cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of ovarian steroids on prostaglandin- and leukotriene-induced uterine contractions

The mammalian uterus is capable of metabolizing arachidonic acid via the lipoxygenase pathway, and the uterus responds to lipoxygenase products. We postulated that progesterone influences the production of leukotrienes in the uterus in a way similar to that in which estradiol influences prostaglandin production. Uterine contractions were measured in actively sensitized guinea pigs throughout the estrous cycle and in ovariectomized, hormonally primed, sensitized guinea pigs. Antigen challenge stimulated uterine contractions (caused by prostaglandins) that increased throughout the estrous cycle to a maximum in day 15, when estradiol is at its peak. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished uterine contractions except on day 9 of the cycle, when progesterone levels are at their highest. Day 9 contractions were blocked by FPL 55712, a selective receptor antagonist of leukotrienes. These findings were confirmed in ovariectomized/sensitized guinea pigs. Our data suggest that endogenous synthesis of leukotrienes in the uterus may be directly related to the rise of progesterone.
Relative atomic size in semiconductor chemistry

Abstract It is postulated that the effective atomic charges on the atoms in normal valence compounds depend on the relative (covalent) sizes of the atoms , as well as on the electronegativity difference of the component atoms. Examples of evidence supporting this postulate are taken from crystal structure, energy-band gaps of semiconducting compounds, cleavage and microcleavage experiments and from comparison of calculated and observed interatomic distances. Fundamental electrical properties of semiconductors are more sensitive to the effects of relative atomic sizes than are crystal structure and interatomic distances. Nevertheless the postulate accounts for some surprising structural occurrences such as the wurtzite rather than rocksalt structure of ZnO whose electronegativity difference has a value of 2.0.
Fluorescent sensing and selective Pb(II) extraction by a dansylamide ion-exchanger.

The (bis)dansylated sulfonamide 1,2-C6H4(NHSO2C10H6-5-N(CH3)2)2 (1) extracted Pb(II) selectively from water into 1,2-dichloroethane via an ion-exchange mechanism and showed fluorescence quenching upon Pb(II) extraction. The distribution ratios for metal extraction (determined by ICP−MS) for Pb(II) were 133−1410 times higher than those for other metal cations [Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II)] under identical conditions. Fluorescence quenching was observed upon Pb(II) extraction, which was dependent on Pb(II) concentration. The monodansylated control, C6H5NHSO2C10H6-5-N(CH3)2(2), showed neither extraction nor quenching, indicating that the fluorescence effects are a direct result of Pb coordination to 1. The observed selectivity for Pb(II) is ascribed to the formation of a low-coordinate binary Pb(II)−Sulfonamido complex in the organic phase.
Lack of Gnas Epigenetic Changes and Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ib in Mice with Targeted Disruption of Syntaxin-16

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP-Ib) is characterized by hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia due to proximal renal tubular resistance to PTH but without evidence for Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy. The disorder is paternally imprinted and affected individuals, but not unaffected carriers, show loss of GNAS exon A/B methylation, a differentially methylated region upstream of the exons encoding Gsalpha. Affected individuals of numerous unrelated kindreds with an autosomal dominant form of PHP-Ib (AD-PHP-Ib) have an identical 3-kb microdeletion removing exons 4-6 of syntaxin-16 (STX16) (STX16del4-6), which is thought to disrupt a cis-acting element required for exon A/B methylation. To explore the mechanisms underlying the regulation of exon A/B methylation, we generated mice genetically altered to carry the equivalent of STX16del4-6 (Stx16(Delta4-6)). Although the human GNAS locus shows a similar organization as the murine Gnas ortholog and although the human and mouse STX16/Stx16 regions show no major structural differences, no phenotypic or epigenotypic abnormalities were detected in mice with Stx16(Delta4-6) on one or both parental alleles. Furthermore, calcium and PTH levels in Stx16(Delta4-6) mice were indistinguishable from those in wild-type animals, indicating that ablation of the murine equivalent of human STX16del4-6 does not contribute to the development of PTH resistance. The identification of a novel intragenic transcript from within the STX16/Stx16 locus in total RNA from kidneys of Stx16(Delta4-6) mice and lymphoblastoid cell-derived RNA of a patient with AD-PHP-Ib raises the question whether this transcript contributes, if deleted or altered, to the development of AD-PHP-Ib in humans.
Morphologic Change as a Reflection of Adaptive Zone

The ratio of species per family in North American local mammal faunas is lowest in Eocene time due to increased phyletic separation between surviving species. In respect to changes in adaptive zone, morphology may be relatively slow to change when an organism is using several different resources. If an organism's fitness set is concave, morphology may not change to adapt to the new resource until it has become a significant proportion of its resource set. Even when a resource has been important to the organism for some time, there may be little morphologic adaptation to the resource.
Mechanisms of glucagon degradation at alkaline pH

Glucagon is unstable and undergoes degradation and aggregation in aqueous solution. For this reason, its use in portable pumps for closed loop management of diabetes is limited to very short periods. In this study, we sought to identify the degradation mechanisms and the bioactivity of specific degradation products. We studied degradation in the alkaline range, a range at which aggregation is minimized. Native glucagon and analogs identical to glucagon degradation products were synthesized. To quantify biological activity in glucagon and in the degradation peptides, a protein kinase A-based bioassay was used. Aged, fresh, and modified peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LCMS). Oxidation of glucagon at the Met residue was common but did not reduce bioactivity. Deamidation and isomerization were also common and were more prevalent at pH 10 than 9. The biological effects of deamidation and isomerization were unpredictable; deamidation at some sites did not reduce bioactivity. Deamidation of Gln 3, isomerization of Asp 9, and deamidation with isomerization at Asn 28 all caused marked potency loss. Studies with molecular-weight-cutoff membranes and LCMS revealed much greater fibrillation at pH 9 than 10. Further work is necessary to determine formulations of glucagon that minimize degradation and fibrillation.
Frequency dependence of QLg and its relation to crustal anelasticity in the Basin and Range Province

The high observed frequency dependence of Q for 1-hz Lg waves (f0.4–0.6) in the Basin and Range province can be explained by a frequency-independent layered model of intrinsic Q for shear waves (Qμ) which has very low values in the upper crust and rapidly increasing values at greater depths. By contrast, earlier work in the eastern United States indicated Qμ values in the upper crust which are high and which vary with frequency. The Qμ model which best explains reported values of QLg and its frequency dependence in the Basin-and-Range consists of an 8-km thick low-Q layer (60 or less) overlying Q values as high as 1000 or more at mid-crustal depths. This Qμ distribution is best explained by an upper crust which contains fluids in interconnected cracks overlying a lower crust where higher lithostatic pressure has closed those cracks. These results indicate that whereas the frequency dependence of Qμ is an intrinsic property of crustal material, the frequency dependence of QLg arises from both the intrinsic frequency dependence of crustal material and its layered structure. A notation is suggested which distinguishes between the frequency dependence of QLg and Qμ.
A Wavelength Switching Algorithm For Single Laser Differential Absorption Lidar Systems

An algorithm is presented for estimation of the logpower difference needed in DIAL observations for a system assumed to use only a single laser that is tuned to different wavelengths sequentially. Account is taken of the nonlinear measurement equation, missing observations and signal fluctuations by use of adaptive Kalman filter techniques, and filter performance is demonstrated with simulated data.
Structural strength of the macaque femur

New techniques in bone mechanics, and the demonstration that locomotor function can be interpreted based on patterns of structural strength delineated by these new techniques, lay the foundation for analyses of structural strength in nonhuman primate long bones. The present paper details topographic variability in structural strength of the femoral diaphysis of Macaca as a basis for further quantifying form-function interactions in pronograde primates. The femoral diaphyses of 42 macaques were serially sectioned. These sections were digitized, and coordinate points were submitted to the SCADS computerized stress analysis program. This analysis indicated that the femoral diaphysis of Macaca is better adapted proximally than distally to resist axial loads. The proximal third of the femur is better able to resist bending loads in the posterolateral/anteromedial direction than in the standard planes. The distal femur is geometrically well suited to resist high bending loads, particularly in the mediolateral plane. The elliptical construction of the distal femur is designed to resist high torsional loads as well. When compared with density data on the macaque femoral diaphysis, these data indicate extremely high rigidity in the mediolateral plane. The inverse relationship between density and structural rigidity distally indicates the presence of compensatory mechanisms between structural strength, geometry, and density. Similarities in femoral mechanics in macaques and humans suggest uniformity of stress patterns of the lower extremity in terrestrial quadrupedal and bipedal locomotion.
Acquiring and validating motion qualities from live limb gestures

This paper presents a neural computing model that can automatically extract motion qualities from live performance. The motion qualities are in terms of laban movement analysis (LMA) Effort factors. The model inputs both 3D motion capture and 2D video projections. The output is a classification of motion qualities that are detected in the input. The neural nets are trained with professional LMA notators to ensure valid analysis and have achieved an accuracy of about 90% in motion quality recognition. The combination of this system with the EMOTE motion synthesis system provides a capability for automating both observation and analysis processes, to produce natural gestures for embodied communicative agents.
Components of effective diversity training programmes

This article reports on the results of a study on the components of effective diversity training programs as perceived by diversity experts. The major method of this research study was in-depth, open-ended telephone interviews with a panel of 12 diversity experts locating throughout the USA. The purpose was to draw upon their knowledgeable insights about the topic of effective diversity training programs. The literature that this study was based on shows that organisations have to consider training for diversity, both domestically and internationally, to a much greater extent than ever before. This is because of demographic trends, the cost of not having diversity training, and the variety and complexity of intercultural contacts throughout the world. This study also revealed the definition and goals of effective diversity training programs. This study could have direct implications for the development and implementation of diversity training programs for companies operating in domestic and international settings.
Direct observation of initial microbial deposition onto reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes

Abstract Physicochemical factors governing initial rates of microbial deposition onto reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes were studied using direct microscopic observation. Deposition rates for three different microorganisms onto four NF/RO membranes increased with (a) increasing permeate velocity, (b) decreasing crossflow velocity, (c) increasing salt rejection, (d) increasing cell size, (e) increasing membrane surface roughness, (f) decreasing (cell-membrane) free energy of adhesion, and (g) decreasing (cell-membrane) electrostatic double layer repulsion. Relatively hydrophilic, smooth surfaces produced macroscopically repulsive interfacial interactions (i.e., cells should not deposit); however, microscopic heterogeneities – which appear inherent to interfacially polymerized polyamide thin films – facilitated sufficient microbial deposition onto clean membranes that microcolonies formed within minutes to hours. At fluxes greater than ∼8 μm s−1 (∼20 lmh or 16 gfd), permeate drag forces overwhelmed repulsive interfacial forces leading to purely convective deposition. Concentration polarization of rejected salt ions destabilized cells and enhanced deposition onto NF/RO membrane surfaces. The complex interplay between membrane surface properties, concentration polarization, and hydrodynamics was reasonably captured by a simple, analytical interfacial force model. These results help explain why polyamide NF/RO membranes are prone to bacterial adhesion and how the balance between crossflow and permeate hydrodynamics governs initial microbial deposition onto clean NF/RO membranes.
Solvated electron spectrum in supercooled water and ice

Abstract The spectrum of the solvated electron was recorded between 310 and 830 nm in water supercooled down to −18 °C, and in ice- I h between −5 °C and −34 °C. The absorption maximum in liquid water continues to blue shift by 0.0022 eV/degree from high temperatures down to −18 °C, regardless of water bulk density. We suggest that the increasing free volume of the water below 4 °C due to formation of tetrahedral bonding structures is unavailable to the electron. The spectrum of electrons trapped in a vacancy site in ice- I h is very similar to the liquid on the blue-side, but much narrower on the red side.
Adenosine A2A receptor blockade or deletion diminishes fibrocyte accumulation in the skin in a murine model of scleroderma, bleomycin-induced fibrosis.

Peripheral blood fibrocytes are a newly identified circulating leukocyte subpopulation that migrates into injured tissue where it may display fibroblast-like properties and participate in wound healing and fibrosis of skin and other organs. Previous studies in our lab demonstrated that A2A receptor-deficient and A2A antagonist-treated mice were protected from developing bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, thus the aim of this study was to determine whether the adenosine A2A receptor regulates recruitment of fibrocytes to the dermis in this bleomycin-induced model of dermal fibrosis. Sections of skin from normal mice and bleomycin-treated wild type, A2A knockout and A2A antagonist-treated mice were stained for Procollagen α2 Type I and CD34 and the double stained cells, fibrocytes, were counted in the tissue sections. There were more fibrocytes in the dermis of bleomycin-treated mice than normal mice and the increase was abrogated by deletion or blockade of adenosine A2A receptors. Because fibrocytes play a central role in tissue fibrosis these results suggest that diminished adenosine A2A receptor-mediated recruitment of fibrocytes into tissue may play a role in the pathogenesis of fibrosing diseases of the skin. Moreover, these results provide further evidence that adenosine A2A receptors may represent a new target for the treatment of such fibrosing diseases as scleroderma or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Indanylspirosuccinimide Mannich Bases

A series of Mannich bases derived from spiro [indan-1,3′pyrrolidine-2′,5′-dione] were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. This activity varied as a function of the amine substituent and several compounds showed protective effects in both the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scMet) assays. In addition, fluorenyl- and cyclopentyl-derived spirosuccinimides, as well as extended chain analogues, were tested and proved to be inactive. A time versus effect study was conducted employing the MES assay and the hydroxyethylpiperazine-derived Mannich base of spiro [indan-1,3 pyrrolidine-2′,5′, dione]. This compound acted rapidly and its protective half-life was increased as larger doses were administered.
Regulation of splanchnic and renal substrate supply by insulin in humans

To determine the effects of peripheral insulin infusion on total, hepatic, and renal glucose production and on the percent contribution to glucose production of gluconeogenesis versus glycogenolysis, 10 healthy subjects had arterialized hand and hepatic vein catheterization after an overnight fast and the results were compared with data from 12 age- and weight-matched subjects with renal vein catheterization during a 180-minute infusion of either insulin (0.25 mU/kg · min) with dextrose, or saline. Endogenous, hepatic, and renal glucose production was measured with [6,6- 2 H 2 ]glucose, regional lactate, alanine, and glycerol balance by arteriovenous difference; hepatic blood flow by indocyanine green clearance; and renal blood flow by p -aminohippurate clearance, before and every 30 minutes during each infusion period. Insulin increased from about 42 to 98 pmol/L and blood glucose remained constant in all studies (3.8 ± 0.2 v 4.4 ± 0.1 μmol/ml, hepatic v renal vein). In response to insulin infusion, endogenous, hepatic, and renal glucose production decreased immediately (30 minutes) and reached a lower plateau value (10.8 ± 0.8 v 6.4 ± 0.7, 10.4 ± 1.1 v 7.8 ± 1.0, and 2.8 ± 0.6 v 1.5 ± 0.6 μmol/kg · min, respectively) between 120 and 180 minutes (all P v 0.9 ± 0.6) decreased earlier [30 minutes] and returned to baseline between 120 and 180 minutes (2.4 ± 0.5 μmol/kg · min), whereas net splanchnic uptake of lactate (5.7 ± 0.7 v 0.7 ± 0.6) and alanine (1.8 ± 0.1 v 1.0 ± 0.5 μmol/kg · min) decreased later (120 to 180 minutes). Net renal (0.3 ± 0.1 v 0.1 ± 0.1) and splanchnic (0.7 ± 0.3 v 0.4 ± 0.2 μmol/kg · min) glycerol uptake decreased 90 to 180 minutes after insulin and increased ( P v 0.6 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.5 v 1.8 ± 0.4 μmol/kg · min, respectively). These data indicate that the rapid suppression of endogenous glucose production by insulin reflects primarily a decrease in hepatic glucose release, most likely due to inhibition of net glycogenolysis, combined with suppression of renal gluconeogenesis. Inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis presumably occurs later during hyperinsulinemia. We conclude that peripheral insulin, in addition to its inhibition of glycogen degradation, regulates endogenous glucose production, in part, by modifying the splanchnic and renal substrate supply.
Motion-based perceptual quality assessment of video

There is a great deal of interest in methods to assess the perceptual quality of a video sequence in a full reference framework. Motion plays an important role in human perception of video and videos suffer from several artifacts that have to deal with inaccuracies in the representation of motion in the test video compared to the reference. However, existing algorithms to measure video quality focus primarily on capturing spatial artifacts in the video signal, and are inadequate at modeling motion perception and capturing temporal artifacts in videos. We present an objective, full reference video quality index known as the MOtion-based Video Integrity Evaluation (MOVIE) index that integrates both spatial and temporal aspects of distortion assessment. MOVIE explicitly uses motion information from the reference video and evaluates the quality of the test video along the motion trajectories of the reference video. The performance of MOVIE is evaluated using the VQEG FR-TV Phase I dataset and MOVIE is shown to be competitive with, and even out-perform, existing video quality assessment systems.
Psychophysiologic responses of invasive cardiologists in an academic catheterization laboratory

Background This study examined the psychophysiologic responses of invasive cardiologists during cardiac catheterizations. Because occupations are most stressful when one is not in control, the effect of a teaching versus an autonomous role on the psychophysiologic response of invasive cardiologists was investigated. Methods The subjects were 9 invasive cardiologists. Psychophysiologic variables such as state anxiety and salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after each invasive cardiologist performed 7 cardiac catheterizations. Heart rate was measured before, during, and after procedures. Three procedures were studied while invasive cardiologists were in the primary operator (autonomous) role with full responsibility and control, whereas 4 were studied while the subjects were in the secondary assistant (teaching) role with full responsibility and no control. Results There were no significant differences in physiologic arousal (heart rate and salivary cortisol levels) between catheterizations performed in the autonomous role versus those in the teaching role. However, the perceived anxiety scores were higher when in the teaching role versus when in the autonomous role. There were significant differences in psychophysiologic measurements of stress between less experienced cardiologists (out of training 5 years). Less experienced invasive cardiologists had significantly higher trait anxiety (38.4 vs 31.7, P = .001), baseline salivary cortisol levels (0.51 vs 0.33, P = .01), and heart rate change (50.1 vs 27.4 beats/min, P = .001) during procedures compared with more experienced cardiologists. Conclusions Although there were no overall differences in the physiologic response to the autonomous and teaching roles, there was a higher perceived state of anxiety when in the teaching role. Less experienced invasive cardiologists had higher psychophysiologic measurements of stress during invasive procedures than did more experienced cardiologists.
SINGLET EXCITATION IN POLYSILANES : AB INITIO CALCULATIONS ON OLIGOSILANE MODELS

All-electron SCF-CI calculations with several basis sets have been performed for excited singlet states of the linear oligosilanes SinH2n+2, n = 2-5, in order to establish their nature as a function of chain length. The results suggest that the lowest σSiSi → πSiH excited state lies below the first σSiSi → σSiSi state in the shortest few oligosilanes, and that the order of the states changes as the number of silicon atoms in the chain increases. An assignment is proposed for the lowest observed two-photon allowed state of polysilanes. In the gas phase, Rydberg states are expected to dominate the low-energy region of the spectra of oligosilanes shorter than Si6H14. An increase in the SiSiSi valence angle is computed to lower the σSiSi → σSiSi* excitation energy, and torsion around a central SiSi bond from trans towards cis geometry is computed to increase it. The effect of alkyl substitution was studied using 2,2-dimethyltrisilane as a model compound. It lowers the σSiSi → σSiSi* excitation energy, primarily by destabilizing the highest σSiSi orbital by hyperconjugative interaction with the substituents. The results for the σSiSi → σSiSi* state are in agreement with simple, qualitative arguments and prior semiempirical calculations.
Computational assessment of bicuspid aortic valve wall-shear stress: implications for calcific aortic valve disease

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with a high prevalence of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Although abnormal hemodynamics has been proposed as a potential pathogenic contributor, the native BAV hemodynamic stresses remain largely unknown. Fluid-structure interaction models were designed to quantify the regional BAV leaflet wall-shear stress over the course of CAVD. Systolic flow and leaflet dynamics were computed in two-dimensional tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and type-1 BAV geometries with different degree of asymmetry (10 and 16% eccentricity) using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach. Valvular performance and regional leaflet wall-shear stress were quantified in terms of valve effective orifice area (EOA), oscillatory shear index (OSI) and temporal shear magnitude (TSM). The dependence of those characteristics on the degree of leaflet calcification was also investigated. The models predicted an average reduction of 49% in BAV peak-systolic EOA relative to the TAV. Regardless of the anatomy, the leaflet wall-shear stress was side-specific and characterized by high magnitude and pulsatility on the ventricularis and low magnitude and oscillations on the fibrosa. While the TAV and non-coronary BAV leaflets shared similar shear stress characteristics, the base of the fused BAV leaflet fibrosa exhibited strong abnormalities, which were modulated by the degree of calcification (6-fold, 10-fold and 16-fold TSM increase in the normal, mildly and severely calcified BAV, respectively, relative to the normal TAV). This study reveals the existence of major differences in wall-shear stress pulsatility and magnitude on TAV and BAV leaflets. Given the ability of abnormal fluid shear stress to trigger valvular inflammation, the results support the existence of a mechano-etiology of CAVD in the BAV.
The Role of Metabolic Disorders in Alzheimer Disease and Vascular Dementia: Two Roads Converged

In recent years a rapidly increasing number of studies has focused on the relationship between dementia and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Etiological heterogeneity and comorbidity pose challenges for determining relationships among metabolic disorders. The independent and interactive effects of brain vascular injury and classic pathological agents such as beta-amyloid have also proved difficult to distinguish in human patients, blurring the lines between Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia. This review highlights recent work aimed at identifying convergent mechanisms such as insulin resistance that may underlie comorbid metabolic disorders and thereby increase dementia risk. Identification of such convergent factors will not only provide important insight into the causes and interdependencies of late-life dementias but will also inspire novel strategies for treating and preventing these disorders.
Control of Tn5 transposition in Escherichia coli is mediated by protein from the right repeat

The right repeat in Tn5, which encodes protein absolutely required for transposition, is also capable of inhibiting Tn5 transposition. Analysis of Tn5 mutants indicates that the left repeat is defective in supplying the transposition-inhibition function because of the sequence difference between the repeats located at nucleotide 1443; that the transposition-inhibition activity is a function of the quantity of right-repeat protein synthesis; that the smaller of the right-repeat proteins, protein 2, is sufficient for supplying the transposition-inhibition function (but not for the transposase activity); and that the transposition-inhibition function can act in trans, as opposed to the transposase activity, which functions efficiently only in cis. Gene fusion experiments indicate that the transposition-inhibition activity cannot be explained by autogenous regulation of right-repeat protein synthesis. Finally, immunoprecipitation assays of right-repeat protein-lacZ fusion proteins indicate that protein 2 is synthesized in significantly greater amounts than protein 1 in whole cells. This synthetic ratio may ber important with respect to the control of Tn5 transposition.
A study on road traffic crashes and injuries in Qatar as reported by drivers.

AIM: To determine the contributing factors to road traffic crashes (RTCs) and road traffic injuries (RTIs) in the rapidly developing State of Qatar. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Primary Health Care Centers and included a sample of 1762 drivers selected randomly among patients registered for daily visits. A designed questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, driving history, type of vehicle driven, driver behavior, severity of motor vehicle injuries, and the cause of the RTC was used to collect data. RESULTS: Young drivers in the age group (25-34) years had the highest prevalence of RTIs (35%). A significantly higher proportion of men had RTI when compared with women, with an incidence ratio of 1.4 : 1 (P Language: en
Histological Comparison of Autogenous Canine Fascia Lata, Gore-Tex, Lyophilized Human Fascia Lata, and Autogenous Canine Vein for Vascular Patch Graft Material in a Canine Arteriotomy Model

Autogenous fascia lata has found little clinical use as a vascular patch graft material. Previous experience, however, suggests that it possesses attributes that might make it useful in this regard. To assess its efficacy as a vascular patch graft, nine adult mongrel dogs each underwent four arteriotomies with placements of patch grafts. The four sites included both carotid arteries and both femoral arteries. In each animal, one of four patch graft materials (autogenous canine fascia lata, Gore-Tex, lyophilized human fascia lata, and autogenous canine vein) were placed as patch material at the arteriotomy site utilizing 7-0 running sutures and loop magnification. The site for placement of each graft material was rotated serially in the animals so that each site would have equal numbers of all four graft materials applied. The animals were killed at either 6 to 8 weeks or 11 to 12 weeks after angiography of all four vessels. The specimens were then evaluated histologically. No difference was observed among any of the patch graft materials with regard to myofibroblast plaque formation. Inflammatory responses were noted to be substantially less in the canine fascia lata group than in the other three groups. Granuloma formation, however, appeared to be most significant in the autogenous canine vein group. Only one vessel was occluded. Aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm formation was not noted in any specimen. It appears from the above results that autogenous fascia lata may be an appropriate alternative to currently utilized arterial patch graft materials and that it should be evaluated further for this purpose.
SORTO: Factor Analyzing Q Sorts of Kelly's Personal Construct Productions

Summary A procedure for evaluating personality is described. Conventional and transposed factor analyses are made from Q sort data describing the important people in the subject's life in terms of his own constructs (a la Kelly) as variables. The scoring procedure produces construct-factors and people-factors. Sorts from a subject illustrate the method. Cross-cultural applications are possible since the translation of personal constructs is not essential. Simulation of relationships to others, SORTO, combines Kelly's (1955) personal constructs with Stephenson's (1953) Q sort procedure. A large amount of personal data is factor analyzed by the computer to reveal the main idiosyncratic features of a subject's perceptions of his relationships to others. Maximum output from the analysis occurs when the nature of personal constructs employed is supplied as input to the analysis.
The chloride-catalyzed decomposition of ammonium nitrate in nitric acid media at 100°C

Abstract The rate of disappearance of ammonium ion in chloride-catalyzed nitric acid mixtures at 100°C can be expressed by the rate equation d(NH 4 + )/d t = − k [H + ] n [NO 3 − ] p [NH 4 + ], where k =(2.430±0.186)×10 −7 , (sec −1 ), n = 2.426 ± 0.034, o = 3.096 ± 0.039, and p = 1.295 ± 0.035. The proposed reaction mechanism is: Fluoride and bromide had no catalytic activity. This is in agreement with the proposed reaction sequence since they do not form stable analogs of hypochlorous acid or chloramine.
Small hydrogen/oxygen rocket flowfield behavior from heat flux measurements

The mixing and heat transfer phenomena in small rocket flow fields with fuel film cooling is not well understood. An instrumented, water-cooled chamber with a gaseous hydrogen/gaseous oxygen injector was used to gather steady-state inner and outer wall temperature profiles. The chamber was tested at 414 kPa (60 psia) chamber pressure, from mixture ratios of 3.41 to 8.36. Sixty percent of the fuel was used for film cooling. These temperature profiles were used as boundary conditions in a finite element analysis program, MSC/NASTRAN, to calculate the local radial and axial heat fluxes in the chamber wall. The normal heat fluxes were then calculated and used as a diagnostic of the rocket's flow field behavior. The normal heat fluxes determined were on the order of 1.0 to 3.0 MW/meters squared (0.6 to 1.8 Btu/sec-inches squared). In the cases where mixture ratio was 5 or above, there was a sharp local heat flux maximum in the barrel section of the chamber. This local maximum seems to indicate a reduction or breakdown of the fuel film cooling layer, possibly due to increased mixing in the shear layer between the film and core flows. However, the flow was thought to be completely laminar, as the throat Reynolds numbers were below 50,000 for all the cases. The increased mixing in the shear layer in the higher mixture ratio cases appeared not to be due to the transition of the flow from laminar to turbulent, but rather due to increased reactions between the hydrogen film and oxidizer-rich core flows.
Complications of Allograft Use in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Ligament allografts remain a popular option for primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. There are several important considerations for surgeons and patients when considering the use of ligament allografts, including disease transmission, graft incorporation, early graft failures, and laxity. Contamination of allograft tissue by both viral and bacterial organisms is a potentially devastating, although rare, occurrence. Sufficient evidence supports the belief that allograft incorporation lags behind that of autografts, although the evidence is less convincing that this delay is of clinical importance. Early reports on allografts in ACL reconstruction resulted in excessive laxity and high rates of re-rupture; however, more recent data fail to support this trend toward clinical failure. This article reviews the available basic science and clinical outcomes of allograft ACL reconstruction.
Wrongdoing by consultants: An examination of employees' reporting intentions

Organizations are increasingly embedded with consultants and other non-employees who have the opportunity to engage in wrongdoing. However, research exploring the reporting intentions of employees regarding the discovery of wrongdoing by consultants is scant. It is important to examine reporting intentions in this setting given the enhanced presence of consultants in organizations and the fact that wrongdoing by consultants changes a key characteristic of the wrongdoing. Using an experimental approach, the current paper reports the results of a study examining employees’ reporting intentions subsequent to their discovery of wrongdoing by a consultant. The results of the study indicate that perceptions about the seriousness of a wrongdoing, personal costs and personal responsibility related to reporting a wrongdoing, and moral-equity judgments are significantly associated with reporting intentions for a normal (non-anonymous) reporting channel. Only perceptions of seriousness and personal costs are significantly associated for an anonymous reporting channel. Lastly, while personal costs for the anonymous reporting channel were lower than the normal reporting channel, reporting intentions were similar across the two channels.
Gift-giving and gift-taking in industrial companies

Abstract Practicing purchasing managers representing 344 manufacturing firms were asked about their firms' policies on buyers accepting gifts from vendors. These question were asked in face-to-face group meetings held throughout the United States. The purchasing managers were also quizzed on their attitudes about gift-giving and gift-taking in the industrial setting. The results from this study clearly indicate that most manufacturing firms with over 200 employees have made a formal attempt to address the vexing problems of gift-giving. However, evidence was found that company-wide enforcement of gift policies is a strong irritant to purchasing managers.
Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Implicates Chromosome 1p36

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a complex etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. However, the genetic causes of OCD are largely unknown, despite the identification of several promising candidate genes and linkage regions. Methods Our objective was to conduct genetic linkage studies of the type of OCD thought to have the strongest genetic etiology (i.e., childhood-onset OCD), in 33 Caucasian families with ≥2 childhood-onset OCD-affected individuals from the United States ( n = 245 individuals with genotype data). Parametric and nonparametric genome-wide linkage analyses were conducted with Morgan and Merlin in these families using a selected panel of single nucleotide repeat polymorphisms from the Illumina 610-Quad Bead Chip. The initial analyses were followed by fine-mapping analyses in genomic regions with initial heterogeneity logarithm of odds (HLOD) scores of ≥2.0. Results We identified five areas of interest (HLOD score ≥2) on chromosomes 1p36, 2p14, 5q13, 6p25, and 10p13. The strongest result was on chromosome 1p36.33-p36.32 (HLOD = 3.77, suggestive evidence for linkage after fine mapping). At this location, several of the families showed haplotypes co-segregating with OCD. Conclusions The results of this study represent the strongest linkage finding for OCD in a primary analysis to date and suggest that chromosome 1p36, and possibly several other genomic regions, may harbor susceptibility loci for OCD. Multiple brain-expressed genes lie under the primary linkage peak (approximately 4 megabases in size). Follow-up studies, including replication in additional samples and targeted sequencing of the areas of interest, are needed to confirm these findings and to identify specific OCD risk variants.
Structural effects in drug distribution: whole animal pharmacokinetics

Computer-generated data simulating the results of assays of homogenized whole animals as a function of time following rapid intravenous injection have been employed to calculate various pharmacokinetic constants in both one and two compartment open models. The results have been compared to those obtained with data representing analysis of blood samples at identical time intervals. Data for whole animal analysis are equally reliable in calculating the first-order constants for distribution and elimination when applied to the appropriate cases. However, the range of utility is smaller when the whole animal method is used. The whole animal approach does offer some unique advantages over the classical plasma data method and these are discussed. The range of utility and the method for calculating pharmacokinetic rate constants from whole animal data are clearly defined.
Technology, quality and trade in the apple industry

This study explores the competitive nature of the global apple industry and its many intricacies. The apple industry is important to many countries around the world. Four of the major apple producing countries are the United States, China, Chile and New Zealand. In this study, these four countries are compared in the areas of technology, quality sustainability and the number of imported apples. Moreover, the purpose of the study is to explore the relationships between the level of storage technology and quality, and the relationship of apple importing and the quality of apples produced.
Behavior of Larval Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Response to an Invertebrate Predator, Hydra littoralis (Anthomedusae: Hydridae)

Species of Ceratopogonidae are commonly known as biting midges, punkies, no-see-ums, or sand flies. Some are annoying pests and transmit a wide range of pathogens including arboviruses, protozoa, and filarial nematodes to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife (Borkent 2005). In North America, Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones is economically important because it transmits orbiviruses to livestock and wildlife (Foster et al., 1963; Foster et al., 1977).
The Cost Of Thinking

A theory and methodology are developed for explicitly considering the cost of comparing diverse choice alternatives. The theory allows (1) explicit analytical measures of the cost of using various simplified decision strategies, and (2) predictions regarding the distribution of mistakes a consumer is likely to make when reducing decision-making effort.
Remote sensing research in undergraduate education: An international fieldwork perspective

Institutions of higher education in the U.S. are increasing their use of project-based courses and experiential learning using projects or service in other countries. Project-based instruction provides students with an opportunity to make connections between the classroom and the world around them. Research suggests that fieldwork strongly enhances curriculum instruction and provides additional learning value to students. The goal of this grant was to increase the international content of existing curriculum by providing to students advanced skills in sampling design, geospatial statistics, and remote sensing for mapping and monitoring of crops and natural areas including semi-arid mountains, sub-tropical mountains, and tropical rain forests. This experience for the students has opened their eyes to new cultures and environments, allowed them to apply their classrooms skills is a real-world context and importantly to see how what they are learning is readily usable outside the classroom.
Organophosphate and organophosphorothionate esters: Application of linear free energy relationships to estimate hydrolysis rate constants for use in environmental fate assessment

Abstract Hydrolysis rate constants required for assessing the environmental fate of certain organophosphate and organophosphorothionate esters may be estimated by use of linear free energy relationships (LFERs). LFERs for the second-order alkaline hydrolysis rate constants and the pKa of the conjugate acid of the leaving groups were established for 0,0-dimethyl- and 0,0-diethyl-0-substituted phosphates and phosphorothionates. Also, the second-order alkaline hydrolysis rate constants of selected triaryl phosphates were correlated with the Hammett-sigma constants. Existing LFERs for diaryl phosphate ester anions along with monoaryl phosphate ester mono- and dianions were used to predict hydrolytic half-lives under reaction conditions that are characteristic of aquatic environments.
Crystal structure of [Cp2Ti(THF)2][Co(CO)4]: variation of OTiO angles in the same crystal

Abstract The molecular structure of [Cp 2 Ti(THF) 2 ] [Co(CO) 4 ] has been determined by X-ray diffraction at −104 °C. The compound crystallizes in the acentric monoclinic space group P 2 1 with a = 7.812(4), b = 15.010(4), c = 28.445(9) A, β = 94.10(3)°, V = 3327.1 A 3 and Z = 6. The unique feature of this crystal structure is that there are three independent cation/anion pairs in the unit cell and that the structure of the Cp 2 Ti(THF) 2 + fragment is significantly different for each. The most significant difference lies in the OTiO angles which range from 77.2 to 82.9°. This result points out the magnitude of the effect that steric requirements due to crystal packing forces can have in determining structural features.
Dissociation of tolerance to the hypothermic and tachycardic effects of ethanol

Abstract Tolerance to the cardioacceleratory and hypothermic effects of ethanol was studied in unanesthetized, freely-moving rats surgically implanted with EKG electrodes and biotelemetric temperature sensors. Different groups received 0.0, 1,0 or 2.0 g ethanol/kg body weight in injections given every other day for a total of nine injections. Heart rate and body temperature were recorded for 1 hr before and 2 hr after each injection. Ethanol initially induced a monophasic dose-related cardioacceleration (80 bpm) and hypothermia (1.0°C) that persisted throughout the 2-hr sample period. Tolerance developed to the hypothermic, but not to the tachycardic effect of ethanol. Assuming that tolerance depends on level of impairment in specific neuronal pathways, this outcome suggests that these two effects of ethanol are not mediated through a common autonomic mechanism (e.g., vasomotor depression) and/or that tolerance to the hypothermic effects is due to alterations in pathways unique to the thermoregulatory system. Overall, the finding is consistent with those of studies showing development of tolerance to depressant, but not to excitatory drug effects.
An analysis of efficiency in the delivery of financial services: The case of life insurance agencies

Scale and scope economies are examined for life insurance agencies that distribute multiple financial products. The results of this study suggest that there are significant administrative returns to scale for firms that sell a mix of financial products. The findings for scope estimates are inconsistent, suggesting that there are positive and negative cost complementaries for pairs of products. Subadditivity can be rejected, suggesting that joint distribution of financial products is not necessarily more efficient than specialization and that different-sized agencies are not necessarily at a cost disadvantage.
Immunotherapy of HIV-Infected Patients with Intermittent Interleukin-2: Effects of Cycle Frequency and Cycle Duration on Degree of CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Expansion

The ability of IL-2 to induce expansion of the CD4(+) T lymphocyte pool has made it the most studied cytokine in the treatment of HIV infection. The majority of trials have used an empirical regimen of 5-day IL-2 cycles given every 8 weeks--a regimen based upon early pharmacodynamic studies and patient preference. To better define optimal duration and frequency of cycles, a randomized trial was conducted in which patients who received this "standard" regimen were compared to patients who received cycles of variable duration (based on individual patterns of cell cycle progression) and to patients who received cycles of variable frequency (based on individual CD4(+) T lymphocyte responses to previous cycles). Twenty-two patients with HIV-1 infection and CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts > 200 cells/mm(3) were randomized to one of three treatment groups for 32 weeks of study. Eight participants received four 5-day IL-2 cycles (controls) every 8 weeks; 7 participants received four cycles of longer duration (mean 7.7-days); and 7 participants received an increased frequency of 5-day cycles (every 4.1 weeks on average). All three groups experienced significant increases in mean CD4(+) T lymphocytes. However, there were no statistically significant differences in CD4(+) T lymphocyte increases between the group that received longer cycles (median increase 239 cells/mm(3), P = 0.78) or between the group that received more frequent cycles (median increase 511 cells/mm(3), P = 0.54) and the control group (median 284 cells/mm(3)). HIV-1 viral loads decreased during the study period in all three groups. Our inability to demonstrate a significant advantage of increased frequency or duration of IL-2 administration provides corroborating experimental evidence for the use of an IL-2 regimen consisting of 5-day cycles administered no more frequently than every 8 weeks in future clinical trials aimed at expanding the CD4(+) T lymphocyte pool.