cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancers of Major Salivary Glands

Major salivary gland malignancies are a rare but histologically diverse group of entities. Establishing the diagnosis of a malignant salivary neoplasm may be challenging because of the often minimally symptomatic nature of the disease, and limitations of imaging modalities and cytology. Treatment is centered on surgical therapy and adjuvant radiation in selected scenarios. Systemic therapy with chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies lacks evidence in support of its routine use.
Managing Serials Data as a Community: Partnering With the Global Open Knowledgebase (GOKb)

The Global Open Knowledgebase (GOKb) is a project to develop and maintain a freely available repository of metadata that describes electronic journals and books using a community-managed approach. In preparation for GOKb's public preview at the end of 2014, the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries launched a pilot to create a partnership model for participating libraries. Based on a presentation at the 2015 North Carolina Serials Conference, Eric Hanson, Xiaoyan Song, and Kristen Wilson from NCSU Libraries share their experiences partnering with GOKb, including the workflows and tools that NCSU has established for contributing to GOKb, opportunities for library and vendor partners, and GOKb's linked data service.
Emission and Decay of Excited Organic Molecules under Electron Impact

The emission and decay of a number of benzene derivatives in the liquid phase, excited by electron impact, are characteristic of singlet state excimers.
Javanese Grammar for Students: A Graded Introduction

The most striking fact about this book is the astonishing amount of information that is contained within its slim 104 pages. Not only does it include all the important points about Javanese grammar...
An analysis of the effect of hydrogen incorporation on electron traps in silicon nitride

The effect of hydrogen incorporation into nitrogen vacancies in silicon nitride on electron trap is analyzed using density functional theory method. A hydrogen atom is attached to a dangling bond which is well separated from other dangling bonds, whereas it is not attached to ones which strongly interact because of lattice distortion. An electron trap level caused by nitrogen vacancy becomes shallow by hydrogen incorporation. An electron is trapped in a deep level created by a silicon dangling bond before hydrogen incorporation, whereas it is trapped in a shallow level created by an anti-bonding state of a siliconsilicon bond after hydrogen incorporation. The simulation results qualitatively explain the experiment in which reduced hydrogen content in silicon nitride shows superior retention characteristics of the programmed state.
Factor analysis for spillover correction or movement detection in dynamic PET studies

In this study, we applied factor analysis of dynamic structures (FADS) techniques in dynamic PET images to (1) extract the arterial time activity curve (TAC) from human adult or small monkey dynamic FDG PET; and (2) investigate the use of FADS generated factor images and factor curves to detect large subject movements during dynamic GA-68 EDTA scans of brain tumor patients. The results showed that a blood sample constraint improved the accuracy of FADS technique in extracting the `pure' blood pool TAC from dynamic PET studies that have large spillover problems. The studies of GA-68 EDTA brain PET studies showed that three major factors were extracted from images using FADS. For studies with little patient movement, a standard pattern of three factor curves and three factor images were obtained. However, large patient movement changed the outcomes of FADS results. We conclude that (1) FADS technique with a blood sample allows the extraction of the `pure' blood pool TAC directly from quantitative PET images without requiring multiple blood samples, region-of- interest drawing or spillover correction; and (2) FADS technique provides a sensitive way to detect large patient movements in dynamic PET studies.
Early-successional dynamics of single-aged mixed hardwood stands in a Southern New England Forest, USA

Abstract The pattern of stand development was studied in two mixed-species single-aged stands that originated after true clearcutting at the Great Mountain Forest in northwestern Connecticut. One stand was located on a mesic swale-till site and the other on a more xeric thin-till site. At the time of cutting all sprout growth and advanced regeneration was eradicated, except for 1-year-old red oak ( Quercus rubra ) seedlings. Twenty-eight years after the stands originated trees were stratified by shade tolerance such that the canopies were dominated by the intolerant species (paper birch Betula papyrifera , gray birch B. populifolia , pin cherry Prunus pensylvanica ) with mid-tolerant species (black birch B. lenta , black cherry P. serotina ) becoming prevalent. The number of stems was decreasing but the basal area was steadily increasing. The pattern in species-specific growth rates and crown position were common to both sites; but there were also differences between the sites in the sizes of trees and positioning of the mid-tolerant trees in the canopy. At age 28 the more mesic swale-till site had fewer, taller trees, with pioneer species more typical of northern hardwood climates. On this site red oak was doing poorly, all gray birch and eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ) had died, black birch and black cherry were beginning to dominate the canopy of the stand, and a significant understory of beech ( Fagus grandifolia ) had developed through the encroachment of root suckers from the stand edge. Sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ), white ash ( Fraxinus americana ) and eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis ), all significant components of the swale-till site before clearcutting, were noticeably absent. On the thin-till site red oak had not attained the canopy of the stand but was still a significant component of the mid-story with red maple ( A. rubrum ). However, black birch was self-thinning more rapidly on the thin-till site than that of the swale-till suggesting that red oak and red maple might well dominate the canopy within another 20 years. In general, the diameter growth rate of the thin-till site currently lags behind the swale-till by approximately 10 years.
Complex Structures Modeling Using Equivalence Principle Algorithm

A equivalence principle algorithm using the method moments is introduced. Complex structures can be decomposed into smaller, simpler structures using simpler equivalence surface which will help the electromagnetic modeling of complex structures in electrical packages.
Fluxes of greenhouse gases between soils and the atmosphere in a temperate forest following a simulated hurricane blowdown

Fluxes of nitrous oxide (N20), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) between soils and the atmosphere were measured monthly for one year in a 77-year-old temperate hardwood forest following a simulated hurricane blowdown. Emissions of CO2 and uptake of CH4 for the control plot were 4.92 MT C ha-l y-~ and 3.87 kg C ha-1 y-1, respectively, and were not significantly different from the blowdown plot. Annual N20 emissions in the control plot (0.23 kg N ha-1 y-1) were low and were reduced 78% by the blowdown. Net N mineralization was not affected by the blowdown. Net nitrification was greater in the blowdown than in the control, however, the absolute rate of net nitrification, as well as the proportion of mineralized N that was nitrified, remained low. Fluxes of CO2 and CH4 were correlated positively to soil temperature, and CH4 uptake showed a negative relationship to soil moisture. Substantial resprouting and leafing out of downed or damaged trees, and increased growth of understory vegetation following the blowdown, were probably respon- sible for the relatively small differences in soil temperature, moisture, N availability, and net N mineralization and net nitrification between the control and blowdown plots, thus resulting in no change in CO2 or CH4 fluxes, and no increase in N20 emissions.
Mechanism of pyrolysis of C2Cl6

Using published data on the kinetics of pyrolysis of C2Cl6 and estimated rate parameters for all the involved radical reactions, a mechanism is proposed which accounts quantitatively for all the observations: The steady-state rate law valid for after about 0.1% reaction is and the reaction is verified to proceed through the two parallel stages suggested earlier whose net reaction is A reported induction period obtained from pressure measurements used to follow the rate is shown to be compatible with the endothermicity of reaction A, giving rise to a self-cooling of the gaseous mixture and thus an overall pressure decrease. From the analysis, the bond dissociation energy DH0(C2Cl5Cl) is found to be 70.3 ± 1 kcal/mol and ΔHf3000(·C2Cl5) = 7.7 ± 1 kcal/mol. The resulting πbond energy in C2Cl4 is 52.5 ± 1 kcal/mol.
Treatment of Cold Urticaria

Acquired cold urticaria is a chronic physical urticaria characterized by wheals in response to exposure to cold temperatures. Therapy is dependent on antihistaminics, yet patients with severe symptoms may be unresponsive to doses of second-generation antihistamines, which are typically used to treat allergic rhinitis. One approach that has been used successfully for more than 30 years is to prescribe four to eight tablets of cyproheptadine daily. However, side effects of somnolence and increased appetite can be limiting. Aims
Persistent Dizziness Following Head Trauma and Perilymphatic Fistula

A growing body of evidence supports the idea that dizziness that persists for months and even years can be caused by an unsuspected perilymphatic fistula. Perilymphatic fistulas are abnormal ruptures that allow perilymph to leak out of the inner ear into the middle ear space. Most commonly, these ruptures occur secondary to a traumatic event. The term postconcussive syndrome has been used to describe a myriad of symptoms following head trauma. Some of these symptoms, such as cognitive changes, tinnitus, neck stiffness, and dizziness, are also commonly caused by active perilymphatic fistulas. This article discusses the typical history and diagnostic tests for patients with perilymphatic fistula. Common diagnostic tests include audiograms, electronystagmograms, electrocochleograms, and subjective and platform fistula tests. Also, the surgical treatment for the perilymphatic fistula (ie, repair of the oval and round windows) is reviewed, along with the results produced by this relatively minor ear operation. Suggestions are made to help the medical professionals involved in rehabilitative care to be aware of perilymphatic fistulas and seek proper consultations from inner ear specialists if they suspect the existence of this easily cured disorder.
Avoidance and management of stomal complications

The construction of an intestinal stoma is fraught with complications and should not be considered a trivial undertaking. Serious complications requiring immediate reoperations can occur, as can minor problems that will subject the patient to daily and nightly distress. Intestinal stomas undoubtedly will dramatically change lifestyles; patients will experience physiologic and psychologic detriment with stoma-related problems, however minor they may seem. Common complications include poor stoma siting, high output, skin irritation, ischemia, retraction, parastomal hernia (PH), and prolapse. Surgeons should be cognizant of these complications before, during, and after stoma creation, and adequate measures should be taken to avoid them. In this review, the authors highlight these often seen problems and discuss management and prevention strategies.
miR-199b-5p DIRECTLY TARGETS PODXL AND DDR1 AND DECREASED LEVELS OF miR-199b-5p CORRELATE WITH ELEVATED EXPRESSIONS OF PODXL AND DDR1 IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA

Aberrant expression of Podocalyxin (PODXL), a CD34 orthologue, has been associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Herein, via tissue microarray, we discovered elevated PODXL expression in M2, M4 and M1 FAB-subtype patients. Importantly, various investigations have linked aberrant miRNA expression with AML (1). A miRNA prediction algorithm identified PODXL as a conserved target for miR-199b, a significantly down-regulated miRNA in AML. Further prediction of miR-199b-5p targets identified Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) as another highly conserved target. For the first time, IHC analyses showed that DDR1 levels were also highly up-regulated in AML and more significantly, were elevated in the same AML cases where PODXL levels were increased. Experimental validation (via-mimics) confirmed that both PODXL and DDR1 are targets of miR-199b-5p. Furthermore, 3’UTR-luciferase assays established that miR-199b-5p targets PODXL and DDR1. Most importantly, we found significant decrease in miR-199b-5p levels in most AML patients with elevated PODXL and DDR1 expressions. Importantly, overexpression of miR-199b-5p in K562 cells caused significant decrease in collagen IV induced migration. Taken together, our studies have identified concurrent increased expression of PODXL and DDR1 in AML and directly connect decreased miR-199b-5p to these novel targets and potential antigomir-mediated therapeutic implications in AML.
Safety and effectiveness of combined low molecular weight heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

This study examines the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in combination with platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). LMWH has been shown to be as effective as unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but there are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of LMWH in combination with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. We studied 37,320 patients in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 3 who were treated with GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists from April 1998 to September 2000. Using univariate analysis, clinical events were compared between 2,482 patients who received LMWH and 34,838 patients who were treated with UFH. To adjust for confounding covariates, a multivariate regression analysis was also performed. Major bleeding rates were 4.0% in patients on LMWH versus 4.2% in patients who were treated with UFH (odds ratio [OR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80 to 1.23, p = 0.92). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of recurrent myocardial ischemia (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.06, p = 0.26), and in-hospital death (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.05, p = 0.14) between groups. There was a trend toward a decreased risk of recurrent AMI in patients who received LMWH compared with those on UFH (1.5% vs 1.9%, OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.05, p = 0.09). LMWH appears to be a safe and effective alternative to UFH in patients with AMI who receive IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
Dietary change and variability at Grasshopper Pueblo, Arizona

Abstract A bone chemistry analysis of the adult burials ( N = 230) from Grasshopper Pueblo (east-central Arizona) reveals considerable dietary variability of the inhabitants and distinct changes in the diet through time. Dietary data from the early period (A.D. 1275–1325) indicate males had greater access to meat and cultigens (maize, beans, squash), while females had greater access to wild plant foods. During the late period (A.D. 1325–1400), however, male and female diets become virtually indistinguishable; meat and wild plant foods decline in importance and the consumption of cultigens is emphasized. A series of social and environmental factors (increased population, increased aridity, marginal agricultural lands, etc.) interacted to create food stress, which compelled the inhabitants to focus attention on an agricultural rather than horticultural lifestyle in the late period. Responses to food stress at Grasshopper Pueblo include reduction of household size, increased storage, and increased mobility (and ultimately migration), as well as a breakdown in status whereby males no longer had greater access to preferred foods (e.g., meat and cultigens). The bone chemistry data also reveal some spatial variability, suggesting decisions regarding subsistence activities may have been made primarily at the household level.
Interdependable Effects of Magnesium Ion and Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetate (EDTA) on Chicken Liver D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate, 1-phosphohydrolase

Abstract The effect of EDTA on chicken liver D-fructose-l,6-diphosphate,1-phospho-hydrolase (FDPase) was investigated. The results indicate that a given concentration of EDTA can serve either as an activator or an inhibitor, depending on the relative concentration of Mg+ +. It was found that EDTA activated the enzyme only in the excess of Mg++ and that the enzyme activity would be completely inhibited whenever the concentration of EDTA was equal to or exceeded that of Mg+ +. It is suggested that the activation and the inhibition of this enzyme by EDTA are both mediated through the formation of chelate complex with Mg+ +.
Augustine’s Confessions: Self-reproach and the Melancholy Self

This article, companion to my article, “Augustine’s Confessions: The Story of a Divided Self and the Process of Its Unification” (Capps, 2007), focuses on psychoanalytic studies of Augustine’s Confessions, giving particular attention to his tendency to engage in self-reproach. The psychodynamic meanings of such self-reproach are explored, and the proposal is made that his Confessions reveal both narcissistic personality trends (in which shame plays a major role) and a melancholy self (in which the mother-son relationship is central).
Purification of Host Cell Enzymes Involved in Adeno-Associated Virus DNA Replication

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) replicates its DNA by a modified rolling-circle mechanism that exclusively uses leading strand displacement synthesis. To identify the enzymes directly involved in AAV DNA replication, we fractionated adenovirus-infected crude extracts and tested them in an in vitro replication system that required the presence of the AAV-encoded Rep protein and the AAV origins of DNA replication, thus faithfully reproducing in vivo viral DNA replication. Fractions that contained replication factor C (RFC) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were found to be essential for reconstituting AAV DNA replication. These could be replaced by purified PCNA and RFC to retain full activity. We also found that fractions containing polymerase delta, but not polymerase epsilon or alpha, were capable of replicating AAV DNA in vitro. This was confirmed when highly purified polymerase delta complex purified from baculovirus expression clones was used. Curiously, as the components of the DNA replication system were purified, neither the cellular single-stranded DNA binding protein (RPA) nor the adenovirus-encoded DNA binding protein was found to be essential for DNA replication; both only modestly stimulated DNA synthesis on an AAV template. Also, in addition to polymerase delta, RFC, and PCNA, an as yet unidentified factor(s) is required for AAV DNA replication, which appeared to be enriched in adenovirus-infected cells. Finally, the absence of any apparent cellular DNA helicase requirement led us to develop an artificial AAV replication system in which polymerase delta, RFC, and PCNA were replaced with T4 DNA polymerase and gp32 protein. This system was capable of supporting AAV DNA replication, demonstrating that under some conditions the Rep helicase activity can function to unwind duplex DNA during strand displacement synthesis.
the hajj: sacred and secular

A comparison of the pilgrimage to Mecca made by Turkish villagers with that made to their natal villages by Turkish immigrants in Europe argues for blurring the boundaries between the categories “sacred” and “secular” as well as those between pilgrim and migrant. It suggests that the hijra (emigration of Muhammed) and the hajj (his pilgrimage home) provide a symbolic model, unavailable for non-Muslims, that implicitly structures and makes comprehensible the ritualistic and obligatory character of the immigrants' journey home. [Islam, symbolism, pilgrimage, Turkish peasants and immigrants]
Evaluation and Imaging of Patellofemoral Joint Disorders

Patellar instability is often challenging to diagnose. In addition, the diagnosis of associated soft tissue and chondral injuries that occur with patellar instability are challenging. Missed or failed diagnosis can lead to repeated episodes of instability and may increase the likelihood and grade of patellar and trochlear chondral injury. Radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging studies can assist in the diagnosis of patellofemoral instability and associated injuries in the acute setting, but have been less helpful in the nonacute setting. Therefore, the diagnosis relies on suggestive history and confirmed with a physical examination with support of appropriate imaging studies.
Eye movements in paralyzed cats induced by drugs and sympathetic stimulation

Cat eye movements were measured in animals anesthetized with urethane and paralyzed with high doses of gallamine. The eyes were relatively stable under these conditions, but when bicuculline, strychnine or methoxamine (Vasoxyl) was then given intravenously, or when the animals were made hypoxic by respiring them with 5% O2, displacements in eye position of 0.5–2.75° were observed. A cervical sympathectomy reduced the eye movements caused by bicuculline and strychnine, but did not prevent the movements caused by any of the agents tested. Electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve caused eye movements whose maximum amplitude was similar to those caused by drugs.
Mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter (DTDST) gene (SLC26A2): 22 novel mutations, mutation review, associated skeletal phenotypes, and diagnostic relevance.

Mutations in the DTDST gene can result in a family of skeletal dysplasia conditions which comprise two lethal disorders, achondrogenesis type 1B (ACG1B) and atelosteogenesis type 2 (AO2); and two non-lethal disorders, diastrophic dysplasia (DTD) and recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (rMED). The gene product is a sulfate-chloride exchanger of the cell membrane. Inactivation of the sulfate exchanger leads to intracellular sulfate depletion and to the synthesis of undersulfated proteoglycans in susceptible cells such as chondrocytes and fibroblasts. Genotype–phenotype correlations are recognizable, with mutations predicting a truncated protein or a non-conservative amino acid substitution in a transmembrane domain giving the severe phenotypes, and non-transmembrane amino acid substitutions and splice site mutations giving the milder phenotypes. The clinical phenotype is modulated strictly by the degree of residual activity. Over 30 mutations have been observed, including 22 novel mutations reported here. The most frequent mutation, 862C>T (R279W), is a mild mutation giving the rMED phenotype when homozygous and mostly DTD when compounded; occurrence at a CpG dinucleotide and its panethnic distribution suggest independent recurrence. Mutation IVS1+2T>C is the second most common mutation, but is very frequent in Finland. It produces low levels of correctly spliced mRNA, and results in DTD when homozygous. Two other mutations, 1045-1047delGTT (V340del) and 558C>T (R178X), are associated with severe phenotypes and have been observed in multiple patients. Most other mutations are rare. Heterozygotes are clinically unaffected. When clinical samples are screened for radiologic and histologic features compatible with the ACG1B/AO2/DTD/rMED spectrum prior to analysis, the mutation detection rate is high (over 90% of alleles), and appropriate genetic counseling can be given. The sulfate uptake or sulfate incorporation assays in cultured fibroblasts have largely been replaced by mutation analysis, but may still be useful in cases where mutation analysis is not informative. Although supplementation of patients’ cultured cells with thiols may bypass the transporter defect and enhance sulfation of proteoglycans, therapeutic approaches are not yet available. Mouse models for this and other disorders of sulfate metabolism are being developed to help in developing therapeutic treatments. Hum Mutat 17:159–171, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Equilibrium polymerization on the equivalent-neighbor lattice.

The equilibrium polymerization problem is solved exactly on the equivalent-neighbor lattice. The Flory-Huggins (Flory, 1986) entropy of mixing is exact for this lattice. The discrete version of the n-vector model is verified when n approaches 0 is equivalent to the equal reactivity polymerization process in the whole parameter space, including the polymerized phase. The polymerization processes for polymers satisfying the Schulz (1939) distribution exhibit nonuniversal critical behavior. A close analogy is found between the polymerization problem of index the Schulz r and the Bose-Einstein ideal gas in d = -2r dimensions, with the critical polymerization corresponding to the Bose-Einstein condensation.
HOW DEPENDENT ARE SPECIES-PAIR INTERACTION STRENGTHS ON OTHER SPECIES IN THE FOOD WEB?

In ecological theory species interaction strengths are typically described by constants or functions that depend on the densities of the two interacting species. However, if species' traits (phenotypes) are plastic, then modifications in these traits (induced by the presence of another species) could affect interaction strengths of the focal species with a number of other species in the system. The magnitudes of such higher-order effects on interaction strengths have not been reported and are not straightforward to measure. We present a methodology to quantify changes in consumer–resource interaction coefficients (a metric of interaction strength) due to effects of predators on consumer (i.e., the prey of the predator) phenotype (e.g., nonlethal or trait-mediated effects). Application of this method to studies in diverse systems indicates that predators can strongly reduce consumer– resource interaction coefficients, often in the range of 20–80%. We use analytic and simulation models to show that effects on interaction coefficients of this magnitude can lead to trait-mediated effects that contribute more strongly than density-mediated effects to the net effects of predators on consumers and their resources, and even qualitatively change model predictions. Our results strengthen previous claims that trait-mediated effects strongly influence species interactions and suggest that recent calls to quantify interaction strengths must be broadened to include examination of the variation in interaction strengths due to their dependence on densities of other species (most notably predators) in food webs.
Applications of the Bienamé and Tchebycheff Inequalities for the ‘Structural Reliability’ and ‘Engineering Planning and Design’ Courses

Some examples are given to elucidate an application of the Biename and Tchebycheff inequalities in the probabilistic strength of materials. These inequalities are discussed in the elective undergraduate or first-year graduate courses ‘structural reliability’ or ‘engineering planning and design’. These examples, hopefully, will be beneficial to students, in that they illustrate how simple calculations can be performed to derive estimates of structural reliability with limited information. The material discussed in this paper can be covered in a single, standard fifty-minute lecture.
Monopolistic Competition, Growth and Public Good Provision*

a normal good. In this article, I develop a model of public good provision in which private goods are supplied in a monopolistically competitive market. In this context, increases in the size of the group are increases in the population of a society. I find that increases in population lead to reduced public good provision. The reason is quite simple: as population increases, the number of private goods available for consumption also increases. This raises the marginal utility of income and increases the opportunity cost of contributing to the public good. While the level of voluntary contributions falls in this model, the optimal level of provision is shown to increase with population. Thus, there is a growing divergence between the optimal and equilibrium levels of provision of the public good. In the standard model with a pure public good, individual welfare rises with an increase in population, both because of the increase in the level of provision of the public good and the reduced contribution per person that results from the population increase. Furthermore, in the model of monopolistic competition without a public good, welfare also increases with population due to the wider of variety of goods which are available in a larger economy. However, when the models are combined, an increase in popu lation has an ambiguous effect on welfare. This stems from the reduction in the level of provision of the public good as the population increases. The model of monopolistic competition in this article is based on Krugman (1980). This model assumes a simple form of increasing returns to scale under which each good may be produced by incurring a fixed set up cost plus a constant marginal cost of production. When the population increases, the economy can support a broader range of goods and this leads to a higher real income for individuals in the economy. Thus, economic growth arising from a scale effect leads to reduced contributions to the public good in this model. Economic growth can also be caused by increases in total factor productivity. In the model of monopolistic competition used here, this would be reflected by reductions the fixed and marginal cost of production. It turns out that reductions in these parameters also lead to reduced public good provision.
Orderly marketing for oranges: Public interest versus private interest

The consequences of three rules arguably consistent with the orderly marketing objective of Federal marketing orders for managing weekly product flows of navel oranges are empirically examined. Regardless of whether the rules are executed in an environment of certainty or uncertainty, growers always gain from revenue maximization, handlers are unaffected, buyers always gain from constant prices, and net social welfare is always slightly larger for constant prices. Buyers never gain from stable product flows. Growers gain from using a more information-intensive decision making policy under uncertainty only when following the revenue maximization rule. Buyers, by contrast, always gain from the more information-intensive decision-making policy under uncertainty, regardless of the rule.
Enhanced Expression of Lp-PLA2 and Lysophosphatidylcholine in Symptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques

Background and Purpose— Circulating lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has emerged as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular diseases. However, the correlation between the plaque expression of Lp-PLA2 and plaque oxidative stress, inflammation, and stability as well as the clinical presentation remains poorly defined, especially for cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, this study was performed to test the hypothesis that Lp-PLA2 expression is higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic carotid plaques of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Methods— The expression of Lp-PLA2 in 167 carotid artery plaques was determined by immunoblotting and immunostaining. Plaque oxidative stress, inflammation, and stability were quantified by NAD(P)H oxidase p67phox and MMP-2 immunoblotting, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) immunoreactivity, macrophage and Sirius red collagen staining. Lysophosphatidylcholine 16:0 (lysoPC) concentration was measured in 55 plaques using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry....
Volume-based evaluation of serum assays for new prostate-specific antigen isoforms in the detection of prostate cancer.

Abstract Objectives Recently, disease-specific isoforms of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) have been identified. We evaluated the efficacy of precursor isoforms of PSA (pPSA) and an internally cleaved form of PSA referred to as the benign prostatic hyperplasia-associated PSA (BPSA) for the detection of prostate cancer. Methods Serum concentrations of [-2], [-4], and [-7]pPSA, sum pPSA ([-2] + [-4] + [-7]pPSA), and BPSA were retrospectively measured in 43 selected men. The median total PSA levels in men with and without cancer were 6.5 μg/L (range 0.4 to 12.1 μg/L) and 6.1 μg/L (range 3.7 to 21.5 μg/L), respectively. Of the 43 men, 15 had clinical T2 prostate cancer with an ultrasound-estimated prostate volume (PV) of greater than 50 mL, 13 had clinical T2 prostate cancer with PV less than 25 mL, and 15 were prostate cancer free with PV greater than 50 mL. Results The median values for BPSA, free-to-total PSA ratio (f/tPSA), and benign-to-total PSA ratio (B/tPSA) differed statistically between men with cancer and a PV less than 25 mL and men with cancer and a PV greater than 50 mL ( P P Conclusions In this preliminary study, the level of [-2], [-4], sum pPSA, and BPSA seemed to be PV related, but only BPSA and B/tPSA and f/tPSA were significantly associated with PV. Therefore, pPSA did not aid in better discriminating cancer from noncancer.
Individual variation in the ability of Columbian ground squirrels to select an optimal diet

Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) were examined for ability to select a diet that maximizes daily energy intake (optimal diet) under free-living field conditions. The optimal diet for each squirrel was determined given constraints (e.g. body size, feeding time) on individual foraging behavior. Most squirrels (63%) consumed a diet not significantly different from one that would maximize their daily energy intake. The remainder (37%) approached an energy maximized diet but appeared to make some incorrect foraging decisions. Both males and females appeared to approach energy maximized diets. An individual's deviation from its optimal diet is relatively constant within a season and not significantly affected by immediate environmental influences such as food abundance, thermal conditions and social environment. The energy cost of deviating from an optimal diet may be large enough to affect fitness. These results suggest that the ability to select an optimal diet can be viewed as a behavioral trait that might be subject to natural selection.
The uplift of the Sierra Nevada and implications for late Cenozoic epeirogeny in the western Cordillera

Tilted Cenozoic strata in the eastern Great Valley, California, record progressive late Cenozoic uplift of the Sierra Nevada. The magnitude of tilting is combined with other geologic data, using a technique pioneered by Grant and others, to infer the rate and timing of post-late Miocene uplift between the Kings River and the Feather River. Angular unconformities of late Neogene age have been reported throughout the east-central Great Valley. Typically, stratigraphic units of late Oligocene through Miocene-Pliocene age beneath the unconformities dip approximately 1.2°-1.6° southwest. Middle to late Pliocene units above the unconformities dip approximately 0.6°-0.9° southwest and progressively overlap younger units from east to west. These angular unconformities are interpreted to represent the onset of late Cenozoic uplift of the Sierra Nevada due to westward tilting. Dated volcaniclastic units in the east-central Sacramento Valley bracket the onset of tilting there between 3.4 and 8.4 Ma. Stratigraphic and geologic relations from the Stanislaus River area, eastern San Joa-quin Valley, suggest that the late Cenozoic tilting probably began approximately 5 Ma. Previously published tilt data from the San Joaquin Valley combined with new work in the eastern Sacramento Valley indicate that the rate of post-late Miocene tilting has been approximately uniform in the east-central Great Valley. Early to middle Pleistocene units typically dip 0.5°-0.7° southwest; middle Pleistocene units dip 0.2°-0.4°; middle to late Pleistocene units dip 0.1°-0.15°; late Pleistocene units dip 0.05°-0.1°. If it is assumed that major westward tilting began 5 Ma, these data indicate an approximately uniform tilting rate of 0.28° per million years. These data have important implications for models of the uplift. Simultaneous inception of tilting in the east-central Great Valley at approximately 5 Ma does not support models that link uplift of the Sierra Nevada to the migration of the Mendocino triple junction. Late Cenozoic tilting of the Sierra Nevada block does not appear to coincide temporally with the onset of major Basin and Range extension. The uplift may be due to thinning of the mantle lithosphere beneath the Sierra Nevada, but the tilt data do not afford a direct test of this hypothesis. Post-late Miocene tilting of the Sierra Nevada is temporally associated with late Cenozoic uplift of the northern Basin and Range, uplift of the Cascades, uplift of the Colorado Plateau, and uplift of the southern Rocky Mountains, supporting the contention that tilting of the Sierra Nevada may have occurred as part of a Cordillera-wide uplift event.
Effect of cooling during the dry period on immune response after Streptococcus uberis intramammary infection challenge of dairy cows

Heat stress in the dry period affects the immune status of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation. We hypothesized that cooling during the dry period improves immune response to postpartum intramammary infection (IMI) by environmental pathogens such as Streptococcus uberis. Cows were dried off 46 d before expected calving and assigned to cooling (CL, n = 15) or heat stress (HT, n = 15). Cooled cows were housed with sprinklers, fans, and shade, whereas the HT group had only shade. All cows were cooled postpartum. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were recorded thrice weekly during the dry period. From −46 to 42 d relative to calving, dry matter intake was recorded daily, and both body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) weekly. Milk yield and composition were recorded daily after calving. Streptococcus uberis IMI was induced at 5 d postpartum in a subset of cows (CL, n = 5; HT, n = 5). Blood was collected at 0, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h after IMI. Hematological analysis was performed, and neutrophils isolated for RNA extraction. Immune response genes (TLR2, IL1-β, IL6, IL8, IL10, and TNFα) were assessed by real-time, reverse transcription-PCR. Relative to HT cows, CL cows had lower RT and RR during the dry period. The CL cows also consumed more feed prepartum but not postpartum, gained more BW prepartum but lost more BW in lactation, and had higher BCS score prepartum and a lower BCS postpartum. During 40 wk of lactation, CL cows produced more milk (33.8 vs. 30.0 kg/d) than HT cows but milk composition was not affected. Cows in the CL group had greater white blood cell counts and more neutrophils than HT cows during IMI. From 0 to 36 h post-IMI, TNFα mRNA expression decreased, whereas that of IL6 and IL8 increased in both treatments. Additionally, CL cows had lower IL10 mRNA expression at 18 h post-IMI. Expression of TLR2 mRNA decreased over time in both treatments. However, CL cows had greater overall TLR2 mRNA expression than HT. No differences were detected for mRNA expression of IL1-β, IL6, IL8, or TNFα. Cooling cows during the dry period alters immune function and neutrophil response to IMI in early lactation.
Infrared to ultraviolet measurements of two-photon absorption and n/sub 2/ in wide bandgap solids

The bound electronic nonlinear refractive index, n/sub 2/, and two-photon absorption (2PA) coefficient, /spl beta/, are measured in a variety of inorganic dielectric solids at the four harmonics of the Nd:YAG laser using Z scan. The specific materials studied are: barium fluoride (BaF/sub 2/), calcite (CaCO/sub 3/), potassium bromide (KBr), lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF/sub 2/), sapphire (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/), a tellurite glass (75%TeO/sub 2/+20%ZnO+5%Na/sub 2/O) and fused silica (SiO/sub 2/). We also report n/sub 2/ and /spl beta/ in three second-order, /spl chi//sup (2)/, nonlinear crystals: potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO/sub 4/ or KTP), lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/), and /spl beta/-barium berate (/spl beta/-BaB/sub 2/O/sub 4/ or BBO). Nonlinear absorption or refraction can alter the wavelength conversion efficiency in these materials. The results of this study are compared to a simple two-parabolic band model originally developed to describe zincblende semiconductors. This model gives the bandgap energy (E/sub g/) scaling and spectrum of the change in absorption. The dispersion of nl as obtained from a Kramers-Kronig transformation of this absorption change scales as E/sub g//sup -1/. The agreement of this theory to data for semiconductors was excellent. However, as could be expected, the agreement for these wide bandgap materials is not as good, although general trends such as increasing nonlinearity with decreasing bandgap energy can be seen.
Role of cations and confinement in asymmetric photochemistry: enantio- and diastereo-selective photocyclization of tropolone derivatives within zeolites

Asymmetric induction in photochemical reactions has been explored using the photochemistry of tropolones as a model. Three approaches have been examined: chiral inductor, chiral auxiliary and [chiral inductor + chiral auxiliary]. All three methods gave excellent asymmetric induction in zeolite and very little or zero induction in solution. Results presented on tropolones clearly illustrate the remarkable influence that a confined space studded with cations can have on asymmetric induction. Tropolone derivatives, upon irradiation undergo 4π-electron electrocyclization to yield a bicyclic product and a rearranged product. Enantiomeric excess up to 68% has been achieved in the cyclized product. In systems where a chiral inductor has been covalently linked, diastereomeric excess as high as 88% has been achieved within a zeolite while the same system in solution gave 10%.
A Decade of Decline and Evolution in Agricultural Economics Enrollments and Programs, 1985–96

North American university departments of agricultural economics were surveyed regarding enrollment, curricula, budget and related issues. Average undergraduate enrollments declined over the last eleven years, reversing the upward trend of the previous decade. Graduate enrollments have remained remarkably stable for the past two decades. In response to declining enrollments and budgets, many departments have changed their name and/or curriculum to attract domestic students who are not interested in production agriculture. Colleges of agriculture have, on average, increased their total enrollments by diversifying their programs. This reverses a trend of declining enrollment that had existed for nearly two decades.
Characterization of a nuclear phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase in carrot suspension culture cells

Abstract We have shown previously that a nuclear phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4-kinase activity was present in intact nuclei isolated from carrot suspension culture cells ( Daucus carota L.). Here, we further characterized the enzyme activity of the nuclear enzyme. We found that the pH optimum of the nuclear-associated PI kinase varied with assay conditions. The enzyme had a broad pH optimum between 6.5–7.5 in the presence of endogenous substrate. When the substrate was added in the form of phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylserine (PI/PS) mixed micelles (1 mM PI and 400 μM PS), the enzyme had an optimum of pH 6.5. In comparison, the pH optimum was 7.0 when PI/Triton X-100 mixed micelles (1 mM PI in 0.025 %, v/v final concentration of Triton X-100) were used. The nuclear-associated PI kinase activity increased 5-fold in the presence of low concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.05 to 0.3 %, v/v); however, the activity decreased by 30 % at Triton X-100 concentrations greater than 0.3 % (v/v). Calcium at 10 μM inhibited 100 % of the nuclear-associated enzyme activity. The K m for ATP was estimated to be between 36 and 40 μM. The nuclear-associated PI kinase activity was inhibited by both 50 μM ADP and 10 μM adenosine. Treatment of intact nuclei with DNase, RNase, phospholipase A 2 and Triton X-100 did not solubilize the enzyme activity. Based on sensitivity to calcium, ADP, detergent, pH optimum and the product analysis, the nuclear-associated PI 4-kinase was compared with previously reported PI kinases from plants, animals and yeast.
Towards a Conceptualization of Immigrant Labor.

This essay develops recent studies on international labor migrations. The first part analyzes the condition for the emergence of migrations as a labor system: the consolidation of the world economic system. The second part examines how state formation creates the conditions for immigrant labor as a distinct category in the labor process. The third part discusses the growing presence of immigrant labor in the tertiary sector of all core countries and its relationship to the export of manufacturing plants to the periphery; the labor flows generated by accelerated industrialization in the Arab oil-exporting countries; and the increased commodification of immigrants in labor import and export policies.
Monte Carlo sampling for visual pose tracking

In this paper, we present a visual pose tracking algorithm based on Monte Carlo sampling of special Euclidean group SE(3) and knowledge of a 3D model. In general, the relative pose of an object in 3D space can be described by sequential transformation matrices at each time step. Thus, the objective of this work is to find a transformation matrix in SE(3) so that the projection of an object transformed by this matrix coincides with an object of interest in the 2D image plane. To do this, first, the set of these transformation matrices is randomly generated via an autoregressive model. Next, 3D transformation is performed on a 3D model by these matrices. Finally, a region-based energy model is designed to evaluate the optimality of a transformed model's projection. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method in several tracking scenarios.
Using the studentized range to assess kurtosis

Abstract Because it is easy to compute from three common statistics (minimum, maximum, standard deviation) the studentized range is a useful test for non-normality when the original data are unavailable. For samples from symmetric populations, the studentized range allows an assessment of kurtosis with Type I and II error rates similar to those obtained from the moment coefficients.
Optical model analyses of heavy ion fragmentation in hydrogen targets

Quantum-mechanical optical-model methods for calculating cross sections for the fragmentation of high-energy heavy ions by hydrogen targets are presented. The cross sections are calculated with a knockout-ablation collision formalism which has no arbitrary fitting parameters. Predictions of elemental production cross sections from the fragmentation of 1.2A Ge(V(La-139) nuclei and of isotope production cross sections from the fragmentation of 400A MeV(S-32) nuclei are in good agreement with recently reported experimental measurements.
The Information Content of Quarterly Earnings in Syndicated Bank Loans Prices

We examine the information content of quarterly earnings announcements in the syndicated bank loan market, a hybrid public/private debt market that is exclusively comprised of informed institutional participants. In contrast to the literature on equity price reactions to earnings announcements, we find that bank loan returns experience no significant response on earnings announcement dates. However, we do find significant price movements in the secondary loan market four weeks prior to earnings announcement dates, around the time of the monthly covenant reports to members of the syndicate. Moreover, we find that the information content in syndicated bank loan prices is most pronounced for borrowers with predominantly intangible assets that experience declining earnings. Thus, we find evidence that when earnings announcements convey relevant information about the borrowing firm (i.e., for informationally opaque firms with declining creditworthiness), the syndicated bank loan market expeditiously incorporates that information into prices.