (e.g., the locations of sex offenders, gang members, drug houses, bars) and neighborhood-l...
Surgical Resection for Primary Rectal Lymphoma: Support for Local Excision?

Abstract Background Primary rectal lymphoma is an uncommon and heterogeneous malignancy. Because of its rarity, few data exist to guide treatment or counsel patients. We present the largest series to date of patients undergoing nonpalliative surgery for rectal lymphoma. We hypothesize that there will be no difference in overall survival between patients undergoing local resection (LR) or radical resection (RR). Materials and methods The National Cancer Data Base was queried for all cases of resected primary rectal lymphoma between years 2004 and 2014. Exclusion criteria included patients with stage IV disease and those operated on for palliation. Patients were categorized by resection approach—LR or RR. Approach along with demographic, histologic, and hospital-level factors were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazard analysis. Results A total of 233 patients were identified. Mean age was 63 y (interquartile range 53-73), and 57% of the population was female. The most common histologic subtypes were marginal (44%), diffuse large B-cell (20%), and follicular lymphoma (17%). Eighty-seven percent underwent LR. There was no significant difference in R0 resection (LR: 38% versus RR: 58%; P = 0.07), adjuvant chemotherapy (LR: 18% versus RR: 29%; P = 0.22), or adjuvant radiation (LR: 21% versus RR: 16%; P = 0.63) between the groups. Five-year overall survival was 79%, and there was no significant difference in approach (LR: 81% versus RR: 56%, P = 0.06). Multivariable analysis did not identify an association between approach and overall survival. Conclusions Surgical resection of rectal lymphoma is rare. Our data support consideration of LR when possible, given the lack of convincing survival benefit of radical surgery or R0 resection.
Uncovering spatiotemporal structures from transit smart card data for individual mobility modeling

Abstract While conventional travel survey data are limited in sample size and observation period, recent advances in urban mobility sensing technologies afford the opportunity to collect traces of individual mobility at a large scale and over extended periods of time. As a result, individual mobility has become an emerging field dedicated to extracting patterns that describe individual movements in time and space. This chapter discusses the problem of individual mobility modeling, the characteristics of new mobility data, and how we may use such data to better model individual mobility. It also presents recent efforts in statistical approaches to extracting meaningful travel-activity patterns and behavioral insights from individual-level longitudinal travel records. Specifically, we focus on three problems related to the spatiotemporal structure in individual mobility—next trip prediction, latent activity inference, and pattern change detection. The proposed models and some preliminary results are summarized. Pseudonymized transit smart card data from London's passenger rail network are used as a case study for this analysis. The proposed approaches are general and can be adapted for other data sources.
Management of Glottic Incompetency

Glottic incompetency can lead to significant voice and swallow problems. The etiologies of glottic incompetency can be secondary to vocal fold paralysis or paresis or can be more progressive, as in Parkinson’s disease. Management of glottic incompetency relies not only on history, associated symptoms, and the size of the glottic gap but also on the assessment of patient goals and expectations and which treatment option is feasible. This chapter discusses the different modalities of treatment for glottic incompetency, the factors involved in the decision-making regarding an appropriate intervention, and the research that currently guide practice paradigms. The goal of this chapter is to organize the management of glottic incompetency for providers who work with these patients, supported by an evidence-based approach.
David Oliver: Covid-19 has highlighted the NHS's strengths and weaknesses.

Those of us involved daily in NHS machinations and policy have long been aware of the service’s strengths and weaknesses, well before they were stress tested to new levels by the covid-19 pandemic. But issues that were hiding in plain sight are now in the spotlight, front and centre. Covid-19 has held up a mirror to our culture, structure, and system resilience. The selflessness and commitment on show among NHS staff have been astonishing. We don’t work in war zones, and although our physical and mental wellbeing are often at long term risk from the job under normal circumstances, this is the first …
Stochastic scattering model of anomalous diffusion in arrays of steady vortices

We investigate the occurrence of anomalous transport phenomena associated with tracer particles propagating through arrays of steady vortices. The mechanism responsible for the occurrence of anomalous transport is identified in the particle dynamic, which is characterized by long collision-less trajectories (Levy flights) interrupted by chaotic interactions with vortices. The process is studied via stochastic molecular models that are able to capture the underlying non-local nature of the transport mechanism. These models, however, are not well suited for problems where computational efficiency is an enabling factor. We show that fractional-order continuum models provide an excellent alternative that is able to capture the non-local nature of anomalous transport processes in turbulent environments. The equivalence between stochastic molecular and fractional continuum models is demonstrated both theoretically and numerically. In particular, the onset and the temporal evolution of heavy-tailed diffused fields are shown to be accurately captured, from a macroscopic perspective, by a fractional diffusion equation. The resulting anomalous transport mechanism, for the selected ranges of density of the vortices, shows a superdiffusive nature.
Eye Manifestations of Shprintzen-Goldberg Craniosynostosis Syndrome: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Shprintzen-Goldberg craniosynostosis syndrome (SGS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that was first documented in literature in 1982. The disorder is caused by pathogenic variants in the proto-oncogene SKI gene, a known suppressor of TGF-β activity, located on chromosome 1p36. There is considerable phenotypic overlap with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes. Common clinical features of SGS include craniosynostosis, marfanoid habitus, hypotonia, dysmorphic facies, cardiovascular anomalies, and other skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. Ocular manifestations may include hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, proptosis, myopia, and ectopia lentis. We describe a 25-year-old male with the syndrome. Genetic analysis revealed a novel c.350G>A (p.Arg117His) de novo variant, which was predicted to be pathogenic by the CTGT laboratory. The patient presented with dysmorphic features, marfanoid habitus, severe joint contractures, mitral valve insufficiency, aortic root dilatation, and a history of seizures. His ocular manifestations included hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, bilateral ptosis, and high myopia. Ophthalmic manifestations are an integral component of the syndrome; however, they have not been well characterized in the literature. From a systematic review of previously published cases to date, we summarize the eye and ocular adnexa manifestations reported.
A review of phosphatidate phosphatase assays

Phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) catalyzes the penultimate step in the synthesis of triacylglycerol and regulates the synthesis of membrane phospholipids. There is much interest in this enzyme because it controls the cellular levels of its substrate, phosphatidate (PA), and product, DAG; defects in the metabolism of these lipid intermediates are the basis for lipid-based diseases such as obesity, lipodystrophy, and inflammation. The measurement of PAP activity is required for studies aimed at understanding its mechanisms of action, how it is regulated, and for screening its activators and/or inhibitors. Enzyme activity is determined through the use of radioactive and nonradioactive assays that measure the product, DAG, or Pi. However, sensitivity and ease of use are variable across these methods. This review summarizes approaches to synthesize radioactive PA, to analyze radioactive and nonradioactive products, DAG and Pi, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each PAP assay.
Copper-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Functionalization of Conjugated β,γ-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reactions of conjugated β,γ-unsaturated carboxylic acids have been achieved for allylic amination, alkylation, sulfonylation, and phosphinoylation. This ap...
The Strengths of this Volume...: The Librarian as Book Reviewer

This presentation advocates for theological librarians to engage in the practice of writing and publishing book reviews. Reviewing books for academic and popular publications is one avenue through which librarians are uniquely situated to contribute to scholarly conversations and engage our communities. Reviewing can be a manageable way for busy librarians to publish, it contributes to professional development, it can promote diversity in our collections and institutions, and it can sharpen reference skills. In addition to discussing the value of reviewing (both for librarians and for the academic communities they serve), I will offer some practical suggestions for how librarians who have little or no experience reviewing books can begin to do so.
Discrete Time Multi-particle Grover Search

Grover's algorithm is a quantum search algorithm that produces a quadratic speedup compared to its classical analog, a brute-force algorithm, and has a complexity of $\mathcal{O}(\sqrt{N})$ . Past works have shown that Grover's algorithm can asymptotically be improved by generalizing the number of marked sites. I examine Grover's algorithm when the number of searching particles is generalized in discrete time setting, which allows to understand the search algorithm in terms of “interactions” between particles. I provide a novel design of Grover with appended interaction terms to analyze $\mathcal{O}$ as $N\rightarrow\infty$ . I utilize the eigenvalue perturbation theory to deduce the optimal interaction condition and show that the condition results in an asymptotic improvement denendent upon the number of particles.
Droughty times in mesic places: Factors associated with forest mortality vary by scale in a temperate subalpine region

Understanding how drivers of ecological disturbance operate across scales is important in an era of increasing disturbance activity. Severe and extensive Dendroctonus bark beetle outbreaks across western North America have left in their wake dominance by shade-tolerant and commonly late-seral trees such as subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), which can foster resilience of forest cover. However, subalpine fir decline (SFD) is a poorly understood phenomenon that has killed trees across millions of hectares in western North America with unknown consequences for future forest resilience. How different factors (e.g., climate, topography, host-tree characteristics, and abundance) govern SFD presence and severity across spatial scales from individual trees to a subcontinental scale has not been explored in a single framework. Here, we combine broad-scale geospatial data on SFD occurrence, stand-scale field data on SFD severity, and fine-scale individual tree data on mortality to test the relative importance of factors related to SFD across spatial scales spanning > 10 orders of magnitude ( 10 M hectares). At the broadest scale (subcontinental, ~25 M ha), annual areal extent of SFD over time increased sharply with antecedent drought. At regional- (~6 M ha) and stand- (0.1-0.25 ha) scales, the occurrence and severity of SFD were spatially associated with more mesic topographic positions and greater host-tree abundance. Finally, at the individual tree- and tree-neighborhood- ( < 1 m) scale, the probability of mortality increased for larger trees and trees closer to dead conspecific neighbors. The positive temporal association of SFD with drought at broad scales versus the positive spatial association of SFD with mesic sites at fine scales suggests strong importance of local biotic processes in mediating drought-driven forest decline and highlights the need for understanding multi-scale drivers of ecological disturbance.
Sources of Temperate Maize Germplasm and Potential Usefulness in Tropical and Subtropical Environments

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the sources of temperate maize germplasm and potential usefulness in tropical and subtropical environments. Success in maize breeding depends on the identification and utilization of useful genetic variability within the crop. The nature and diversity of varieties of maize vary tremendously around the world. Much of the genetic variability has been collected and utilized through the breeding efforts of the CIMMYT, through various public regional and national breeding programs, and through private commercial maize breeding programs. A series of crosses between S1 families from this pool with temperate and tropical testers is being made in Mexico. CIMMYT has been improving a number of maize populations for resistance to several major diseases of corn including, downy mildew, maize streak virus, corn stunt, ear and stalk rots, and several leaf blights. The isozyme data shows that the most successful sources of elite United States germplasm each encompass relatively wide range of genetic diversity. Development of inbreds and hybrids from among these contrasting pools of diversity has provided a rich source of highly productive germplasm. The combinations of United States temperate and tropical or subtropical germplasm are also elaborated.
Scholarship, Blogging and Trade-offs: On Discovering, Disseminating, and Doing

Sometimes, when I'm in the middle of a heavy blogging spurt, I ask myself: Shouldn't I be spending this time writing law review articles instead? But maybe, when I'm in the middle of writing a law review article, I should ask myself: Shouldn't I be spending this time blogging instead? My blog gets about 20,000 unique visitors a day; I don't know how many people read my articles, but I'm pretty sure it's very far from 20,000. True, the article readers are presumably more likely to be the ones we want to influence with what we write. But how much more likely? Just how much influence do our law review articles actually get? Given this uncertainty, and the suspicion that a typical law review article's influence is far from vast, just how much should we value our "traditional scholarship", and what fraction of our years should we devote to it? These are not rhetorical questions; I honestly want to know the answer, and I suspect many other academic bloggers do, too. This short article briefly discusses these questions, and also asks how our blogging can advance our scholarship rather than just being a rival use of our time.
Variations on a Theme by Kepler

A series of five lectures exploring the role that groups, especially Lie groups, play in revealing the laws of nature, focusing on the ramifications and expansion of several of Kepler's laws. About the first third is accessible to the general mathematician; the rest is for specialists in the field.
Effects of age on immune function in free-living animals: Ontogeny, senescence, and their implications

Little is known about the development of immune function in wild animals. We investigated the ontogeny of immune defense in a free-living bird, the tree swallow. We assessed total and differential leukocyte counts, natural antibodies, complement activity, in vivo skin swelling response, and in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and compared the levels of development between nestlings and young adults. We also assessed whether body condition explained variation in these immune components. We found some support for the prediction that innate defenses, which do not need to generate a broad repertoire of specific receptors, would reach adult levels earlier than adaptive defenses. In contrast, we found limited support for the prediction that adaptive defenses, which are thought to be more costly to develop, would be more related to body condition than innate defenses. We discuss our findings in the context of other studies on the ontogeny of immune function. Introduction Ecoimmunology is a rapidly growing field of evolutionary ecology that studies immune defense strategies and their relationship to the life history and ecology of organisms [1-4]. A major aim of ecoimmunology is to understand the causes and elucidate the consequences underlying the broad variation in immune defense strategies observed within and among species. One key insight from such studies has been that immune function is costly in terms of energy and/or limiting nutrients (e.g., protein, carotenoids) and therefore traded-off with other costly functions such as growth and reproduction. An important aspect of ecoimmunology that has been relatively understudied is the age-specific variation in immune function [3].
Chronic stress, inflammation, and glucose regulation in U.S. Hispanics from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Diabetes prevalence is rising rapidly, and diabetes disproportionately affects Hispanics and other underserved groups. Chronic stress may contribute to diabetes risk, but few studies have examined this relationship in U.S. Hispanics. We examined associations of chronic stress with fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Hispanics without diabetes, and also assessed indirect effects of stress through inflammation (CRP). Participants were 3,923 men and women, aged 18-74, without diabetes, from the four U.S. field centers (Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; San Diego, CA) of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary study. Participants completed a measure of chronic life stress and a physical exam with oral glucose tolerance test. In a multivariate regression analysis with adjustment for demographic and health covariates, higher chronic stress was related to higher fasting glucose (standardized regression coefficient: β = .09, p < .01), postload glucose (β = .07, p < .05), and HbA1c levels (β = .08, p < .01). However, there was no indirect effect of stress through inflammation. Findings suggest that higher chronic stress is associated with poorer glucose regulation in Hispanics, prior to the onset of a clinical diabetes diagnosis.
NF-κB regulation: lessons from structures

The signaling module that specifies nuclear factor-κΒ (NF-κB) activation is a three-component system: NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κΒ (IκΒ), and IκΒ kinase complex (IKK). IKK receives upstream signals from the surface or inside the cell and converts itself into a catalytically active form, leading to the destruction of IκB in the inhibited IκB:NF-κB complex, leaving active NF-κB free to regulate target genes. Hidden within this simple module are family members that all can undergo various modifications resulting in expansion of functional spectrum. Three-dimensional structures representing all three components are now available. These structures have allowed us to interpret cellular observations in molecular terms and at the same time helped us to bring forward new concepts focused towards understanding the specificity in the NF-κB activation pathway.
Colonization of soybean roots by Bacillus megaterium B 153-2-2

Abstract Colonization of soybean seedling roots and hypocotyls by Bacillus megaterium strain B 153-2-2 was studied in the greenhouse using two autoclaved growth media, vermiculite or a mixture of sand, soil, pea gravel and vermiculite (1:1:1:1, v/v), and in the field with natural soil. In the greenhouse B153-2-2 was recovered from hypocotyls of colonized seedlings at 5 cm above the medium line and the entire length of roots at 1 wk after coating the seed with the bacterium. No differences were recorded between the two media in the recovery of B153-2-2 from roots or hypocotyl with time. Populations of B153-2-2 on roots declined toward the root tip and approached a linear relationship with root depth. At 4 wk, populations of B153-2-2 were significantly greater than those at 1 wk on deeper roots. Bacterial cells were found to attach on the root surface of 1-wk-old seedlings. In the field, populations of B153-2-2 were recovered from hypocotyls and from roots at least 20cm deep with the highest populations occurring on the upper 10cm of root. Distributions of populations of B153-2-2 on hypocotyl and roots approached a cubic relationship. In the presence of an introduced fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani isolate 65L-2, populations of B153-2-2 varied, but root colonization by B153-2-2 was not affected. Once introduced either by seed coating or soil treatment, soybean seedling, roots and hypocotyls were colonized by B153-2-2 for 4wk, whether grown in sterile media in the greenhouse or in natural soil in the field.
Innovation policy in emerging domains of activity: First-mover advantage or curse?

Do first-mover advantages exist for public policy? The theory of the first-mover advantage has been well studied in organization theory and marketing science. It is generally accepted that first-mover firms have multiple benefits such as technological leadership, asset preemption, and heightened buyer switching costs [1,2]. First-mover firms also have the disadvantages of free-ridership, technology uncertainty resolution, enabling new entrants, and incumbent inertia [1,2]. Previous work has focused on the application of the first-mover theory to firms. However, much can be learned by applying first-mover advantage theory to other areas. Specifically, this study applies the arguments of first-movers to the development of innovation policy in nanotechnology. In addition to the insights provided by this application, additional conditions must be considered when examining the order of entry in innovation policy. The article concludes with a discussion of what follower policies can learn from first-movers. The maximization of later-stage advantages is also discussed.
Breaking the Fourth Wall and Sex Role Stereotypes: An Examination of the 2006–2007 Prime-Time Season

Characters break the fourth wall on television when they speak directly to the camera. Using a stratified random sample of one episode of every situation comedy, drama, and reality program airing on the five broadcast networks in the United States (N = 113) during the 2006–2007 prime-time season, we found that, overall, male characters broke the fourth wall more frequently than females. However, when a program employed at least one woman in a powerful behind-the-scenes position, female characters broke the fourth wall more than males. Also, male characters breaking the fourth wall were more likely to make personal comments about themselves and others, whereas female characters talked about competitive strategy and competition.
Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals in house dust.

We developed a high throughput analytical method using on-line solid phase extraction coupled with isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-HPLC-MS/MS) to simultaneously determine the concentrations of 17 polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) in house dust. The sample preparation includes dispersion of the dust samples in 0.1 M formic acid:MeOH (1:1), followed by agitation and filtration, addition of the isotope-labeled internal standard solution to the filtrate, and analysis by on-line SPE-HPLC-MS/MS. The limits of quantitation were 70%. We detected PFOS, PFBuS, and PFHxS at the highest median concentration, followed by Et-PFOSA-AcOH and Me-PFOSA-EtOH.
Habitat use, movements and site fidelity of the gray smooth-hound shark (Mustelus californicus Gill 1863) in a newly restored southern California estuary

article i nfo It is thought that some elasmobranchs use shallow temperate estuaries during warmer months because these habitats may provide thermal physiological advantages. However, extensive loss and degradation of southern California bays and estuaries has reduced coastal species access to estuarine habitats. While restoration of southern California estuaries has increased over the last two decades, little is known about the recovery of ecological function. Top predators are thought to be important indicators of restoration of ecological function in many ecosystems, including estuarine habitats. In this study, abundance surveys and acoustic telemetry were employed to examine how gray smooth-hound sharks (GSH) use the newly restored Full Tidal Basin (FTB) of Bolsa Chica. GSH were most abundant inside the FTB during the spring and summer, and numbers decreased during the winter. Over 83% of all individuals (n=336) caught were immature juveniles and were most abundant when water temperatures were between 20 and 22 °C. Sharks fitted with acoustic transmitters (n=22) were continuously detected for 6-153 days (August 2008-December 2009). Forays into coastal waters were uncommon until individuals left for the season. GSH selected warmer habitats within the middle FTB; however, they also exhibited diel movements along the basin. GSH were most often found associated with mud and eelgrass at night, presumably for feeding. Since its restoration, population and behavioral data suggest that the FTB may provide juvenile GSH with a suitable seasonal environment for feeding and growth.
Platelet alpha‐2 adrenoceptors and the menstrual cycle

To clarify further the suggested influence of menstrual cycle phase on platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors, we carried out cross-sectional studies in 77 subjects in a clinical trial of weight control strategies. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after 6 weeks of diet, behavior modification, and exercise, a program that resulted in a mean weight loss of 4.5 kg. For the analyses, 42 premenopausal women were divided into four groups according to the week of menstrual cycle at the time of blood sampling. At baseline, there was no significant difference in mean platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor numbers among the four groups. At week 6 accompanying the weight loss, there was a significant increase in the platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number for all groups. Despite the fact that the women were at a different phase of the menstrual cycle than at baseline, there was again no significant difference in mean platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number. Mean baseline platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number in the premenopausal women (113.7 +/- 5.5 fmol/mg protein) did not differ from values in 12 postmenopausal women (113.7 +/- 12.0 fmol/mg protein), four women with hysterectomies (105.9 +/- 8.9 fmol/mg protein), or 19 men (101.8 +/- 6.2 fmol/mg protein). Numbers at 6 weeks also did not differ. We conclude that the menstrual cycle has minimal effects on platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number and should not confound clinical studies of platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors.
Sorting of the Neuroendocrine Secretory Protein Secretogranin II into the Regulated Secretory Pathway ROLE OF N- AND C-TERMINAL α-HELICAL DOMAINS

Secretogranin II (SgII) belongs to the granin family of prohormones widely distributed in dense-core secretory granules (DCGs) of endocrine, neuroendocrine, and neuronal cells, including sympathoadrenal chromaffin cells. The mechanisms by which secretory proteins, and granins in particular, are sorted into the regulated secretory pathway are unsettled. We designed a strategy based on novel chimeric forms of human SgII fused to fluorescent (green fluorescent protein) or chemiluminescent (embryonic alkaline phosphatase) reporters to identify trafficking determinants mediating DCG targeting of SgII in sympathoadrenal cells. Three-dimensional deconvolution fluorescence microscopy and secretagogue-stimulated release studies demonstrate that SgII chimeras are correctly targeted to DCGs and released by exocytosis in PC12 and primary chromaffin cells. Results from a Golgi-retained mutant form of SgII suggest that sorting of SgII into DCGs depends on a saturable sorting machinery at the trans-Golgi/trans-Golgi network. Truncation analyses reveal the presence of DCG-targeting signals within both the N- and C-terminal regions of SgII, with the putative α-helix-containing SgII-(25-41) and SgII-(334-348) acting as sufficient, independent sorting domains. This study defines sequence features of SgII mediating vesicular targeting in sympathoadrenal cells and suggests a mechanism by which discrete domains of the molecule function in sorting, perhaps by virtue of a particular arrangement in tertiary structure and/or interaction with a specific component of the DCG membrane.
Comparative survey of proposals for space-based determination of the gravitational constant (G)

Proposals for determining the gravitational constant G in space are compared and contrasted. We find that only three proposals have carefully treated the many physical processes in the space environment which might potentially vitiate the sought-for accuracy. The capability of the proposed missions to make other gravitational measurements and tests is described.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Guest Editorial: The Significance of Pedestrian and Evacuation Dynamics

The past decade has provided numerous examples of the devastation that can occur when hazards intersect with human vulnerability, from the tragic loss of life in the 2001 WTC terrorist attack, to Hurricane Katrina, and, more recently, in the ongoing devastation of post-earthquake/tsunami Japan as they struggle to contain the meltdown of a nuclear reactor. The focus of this journal, fire, kills thousands of people in structures around the world, and motivational events, in particular, remind us of the repeated and on-going dangers that arise in specific contexts, such as crowded nightclubs (e.g., the 2003 Station nightclub in Rhode Island and the 2009 Lame Horse nightclub in Russia) or in communities in the wildland/urban interface (e.g., the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, Australia). Pedestrian hazards, such as the constrained conditions that led to the 2010 Love Parade incident in Germany where individuals were crushed outside of a pedestrian tunnel, also continue to cost lives year after year. Regardless of the specific nature of the hazard—earthquake, hurricane, flood, crowding, or fire—one factor unifies them all: the potential loss of human life. Although it is often a key role of emergency managers and fire safety engineers to design or evaluate engineering and egress systems to ensure life safety, research, guidance and techniques remain focused on the assessment of the hazard itself and less on human response before, during, and after a crisis event. Rapidly aging populations in some parts of the world, building design innovation and growth, and the egress challenges of the disabled require that effective management procedures and safety designs be achieved through a better understanding of human behavior and movement in a variety of incident scenarios. This special issue includes nine articles that cover a variety of topics on pedestrian and evacuation dynamics from a wide range of geographical locations around the world. Over half of the articles in this issue present much needed data, including articles that highlight influential factors of occupant elevator usage for evacuation (Kinsey, Galea and Lawrence), evacuation experiences of people with disabilities in historical buildings in Sweden (Kecklund et al.), evacuation characteristics of children (Larusdottir and Dederichs), and the flow capacity of emergency doors during evacuation conditions (Daamen and Hoogendoorn). As a complement to these data-focused articles, this issue also contains a paper by Saadat, Teknomo and Fernandez that presents a unique technique aimed at reducing the effort necessary to analyze pedestrian movement and evacuation data.
Method for assessing the need for case-specific hemodynamics: application to the distribution of vascular permeability.

A common approach to understanding the role of hemodynamics in atherogenesis is to seek relationships between parameters of the hemodynamic environment, and the distribution of tissue variables thought to be indicative of early disease. An important question arising in such investigations is whether the distributions of tissue variables are sufficiently similar among cases to permit them to be described by an ensemble average distribution. If they are, the hemodynamic environment needs be determined only once, for a nominal representative geometry; if not, the hemodynamic environment must be obtained for each case. A method for classifying distributions from multiple cases to answer this question is proposed and applied to the distributions of the uptake of Evans blue dye labeled albumin by the external iliac arteries of swine in response to a step increase in flow. It is found that the uptake patterns in the proximal segment of the arteries, between the aortic trifurcation and the ostium of the circumflex iliac artery, show considerable case-to-case variability. In the distal segment, extending to the deep femoral ostium, many cases show very little spatial variation, and the patterns in those that do are similar among the cases. Thus the response of the distal segment may be understood with fewer simulations, but the proximal segment has more information to offer. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society.
The effects of anesthetic drugs and disease on the chemical regulation of ventilation.

The anesthesiologist uses a wide spectrum of drugs, including inhalational general anesthetics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, narcotics analgesics and their antagonists, and neuromuscular blocking drugs. All of these drugs in sufficient dose impair the ventilatory response to chemical stimuli, and may cause inadequate gas exchange. The effect of depression of ventilatory control depends on the magnitude of depression and the coexistence of functional abnormalities in the respiratory system. The functional abnormalities are the result of preexistent pulmonary disease or other disease processes that impair respiratory function, the anticipated effects of major surgery (e.g., pulmonary resection), and the complications of anesthesia and surgery. From a functional viewpoint, the mechanisms of the effects of these disease processes on ventilatory control are: (1) interference with the neurophysiological control of automatic ventilation; (2) impairment of peripheral or central chemoreceptor function; (3) impairment of respiratory muscle function; (4) increase in the mechanical load to breathing as a result of increased resistance or decreased compliance of the respiratory system; and (5) increase in the ventilatory requirements as a result of ventilation/blood flow maldistribution, metabolic acidosis, or increased metabolic rate. As a result of current trends in the use of multiple drugs and controlled ventilation during anesthesia, the patient is at greatest risk during the early postoperative period in the recovery room. In addition to the functional abnormalities described above, the probability of impaired gas exchange and respiratory failure is increased as a result of impaired metabolism and elimination of drugs as a result of hepatic and renal insufficiency, and acute changes in acidbase status, which alter the ionization and distribution of drugs.
Rituximab and CHOP Induction Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Mantle-Cell Lymphoma: Molecular Complete Responses Are Not Predictive of Progression-Free Survival

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) induction therapy in patients with newly diagnosed mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). P...
Flavonoid Compounds in the Strawberry Fruit

SUMMARY— The flavonoid compounds of the strawberry fruit were studied by paper chromatography, spectrophotometry and color reactions, Catechin, quercetin–3-glucoside, kaempferol–3–glucoside and leucocyanidins of varying degrees of polymerization were found besides the two anthocyanins, pelargonidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside. When the leucocyanidins were fractionated into water and methanol insoluble, ethyl acetate–soluble and water–soluble fractions, the latter fraction, generally representing glycosylated leucoanthocyanidins, was found to be the largest of the three in both ripe and unripe strawberries.
A parallel algorithm for pulsed laser infrared tomography

A three-dimensional Tomographic Reconstruction Algorithm (3D TRA) has been developed and implemented on a parallel machine at the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC). Given a time sequence of infrared images, this algorithm provides information to determine the location, physical dimensions, and initial space-dependent temperature increase of laser heated blood vessels. In this approach the serial computation of a 3D TRA is decomposed into multiple tasks which can be executed in parallel to reduce the computation time.
A comparison of the in vitro retentive strength of glass-ionomer cement, zinc-phosphate cement, and mineral trioxide aggregate for the retention of prefabricated posts in bovine incisors.

The purpose of this study was to compare the retentive strength of zinc-phosphate cement, glass-ionomer cement, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement in the retention of prefabricated posts. The root canals of 60 bovine incisors were prepared and obturated with warm gutta-percha. Post space was prepared, the smear layer removed, and posts were luted with zinc-phosphate cement, glass-ionomer cement, or MTA. The specimens were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 2 weeks, and then subjected to increasing axial tensile forces by an Instron machine until bond failure occurred. Data were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test. The retentive strengths of zinc phosphate and glass-ionomer cements were statistically equivalent, and significantly greater than MTA (p
Generalized Ginzburg-Landau Theory of Superconducting Alloys

The Ginzburg-Landau-Gorkov theory of superconducting alloys is generalized to arbitrary temperatures and magnitudes of the gap parameter $\ensuremath{\Delta}=|\ensuremath{\Delta}|\mathrm{exp}i\ensuremath{\phi}$. However, the theory is still based on the assumption that the integral equation for the Green's function can be solved in powers of ${\mathrm{v}}_{s}=\frac{(2e\mathrm{A}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\nabla}\ensuremath{\phi})}{2m}$ and successively higher space derivatives of $|\ensuremath{\Delta}|$ and ${\mathrm{v}}_{s}$. The averaging over the positions of the impurities is carried out by means of the ladder-diagram technique developed by Abrikosov and Gorkov. The results are presented in terms of the free-energy functional. The form of this functional is found to be close to that proposed by Ginzburg-Landau if $|\ensuremath{\Delta}|$ is close to the BCS gap ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{BCS}}(T)$ and varies slowly in space. A comparison of the magnitudes of the fourth- and second-order terms in the free-energy functional shows that the local theory is valid if: (1) $|\ensuremath{\Delta}|$ and ${\mathrm{v}}_{\mathrm{s}}$ vary slowly over distances $\ensuremath{\xi}$; and (2) ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{s}}=\frac{h}{2m{v}_{\mathrm{s}}}g\ensuremath{\xi}$. In the "dirty" limit ($l\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}$) the length $\ensuremath{\xi}$ ranges from about ${(l{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ to $(\frac{{T}_{c}}{T}){(l{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ as $|\ensuremath{\Delta}|$ varies from ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{BCS}}(T)$ to zero.
Mechanism of molybdate activation of adenylate cyclase.

Abstract Molybdate activation of rat liver plasma membrane adenylate cyclase has been examined and compared with the effect of glucagon, Gpp(NG)p and fluoride. Glucagon does not stimulate the detergent solubilized enzyme, though molybdate, fluoride, and Gpp(NH)p are effective in this regard. The stimulatory effects of either fluoride or molybdate are additive with those of GTP and do not require guanyl nucleotide to evoke their activation. Neither fluoride nor molybdate can substitute for GTP when glucagon is the activator of rat liver adenylate cyclase. The stimulatory effects of either ion on adenylate cyclase are additive with that produced by glucagon. Activation of adenylate cyclase by either molybdate or fluoride occurs by a mechanism distinct from that of glucagon or guanyl nucleotide. The data presented here suggest that fluoride and molybdate may act via a similar mechanism of action. Neither ion displays a lag in activation of adenylate cyclase. The pH profiles of fluoride and molybdate-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity are similar, and distinct from guanyl nucleotide-stimulated activity. Cholera toxin treatment of adenylate cyclase blocks fluoride and molybdate stimulation of the enzyme to the same extent, while enhancing the activation obtained with GTP and hormones.
Synthesis of mono- and di-deuterated (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acids to facilitate measurement of intrinsic kinetic isotope effects in enzymes

Kinetic isotope effects provide a powerful method to investigate the mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, but often other slow steps in the reaction such as substrate binding or product release suppress the isotopically sensitive step. For reactions at methyl groups, this limitation may be overcomed by measuring the isotope effect by an intra-molecular competition experiment. This requires the synthesis of substrates containing regio-specifically mono- or di-deuterated methyl groups. To facilitate the mechanistic investigations of the adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzyme, glutamate mutase, we have developed a synthesis of mono- and di-deuterated (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acids. Key intermediates are the correspondingly labeled mesaconic acids and their dimethyl esters that potentially provide starting materials for a variety of isotopically labeled molecules.
CUSTOMER POWER, STRATEGIC INVESTMENT, AND THE FAILURE OF LEADING FIRMS

Why might firms be regarded as astutely managed at one point, yet subsequently lose their positions of industry leadership when faced with technological change? We present a model, grounded in a study of the world disk drive industry, that charts the process through which the demands of a firm's customers shape the allocation of resources in technological innovation—a model that links theories of resource dependence and resource allocation. We show that established firms led the industry in developing technologies of every sort—even radical ones—whenever the technologies addressed existing customers' needs. The same firms failed to develop simpler technologies that initially were only useful in emerging markets, because impetus coalesces behind, and resources are allocated to, programs targeting powerful customers. Projects targeted at technologies for which no customers yet exist languish for lack of impetus and resources. Because the rate of technical progress can exceed the performance demanded in a market, technologies which initially can only be used in emerging markets later can invade mainstream ones, carrying entrant firms to victory over established companies.