cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of loyalty program fees on program perceptions and engagement

Abstract Retailers may introduce loyalty program enrollment fees for several reasons, including to offset the costs of the program. The principle of commitment-consistency and sunk cost effects, which suggest consumers who pay a fee-paying consumers have a higher value to the firm and exhibit behavioral loyalty, while the zero-price effect predicts the opposite. Three studies show: consumers who pay to participate in a loyalty program have more favorable attitudes, more positive evaluations of value for the money and benefits than non-paying members (Study 1); and altering the wording of denominations of accrual can affect willingness to join fee-based programs (Studies 2 and 3). The results suggest a boundary effect to the numerosity heuristic. Presenting reward credit accumulations in higher numbers may be advantageous when program fees are high, since it shifts the focus of processing from the fee to the rewards. However, standard units may be more favorable when program fees are low.
Heat shock proteins protect skeletal muscle against frostbite injury (1102.43)

Backgound: Frostbite injury results in serious skeletal muscle damage. Potentially the inflammatory response due to frostbite causes local muscle degeneration. Previous studies have shown that the heat shock proteins (hsp) are able to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Results: In the present study we examined the effects of the heat shock protein inducer, 17-Dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG) which was administered within 45 minutes following frostbite injury. Our results show that rat hind-limb muscles injected with 17-DMAG following frostbite injury exhibit less inflammatory cell infiltration as compared to control rat hind-limb muscles. In agreement with this observation, we found that the increased heat shock protein expression results in a decrease in inflammatory cytokine expression. We also found that administration of 17-DMAG after frostbite injury is able to preserve muscle function. Our results therefore suggest that 17-DMAG protects skeletal muscle if ad...
The crystal and molecular structures of bis(2,4-pentanedionato)chromium

Abstract Bis(2,4-pentanedionato)chromium(II) has been prepared in crystalline form by slow sublimation in a sealed tube at 105–110°C. There are two equivalent molecules in the monoclinic unit cell, space group P21/n, with the following dimensions: a = 11.445(4), b = 4.748(1), c = 10.325(3)A, β = 91.60(3)°, V = 560.8(5)A3, dcalcd = 1.48g/cm3. The chromium atom lies on an inversion center and has planar coordination by four oxygen atoms at a mean CrO distance of 1.98A. There are weak interactions (3.05A) with carbon atoms of ligands in adjacent molecules to complete a severely tetragonally distorted octahedral coordination sphere about chromium. The chromium compound is isomorphous with bis(2,4-pentanedionato)copper(II).
Taxonomy and morphology of European pea crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)

Pea crabs distributed around the coasts of Europe live commensally inside bivalves and sea squirts. Even though just five species are described, their taxonomy is still under development. In order to produce standardized comparative descriptions, pea crabs were collected and studied from different hosts and localities in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the pinnotherids' sexual dimorphism, the male and female are described separately for every species. The common and widely distributed species Nepinnotheres pinnotheres (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pinnotheres pisum (Linnaeus, 1767) are redescribed, while the status of the questionable species Pinnotheres ascidicola Hesse, 1872 and Pinnotheres marioni Gourret, 1888 from sea squirts and Pinnotheres pectunculi Hesse, 1872 from the dog cockle, Glycymeris glycymeris, was finally clarified. According to the morphological analysis, Pinnotheres ascidicola and Pinnotheres marioni are junior synonyms of Nepinnotheres pinnotheres, whereas the sta...
On fixed-width confidence intervals associated with maximum likelihood estimation

A sequential procedure is proposed to determine the sample size for a fixed-width confidence interval for an unknown parameter with its maximum likelihood estimator as the center of the interval. It is established that the sequential procedure is asymptotically consistent and efficient.
Normal Oxidative Phosphorylation in Mitochondria from the Failing Heart

Oxidative phosphorylation was measured polarographically in mitochondria isolated from normal ventricles and from the ventricles of guinea pigs and cats with experimental heart failure produced by constriction of the aorta or pulmonary artery. The presence of heart failure was proved by the study of myocardial mechanics in vitro, by cardiac catheterization, and by postmortem examination. Mitochondria from failing ventricles had normal oxidative phosphorylation, and P-O ratios, respiratory control, oxygen consumption and ATPase activity did not differ from those of mitochondria from normal hearts. Results were the same whether incubations were performed at 25° or 37°C and whether glutamate or pyruvate and malate were used as the substrate. Mitochondria showed functional deterioration, probably due to fatty acid accumulation, when incubated for more than 10 min at 37°C or when isolated from hearts made hypoxic in vivo for as little as 3 min. The results of this study suggest that decreased myocardial contra...
Crigler-Najjar Syndrome: An Unusual Course with Development of Neurologic Damage at Age Eighteen

Crigler-Najjar Syndrome: An Unusual Course with Development of Neurologic Damage at Age Eighteen
Compositional heterogeneity in ZnOBaOCoO varistors

Abstract SAES and STEM analyses determined heterogeneous distributions of barium at varistor grain boundary regions. The nature of the localization layers was related to thermal processing conditions and electrical properties. Interfacial distributions of barium ions at grain junctions, rather than second-phase intergranular layers, were necessary for varistor behavior.
Cytotoxicity evaluation of endosequence root repair material.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of EndoSequence Root Repair Material (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) and compare it with gray and white MTA. Study design Samples of 2 mg freshly mixed or set gray MTA (GMTA), white MTA (WMTA), EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM), and AH26 were eluted with 300, 600, and 1,000 μL cell culture medium for 24 and 72 hours. L929 cells were seeded into 96-well plates at 3 × 104 cells/well and incubated with 100 μL elute from each elute group. Cells cultured only with culture medium served as negative control. AH26 was used as positive control. After 24 hours' incubation, cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell viability was calculated as percentage of the control group. The results were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance. Results For both set and fresh samples, there were no significant cell viability differences among GMTA, WMTA, and ERRM. Cell viability in the AH26 group was less than in all of the other 3 materials. Conclusion This study suggests that ERRM may have cell viability similar to GMTA and WMTA in both set and fresh conditions.
Sexual assault victimization and suicidal behavior in women: a review of the literature

This article reviews empirical studies examining the relationship of sexual victimization to women's suicidal behavior. Studies examining the association of sexual assault in childhood and/or adulthood in relation to suicidal ideation, planning of suicide, and suicide attempts are reviewed. Additional correlates of suicidal behavior in sexually victimized women are also reviewed. It is argued that the disproportionate sexual victimization of girls and women may give rise to the greater likelihood of suicide attempts, through a variety of pathways, including psychiatric sequelae such as depression and PTSD, and associated psychosocial factors such as life events, problematic substance use/abuse, and risky lifestyles and behaviors (e.g., association with delinquent peers). An agenda for future research is proposed focusing on the role of sexual assault in the context of other factors to explain the disproportionate rates of suicidal behavior in women.
Review: Telaprevir, boceprevir, simeprevir, or sofosbuvir improves response in HCV type 1

Source Citation Kohli A, Shaffer A, Sherman A, Kottilil S. Treatment of hepatitis C: a systematic review. JAMA. 2014;312:631-40. 25117132
Flavonoids of four species of Parthenium (compositae)

Abstract Kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-glycosides were found in the closely related species, Parthenium hysterophorus, P. bipinnatifidum and P. glomeratum; the major aglycone flavonols in P. hypterophorus are quercetagetin 3,7-dimethyl ether and a new flavonoid, 6-hydroxykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether. The North-South American species-pair P. glomeratum (Argentina) and P. bipinnatifidum (Mexico) yielded quercetagetin 3,7,3′-trimethyl ether as the major aglycone. The desert species P. rollinsianum yielded five methylated flavonols: quercetin 3,3′-dimethyl ether, penduletin, quercetagetin 3,6,7-trimethyl ether, polycladin and artemetin.
The transmission of US income disturbances to Canada under fixed exchange rates

(1989). The transmission of US income disturbances to Canada under fixed exchange rates. Applied Economics: Vol. 21, No. 7, pp. 867-880.
Adsorption and binding of amino acids on homoionic montmorillonite and kaolinite

The adsorption and binding of amino acids (aspartic acid, cysteine, glycine, proline and arginine), ranging in molecular weight from 115 to 174 and in isoelectric point from pH 2.8 to 10.8, to montmorillonite [M] and kaolinite [K] homoionic to H, Na, Ca, Zn, La or Al were studied in unbuffered suspensions. Aspartic acid was adsorbed and bound on M homoionic to Ca or Zn but only adsorbed to K homoionic to Ca or Zn. Cysteine was only adsorbed on M homoionic to Al and adsorbed and bound on M homoionic to Zn and on K homoionic to H or Zn. Proline was adsorbed and bound on M homoionic to H, Ca or Zn and on K homoionic to H; it was adsorbed but not bound on both M and K homoionic to Al. Arginine was adsorbed and bound on M homoionic to H or Al and only adsorbed on K homoionic to Ca or Zn. Glycine was not bound on any of the clays. The amounts of amino acid adsorbed and bound (measured by the loss of amino acid from solution) and the class (Giles et al., 1974a and b) of both the adsorption and binding isotherms (retention against ultimate washing with water) were dependent on the type of amino acid, the type of clay, the type of cation predominant on the clays and the basicity or the additional function moiety (e.g. carboxyl, thiol, guanido) of the amino acid. The relative values of the non-standard free energy of clay-amino acid complexes that had isotherms of the Giles C-class were dependent on the type and molecular weight of the amino acid and on the exchangeable cation on the clay.
DIFFERENCES IN SENSITIVITY BUT NOT SELECTIVITY OF XENOESTROGEN BINDING TO ALLIGATOR VERSUS HUMAN ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ALPHA

Reproductive abnormalities in alligators exposed to contaminants in Lake Apopka, Florida, USA represent a clear example of endocrine disruption in wildlife. Several of these contaminants that are not able to bind to mammalian estrogen receptors (such as atrazine and cyanazine) have previously been reported to bind to the alligator estrogen receptor from oviductal tissue. Binding of known Lake Apopka contaminants to full length estrogen receptors alpha from human (hERalpha) and alligator (aERalpha) was assessed in a side-by-side comparison within the same assay system. Baculovirus-expressed recombinant hERalpha and aERalpha were used in a competitive binding assay. Atrazine and cyanazine were not able to bind to either receptor. p,p'-Dicofol was able to bind to aERalpha with a concentration inhibiting 50% of binding (IC50) of 4 microM, while only partially displacing 17beta-estradiol (E2) from hERalpha and yielding a projected IC50 of 45 microM. Chemicals that only partially displaced E2 from either receptor, including some dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolites and trans-nonachlor, appeared to have higher affinity for aERalpha than hERalpha. p,p'-Dicofol-mediated transcriptional activation through aERalpha and hERalpha was assessed to further explore the preferential binding of p,p'-dicofol to aERalpha over hERalpha. p,p'-Dicofol was able to stimulate transcriptional activation in a similar manner with both receptors. However, the in vitro results obtained with p,p'-dicofol were not reflected in an in vivo mammalian model, where Kelthane (mixed o,p'- and p,p'-dicofol isomers) did not elicit estrogenic effects. In conclusion, although there was no evidence of exclusively species-specific estrogen receptor binders, some xenoestrogens, especially p,p'-dicofol, had a higher affinity for aERalpha than for hERalpha.
Pharmacologic Therapy of Aphakic Cystoid Macular Edema: A Review

Pharmacologic therapy of aphakic cystoid macular edema (ACME) in the past has included the use of topical, periocular, and systemic corticosteroids as well as inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Preliminary studies have suggested a beneficial effect of systemic corticosteroids on ACME, although it has been said that this effect is temporary and that recurrences are common. To date, no adequate therapeutic or prophylactic trial of topical, periocular, or systemic corticosteroids for ACME has been performed. Several elegant clinical trials have been done to study the effects of indomethacin, a prostaglandin (PG) synthesis inhibitor, on the incidence of ACME. It seems likely that topical, and perhaps systemic, indomethacin is effective in reducing the incidence of angiographically proved ACME. To date, however, no trial has demonstrated a sustained effect of topical or systemic PG synthesis inhibitors on ACME or visual acuity. Further studies of the role of PG synthesis inhibitors (especially topical agents) in the therapy of ACME are necessary. In addition, further efforts should be made to determine the efficacy of the use of PG synthesis inhibitors in combination with corticosteroids.
Work in progress - STAIRSTEP - a program for expanding the student pipeline

This paper introduces Lamar University's Students Advancing through Involvement in Research Student Talent Expansion Program (STAIRSTEP), which is designed to increase the number of U. S. citizens receiving undergraduate degrees in science disciplines including computing, mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology and earth science. STAIRSTEP uses the experience gathered from two successful programs in computer science for student retention and recruiting of women and underrepresented minorities at Lamar University. STAIRSTEP expands these efforts by including several science disciplines and addressing a broader population of talented ‘at risk’ students. STAIRSTEP adopts recognized strategies from the literature for increasing participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It is innovative in the way it puts this research into practice. This paper describes the STAIRSTEP approach, its expected results, evaluation plan, and current status.
Positive impact of blocking tumor necrosis factor α on the nutritional status in pediatric Crohn’s disease patients

TNFα seems to contribute to inflammation and malnutrition in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. In CD patients, the comparative effects on nutritional status of infliximab and traditional therapy have not yet been determined. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of infliximab as compared with those of standard therapy on nutritional status, disease activity, resting energy expenditure (REE), and food intake in CD children and adolescents. From September 1999 to September 2005, all CD patients treated with infliximab (group A) were reviewed and matched with CD patients treated with traditional therapy (mesalazine and azathioprine) (group B). Fourteen CD patients from group A and 14 from group B were included; median interval before follow-up investigation was 10 months. Baseline and final values of weight, height, body mass index (BMI), pediatric CD activity index (pCDAI), REE, and food intake were studied. In treated patients, but not in control group, mean baseline weight (kg) and BMI values, 39.7 ± 13.1 and 17.9 ± 3.3, respectively, were significantly lower than their final values 42.6 ± 13.2 and 18.9 ± 3.1, and median pCDAI values 23.5 were significantly higher than their final values 10 (P < 0.05). Significant changes in height, REE, and food intake were not found in either group. In pediatric CD patients, infliximab seems to impact positively on the nutritional status as demonstrated by the improvement in weight and BMI, but not in linear growth; effects on nutritional status seem to be due to amelioration of disease activity, rather than to REE reduction or food intake increase.
Control of isoleucine, valine and leucine biosynthesis V. Dual effect of α-Aminobutyric acid on repression and endproduct inhibition in Escherichia coli

1. 1. α-Aminobutyric acid was found to cause growth inhibition and derepression of the isoleucine-valine enzymes in Escherichia coli by its effects on valine metabolism. 2. 2. The analog was a potent inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo, of both products of acetohydroxy acid synthetase, the initial enzyme common to isoleucine and valine biosynthesis. The inhibition was non-competitive with respect to the substrate, pyruvate. 3. 3. The transfer of [14C]valine to valine tRNA was strongly inhibited by α-aminobutyric acid. α-Amino[14C]butyric acid was not attached to valine tRNA. 4. 4. It was not possible to distinguish if the observed physiological effects of the analog were due to inhibition of the biosynthesis or activation of valine.
ORCHID MYCORRHIZA: VITAMIN PRODUCTION AND REQUIREMENTS BY THE SYMBIONTS

A Rhizoctonia species isolated from Cymbidium has been cultured successfully on a defined medium consisting of minerals, sugar, thiamine, and folic acid. Thiamine can be replaced by its thiazole component, which is probably produced by germinating orchids. The fungus apparently produces the pyrimidine moiety of thiamine, a compound which may enhance growth of certain orchid seedlings. Niacin is also provided by the fungus. Para-aminobenzoic acid, a constituent of folic acid, produced and released by orchid seeds, can satisfy the vitamin requirement of the fungus. These findings point to the possibility that orchids and their fungi may have coevolved with respect to vitamin requirements. The data also suggest that exchanges of vitamins or their components between orchids and endophytes are important aspects of the symbiotic relationship.
Divided Eyelid Nevus: A Lid-Sparing, Staged Surgical Approach

Purpose To describe a method for staged partial resection of congenital divided eyelid nevus. The rationale, technique, and outcomes for this approach are described. Design Retrospective chart review of a case series. Methods Clinical records of 12 patients with divided eyelid nevus were reviewed with attention to presenting features, surgical management, histopathology, and follow-up course. Surgical approach involved the use of bipolar and thermal cautery to ablate the eyelid margin component, skin excision for cutaneous lesions, and then repair with advancement flaps or skin grafting. Results Eight patients with divided nevus were treated with a staged surgical approach: 5 primarily and 3 as revision cases. Average age was 16.3 years at primary presentation (range, 2-36 years), 16.5 years at initial surgery (range 2-36 years), and 36.0 years at presentation for revision (range, 12-72 years). Primary patients required 1 (n = 3) or 2 (n = 2) surgeries. Revision patients required 2 (n = 1) or 3 (n = 2) procedures in addition to those they had already undergone. Anterior lamellar repair was by granulation (n = 2), local skin flaps (n = 3), or skin grafts (n = 3). Average follow-up was 21.6 months (range, 0-98 months). No adverse effects or malignant transformations were seen. Conclusions Patients with divided eyelid nevi often present for surgical management because of cosmetic and functional concerns. Because small-to-medium congenital nevi have a low risk of malignant transformation, total excision may not be necessary. A staged surgical approach with cautery ablation and contouring of the eyelid margin component and surgical resection of the anterior lamellar portion may be a reasonable treatment strategy for these patients.
Perceived Effectiveness of Teaching Methods for Point of Care Ultrasound

Abstract Background Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapidly expanding aspect of both the practice and education of emergency physicians. The most effective methods of teaching these valuable skills have not been explored. Objective This project aimed to identify those methods that provide the best educational value as determined by the learner. Methods Data was collected from pre- and post-course surveys administered to students of the introductory POCUS course provided to emergency medicine residents each year at our facility. Data were collected in 2010 and 2011. Participants were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of small- vs. large-group format, still images vs. video clips, and PowerPoint slides vs. live demonstration vs. hands-on scanning. Results Students felt the most effective methods to be small-group format, video-clip examples, and hands-on scanning sessions. Students also rated hands-on sessions, still images, and video images as more effective in post-course surveys as compared with pre-course surveys. Conclusions The methods perceived as most effective for POCUS education are small-group format, video-clip examples, and hands-on scanning sessions.
The compound 13-D selectively induces apoptosis in white blood cancers versus other cancer cell types.

White blood cell cancers constitute a diverse array of neoplasms including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemias are divided into four major types, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Lymphomas are divided into two major categories, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma constitutes approximately 90 % of all myeloma cases. The prognosis for patients receiving one of these diagnoses is highly variable. The drug Gleevec(imatinib) has been rec ently developed based on the known chromosomal translocation (the “Philadelphia chromosome”) in patients with CML, a translocation that results in the production of the Bcr-Abl kinase fusion protein. [1] Gleevec has had widely celebrated success as a selective inhibitor of this kinase, and the patient-response rate to this drug in some studies has been a remarkable 90 %. [2] Similarly, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be cured in > 80 % of cases. [3] In contrast, the survival of patients with CLL (the most common type of leukemia in the western hemisphere) varies widely, with many dying soon after diagnosis. [4] In addition some lymphomas, such as follicular lymphoma, are unresponsive to chemotherapeutic agents. [5] Thus, while great strides have been made in the fight against certain white blood cell cancers, others remain untreatable or are only moderately responsive to even the most potent of chemotherapeuticagents. The vast majority of anticancer agents can be classified as antimetabolites (methotrexate, fluorouracil), DNA-damaging agents (cisplatin, doxorubicin), or antimitotics (Taxol, vincristine). [6] In general, antimetabolites and DNA-damaging agents
The Invisible Work of Accessibility: How Blind Employees Manage Accessibility in Mixed-Ability Workplaces

Over the past century, people who are blind and their allies have developed successful public policies and technologies in support of creating more accessible workplaces. However, simply creating accessible technologies does not guarantee that these will be available or adopted. Because much work occurs within shared workspaces, decisions about assistive technology use may be mediated by social interactions with, and expectations of, sighted coworkers. We present findings from a qualitative field study of five workplaces from the perspective of blind employees. Although all participants were effective employees, they expressed that working in a predominantly sighted office environment produces impediments to a blind person's independence and to their integration as an equal coworker. We describe strategies employed by our participants to create and maintain an accessible workplace and present suggestions for future technology that better supports blind workers as equal peers in the workplace.
Efficient Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Flagellar Waveform of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The 9 + 2 axoneme is a microtubule-based machine that powers the oscillatory beating of cilia and flagella. Its highly regulated movement is essential for the normal function of many organs; ciliopathies cause congenital defects, chronic respiratory tract infections and infertility. We present an efficient method to obtain a quantitative description of flagellar motion, with high spatial and temporal resolution, from high speed video recording of bright field images. This highly automated technique provides the shape, shear angle, curvature, and bend propagation speeds along the length of the flagellum, with approximately 200 temporal samples per beat. We compared the waveforms of uniflagellated wild-type and ida3 mutant cells, which lack the I1 inner dynein complex. Video images were captured at 350 fps. Rigid-body motion was eliminated by fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based registration, and the Cartesian (x-y) coordinates of points on the flagellum were identified. These x-y "point clouds" were embedded in two data dimensions using Isomap, a nonlinear dimension reduction method, and sorted by phase in the flagellar cycle. A smooth surface was fitted to the sorted point clouds, which provides high-resolution estimates of shear angle and curvature. Wild-type and ida3 cells exhibit large differences in shear amplitude, but similar maximum and minimum curvature values. In ida3 cells, the reverse bend begins earlier and travels more slowly relative to the principal bend, than in wild-type cells. The regulation of flagellar movement must involve I1 dynein in a manner consistent with these results.
Testicular leukemia: Incidence and management results

The patient was an eight-year-old black male who presented to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHP) in June 1977 with foot pain. Abnormal findings on physical examination were diffuse shotty lymphadenopathy without hepatosplenomegaly. Examination of the extremities was normal. There was no evidence of increased bruising or bleeding. Laboratory data revealed a hemoglobin of 11.2 gm/dl, white blood cell count of 26,200/cu mm, and platelet count of 21,000/cu mm. Serum uric acid level was 4.2 mg/dl. The remainder of the laboratory findings were within normal limits. Bone marrow examination revealed a hypercellular marrow replaced with lymphoblasts. Immunologic evaluation showed these cells to have no surface immunoglobin and no rosette formation with sheep red blood cells. The patient received vincristine 1.5 mg/M2 daily, oral prednisone at 40 mg/M2 daily, L-asparaginase 6,000 IU/M2 for nine intramuscular doses, and methotrexate 12 mg intrathecally. After 28 days, bone marrow aspiration showed that the leukemia was in remission. He then received 2,400 rad cranial irradiation over three weeks, along with four more doses of intrathecal methotrexate, given once weekly. Maintenance consisted of monthly pulses of vincristine (1.5 mg/M2), prednisone (40 mg/M2 for five days), daily oral 6-mercaptopurine (75 mg/M2), and weekly oral methotrexate (20 mg/M2). After six months of maintenance, the patient was given a scheduled course of reinduction therapy with vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase. Eleven months after diagnosis both testes were noted to be enlarged on physical examination. Wedge biopsy of both testes revealed leukemic infiltration. Examination of the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at that time were unremarkable. The patient was treated with vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase again for four weeks and received intrathecal methotrexate as central-nervous-system (CNS) prophylaxis. Twenty-four hundred rad were given to both testes at 200 rad/day with decrease in testicular size. Maintenance consisted of monthly pulses of vincristine and prednisone with oral methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine. Seven months after his testicular relapse the patient had a bone marrow relapse. He expired eight months later with disseminated leukemia.
Domain interdependence in the biosynthetic assembly of CFTR.

Abstract The dimerization of their two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) in a so-called “nucleotide-sandwich” is the hallmark of ATP cassette binding (ABC) proteins and the basis of their catalytic activities. The major disease-causing mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR or ABCC7), deletion of Phe508 in NBD1, does not grossly alter the structure of that domain but prevents conformational maturation of the whole CFTR protein, possibly by disrupting the native interaction between NBD1 and NBD2. However, the role of inter-domain interactions in CFTR folding has been brought into question by a recent report that all CFTR domains fold independently. Here we show that in addition to domain folding, correct inter-domain assembly is essential to form a stable unit that satisfies endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control. N-terminal domains depend on their more C-terminal neighbors, most essentially the second membrane-spanning domain (MSD2) but significantly, not NBD2. Wild-type C-terminal truncation constructs, completely devoid of NBD2 are transported out of the ER and to the cell surface where they form characteristic CFTR chloride channels with low open probability. The ΔNBD2 wild-type protein matures and has similar stability as its full-length counterpart. Therefore, the catalytically crucial inter- NBD associations are not required to satisfy ER quality control mechanisms. The ΔF508 mutation arrests the maturation of ΔNBD2 just as it does full-length CFTR, indicating that ΔF508 perturbs other portions of the molecule in addition to NBD2. We find that the mutation prevents formation of a compact MSD1, reflected in its susceptibility to protease digestion. This perturbation of MSD1 may in turn prevent its normal integration with MSD2. The dispensability of NBD2 in the folding of more N-terminal domains stands in contrast to the known hypersensitivity to proteolysis of NBD2 in the ΔF508 protein.
Ca2+-calmodulin antagonist chlorpromazine and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase modulators 4-aminobenzamide and nicotinamide influence hepatic expression of BCL-XL and P53 and protect against acetaminophen-induced programmed and unprogrammed cell death in mice

Acetaminophen (AAP), the analgesic hepatotoxicant, is a powerful inducer of oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic oncogene bcl-XL, and the pro-apoptotic oncogene p53 are two key regulators of cell cycle progression and/or apoptosis subsequent to DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. This study investigated the effect of AAP on the expression of these oncogenes and whether agents that modulate DNA fragmentation (chlorpromazine, CPZ) and DNA repair through poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity (4-AB: 4-aminobenzamide) can protect against AAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and/or by altering the expression of bcl-XL and p53. In addition, the protective effect of supplemental nicotinamide (NICO), known to be depleted in cells with high PARP activity during DNA repair, is similarly evaluated. Male ICR mice (3 months old) were administered vehicle alone; nontoxic doses of 4-AB (400 mg/kg, ip), NICO (250 mg/kg, ip) or CPZ (25 mg/kg, ip), hepatotoxic dose of AAP alone (500 mg/kg, ip), or AAP plus one of the protective agents 1 h later. All animals were sacrificed 24 h following AAP administration. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT), hepatic histopathology and lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and expression of bcl-XL and p53 (western blot analysis) were compared in various groups. All of the three agents significantly prevented AAP-induced liver injury, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and associated apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths, 4-AB being the most effective and NICO the least. Compared to control, there was a considerable decrease in bcl-XL expression, and an increase in p53 expression in AAP-exposed livers. The effect of AAP on bcl-XL was antagonized and that on p53 was synergized by the PARP-modulator 4-AB as well as NICO, whereas the endonuclease inhibitor CPZ was without effect on either bcl-XL or p53 expression. These results suggest that the hepatotoxic effect of AAP involves multiple mechanisms including oxidative stress, upregulation of endonuclease (or caspase-activated DNAse) and alteration of pro- and anti-apoptotic oncogenes. The observed antagonism of AAP-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and/or necrosis by modulators of multiple processes including DNA repair suggests the likelihood that a more effective therapy against AAP intoxication should involve a combination of antidotes.
"There Must Be a Reason": Osama, Saddam, and Inferred Justification

One of the most curious aspects of the 2004 presidential election was the strength and resilience of the belief among many Americans that Saddam Hussein was linked to the terrorist attacks of September 11. Scholars have suggested that this belief was the result of a campaign of false information and innuendo from the Bush administration. We call this the information environment explanation. Using a technique of “challenge interviews” on a sample of voters who reported believing in a link between Saddam and 9/11, we propose instead a social psychological explanation for the belief in this link. We identify a number of social psychological mechanisms voters use to maintain false beliefs in the face of disconfirming information, and we show that for a subset of voters the main reason to believe in the link was that it made sense of the administration’s decision to go to war against Iraq. We call this inferred justification : for these voters, the fact of the war led to a search for a justification for it, which led them to infer the existence of ties between Iraq and 9/11.
The Relevance of China's Transformation for Contemporary Sociology

China's rapid social transformation recapitulates processes that occurred in an earlier era in Europe and North America, and which gave birth to the discipline of sociology. Research on contemporary China therefore provides a rare opportunity to revisit and rethink the founding ideas of the discipline and its radical, liberal, and conservative traditions.
Heel spur syndrome: a retrospective report on the percutaneous plantar transverse incisional approach.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate patient satisfaction and pain relief of chronic heel spur syndrome via a percutaneous plantar transverse incisional surgical approach. Forty-five patients underwent the procedure between June 1995 and August 1997; 29 responded to a questionnaire. Of the 29 respondents, a 96% success rate was obtained (the procedure met or exceeded patient expectations) at an average of 21 months postoperatively. Based on a 10-point visual analog scale, pain improved from an average of 8.4 ± 0.3 preoperatively to 1.2 ± 0.3 at the time of the survey. The surgical technique is also described.
Shock wave propagation through a model one dimensional heterogeneous medium

We study the problem of impact-induced shock wave propagation through a model one-dimensional heterogeneous medium. This medium is made of a model material with spatially varying parameters such that it is heterogeneous to shock waves but homogeneous to elastic waves. Using the jump conditions and maximal dissipation criteria, we obtain the exact solution to the shock propagation problem. We use it to study how the nature of the heterogeneity changes material response, the structure of the shock front and the dissipation.
Activity of calcium/phospholipid dependent protein kinase during rat kidney development

The activity of the calcium sensitive phospholipid dependent protein kinase C (PKC) was studied in cytosol and in the proximal tubular luminal membrane of rats during growth. Cytosolic activity was elevated at 14 and 21 days of age and fell to adult levels by day 60. Luminal brush border membrane activity on the other hand was low on day 14 but reached adult levels by day 21. Changes in brush border membrane PKC activity may have important consequences for the development of electrolyte transport in proximal tubular cells.
Oxidation-Induced Trapping of Drugs in Porous Silicon Microparticles.

An approach for the preparation of an oxidized porous silicon microparticle drug delivery system that can provide efficient trapping and sustained release of various drugs is reported. The method uses the contraction of porous silicon’s mesopores, which occurs during oxidation of the silicon matrix, to increase the loading and retention of drugs within the particles. First, a porous Si (pSi) film is prepared by electrochemical etching of p-type silicon with a resistivity of >0.65 Ω cm in a 1:1 (v/v) HF/ethanol electrolyte solution. Under these conditions, the pore walls are sufficiently thin to allow for complete oxidation of the silicon skeleton under mild conditions. The pSi film is then soaked in an aqueous solution containing the drug (cobinamide or rhodamine B test molecules were used in this study) and sodium nitrite. Oxidation of the porous host by nitrite results in a shrinking of the pore openings, which physically traps the drug in the porous matrix. The film is subsequently fractured by ultraso...
Contrast media reactions during voiding cystourethrography or retrograde pyelography

Contrast media can be absorbed across the urothelium in amounts sufficient to cause severe anaphylactoid reactions. We report 2 cases of anaphylactoid reactions during voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) or retrograde pyelography (RGP). A retrospective review of 783 consecutive VCUGs or RGPs performed at our institution over the last five years revealed no other systemic contrast media reactions. Although our findings and a review of the literature discloses that the incidence appears to be extremely low, urologists and radiologists need to be aware that an anaphylactoid or vagal contrast medium reaction may develop during VCUGs or RGPs. In addition, these physicians need to be prepared to treat a reaction should one occur.
The Effects of Home-Away Sequencing on the Length of Best-of-Seven Game Playoff Series

We analyze the number of games played in a seven-game playoff series under various home-away sequences. In doing so, we employ a simple Bernoulli model of home-field advantage in which the outcome of each game in the series depends only on whether it is played at home or away with respect to a designated home team. Considering all such sequences that begin and end at home, we show that, in terms of the number of games played, there are four classes of stochastically different formats, including the popular 2-3 and 2-2 formats both currently used in National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs. Characterizing the regions in parametric space that give rise to distinct stochastic and expected value orderings of series length among these four format classes, we then investigate where in this parametric space that teams actually play. An extensive analysis of historical 7-game playoff series data from the NBA reveals that this home-away model is preferable to the simpler, well-studied but ill-fitting binomial model that ignores home-field advantage. The model suggests that switching from the 2-2 series format used for most of the playoffs to the 2-3 format that has been used in the NBA Finals since a switch in 1985 would stochastically lengthen these playoff series, creating an expectation of approximately one extra game per playoff season. Such evidence should encourage television sponsors to lobby for a change of playoff format in order to garner additional television advertising revenues while reducing team and media travel costs.
PHOTOGRAPHS: ARCHIVAL CARE AND MANAGEMENT. Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler and Diane Vogt-O'Connor with Helena Zinkham, Brett Carnell, and Kit Peterson.

Chicago, Illinois: Society of American Archivists, 2006 (2008 second printing), 550 pp., ISBN 978-0-8389-1035-1, hard cover, $85.95 (SAA member price $59.95). Written by staff from the Library of C...
Water Vapor Permeability and Sorption of Hevea Latex Films

Abstract A considerable structural difference exists between Hevea latex films vulcanized after drying and those vulcanized in the latex state. Since these two types of films differ considerably in water vapor permeability and sorption, a careful study has been made of these phenomena. The weight of water permeating an uncompounded film was inversely proportional to the thickness of the film over a wide range of thicknesses, and directly proportional to Δp, the vapor pressure difference across the film, except at very high values of Δp. However, films cast from vulcanized latex were much more permeable to water vapor, sorbed considerably less water, and had a greater negative temperature dependence of permeability than uncompounded or dry vulcanized films. These experiments indicate that diffusion takes place in prevulcanized films by an activated diffusion through capillary holes and in dry vulcanized films by an activated diffusion through the polymer itself or the adsorption layer.
Acoustic absorption in aqueous potassium phosphate

Measurements of acoustic absorption and velocity as a function of frequency and concentration in KH2PO4−K2HPO4 buffers at 4°C and pH 5-7 are reported. The dependence of the observed acoustic relaxation parameters on concentration is consistent with that to be expected from perturbation of a monomer-dimer equilibrium with an equilibrium constant [for 2H2PO 4 − ⇌(H2PO4)22−] of 0.21 M−1, a bimolecular rate constant of 5×108 M−1-sec−1 and a standard volume change of −5 cm3 mole. The equilibrium constant for H2PO 4 − + HPO42−⇌H3(PO4)23− is estimated to be 0.7 M−1.
Linear resolutions of quadratic monomial ideals

Abstract We study the minimal free resolution of a quadratic monomial ideal in the case where the resolution is linear. First, we focus on the squarefree case, namely that of an edge ideal. We provide an explicit minimal free resolution under the assumption that the graph associated with the edge ideal satisfies specific combinatorial conditions. In addition, we construct a regular cellular structure on the resolution. Finally, we extend our results to non-squarefree ideals by means of polarization.
Protection of the Myocardium with High-Energy Solutions

An approach to intraoperative protection of the myocardium is described that attempts to increase glucose utilization by infusion of high-energy solutions during aortic cross-clamping. Infusion of hypertonic glucose or glucose plus insulin prior to aortic cross-clamping has enhanced contractility and increased high-energy phosphate moieties in animals with induced ischemia. Recent pilot experiments in our laboratory suggest that infusions of creatine may result in increased production of creatine phosphate, which in turn induces phosphorylation of adenosine diphosphate to adenosine triphosphate, possibly enhancing myocardial contractility. The intraoperative clinical benefits of these infusions remain to be proved, however.
Homogenization in mechanical mixing involving polyvinyl chloride. I. Skin removal and breakdown of PVC particulate structure during mixing with miscible polymer

Abstract Suspension-polymerized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a powder consisting of particles 100 ∼ 150 μm in diameter, called grains. The grains have a unique hierarchical structure consisting of a skin and internal tight agglomerates of about 10 μm diameter. The agglomerate consists of primary particles of about 1 μm diameter, which in turn consist of domains of about 0.1 μm. The domain is composed of microdomains of about 10 nm. In this work, mechanical mixing of PVC with a miscible polymer, nitrile rubber containing 30% acrylonitrile (NBR-30), was conducted in an internal mixer and the significant events in the mixing period of 150 sec were examined with scanning and transmission electron microcopes. The process of mixing was very different from that of two amorphous polymers in that the skins of the PVC grains were first peeled off and then the agglomerates were broken down to the subsequent smaller particles, eventually becoming microdomains dispersed in the rubber. The NBR was found to be an effecti...
Evaluating existing recommendations for hepatitis A and B vaccination.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are now widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and most of the rest of the world. A recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was licensed in the United States in 1986, followed by hepatitis A vaccine in 1995. Official recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were published for hepatitis B vaccine in 1990, with revisions in 1991, and for hepatitis A vaccine in 1999. Unfortunately, the recommendations are not closely followed, and an insufficient number of persons who are at risk receive these vaccines. In addition, the available recommendations may not cover all who are at risk for infection. This article reviews existing recommendations for the use of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines and offers suggestions for situations in which additional recommendations may be useful. The rationale for revising and expanding the existing recommendations is based on questions raised about the value of risk-based recommendations, data demonstrating increasing rates of hepatitis A and B infections in specific age groups, and the failure to protect ⩽50% of individuals who become infected with vaccine-preventable hepatitis.
Pigment biosynthesis by Macrophomina phaseolina: the glycine-specific requirement

A red pigment found in muskmelons (Cucumis melo) infected by Macrophomina phaseolina was produced in liquid cultures of the pigment-producing isolate, TX-33, supplied with glycine. In addition to glycine, alanine, leucine and asparagine supported synthesis of the red pigment when added to cultures of TX-33. A number of other amino acids and nitrogencontaining compounds failed to elicit pigment synthesis. Growth was stimulated over 5-fold when alanine, histidine or asparagine was substituted for glycine in the culture medium. However, growth was not strongly correlated with synthesis of pigments. Feeding studies with purine bases presented no evidence for a relationship between purine biosynthesis and pigment production.
Land Distribution and Financial System Development

Research on credit markets from developing economies, as well as work on the origin of institutions in general, has suggested that land inequality may play a role in determining financial development. In this paper we establish empirically that initial land inequality is a significant predictor of financial depth across countries, even while controlling for other predictors such as legal origin, ethnic fractionalization, and income inequality. To examine this relationship we have created a new measure of land distribution within countries that builds upon the work of Deininger and Squire (1998) by explicitly accounting for landlessness. In addition to being a significant predictor of financial development, land inequality is found to be uncorrelated with other fundamental characteristics of economies, suggesting its possible use in a wider range of research.