cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Characterization of Diabetic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective: We reported a differential pattern of vascular remodeling in type 2 diabetic mice, in which conduit arteries exhibited a characteristic increase in vessel stiffness, but coronary arterio...
Spectral properties of the operator describing EM wave propagation in anisotropic dielectric guiding structures with arbitrary transversal inhomogeneity

A brief mathematical characterization and resulting physical interpretation of EM wave propagation in anisotropic waveguides is presented. It is based on spectral and functional analysis of the operator acting in a, suitably chosen Hilbert space. Analytical form of this operator is derived from Maxwell's equations reduced to the eigenproblem for unknown transversal magnetic field components of the guided mode and its propagation constant. Numerical examples demonstrating analyzed features of the guided modes will be shown. A new convenient normalization of physical parameters of anisotropic waveguides with nonaligned optical axes is also proposed.
An exploratory study of using 3D avatars as online salespeople: The effect of avatar type on credibility, homophily, attractiveness and intention to interact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ perceptions of using different types of 3D animated avatars as salespeople based on credibility, homophily, attractiveness and intention to interact. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey method, participants (n=120) evaluated four types of 3D animated avatars (i.e. human, fantasy, animal and humanoid) based on the supposition the avatars would represent a salesperson for an online retailer. Findings – The results show that avatar type has a significant influence on the perception of credibility, homophily, and attractiveness. Furthermore, credibility, homophily, and attractiveness significantly influence the intention to interact with the avatar. Overall, the human avatar was found to be perceived as the most credible, homophilous, attractive and was regarded as the highest in relation to intention to interact. Originality/value – The practical and theoretical implications are discussed to offer guidance to online retailers, graphic desi...
Quantitative study of reliable communication infrastructure in smart grid NAN

In smart grid communications, neighborhood area network (NAN) lies in one of the most important sections. Reliability in NAN plays a critical role in providing assured services. In this extended abstract, we investigate the reliability aspects of communication infrastructure in NAN. We also provide quantitative analysis study on the related reliability issues of the communication infrastructure. Theme to this paper: •Reliable Communication Networks for Real-Time and Cyber Physical Systems •Network Reliability Analysis •Communication Networks as an Element of Critical Infrastructures.
A Critique of 'Tangibility' as the Basis for Property Rules

Kaplow and Shavell have recently claimed that property rules tend to protect tangible entitlements more efficiently than do liability rules. They argue that while liability rules tend to efficiently harness the defendant's private information when courts are imperfectly informed as to litigants' valuations of intangible entitlements, this harnessing effect does not apply to tangible entitlements for two reasons. First, they argue that the prospect of multiple takings (by others or even the original entitlement holder taking back the entitlement) makes it impossible to implement liability rules with regard to tangible entitlements. Second, they argue that liability rules cannot harness private information when the disputants' valuations are correlated and that valuations of tangibles tend to be more correlated than valuations of intangibles. In this essay, we reject both the multiple-takings and the correlated-value claims. Our thesis is that, while both present real problems of implementation, the authors' own harnessing result can be extended to redeem the usefulness of liability rules even when values are correlated and even when there is the prospect of multiple takings. We will show that, even in the presence of these problems, enlightened courts can manipulate the damages that takers expect to pay so as to induce efficient takings. The authors' numeric examples purporting to show the dominance of property rules systematically understate the potential efficiency of liability rules. Their examples compare the more efficient property rules to liability rules that use inefficient damages and systematically delegate allocative authority to the less efficient litigant. If the more appropriate comparisons are made, in all of Kaplow and Shavell's examples liability rules (which anticipate non-consensual takings) dominate property rules.
Growth characteristics underlying the lack of a chin in pigs: a histomorphometric study

Structured Abstract Objectives Despite similar mandibular growth to that of humans, pigs lack a chin projection as shown in most humans. To understand whether this divergence is contributed to differences in local symphyseal growth, this project characterized bone modeling activities at the symphyseal surfaces of juvenile pigs. Material and Methods Symphyseal specimens from two age groups (4- and 6-month-old, n = 10) were processed into histological sections with and without decalcification, which were assessed for surface mineral apposition and bone resorption, respectively. In a blinded fashion, measurements of four parameters (MAR: mineral apposition rate, MAZ: mineral apposition zone, ES/BS: eroded surface and OC.N/BS: osteoclast number) were obtained and tested by a multivariate two-way mixed-model analyses of variance (manova) for the differences between symphyseal regions and ages. Results Qualitatively, pig symphyseal labial and lingual surfaces were horizontally oriented and characterized by mineral apposition and bone resorption, respectively. Quantitatively, labial mineral apposition tended to be greater rostrally than caudally at 4 months, which became greater caudally than rostrally at 6 months (region/age interactions: p = 0.127 for MAR, p = 0.012 for MAZ). Lingual bone resorption tended to be greater caudally than rostrally, but only ES/BS measurements were significant (p = 0.039) regardless of age, while OC.N/BS measurements varied with ages and regions (age/region interaction, p = 0.087). Conclusions Insufficient differential in symphyseal surface modeling between the labial–caudal and labial–rostral regions contributes to the lack of chin projection in the pig.
Influence of dilute impurities on the evolution of defect cascades in nickel

Abstract We have employed transmission electron microscopy to study the formation of vacancy-type dislocation loops from defect cascades produced by a 50 keV Kr+ ion irradiation of Ni and its dilute alloys with Si and Al. An unusual and reproducible dependence of the probability of loop formation and loop size distributions on solute content was found. The results are explained by impurity caused changes in both the collisional and thermal spike (molten zone) phase of the defect cascade. Specific mechanisms include disruption of focussons by impurities to change the energy density profile within the collision cascade, interruption of replacement collision sequences, and interstitial trapping to reduce recombination during the thermal spike phase. Applying these mechanisms to a statistical distribution of the spatial extent of cascades and to the molten zones, all the experimental observations can be explained.
A reduction method to find spanning Eulerian subgraphs

We ask, When does a graph G have a subgraph Γ such that the vertices of odd degree in Γ form a specified set S ⊆ V(G), such that G - E(Γ) is connected? If such a subgraph can be found for a suitable choice of S, then this can be applied to problems such as finding a spanning eulerian subgraph of G. We provide a general method, with applications.
Simple correction for the sample shape and radial offset effects on SQUID magnetometers: Magnetic measurements on Ln2O3 (Ln=Gd, Dy, Er) standards

An increased focus on magnetic measurements of oriented single crystals, thin films, and magnetically dilute systems has led to a demand for the measurement of weak magnetic moments. This level of sensitivity and precision can be achieved on SQUID magnetometers by decreasing the size of the detection coils. However, the smaller detection coils can amplify two errors in the magnitude of the measured moment, the sample shape and radial offset effects, which were small and typically unaccounted for on previous magnetometers. We report a simple method to determine the radial offset of a sample by taking advantage of the two basic scan modes, DC and lock-in, typically used on magnetometers. This technique allows for the correction of the sample shape and radial offset effects in order to obtain the true moment of a sample. To show the efficacy of this technique, we report the magnetic properties of Ln{sub 2}O{sub 3} (Ln=Gd, Dy, Er). - Graphical abstract: Correction for the sample shape and radial offset effects on SQUID magnetometers using a combination of DC and VSM scan data. - Highlights: • Sample shape and radial offset effects alter the moment measured by magnetometers. • We present a simple method to correctmore » for these sample effects on magnetometers. • We measure magnetic susceptibilities of Ln{sub 2}O{sub 3} to show the efficacy of this method.« less
On the use of enzyme adsorption and specific hydrolysis rate to characterize thermal-chemical pretreatment

The pseudo enzyme adsorption isotherm of the pretreated substrate is used to estimate the pretreatment’s effectiveness in generating accessible adsorption sites. The specific hydrolysis rate (i.e., the hydrolysis rate divided by the adsorbed enzyme) is used as a measure of substrate reactivity. Poplar, subjected to partial acid hydrolysis at 180 and 200 °C in 1% H2SO4 for 9 s, was contacted with GC 123 (aTrichoderma reesei cellulase produced by Genencor, Inc., South San Francisco, CA). Both adsorption capacity and specific reaction rate increase significantly at the higher pretreatment temperature. The absolute rate and the specific hydrolysis rate fall off rapidly with conversion, and the absolute rate, but not the specific rate, exhibits a maximum as enzyme concentration is increased.
Modified neck dissection for carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

Summary o 1. A modified neck operation for carcinoma of the thyroid gland is described in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein, and spinal accessory nerve are preserved. 2. Histologic studies and clinical follow-up data suggest that the operation is as effective as standard radical neck dissection. 3. The operation has the advantage of reducing cosmetic disfigurement and preserving function.
A slowly absorbed gelatin-pollen extract for the treatment of hay fever☆

Abstract 1.1. Gelatin, a slow absorption medium, was mixed with ragweed pollen extracts in an attempt to overcome difficulties encountered with the standard aqueous extracts. 2.2. A delay in absorption of the active ragweed substance of the gelatin-ragweed extract as compared to the aqueous ragweed extract was noted following subcutaneous injections at passive transfer sites in a series of normal nonsensitive adults. 3.3. A series of ninety-five adult patients suffering from ragweed hay fever symptoms were treated preseasonally with the gelatin-ragweed extracts. Another group of ninety-five adult patients were treated with the standard aqueous extracts during the same period. Twenty-two patients of the first group continued their treatment on a monthly basis during 1940 after having completed a course of preseasonal injections. 4.4. A greater tolerance for the ragweed-gelatin extract was noted; higher maximum dosages (often twice the amount attained with the aqueous extracts) were given with safety and with half the number of injections. 5.5. Constitutional reactions were milder and occurred infrequently. 6.6. More effective clinical relief was obtained following treatment with the gelatin-ragweed extracts. 7.7. An average dosage schedule for preseasonal treatment with gelatin-pollen extracts was determined. It was modified to suit the individual's tolerance. 8.8. The gelatin extract must be prepared according to the technique outlined if standard and satisfactory results are to be obtained. 9.9. At present the chief value of the gelatin extracts is in the treatment of hay fever patients so sensitive as to accept poorly the usual aqueous pollen therapy. 10.10. Further studies are in progress to determine whether the use of the more slowly absorbed gelatin extracts will result in a more sustained and lasting immunity.
The effect of interpersonal expectancies on men's self-presentation of gender role attitudes to women

The degree to which 56 white male participants changed their self-presentation of gender role attitudes to females was investigated as a function of a female partner's desirability and gender role attitudes. It was predicted from previous theory and research that males would be highly motivated to change their self-presentation to appear more similar to a desirable women described as either traditional or nontraditional in her gender role attitudes, but would not be similarly motivated when expecting to interact with an undesirable woman. The results supported the predicted findings and replicated the findings of Zanna and Pack [(1975) “On the Self-Fulfilling Nature of Apparent Sex-Differences in Behavior,” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 11, pp. 583–591], who studied the behavior of female participants. The role of expectancies and the context in which interactions between men and women occur are important to understanding gender-linked behavior and attitudes.
DEVELOPMENT OF TASSEL SEED 2 INFLORESCENCES IN MAIZE

The normal pattern of maize floral development of staminate florets on the terminal inflorescence (tassel) and pistillate florets on the lateral inflorescences (ears) is disrupted by the recessive mutation tassel seed 2. Tassel seed 2 mutant plants develop pistillate florets instead of staminate florets in the tassel. In addition, the ears of tassel seed 2 plants display irregular rowing of kernels due to the development of the normally suppressed lower floret of each spikelet. The morphology of tassel and ear florets of the recessive maize mutant tassel seed2 has been compared to those of wild-type maize through development. We have identified the earliest stages at which morphological signs of sex differentiation are evident. We find that sex determination occurs during the same stage on tassel and ear development. Early postsex determination morphology of florets in wild-type ears and in tassel seed 2 tassels and ears is identical.
Mycosis inhibits cannibalism by Melanoplus sanguinipes, M. differentialis, Schistocerca americana, and Anabrus simplex.

Abstract Cannibalism is common among the Acrididae and the Mormon cricket, Anabrus simplex Haldeman (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). This behavior has been proposed as a mechanism for the horizontal transmission of Microsporida and entomopathogenic fungi. Aanecdotal observations suggested that the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes Fabricius (Acrididae), and A. simplex did not eat cadavers that had been killed by insect pathogenic fungi. The hypothesis tested was that A. simplex or M. sanguinipes would not cannibalize individuals freshly killed by the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana Bals.-Criv. (Vuill.) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), or Metarhizium acridum (Driver and Milner) Bischoff, Rehner, and Humber. Cannibalism was examined in a series of no-choice tests with individual insects. Test insects included healthy adults of M. sanguinipes; the differential grasshopper, M. differentialis (Thomas); the American grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury) (Acrididae); and A. simplex. Indiv...
Confocal microscopy study on spatial variation of photoluminescence in blue-emitting InGaN/GaN MQWs with different growth parameters

Scanning confocal microscopy is used to study blue-emitting Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN)/Gallium Nitride (GaN) multi-quantum wells grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition under different growth conditions. Sub-micrometer scale spatial and spectral variation of photoluminescence (PL) has been observed. Spectrum measurement shows the PL peak in bright region is red-shifted comparing with that in dark region, and that the peak intensity of bright region is at least twice as strong as that of dark region. Images show defect luminescence features which are about 500 nm in diameter and have PL peak at around 550 nm. Experiments show that reducing In/Ga ratio, increasing growth pressure and increasing NH 3 flow rate can all increase the localization effect and result in the increase of sample average PL intensity. Moreover, average PL intensity increases with the increasing of bandgap difference and PL peak intensity difference between bright and dark regions in PL.
As If He Were Family

We were at the end of our visit, and Ms L didn�t know what to do. About two weeks prior, after having been unemployed for months, Ms L�a relatively healthy, long-standing patient of mine in her mid-40s�had started a job as a bus driver for special-needs patients. She wasn�t used to driving all day every day, especially in stop-and-go traffic, and so it didn�t take long for her sciatica to flare. At first she had excruciating pain in her right lower back radiating into her right leg and no other symptoms. When her right foot began to feel like it was always asleep, which she�d never experienced with her previous sciatic episodes, she became concerned and decided to come in and see me, her primary care physician.
Poly(triol α-ketoglutarate) as Biodegradable, Chemoselective, and Mechanically Tunable Elastomers

We report the design of several elastomers based on the thermal polycondensation of α-ketoglutaric acid and one of three triols: glycerol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, or 1,2,6-hexanetriol. By varying the curing temperature and the duration of the curing process, a wide range of mechanical properties was achieved. The values of the Young’s modulus (0.1−657.4 MPa), ultimate stress (0.2−30.8 MPa), and ultimate strain (22−583%) encompass the mechanical properties of many biological materials, increasing the probability of success for the use of poly(triol α-ketoglutarate) as a biomaterial. Furthermore, the poly(triol α-ketoglutarate) series hydrolytically degraded in as fast as 2 days and as long as 28 days in phosphate-buffered saline solutions. For postpolymerization modifications, the repeat units contain ketones, which are capable of reacting with a variety of oxyamine-terminated molecules to generate stable oxime linkages. Finally, the versatility and utility of these elastomers were demonstrated by creating micr...
Einstein observations of the Vela supernova remnant - the spatial structure of the hot emitting gas

Spatially resolved (aproximately 1 arcmin) X-ray maps of the Vela supernova remnant have been constructed in two spectral bands, 0.2-1.0 keV and 0.8-2.0 keV, from a series of 36 separate observations with the Imaging Proportional Counter of the Einstein Observatory. The maps exhibit substantial structure on all angular scales. Spectral analysis shows that the emission from the remnant can be consistently described as thermal radiation from hot gas which is nonuniform in density and temperature, but which is in approximate pressure equilibrium. It is found that p/k is approximately 3-4 x 10 to the 5th/cu cm K. The soft X-ray emission exhibits a high degree of correlation with the optical filamentary structure, in the sense that the most prominent filaments either tightly surround or are coincident with the brightest X-ray regions. This suggests that the softest X-radiation may originate in 'warm' gas which is evaporated from the denser clouds responsible for the optical and ultraviolet filaments. Such an interpretation is quantitatively investigated, and shown to be only marginally consistent with the observations.
Can sinus anatomy predict quality of life outcomes and operative times of endoscopic frontal sinus surgery

Abstract Purpose Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can manipulate sinus anatomy, but with limitations due to skull base and orbit anatomy. These anatomical structures dictate the maximal extent of ESS in the frontal recess and may limit surgical extent or operative duration. This study investigates the impact of these anatomical constraints on operative time and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes. Materials and methods Patients with medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing Draf IIa frontal sinus surgery were prospectively enrolled. Anatomic measurements of the frontal sinus anatomy were collected during computed tomography review and included: widest distance between the frontal beak and posterior table, narrowest point in the ethmoid bed, Keros height, presence of an anterior ethmoid artery on a mesentery, and presence of inter-sinus septal cells. Primary outcomes included mean operative time and improvement in SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) survey scores. Results 63 adult participants were enrolled and followed 13.8 (5.2) months on average. The ethmoid bed mean width was 7.2 (1.4) mm, the mean distance from frontal beak to the posterior table at widest was 9.0 (2.7) mm, and mean Keros height was 5.1 (1.8) mm. 49/63 (83.1%) of participants had inter-sinus septal cells and 30/63(50.8%) had anterior ethmoid arteries on a mesentery. Mean operative time was 121.5 (44.0) min while SNOT-22 scores significantly (p 0.050). Conclusions Frontal sinus surgery is an effective treatment for a range of frontal and ethmoid sinus anatomy. Further study with larger sample size and measures of more restricted anatomy might elucidate treatment limitations of ESS.
The relationship between lingual‐palatal pressures and submental surface electromyographic signals

Summary This study investigated the relationship between lingual-palatal pressures and submental surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. During isometric and isotonic tongue press tasks, lingual-palatal pressures from the anterior, middle and posterior hard palate and submental sEMG signals were recorded. Peak values of both tasks and mean values of the isotonic task were analyzed using Pearson’s correlations. The correlations ranged from slightly negative (r = −0·103) between the posterior tongue bulb and sEMG peaks in the isotonic condition, to positive (r = 0·360) between the posterior tongue bulb and sEMG peaks in the isometric condition. None of the correlations were statistically significant. Overall, the correlations between submental sEMG signals and lingual-palatal pressures were low. These results suggest that sEMG signals obtained from the submental region measure some of muscle activation during tongue press tasks, but are unable to capture discrete variations in lingual-palatal pressure.
Innervation of the Larynx, Pharynx, and Upper Esophageal Sphincter of the Rat

We identified a 'semicircular' compartment of the rat thyropharyngeus muscle at the pharyngoesophageal junction and used the glycogen depletion method to determine how the fibers of this muscle (as well as all others of the pharynx and larynx) are innervated by different cranial nerve branches. The semicircular compartment appears anatomically homologous to the human cricopharyngeus muscle, an important component of the upper esophageal sphincter. While we found very little overlap in the muscle targets of the pharyngeal, superior laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal nerves within the pharynx and larynx, the semicircular muscle receives a dual, interdigitating innervation from two vagal branches: the pharyngeal nerve and a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve we call the dorsal accessory branch. After applying horseradish peroxidase to either of these two nerves, we compared the distribution and number of cells labeled in the brainstem. The dorsal accessory branch conveys a more heterogeneous set of efferent fibers than does the pharyngeal nerve, including the axons of pharyngeal and esophageal motor neurons and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The observed distribution of labeled motor neurons in nucleus ambiguus also leads us to suggest that the semicircular compartment is innervated by two subsets of motor neurons, one of which is displaced ventrolateral to the main pharyngeal motor column. This arrangement raises the possibility of functional differences among semicircular compartment motor neurons correlated with the observed differences in brainstem location of cell bodies.
Endoscopic ultrasound and staging of non-small cell lung cancer

This article outlines the basic principals of lung cancer staging and EUS-FNA techniques and suggests appropriate and inappropriate indications of EUS-FNA for lung cancer.
Geometric stiffness matrix for space frames

Abstract A method of nonlinear analysis for three-dimensional frames based on a Taylor series approach to the equations of equilibrium is described. A nonsymmetric geometric structural stiffness is derived for the case of large rotations but small rotational strain. Its lack of symmetry is argued from the fact that finite rotations are not commutative under addition. Three examples are included.
Luminal alkalinization by guinea-pig cecum in vitro, an electro-neutral process.

Guinea-pig cecum was found to alkalinize its mucosal media in vitro at a chemical equivalents rate greater than the short circuit current (ISC). Alkalinization was inhibited by conditions which did not affect ISC and by low mucosal Na suggesting an electro-neutral process, dependent on Na.
Chronic N deposition does not apparently alter the biochemical composition of forest floor and soil organic matter

Abstract Future rates of atmospheric N deposition have the potential to slow litter decay and increase the accumulation of soil organic matter by repressing the activity of lignolytic soil microorganisms. We investigated the relationship between soil biochemical characteristics and enzymatic responses in a series of sugar maple (Acer saccharum)-dominated forests that have been subjected to 16 yrs of chronic N deposition (ambient + 3 g NO3−–N m−2 yr−1), in which litter decay has slowed and soil organic matter has accumulated in sandy spodosols. Cupric-oxide-extractable lignin-derived phenols were quantified to determine the presence, source, and relative oxidation state of lignin-like compounds under ambient and experimental N deposition. Pools of respired C and mineralized N, along with rate constants for these processes, were used to quantify biochemically labile substrate pools during a 16-week laboratory incubation. Extracellular enzymes mediating cellulose and lignin metabolism also were measured under ambient and experimental N deposition, and these values were compared with proxies for the relative oxidation of lignin in forest floor and surface mineral soil. Chronic N deposition had no influence on the pools or rate constants for respired C and mineralized N. Moreover, neither the total amount of extractable lignin (forest floor, P = 0.260; mineral soil, P = 0.479), nor the relative degree of lignin oxidation in the forest floor or mineral soil (forest floor P = 0.680; mineral soil P = 0.934) was influenced by experimental N deposition. Given their biochemical attributes, lignin-derived molecules in forest floor and mineral soil appear to originate from fine roots, rather than leaf litter. Under none of the studied circumstances was the presence or relative oxidation of lignin correlated with the activity of cellulolytic and lignolytic extracellular enzymes. Although chronic atmospheric N deposition has slowed litter decay and increased organic matter in our experiment, it had little effect on biochemical composition of lignin-derived molecules in forest floor and surface mineral soil suggesting organic matter has accumulated by other means. Moreover, the specific dynamics of lignin phenol decay is decoupled from short-term organic matter accumulation under chronic N deposition in this ecosystem.
Synthesis of a Fluorescent 7-Methylguanosine Analog and a Fluorescence Spectroscopic Study of its Reaction with Wheatgerm Cap Binding Proteins

In the initiation of protein synthesis, the mRNA 5'-terminal 7-methylguanosine cap structure and several recognition proteins play a pivotal role. For the study of this cap binding reaction, one approach is to use fluorescence spectroscopy. A ribose diol-modified fluorescent cap analog, anthraniloyl-m7GTP (Ant-m7GTP), was designed and synthesized for this purpose. This fluorescent cap analog was found to have a high quantum yield, resistance to photobleaching and avoided overlap of excitation and emission wavelengths with those of proteins. The binding of Ant-m7GTP with wheatgerm initiation factors elF-4F and elF-(iso)4F was determined. The fluorescent cap analog and m7GTP had similar interactions with both cap binding proteins. Fluorescence quenching experiments showed that the microenvironment of Ant-m7GTP when bound to protein was hydrophobic.
Strain Level Identification of Pseudomonads Using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of 16S-23S Spacer Region rDNA

Specific Pseudomonas strains were detected by PCR amplification of the 16s-23s rDNA spacer region followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to generate DNA banding profiles. In initial studies, two diverse sequence areas within the 165-23s rDNA spacer region were located in five closely related Pseudomonas Ruorescens and P. putida strains. DNA banding profiles of 16 different pseudomonads were generated using PCR primers flanking this region, followed by DGGE of the PCR products. Distinct banding profiles were observed for each strain, and specificity could be increased by designing additional primers within the spacer region. A specific primer (613-1) was used to selectively amplify and detect a plant-disease suppressive bacterium, P. Ruorescens strain 613, in soil. Six field soils from different locations were used with the 613-1 primer to test the specificity of this technique. Five soils did not yield any gel bands, but one soil led to a faint 260-bp band, similar in size to that of P. Ruorescens 613. Resolution of strain 513 from the indigenous strain in this soil was achieved by DGGE of the amplified DNA fragments. The results therefore demonstrate the utility of PCR-DGGE analysis for strain-specific identification of pseudomonads in environmental samples. (Received January 17, 2000 ; Accepted May 10, 2000)
The intraperitoneal delivery of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies: studies on the regional delivery advantage

The i.p. delivery of murine monoclonal antibody was compared with i.v. delivery in normal mice and rats, in normal nude mice and in those with i.p. human ovarian carcinoma xenografts. In normal rats, all classes of antibodies and antibody fragments evaluated were cleared from the peritoneal cavity at comparable rates. The regional delivery (Rd1) advantage to the peritoneal cavity following i.p. delivery was thus most dependent on the rate of clearance of the antibody or fragment from the blood stream. Determining the exact i.p. delivery advantage was problematic due to the difficulty in reliably obtaining peritoneal fluid later than 9–10 h after i.p. injection in normal animals. During the first 9 h following i.p. injection, the Rd(0–9/0–9) was, for a murine IgG2ak Fab>F(ab′)2>IgG (at 13.6>10>7.9). Two murine IgMs evaluated differed in Rd(0–9) at 27.1 and 9.2 respectively. When blood levels were extrapolated to infinity, these Rd (0–9/∞) values were considerably lower with the Fab having the highest Rd at 4.67. The i.p. Rd advantage was almost solely due to the i.p. antibody levels seen in the first 24 h after injection, as after that time, blood levels become comparable to those seen following i.v. injection. Normal tissues obtained at sacrifice 5–7 days after i.p. injection. Normal tissues obtained at sacrifice 5–7 days after i.p. or i.v. injection in rats showed comparable levels of radioantibody activity, whether the injection was i.p. or i.v. (except for higher diaphragmatic levels following i.p. delivery). In nude mice with i.p. human-derived ovarian tumors, intact IgG clearance from the peritoneal cavity to the blood was considerably slower than in normal animals, and early i.p. tumor uptake of specific antibody was significantly higher than that following i.v. antibody delivery. With higher early tumor uptake and lower systemic exposure, early tumor/nontumor ratios were significantly greater than those for i.v. delivery, though not beyond 48 h after i.p. injection. This study demonstrates the pharmacokinetic rationale for i.p. monoclonal antibody delivery, especially for agents cleared rapidly from the blood, such as antibody fragments. In addition, definite i.p. delivery benefit for antibody specific to i.p. tumors in the i.p. ovarian cancer system was shown soon after injection. These data regarding i.p. antibody delivery should be useful in rationally planning diagnostic and therapeutic studies involving the i.p. delivery of unmodified and immunoconjugated monoclonal antibodies.
Depression, Episodic Behavioral Dyscontrol, and Polydipsia following Right Temporal Lobe Damage

A patient referred to the authors for evaluation and treatment of depression, behavioral dyscontrol syndrome, and polydipsia is described. The authors reviewed his medical status and, finding damage to his right temporal lobe, conceptualized his symptom constellation as representing interictal syndrome and treated him with carbamazepine. His affective symptoms, but not the polydipsia, improved following treatment with carbamazepine. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1990, 29, 3:472–474.
Fourth International Peat Congress

The Fourth International Peat Congress was organized by the Finnish National Committee of the International Peat Society under the able leadership of Erkki Kivinen, Committee Chairman and IPS President. Its purpose was to promote international understanding and cooperation on all matters concerning the study and utilization of peatland, peat, and related materials. The United States delegation included 20 representatives of universities, government agencies, and the peat industry. Six of the more than 150 technical papers were presented by members of the U.S. delegation. In all, more than 450 delegates from 23 countries participated in the Congress.
Mercosul: Its Successes and Failures During Its First Two Decades

ABSTRACT In this article, we consider the formation of the Common Market of the Southern Cone (Mercosur) as the outcome of an integration process where its two largest member countries (Brazil and Argentina) pursue industrialization objectives. The article considers the effects of Mercosur in terms of the promotion of economic efficiency and in terms of the promotion of new inflows of foreign direct investment. The article highlights that economic asymmetries between the two largest member countries have been a major obstacle in fostering economic integration in the Southern Cone region.
Improvements in the isolation procedure for thyroid peroxidase: nature of the heme prosthetic group.

Abstract An improved procedure for the solubilization and purification of hog thyroid peroxidase is described. Twenty-nine milligrams of purified enzyme with A 410 A 280 = 0.34 were obtained from 23 kg of frozen hog glands. On disc-gel electrophoresis the enzyme activity corresponded to the most intensely staining protein band, estimated to comprise at least 25% of the total protein. Heme spectral data established clearly that thyroid peroxidase is a hemoprotein enzyme. In contrast to previous reports we observed significant spectral differences between thyroid peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase, which is known to contain ferriprotoporphyrin IX as its prosthetic group. Part of this difference may be due to our finding that the heme group in thyroid peroxidase is much more tightly bound to the protein than is the heme in horseradish peroxidase. However, our spectral data also suggest the possibility that the heme in thyroid peroxidase may not be identical with that in horseradish peroxidase.
Metal-Insulator Transition in Metal—Rare-Gas Alloys

We present the results of electrical resistivity and optical absorption measurements for compositions spanning the metal-insulator transition in RbKr and CsXe alloys. The two transitions are similar and exhibit an apparently percolative character. No marked emergence of excitons accompanies the disappearance of conductivity. Spectral features associated with metallic conduction also persist through the transitions.
Update on Bladder Neck Preservation During Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Impact on Pathologic Outcome, Anastomotic Strictures, and Continence

Abstract Objectives. To preserve the bladder neck during radical prostatectomy in an attempt to maintain continence and decrease the incidence of anastomotic stricture without compromising the removal of cancer. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 365 consecutive radical prostatectomies performed from December 1991 through January 1997 was carried out. The records were reviewed in regard to the pathology of the prostate. In addition, the incidence of anastomotic strictures was determined. Urinary function and continence was evaluated in 195 patients by a quality of life questionnaire. Results. (1) Pathology: positive margins were found in 119 patients (32%). The bladder neck margin was positive in 27 (7%), but the bladder neck was the only positive margin in only 2 patients (0.5%). The mean Gleason score for patients with negative margins was 6.4, for those with positive margins 7.2, and for all those with bladder neck margin positive 7.7. The mean Gleason score for the 2 patients with a solitary positive margin at the bladder neck was 9.0. Of patients with a Gleason score less than 7, 81% had a negative margin, 19% had a positive margin, and 1% had tumor at the bladder neck. Of patients with a Gleason score 7 or more, 58% had a negative margin, 42% had a positive margin, and 11% had a positive bladder neck. Patients with a prostate-specific antigen value of less than 10 ng/mL were more likely to have a favorable pathology. (2) Anastomotic stricture: an anastomotic stricture occurred in 5 patients (1%). Three had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and therefore bladder neck preservation was not possible. (3) Urinary function: 88% of all responders did not wear pads 6 months or more after surgery. Seventy percent of patients did not wear pads less than 6 months after surgery. Ninety percent of patients believed that urinary function did not limit social, physical, or occupational activities. Conclusions. We believe that bladder neck preservation during radical prostatectomy does not compromise surgical margins. The incidence of anastomotic strictures is less than 1% in patients who have not had a previous TURP. The quality of life questionnaire indicates a high level of continence that may be related in part to preservation of the bladder neck.
Influence of Airway and Airspace Sizes on Particle Deposition in Excised Donkey Lungs

Tests of aerosol deposition with breath holding and of lung function were performed on the excised lungs of three donkeys following regional in vivo radioaerosol deposition tests. Corrosion casts were made of the lungs to determine the dimensions of the tracheobronchial (TB) tree, and histological sections were taken to determine average alveolar airspace size.Static lung function tests, i.e., static compliance and specific compliance (Cstat and Cspec), agreed well with the predicted and reported in vivo values, as did the slope of Phase III from the single breath nitrogen washout (SBNW), Dynamic tests, i.e., dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and pulmonary resistance (Rpulm), displayed larger inter- and intra-subject variation, and showed poor agreement with reported in vivo values.Breathholding tests using 0.55 μm diameter aerosol indicated a mean respiratory airspace dimension of 0.16 mm, while the mean alveolar diameter from the lung sections was 0.19 mm. Breathholding tests with 1.18 μm aerosol indicated a me...
Stock market reaction to Olympic Games announcement 1

This article analyses stock market reactions in countries competing to hold the Olympic Games around the time of the winning bid announcements, using both regular and abnormal returns. We analyse the announcement effects of winning and losing for both Summer and Winter games, beginning with 1996 games announced in 1990, up until the announcement of the 2012 games in 2006. We find significantly negative stock market reaction for winners of the bid to host Winter Games and insignificant positive reaction for winners of the Summer Games.
Association constants of cadmium ion and chloride ion in concentrated aqueous solutions of ammonium nitrate

Abstract Activity coefficients of cadmium nitrate and ammonium chloride were measured potentiometrically in a solvent consisting of 2 moles of water per mole of ammonium nitrate at 39·9°. Thermodynamic consistency was demonstrated for data obtained with silver-silver chloride electrodes and with cadmium (amalgam) electrodes. Association constants for the formation of CdCl+, CdCl2 and Cd2Cl3+ were, in (moles/mole NH4NO3)−, 340 ± 20, 75 ± 5 and 5 ± 5 respectively. The concentration dependence of the activity coefficients was compared with calculations based on a quasi-lattice model of molten salt solutions.
Ratio of Digestive Enzymes in the Chick Pancreas

Abstract The ratio of exocrine enzymes was determined in extracts from pancreata of broiler chickens. The proteins were separated by ion-exchange chromatography to determine the elution pattern and the relative concentration of the various enzymes. Amylase was about 28.9%, the three chymotrypsinogens about 20%, and a single, anionic form of trypsinogen about 10% of the total protein. Procarboxypeptidases A and B, proelastase, lipase, and a secretory trypsin inhibitor were also present.
Effects of phosphorylation on ion channel function

A fundamental property of ion channels is their ability to be modulated by intracellular second messenger systems acting via covalent modifications of the channel protein itself. One such important biochemical reaction is phosphorylation on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. Ion channels in the kidney are no exception. Moreover, many ion channels, including many amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channels, are subject to modulation by a multiplicity of inputs. For example, renal Na+ channels are not gated by voltage in their unphosphorylated state. However, upon phosphorylation by PKA plus ATP, these channels become voltage-dependent as well as having their open probability increased. Phosphorylation by PKC inhibits channel activity regardless of whether the channel was previously phosphorylated by PKA. Likewise, Na+ channel ADP-ribosylation by PTX overrides the actions of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. Consistent with this idea is the fact that the phosphorylation sites for PKA and PKC and the ADP-ribosylation sites occur on different polypeptides comprising the channel complex. Epithelial Na+ channel activity is also regulated by methylation, arachidonic acid metabolites, and by interactions with cytoskeletal components. An exciting new age in understanding renal Na+ channel function has begun. Canessa and collaborators [103, 104] and Lingueglia et al [105] have, for the first time, identified by expression cloning an amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel from rat distal colon. The messenger RNA encoding the subunits comprising this channel are expressed in the distal tubule and cortical collecting tubule of the kidney (Rossier, unpublished observations). In addition, our laboratory has successfully cloned a mammalian homologue of this same channel from bovine renal papillary collecting ducts [106].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Configural and elemental associations and the memory coherence problem

Some important empirical findings and theoretical positions that interest contemporary students of learning and memory are discussed in the context of Luria's (1979) memory coherence perspective. This approach assumes that an important challenge to memory function is remaining closed to the influence of associations that are extraneous to the demands of the task at hand. We argue that the ability to support configural associations between representations of the joint occurrence or conjunction of two or more stimulus elements and a target memory is an important feature of a closed system but that an open system can support only elemental associations with the target. Successful performance in many tasks used to study memory can be achieved by elemental associations, but other tasks require the formation of and retrieval by configural associations. From this perspective, the pattern of spared and impaired performance often seen in animals and people with brain damage to the hippocampal system or in amnesic people of various etiologies results because their memory systems are open and can support only elemental associations.
Aristotle's virtue or Dante's deadliest sin? The influence of authentic and hubristic pride on creative achievement

Abstract This study ( N = 589) investigated the link between the disposition to experience pride and real-world creative achievement, as well as the mediating role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Furthermore, we disentangled the effects of two forms of pride: authentic and hubristic. We hypothesized that: (a) authentic pride should correlate positively with creativity; (b) intrinsic motivation should mediate the relation between authentic pride and creativity; (c) hubristic pride should correlate negatively with creativity; and (d) extrinsic motivation should mediate the relation between hubristic pride and creativity. Consistent with our hypotheses, authentic pride was positively related to intrinsic motivation and creativity, and intrinsic motivation mediated the pride-creativity link. Hubristic pride did not correlate with creativity although it was positively related to extrinsic motivation. These results support the idea that authentic and hubristic pride are differentially related to creative achievement, and provide preliminary evidence of the mediating role of motivation.
Ab Initio Quantum-Mechanical Study of the Stability of Cyclic α-Acetoxy-N-nitrosamines: Amine N→NO Dative Bonding in α-Hydroxy-N-nitrosamines versus N→Carbocation Dative Bonding in N-Nitrosiminium Ions

The dissociations of α-hydroxy-N-nitrosopyrrolidine, 1, and α-hydroxy-N-nitrosopiperidine, 2, to form the nitrosiminium ions, 3 and 4, respectively, have been studied as models for the SN1 process ...
Intravenous energy and amino acids in the preterm newborn infant: Effects on metabolic rate and potential mechanisms of action

The effects of intravenously administered amino acids and of varying amounts of energy on metabolic rate were studied and potential mechanisms examined in 19 healthy 4- to 6-day-old preterm (30 to 32 weeks gestation) infants. The infants were randomized to three groups. Group 1 (n=6) received nonprotein energy 38 kcal/kg/d; group 2 (n=5), 64 kcal/kg/d; and group 3 (n=8), 64 kcal/kg/d plus 1 to 2 g/kg/d crystalline amino acids. Thirty-six hours after beginning the infusion, oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) was measured by indirect calorimetry for 5 to 6 hours. Simultaneously, urine was collected for urinary norepinephrine excretion, which was determined using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Serum thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Group 1 had lower VO 2 and urinary norepinephrine excretion than did groups 2 and 3, which did not differ. T 4 and T 3 were not different among the three groups. The demonstrated simultaneous changes in VO 2 and norepinephrine excretion with varying energy intakes independent of age supports energy intake as a modulator of the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn controls metabolic rate. Moderate amounts of intravenously administered amino acids do not appear to play an active role in this process; nor do they alter T 3 and T 4 valves. When VO 2 increased with increasing energy intake, T 3 and T 4 were unaffected, supporting a passive role for thyroid hormones in diet-induced thermogenesis.