cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The incorporation in vitro of [14C] palmitate into glycerolipids by various cell components.

Abstract 1. 1. The incorporation in vitro of [ 14 C]palmitate into triglycerides, ethanolamine phosphatides, and choline phosphatides has been studied. Whole homogenates, mitochondria, and microsomes plus cytoplasmic supernatant from normal and 3-day “regenerating” rat livers were employed as enzyme. 2. 2. The relative uptakes of 14 C in the various lipids differed, depending on the part of the cell used as enzyme, and whether or not regenerating liver or normal liver was employed. 3. 3. The data suggest a multiplicity of pathways of incorporation of fatty acid into the glycerolipids, and indicate changes in lipid metabolism in response to altered tissue physiology.
Development of a handbook and an on-line tool on defending Earth against Potentially Hazardous Objects

Abstract A credible Potentially Hazardous Object (PHO) threat may be identified sometime in the future, requiring actions to be taken to prevent an impact disaster. To negate that threat, mitigation techniques are being proposed where the potential for collision is unacceptably high. The Aerospace Corporation is developing a handbook for Near Earth Object (NEO) deflection and a complementary web-based NEO deflection interactive tool. The purpose of the tool is to aid in the design and understanding of the deflection impulses necessary for defending Earth against threatening objects and in the analysis and comparison of various techniques that might be used to provide those impulses. The handbook and the associated web-based resource center will provide first-order requirements for effective NEO deflection missions using a variety of deflection concepts. The resources will include educational materials on NEO threats and deflection concepts, as well as examples demonstrating the use of the handbook and web-based tool. A project overview and status are presented.
Tumor mitotic rate, size, and location independently predict recurrence after resection of primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most frequent sarcoma of the intestinal tract and often shows constitutive activation of either the KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases because of gain-of-function mutation. Although the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in metastatic GIST depends on tumor mutation status, there have been conflicting reports on the prognostic importance of KIT mutation in primary GIST. METHODS: A total of 127 patients were studied who presented to our institution from 1983 to 2002 with localized primary GIST and underwent complete gross surgical resection of disease. The majority of tumors originated in the stomach (58%) or small intestine (28%). By using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing, a KIT mutation was found in 71% of patients and a PDGFRA mutation in 6%. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 4.7 years, recurrence-free survival was 83%, 75%, and 63% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. On multivariate analysis recurrence was predicted by > or =5 mitoses/50 high-power fields, tumor size > or =10 cm, and tumor location (with patients having small bowel GIST doing the worst). In particular, a high mitotic rate conferred a hazard rate of 14.6 (95% confidence interval, 6.5-32.4). Specific KIT mutations had prognostic importance by univariate but not multivariate analysis. Patients with KIT exon 11 point mutations and insertions had a favorable prognosis. Those with KIT exon 9 mutations or KIT exon 11 deletions involving amino acid W557 and/or K558 had a higher rate of recurrence, whereas patients without a tyrosine kinase mutation had intermediate outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, recurrence in completely resected primary GIST is independently predicted by mitotic rate, tumor size, and tumor location.
Brain Penetrance, Receptor Occupancy and Antistress In Vivo Efficacy of a Small Molecule Corticotropin Releasing Factor Type I Receptor Selective Antagonist

The present studies were designed to evaluate the competitive binding properties and functional effects of a novel nonpeptide CRF1 receptor antagonist, R121919. R121919 administered in doses of 0.63 to 20 mg/kg p.o. 60 min pretest in Wistar rats dose dependently attenuated the swim stress-induced anxiogenic-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. Moreover, receptor autoradiography revealed that R121919 dose-dependently occupied brain CRF1 receptors in subjects tested in the plus-maze experiment. Orally administered doses of up to 20 mg/kg R121919 also blunted basal and swim stress-induced pituitary-adrenocortical activation, produced additional anxiolytic-like behavioral actions in the defensive withdrawal and defensive burying paradigms, and functionally antagonized the locomotor stimulatory properties of exogenously administered CRF. Taken together, these results suggest that the anxiolytic-like efficacy of R121919 in attenuating the stress-, novelty-, shock-, and CRF-induced increases in behavioral arousal is correlated with competitive blockade of central CRF1 receptors.
Molt and migration inCinnyricinclus leucogaster

The sequence of molt inCinnyricinclus leucogaster differs markedly from that in most passerine birds. Instead of having body molt proceed concurrently with that of wing and tail, the main body molt begins only after wing and tail molt are complete. Within the wing molt, the sequence of primary molt is normal descending, but that of secondary molt is peculiar. In most passerine bird, the three inner secondaries (nos. 7–9, the “tertials”) start the secondary molt followed by the six outer secondaries, but inCinnyricinclus the tertials do not begin molting until secondary 3 is growing. Secondaries 5 and 6, which are replaced in other Songbirds at the time of the last primary, are delayed until the time of body molt. This delayed molt of contour feathers and inner secondaries has the adaptive advantage of permitting the male to enter courtship activities with the maximum amount of violet gloss.
Complications at gastrojejunostomy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: comparison between 21- and 25-mm circular staplers

Abstract Background Complications involving the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for morbid obesity frequently result in hospital readmission and additional procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the complication rate of GJ performed with the 21- and 25-mm circular staplers. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of stricture, bleeding, ulcer, and leak at the GJ in 438 consecutive patients who had undergone LRYGB. Results The GJ was performed using the 25-mm stapler in 374 patients and the 21-mm stapler in 64 patients. Of the 50 anastomotic complications, 11 (17.2%) occurred with the 21-mm stapler, including 6 strictures (9.4%), 4 ulcers (6.3%), and 1 leak (1.6%), and 39 (10.4%) with the 25-mm stapler, including 11 strictures (2.9%), 6 acute bleeding episodes (1.6%), 19 ulcers (5.4%), and 4 leaks (1.1%). Rehospitalization was required in 9 patients (47%) with a pure stricture and 17 (74%) with ulcers. The incidence of pure stricture was significantly greater in the GJ performed with the 21-mm than with the 25-mm stapler ( P = .026, Fisher's exact test). No difference was found in the rate of acute bleeding, leak, or ulcer between the 2 groups. All strictures resolved with balloon dilation. Four patients with stenotic ulcers that failed to respond to dilation and medications required operative revision. No difference was found in postoperative weight loss between the 2 groups. Conclusion Anastomotic complications were recognized in 50 (11.4%) of 438 patients who had undergone LRYGB in which the GJ was performed using circular staplers, including 11 (17.2%) with the 21-mm and 39 (10.2%) with the 25-mm stapler. The rate of anastomotic stricture was significantly lower using the 25-mm circular stapler.
Hu's precedence tree scheduling algorithm: A simple proof

This article presents a simple proof of Hu's algorithm for scheduling in minimum time a set of tasks constrained by precedence tree constraints, each task requiring a unit time to complete, and where m processors are available.
The sacred disease: the puzzling genetics of epileptic disorders.

In the September 12, 2013 issue of Nature, the Epi4K Consortium (Allen et al., 2013) reported sequencing 264 patient trios with epileptic encephalopathies. The Consortium focused on genes exceptionally intolerant to sequence variations and found substantial interconnections with autism and intellectual disability gene networks.
Role of epidermal growth factor-induced membrane depolarization and resulting calcium influx in osteoblastic cell proliferation.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the membrane potential of rat calvarial osteoblasts, in order to understand the mechanism responsible for calcium influx and the role these EGF-induced events have in osteoblastic cell proliferation. Changes in plasma membrane potential were measured using patch clamp techniques in isolated cells. EGF induced changes in plasma membrane potential only after cells had been in culture for at least 6 days. EGF induced membrane depolarization in 55% of rat calvarial osteoblasts studied after 6 to 8 days in culture. This membrane event was dependent on extracellular calcium, therefore, one or more calcium conductances were involved. Nifedipine, a voltage-activated calcium channel blocker, significantly reduced membrane depolarization, and demonstrated the existence of a nifedipine-insensitive conductance. Osteoblastic cell proliferation was measured by cell count. The EGF-dependent increase in cell proliferation was blocked by addition of 10 μM nifedipine. Therefore, it appears that the mechanism of action of EGF-induced osteoblastic cell proliferation is mediated by changes in plasma membrane potential which result in extracellular calcium influx.
Early Changes in Regional and Global Left Ventricular Function After Aortic Valve Replacement Comparison of Crystalloid, Cold Blood, and Warm Blood Cardioplegias

Background The clinical effects of different cardioplegic methods on left ventricular (LV) function have not been fully elucidated, particularly in the setting of myocardial hypertrophy. Methods and Results Sixty-four patients (mean age, 62±12 years; 41 men, 23 women) who were undergoing elective aortic valve replacement (stenosis, 49; regurgitation, 15; concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, 22), with LV mass index 230±70 g/m 2 , were randomized to the following groups: antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia (CCP, 21 patients), antegrade/retrograde cold blood cardioplegia (CBP, 23 patients), or continuous retrograde warm (37°C) blood cardioplegia (WBP, 20 patients). Mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 100±20 and 126±24 minutes. Positive inotropic drug therapy was required postoperatively in 9 patients after CBP, 14 after CCP, and 18 after WBP. Perioperative LV function was assessed using transesophageal M-mode echocardiography, combined with high-fidelity LV pressure recording and thermodilution cardiac output, before bypass and 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 20 hours after cross-clamp removal. There was a similar fall in LV peak circumferential wall stress at constant LV end-diastolic dimension in each group after aortic valve replacement. The increase in contraction velocity was significant from 0.5 hour with CBP; however, no significant increase occurred until 12 hours with CCP and until 20 hours with WBP. The rate and extent of LV pressure fall and early diastolic filling rate both increased with CBP, and only in this group did ventricular coordination improve. LV stroke work index was maintained with CBP throughout the postoperative period with less inotropic support than with the other two methods. Conclusions In the hypertrophied LV, CBP offers the best preservation of myocardial physiological response and ventricular function with less inotropic support.
Effects of surface-active resins on dentin/composite bonds.

Abstract Effective dentin bonding systems based on para -PMDM diadduct of pyromellitic dianhydride and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) have been developed (Bowen et al. , 1982). Para -PMDM, a solid of limited solubility, is usually applied from an acetone solution to dentin that has been preconditioned with acid and N-phenylglycine. The feasibility of using a liquid, surface-active bonding resin to substitute for or to supplement para -PMDM was explored. Mono(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl phthalate (MMEP), a liquid, monofunctional homolog of para -PMDM (derived from the reaction of phthalic anhydride with HEMA) was used to formulate several bonding resin systems and solutions. Dentin surfaces were pretreated according to several variations of a three-step bonding protocol involving sequential application of 6.8 w/o ferric oxalate in 2.5 w/o HNO 3 , N-phenylglycine in acetone, and an experimental bonding resin before placement of a chemically cured composite restorative material. Tensile bond strengths were tested after 24 h storage in distilled water at 23°C. The results suggest that solutions based on MMEP and/or para -PMDM in acetone or in other monomers, especially those containing HEMA, can effectively promote bonding to dentin. A new mechanism for the observed self-polymerization of MMEP or para -PMDM with N-phenylglycine is proposed.
Still another use for FORTRAN II chaining

This is to report a further use of the FORTRAN II Chain System. We, at Sandia, have modified the Chain subroutine to allow for picking up chains from the disk instead of a chain tape. The major change was the addition of a job identification to each chain system, thus allowing for different chain jobs with the same chain number to be available from the disk at any time.
Biodistribution and stability studies of [18F]fluoroethylrhodamine B, a potential PET myocardial perfusion agent.

Abstract Introduction Fluorine-18-labeled rhodamine B was developed as a potential positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion, but preliminary studies in mice showed no accumulation in the heart suggesting that it was rapidly hydrolyzed in vivo in mice. A study was therefore undertaken to further evaluate this hypothesis. Methods [ 18 F]Fluoroethylrhodamine B was equilibrated for 2 h at 37°C in human, rat and mouse serum and in phosphate-buffered saline. Samples were removed periodically and assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the results of the stability study, microPET imaging and a biodistribution study were carried out in rats. Results In vitro stability studies demonstrated that [ 18 F]fluoroethylrhodamine B much more stable in rat and human sera than in mouse serum. After 2 h, the compound was >80% intact in rat serum but 18 F-labeled rhodamines should accumulate in the heart. Conclusions [ 18 F]Fluoroethylrhodamine B is more stable in rat and human sera than it is in mouse serum. This improved stability is demonstrated by the high uptake of the tracer in the rat heart in comparison to the absence of visible uptake in the mouse heart. These observations suggest that 18 F-labeled rhodamines are promising candidates for more extensive evaluation as PET tracers for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion.
Elasticity of post‐perovskite MgSiO3

[1] We have determined by first principles the athermal elastic constant tensor, single crystal and aggregated acoustic velocities, and anisotropy of the recently discovered post-perovskite MgSiO3 polymorph. This phase may be the most abundant mineral in the D″ region. We find that the post-perovskite phase has similar bulk modulus and larger shear modulus than perovskite at relevant pressures. This phase is remarkably anisotropic. Analyses of horizontal shear wave splittings in transversely isotropic aggregates indicate that diverse lattice preferred orientations could produce large variation in anisotropy consistent with seismic observations in D″.
Treatment of experimental peritonitis with kanamycin and methylprednisolone.

Abstract A standardized peritonitis preparation in rabbits was used to compare treatment with intraperitoneal kanamycin, intramuscular kanamycin, intramuscular methylprednisolone, and a combination of intramuscular kanamycin plus methylprednisolone. Kanamycin administered intraperitoneally gave the lowest mortality. Methylprednisolone was of some value, but resulted in a high incidence of late deaths occurring between two and ten days. Continued investigation of intraperitoneal antibiotic administration in abdominal sepsis is encouraged by these studies.
TU‐G‐BRA‐04: Emission Guided Radiation Therapy: A Simulation Study of Lung Cancer Treatment with Automatic Tumor Tracking Using a 4D Digital Patient Model

Purpose: Accurate tumor tracking, especially for lungcancer, remains a challenge ineffectively addressed. Many strategies including respiratory gating and fiducial implanting alleviate the problem to different extents however they are sub‐optimal due to indirect tracking. To track the tumor itself, the concept of Emission Guided Radiation therapy(EGRT) was recently proposed. This work serves to demonstrate the feasibility of the EGRT concept within the context of lungcancertreatment.Methods: EGRT is based on the physics principle that lines of response(LOR's) from positron emission events can define the lines of radiation projection passing through the emission sites. It enlightens the design of a radiation delivery system consisting of a linac and PETdetectors on a fast rotating closed‐ring gantry. When treating radiotracer administrated patients, PETdetectors collect LOR's from tumor uptake sites and the linac responds simultaneously with beamlets of radiation along the same LOR paths. Accurate direct tumor tracking can automatically be achieved with real‐time responses. To validate the EGRT concept, a treatment scheme is designed and implemented for the 4D XCAT phantom with a lungtumor. A conventional treatment is modeled for comparison. Attenuation correction is also implemented in EGRT. The emission process is simulated by Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission package(GATE) and linacdose delivery is simulated using a voxel‐based Monte Carlo algorithm(VMC++). Results: EGRT, with or without attenuation correction, achieves over 25% and 40% relative dose increase to 100% and 50% of the tumor volume respectively compared to the conventional treatment with all cases normalized to have the same integral dose to lung. Attenuation correction helps achieve a better dose performance. Dose‐peaking in the tumor volume is observed in EGRT, demonstrating automatic tumor tracking. Conclusions: As a new radiation therapy modality with inherent tumor tracking, EGRT has the potential to substantially improve radiation therapy for lungcancer. This study was funded by RefleXion Medical, a company commercializing PET‐guided radiotherapy. SRM, ASN and LZ have financial interest in RefleXion.
A new roentgenographic assessment of anatomic deformity in calcific aortic stenosis

Abstract By utilization of noninvasive roentgenographic methods, one can define the anatomic deformity of calcified aortic valves with close approximation to the actual specimen. This is accomplished by visualization of the area circumscribed by calcium on plain films obtained at a projection specifically suited for this purpose. Films are obtained as if looking directly into the orifice by directing the x-ray beam through the heart on a line from the right axilla to the left iliac crest (45 degree superior elevation in the frontal plane). The dimensions outlined by calcium can be reliably measured. Consequently, the dimensions of the orifice can be closely approximated. In occasional patients with heavily calcified, severely stenotic aortic valves, the technique may obviate the necessity of cardiac catheterization.
Rectus muscle recession and resection without scleral sutures

Abstract Purpose: To eliminate the risk of scleral perforation during strabismus surgery in susceptible patients, we introduce a technique to allow predictable rectus muscle recession and resection without the placement of scleral sutures. Methods: Three patients with thin sclera underwent rectus muscle surgery by use of a double-arm suture technique that avoids placement of sutures directly into the sclera. Two of the patients had esotropia and underwent bilateral lateral rectus muscle resections and a unilateral recess/resect operation, respectively. One of the patients had exotropia and underwent bilateral lateral rectus muscle recessions. Results: All three patients achieved postoperative alignment to within 15 PD of orthotropia and had no evidence of slipped or lost muscle when examined 2 months postoperatively. The appearance of the ocular surface was excellent in all three cases. Conclusions: Predictable and secure rectus muscle recession and resection can be performed without the placement of scleral sutures in patients in whom scleral suturing may be hazardous.
A system for controlling the light output of a monochromator by any simple function and for temporally modulating the intensity

This paper describes an apparatus that controls the output of a monochromator so that the energies in each waveband can be equated according to any desired function. A photocell monitors the light from the monochromator and provides a feedback to the power supply driving the lamp. A function generatoris mechanically linked to the monochromator’s wavelength drive and provides the function for correcting the output spectrum. Once set, the light output remains constant even if the bulb ages or is replaced. If desired, a sinusoidalripple of variable frequency and amplitude can be imposed on the mean intensity of the light.
Effect of Spatial Variability and Propagation of Seismic Ground Motions on the Response of Multiply Supported Structures

The response of lifelines, modeled as two- and three-span continuous symmetric beams of various lengths, subjected to partially and fully correlated seismic ground motions is examined. The partial correlation of the input motions consists of a term that characterizes the loss of coherence and a term that represents the apparent propagation (phase difference). The analysis suggests that the propagation effects may be neglected when the motions at the site exhibit loss of coherence; however, when the motions are coherent, phase differences may produce higher or lower response than the one induced by fully correlated motions, depending on whether the dominant modes are antisymmetric or symmetric at the location along the beam and for the response quantity (bending moment or shear force) under consideration.
Diagnosis of high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma by fine-needle aspiration biopsy: Nonsmall-cell or small-cell type?

A consensus optimal therapy for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung has not been achieved since this entity was proposed in 1991. Accumulation of clinical data and investigation, however, can be greatly impeded by erroneous cytological diagnosis, based on which treatment may be initiated. To avoid erroneous diagnoses, cytological criteria need to be defined. Twenty cases of fine-needle aspiration specimens with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor by either cytology or follow-up histology were retrospectively reviewed for cytomorphologic features. Patients' clinical data were also reviewed. Three cytomorphologic patterns were identified for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, i.e., nonsmall-cell-like, small-cell-like and, mixed nonsmall-cell-small-cell-like. Small-cell-like large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma can be mistaken for small-cell carcinoma. The most important differential features between these two entities are nuclear size and perceptibility of nucleoli of tumor cells.
Digital Filters for Real-Time ECG Signal Processing Using Microprocessors

Traditionally, analog circuits have been used for signal conditioning of electrocardiograms. As an alternative, algorithms implemented as programs on microprocessors can do similar filtering tasks. Also, digital filter algorithms can perform processes that are difficult or impossible using analog techniques. Presented here are a set of real-time digital filters each implemented as a subroutine. By calling these subroutines in an appropriate sequence, a user can cascade filters together to implement a desired filtering task on a single microprocessor. Included are an adaptive 60-Hz interference filter, two low-pass filters, a high-pass filter for eliminating dc offset in an ECG, an ECG data reduction algorithm, band-pass filters for use in QRS detection, and a derivative-based QRS detection algorithm. These filters achieve real-time speeds by requiring only integer arithmetic. They can be implemented on a diversity of available microprocessors.
Characteristics of relapse following adolescent substance abuse treatment

Historically research has focused on the characteristics of adults who relapse following treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. The circumstances of adolescent relapse, however, have largely gone unattended. The present study investigated the relapse rates and characteristics of adolescent posttreatment drug relapse. Seventy-five teens and their parents were interviewed while participating in an adolescent chemical dependency treatment program and at three and six months following treatment. Results indicate that a number of characteristics of adolescent relapse, including rates, are comparable to those of adults. In contrast to adult relapse, adolescent relapses occur most commonly in the presence of social pressure to drink. Situational characteristics of initial relapse experiences were different for transient or minor relapses and adolescent relapses which lead to a return to abusive drinking and drug use patterns.
51 MOTHERS' EXPECTATIONS OP DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

Studies of both adolescent and abusive parents suggest that unrealistic expectations for an infant's development stress the child and family. How prevalent are such expectations among more typical, lower-SES urban mothers? What demographic characteristics are associated with accurate or inaccurate expectations for developmental landmarks? We addressed these questions by interviewing 100 adult mothers (67% black, 22% white, 11% Hispanic) attending a hospital primary care clinic with infants less than 90 days old. During a structured interview, mothers indicated the age at which an average infant should master motor, language, social and selfcare milestones. We scored responses as accurate or inaccurate by comparing mothers' expectations with Denver, Bayley and other published norms. Mothers also reported how they learned about childrearing. Major findings were: a) proportions of accurate responses were highest for smiling (78%), rolling (73%) and understanding “no” (74%); b) mothers held early expectations for walking (40% before 11 months), speaking sentences (40% before 14 months), and toilet training (60% before 18 months); c) compared to black mothers, white mothers expected significantly later toilet training; d) 80% of mothers did not expect newborns to see faces; e) factors predicting inaccurate expectations included low SES, low education, foreign birth and primiparity; f) mothers who learned about children from direct experience had more accurate expectations for developmental milestones.
COMPARISON OF THE TRAIN-OF-FOUR FADE PROFILES PRODUCED BY VECURONIUM AND ATRACURIUM

SUMMARY In this double-blind study, we have allocated randomly 40 ASA I-III patients to one of four groups. After a standard anaesthetic induction, patients received vecuronium 0.08 mg kg−1 or 0.10 mg kg−1, or atracurium 0.4 mg kg−1 or 0.5 mg kg−1. Using an electromyogram (Datex Relaxograph) the train-of-four (TOF) response was measured during onset of and recovery from neuromuscular block. A greater degree of fade of TOF was observed with atracurium during onset of neuromuscular block than with equivalent doses of vecuronium. During recovery of neuromuscular transmission, vecuronium was associated with more fade than atracurium. The differences in the TOF profiles of these two drugs may be important when judging the adequacy of antagonism of neuromuscular block using the TOF response.
QUALITY OF LIFE FROM THE VOTING BOOTH: THE EFFECT OF CRIME RATES AND INCOME ON RECENT U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Quality of Life (QOL) is often measured with surveys of citizen's satisfaction. In contrast, the current research uses already-existing voting data to infer citizens' perceptions of QOL. Under this model, citizens decide how much their QOL has improved (or declined) since the last election, and then vote to reward (or punish) the incumbent party accordingly. Analysis of the popular vote for the incumbent party then allows inference on how citizens judge their QOL and how they weight the various domains. Previous research has concluded that voters reward an incumbent who improves the economic domain prior to election. I test whether voters also reward declining crime rates, and estimate how citizens weight the relative importance of each in determining QOL. I analyze the vote shares by state from U.S. presidential elections from 1972 to 1996. Results show that changes in crime rates do influence vote share, consistent with the responsibility hypothesis, but to a smaller degree than the economic domain does. The method described provides convergent evidence that citizens weight domains differentially, and can provide the weights for a national QOL index.
Optic nerve transmitters in lower vertebrate species.

Abstract The identity of the optic nerve neurotransmitter, or neurotransmitters, while long a subject of considerable interest, has remained elusive. This review considers the data that have been accumulated concerning the identity of optic nerve transmitters for the retinotectal projection of lower vertebrates, including fish, amphibia, birds and reptiles. Physiological, anatomical and neurochemical evidence is discussed. We conclude that while no single technique can unequivocally identify an optic nerve neurotransmitter, the balance of evidence suggests that acetylcholine serves as a transmitter for the retinotectal projections of the toad and goldfish. Whether these findings can be generalized to other species awaits further experimentation.
Nonuniqueness in Steady-State Heat Transfer in Prestressed Duplex Tubes—Analysis and Case History

More than one steady-state solution is shown to exist for the problem of steady-state heat transfer across the walls of a duplex tube when the initial prestress between the inner and outer tubes is sufficiently low. This determination was used in explaining the apparently erratic heat-transfer performance of prestressed duplex tubes in the steam generating system of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II. The importance of the results lies not only in showing that nonuniqueness of steady-state solution applies to more complex geometries than heretofore analyzed, but also in demonstrating that such multiple steady-state conditions appear in practical situations.
Internal boundary layer model for the evolution of desert dune fields

Dune fields often show abrupt changes in morphology over short distances, but the mechanism driving the changes has been unclear. Physical modelling and airborne altimetry from White Sands, New Mexico, show that the development of an internal boundary layer is linked to the vegetation and hydrologic patterns observed there. Desert dunes often exhibit remarkable changes in their morphology over short distances. For example, sediment-rich dunes can break up into smaller, isolated features, and then become stabilized by plants, over distances of kilometres1,2,3,4,5,6. These pattern transitions often coincide with spatial variations in sediment supply1,3,5, transport rate6,7, hydrology8 and vegetation9,10,11, but these factors have not been linked mechanistically. Here we hypothesize that the abrupt increase in roughness at the upwind margins of dune fields triggers the development of an internal boundary layer12,13,14,15,16,17,18 that thickens downwind and causes a spatial decrease in the surface wind stress. We demonstrate that this mechanism forces a downwind decline in sand flux at White Sands, New Mexico, using a combination of physical theory14,15,16,17,18,19, repeated airborne altimetry surveys and field observations. The declining sand flux triggers an abrupt increase in vegetation density, which in turn leads to changes in groundwater depth and salinity—showing that aerodynamics, sediment transport and ecohydrology are tightly interconnected in this landscape. We conclude that, despite the documented complex climatic and geologic history of White Sands20, internal boundary layer theory explains many of the observed first-order patterns of the dune field.
Kondo scattering from Sm ions in La1−xSmxSn3

Abstract We report here clear evidence for Kondo scattering from a rare earth ion which is free from the usual complications of crystalline electric field splittings and valence fluctuations.
Expert systems in industrial marketing

Abstract This article is aimed at understanding the application of expert systems—an area of artificial intelligence—in industrial marketing. After discussing exemplar systems in other fields, the potential of this technology is explored in industrial marketing. Several applications in industrial marketing are presented and managerial guidelines for future applications are discussed.
“Naked‐Eye” Detection of Histidine by Regulation of CuII Coordination Modes

The association of various α-amino acids with four new, coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes ([Cu(5)] 2 + , [Cu(6)] 2 + , [Cu(7)] 2 + , and [Zn(8)] 2 + ) was examined. The receptors [Cu(5)] 2 + and [Cu(7)] 2 + were found to discriminate histidine (His) from other zwitterionic α-amino acids by means of indicator-displacement assays (IDAs) using 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein as an indicator in buffered methanol/water (3:1) solvent. The colorimetric detection of His was achieved by using this IDA method, which appears to owe its selectivity to a unique process involving disruption of the host complex to form a 2:1 His/Cu I I complex rather than simple indicator displacement. The occurrence of distinct intermolecular coordination processes in response to the introduction of a different amino acid is observed. X-ray crystal structures of the host metal complexes were obtained and exhibit the adoption of a variety of coordination geometries about the metal center.
Alien Games: Do Girls Prefer Games Designed by Girls?

This 3-year study used a mixed-method design beginning with content analysis of games envisioned by 5th and 8th graders, followed by a survey of students in the same age range reacting to video pro...
The Focus of Long-Term Care in the United States: Nursing Home Care

Major milestones in the evolution of nursing home care in the United States between 1960 and 1985 were the introduction of Medicaid and Medicare (resulting in a rapid growth in beds), national health planning (slowing the growth of beds), and prospective payment system for hospitals (shifting the case mix to a more disabled population). Critical policy concerns for nursing home care in the mid-1980s were the appropriate mix of public and private expenditures, impoverishment of some elderly persons as a result of long stays, improvement of the quality of care, and the funding bias toward institutional longterm care. Policy changes in the past few years have addressed quality by requiring a standard assessment linked to a care plan, although quality remains a major issue. Recent policies creating home care and community-based care programs may signal a shift away from institutional care. The issues of impoverishment and of the appropriate mix of expenditures are unresolved. Nursing homes certified by Medicaid and Medicare differed from those not certified in providing more services, having more nursing staff, and having more residents with disability and behaviour problems. Between 1985 and 1994, there were some significant changes in sources of funding for national nursing home expenditures. Out-of-pocket expenditures dropped, while government expenditures rose, with the increase occurring in the federal-government share.
Pre-steady-state measurement of intrinsic secondary tritium isotope effects associated with the homolysis of adenosylcobalamin and the formation of 5'-deoxyadensosine in Glutamate mutase

Glutamate mutase is one of a group of adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzymes that catalyze a variety of reactions that proceed through organic radical intermediates generated by homolytic fission of c...
Exchange of RNA Polymerase II Initiation and Elongation Factors during Gene Expression In Vivo

We have systematically explored the in vivo occupancy of promoters and open reading frames by components of the RNA polymerase II transcription initiation and elongation apparatuses in yeast. RNA polymerase II, Mediator, and the general transcription factors (GTFs) were recruited to all promoters tested upon gene activation. RNA polymerase II, TFIIS, Spt5, and, unexpectedly, the Paf1/Cdc73 complex, were found associated with open reading frames. The presence of the Paf1/Cdc73 complex on ORFs in vivo suggests a novel function for this complex in elongation. Elongator was not detected under any conditions tested, and further analysis revealed that the majority of elongator is cytoplasmic. These results suggest a revised model for transcription initiation and elongation apparatuses in living cells.
INFLUENCES OF DISCIPLINARY CLASSROOM CLIMATE ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SELF-EFFICACY AND MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT: A LOOK AT GENDER AND RACIAL–ETHNIC DIFFERENCES

The present study investigated the role of disciplinary climate in the classroom and student math self-efficacy on math achievement. The student part of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003 survey containing 4,199 U.S. observations was employed in a weighted least squares nested multiple regression framework to predict math achievement from disciplinary climate and self-efficacy in addition to several control variables. The results showed that improvement in disciplinary climate was associated with a reduction in the achievement gap whereas improvement in self-efficacy was associated with an expansion in that gap. These effects varied across race and gender. A significant interaction effect was found between the disciplinary climate and self-efficacy. Educational implications are discussed.
Gastrointestinal tract innervation of the mouse: afferent regeneration and meal patterning after vagotomy

Mice, with the variety of genotypes they provide, should be particularly useful for studies of growth factors and gene products in regeneration of autonomic pathways such as the vagus nerve. To pro...
On optimal pooling designs to identify rare variants through massive resequencing.

The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated the detection of rare variants. Despite the significant cost reduction, sequencing cost is still high for large-scale studies. In this article, we examine DNA pooling as a cost-effective strategy for rare variant detection. We consider the optimal number of individuals in a DNA pool to detect an allele with a specific minor allele frequency (MAF) under a given coverage depth and detection threshold. We found that the optimal number of individuals in a pool is indifferent to the MAF at the same coverage depth and detection threshold. In addition, when the individual contributions to each pool are equal, the total number of individuals across different pools required in an optimal design to detect a variant with a desired power is similar at different coverage depths. When the contributions are more variable, more individuals tend to be needed for higher coverage depths. Our study provides general guidelines on using DNA pooling for more cost-effective identifications of rare variants. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:139-147, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stem cells in gastroenterology and hepatology

Cellular and tissue regeneration in the gastrointestinal tract and liver depends on stem cells with properties of longevity, self-renewal and multipotency. Progress in stem cell research and the identification of potential esophageal, gastric, intestinal, colonic, hepatic and pancreatic stem cells provides hope for the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and treatments for disease. Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to give rise to any cell type in the human body, but their therapeutic application remains challenging. The use of adult or tissue-restricted stem cells is emerging as another possible approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The same self-renewal properties that allow stem cells to remain immortal and generate any tissue can occasionally make their proliferation difficult to control and make them susceptible to malignant transformation. This Review provides an overview of the different types of stem cell, focusing on tissue-restricted adult stem cells in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology and summarizing the potential benefits and risks of using stems cells to treat gastroenterological and liver disorders.
Simulation and Interpretation of the Genesis of Tropical Storm Gert (2005) as Part of the NASA Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes Experiment

Several hypotheses have been put forward for the how tropical cyclones (tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic) first develop circulation at the surface, a key event that needs to occur before a storm can begin to draw energy from the warm ocean. One hypothesis suggests that the surface circulation forms from a "top-down" approach in which a storm s rotating circulation begins at middle levels of the atmosphere and builds down to the surface through processes related to light "stratiform" (horizontally extensive) precipitation. Another hypothesis suggests a bottom-up approach in which deep thunderstorm towers (convection) play the major role in spinning up the flow at the surface. These "hot towers" form in the area of the mid-level circulation and strongly concentrate this rotation at low levels within their updrafts. Merger of several of these hot towers then intensifies the surface circulation to the point in which a storm forms. This paper examines computer simulations of Tropical Storm Gert (2005), which formed in the Gulf of Mexico during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes (TCSP) Experiment, to investigate the development of low-level circulation and, in particular, whether stratiform or hot tower processes were responsible for the storm s formation. Data from NASA satellites and from aircraft were used to show that the model did a good job of reproducing the formation and evolution of Gert. The simulation shows that a mix of both stratiform and convective rainfall occurred within Gert. While the stratiform rainfall clearly acted to increase rotation at middle levels, the diverging outflow beneath the stratiform rain worked against spinning up the low-level winds. The hot towers appeared to dominate the low-level flow, producing intense rotation within their cores and often being associated with significant pressure falls at the surface. Over time, many of these hot towers merged, with each merger adding to the rotation of the storm and the pressure falls at the surface. This process continued to increase the strength of the storm until the storm made landfall on the east coast of Mexico. These results support the bottom-up hypothesis for development.
Chlorambucil in Sarcoidosis

Ten patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis with progressive disease were treated with chlorambucil alone or in combination with corticosteroids. Eight of these ten patients showed some degree of improvement which may be attributable to chlorambucil. The responsive patients showed beneficial effects within three months off starting chlorambucil therapy. It is concluded that chlorambucil may be worth a trial in patients with progressive disease unresponsive to corticosteroids or where corticosteroids are contraindicated.
Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase genetic polymorphisms and response to cancer chemotherapy.

Pharmacogenetics aims to elucidate how genetic variation affects the efficacy and side effects of drugs, with the ultimate goal of personalizing medicine. Clinical studies of the genetic variation in the uridine 5´-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase gene have demonstrated how reduced-function allele variants can predict the risk of severe toxicity and help identify cancer patients who could benefit from reduced-dose schedules or alternative chemotherapy. Candidate polymorphisms have also been identified in vitro, although the functional consequences of these variants still need to be tested in the clinical setting. Future approaches in uridine 5´-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase pharmacogenetics include genetic testing prior to drug treatment, genotype-directed dose-escalation studies, study of genetic variation at the haplotype level and genome-wide studies.
Cross-pressured economic voting in America: The 1984 election

Prior work on U.S. presidential elections has concluded consistently that voter evaluations of national economic conditions have had a greater impact on electoral outcomes than have perceptions of personal economic situations. Utilizing data from the 1984 National Election Study, we find confirmatory evidence for such a pattern. A more disaggreated examination of voters and their economic perceptions for that year, however, reveals some important refinements of earlier findings. Specifically, there is a sizable minority for whom personal economic conditions appear to matter more. Further, the role of noneconomic issue voting in distinguishing economic groups, a topic which has been largely ignored up to this point, is found to be quite pronounced — overriding, in several instances, the influence even of partisan and economic predispositions.
Rational design of a scytalone dehydratase-like enzyme using a structurally homologous protein scaffold

The generation of enzymes to catalyze specific reactions is one of the more challenging problems facing protein engineers. Structural similarities between the enzyme scytalone dehydratase with nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2) suggested the potential for NTF2 to be re-engineered into a scytalone dehydratase-like enzyme. We introduced four key catalytic residues into NTF2 to create a scytalone dehydratase-like active site. A C-terminal helix found in scytalone dehydratase but absent in NTF2 also was added. Mutant NTF2 proteins were tested for catalytic activity by using a spectroscopic assay. One of the engineered enzymes exhibited catalytic activity with minimal kcat and Km values of 0.125 min−1 and 800 μM, respectively. This level of catalytic activity represents minimally a 150-fold improvement in activity over the background rate for substrate dehydration and a dramatic step forward from the catalytically inert parent NTF2. This work represents one of the few examples of converting a protein scaffold into an enzyme, outside those arising from the induction of catalytic activity into antibodies.
Binding of a monoclonal antibody E12 to Gc globulin (vitamin D-binding protein) is inhibited by actin.

A monoclonal antibody, E12, to human Gc globulin was raised in murine somatic cell using purified Gc. The antibody was subtyped IgG2bκ and had a kd of 3.0β10−8 M for antigen Gc. Monospecificity for Gc was demonstrated by Western blotting of normal human serum using nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. As judged by ELISA, actin inhibitted binding of E12 to Gc in dose-dependent fashion. Affinity chromatography studies further showed that ternary complexes of actin-Gc-E12 were not formed, and actin displaced Gc from Gc-E12 complexes. Proteolytic digestion of Gc with trypsin showed that the monoclonal antibody E12 reacted with the major 30-kDa tryptic fragment containing the amino terminal fragment of Gc, but actin did not react with this fragment. These results indicate that interaction of actin with Gc causes conformational changes which inhibit binding of E12.