cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relatedness estimation of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximas) by DNA fingerprinting

DNA from eighteen Asian elephants of known relatedness from three North American zoos was fingerprinted with the hypervariable probe M13. Paternity of a calf of known pedigree was verified. Paternity assignment of a calf having two proposed sires was suggested, but could not be conclusively determined due to a unique fragment in the calf and the unavailability of one potential sire for testing. It was concluded that DNA fingerprinting with M13 could provide a reasonable first estimator of relatedness for first degree relatives (mean S = 0.63±.11) and for unrelated animals (mean S = 0.26±.11), but would be unreliable for the discrimination of intermediate degrees of relatedness. DNA fingerprinting can be efficiently used for paternity determination only when all potential sires can be tested. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Carbamazepine Diminishing the Effects of Warfarin and Leading to Mesenteric Embolism in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: 1). To know drugs that decrease warfarin levels CASE: A 66 year old woman, nursing home resident, with history of chronic atrial fibrillation, hemiplegia secondary to a stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension and seizure disorder, presented to the hospital with worsening nausea and vomiting persisting for 3 weeks. Her medications included digoxin, warfarin and enalapril. The physical exam showed hemiplegia. Standard admission work up revealed an INR of 2.3 and a high serum phenytoin level of 42 mg/dl. The patient had phenytoin toxicity, so phenytoin was stopped and the patient observed. Two days later the patient developed generalized clonic-tonic seizures. At that time the phenytoin level was 22 mg/dl. It was decided to give the patient loading doses of carbamazepine oral suspension in order to prevent further seizures. The following evening the patient suddenly developed acute abdomen. The INR was 1.4. The patient developed mesenteric infarction secondary to embolism, as revealed by urgent exploratory laparotomy. The patient expired the next day. DISCUSSION: The event was brought on by inadequate anticoagulation secondary to a drug-drug interaction between warfarin and carbamazepine that resulted in a drop in INR. This, in our patient with atrial fibrillation, allowed for cardiac thrombi formation and their embolisation to the mesenteric circulation. Drug-drug interactions with warfarin are among the most common interactions seen in clinical practice. The following drugs decrease warfarin level and predispose to thrombosis (remember the acronym "DECREASE"): Diuretics: spironolactone Estrogen containing oral contraceptives Carbamazepine, Corticosteroides, Rifampin Ethchlorvynol Alcoholism, Aminogluthethimide Sucralfate Etc: barbiturates, griseofulvin, and vitamin K (broccoli and bananas).
Two-phase region of vortex-solid melting: 3D XY theory

In clean enough samples of the high-Tc oxide materials, the phase transition into the superconducting state occurs along a first-order line in the H-T plane. This means that a two-phase region occurs in the B-T plane, in which the liquid and solid vortex phases coexist. We discuss the thermodynamics of this two-phase region, developing formulae relating experimental quantities of interest. We then apply the 3D XY scaling theory to the problem, obtaining detailed predictions for the boundaries of the coexistence region. By using published data, we are able to predict the width of the two-phase region, and determine the physical parameters involved in the 3D XY description.
Effects of Cooking Methods and Storage Times on Taste Panel Scores and TBA Numbers of Chicken Livers

Abstract Chicken livers, cooked by two methods, were evaluated by both taste panel and TBA analyses. Livers were either breaded and steam cooked or water cooked, then breaded. All samples were stored in a home type deep freeze and portions were periodically removed, reheated in deep fat, and scored by taste panel and analyzed for TBA numbers. TBA analyses and taste panel scores were affected by cooking method and storage time. Less cooking loss was obtained from the steam cooked livers.
Effect of gender on sap‐flux‐scaled transpiration in a dominant riparian tree species: Box elder (Acer negundo)

[1] Acer negundo is a dioecious riparian tree species with a spatial segregation of the sexes along soil moisture gradients. Females are typically more common in wet sites along streams (typically F/M � 1.6), whereas males are more common in drier sites away from streams (typically F/M � 0.6). Spatial segregation between sexes may develop because of the higher reproductive cost in females compared to males. If so, female Acer negundo trees would be under stronger selection to maximize resource uptake, and would therefore likely occur at greater frequencies in high resources sites (i.e., along streamsides), and increase rates of resource acquisition (i.e., water and nutrients). The spatial segregation of the sexes leads to the hypothesis that male and female individuals have varying influence on ecosystem evapotranspiration. To address this, stem sap flux was measured on mature streamside (� 1 m from stream channel) and nonstreamside (>1 m from stream channel) male and female Acer negundo trees occurring in Red Butte Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah, during the 2004 growing season. Despite having similar predawn and midday water potentials, sap flux density was 76% higher in streamside female trees than in males (P < 0.0001), while sap flux density was 19% greater in nonstreamside female trees compared to males (P < 0.0001). Mean daily sap flux density of all A. negundo populations was highly correlated with mean daily vapor pressure deficit (P < 0.0001), and was moderately correlated with mean daily photosynthetic active radiation (P = 0.0263). At the watershed scale, nonstreamside male and female A. negundo trees contributed 20 and 21% respectively to the estimated 1.7 mm d � 1 transpiration flux from dominant riparian vegetation away from streamsides (estimated from scaled sap flux measurements of all dominant riparian tree species in Red Butte Canyon). Male and female A. negundo trees contributed 31 and 46% respectively of the estimated 8.0 mm d � 1 transpiration flux from dominant riparian vegetation adjacent to the stream channel. Results from this investigation show that the population structure of dioecious riparian trees has direct consequences on ecosystem ET, particularly along stream margins. Shifts in population structure therefore, may have profound impacts on several ecohydrological processes including stream discharge, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystem productivity.
Zebrafish ift57, ift88, and ift172 intraflagellar transport mutants disrupt cilia but do not affect Hedgehog signaling

Cilia formation requires intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins. Recent studies indicate that mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signaling requires cilia. It is unclear, however, if the requirement for cilia and IFT proteins in Hh signaling represents a general rule for all vertebrates. Here we examine zebrafish ift57, ift88, and ift172 mutants and morphants for defects in Hh signaling. Although ift57 and ift88 mutants and morphants contained residual maternal protein, the cilia were disrupted. In contrast to previous genetic studies in mouse, mutations in zebrafish IFT genes did not affect the expression of Hh target genes in the neural tube and forebrain and had no quantitative effect on Hh target gene expression. Zebrafish IFT mutants also exhibited no dramatic changes in the craniofacial skeleton, somite formation, or motor neuron patterning. Thus, our data indicate the requirement for cilia in the Hh signal transduction pathway may not represent a universal mechanism in vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 238:1744–1759, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The structure of nickel iron clusters probed by adsorption of molecular nitrogen

Abstract The isomeric structures of small nickel-rich nickel–iron alloy clusters are probed via the adsorption of molecular nitrogen on their surfaces. A determination of nitrogen saturation levels allows the location of the iron atoms to be established. Experiments on pure iron clusters demonstrate very little adsorption of molecular nitrogen under conditions where pure nickel clusters show saturated coverages. This low adsorption on iron appears to carry over to the alloy clusters. If the iron atoms are on the surface of a cluster, nitrogen saturation levels are lower than for pure nickel clusters, while if they are inside, coverage levels are the same. Results are presented for clusters containing 13, 19, 20, 23, 26, and 48–53 atoms. They show that alloy clusters in the size ranges where nickel clusters tend to have icosahedral or polyicosahedral packing are most stable with the iron atoms located inside. Unlike other clusters, Ni 26 shows a clear change in geometrical structure when a single nickel atom is replaced by an iron atom. Evidence is also presented for the formation of metastable isomeric configurations in which iron atoms are located outside. These isomers convert to the more stable ones in the experimental time scale of a few ms. The effect of the nitrogen overlayer on the conversion process is discussed.
Sparsity maximization under a quadratic constraint with applications in filter design

This paper considers two problems in sparse filter design, the first involving a least-squares constraint on the frequency response, and the second a constraint on signal-to-noise ratio relevant to signal detection. It is shown that both problems can be recast as the minimization of the number of non-zero elements in a vector subject to a quadratic constraint. A solution is obtained for the case in which the matrix in the quadratic constraint is diagonal. For the more difficult non-diagonal case, a relaxation based on the substitution of a diagonal matrix is developed. Numerical simulations show that this diagonal relaxation is tighter than a linear relaxation under a wide range of conditions. The diagonal relaxation is therefore a promising candidate for inclusion in branch-and-bound algorithms.
Optical interconnection techniques for Hypercube

Direct free-space optical interconnection techniques are described for the Hypercube concurrent processor machine using a holographic optical element. Computational requirements and optical constraints on implementation are briefly summarized with regard to topology, power consumption, and available technologies. A hybrid lens/HOE approach is described that can support an eight-dimensional cube of 256 nodes.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in the intensive care unit

SLE causes significant morbidity and mortality by multisystem organ involvement. Infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE. Meticulous exclusion of infection is mandatory in patients with SLE, because infections may masquerade as exacerbation of underlying disease; and the immunosuppression used to treat severe forms of exacerbation of lupus can have catastrophic consequences in patients with infections. Corticosteroids are the first-line therapy for most noninfectious complications of SLE, with various adjuvant immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide being increasingly used in combination with plasmapheresis. Some recent series have shown an improved survival rate, but this improvement needs to be confirmed by further studies. Controlled trials comparing various therapeutic options are lacking, and optimal therapy has not been defined.
General method for accelerating simulated annealing algorithms for Bayesian image restoration

A new stochastic technique is described for the Bayesian restoration of gray-level images corrupted by white noise. The proposed technique is related to simulated annealing but generates candidates more efficiently for gray-level images than either the Gibbs sampler or the Metropolis procedure. For a logarithmic cooling schedule, asymptotic convergence of the algorithm is proved by analyzing the corresponding inhomogeneous Markov chain. For an exponential cooling schedule, the new technique is shown experimentally to restore floating point images in 1/50 of the time required for the usual simulated annealing. Experimental restorations of gray-level images corrupted by white noise are presented.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of chemical agents in inhibition of chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast development in higher plants

The biosynthesis of chlorophyll, its accumulation and maintenance once formed, and the structural development of the chloroplast are complex processes subject to inhibition by a great variety of chemical agents, differing widely in structure and in their modes of action. Substances affecting chlorophyll formation and/or chloroplast development include antibiotics, analogs of nucleic acid bases and amino acids, naturally occurring plant hormones and their synthetic counterparts, herbicides, growth inhibitors, fungal metabolites, inhibitors of photosynthesis and respiration, ethanol, inorganic ions, sugars, and gases.
Branch-on-random

We propose a new instruction, branch-on-random, that is like a standard conditional branch, except rather than specifying the condition on which the branch should be taken, it specifies a frequency at which the branch should be taken. We show that branch-on-random is useful for reducing the overhead of program instrumentation, via sampling. Specifically, branch-on-random provides an order-of-magnitude reduction in execution time overhead compared to previously proposed software-only frameworks for instrumentation sampling.Furthermore, we demonstrate that branch-on-random can be cleanly architected and implemented simply and efficiently. For simple processors, we estimate that branch-on-random can be implemented with 20 bits of state and less than 100 gates; for aggressive superscalars, this grows to less than 100 bits of state and at most a few hundred gates.
An Unpublished Early 1870s Photograph of Whitman

Reprints a recently discovered photograph of Whitman taken by William S. Pendleton in Brooklyn in the early 1870s.
Sexual dimorphism in the fibers of a “clasp” muscle of Xenopus laevis

When antibodies specific to fast-twitch, slow-twitch, and slow-tonic myosins were used to stain the clasp muscle, m. sternoradialis, of Xenopus laevis, three predominant fiber types were identified in both males and females. Three fiber types can also be distinguished by the diameters and conduction velocities of their motor nerves. Significant differences in the numbers of slow-tonic fibers were identified between the genders and between control and castrated male animals. This finding suggests that these slow-tonic fibers, which probably dominate the clasp reflex during mating, may be under hormonal control.
Biomechanical analysis of patellar tendon allografts as a function of donor age

We evaluated the biomechanical properties of patellar tendon allografts from donors aged 18 to 55 years. Bone-patellar tendon-bone complexes were harvested from acceptable donors and processed. Fat and soft tissue were removed, and the tendons were sectioned lengthwise leaving the central third. Area measure ments were taken, and mechanical testing was per formed. Specimens were pulled to failure at a rate of 10% of the initial length per second. The force at failure, tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, and percent elon gation were determined for each specimen. There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between age and any of the mechanical properties. Load at failure ranged from 2110 to 4650 N, with a mean of 3424 N. Regres sion analysis showed slightly decreasing tensile stress with increasing age, but the correlation was not signifi cant. It appears that patellar tendon allografts from do nors up to age 55 have similar mechanical properties.
Pyrenoline-A and -B, two new phytotoxins from Pyrenophora teres

Two novel isoquinoline fungal derivatives, pyrenoline-A and -B, were isolated from the culture fluid of Pyrenophora teres, a pathogen of barley, and characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction techniques.
On the effect of selection performed on some coordinates of a multi-dimensional population.

Samples are often obtained under circumstances which make it less likely to draw individuals from some parts of a population than from others. In this paper a method is presented which makes it possible, under certain assumptions, to correct for the resulting bias and thus reconstruct the means, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients of the original population.
From Soft to Structured Regionalism: Building Regional Institutions in the Asia–Pacific

Most Asian countries were reluctant to commit to regional institutions and felt more comfortable with cooperation in decentralized and non-institutionalized settings, or a soft approach toward regionalism. In explaining the persistence of soft regionalism, realist scholars often cite the sheer size and diversity in the form of historical legacies, economic and ideological differences, and ambiguous geographical boundaries as particularly daunting obstacle to any formal efforts to institutionalize regional cooperation in Asia–Pacific. In contrast, liberal scholars have used integration theory to argue that, as a result of political spillover of economic interdependence, Asian regionalism is inevitable and will resemble Europe’s model of regional integration. This paper argues that each of the above two explanations captures only part of the truth. On the one hand, although the size and diversity of regions do not prevent regionalism from occurring, they are important variables to influence negotiations of regional institution-building efforts. On the other hand, while economic interdependence indeed facilitates regional cooperation, it does not dictate the organizational choice of regional cooperation. Going beyond economic variables, this paper examines the changing political environment that created new incentives for building regional institution in the Asia–Pacific after the end of the Cold War and how sheer size and diversity of the region has produced a unique Asian style of regionalism, exemplified in the ASEAN and APEC Way of Institution-building.
Renyi information for extracting features from TFDs

Introduction of Renyi information to time-frequency analysis occurred in 1991, by Williams et al at SPIE. The Renyi measure provides a single objective indication of the complexity of a signal as reflected in its time-frequency representation. The Gabor logon is the minimum complexity signal and its informational value is zero bits. All other signals exhibit increased Renyi information. Certain time-frequency distributions are information invariant, meaning that their Renyi information does not change under time-shift, frequency shift and scale changes. The Reduced Interference Distributions are information invariant. Thus a given signal within that class will always have the same Renyi result. This can be used to survey large data sequences in order to isolate certain types of signals. One application is to extract instances of such a signal from a streaming RID representation. Examples for temporomandibular joint clicks are provided.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Some applications of electronic radiography.

Summary The principal advantages of electronic radiography that have emerged in the course of early clinical experience may be summarised as follows: 1. Instantaneous availability of images for immediate and unhurried examination. 2. Greatly reduced radiation doses to patient and staff per recorded image. Reduced radiation exposure for given resolution and contrast required. Greater freedom to use x-ray examinations in pregnancy. 3. Increased spatial detail relative to standard spot-films and normal fluoroscopy. 4. Instantaneous production of arterial maps for selective catheterisation and interventional procedures. 5. Precise positioning of catheters and needles through the combination of live and stored reference images. 6. Reduced time for special procedures; reduced patient trauma; more efficient use of die radiologist's time. 7. Reduction in the total amount of contrast material needed in selective catheterisation, with reduction in the risk of contrast effects. 8. Replacement of life-sized images by smaller images, with reduction in film, display, filing and retrieval costs. Abstract New television techniques in diagnostic radiology have been developed as a result of the availability of high resolution imaging components. These electronic radiographic techniques record images with higher image quality than conventional films but with much less radiation dose to the patient and personnel. These methods are being developed for pelvimetry, intrauterine transfusion, gastrointestinal examinations, stereotaxic procedures, and selective catheterisation. Reduction in examination time, dosage of contrast media, and patient trauma can be effected, training can be facilitated, and substantial economies achieved.
Experimental Approaches to the Thermodynamics of Ceramics Above 1500°C

Traditionally, the nuclear and aerospace industries have been the main drivers behind the development of high-temperature materials. These applications demand a high degree of reliability and extensive characterization of every new material. There is a lack of experimental thermodynamic data above 1500°C even for HfO2, ZrO2, La2O3, Y2O3, and other constituents of widely used ceramic systems. Such data, as are available, were often obtained half a century ago using custom-built instruments. We review classic experimental approaches for the measurement of formation enthalpies, high-temperature enthalpy increments by the drop method, and also discuss more recent developments which include mass spectrometric measurements of vapor pressures, pulsed laser relaxation methods for heat capacity, and melting temperature determination and high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in application to refractory compounds. Approaches to the experimental determination of phase diagrams at high temperature are introduced using studies of liquid immiscibility in the Zr(O)–UO2 system as an example. Thermal analysis above 2000°C is now possible with commercially available instruments, as shown by the first experimental measurements of the phase transition and fusion enthalpies of La2O3. New results on a premelting phase transition in Y2O3 in oxygen are reported from in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study on levitated samples.
Opportunities for improving management of advanced chronic kidney disease.

Evidence suggests that management of advanced chronic kidney disease affects patient outcomes. To identify clinical areas that demand attention from a quality improvement perspective, we sought to examine the extent of conformance to an advanced chronic kidney disease guideline in a range of practices. A total of 237 patient medical records were abstracted from 4 primary care providers and 4 nephrology private practices across the country. In the practices studied, management of advanced chronic kidney disease patients was suboptimal for patients managed by primary care providers as well as those managed by nephrologists (overall conformance 27% and 42%, respectively), specifically for anemia, bone disease, and timing for renal replacement therapy. The current exercise (in conjunction with a literature search and focused and individual interviews with providers and patients) offered valuable information that was used to develop a toolkit for optimizing management of advanced chronic kidney disease. (Am J ...
Evidence for heterogeneity in a group of good-prognosis schizophrenics.

Abstract Twenty-eight good-prognosis schizophrenics were selected on the basis of factors known from previous studies to predict recovery. These probands received a detailed mental-status exam in addition to providing extensive historical information. First-degree family members were contacted and interviewed wherever possible to establish psychiatric diagnoses in relatives. The 28 probands were divided into two subgroups: (1) unipolar, those who exhibited depressive symptoms only (N = 11), and (2) bipolar, those with previous or current history or findings of manic symptoms (N = 16). Bipolars showed a trend toward earlier age of onset of illness and had more episodes and larger numbers of “schizophrenic” symptoms than did unipolars. There was a trend for ill relatives in the families of bipolars to be manic and to have schizophrenic symptoms. The conclusion of the study is that this sample of good-prognosis schizophrenics is heterogeneous and is composed of at least two subgroups similar in some clinical features to patients with unipolar and bipolar affective disorder.
A Typology of Dual Earner Marriages Based on Work and Family Arrangements

Qualitative research has investigated distinct couple types that divide work and family responsibilities based on employment circumstances and relationship characteristics, but such research is not conducive to identifying frequencies of couple types or statistically comparing work-family circumstances across couple types. The current study incorporated both employment and family variables in identifying four distinct dual-earner couple types among respondents from the National Survey of the Changing Workforce. Couple types were compared regarding demographic information, and memberships in couple types were predicted based on this information. Some significant differences emerged that may begin to explain the circumstances and motivations behind selecting certain work-family arrangements, though the more peer-like couples were less distinct and in some ways less economically advantaged than expected.
Minimum Difference Representations of Graphs

Define a k-minimum-difference-representation (k-MDR) of a graph G to be a family of sets $${\{S(v): v\in V(G)\}}$$such that u and v are adjacent in G if and only if min{|S(u)−S(v)|, |S(v)−S(u)|} ≥ k. Define ρ min(G) to be the smallest k for which G has a k-MDR. In this note, we show that {ρ min(G)} is unbounded. In particular, we prove that for every k there is an n 0 such that for n > n 0 ‘almost all’ graphs of order n satisfy ρ min(G) > k. As our main tool, we prove a Ramsey-type result on traces of hypergraphs.
LIGHT‐INDUCED ABSORBANCY CHANGES IN EIMHJELLEN'S RHODOPSEUDOMONAS*

Abstract : Light induced absorbancy changes in Rhodopseudomonas sp. NHTC 133 are analogous to those observed in other photosynthetic bacteria, but all of the features in the light-induced difference spectrum (except those reflecting cytochrome oxidation) are shifted to greater wavelengths. This general shift is consistent with the fact that the bacteriochlorophyll of this organism (BChl b) differs from the usual BChl in that its absorption bands are shifted to greater wavelengths. The singlet excited state of P985 (the counterpart of the P870 of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides) is not an energy sink relative to the major component of BChl b in vivo. The absorption maximum of P985 is at 985 millimicrons, whereas that of CBhl b in vivo is at 1012 millimicrons. (Author)
A seismotectonic study of the Southeastern Alaska Region

Abstract We compare relocations of recent (1973–2005) and historic (1919–1972) earthquakes to geologic and geophysical (gravity, aeromagnetic, and uplift) information to determine the relationship of seismicity to crustal deformation in southeastern Alaska. Our results suggest that along strike changes in the structure of the Pacific plate may control the location of the ends of rupture zones for large earthquakes along the offshore Queen Charlotte fault system in the southern portion of the study area. There is a marked increase in background seismicity in the northern portion of the study area where the Fairweather fault begins to bend toward the northwest and crustal uplift due to glacial unloading exceeds 20 mm/year. Focal mechanisms indicate that thrust and reverse mechanisms predominate in the region of maximum uplift, as might be expected by the decrease in ice sheet thickness. The diffuse nature of seismicity between the Fairweather and Denali faults in the northern study area suggests a complex interaction between plate/microplate interactions and glacial unloading, making it difficult to determine the optimal fault orientation for failure in moderate magnitude (5.5 to 6.5) earthquakes within this region.
Random mixed modes due to fluctuations in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction

Abstract A one-dimensional map constructed from a model of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction is used to demonstrate that for certain ranges of flow rates, the reaction is very susceptible to noise. If the unperturbed periodic orbit has two modes, perturbations of the flow rate generate aperiodic mixing of modes.
Determining the shortest production time for glassy carbon ware

Abstract Because of the high production rate of gaseous reaction products in critical temperature ranges where out-diffusion is relatively slow, glassy carbon ware is difficult to make in thick section by pyrolysis of phenolic resin, without causing kilning faults. Using wedge shapes of cured phenolic resin we found the greatest thickness possible for a fixed heating rate during postcuring (400–500 K) and precarbonization (500–875 K), the stages in which failures occur. In postcuring, the critical heating rate varies inversely as the fifth power of critical thickness; in precarbonization, it varies inversely as the third power. Heating rate can be raised much faster at other stages of pyrolysis, leading to fully carbonized ware at 1500 K. Mass spectrometry shows the main gas product is steam; carboniferous gases are also evolved during precarbonization. We discuss diffusion models applicable to any firing process in which volatiles need to diffuse from solids.
State and Local Government Utility Maximization According to Garp

Many recent state and local expenditure determinant studies have modeled public choice as the result of the constrained maximization of a utility function. This model has been tested using particular utility functions, but rejection of constrained maximization under such a test may imply only the inconsistency of the data with the chosen functional form. A nonparametric test, based on the generalized axiom of revealed preference (GARP), exists that shows whether a price-quantity data set may be rationalized by the constrained maximization of any utility function. This test is applied to various state and local government cross-section and time series data sets. It appears that the constrained maximization model can explain the bulk of public price-quantity observations in each data set tested. The results tentatively suggest that time series data are more likely to be consistent with utility maximization than are cross-section data.
Glucocorticosteroid treatment for cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia in a patient with ventriculoperitonial shunt

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia commonly occurs in patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts and is associated with shunt complications such as obstruction or infection. Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are effective in reducing eosinophilia and eosinophils in skin, nasal mucosa, and airway epithelium. Effects of GCS on CSF eosinophils has not been reported. Objective To demonstrate glucocorticosteroid effects on the CSF eosinophil levels and to propose that GCS may be used as a therapeutic agent for CSF eosinophilia. Result A case report of a patient with congenital hydrocephalus and a VP shunt developed CSF eosinophilia associated with latex allergy and shunt malfunction. Daily treatment with 2 mg/kg of methylprednisolone was associated with reduced peripheral eosinophilia and slightly reduced CSF eosinophil counts. Pulse methylprednisolone, 15 mg/kg, was associated with complete reduction of CSF eosinophils and prolonged VP shunt survival. Conclusion Systemic glucocorticosteroids effectively reduce CSF eosinophils. Glucocorticosteroids may be beneficial for treatment of CSF eosinophilia associated with VP shunt malfunction.
Correlation of p53 immunoreactivity and sequencing in patients with glioma

This study examines the relationship between p53 immunostaining and direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in 61 gliomas. Glioma tissues obtained from patients at surgery were analyzed immunohistochemically with the monoclonal antibody PAb 1801 to detect p53 protein abnormalities. Amplified p53 cDNA from these samples was analyzed by direct sequencing. Four grades of p53 immunostaining were evaluated: grade 0 = no labeling, grade 1 = less than 5% labeled cells, grade 2 = 5–30% labeled cells, and grade 3 = more than 30% labeled cells. Twenty-six of 36 glioblastomas, 14 of 23 anaplastic gliomas, and none of two low-grade gliomas had positive p53 immunoreactivity. Direct sequencing of PCR-amplified p53 cDNA revealed that 10 glioblastomas, 11 anaplastic gliomas, and no low-grade gliomas had mutations. Comparison of p53 immunostaining and sequencing data revealed that among all the gliomas, mutations were found in three of 21 with p53 grade 0, one of 16 with p53 grade 1, seven of nine with p53 grade 2, and 10 of 15 with p53 grade 3. These results indicate a good correlation between the p53 immunostaining and sequencing data when the percentage of abnormal cells within the tumor was greater than 5% (p53 grades 2 and 3). However, the correlation was poor when the percentage of abnormal cells was less than 5% (p53 grade 1) because of the limited sensitivity of sequencing techniques. Thus, p53 immunostaining may be more accurate in detecting p53 alterations when the percentage of abnormal cells is small; however, in rare cases, p53 immunostaining may fail to detect mutations confirmed by sequencing. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Noise tube sources for the far IR and millimeter region

The radiant output of a noise tube designed for the 90-140-GHz (3.3-2.1-mm) frequency range has been compared with that from mercury lamps over the wavelength region from 0.4 to about 6 mm. Lamellar grating and Michelson Fourier transform spectrometers were used in conjunction with He cooled bolometers of NEP from 10 to the -12th to 10 to the -14th W/sq rt H2 to measure relative spectral irradiance. With this instrumental arrangement, the radiant power emitted by the noise tube was observed to be less than that from a mercury lamp, at least to a 3-mm wavelength, but it produced less source noise than an ac operated mercury lamp. When the noise tube operating current was reduced, the spectral irradiance peak shifted to longer wavelengths.
Cosmological String Gas on Orbifolds

It has long been known that strings wound around incontractible cycles can play a vital role in cosmology. In particular, in a spacetime with toroidal spatial hypersurfaces, the dynamics of the winding modes may help yield three large spatial dimensions. However, toroidal compactifications are phenomenologically unrealistic. In this paper we therefore take a first step toward extending these cosmological considerations to $D$-dimensional toroidal orbifolds. We use numerical simulation to study the timescales over which "pseudo-wound" strings unwind on these orbifolds with trivial fundamental group. We show that pseudo-wound strings can persist for many ``Hubble times'' in some of these spaces, suggesting that they may affect the dynamics in the same way as genuinely wound strings. We also outline some possible extensions that include higher-dimensional wrapped branes.
Extracellular Matrix-mediated Signaling by Dentin Phosphophoryn Involves Activation of the Smad Pathway Independent of Bone Morphogenetic Protein

Cells have ingenious mechanisms for interpreting complex signals from their external microenvironment. Previously, we have shown that phosphophoryn (PP) regulates the expression of bone/dentin marker genes via the integrin/MAPK signaling pathway (Jadlowiec, J., Koch, H., Zhang, X., Campbell, P. G., Seyedain, M., and Sfeir, C. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 53323–53330). We hypothesize that other signaling pathways important for mineralized tissue morphogenesis such as the Smad pathway could be involved in PP signaling. We determined activation of the Smad pathway in human adult mesenchymal stem cells following treatment with recombinant PP (rPP). We observed that PP enhanced phosphorylation of Smad1 within 30 min and Smad1 translocation to the nucleus within 1 h. PP up-regulated the expression of Smad1 target genes, Smad6, Dlx5, and Runx2. The timing of PP activation of Smad1 implies this is a direct effect; however, we also investigated the possible involvement of bone morphogenetic proteins in PP stimulation of the Smad pathway. PP was shown to up-regulate Bmp-2 gene expression 12 h post-treatment with PP, which is much later than initial detection of Smad1 phosphorylation at 30 min. Furthermore, addition of Noggin did not block Smad1 phosphorylation by PP. We propose that PP could signal via the Smad pathway by either directly stimulating the phosphorylation of Smad1 via integrins or other mechanisms. These might include integrin/bone morphogenetic protein receptor interactions or involvement of PP with other growth factors leading to the modulation of intracellular signaling. It is noteworthy that a non-transforming growth factor-β family member activates the Smad pathway. The role of PP in regulating the Smad pathway raises very interesting questions regarding the role of PP during bone and tooth development.
Trait dominance predicts risk-taking

The present research was designed to test the relationship between an under-appreciated individual difference measure, trait dominance, and financial risk-taking. One hundred twenty participants completed the trait Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) Scales, and then answered five questions requiring the selection between a guaranteed financial payment and a risky financial gamble. Using the total number of risky options selected as a measure of risk-taking behavior, results reveal that trait dominance significantly predicted increased risk-taking. Surprisingly, gender did not predict risk-related decision-making. Results are discussed with regard to possible appraisal processes underlying the observed relationship, and ideas for future research are presented.
A community study of ocular herpes simplex

A recent epidemiologic study of ocular herpes simplex in 151 patients over a 33 year old period in Rochester, Minnesota has challenged some of the clinical and epidemiologic tenets about the disease. The incidence rate for new and recurrent cases and the prevalence rate was calculated and projected to the white U.S. population. The recurrence rate assessed by life table methods were determined for up to 20 years after the first episode and these rates rose following repeated episodes. Previous studies in the same community allow comparison of the incidence rates with other herpetic diseases. This community based study more accurately defines many of the features of the disease such as the prevalence among the sexes, the increasing age at presentation, the frequency of bilateral disease, the relationship of the initial disease to the future recurrence patterns, the frequency of lid, epithelial, stromal, and uveitis in an unselected community population, and the final visual outcome. This data estimates mor...
The Conservative South

The idea that the South is a conservative area is one of the fixtures on the American political landscape. Questions remain, however, whether the picture of the conservative South provides a complete depiction of mass politics in that region. Public opinion data are examined in this study to determine whether the South is actually a conservative area. The results of the analysis suggest that it is inaccurate to conclude unqualifiably that the South is a conservative region.
Some tests of intermodality transfer of intensity in squirrel monkeys.

Abstract Monkeys were trained to discriminate between an increase and a decrease in total stimulus intensity, with the variable aspect of the stimulus occurring first in one modality (vision or audition), then the other. In a second study, groups were trained to respond to either a high or a low intensity sound, and then received intensity generalization series in the two modalities. All results could be explained without recourse to the concept of specific cross-modal transfer.
T cell acquisition of APC membrane can impact interpretation of adoptive transfer experiments using CD45 congenic mouse strains

Abstract Congenic mouse strains bearing allelic variants of CD45 are often used in adoptive transfer experiments. Here, we report that immune CD8+ splenocytes of donor origin acquired the recipient's congenic CD45 marker during interaction with antigen-bearing cells, presumably as a result of membrane transfer upon dissolution of the immunological synapse. Acquisition of recipient marker by donor cells was most prominent after in vitro incubation with peptide for intracellular cytokine staining, where most of the antigen-bearing splenocytes are of recipient origin. In consequence, when antibodies against the recipient's congenic marker were used to distinguish donor and recipient populations, donor origin cells were incorrectly interpreted as being of recipient origin. This phenomenon may cause problems for interpretation of data in adoptive transfer experiments primarily when (a) staining for the recipient's congenic marker and (b) identifying antigen-specific populations by staining for intracellular cytokine.
Home care nurses' descriptions of important agency attributes.

Purpose: To identify attributes of home care agencies described by nurses as important to their professional practice and job satisfaction. Design: Seven focus groups with home health care staff nurses were conducted at 6 home care agencies located in three states in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A total of 58 home care nurses participated in the study. Methods: Transcriptions of tape-recorded focus groups were subjected to open and axial coding techniques. Results: Six major categories and eight subcategories of organizational attributes described by home care nurses as important to the support of their practice and job satisfaction were identified. Conclusions: Attributes described by home health nurses were not only similar to those described by hospital-based nurses as reported in the ‘magnet hospital’ literature, but they also were consistent with key concepts described in theories of professional workforce organization. Findings provide insight into developing workplace environments to support home care nurses.
Eosinophils mediate the pathogenesis of halothane-induced liver injury in mice.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major health issue, as it remains difficult to predict which new drugs will cause injury and who will be susceptible to this disease. This is due in part to the lack of animal models and knowledge of susceptibility factors that predispose individuals to DILI. In this regard, liver eosinophilia has often been associated with DILI, although its role remains unclear. We decided to investigate this problem in a murine model of halothane-induced liver injury (HILI). When female Balb/cJ mice were administered halothane, eosinophils were detected by flow cytometry in the liver within 12 hours and increased thereafter proportionally to liver damage. Chemokines, eotaxin-1 (CCL11) and eotaxin-2 (CCL24), which are known to attract eosinophils, increased in response to halothane treatment. The severity of HILI was decreased significantly when the study was repeated in wildtype mice made deficient in eosinophils with a depleting antibody and in eosinophil lineage-ablated ΔdblGata−/− mice. Moreover, depletion of neutrophils by pretreating animals with Gr-1 antibody prior to halothane administration failed to reduce the severity of HILI at antibody concentrations that did not affect hepatic eosinophils. Immunohistochemical staining for the granule protein, major basic protein, revealed that eosinophils accumulated exclusively around areas of hepatocellular necrosis. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that eosinophils have a pathologic role in HILI in mice and suggest that they may contribute similarly in many clinical cases of DILI. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
Prolonged inhibition of luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels in male rats with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist SB-75.

Abstract Inhibitory effects of the potent antagonist of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone N-Ac-[3-(2-naphthyl)-D-alanine1,4-chloro-D-phenylalanine2,3- (3-pyridyl)-D- alanine3,D-citrulline6,D-alanine10]luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (SB-75) free of edematogenic effects were investigated in male rats. In a study to determine the effect on luteinizing hormone levels in castrated male rats, SB-75 was injected s.c. in doses of 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 micrograms. Blood samples were taken at different intervals for 48 hr. All doses of SB-75 significantly decreased luteinizing hormone levels for greater than 6 hr (P less than 0.01); this inhibition lasted for greater than 24 hr (P less than 0.01) with a dose of 5.0 micrograms and greater than 48 hr with 10 micrograms (P less than 0.05). Serum testosterone levels were also measured in intact male rats injected with SB-75 in doses of 25, 50, and 100 micrograms. All doses produced a dramatic fall in testosterone to castration levels 6 hr after injection (P less than 0.01); this inhibition of serum testosterone was maintained for greater than 72 hr, but only the 100-micrograms dose could keep testosterone in the castration range for greater than 24 hr (P less than 0.01). In another study using a specific RIA, we obtained the pharmacokinetic release pattern of SB-75 from two sustained delivery formulations of SB-75 pamoate microgranules and examined their effect on serum testosterone. After a single i.m. injection of 20 mg of one batch of microgranules, a large peak corresponding to SB-75 at 45.8 ng/ml was observed, corresponding to the "burst" effect. Levels of the analog decreased to 19.6 ng/ml on day 2, gradually reached a concentration of 4.7 ng/ml on day 7, and kept declining thereafter. Testosterone levels were reduced on day 1 (P less than 0.01) and were maintained at low values for greater than 7 days (P less than 0.05). In rats injected with 10 mg of SB-75 pamoate microgranules of the second batch, SB-75 serum levels rose to 33 ng/ml 3 hr after administration and then fell gradually to approximately 3.4 ng/ml on day 16, but a second small peak was seen on day 28. Subsequently, the analog levels decreased slowly to 2.9 ng/ml on day 42. At this time, testosterone serum levels were still significantly lower than in controls. These overall results demonstrate the efficacy of SB-75 in the suppression of the pituitary-gonadal axis. This modern luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist can possibly be used for treating sex hormone-sensitive cancers and other disorders.
A simulation study of estimation methods in the analytic hierarchy process

Abstract This paper uses a simulation analysis to investigate the statistical accuracy and rank preservation capability of the AHP estimation methods. The methods under study consist of: the eigenvalue, mean transformation, row geometric mean, column geometric mean, harmonic mean and simple row average. The methods are compared under three distributions for error term—gamma, lognormal and uniform—and under two types of input matrices of various sizes.