cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic nerve compression induces local demyelination and remyelination in a rat model of carpal tunnel syndrome.

In a previous study, we demonstrated that chronic compression of rat sciatic nerve, a model of compressive neuropathies, triggered dramatic Schwann cell proliferation and concurrent apoptosis. Importantly, this Schwann cell response occurred before there are signs of overt axonal pathology, raising the question of whether there are alterations in axonal myelination in the areas of the nerve in which Schwann cell apoptosis and proliferation occur. Here, we use nerve teasing techniques and unbiased stereology to assess myelination in nerves after 1 and 8 months of compression. Evaluations of myelin thickness and axonal diameter (AD) using design-based, unbiased stereology revealed alterations in myelin structure that indicate remyelination, specifically a dramatic decrease in the average internodal length (IL) and an increase in the proportion of axons with thin myelin sheaths. The mean IL was reduced after 1 month of chronic nerve injury with no further decrease in IL at 8 months. There was limited change in average axonal diameter at both 1 and 8 months. Measures of myelin thickness revealed not only a greater than 6-fold increase in the number of axons with very thin (<5 μm thickness) myelin sheaths, but also a proportional decrease in the number of axons with the thick myelin sheaths characteristic of normal nerve. These results confirm that an early consequence of chronic nerve compression (CNC) is local demyelination and remyelination, which may be the primary cause of alterations in nerve function during the early period post-compression.
Adverse effects of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy.

Abstract PURPOSE: Although home parenteral antimicrobial therapy has become common, few studies have carefully examined its adverse effects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 269 patients who received 291 courses of home parenteral antimicrobial therapy through a hospital-based home infusion program during a 2-year period. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were not included. RESULTS: The majority (59%) of patients were treated for bone and joint infections. Patients had a mean age of 47 years. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 40 days. Of monitored courses, leukopenia occurred in 16%, neutropenia in 7%, thrombocytopenia in 4%, and eosinophilia in 12%, usually after a month of therapy; these adverse effects were most frequently associated with the use of beta-lactam antibiotics. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 8% of monitored courses at a mean of 27 days and was most commonly associated with amphotericin B. Diarrhea occurred in 7% and rash in 4% of patients, and both were most commonly seen with beta-lactam antibiotics. Of those patients with permanent indwelling catheters, 11% of those with central catheters and 9% of those with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) developed line complications. Overall, 8% of patients required rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Home infusion antibiotic therapy exposes patients to the complications associated with inpatient antibiotic therapy and needs to be monitored closely to prevent serious complications and rehospitalizations.
Studies on the mechanism of messenger ribonucleic acid attachment to ribosomes

Abstract Ribosomal groups essential for messenger binding are tentatively identified by the effects of simple chemical pretreatments on ribosome binding activity. Ribosomes treated with formaldehyde rapidly lose their ability to bind polynucleotides. Formaldehyde inactivation results from direct attack on amino groups in the binding site. Nitrous acid also inactivates ribosomes. Dinitrofluorobenzene, an amine reagent which reacts only with ribosomal protein, has no effect on the capacity of ribosomes to bind polynucleotides. It does, however, prevent the messenger-directed binding of sRNA. Perphthalic acid, which selectively oxidizes nucleotides, also inhibits messenger attachment. The association of 30 s and 50 s ribosomal subunits to form the 70 s particle is affected by these reagents in the same way as mRNA binding. Apparently ribosomal RNA amino groups are vital for both functions. It is proposed that messenger binding results from hydrogen-bond formation between ribosomal RNA amino groups and messenger phosphates. The data are consistent with either a base-base or a base-phosphate hydrogen-bonding mechanism for the 30 s–50 s aggregation.
Black-white differences in subclinical cardiovascular disease among older adults: The cardiovascular health study

Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality are higher in black than white Americans, but racial differences in clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been examined in older adults. Clinical and subclinical CVD and its risk factors were compared in 4926 white and 244 black men and women aged 65 years and older. Black participants had lower socioeconomic status and generally higher prevalences of CVD and its risk factors, except for adverse lipid profiles. Common carotid wall thickness was greater in black than white women, and ankle-arm blood pressure ratios were lower in black women and men (p < 0.01). After adjustment for CVD risk factors, common carotid walls were significantly thicker and ankle-arm ratios were lower in blacks than whites of both sexes, while internal carotid walls were significantly thinner in black women. Racial differences in clinical and subclinical CVD in older adults are similar to those reported in younger populations and do not appear to be explained by CVD risk factors.
LEYDIG-CELL FAILURE AND HYPOGONADISM IN A 21 YEAR OLD MALE

A 21 year old male, with normal stature and an XY karyotype, presented with sparse pubic hair, no axillary hair, microphallus and otherwise normal external genitalia. Leydig-cell dysplasia and tubular degeneration were found on testicular biopsy. The mean 24 hr. plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were 50 and 8 mIU/ml respectively. LH levels were higher during sleep than during waking hours. There were no sleep-wake differences in FSH levels. Plasma LH rose to 115 mIU/ml in response to 25 μg of LH releasing factor (LH-RF). Plasma FSH responded poorly to LH-RF. The mean 24 hr. plasma concentrations of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were 95 and 84 ng/dl respectively. Plasma T rose from 120 to 160 ng/dl in response to 20,000 units of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), given over a 4 day period. Following an additional 20,000 units of HCG, given in 4 equal weekly doses, the plasma T concentration was 120 ng/dl. These data show that this patient has an unusual form of testicular degeneration characterized by diminished T production and poor T response to HCG. Normal concentrations of FSH suggest sufficient Inhibin production. The concentrations of T and DHT in utero, must have been adequate to enable normal differentiation of the external genitalia. This patient's abnormality fits into a spectrum of anomalies with Leydig-cell agenesis at one end and premature Leydig-cell failure (early climacteric) at the other.
Ultrasound Applications in Electrodiagnosis

This review article discusses the current scope of high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, both as a complementary tool to electrodiagnosis and in some cases as a stand-alone imaging modality. Indications, limitations, potential for research, and training and credentialing are discussed. Indications include needle guidance for nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, diagnosis of nerve entrapment, diagnostic muscle imaging via grayscale analysis, and dynamic real-time imaging, including sonopalpation, to provide additional diagnostic information. The role of neuromuscular ultrasound in research is discussed, including the need to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and cost-effectiveness of these techniques when they are used alone or in combination. Training and credentialing are reviewed, specifically noting the challenge of the lack of formal training programs and the relatively long, flat learning curve of diagnostic ultrasound.
Induction of unnatural immunity: prospects for a broadly protective universal influenza vaccine

The immune system normally responds to influenza virus by making neutralizing antibodies to regions of the viral spike, the hemagglutinin, that vary year to year. This natural response protects against circulating subtypes but necessitates production of new vaccines annually. Newer vaccine approaches have succeeded in eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies to highly conserved yet vulnerable regions of the hemagglutinin and suggest potential pathways for the development of universal influenza vaccines.
Phonon dispersion curves of GaAsAlAs superlattices

Abstract The phonon properties of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n superlattices are studied with an eleven-parameter rigid-ion model. Short-range interactions up to the second neighbours are included, and the long-range Coulomb interaction is calculated exactly. Modes propagating both normal (k// = 0) oblique (k// ≡ 0) to the interfaces are studied. Anisotropy of zone center optical phonons is examined. The theoretical results are compared with the existing experimental data with favorable agreement.
Natural Variation in Horn Size and Social Dominance and Their Importance to the Conservation of Black Rhinoceros

The importance of behavioral ecology to evolutionary theory, zoo biology, and animal husbandry is well recognized (Caro 1994; Krebs & Davies 1984), but, despite the prevalence of global biodiversity issues, its contribution to in situ conservation has been limited (Soule 1986; Ulfstrand 1996; Clenmmons & Buchholz 1997). Populations of the world's elephants and rhinoceros have been decimated by poaching; in Africa, rhino conservation measures increasingly rely on protection in heavily guarded reserves (Brett 1990). Extreme measures have included dehorning and shooting poachers. Although the case has been made that social status in black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) is unaffected by horn removal (Lindeque 1990), it is less than convincing because neither the internor intrasexual consequences of asymmetries in horn size on dominance have been studied. To understand horn function, models of sexual selection have been applied to dimorphic ungulates (Jarman 1983; Packer 1986; Clutton-Brock 1988), but predictions do not fit black rhinoceros because (1) the sexes are similar in horn and body size, (2) secondary sex ratios are equal, and (3) mortal fighting, the highest recorded for any mammal, results in about 50% of the males and 30% of the females dying from combat-related wounds (Berger 1994). We report field data on 52 black rhinoceros of known horn and body size and 442 dyadic encounters from three sites in northern Namibia. Our results suggest that intersexual dominance is female-biased, that intrasexual dominance is related to horn mass in males but not in females, and that where asymmetries between horned participants exceed 10 cm, larger horns confer
Locus of Control in Negro and White Children at Four Age Levels

Age-related progressions, but not sex or ethnic differences (Negro-White), were obtained in children 6 to 16 on Bialer's Scale of locus of control. Test-retest correlations of locus of control for Grades 1 and 7 were not significant, despite the minimal shift in score by individual, because of the narrow range of scores at these grade levels. The absence of significant relationships between locus of control and measures of scholastic achievement, nonverbal intelligence, and occupational aspiration was discussed.
Arcjet load characteristics

Experiments were conducted to define the interface characteristics and constraints of 1 kW class arcjets run on simulated decomposition products of hydrazine and power processors. The impacts of power supply output current ripple on arcjet performance were assessed by variation of the ripple frequency from 100 Hz to 100 kHz with 10 percent peak-to-peak ripple amplitude at 1.2 kW. Ripple had no significant effects on thrust, specific impulse or efficiency. The impact of output ripple on thruster lifetime was not assessed. The static and dynamic impedances of the arcjet were quantified with two thrusters of nearly identical configuration. Superposition of an AC component on the DC arc current was used to characterize the dynamic impedance as a function of flow rate and DC current level. A mathematical model was formulated from these data. Both the static and dynamic impedance magnitude were found to be dependent on mass flow rate. The amplitude of the AC component was found to have little effect on the dynamic impedance. Reducing the DC level from 10 to 8 amps led to a large change in the magnitude of the dynamic impedance with no observable phase change. The impedance data compared favorably between the two thrusters.
Determination of human and Sprague-Dawley rat trimethylselenonium ion and total selenium urine concentrations from endogenous body selenium pool by neutron activation analysis

This study determined trimethylselenonium ion [TMSe, (CH3)3Se+] and total organic selenium cationic species urinary excretion values for healthy human subjects and Sprague-Dawley rats fed regular diets. The only source of TMSe was from the endogenous selenium body pool. Total selenium concentration, in urine was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. TMSe and total selenium cationic species concentrations and percent of total selenium urine excretion were determined by chemical neutron activation analysis and coupled anion-cation exchange chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography, respectively. Within experimental error, mean values for TMSe and cationic species as percent selenium were comparable for both human subjects and Sprague-Dawley rats. This study suggested that TMSe excreted in urine by healthy human subjects and Sprague-Dawley rats fed a normal diet is not a minor but a general metabolite of selenium ingested in a normal diet.
The incororation of [I-14C]palmitic acid, [I-14C]oleic acid, and [I-14C]linoleic acid into lipids of the artery of human umbilical cord

Abstract 1. 1. The incorporation of [I- 14 C]palmitic acid, [I- 14 C]oleic acid, and [I- 14 C]-linoleic acid into lipids of arteries of human umbilical cords was studied. 2. 2. It was found that the extent of incorporation of the labelled fatty acid into total lipids, neutral lipids, and phospholipids, increased with increasing degree of unsaturation: linoleic acid > oleic acid > palmitic acid. 3. 3. Triglycerides were the major fraction in neutral lipids in which all three labelled fatty acids were incorporated.
Modeling on Conflict Resolution of Collaborative Design

Collaborative design is a new design style for mechanical manufacture, which is an important means in networked manufacture. Designers work at the same time will encounter the conflict, which should be solved. Firstly, the class of conflict is addressed to make a basis for conflict resolution. Then the conflict resolution method is applied. The resolution model is set up. According to the conflict, four resolution methods are applied, which are constrained and relaxation method, method based on reasoning, reasoning method based on example and law of arbitration. The process of resolution is provided. Dead locks phenomena are danger for system. A set of dead lock resolution mechanism are provided to solve the problem. By means of a case study, the method proposed can assist designers during the conflict resolution.
Clinical observations in the treatment of epidemic diarrhea of the newborn

Summary In an outbreak of epidemic diarrhea of the newborn involving twenty-eight infants, there was one death, that of a premature infant. A low carbon dioxide combining power of the blood was observed in 50 per cent of the instances in which abnormal clinical manifestations were noted in the affected infants, most of whom did not exhibit the classical picture of acidosis. Significant clinical improvement attended the correction of the acidosis by the parenteral administration of 5 per cent solution of sodium bicarbonate or of M/6 sodium lactate solution. Other therapeutic measures included the modification of the oral feeding, the oral administration of ascorbic acid, of thiamine chloride, and of succinylsulfathiazole, and the parenteral administration of fluids. The control of the epidemic was materially affected by the isolation procedures employed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of constant observation of the ill infants and on the determination of the carbon dioxide level of the blood, whenever there are evidences of increasing severity of the disease with or without the usual manifestations of acidosis.
Using Memes and Memetic Processes to Explain Social and Conceptual Influences on Student Understanding about Complex Socio-Scientific Issues

This study investigated seventh grade learners' decision making about genetic engineering concepts and applications. A social network analyses supported by technology tracked changes in student understanding with a focus on social and conceptual influences. Results indicated that several social and conceptual mechanisms potentially affected how and why ideas were taken up in the learning system of the classroom. Mechanisms included copying or memetic processes such as “do as the smart students do” and friendship selection. Study outcomes are compared with the broader literature on memes and memetic processes to reveal general evolutionary ideas such as the development of prestige, identity versus problem-solving strategies, extended phenotypes, and memeplexes. Educational implications for this research are also addressed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 900–921, 2008
Musculoskeletal pain and physical disability in senior citizens

Over the next two decades, the proportion of people 65 years and over, and especially those over 75, will increase dramatically. As a result, physical therapists are likely to treat an increasing proportion of older patients. Age has been shown to be associated with an increase in chronic musculoskeletal conditions that may result in pain or discomfort and decreased physical function. A number of epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of both musculoskeletal pain and physical disability is high in the older population. Factors that have been shown to be related to physical disability include number of chronic conditions, age, sex and depression. The relationship between musculoskeletal pain and physical disability, however, is not well understood. The aims of this paper are to review the literature regarding the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and disability in the older population, to identify the factors associated with disability, and to discuss the need for further research into the...
The Ups and Downs of Preposition Error Detection in ESL Writing

In this paper we describe a methodology for detecting preposition errors in the writing of non-native English speakers. Our system performs at 84% precision and close to 19% recall on a large set of student essays. In addition, we address the problem of annotation and evaluation in this domain by showing how current approaches of using only one rater can skew system evaluation. We present a sampling approach to circumvent some of the issues that complicate evaluation of error detection systems.
The realm of the steady state in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Only at cell concentrations of less than 10 7 /ml are E. coli in steady state as defined by three intrinsic properties: mean cell diameter, cellular specific gravity and the concentration of β-galactosidase per cell. Such concentrations are below the range of turbidimetry.
The Impact of Diversity Promise Fulfillment on Professionals of Color Outcomes in the USA

This paper explores the relationship between psychological contract violations (PCVs) related to diversity climate and professional employee outcomes. We found that for our sample of US professionals of color including US-born African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, employee perceptions of breach in diversity promise fulfillment (DPF), after controlling for more general organizational promise fulfillment (OPF), led to lower reported organizational commitment (OC) and higher turnover intentions (TI). Interactional justice partially mediated the relationship between DPF and outcomes. Procedural justice and DPF interacted to influence OC of employees of color. For respondents who perceived a lack of DPF, moderate racial awareness was associated with greater PCV. We discuss the implications of the findings and provide directions for future research.
ULTRASOUND PULSE-ECHO IMAGING USING THE SPLIT-STEP FOURIER PROPAGATOR

Ultrasonic reflection imaging has the potential to produce higher image resolution than transmission tomography, but imaging resolution and quality still need to be further improved for early cancer detection and diagnosis. We present an ultrasound reflection image reconstruction method using the split-step Fourier propagator. It is based on recursive inward continuation of ultrasonic wavefields in the frequency-space and frequency-wavenumber domains. The inward continuation within each extrapolation interval consists of two steps. In the first step, a phase-shift term is applied to the data in the frequency-wavenumber domain for propagation in a reference medium. The second step consists of applying another phase-shift term to data in the frequency-space domain to approximately compensate for ultrasonic scattering effects of heterogeneities within the breast. We use synthetic ultrasound pulse-echo data recorded around a ring for heterogeneous, computer-generated, numerical breast phantoms to study the imaging capability of the method. The phantoms are derived from an experimental breast phantom and a sound-speed tomography image of an in-vivo ultrasound breast data collected using a ring array. The heterogeneous sound-speed models used for pulse-echo imaging are obtained using a computationally effcient, first-arrival-time (time-of-flight) transmission tomography method. Our studies demonstrate that reflection image reconstruction using the split-step Fourier propagator with heterogeneous sound-speed models significantly improves image quality and resolution. We also numerically verify the spatial sampling criterion of wavefields for a ring transducer array.
Suicide-Related Litigation in Jails and Prisons: Risk Management Strategies

Litigation related to suicide in jails and prisons is not an uncommon occurrence. This article summarizes the basic legal premises behind such litigations, which involve claims of medical malpractice and/or deliberate indifference. Common causes of omissions and commissions in correctional mental health care practice leading to such litigation are outlined. A few select court decisions are reviewed and, based on the author's experience, risk management strategies and procedures for clinicians and for correctional officers are provided.
The influence of the need for closure on managerial third‐party dispute intervention

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how third‐party managers' cognitive need (motivational tendency) for closure influences their decisions on how to intervene in conflict.Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 61 undergraduate business students. All participants had managerial experience and may represent future managers. Participants read a scenario describing a hypothetical conflict between members of a project team and evaluated the likelihood of choosing different strategies to intervene in the conflict.Findings – Results showed that individuals with a high need for closure were more likely to choose an autocratic procedure and less likely to choose mediation than individuals with a low need for closure. The option of letting disputants resolve the conflict themselves was somewhat unattractive to those with a high need for closure.Research limitations/implications – The use of a scenario approach may limit the generalizability of the results. Future studies shoul...
New He, Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic constraints on the constitution of the Hawaiian plume: Results from Koolau Volcano, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Abstract Most analyzed tholeiitic basalts from Koolau Volcano, Oahu, USA, have strontium ( 87 Sr 86 Sr = 0.7040–0.7043 ), neodymium ( 143 Nd 144 Nd = 0.51270–0.51276 ), and lead ( 206 Pb 204 Pb = 17.8–17.9 ) isotopic compositions near that of the bulk silicate earth, and 3 He 4 He isotopic ratios of 11–14 times the atmospheric ratio. These helium ratios are higher than MORB, but lower than those of lavas from Loihi seamount. Moreover, the source for the Koolau tholeiites is inferred to have non-bulk earth abundance ratios of highly incompatible elements. Consequently, the source of the Koolau lavas is not primitive, undegassed mantle. The abundance ratios La Nb , Zr Nb , and Sr Nb correlate with 87 Sr 86 Sr and 143 Nd 144 Nd ratios in Hawaiian tholeiites. The enriched (Koolau) source component has relatively high La Nb , Zr Nb , and Sr Nb ratios; in fact, Koolau tholeiites have higher Zr Nb and La Nb , and lower Th/Nb than most other OIB. These combined trace element and isotopic signatures of the enriched component are not consistent with derivation from primitive mantle, recycled crustal material, or a carbonatite metasomatized source. A simple explanation is that the enriched component is residual material, formed recently when a small amount of melt was extracted from primitive mantle, perhaps during the incorporation of the Koolau component into the plume.
Low temperature NOx removal from diesel exhaust by coupling ethylene glycol reforming with SCR

The reduction of NO, at 185 °C on Pd supported on Ti-pillared clay was studied using H 2 and CO generated by reforming of ethylene glycol (EG) over a Na-Pt/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. It was found that for a stream containing 490 ppm NO, 5.8% Ο 2 , and 2.9% H 2 O, at a space velocity of ∼24,000 h -1 , a stable NO x conversion of ∼55% was obtained when a stream of 1.36% EG was reformed under a condition that the EG conversion was complete and sufficient H 2 and CO was produced. However, if the EG conversion was incomplete, the unreacted EG deactivated the deNO x catalyst, possibly by coking, that could not be regenerated by O 2 treatment at reaction temperature. H 2 O suppressed the deNO x activity, but the effect was reversible and the activity could be recovered after removal of H 2 O. The deNO x activity was found to be higher on catalysts containing more highly dispersed Pd.
Classical Normal Modes in Damped Linear Dynamic Systems

The purpose of this paper is to determine necessary and sufficient conditions under which both discrete and continuous damped linear dynamic systems possess classical normal modes.
Chemical modification of viral ribonucleic acid. I. Alkylating agents.

Abstract Ribonucleic acid of tobacco mosaic virus was treated with various alkylating agents, analyzed for extent and mode of reaction when radioactive reagents made this possible, and assayed after reconstitution. The order of reactivity towards ribonucleic acid was mustard gas > dimethyl sulfate > epoxides > iodoacetate. All reagents appeared to have greatest affinity for guanine, mustard gas and ethylene oxide reacting almost exclusively with guanine residues, while iodoacetate caused appreciable alkylation of guanine and adenine. Of all reagents 1–3 residues had to be introduced into one intact ribonucleic acid molecule to achieve 73% inactivation. Only one of the reagents, dimethyl sulfate, caused the appearance of mutants. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Extraction efficiencies of hydrocarbons from Niagara river water

Significant concentrations of C12 to C26n-alkanes, fluoranthene and pyrene were found in dichloromethane extracts of filtered Niagara River water at pH 12 after the water had been thoroughly extracted at pH 1. Over 40 sampling days, the total concentration of n alkanes, fluoranthene, and pyrene in the basic extracts was roughly 60% of the total in the acidic extracts plus suspended solids combined. Spike recovery experiments with 31 n-alkanes and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons demonstrated that the phenomenon (a) did not occur in distilled water, (b) occurred in Niagara River water, regardless of whether the initial extraction of filtered water was performed at acidic or neutral pH, and (c) was not simply the result of incomplete extraction at acidic or neutral pH. These findings support earlier studies that suggested that concentrations of lipophilic organic chemicals in Niagara River water may be underestimated when determined by the usual technique of extraction at neutral pH.
Analysis of calcium leaching behavior of plain and modified cement pastes in pure water

Abstract The calcium ion leaching behavior of cement pastes modified with a high-alkali fine glass powder, silica fume, and fly ash, exposed to deionized water, is reported in this paper. Porosity enhancement in pastes subjected to leaching is attributed both to the dissolution of calcium hydroxide (CH) as well as decalcification of C–S–H gel. A methodology that combines the measured porosity increase along with the CH and C–S–H contents remaining after leaching for a particular duration is developed to separate the porosities created due to CH and C–S–H leaching. In order to quantify the influence of leaching on the amounts of Ca ions remaining in the CH and C–S–H phases, solid–liquid equilibrium curves for calcium are developed for the unleached and leached pastes. Leaching depths are also calculated using the CH contents of the leached and unleached specimens. All the modified pastes show better leaching resistance than the plain paste. In addition to the microstructure densification, the lower Ca–Si molar ratio in modified pastes that reduces the equilibrium liquid Ca ion concentration contributes to this observation. For the glass powder modified paste, the presence of higher alkali content in the pore solution further reduces the dissolution of CH due to common ion effect, thus providing it with the highest leaching resistance. Fly ash and silica fume modified pastes demonstrate leaching resistance in between those of the plain and glass powder modified mixtures.
Dielectronic recombination of positive ions—III. Rate coefficients for Mo32+

Abstract Dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for Mo32+ recombining to Mo32+ are given for electron temperatures of 1.4, 2.8, and 5.6 keV. Nonrelativistic results in the resonance approximation were obtained and tables of selected Auger (Aa) and radiative (Ar) rates, fluorescence yields, and dielectronic recombination rates are given. Excitation of 2p electrons to higher shells is found to be dominant over other transitions including direct capture at the temperatures considered. The effect of the cascade transitions is estimated to be of the order of 30%. Different angular momentum averaging procedures change the results very significantly.
The GEF Bcr activates RhoA/MAL signaling to promote keratinocyte differentiation via desmoglein-1

Although much is known about signaling factors downstream of Rho GTPases that contribute to epidermal differentiation, little is known about which upstream regulatory proteins (guanine nucleotide exchange factors [GEFs] or GTPase-activating proteins [GAPs]) are involved in coordinating Rho signaling in keratinocytes. Here we identify the GEF breakpoint cluster region (Bcr) as a major upstream regulator of RhoA activity, stress fibers, and focal adhesion formation in keratinocytes. Loss of Bcr reduced expression of multiple markers of differentiation (such as desmoglein-1 [Dsg1], keratin-1, and loricrin) and abrogated MAL/SRF signaling in differentiating keratinocytes. We further demonstrated that loss of Bcr or MAL reduced levels of Dsg1 mRNA in keratinocytes, and ectopic expression of Dsg1 rescued defects in differentiation seen upon loss of Bcr or MAL signaling. Taken together, these data identify the GEF Bcr as a regulator of RhoA/MAL signaling in keratinocytes, which in turn promotes differentiation through the desmosomal cadherin Dsg1.
Hypoxia and cytoplasmic alkalinization upregulate growth hormone expression in lymphocytes.

We report here that culture of lymphoid cells under hypoxic conditions showed an increase in both luciferase expression from a GH-promoter luciferase construct and the levels of lymphocyte GH. The effect was mimicked by treatment of cells with cobalt chloride consistent with a specific oxygen-sensing mechanism. We identified a putative hypoxia response element (HRE) in the GH promoter at the region −176 bp to −172 bp that contains a copy of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (Hif-1) binding motif (5′-ACGTG-3′). The results also showed that culture of primary rat spleen cells with different doses of TMA induced a dose-dependent increase in lymphocyte GH by Western blot analysis. Greater levels of GH are induced in T cell-enriched populations compared to B cell-enriched populations after treatment with CoCl2 or TMA. Our results suggest that the stressful cellular conditions likely to occur at sites of inflammation or tumor growth may induce the synthesis of lymphocyte GH.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Isotopically Labeled Homocitric Acid Lactone

A concise synthesis of homocitric acid lactone was developed to accommodate systematic placement of carbon isotopes (specifically 13C) for detailed studies of this cofactor. This new route uses a chiral allylic alcohol, available in multigram quantities from enzymatic resolution, as a starting material, which transposes asymmetry through an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement.
Reciprocal Sign Epistasis between Frequently Experimentally Evolved Adaptive Mutations Causes a Rugged Fitness Landscape

The fitness landscape captures the relationship between genotype and evolutionary fitness and is a pervasive metaphor used to describe the possible evolutionary trajectories of adaptation. However, little is known about the actual shape of fitness landscapes, including whether valleys of low fitness create local fitness optima, acting as barriers to adaptive change. Here we provide evidence of a rugged molecular fitness landscape arising during an evolution experiment in an asexual population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We identify the mutations that arose during the evolution using whole-genome sequencing and use competitive fitness assays to describe the mutations individually responsible for adaptation. In addition, we find that a fitness valley between two adaptive mutations in the genes MTH1 and HXT6/HXT7 is caused by reciprocal sign epistasis, where the fitness cost of the double mutant prohibits the two mutations from being selected in the same genetic background. The constraint enforced by reciprocal sign epistasis causes the mutations to remain mutually exclusive during the experiment, even though adaptive mutations in these two genes occur several times in independent lineages during the experiment. Our results show that epistasis plays a key role during adaptation and that inter-genic interactions can act as barriers between adaptive solutions. These results also provide a new interpretation on the classic Dobzhansky-Muller model of reproductive isolation and display some surprising parallels with mutations in genes often associated with tumors.
Discriminative stimulus properties of DOM and several molecular modifications.

Abstract Rats trained to discriminate racemic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenylisopropylamine, (±)-DOM (1.0 mg/kg), from saline in a two-lever drug discrimination task were challenged with the optical isomers of DOM as well as with several related agents which represent minor molecular modifications of the DOM structure. Generalization of the (±)-DOM stimulus was found to occur to R(−)-DOM, S(+)-DOM, (±)-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine (2,5-DMA), R(−)-2,-5-DMA, and the 2-demethyl derivative of (±)-DOM. The 3-methyl positional isomer of (±)-DOM was found to produce only 34% DOM-appropriate responding at the highest dose tested while administration of S(+)-2,5-DMA and the 5-demethyl derivative of (±)-DOM resulted in disruption of behavior.
Giant and Composition-Dependent Optical Bowing Coefficient in GaAsN Alloys

Using first-principles supercell calculations we find a giant (7{endash}16 eV) and composition-dependent optical bowing coefficient in GaAs{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}N{sub {ital x}} alloys. We show that both effects are due to the formation in the alloy of spatially separated and sharply localized band edge states. Our analysis suggests that in semiconductor alloys band gap variation as a function of {ital x} can be divided into two regions: (i) a bandlike region where the bowing coefficient is relatively small and nearly constant, and (ii) an impuritylike region where the bowing coefficient is relatively larger and composition dependent. For GaAs{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}N{sub {ital x}} the impuritylike behavior persists even for concentrated alloys. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
A Method to Mitigate Acid-Mine Drainage in the Shamokin Area, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

The three anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania occur in large synclinal basins surrounded by sandstone hogback ridges. The streams draining the coal regions are heavily contaminated by sulfuric acid due to the weathering of pyrite in the abandoned mines and culm. Dams could be built in the water gaps of the streams leaving the basins, forming huge reservoirs. For example, in the western part of the Middle Coal Field (Shamokin-Mt. Carmel area), the construction of four dams would form a reservoir that would inundate practically all the culm banks, abandoned mines, and environmentally abused lands in this coal field. The reservoir (at approximately 410 m elevation) would be approximately 140 sq km in area and could be the source of water for pumped-storage hydroelectricity generation. The water should have moderately good quality and could serve the recreational needs of a vast population of the Middle Atlantic states.
Questions asked by physicians as the basis for continuing education needs assessment.

Introduction:Our goal was to identify the clinical questions that health care professionals have at the point of care and explore whether these questions could be used to drive a needs assessment for continuing education programs.Methods:We gathered questions from 28 clinicians; 11 were directly obs
Post-Fordism and flexibility: the travel industry polyglot

Abstract Theorists argue that leisure and travel-related activities have become increasingly commodified, reflecting the broader evolution of a postmodern culture of consumption. This paper argues that these developments have produced a travel industry complex characterized by a polyglot of varying production processes, each placing a premium on flexible forms of accumulation. Focusing on certain key sectors of the travel industry, the paper examines how, partly because of new information technologies, each element of the travel industry polyglot appears to have been affected by flexible-based production strategies such as the externalization of ancillary services, the development of interfirm strategic alliances, and sophisticated product differentiation through brand segmentation. The paper ends with a call for in-depth empirical investigations to help develop a superior understanding of how flexible production techniques affect the various components comprising the travel industry.
Flow of glucose carbon into cholesterol and phospholipids in various regions of the adult rat brain: enhanced incorporation into hypothalamic phospholipids.

The contribution of glucose carbon to the biosynthesis of cholesterol and phospholipids in distinct brain regions was studied quantitatively in the adult male rat. Rates of flow of glucose carbon into the lipids in vivo were calculated from two measurements: the curve representing the decrease in plasma /sup 14/C-glucose with time and the specific activity of the cerebral lipid 180 minutes after a rapid intravenous injection of a tracer dose of D-U /sup 14/C-glucose. The following brain regions were studied: cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, medulla, and corpus callosum and cerebellum. The values for carbon flow into phospholipids were significantly higher in the hypothalamus than in the whole brain, whereas small, but insignificant, regional differences were found for carbon flow into cholesterol. The conversion of U-/sup 14/C-glucose to individual phospholipids of both hypothalamus and cerebral cortex was further investigated in vitro in order to establish whether the higher rate of carbon flow into hypothalamic phospholipids resulted from enhanced synthesis of a particular phospholipid. In agreement with the results obtained in vivo, the rate of incorporation of /sup 14/C into total phospholipids was 60% higher in hypothalamic tissue. The results indicate that the higher rate of carbon flow into hypothalamic phospholipids might bemore » attributed to enhanced incorporation of glucose carbon to phosphatidyl-choline and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine following a faster conversion of glucose to glycerol in this brain region.« less
Mechanisms governing trace sodium capture by kaolinite in a downflow combustor

A 17-kW, 6-m-long gas-fired laboratory combustor was used to investigate the postflame reactive capture of trace sodium species by kaolinite. Emphasis was on alkali/sorbent interactions occurring in flue gas at temperatures above the alkali dewpoint and on the formation of water-insoluble reaction products. Reaction time-temperature profiles replicated those in typical boilers and were varied by injecting kaolinite at different axial points along the combustor. The effects of chlorine and sulfur on alkali capture were investigated by doping the flame with Cl2 and SO2. Variations in sorbent particle sizes allowed the separate effects of reaction kinetics and transport within the particles to be isolated. The actual capture reaction is proposed to be between alkali hydroxide and activated kaolinite and remains so in the presence of chlorine and sulfur. Hence, chloride reduces sodium capture significantly because it lowers the gas-phase concentration of the sodium hydroxide. The primary effect of sulfur, on the other hand, is to elevate the sodium species dewpoint and, by thus lessening the time for reaction between gaseous sodium and substrate, to diminish the overall capture. A simple first-order kinetic model is proposed for sodium (hydroxide) capture by metakaolinite and is best fitted by the (global) volumetric rate constant: k0=4.5±0.5×107 exp(−2.657±75/T) cm3 gas/(cm3 porous solid s) Chemical kinetics control for small particles under 2 μm, whereas intraphase pore diffusion controls for larger sorbent particles. A maximum sorbent utilization of 50% was realized, and an optimum sorbent injection window of 1200–1400 K was identified.
A Five-Parameter Model of the AlGaN/GaN HFET

We introduce an analytic expression for the drain current $I_{d}(V_{\rm gs},V_{\rm ds})$ of an AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistor (HFET) as a function of its gate and drain voltages. We derive the function from a compact physical model of conduction current in the HFET. The proposed expression for the current is configured by five parameters, which can be expressed in terms of the geometry and materials of a device. We extend the model to small-signal RF operation by embedding it in a 12-parameter $RLC$ network that represents terminal feed impedances and device parasitics. We adjust the parameters of the extended model to simultaneously fit dc and RF measurements of an industrial transistor.
Molecular design and synthesis of heterogeneous and single-site, supported catalysts

This contribution describes a non-aqueous, molecular precursor approach to the preparation of mixed-element oxides, which allows a degree of molecular-level control over the nanostructure of the resulting materials. This approach, referred to as the thermolytic molecular precursor method, has been used to obtain highly dispersed mixed-element oxide materials. In some cases, this methodology provides heterogeneous catalysts which possess superior properties relative to catalysts with the same composition, but prepared by traditional aqueous methods. It has also been found that certain molecular precursors are useful for introduction of surface-bound catalytic species. With this method, multicomponent molecular precursors may be used to produce porous materials with nano-sized voids. This affords mixed-oxide materials with a homogeneous dispersion of metal atoms throughout the inorganic framework walls of a mesoporous material.
Estimation of calcium and phosphorus requirement in laying hens by balance techniques

Balance studies with Leghorn hens in good production were conducted to estimate their calcium and phosphorus requirement. The requirement, defined as the dietary level of calcium that maintained calcium equilibrium and optimum shell thickness, was found to be 3 g./hen/day. Percentage calcium retention (% retention) at high levels of calcium intake was a linear function of the reciprocal of calcium intake, the slope being equal to absolute calcium retention, but at levels below the requirement % retention increased at a decreasing rate. In the zone of calcium requirement % retention was 50-55. Phosphorus excretion behaved as a linear function of phosphorus intake. The failure of the extrapolation method to estimate endogenous phosphorus excretion in the laying hen is discussed. Phosphorus requirement, defined by phosphorus equilibrium, was found to be between 0.24 and 0.36 g./hen/day. Measurements of plasma alkaline phosphatase and plasma inorganic phosphorus substantiated the respective requirements for calcium and phosphorus as determined by balance studies.
Provisions for Noncompliance and Treaty Value: A Game Theoretic Perspective

We present a game theoretic analysis of the prevention of noncompliance that deals with treaty violations whether they are intentional or not. Game theorists have developed probabilistic trigger schemes to handle such situations. We analyze dispute resolution procedures in subgame perfect trigger terms and suggest alternative designs for the handling of signatory breach. This paper shows that designs can be compared directly by evaluating their ability to keep signatories close to the cooperative goal in the long run. This criterion enables us to highlight the merits of generosity and redress for dispute resolution. Generosity avoids retaliation with certainty so that parties can settle before any retaliatory action is implemented. But if retaliation does come to pass, it is the cost to the victim of punishing the perpetrator that determines a design’s value. Using a simple repeated prisoner’s dilemma framework we find that, in most circumstances, a subgame perfect design that adds concern for the injured party’s redress to the generosity built into a probabilistic trigger scheme yields better treaty value.
Current treatment strategies for multiple myeloma

In recent years, there have been major advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Among previously untreated patients, different combinations of dexamethasone, lenalidomide, thalidomide, and bortezomib have produced overall response rates of 80%-90% with complete response rates of 10%-32%, and remissions are often achieved after only 2 cycles of initiating systemic therapy. Subsequent intensification with high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation has enabled younger patients to achieve partial and complete responses with evidence of prolonged survival. Tandem autologous stem cell transplantation and reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation are under investigation in attempts to improve outcomes. For patients unable to pursue consolidation therapy with stem cell transplantation, remissions obtained with induction therapy can often be extended with the use of maintenance systemic therapy. Despite available therapies, relapse of disease is inevitable for nearly all patients, and treatment strategies with novel agents and novel combinations of established agents are under study.