cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of filial responsibility by elderly Filipino widows and their primary caregivers

This study assessed perceptions of filial responsibility among forty older Filipino mothers and their primary caregiver daughters from two urban and two rural barangays in the town of Los Banos (39 miles southeast of Manila). Using parallel standard structured interview measures, perceptions of filial expectations and filial behaviors were gathered across five categories of parental support: financial and material aid; personal care; service provision; respect; and warmth and affection. Intragenerational comparisons (analyses of variance) showed that widows' reports of actual amount of support received significantly exceeded their expectations for most forms of aid. In contrast, daughters' expectations for level of parental support exceeded their behaviors, but only for the more instrumental forms of aid. Intergenerational comparisons (t-test analyses) revealed that daughters held reliably higher filial expectations for almost all forms of support than did their mothers. Comparisons of reports of actual support showed intergenerational consensus on the whole. Implications of these data for research and intervention in this area are discussed.
The flight from cool: American men and romantic love in the 1950s

The article uses love letters to re-analyze current notions about men and romantic love in the 1950s. Examining advice literature as well as evidence from fiction and film, European and American historians generally describe the 1950s as an era of emotional “formalization” or suppression. A newly analyzed set of 300 love letters by over a dozen American men suggests a much more nuanced view. Some of their letters support scholarly accounts of “remasculinization” in the 1950s, displaying a hard-boiled, tough-guy quality to compensate for challenges to men's roles in the workplace and family. Other men, however, openly expressed their passions, fears, and other feelings. Since these letters were written to the author's mother, they also suggest new potentials and opportunities for “personal” research. Given the paucity of love correspondence in postwar archives, professional historians might find personal collections useful evidence to study the character and dilemmas of modern romance.
Toxicological and Pharmacological Actions of Methacrylate Monomers II: Effects on Isolated Guinea Pig Ileum

Methacrylic acid and 12 methacrylate esters were tested for their effects upon contraction of the isolated guinea pig ileum. Each compound was employed at three concentration levels, ranging from 1:500 to 1:100,000 (v/v), depending upon activity and solubility of the compounds. Most of the compounds, except dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, produced an inhibition of spontaneous contractions of the isolated ileum which antagonized the stimulant actions of both acetylcholine and barium chloride. Although most of the methacrylate effects were readily washed out, 1,3-butylene dimethacrylate produced a relatively irreversible response. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate stimulated the isolated ileum, an effect that was not blocked by 0.1-1 mcg. of atropine/ml. of tissue bath fluid. Those compounds producing inhibition were ranked in order of their relative activities in antagonizing acetylcholine- or barium-induced contraction by determining the approximate molar ratio (i.e., molar concentration of methacrylate per molar concentration of acetylcholine or barium chloride) required to produce 50% inhibition of the stimulant effect of acetylcholine or barium chloride.
Effect of moderate electric field frequency and growth stage on the cell membrane permeability of Lactobacillus acidophilus

Changes in growth kinetics and metabolic activity of microorganisms under the presence of a moderate electric field (MEF) have been hypothesized as being due to temporary permeabilization of cell membranes. We investigated herein the effects of frequency and growth stage on cell membrane permeabilization of Lactobacillus acidophilus OSU 133 during MEF fermentation. Cells were stained with two fluorescent nucleic acid stains: the green, nonselective, cell membrane permeable SYTO 9, and the red, cell membrane impermeable propidium iodide (PI). Fluorescence exhibition post-treatment was assessed using fluorescence microscopy. Total plate counting was done to determine whether or not the permeabilized population represented live cells. Fermentation treatments investigated were conventional (control) and MEF (2 V/cm, 45, 60, 1,000, 10,000 Hz) at 30 degrees C. Studies were conducted at 45 Hz for lag, exponential, and stationary phases of growth. Low frequency MEF treated cells exhibited significantly greater numbers of red cell counts than conventional treatments; further, no significant differences existed in viable counts between MEF and conventional treatments, suggesting that the red counts represent permeabilized live cells. MEF treatments at the early stage of bacterial growth at 45 Hz exhibited the maximum permeabilization followed by treatments at 60 Hz. MEF treated samples at frequencies higher than 60 Hz did not exhibit red fluorescence. Cells at lag phase showed the greatest susceptibility to permeabilization followed by those at exponential phase. No evidence of electroporation was observed during the stationary phase. To our knowledge, these observations provide the first evidence that cell membrane permeabilization occurs under the presence of electric fields as low as those under MEF.
Detection and partial sequence analysis of Helicobacter pylori DNA in the bile samples

The existence ofhelicobacter pylori in the biliary tract was investigated. Seven bile samples were included in this study. Among them, six bile samples were collected by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and the other by needle aspiration during cholecystectomy. Using nested PCR with two sets of primers homologous to the urease A gene,Helicobacter pylori DNA was detected. Three samples, one from a patient with advanced gastric cancer involving the pancreatic head and two from patients with pancreatic head tumor, were found to be positive forHelicobacter pylori DNA. On the other hand, three samples from patients with cholangiocarcinoma and one from a patient with chronic cholecystitis were all negative. To further verify the specificity of our PCR analysis, partial sequences of the PCR products from the three positive samples were analyzed by direct sequencing. Several silent mutations and a missense mutation (AAA to AGA; Lys-164 to Arg-164) were identified in the urease A gene. We conclude thatHelicobacter pylori DNA can be easily detected in the bile samples. The possibility of asymptomatic cholangitis caused by this organism requires further investigation.
Renegotiation and conflict resolution in relational contracting

Abstract Renegotiation and conflict resolution are studied in relational contracting under subjective evaluation. Renegotiation has three effects. First, it makes the incentive pay scheme low powered: the maximum variation of compensation across performance levels is compressed and the contract is less extreme compared to the case without renegotiation. This effect is stronger when the players are less patient. Second, renegotiation typically renders termination impossible; the contract relies on a “low-morale” mechanism to enforce mutual cooperation. Finally, renegotiation compels the players to resolve their conflicts by selecting a contract that maximizes the lowest possible surplus along the path of the contract.
Conventions and gaming in Las Vegas: friends, enemies, or strangers?

As cities look at various industries to strengthen their economies, officials have begun to examine conventions and gaming more closely as they have often been considered “recession-proof.” This study utilizes time series regression to analyze the effects of convention attendance and hotel occupancy on monthly gaming revenues for Las Vegas from 2002 to 2013. Three commonly held opposing viewpoints in trade literature are that conventions reduce, augment, or complement gaming. These viewpoints produced the hypotheses for this study. It was found that convention attendance had no significant relationship with gaming revenue; however, citywide hotel occupancy was found to have a significant positive relationship with gaming revenue. This finding rules out the reduction and augmentation hypotheses.
Critical Care Management in Cirrhosis

The critical care management of cirrhotic patients involves a multidisciplinary team approach, including the hepatologist and intensivist, to address life-threatening complications and to provide comprehensive care for multi-organ failure commonly seen in these patients. A systematic approach to the diagnosis and therapy of multi-organ system dysfunction is essential to optimize the intensive care management of these complex patients, with a goal to stabilize them for possible liver transplantation. This review provides a system-based approach for the intensive care management of critically ill cirrhotic patients.
Reinforcement of gametic isolation in Drosophila.

Reinforcement, a process by which natural selection increases reproductive isolation between populations, has been suggested to be an important force in the formation of new species. However, all existing cases of reinforcement involve an increase in mate discrimination between species. Here, I report the first case of reinforcement of postmating prezygotic isolation (i.e., barriers that act after mating but before fertilization) in animals. On the slopes of the African island of Sao Tome, Drosophila yakuba and its endemic sister species D. santomea hybridize within a well-demarcated hybrid zone. I find that D. yakuba females from within this zone, but not from outside it, show an increase in gametic isolation from males of D. santomea, an apparent result of natural selection acting to reduce maladaptive hybridization between species. To determine whether such a barrier could evolve under laboratory conditions, I exposed D. yakuba lines derived from allopatric populations to experimental sympatry with D. santomea, and found that both behavioral and gametic isolation become stronger after only four generations. Reinforcement thus appears to be the best explanation for the heightened gametic isolation seen in sympatry. This appears to be the first example in animals in which natural selection has promoted the evolution of stronger interspecific genetic barriers that act after mating but before fertilization. This suggests that many other genetic barriers between species have been increased by natural selection but have been overlooked because they are difficult to study.
N-terminal substitutions in HIV-1 gp41 reduce the expression of non-trimeric envelope glycoproteins on the virus.

Abstract The native, functional HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) complex is a trimer of two non-covalently associated subunits: the gp120 surface glycoprotein and the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein. However, various non-functional forms of Env are present on virus particles and HIV-1-infected cells, some of which probably arise as the native complex decays. The aberrant forms include gp120–gp41 monomers and oligomers, as well as gp41 subunits from which gp120 has dissociated. The presence of non-functional Env creates binding sites for antibodies that do not recognize native Env complexes and that are, therefore, non-neutralizing. Non-native Env forms (monomers, dimers, tetramers and aggregates) can also arise when soluble gp140 proteins, lacking the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of gp41, are expressed for vaccine studies. We recently identified five amino acids in the gp41 N-terminal region (I535, Q543, S553, K567 and R588) that promote gp140 trimerization. We have now studied their influence on the function and antigenic properties of JR-FL Env expressed on the surfaces of pseudoviruses and Env-transfected cells. The 5 substitutions in gp41 reduce the expression of non-trimeric gp160s, without affecting trimer levels. Pseudovirions bearing the mutant Env are fully infectious with similar kinetics of Env-mediated fusion. Various non-neutralizing antibodies bind less strongly to the Env mutant, but neutralizing antibody binding is unaffected. Hence the gp41 substitutions do not adversely affect Env structure, supporting their use for making new Env-based vaccines. The mutant Env might also help in studies intended to correlate antibody binding to virus neutralization. Of note is that the 5 residues are much more frequent, individually or collectively, in viruses from subtypes other than B.
Theory of layered Ising models. II. Spin correlation functions parallel to the layering

We study the spin correlation $〈{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{00}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0N}〉$, which is expressable as a block Toeplitz determinant, of a nth-order layered Ising model, in the direction parallel to the layering. The generating function of this block Toeplitz determinant can be written as a scalar function times a 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 matrix whose elements are nth-order trigonometric polynomials. We show that it is possible to calculate asymptotically for large $N$ the block Toeplitz determinant generated by such a matrix function. As an example we compute, for large $N$, $〈{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{00}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0N}〉$ for the second-order layered Ising model whose horizontal bonds are all equal and whose vertical bonds between the jth row and (j + 1)th row is ${E}_{2}$, if $j$ even and ${E}_{2}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, if $j$ odd.
Turbulent propagation of premixed flames in the presence of Darrieus–Landau instability

We investigate the role played by hydrodynamic instability in the wrinkled flamelet regime of turbulent combustion, where the intensity of turbulence is small compared to the laminar flame speed and the scale large compared to the flame thickness. To this end the Michelson–Sivashinsky (MS) equation for flame front propagation in one and two spatial dimensions is studied in the presence of uncorrelated and correlated noise representing a turbulent flow field. The combined effect of turbulence intensity, integral scale, and an instability parameter related to the Markstein length are examined and turbulent propagation speed monitored for both stable planar flames and corrugated flames for which the planar conformation is unstable. For planar flames a particularly simple scaling law emerges, involving quadratic dependence on intensity and a linear dependence on the degree of instability. For corrugated flames we find the dependence on intensity to be substantially weaker than quadratic, revealing that corrug...
The role of tau in neurodegeneration

Since the identification of tau as the main component of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies, and the discovery that mutations in the tau gene cause frontotemporal dementia, much effort has been directed towards determining how the aggregation of tau into fibrillar inclusions causes neuronal death. As evidence emerges that tau-mediated neuronal death can occur even in the absence of tangle formation, a growing number of studies are focusing on understanding how abnormalities in tau (e.g. aberrant phosphorylation, glycosylation or truncation) confer toxicity. Though data obtained from experimental models of tauopathies strongly support the involvement of pathologically modified tau and tau aggregates in neurodegeneration, the exact neurotoxic species remain unclear, as do the mechanism(s) by which they cause neuronal death. Nonetheless, it is believed that tau-mediated neurodegeneration is likely to result from a combination of toxic gains of function as well as from the loss of normal tau function. To truly appreciate the detrimental consequences of aberrant tau function, a better understanding of all functions carried out by tau, including but not limited to the role of tau in microtubule assembly and stabilization, is required. This review will summarize what is currently known regarding the involvement of tau in the initiation and development of neurodegeneration in tauopathies, and will also highlight some of the remaining questions in need of further investigation.
Disulfide cross-linked phosphorylcholine micelles for triggered release of camptothecin.

A series of block copolymers based on 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Incorporation of dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) into the hydrophobic block led to formation of block copolymer micelles in water. The micelles were between 15 and 30 nm in diameter, as characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), with some size control achieved by adjusting the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance. Cross-linked micelles were prepared by disulfide formation, and observed to be stable in solution for weeks. The micelles proved amenable to disassembly when treated with a reducing agent, such as dithiothreitol (DTT), and represent a potential delivery platform for chemotherapeutic agents. As a proof-of-concept, camptothecin (CPT) was conjugated to the polymer scaffold through a disulfide linkage, and release of the drug from the micelle was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. These CPT-loaded prodrug micelles showed a re...
SU‐FF‐T‐43: Feasibility of Using Radioactive Bone Cement to Treat Vertebral Metastases

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of using radioactive bone cement to delivertherapeuticradiation to the vertebral body without undue risk to the spinal cord, i.e. vertebral brachytherapy.Method and Materials: CT‐scan based Monte Carlo N‐Particle radiation transport models, consisting of a three‐dimensional rectangular lattice of 0.625×0.625×1.25‐mm voxels, were created of a T‐12 human cadaveric vertebra. Trabecular and cortical bone were both represented by a spectrum of thirty complementary volume fractions of solid cortical bone and bone marrow, and all soft tissue was represented as a single material. A cylindrical volume of radioactive bone cement was simulated within the model, and two candidate radioisotopes were studied: P‐32 and Sr‐89. Thirty million particle histories were simulated (MCNPX v.2.5.0) to characterize the dose distribution within the vertebral body. Results: The dose distributions for both radioisotopes were axisymmetric about the cement implant and rapidly decreased with increasing distance from the cement. Initial activities of 0.94 mCi and 0.51 mCi for P‐32 and Sr‐89, respectively, would deliver >300 Gy to bone within 1.6 mm of the cement implant and >80 Gy to bone within 2.8 mm, while keeping the dose at 3.4 mm under 45 Gy. Conclusion: The predicted dose distributions show that a therapeuticradiationdose would be delivered to all bone within ∼3 mm of the cement without undue risk to tissue beyond 3.4 mm (such as the spinal cord), indicating preliminary feasibility of this technique. With further development, this technology may yield a clinically‐feasible procedure that would eliminate the need for 10 radiotherapy sessions, making it convenient for the patient, while potentially improving the clinical outcome by delivering a higher dose to the tumor and a lower dose to the spinal cord than conventional radiotherapy. Conflict of Interest (only if applicable): Research sponsored by Bone‐Rad Therapeutics, Inc.
Electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves in a two-ion component plasma

The excitation of electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) waves is studied in a single-ended Q machine in a two-ion component plasma (Ca/sup +/ and K/sup +/). Over a large range of relative concentrations of Ca/sup +/ and K/sup +/ ions, two modes are excited with frequencies greater than the respective cyclotron frequencies of the ions. The results are discussed in terms of a fluid theory of electrostatic ion cyclotron waves in a two-ion component plasma. >
Directed self-assembly of hetero-nanoparticles using a polymer single crystal template

Hetero-nanoparticles represent a new class of nanomaterials exhibiting intriguing multifunctional and collective properties which could find applications in photovoltaics, fuel-cell catalysis, medical imaging and therapy, and electronics. In this paper, we report a novel polymer-single-crystal-templating (PSCryT) approach for the controllable synthesis of hetero-nanoparticles. 2D polymer single crystals are used to direct self-assembly of nanoparticles, yielding bicomponent Fe3O4–Pt, Fe3O4–Au, SiO2–Pt, and SiO2–Au and tricomponent Fe3O4–Pt–Au hetero-nanoparticles with fine-tuned structures. The as-synthesized hetero-nanoparticles possess collective properties derived from the interface between different particles. For example, compared with pure Pt nanoparticles, Fe3O4–Pt showed enhanced catalytic activity when used in 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction. The PSCryT method is simple, versatile and can be performed in a rational, step-wise manner under mild synthesis conditions. It therefore provides a great opportunity for the development of designer hetero-nanoparticles targeted for various applications.
HIGHLY SELECTIVE OLEFIN EPOXIDATION WITH MANGANESE TRIAZACYCLONONANE COMPLEXES : IMPACT OF LIGAND SUBSTITUTION

Manganese complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane with different substituents catalyze the selective epoxidation of a large number of olefins to epoxides with H2O2. The activities of complexes with methyl (L1), 2-hydroxybutyl (L2) and acetato (L3) substituents are compared. The effects of solvent and temperature on the epoxide yield are very different for the three complexes. It is proposed that these differences are related to the binding of the pendant arms in MnL2 and MnL3 complexes. In general, acetone or methanol are preferred solvents. Variations of stereoretention are also observed: with MnL1 in acetone, isomer scrambling occurs, while with MnL1 in methanol, the epoxidation is almost stereospecific. UV-visible and electron spin resonance spectroscopy are used to characterize the state of manganese under oxidizing conditions.
Robustness of gene expression profiling in glioma specimen samplings and derived cell lines

One of the most promising applications of microarrays is class distinction through gene expression profiling as a diagnostic tool. However, as there is apparent spatial heterogeneity in the morphology of cancer cells within a tumor, it is unclear if tumor sampling can be applied and yield consistent signals. In this report, we examined six brain tumors, four glioblastoma, and two oligodendroglioma biopsies. The six brain tumor tissues from two distinct different classes were dissected in four distinct areas and gene expression was profiled using microarrays. We used hierarchical clustering to compare the variability of gene expression profiles between spatially distinct biopsies of the same tumor as compared to the variability between tumors of the same histologic group. We conclude that, in general, repeat spatially distinct samples are not needed for microarray experiments and the gene expression signatures are robust across the tumor. Predominantly, variation was much greater between samples from different patients than from the multiple samplings of given tumor. Further, we compared biopsy expression profiles to the cell lines derived from those tissues. In general, the tumor cell lines vary greatly from the parental tissues and cluster more strongly with each other than the parental tissue. We select and examine the set of genes altered in expression to allow adaptation to cell culture.
CO on Pt(335): Vibrational stark effect, mode coupling, and local field effects on a stepped surface.

Abstract We have studied CO on Pt(335) using infrared diode laser spectroscopy and electric field modulation. The spectra cover the 2000–2160 cm−1 range. The Pt(335) surface is stepped, with (111) terraces four atoms wide. At low coverage only one species is observed: CO adsorbed on step edges. In terms of the applied field, the Stark tuning rate of a low coverage of this species is (6.0 ± 0.8) × 10−7cm−1/(V/cm). At the same coverage, the screened dynamic dipole moment ~e = (0.94 ± 0.11)e. The rate calculated from ~e is (7.0 ± 1.1) × 10−7cm−1/(V/cm), agreement with the measured value. At higher coverages te also observed. Terrace CO is similar to CO on Pt(111) in vibrational frequency, dynamic dipole moment and desorption temperature. However, the Stark tuning rate of terrace CO is at least an order of magnitude smaller than expected. We discuss why the tuning rate might be so small. When both species are present, the vibrational spectra are strongly affected by dipole-dipole coupling. As a result, the electroreflectance spectrum is not the derivative of the polarization modulation spectrum. The spectra are analyzed using a phenomenological coupled-oscillator model. Fitting the spectra to the model, we find that for CO adsorbed on step edges, the Stark tuning rate in terms of local field is(7.5 ± 2.0) × 10−7cm−1/(V/cm), independent of coverage. The saturation coverage clean surface at 300 K is (8.3 ± 0.6) × 1014 cm−2. With saturation coverage of CO the linewidth is very small, only 4.5–5.0 cm−1 FWHM, even though the sample is at 300 K. Also, while cleaning the surface, we observed a correlation between Sn coverage and saturation coverage of CO. One possible explanation for the correlation, although not proven, is that Sn blocks CO adsorption sites. If so, the data suggests that each Sn atom blocks 11 ± 6 CO adsorption sites, which may explain how Sn helps prevent CO poisoning of Pt electrodes in fuel cells.
Origins of randomness in statistical and quantum mechanics

There are three major sources of the 'randomness' underlying noise phenomena. These are the random outcomes of quantum 'measurement' processes, the random ensembles of statistical mechanics, and the algorithmic complexity of many dynamical processes. Here I dwell on the possible connections between the first two sources of randomness. It is often held that the empirical irreversibility of quantum measurement arises from statistical mechanics. I present somewhat speculative arguments that in fact the irreversible approach to statistical ensembles may be rooted in an irreversible quantum decoherence process.
Abstract 4588: Frequency and clinical characteristics ofc-METmutation in malignant melanoma

Purpose: C-MET is over-expressed in metastatic melanoma and have copy number gains at chromosome 7 in late stages of melanoma progression. However, the presence of C-MET mutation is not well known in melanoma. We analyzed tumor samples of patients with malignant melanoma to identify the frequency and the clinicopathology of C-MET mutations. Methods: We identified 103 patients with metastatic mutation who underwent testing for c-MET mutation and reviewed the clinical data of these patients. The sequencing analyses were performed by Sequenom Assay, and the mutations were confirmed with Sanger Sequencing analysis. Clinical characteristics were correlated with C-MET mutation status, and a survival analysis was performed to identify significant associations. Results Among the 103 patients, eleven (11%) patients had melanoma harboring a C-MET mutation. Five (4.5%) patients had N375S mutation; two (1.8%) patients had R988C mutation; two (1.8%) had T1010I; one (1%) patient had H1112R and another patient had N375/T1010 mutation. A median age at diagnosis, sex, race and the status of ulceration at the primary site and the stages at diagnosis were similar between patients with a C-MET mutation and those with wild type. There were no significant differences in the overall survival from the time of stage IV diagnosis between the two groups, but there was a trend of a shorter median duration from the time of the initial diagnosis to distant metastases among patients with a C-MET mutation. (23.6 months vs. 15.9 months, p=0.09). Conclusions We found C-MET mutations in 11% of patients with malignant melanoma. There was a tendency to have distant metastasis at an earlier time in patients with a C-MET mutation. This is the first report describing the frequency and clinical characteristics of C-MET mutations in patients with malignant melanoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4588. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4588
Osteochondroma presenting as a neck mass: A case report†

Osteochondromas are benign bone tumors which rarely present as neck masses. This report reviews the literature and presents the case of a 10-year-old girl with a neck mass and hoarseness due to an osteochondroma of the cervical spine. An extensive diagnostic evaluation and partial surgical excision were necessary. Although rare, osteochondromas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a firm neck mass. Surgical excision of these lesions is recommended.
Field examination of ground water quality as an indicator of microbiological activity at gasoline contaminated sites

Various portable electrodes and an on-line colorimetric test kit were used in the field to examine ground water quality as an indicator of natural bioremediation across two sites in Connecticut having subsurface gasoline contamination. The parameters examined included dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, direct redox potential (Eh), nitrate, ammonia and pH. These parameters permitted delineating regions of aerobic and anaerobic microbiological activity. Variations in these parameters over an eighteen month period along with gas chromatographic analyses of certain gasoline components in the ground water indicated that in-situ bioremediation was effective at containing the petroleum contamination at both sites. It was found that a new on-line colorimetric test kit for the determination of oxygen was more accurate than a commonly used dissolved oxygen electrode.
Development of the frontal bone and cranial meninges in the embryonic chick: An experimental study of tissue interactions

The frontal region of the embryonic chick was studied to determine whether epithelial influences are necessary for frontal bone development. The frontal bone is a membrane bone, of neural crest and head mesodermal origin, which develops within mesenchyme sandwiched between two epithelia, neural ectoderm and epidermis. Rudiments were treated enzymatically to separate epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Frontal mesenchyme then was grown as chorioallantoic membrane grafts either in the presence or absence of neural ectoderm and/or epidermis. The results indicate that neural ectoderm, though required during early stages of development to induce frontal bone development (Schowing, 1968), is not required during later stages (HH 22-30, the stages tested in this study) for osteogenesis. Epidermis, however, was shown to be required for frontal bone development during the stages tested. Frontal mesenchyme formed bone when epidermis was present on the outer aspect of the mesenchyme, and did not form bone when the epidermis had been removed prior to grafting, whether or not neural ectoderm was present. This dependence upon epidermis continues beyond the onset of meningeal differentiation. Once the outer ectomeninx-dermis is distinguishable from the inner endomeninx, osteogenic capabilities are confined to the ectomeninx-dermis layer. Furthermore, the ectomeninx-dermis layer attached to epidermis is able to form membrane bone in the absence of the endomeninx and neural ectoderm. The endomeninx, though normally nonchondrogenic, was shown to be capable of forming cartilage when the neural ectoderm is removed. Neural ectoderm, therefore, may have an inhibitory effect on chondrogenesis in the endomeninx.
The computation of a general equilibrium in a public goods economy

This paper presents an algorithm for computing approximations to a certain subset of Pareto optimal allocations in a public goods economy. Consumers are partitioned into a number of exogenous governmental jurisdictions, which provide public goods locally and raise revenue to cover their costs by means of a proportional wealth tax. The Pareto optimal allocations studied are consistent with profit maximization on the part of producers, and utility maximization over private goods bundles subject to after-tax budget constraints by consumers. The computational routine is based on the Scarf algorithm for computing fixed points.
Left and right hemisphere involvement in speech perception: electrophysiological correlates.

Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) were recorded from the left and right hemispheres of 10 adults who were listening to a series of auditory stimuli which varied along linguistic and acoustic dimensions. Discrete components of the brain’s electrical response to these different stimuli were isolated and identified. Phonetic distinctions based on transitional elements occurred only in the left hemisphere. Other cortical components were identified which were sensitive to hemisphere differences, place of articulation cues, and formant bandwidth. One component of the brain’s activity reflected hand preferences independently of hemispheric differences.
Development of a new biochemical assay for assessing toxicity in invertebrate and fish sperm

Abstract The resazurin assay has been used in a limited manner to evaluate sperm quality in humans and some domestic animals. We have enhanced the sensitivity of the assay by measuring fluorescence instead of absorbance and have adapted it to sperm samples from marine organisms (sea urchins, scallops, fish) to measure tributyltin (TBT) toxicity. Sea urchin, capelin and scallop semen showed measurable levels of activity and an acceptable variation coefficient was obtained while assessing TBT inhibition. As mitochondria seem to be the main target of organotin toxicity, the sensitivity of the resazurin bioassay was compared to TBT effects on sea urchin sperm cell and rat liver mitochondria respiration rates. The resazurin sperm assay was more sensitive to TBT (EC50=0.09 ppm) than respiration rates of sea urchin semen (EC50=9.25 ppm). This information was confirmed by TBT levels showing an uncoupling effect on rat liver mitochondria. Significant differences were observed between monthly sea urchin sperm activities showing that the resazurin test is obviously a parameter varying with seasonal sperm quality.
Cash Flow Effects of the Saskatchewan Short‐Term Hog Loan Program

The Saskatchewan short-term hog loan program of 2002 provided a nonmarket credit-line to participating hog producers. The repayment conditions for cash advances committed to by the provincial government depend on later hog prices, and so the program has derivative contract attributes. We model the contracts and use an estimated spot price stochastic process to establish summary statistics for producer benefits from the program. Le programme de pret a court terme que la Saskatchewan a offert a ses producteurs de porcs en 2002 comprenait une ligne de credit non marchande. Comme les modalites de remboursement des avances de fonds engagees par le gouvernement provincial dependent du prix futur du porc, ce programme possede les caracteristiques d'un instrument derive. Nous avons modelise les contrats et nous avons utilise un processus stochastique pour estimer le prix au comptant en vue d'etablir des statistiques sommaires sur les avantages que les producteurs retirent de ce programme.
Evaluation of Different Field-Flow Fractionation Techniques for Separating Bacteria

Field-flow fractionation (FFF) techniques were used to separate various strains of bacteria and differentiate live from dead bacteria. The sedimentation, flow, and electrical FFF separations were accomplished in less than 15 minutes using the rapid hyperlayer mode. The bacteria used in these studies include Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Sedimentation FFF gives the highest resolution separations of a mixture of spherical and rod-shaped bacteria, and a mixture of two rod-shaped bacteria.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and glucose homeostasis

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is inappropriately activated in obesity. In individuals at risk for diabetes, RAAS inhibition protects against kidney and heart disease, and also reduces the incidence of diabetes in large clinical trials. At a cellular level, angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone induce insulin resistance by increasing oxidative stress and altering insulin signaling, leading to decreased glucose transport. Ang II also contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in pancreatic β cells. Aldosterone diminishes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro from isolated pancreatic islets and cultured β cells through a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-independent mechanism. We review these findings in the context of pharmacological strategies interrupting the RAAS to highlight the potential application of these strategies to the prevention of diabetes progression.
A Frequency Accurate Temporal Derivative Finite Difference Approximation

A method is presented for designing temporal derivative finite difference approximations that achieve specified accuracy in the frequency domain. A general average value approximation with undetermined coefficients is fitted in the spatial frequency domain to attain the desired properties of the approximation. A set of constraints to insure that the approximation convergences as the grid spacing approaches zero and satisfies the Lax Equivalence Theorem are imposed on the fitted coefficients. The specification of the underlying partial differential equation is required in order to replace the temporal frequency domain dependence of the approximation with an explicit spatial frequency domain relation based on the dispersion relation of the PDE. A practical design of the approximations is pursued using an heuristic zero placement method which results in a linear matrix formulation.
Association between Campylobacter Infection and Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a neurologic disease that produces ascending paralysis, affects people all over the world. Acute infectious illnesses precede 50%-75% of the GBS cases. Although many infectious agents have been associated with GBS, the strongest documented association is with Campylobacter infection. The first line of evidence supporting Campylobacter infection as a trigger of GBS is anecdotal reports. The second line of evidence is serologic surveys, which have demonstrated that sera from GBS patients contain anti-Campylobacter jejuni antibodies, consistent with recent infection. Finally, culture studies have proven that a high proportion of GBS patients have C. jejuni in their stools at the time of onset of neurologic symptoms. Neurologic symptoms are more severe and more likely to be irreversible when GBS is preceded by C. jejuni infection. One of every 1058 Campylobacter infections results in GBS, and 1 of 158 Campylobacter type O:19 infections results in GBS.
Immunological Consequences of Interleukin 12 Administration after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Purpose: The purpose is to determine the immunological effects of recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-12 therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation. Experimental Design: Twelve patients (8 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 2 Hodgkin’s disease, and 2 plasma cell myeloma) were treated with rhIL-12 by bolus i.v. injection in doses of 30, 100, or 250 ng/kg starting at a median of 66 days posttransplant. Immunological assays were performed using serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples obtained on study. Results: Dose-dependent increases in the total lymphocyte count occurred during rhIL-12 therapy. The absolute number of peripheral blood CD4 T cells increased up to 16.3-fold, CD8 T cells up to 20.5-fold, B cells up to 11-fold, and natural killer (NK) cells up to 12.3-fold during rhIL-12 administration and returned to pretreatment baseline levels after discontinuation of rhIL-12. CD56 bright NK cells expanded dramatically in the blood of a patient with baseline lymphopenia before rhIL-12 therapy. In vitro proliferation of patient PBMCs in response to IL-12 was indistinguishable from that of PBMCs obtained from healthy control sub-jects. Moreover, spontaneous in vitro proliferation of patient PBMCs increased significantly during rhIL-12 therapy. Increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-18 were detected in the serum of patients treated in the 100 and 250 ng/kg dose cohorts during the first multiple dose cycle. Conclusions: Expansion of T, B, and NK cells occurs in vivo during rhIL-12 therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies. In contrast to their striking defect in IL-12-induced IFN-γ production, posttransplant patient PBMCs exhibit normal proliferative responses to IL-12 in vitro . Additional investigation of rhIL-12 for posttransplantation immunotherapy is warranted.
THE ORDINARY LANGUAGE BASIS FOR CONTEXTUALISM, AND THE NEW INVARIANTISM

I present the features of the ordinary use of ‘knows’ that make a compelling case for the contextualist account of that verb, and I outline and defend the methodology that takes us from the data to a contextualist conclusion. Along the way, the superiority of contextualism over subject-sensitive invariantism is defended, and, in the final section, I answer some objections to contextualism.
Biblical Exegesis and the Jewish-Christian Controversy in the Early Twelfth Century

In the prologue to his commentary on Leviticus composed in the mid- twelfth century, the reformist abbot Ralph of Flaix noted with anxiety the effect on his monks of Jewish argumentation against Christian exegesis of the Old Testament:
Pharyngeal flap surgery: protocols, complications, and outcomes at the University of Iowa.

Objective We sought to assess complication rates and speech outcomes in patients undergoing pharyngeal flap surgery. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective chart and database review at a tertiary craniofacial center. Patients Eighty-seven patients were identified as having pharyngeal flaps between January 1990 and December 2000. Results Complications were rare, with an overall rate of 3.4% for all children. Craniofacial database records were identified with a follow-up examination between 2 and 5 years. Forty-four patients were identified. Of this group, 81.8% demonstrated no evidence of hypernasality or mild hypernasality, and 84.1% demonstrated no evidence of hyponasality or only mild hyponasality. Preoperative and postoperative assessments showed a statistically significant difference in hypernasality at P < 0.001 with no significant difference in hyponasality. Conclusions Although sphincter pharyngoplasty procedures have gained a great deal of attention in the recent otolaryngologic literature, pharyngeal-flap procedures remain a valuable tool in the hands of surgeons dealing with velopharyngeal incompetence.
PhhR, a divergently transcribed activator of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recently found to possess a cluster of structural genes encoding phenylalanine hydroxylase (PhhA), carbinolamine dehydratase (PhhB), and aromatic aminotransferase (PhhC). We now report the presence, in the flanking upstream region, of a divergently transcribed gene (phhR) encoding an activator protein. Inactivation of phhR markedly reduced expression of the structural genes. PhhR belongs to the large prokaryote family of sigma 54 enhancer-binding proteins, and activation of the phh operon by PhhR in P. aeruginosa required rpoN. The closest homologues of PhhR are the TyrR proteins from Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae. E. coli TyrR is an unusual member of the homologue family in that the transcriptional units regulated by tyrR are driven by sigma 70 promoters. P. aeruginosa phhR was able to replace E. coli tyrR as a repressor of the aroF-tyrA operon (but not as an activator of mtr) in the heterologous E. coli system. Two regions that resemble E. coli TyrR boxes were identified in the intervening region between phhR and phhA. We propose that one or both boxes may be the target of PhhR acting as an autogenous repressor at a sigma 70 promoter in one direction. In the other direction, one or both boxes may be the upstream activator sequence targeted by PhhR to facilitate expression of the phh operon from a sigma 54 promoter. The phh operon was strongly induced in fructose- or glucose-based minimal medium by L-phenylalanine. Inactivation of phhR in P. aeruginosa abolished ability to utilize either L-phenylalanine or L-tyrosine as a sole source of carbon for growth.
Toward chaperone-assisted crystallography: protein engineering enhancement of crystal packing and X-ray phasing capabilities of a camelid single-domain antibody (VHH) scaffold

A crystallization chaperone is an auxiliary protein that binds to a target of interest, enhances and modulates crystal packing, and provides high-quality phasing information. We critically evaluated the effectiveness of a camelid single-domain antibody (VHH) as a crystallization chaperone. By using a yeast surface display system for VHH, we successfully introduced additional Met residues in the core of the VHH scaffold. We identified a set of SeMet-labeled VHH variants that collectively produced six new crystal forms as the complex with the model antigen, RNase A. The crystals exhibited monoclinic, orthorhombic, triclinic, and tetragonal symmetry and have one or two complexes in the asymmetric unit, some of which diffracted to an atomic resolution. The phasing power of the Met-enriched VHH chaperone allowed for auto-building the entire complex using single-anomalous dispersion technique (SAD) without the need for introducing SeMet into the target protein. We show that phases produced by combining SAD and VHH model-based phases are accurate enough to easily solve structures of the size reported here, eliminating the need to collect multiple wavelength multiple-anomalous dispersion (MAD) data. Together with the presence of high-throughput selection systems (e.g., phage display libraries) for VHH, the enhanced VHH domain described here will be an excellent scaffold for producing effective crystallization chaperones.
Redox-initiated cationic polymerization: The diaryliodonium salt/benzoin redox couple

A new redox couple based on the copper-catalyzed reduction of diaryliodonium salts with benzoins has been used to initiate cationic polymerizations of cyclic ethers and esters. A proposed mechanism for initiation by this redox couple is based on its stoichiometry and on the nature of the products. It was concluded that initiation of polymerization occurs both by direct arylation of the monomer and by protonation by strong Bronsted acids. The polymerization of several typical cationically polymerizable monomers using this new redox initiator were studied.
The Multipredator Hypothesis and the Evolutionary Persistence of Antipredator Behavior

Isolation from predators affects prey behavior, morphology, and life history, but there is tremendous variation in the time course of these responses. Previous hypotheses to explain this variation have limited predictive ability. I develop a ‘multipredator’ hypothesis to explain the evolutionary persistence of antipredator behavior after the loss of some, but not all, of a species’ predators. The hypothesis assumes pleiotropy, whereby elements of antipredator behavior may function in non-predatory situations, and linkage, such that genes influencing the expression of antipredator behavior do not assort independently. The hypothesis is restricted to species with multiple predators (most species) and aims to predict the conditions under which antipredator behavior will persist following the loss of one or more of a species’ predators. I acknowledge that the relative costs of non-functional antipredator behavior will influence the likelihood of linkage and therefore persistence. The hypothesis makes two main predictions. First, genes responsible for antipredator behavior will not be scattered throughout the genome but rather may be found close together on the same chromosome(s). Secondly, the presence of any predators may be sufficient to maintain antipredator behavior for missing predators. Advances in behavioral genetics will allow tests of the first prediction, while studies of geographic variation in antipredator behavior provide some support for the second.