cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Exchange: A Foundation for Theory Building in International Business

There does not appear to be a consensus concerning what is the conceptual domain of international business. This paper argues that this is due in part to an emphasis on the firm as the unit of analysis. It is further argued that a comprehensive, generative and theoretically integrative definition of international business could be established if exchange were made the unit of analysis. By using the political economy paradigm and the various concepts of exchange adopted by the social sciences, nine characteristics are identified and developed which uniquely define the conceptual domain of international business.
Magnetic field exposure of commercial airline pilots.

Abstract PURPOSE: Airline pilots are exposed to magnetic fields generated by the aircraft's electrical and electronic systems. The purpose of this study was to directly measure the flight deck magnetic fields to which commercial airline pilots are exposed when flying on different aircraft types over a 75-hour flight-duty month. METHODS: Magentic field measurements were taken using personal dosimeters capable of measuring magnetic fields in the 40-800 Hz frequency range. Dosimeters were carried by either the Captain or the First Officer on Boeing 737/200, Boeing 747/400, Boeing 767/300ER, and Airbus 320 aircraft. The data were analyzed by aircraft type, with statistics based on block hours. Block hours begin when the aircraft departs the gate prior to take off and end when the aircraft returns to the gate after landing. RESULTS: Approximately 1008 block hours were recorded at a sampling rate of 3 seconds. Total block time exposure to the pilots ranged from a harmonic geometric mean of 6.7 milliGauss (mG) for the Boeing 767/300ER to 12.7 mG for the Boeing 737/200. CONCLUSIONS: Measured flight deck magnetic field levels were substantially above the 0.8 to 1 mG level typically found in the home or office and suggest the need for further study to evaluate potential health effects of long-term exposure.
Wet Strength and Water Resistance of Modified Soy Protein Adhesives and Effects of Drying Treatment

Soy protein isolate (SPI) was modified using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Adhesion performance of the modified SPI on fiberboard was studied. The Water-soluble mass of the modified SPI adhesives was examined following modified ASTM D5570. The SDS-modified SPI containing 91% protein had a water-soluble mass of 1.7%. To be considered a water-resistant adhesive, the water-soluble mass of adhesive should be less than 2%. The wet shear strength test showed 100% cohesive failure within fiberboard, indicating that the modified SPI has good water resistance. The effect of drying treatment on adhesion performance of the SDS-modified SPI on fiberboard was then investigated. Drying treatment significantly affected the final adhesion performance. Shear strength did not change much, but the percentage of cohesive failure within fiberboard increased markedly as drying temperature increased. All the unsoaked, soaked, and wet specimens glued by the adhesives treated at 70° or 90°C had 100% cohesive failure within fiberboard. Viscosity also increased greatly with an increase in drying temperature. This information will be useful in developing low-cost adhesive processing system in the future.
Oral contraceptives and stroke risk: the debate continues.

Controversy over whether oral contraceptives are a cause of stroke has been raging since the early 1960s and continues to be a major safety concern for the 100 million women worldwide who use oral contraceptive pills. Many studies have attempted to assess the stroke risk associated with oral contraceptive use but findings have been contradictory. Recently Chan and colleagues concluded from a metaanalysis of cohort studies that oral contraceptives did not result in an increased pooled risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke (odds ratio 0.95; 95% CI 0.51–1.78). This conclusion contrasts with our earlier metaanalysis in which we reported that the risk of ischaemic stroke associated with low-dose oral contraceptive use in population-based cohort studies was nearly doubled. Although the results from Chan and colleagues’ metaanalysis will be welcomed by women and their physicians it compels us to carefully re-examine the underlying data and the reasons for the disparate conclusions between these two studies. (excerpt)
The null-event method in computer simulation

Abstract The simulation of collisions of ions moving under the influence of an external field through a neutral gas at non-zero temperatures is discussed as an example of computer models of processes in which a probe particle undergoes a series of interactions with an ensemble of other particles, such that the frequency and outcome of the events depends on internal properties of the second particles. The introduction of null events removes the need for much complicated algebra, leads to a more efficient simulation and reduces the likelihood of logical error.
A New Look and Continued Growth for JGIM

This issue begins JGIM’s 22nd year and the half-way point of our 5-year tenure as Coeditors. This issue also ushers in a number of changes in JGIM, some dramatic, some subtle, and all representing progress in JGIM as a respected peer-reviewed journal. The most obvious and dramatic change is the cover. In consultation with our Deputy Editors and Editorial Board, we have chosen an eye-catching, radically redesigned cover that reflects the dynamic nature of JGIM and the field of general internal medicine.
Subjective Well-Being and Household Factors in South Africa

This paper uses a household surveyfrom South Africa to estimate a model ofsubjective well-being based upon poverty andhousehold characteristics including housing,sanitation, and transportation. Following Sen,we allow for factors in addition to income andwe begin to incorporate functionings andcapabilities as determinants of well-being. This study finds that important differencesexist among groups based upon their economicstatus. For the poorest quartilestransportation and housing play the mostimportant role in determining well-being, whilefor the richest quartiles, sanitation, water,energy, education and health are relativelymore important. These results have importantpublic policy implications because many of thefactors affecting well-being have large publicgood components. In addition, these resultscould be used to help governments focus aid inorder to improve well-being.
Acute prognostic factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in children with limb DVT: a bi-institutional cohort study.

Abstract Background Early identification of children with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the limb who are at heightened risk for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is important in order to evaluate therapeutic interventions aimed at decreasing the risk and severity of PTS. Objective We sought to evaluate acute prognostic factors for PTS in children following DVT of the limbs. Materials and Methods In this bi-institutional mixed cohort study with prospective ascertainment of PTS using a validated pediatric instrument, we collected data on patient/thrombus characteristics, thrombophilia testing results, and outcomes in children ( Results Median age at presentation was 13 years (range, 0–18 years). Cumulative incidence (i.e. risk) of PTS was 23%, at a median follow-up duration of 33 months (range, 13.2-65 months). The presence of a lupus anticoagulant by dilute Russell Viper venom time (dRVVT) testing within two weeks of DVT diagnosis was associated with markedly increased odds of developing clinically-significant PTS (OR: 16.8, 95%CI 1.60-176.2; P = 0.02). The presence of an infectious or inflammatory condition at DVT presentation was neither associated with PTS risk nor dRVVT positivity. CONCLUSION: An acutely positive dRVVT following diagnosis of limb DVT appears to be a significant prognostic factor for development of clinically significant PTS in children. Larger collaborative cohort studies are required to substantiate these findings, evaluate other prognostic factors, and determine whether the present association is modulated by persistent dRVVT positivity or beta-2-glycoprotein-I dependence.
Quantitative Model of ColE1 Plasmid Copy Number Control

Initiation of replication of the Escherichia coli plasmid ColE1 is inhibited by formation of a complex between a small plasmid RNA (RNA I) and the pre-primer for DNA synthesis (RNA II). Complex formation (and inhibition of replication) is enhanced by the plasmid-encoded Rom protein. The in vitro kinetics of complex formation were previously studied both experimentally and theoretically. The in vivo concentrations and half-lives of RNA I, RNA II and Rom protein have been measured recently. We present a dynamic model for the in vivo replication control mechanism that accounts for the measured concentration values. From the model we deduce a simple formula for the steady-state plasmid concentration. Our results agree with a previous simple steady-state analysis done by Brenner and Tomizawa, in that plasmid copy number is most strongly dependent on the per plasmid rate of RNA I synthesis. However, our model predicts other parameter dependencies that are not evident from or at variance with the previous analysis. Accordingly, we predict that plasmid copy number is greatly influenced by changes in the rate constant describing the formation of an initial unstable RNA I-RNA II complex, but is only slightly influenced by changes in the dissociation rate of this complex. Plasmid copy number per average cell volume is predicted to increase linearly with increases in the RNA II synthesis rate and with increases in the generation time of the host culture. Rom protein, which promotes conversion of the unstable RNA I-RNA II complex to a stable complex, serves to decrease copy number; however, its presence or absence does not seem to qualitatively alter the copy number control mechanism. Our model predicts the quantitative increase of plasmid copy number in rom- mutants. Several experiments are suggested to investigate the predictions of the model.
Silylation of resist materials using di- and polyfunctional organosilicon compounds

Abstract Different types of polyfunctional organosilicon compounds (chloro-, alkoxy-, acetoxysilanes, linear and cyclic silazanes and silylamines) were studied as silylating agents in the diffusion limited heterogeneous silylation process. It was shown that compounds with reactive silicon nitrogen bonds were most effective at silylating AZ4110 resist. Surprisingly, it was found that the higher the organosilicon compound reactivity, the lower the degree of silylation of the photoresist. One of the most effective silylating agents was found to be bis (dimethylamino)dimethylsilane (BDAMS). The chemistry of silylation of both novolak resins and 1,2,5-naphthoquinone diazo type photoactive compounds (PAC) leading to the formation of crosslinked materials is discussed. The formation of triazine derivatives was also detected. Photoresist images which were UV irradiated at 365 nm after exposure and development were found to be more amenable to silylation than those which had not.
Administering Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase to NOD Mice Prevents Diabetes

Abstract Type 1 1diabetes is the result of an ongoing autoimmune response to specific proteins expressed by the insulin producing β cells. Recently, a number of β cell autoantigens have been identified. However, their role in mediating the diabetogenic response is not know. Here we assess the relative importance of a panel of β cell autoantigens in the disease process. The approach was to inhibit T cell proliferation to a given autoantigen by either i.t. or i.v. injections, and then determine the effect this had on the diabetogenic response. We show that administering murine glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to 3-week-old NOD females can reduce the frequency of insulitis and prevent the onset of diabetes. In contrast, carboxypeptidase H or peripherin do not induce a similar protective effect, suggesting that GAD has a critical role in the diabetogenic response. These results also suggest that GAD may provide a useful target for antigen-specific immunotherapy.
Expression of pyruvate carboxylase mRNA variants in liver of dairy cattle at calving.

BACKGROUND Bovine liver expresses six pyruvate carboxylase (PC) transcript variants, bPC5'A, bPC5'B, bPC5'C, bPC5'D, bPC5'E, and bPC5'F, which only differ at the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and contain a common coding region. The objective of this experiment was to determine the profile and abundance of PC transcripts in bovine liver at calving. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) protocol was developed to simplify analysis of these variants and investigate the changes in abundance of each 5' UTR transcript relative to total PC mRNA. Liver biopsy samples collected from seven cows on +1 d relative to calving were analyzed by RPA to determine the profile in PC 5' UTR variants. Results show that all six bovine PC 5' UTR variants are detected at calving. Data indicate that bovine PC 5' UTR variant A is the most abundant, variants C and E are least abundant and expression of variants B, D and F is intermediate at calving. CONCLUSIONS This manuscript describes a simplified RPA method that quantifies the abundance of six PC transcripts by using two riboprobes. The lack of uniformity in the pattern of PC 5' UTR variants at calving suggests an additional complexity for control of bovine PC mRNA expression at calving that may be the result of transcriptional controls, variation in mRNA processing, or a combination of these processes.
The effect of different human chorionic gonadotropin assay sensitivity on screening for ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract The distribution of human chorionic gonadotropin levels in 184 patients with ectopic pregnancy is examined. The impact of changing the sensitivity of human chorionic gonadotropin testing on the incidence of false negative results is discussed. Pregnancy blood tests with a detection threshold of 200 mIU/ml were asociated with an 11.9% incidence of false negative results.
Trace elements in waters of inland, low-salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama

Trace element concentrations in waters of 10, inland, low-salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama tended to be greater than those found in normal seawater – molybdenum, boron and silicon were exceptions. Concentrations of most trace elements varied greatly among ponds on individual sampling dates, and average concentrations based on all sampling dates in individual ponds also varied considerably. The analytical method used, digestion of water samples in nitric acid followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry, measured total concentrations of trace elements – free ions, hydrolysis products, ion pairs, coordination compounds (chelated forms) and particulate forms. Free ions are the toxic forms of most trace elements and the ionic concentration is much less than the total concentration of a trace element. Based on total concentrations of trace elements, it is doubtful that free-ionic concentrations of trace elements were great enough to harm shrimp. The fact that no negative correlations were noted between trace element concentrations and shrimp survival and production supports this conclusion. However, positive correlations (P < 0.05) between shrimp survival and production and increasing concentrations of zinc, cobalt and iron should be investigated further to ascertain if additions of these elements to ponds might improve shrimp performance.
Surface ultrastructure and cytochemistry of isolated nucleoli from Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells.

Abstract Surface ultrastructure and cytochemistry of isolated Novikoff hepatoma cell nucleoli were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nuclear preparations were examined at 15 sec intervals during the sonication procedure for isolation of nucleoli. In the initial stages of nuclear disruption the nucleoli were attached to large chromatin masses. A compact nucleoprotein nucleolar stalk relatively resistant to shear was observed in association with many nucleoli. Further sonication disrupted these structures and left tightly coiled, helical filaments still attached to the purified nucleoli. These filaments were removed by DNase digestion but were resistant to RNase digestion. The present study provides a new perspective of nucleolar ultrastructure, its surface organization, and its relationships to other nuclear components.
Mapping sources of correlation in resting state FMRI, with artifact detection and removal

Many components of resting-state (RS) FMRI show non-random structure that has little to do with neural connectivity but can covary over multiple brain structures. Some of these signals originate in physiology and others are hardware-related. One artifact discussed herein may be caused by defects in the receive coil array or the RF amplifiers powering it. During a scan, this artifact results in small image intensity shifts in parts of the brain imaged by the affected array components. These shifts introduce artifactual correlations in RS time series on the spatial scale of the coil's sensitivity profile, and can markedly bias RS connectivity results. We show that such a transient artifact can be substantially removed from RS time series by using locally formed regressors from white matter tissue. This is particularly important in arrays with larger numbers of coils, which may generate smaller artifact zones. In such a case, brain-wide average noise estimates would fail to capture the artifact. We also examine the anatomical structure of artifactual variance in RS FMRI time series, by identifying sources that contribute to these signals and where in the brain are they manifested. We consider current methods for reducing confounding sources (or noises) and their effects on connectivity maps, and offer an improved approach (ANATICOR) that can also reduce hardware artifacts. The methods described herein are currently available with AFNI, in addition to tools for rapid, interactive generation of seed-based correlation maps at single-subject and group levels.
Ontogenetic and regional morphologic variations in the turkey ulna diaphysis: implications for functional adaptation of cortical bone.

This study examines relationships between bone morphology and mechanically mediated strain/fluid-flow patterns in an avian species. Using mid-diaphyseal transverse sections of domestic turkey ulnae (from 11 subadults and 11 adults), we quantified developmental changes in predominant collagen fiber orientation (CFO), mineral content (%ash), and microstructure in cortical octants or quadrants (i.e., %ash). Geometric parameters were examined using whole mid-diaphyseal cross-sections. The ulna undergoes habitual bending and torsion, and demonstrates nonuniform matrix fluid-flow patterns, and high circumferential strain gradients along the neutral axis (cranial-caudal) region at mid-diaphysis. The current results showed significant porosity differences: 1) greater osteocyte lacuna densities (N.Lac/Ar) (i.e., "non-vascular porosity") in the caudal and cranial cortices in both groups, 2) greater N.Lac/Ar in the pericortex vs. endocortex in mature bones, and 3) greater nonlacunar porosity (i.e., "vascular porosity") in the endocortex vs. pericortex in mature bones. Vascular and nonvascular porosities were not correlated. There were no secondary osteons in subadults. In adults, the highest secondary osteon population densities and lowest %ash occurred in the ventral-caudal, caudal, and cranial cortices, where shear strains, circumferential strain gradients, and fluid displacements are highest. Changes in thickness of the caudal cortex explained the largest proportion of the age-related increase in cranial-caudal breadth; the thickness of other cortices (dorsal, ventral, and cranial) exhibited smaller changes. Only subadult bones exhibited CFO patterns corresponding to habitual tension (ventral) and compression (dorsal). These CFO variations may be adaptations for differential mechanical requirements in "strain-mode-specific" loading. The more uniform oblique-to-transverse CFO patterns in adult bones may represent adaptations for shear strains produced by torsional loading, which is presumably more prevalent in adults. The micro- and ultrastructural heterogeneities may influence strain and fluid-flow dynamics, which are considered proximate signals in bone adaptation.
Economic evaluation of offshore storage potential in the US Exclusive Economic Zone

Drawing upon previously published results, we evaluate the offshore potential for storing CO2 within marine sediments located inside the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We then model the cost for transporting and injecting CO2 into these strata, including into deep-marine (>3000m water depth) strata that we refer to as being ‘self-sealing' because pressure and temperature regimes would form an overlying gravitational seal. Finally, we compare the integrated transport and injection cost estimates for self-sealing and non-self-sealing offshore storage against the same integrated cost estimates for onshore storage in 15 deep-saline sandstone aquifers located throughout the continental USA. The comparison is presented in the form of marginal abatement cost curves, which show that ocean storage is likely to be two or more times as expensive as onshore storage: 500 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants in the USA is available for <$5/tonne in onshore DSAs, < $10/tonne in non-self-sealing offshore strata, and <$15/tonne in self-sealing offshore strata, with the cost differential between onshore and offshore storage increasing further up the supply curve. The higher total offshore costs are due to a combination of increases in transport and storage costs, with transport costs dominating total costs with increasing distance from shore. This suggests that CO2 capture system operators would have to pay substantially more for offshore geologic storage over onshore options. The cost difference may be mitigated by certain advantages of offshore storage, which could include easier access to property rights, simplified regulation, and possibly lower monitoring, measurement, and verification (MMV) requirements. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Prototype fluorimeter for the XLA/XLI analytical ultracentrifuge

A fluorescence detector has been developed for the XLA/XLI analytical ultracentrifuge. The excitation source consists of an Argon ion laser coupled to a single-mode, 3.5 micron diameter fiber. The remaining optics are in the rotor chamber and attached to a 500 steps/second, 2 microns/step motorized stage mounted above the centrifuge rotor. The excitation and emission paths are coaxial. The excitation spot is about 7 microns in diameter and is focused about 1 mm below the top window of a centrifuge cell. Radial resolution is achieved by scanning this spot along a radial axis. Emitted light is gathered by the condensing lens and redirected by the beam splitter to a condensing lens focused on a pinhole. A long-pass filter sits between the pinhole and a photomultiplier tube. Operation of the stepping motor and photomultiplier electronics is under computer control, allowing data to be acquired from a radial stripe around the rotor after each step. This data acquisition system will permit the monitoring of specifically labeled compounds in the presence of a large background of other molecules. Both the sensitivity and the selectivity of this optical system will be useful for a range of biological problems.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Self-evaluation bias and academic performance: Some ways and some reasons why.

Are positive illusions about the self adaptive? Controversy surrounding this question can be traced to two features of past research. First, different researchers have used different criteria to assess bias in self-evaluation. Some have relied on normative models, whereas others have relied on social consensus. We identify problems associated with each of these subjective methods and suggest the use of objective or operational criteria. Second, bias in self-evaluation can result from different motivations. In some cases, overly positive self-reports may reflect self-protective or avoidance motivations, whereas in other cases they may reflect self-enhancement or approach motivations. We argue that it is not the level of self-evaluation bias, per se, that determines whether such bias is associated with positive or negative consequences. Instead, consequences are related to the specific motivation underlying this bias. Two studies examine these issues in the context of self-evaluation and academic performance in college.
Active transport of glycine and potassium in the photosynthetic bacterium Chromatium vinosum

Abstract The photosynthetic bacterium Chromatium vinosum accumulates glycine in an energy-dependent reaction. Uptake is electrogenic but not driven by ΔpH. A K+ gradient ([K+]out > [K+]in) is able to drive glycine uptake in C. vinosum, while gradients of other cations are ineffective. Among the amino acids tested, a glycine gradient ([glycine]out > [glycine]in) was unique in its ability to drive 42K+ uptake.
Influence of exciton dimensionality on spectral diffusion of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

We study temporal evolution of photoluminescence (PL) spectra from individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at cryogenic and room temperatures. Sublinear and superlinear correlations between fluctuating PL spectral positions and line widths are observed at cryogenic and room temperatures, respectively. We develop a simple model to explain these two different spectral diffusion behaviors in the framework of quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) caused by surface charges trapped in the vicinity of SWCNTs. We show that the wave function properties of excitons, namely, localization at cryogenic temperature and delocalization at room temperature, play a critical role in defining sub- and superlinear correlations. Room temperature PL spectral positions and line widths of SWCNTs coupled to gold dimer nanoantennas on the other hand exhibit sublinear correlations, indicating that excitonic emission mainly originates from nanometer range regions and excitons appear to be localized. Our numerical simulation...
Close enough but not too far: Assessing the effects of university-industry research relationships and the rise of academic capitalism

Analysts assessing the impact of university–industry research relations (UIRRs) and increasing proprietary behavior on the part of universities often focus on single-indicators or adopt promotional or critical stances. However, assessing impacts of shifts toward a more proprietary university is inherently complex because of potential countervailing or mediating factors within working relationships. From interviews with 84 biological scientists at nine universities we find scientists view UIRRS and university intellectual property (IP) policies in complex and often conflicting ways. For example, university scientists believe UIRRs are valuable for increasing contact with scientists, but are problematic because working with industry can restrict communication among scientists. Also scientists believe university IP policies should shield their work from opportunistic behavior and at the same time be designed to attract industry partners. In addition scientists believe universities use their IP policies primarily as revenue raising vehicles and secondarily to address public good issues such as technology transfer.
Ligand and metal-ion effects in metal-ion clusters used for chiral analysis of α-hydroxy acids by the kinetic method

Chiral recognition of alpha-hydroxy acids has been achieved, and mixtures of enantiomers have been quantified in the gas phase, by using the kinetics of competitive unimolecular dissociation of singly-charged transition metal ion-bound trimeric complexes, [M(II)(A)(ref*)(2)-H](+) (M(II)=divalent transition metal ion; A=alpha-hydroxy acid; ref*=chiral reference ligand), to form the dimeric complexes [M(II)(A)(ref*)-H](+) and [M(II)(ref*)(2)-H](+). Chiral selectivity, the ratio of these two fragment ion abundances for the complex containing the analyte in one enantiomeric form expressed relative to that for the fragments of the corresponding complex containing the other enantiomer, ranges from 0.65 to 7.32. Chiral differentiation is highly dependent on the choice of chiral reference compound and central metal ion. The different coordination geometry of complexes resulting from the different d-orbital electronic configurations of these transition metal ions plays a role in chiral discrimination. Of all the transition metal ions examined chiral recognition is lowest for Cu(II), because of large distortion of the coordination complexes, and hence weak metal-ligand interactions and small stereochemical effects. It seems that two independent pi-cation interactions occur when N-acetyl-substituted aromatic amino acids used as the reference ligands and this accounts for improved chiral discrimination. If both metal-ligand and ligand-ligand interactions are optimized, large chiral selectivity is achieved. The sensitive nature of the methodology and the linear relationship between the logarithm of the fragment ion abundance ratio and the optical purity, which are intrinsic to the kinetic method, enable mixtures to be analyzed for small enantiomeric excess ( ee) by simply recording the ratios of fragment ion abundances in a tandem mass spectrum.
Skin granuloma formation in mice immunosuppressed by cyclosporine.

Granulomatous tissue reactions appear in athymic mouse skin, indicating that initiation of granuloma formation may be T-cell independent. To further evaluate the relationships between granuloma formation and T-cell function, we treated euthymic BALB/c mice with Cyclosporine (Cs), a potent immunosuppressive drug, injected intramuscularly (150 mg/kg/day) 5 times a week. Hepatic granulomas were isolated from mice with schistosomiasis and transplanted into the skin of mice treated with Cs for 2 weeks. Cyclosporine injection was continued for 3 additional weeks. Blood levels of the drug increased during treatment (489 ng/ml at 2 weeks and 822 ng/ml at 5 weeks). Morphologically identical granulomas developed in both treated and untreated mice. Examination for T-cell functions showed that by the end of 2 weeks treatment, concanavalin A. phytohemagglutinin responses, and IL-2 activity were markedly depressed, and IL-2 receptor expression was not detected in either lymph nodes or spleen of the Cs-treated mice; however, after hepatic granuloma graft, T-cell functions in regional lymph nodes, but not in spleen, as well as peripheral blood cosinophilia were stimulated in Cs-treated mice. These data strongly suggest that intact T-cell activity is not essential for the initiation of granuloma formation. In addition, granuloma grafts appear to stimulate Cs-resistant T-cell activation locally, which amplifies and organizes the granulomatous response.
Impacts of the exchange rate and the foreign interest rate on the Argentine money demand function

This article finds that the demand for real M1 in Argentina has a positive relationship with real income and peso depreciation and a negative relationship with the domestic deposit rate, the foreign interest rate, and the expected inflation rate. Real stock prices do not affect the demand for real M1. The nonlinearity test shows that the double-log form cannot be rejected at the 1% level while the linear form can be rejected at the 1% level. The CUSUMSQ test shows that the money demand function is relatively stable.
HIGH-FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION REDUCES CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE; STRATEGY AFFECTS THE INCIDENCE OF ADVERSE OUTCOMES. † 1999

We entered 142 infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a randomized study of conventional (CV) vs high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) at 8 centers. Infants were eligible if they weighed 700-1500g and required mechanical ventilation with ≥30% O2 >2h after surfactant. The prescribed high-volume strategy (HI) was used in 34/69 HFJV patients; the rest were treated with standard HFJV strategy: low peak and mean pressure (LO). HI was defined as PEEP ≥ 7cmH2O or a ≥1cmH2O PEEP increase from baseline. Continuous variables are expressed as mean±SD. HFJV reduced the incidence of BPD at 36 wks post conceptional age. Unlike Wiswell, et al (AAP Meet. Oct 95), we did not see more adverse outcomes with HFJV. Major IVH/PVL were significantly more frequent in infants treated with LO (the strategy used by Wiswell, et al) than HI. Significantly lower PaCO2 in LO group suggests a possible mechanism. Table
High-efficiency transfection of cultured primary motor neurons to study protein localization, trafficking, and function

Cultured spinal motor neurons are a valuable tool to study basic mechanisms of development, axon growth and pathfinding, and, importantly, to analyze the pathomechanisms underlying motor neuron diseases. However, the application of this cell culture model is limited by the lack of efficient gene transfer techniques which are available for other neurons. To address this problem, we have established magnetofection as a novel method for the simple and efficient transfection of mouse embryonic motor neurons. This technique allows for the study of the effects of gene expression and silencing on the development and survival of motor neurons. We found that magnetofection, a novel transfection technology based on the delivery of DNA-coated magnetic nanobeads, can be used to transfect primary motor neurons. Therefore, in order to use this method as a new tool for studying the localization and transport of axonal proteins, we optimized conditions and determined parameters for efficient transfection rates of >45% while minimizing toxic effects on survival and morphology. To demonstrate the potential of this method, we have used transfection with plasmids encoding fluorescent fusion-proteins to show for the first time that the spinal muscular atrophy-disease protein Smn is actively transported along axons of live primary motor neurons, supporting an axon-specific role for Smn that is different from its canonical function in mRNA splicing. We were also able to show the suitability of magnetofection for gene knockdown with shRNA-based constructs by significantly reducing Smn levels in both cell bodies and axons, opening new opportunities for the study of the function of axonal proteins in motor neurons. In this study we have established an optimized magnetofection protocol as a novel transfection method for primary motor neurons that is simple, efficient and non-toxic. We anticipate that this novel approach will have a broad applicability in the study of motor neuron development, axonal trafficking, and molecular mechanisms of motor neuron diseases.
Observations on the permanganate-arsenious oxide titration

Abstract The reduction of permanganate and the oxidation of manganous ion have been studied in a variety of acid solutions. The product appears to be an unstable complex of trivalent manganese. The manganic sulfate complex is pink in solution and the manganic arsenate complex is green. Complexes prepared in hydrochloric acid were found to be highly unstable and decomposed rapidly with the formation of free chlorine. The results of this work shed some light on the mechanism of the permanganate-arsenious oxide titration.
Monte Carlo integration for lattice gauge theories with fermions

Abstract A Monte Carlo procedure is constructed for lattice gauge theories with fermions by replacing integration over fermion degrees of freedom in the path integral by conventional integration over effective boson degrees of freedom. The method is applied to gauge theories over two discrete subgroups of SU(2).
Specificity of pseudorabies virus as a retrograde marker of sympathetic preganglionic neurons: implications for transneuronal labeling studies

The purpose of the present study was to examine the specificity of the Bartha strain of pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a CNS retrograde marker. This information is critical in assessing whether this virus has potential value as a specific transneuronal marker. The model system chosen for analysis was the intermediolateral cell column (IML)—the principal site of origin of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs). Two experiments were performed. The first experiment established the usefulness of this model system and the second examined the properties of PRV as a retrograde cell body marker. In the first experiment, injections of two different conventional retrograde cell body markers (cholera toxin-β subunit (CTb) and Fluoro-Gold) were made in two ipsilateral sympathetic structures (viz., stellate ganglion and adrenal gland) in the same rat. This experiment established that (1) heterogenous SPNs originate in the same cell clusters that form the IML at the T4–T8 levels and 2) SPNs innervate specific sympathetic targets with almost none providing a dual innervation of the stellate ganglion and adrenal gland. This mosaic arrangement of target-specific SPNs makes the IML an excellent CNS site for this type of study. The second experiment followed the same paradigm: PRV was injected into the stellate ganglion and CTb into the adrenal gland (and vice versa). These experiments established that PRV infections of one functional class of SPNs did not produce infections in nearby, functionally unrelated SPNs and did not cause a reduction in the SPN cell population, except under conditions of severe gliosis. These two properties increase the probability that Bartha PRV may be used as a specific retrograde transneuronal marker of central autonomic pathways.
A Probabilistic Analysis of Third-Body Particle Embedment: Implications in Lapping of Magnetic Recording Heads

A probabilistic model of third-body particle embedment was derived for surfaces separated by a hydrodynamic slurry film. The analysis yields estimates of the density of embedded particles in terms of surface topography parameters, particle size distribution, and mean surface gap determined by the applied load, macroscopic geometry of the moving surfaces, and fluid properties. The model has direct application to chemical-mechanical polishing and fabrication of lapping plates for polishing magnetic recording heads.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Whole fruit mineral element content and respiration rates of harvested ‘delicious’ apples

Abstract Whole fruit mineral element analysis is used commercially in Great Britain to predict postharvest apple fruit quality and storage life. Similar commercial programs are under development in Washington State; however, mineral element concentration guidelines are not available for important Washington‐grown cultivars. The current study used fruit respiration rate as a criterion for evaluating optimal whole fruit mineral element concentration. ‘Wellspur Delicious’ apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) were treated with four biweekly sprays of D, 4.1 and 13.5 kg CaCl2/ha. Fruit of uniform diameter (7.65 to 8.05 cm) were harvested. Four intact single‐fruit samples per treatment were placed into individual respiration chambers maintained at 20°C. Humidified CO2‐free air was continuously pumped into the chambers. Evolved C02 was trapped in NaOH and analyzed by titration. Evolution of C02 was measured for 38 days after which the fruits were analyzed for whole fruit Ca, N, Mg, P and K concentrations. The C0...
Effect of egg size and strain and age of hens on the solids content of chicken eggs

A study was conducted to determine the effect of egg size and the age and strain of hens on the content of egg solids. Eggs were obtained from commercial farms from four strains of hens with similar age groups and received diets formulated to contain the same dietary energy and protein levels across the strains within a farm. Eggs were collected on 2 different d when the flocks reached the average ages of 28, 55, 75, and 97 wk. The eggs collected form each farm were pooled and sorted by size. Each individual egg was used as a replicate for yolk:white ratio; however, five yolks, five whites, and five whole eggs from each strain at each age period were pooled, homogenized, and then used as a replicate to determine the solids contents of yolk, white, and whole eggs. The yolk:white ratio of eggs from 28-wk-old hens was the lowest, that from 55- and 78-wk-old hens was the highest, and that from 97-wk-old hens was intermediate; however, the solids content (percentage) of whole eggs increased with the age of the hens. The solids content of egg white was highest in eggs from 28-wk-old hens. The white solids content of extra large eggs was greater than that of medium eggs, and yolk solids increased with egg size; however, the solids of whole egg were not affected by egg size. The strain of hens had a significant effect on the solids of whole egg, white, and yolk; however, the strain effect on yolk:white ratio was not significant. The results showed that young (28-wk-old) and old birds (97-wk-old) produced eggs with low solids content and intermediate aged hens (55- to 78-wk-old) produced eggs with high solids content. Therefore, it may be more beneficial for egg producers and processors to use young (28-wk-old) and old birds (97-wk-old) for table egg production and birds of intermediate age (55- to 78-wk-old) for liquid egg production.
Clinical prognostic biomarkers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Context.— Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are 2 of the most common B-cell lymphomas in adults. Both diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia share heterogeneous outcomes, and the use of prognostic biomarkers to better stratify risk in these patients has now become commonplace. Objective.— To review chronic lymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma biomarkers commonly used in the clinical laboratory, which can be divided into the following 3 main groups by testing methodology: chromosomal based (including fluorescence in situ hybridization and cytogenetics), expression based (including immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry), and DNA based (including gene sequencing for somatic mutations and IGVH mutational status). Data Sources.— Review of recent literature. Conclusions.— In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, important biomarkers include expression of CD38 and ZAP-70, IGVH mutational status, somatic mutations in TP53 and NOTCH1, and abnormaliti...
Simultaneous sorting of multiple bacterial targets using integrated Dielectrophoretic–Magnetic Activated Cell Sorter

The ability to rapidly and accurately sort multiple types of biological targets—such as molecules, viruses, bacteria or mammalian cells—from complex sample mixtures is an essential component for a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. However, most current selection methods for cell separation are either limited with regard to throughput, as is the case for Fluorescence Assisted Cell Sorting (FACS), or else only allow binary separation of targets that have been labeled via a single parameter, such as Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS). We report here the integrated Dielectrophoretic–Magnetic Activated Cell Sorter (iDMACS), an integrated platform that combines two different force fields in a single microfluidic device for highly efficient multi-target separation. We describe the underlying physics and design of the iDMACS device and demonstrate ∼900-fold enrichment of multiple bacterial target cell types with over 95% purity after a single round of separation.
General results on the flow of chopped fiber compounds in compression molding

Abstract Two main theorems are proved from the governing differential equations for the flow of sheet molding compounds in compression molding. The first states that among all possible velocity distributions which satisfy the incompressibility condition and the kinematic boundary condition at a fixed edge, the actual solution minimizes the instantaneous rate of work by the molding press. The second is a general representation theorem for the velocity solution in terms of two scalar potentials. One of these potentials satisfies Laplace's equation and the second satisfies Helmholtz's equation. Each of these theorems is applied to problems of practical interest. The variational theorem is used to obtain a simple approximate solution for the flow front progression in a rectangular charge which, for a limited range of parameters, agrees remarkably well with previous numerical solutions of the exact equations. The representation theorem is used to examine the form of the solution in the important practical limit of a thin cavity. This limit is a singular perturbation of the governing differential equations, with a boundary layer at the flow front. Nevertheless, it is possible to prove that the flow front progression in thin cavities depends only on the outer solution, which can be expressed in terms of just one scalar potential.
Offshore–inshore and vertical distributional patterns of heteropod mollusks off leeward Oahu, Hawaii

Replicated zooplankton tows were taken during day and night periods at neritic (1 nmi offshore) and oceanic (5 and 15 nmi offshore) stations off the leeward side of Oahu, Hawaii during fall (September) and spring (April). Plankton samples were obtained with a 1-m2 MOCNESS net system towed obliquely through seven depth strata to 80 m (neritic station) and eight depth strata to 200 m (oceanic stations). Five more species were collected in April (17) than in September (12). During both months the number of species decreased from the 15 to the 1 nmi stations; from 11 to 9 in September and 15 to 11 in April. Species diversity, as measured by species accumulation (rarefaction) curves, was higher at the 15 than the 1 nmi stations during both months. Total nighttime water column density in April was about double that in September. In September, the density decreased sevenfold from the 15 to 1 nmi stations, but in April densities were comparable among the three stations; mainly as a result of the shoreward increase in density of Atlanta plana. The most abundant species in both months were A. plana, A. lesueuri, A. inflata, A. peroni, and Protatlanta souleyeti, which in combination accounted for 93% (September) and 91% (April) of the total nighttime water column densities. The vertical ranges of six species were limited to the upper 100 m, and nocturnal migration was suggested for two (A. helicinoides during both months and A. turriculata in April). The ranges of the remaining 11 species extended to 160 or 200 m, and among them nocturnal migration was suggested for five (A. plana, A. meteori and Pterotrachea hippocampus during both months, and A. peroni and Protatlanta soueleyti in April).
Age of Walking in the Cognitively Impaired

Age levels for independent walking were compared for groups of children with varying degrees of intellectual impairment, but without other neurologic handicaps. All walked inde pendently, save for 13.5 per cent of the profoundly retarded. Although mental retardation was associated with a delay in walking, subgroups existed at all levels that walked at a normal age. This suggests that the cognitive level is not the sole determinant for the achievement of this milestone.
A Multiple Stack Algorithm for Erasurefree Decoding of Convolutional Codes

A new algorithm for erasurefree sequential decoding of convolutional codes is introduced which achieves low error probabilities at substantially higher decoding speeds than the Viterbi decoding algorithm. The algorithmic properties of the Multiple Stack Algorithm (MSA) are investigated and it is demonstrated that the MSA reaches a decision with an exponentially rather than Pareto distributed computational effort. The MSA's error probability on the binary symmetric channel is studied as a function of its parameters and its performance and complexity compared to that of the Viterbi algorithm. The MSA is seen to achieve equal and lower error probabilities with a significantly lower average decoding effort. The new algorithm can thus be considered an attractive alternative to the Viterbi algorithm where low error probabilities and high decoding speeds are required simultaneously.