cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An underlying role for hepatobiliary dysfunction in cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity.

Renal-derived cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLT), such as leukotrienes C{sub 4} (LTC{sub 4}) and D{sub 4} (LTD{sub 4}) are thought to mediate acute and chronic cyclosporine A (CSA) nephrotoxicity. However, whole-body cysLT elimination is regulated primarily by hepatobiliary excretion. Since CSA is known to alter hepatobiliary function, the effects of CSA on whole-body cysLT elimination were investigated in vivo, with respect to hepatobiliary and renal function. Male rats were anesthetized and cannulated (jugular vein, bile duct, and urinary bladder). A tracer dose of tritiated LTC{sub 4} ({sup 3}H-LTC{sub 4}) was administered systemically (i.v.) immediately following vehicle and then 90 min later after vehicle or CSA. In vehicle/vehicle controls, hepatobiliary {sup 3}H-cysLT elimination predominated over renal elimination without altering glomerular filtration rate (GFR), bile flow, and urine production. {sup 3}H-cysLT elimination kinetics were comparable between each 90 min collection period. In vehicle/CSA-treated rats, an acutely nephrotoxic dose of CSA (20 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced urine flow 74 {+-} 9% and caused a transient reduction in GFR, while total bile flow decreased 40 {+-} 13%. Hepatobiliary and renal {sup 3}H-cysLT elimination was also impaired 59 {+-} 5 and 61 {+-} 18%, respectively. In contrast, a non-nephrotoxic dose (2 mg/kg i.v.) increased renal {sup 3}H-cysLT eliminationmore » due to impaired hepatobiliary elimination without affecting GFR, bile flow or urine production. Both doses caused {sup 3}H-cysLT retention in hepatic and renal tissue. These findings demonstrate that CSA alters whole-body handling of cysLT by disrupting hepatobiliary cysLT elimination. This disruption leads to increased renal exposure to systemically derived cysLT and renal cysLT tissue retention. Renal exposure to and accumulation of systemically derived cysLT products may be underlying factors in CSA nephrotoxicity.« less
Oxidation of thiosulphate by Thiobacillus thioparus.

PREVIOUS investigations of the oxidation of thiosulphate by the autotrophic micro-organism Thiobacillus thioparus have not led to uniform results. According to Starkey1, thiosulphate is oxidized directly to sulphur and sulphate, and Parker and Prisk2 have also come to a similar conclusion. On the other hand, Vishniac claims that the oxidation of thiosulphate by Th. thioparusoccurs in two stages: the first is the complete oxidation of the substrate to tetrathionate and the second the oxidation of the tetrathionate3. The results of Pratt's investigations4 also suggest the possibility of the appearance of tetrathionate during the oxidation of thiosulphate by Th. thioparus. Pratt showed that in the medium in which Th. thioparus was growing there was an accumulation of some substance, presumably tetrathionate, giving a positive Folin–Ciocalteu reaction.
Potential Interaction Between Warfarin and High Dietary Protein Intake

A 55-year-old Caucasian man was receiving warfarin therapy after undergoing aortic valve replacement. His international normalized ratio (INR) was stabilized with warfarin 95 mg/week for 5 weeks. Commencement of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet resulted in a series of subtherapeutic INRs that led to a 16% increase in the dosage requirement to maintain therapeutic INRs. After the patient discontinued the diet, his INR increased, and several dosage reductions were required until his INR stabilized with his original dosage of 95 mg/week. Two additional case reports have described a possible interaction between warfarin and a high-protein diet. The potential for increased dietary protein intake to raise serum albumin levels and/or cytochrome P450 activity has been postulated as mechanisms for the resulting decrease in INRs. Given the available animal and human data that demonstrate alterations in drug metabolism in the presence of altered dietary protein intake, an increase in warfarin metabolism due to cytochrome P450 activation appears to be the most likely cause. In addition to the previously reported cases, this case indicates a potential interaction between warfarin and a high-protein diet. Because of the popularity of high-protein diets and because of the risks associated with inadequate or excessive warfarin anticoagulation, patients and health care providers should be aware of this interaction to ensure appropriate monitoring when warranted.
Distribution of D2 dopamine receptor mRNA in the primate brain

Abstract 1. The distribution of the messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the D2dopamine receptor has been mapped in the monkey brain by in situ hybridization. 2. Using [35s]-labelled riboprobes corresponding to the region of the D2 dopamine receptor spanning the third cytosolic loop and the sixth and seventh transmembrane domains, specific hybridization was observed in a number of neural structures. 3. High levels of mRNA expression were observed in the caudate, putamen, and claustrum. Significant amounts were also identified in the hippocampus, lateral geniculate nucleus, much of the cortex, amygdala, pons, and thalamus. High levels of this mRNA were also visualized in the substantia nigra, likely reflecting autoreceptor synthesis. 4. While the distribution of D2 dopamine receptor mRNA was similar between the monkey and previously published maps in the rat, several differences were noted. 5. These results demonstrate the feasibility of visualizing this mRNA in the primate brain, and suggest that a similar analysis of human postmortem brain material may be possible.
An eye on university publishing

Abstract This Bookwatch is devoted to what will be a theme of the section: the publishing output from non-traditional sources. One of the most important of these is university publishing and this Bookwatch surveys the catalogue of the University of Birmingham's Centre for Urban and Regional Studies.
Design of nanofilters for optical nanocircuits

We theoretically and numerically study the design of optical ``lumped'' nanofiltering devices in the framework of our recently proposed paradigm for optical nanocircuits. In particular, we present a design of basic filtering elements, such as low-pass, pass-band, stop-band, and high-pass lumped nanofilters, for use in optical nanocircuits together with more complex designs, such as multizero or multipole nanofilters, to work at THz, infrared, and optical frequencies. Following the nanocircuit theory, we show how it is possible to design such complex frequency responses by applying simple rules, similar to those in rf circuit design, and we compare the frequency response of these optical nanofilters with classic filters in rf circuits. These findings introduce a theoretical foundation for the fabrication of nanofilters in optical lumped nanocircuit devices.
Spontaneous unilateral renal dysplasia in a clinically healthy cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Renal dysplasia is a congenital renal malformation characterized by disruption of normal renal development with asynchronous differentiation of nephrons, collecting ducts, and parenchyma and abnormal patterning of cortical and medullary tissues. The present article describes unilateral renal dysplasia discovered in a cynomolgus monkey from a routine toxicology study. The affected kidney was small and characterized by extensive interstitial fibrosis with the formation of fibromuscular collars around glomeruli and tubules, immature nephrons, and persistent mesenchyme encompassing few collecting ducts. The present case is remarkable in that there is a paucity of reports describing histopathologic findings of spontaneously occurring renal dysplasia in preclinical test species for use in large animal toxicity studies.
Some topological properties in optimization theory

We study some topological properties of the vector sum of two sets, and we introduce the concept of strong cone compactness, a slightly strengthened version of the notion of cone compactness, which is used frequently in vector optimization. Furthermore, we establish a generalization of the well-known fact that the continuous image of a compact set is compact.
Vision at the workplace: Part II — Knowledge base for the guide

This chapter discusses vision problems in workstations. Visual problems can be due to deficiencies in the person, the place, or the procedure. Some personal deficiencies can be corrected with lenses (contact lenses, spectacles). Place deficiencies can be corrected by (1) increasing the quantity of the illumination or (2) improving the quality of the illumination. Visual problems at workplaces are unlikely to affect the worker's health although they may cause unnecessary stress on the visual system, sometimes resulting in headaches and fatigue. Visual performance may be affected, resulting in increased errors and time/unit. Offices are mostly composed of visual display terminals (VDTs). The screen is relatively vertical, but more importantly, the ambient light washes out the contrast on the screen. So lighting must be designed for both vertical screens and vertical paper (in document holders) and horizontal paper. Reflections on the screen can be diffuse or specular. Diffuse (veiling) reflections are caused by ambient light, as well as the phosphor. Diffuse reflections increase the luminance of both the screen background and characters, thereby reducing the contrast ratio. Specular reflection produces a mirrorlike image. Coatings, such as quarter-wavelength filters (like the coating on camera lenses) and matte treatment (frosting), can reduce specular reflection.
Compensatory hypertrophy of skeletal muscle fibers in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Previous studies have demonstrated an apparent differential response of the fiber types in mixed skeletal muscles of rats to streptozotocin diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the ability of the different fiber types to hypertrophy in muscles from diabetic rats, which should further clarify the apparent differential trophic influence of insulin on the fibers. One group of rats was injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The gastrocnemius muscle was then removed from one hindlimb of rats of both the diabetic and a second, normal group, resulting in compensatory growth of ipsilateral plantaris muscle. Rats were sacrificed 60 days following the surgery. Experimental muscles in normal and diabetic rats enlarged 79% and 61% over control muscles, respectively. In normal hypertrophied muscles there was an 8% increase in relative cross-sectional area composed of slow-twitch fibers, whereas in diabetic rats the slow-twitch component increased 17%. The results indicate that slow-twitch fibers in diabetic rats were capable of responding to the chronic power overloaded condition, but that the fast-twitch fibers had a reduced capacity to undergo compensatory growth. These findings support our previous observations suggesting that insulin may exert a differential trophic effect upon the muscle fiber types.
Personality maturity and Teresa's interior castle

The ego development stage model theory of Jane Loevinger is compared to the understanding of St. Teresa of Avila regarding development in spiritual life. The paper first presents Loevinger's theory, then goes through the “mansions” Teresa described in the interior castle of the soul, comparing each mansion with Loevinger's understanding. The paper concludes that a very similar line of development is traced in both understandings.
Pancreatic Cancer in a Young Adult After Treatment for Hodgkin's Disease

The authors present a case of adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, which arose 14 years after extended field irradiation for Stage IIA Hodgkin's disease. The patient was aged 37 years at the time of the pancreatic cancer, which was situated within the previously irradiated volume.
Autoregulation of the phosphointermediate of Na+/K+-ATPase by the amino-terminal domain of the α-subunit

Abstract Chymotryptic cleavage of the α-subunit of the canine kidney Na + /K + -ATPase in the presence of Na + abolishes ATPase activity and yields an 83 kDa peptide from Ala 267 to the COOH-terminus. To test the proposal that E 1 to E 2 conformational transition is blocked in this modified enzyme, we have made a detailed comparison of its phosphorylation with that of the native enzyme by ATP. While phosphorylation of α is dependent on Na + and prevented by K + , that of the 83 kDa peptide is modestly stimulated by Na + ; and only this stimulation, but not the Na + -independent phosphorylation is inhibited by K + . Ouabain, which inhibits α-phosphorylation by ATP, activates Na + -independent phosphorylation of the 83 kDa peptide by ATP, and inhibits the Na + -stimulation of this process. While there is a ouabain-stimulated phosphorylation of α by P i , the 83 kDa peptide is not phosphorylated by P i with or without ouabain. In its sensitivity to ADP, and insensitivity to K + , the phosphopeptide is similar to the E 1 P of the native enzyme; however, the spontaneous decomposition rate of the phosphopeptide is orders of magnitude lower than that of the native EP. Na + has no effect on the spontaneous decomposition of the phosphopeptide; but at high Na + concentrations ( K 0.5 = 350 mM) the ADP sensitivity of the phosphopeptide is reduced. The phosphopeptide, like the native EP, is acid-stable, alkaline-labile, and sensitive to hydroxylamine and molybdate. The chymotrypsin-treated enzyme catalyzes an ADP-ATP exchange activity that is stimulated by Na + . The Na + -independent part of this exchange, unlike that of the native enzyme, is activated by ouabain. Our findings establish that (a) the phosphorylation process and its control by Na + , K + and ouabain are autoregulated by the NH 2 -terminal domain of the α-subunit; and (b) the often repeated assumption that the primary role of this domain is in the regulation of E 1 -E 2 transitions is not valid.
Selected X-ray data for comparison with theory

Abstract By combining a few recently available optically referenced X-ray measurements with a highly selected group of previously reported X-ray to X-ray and X-ray to γ-ray ratios, we obtain a set of accurate X-ray transition energies. Comparison with recent theoretical calculations in the relaxed orbital limit of the relativistic self-consistent field approximation leads to a clearer delineation of the trend of discrepancies than has hitherto been available. The resulting linear variation of the discrepancies with Z appears to call for explication.
Arab and Middle Eastern business research: a review of the empirical literature (1990-2013)

Purpose – The purpose of the current study is to examine the empirical research conducted on the Arab region as reported in the top 46 business journals over the past 23 years (1990-2013). After identifying patterns over time (focal country and methodologies), the identified methodological challenges that scholars have reported in their published research are presented. Design/methodology/approach – The Arab region in this study comprised all 22 member-countries in the Arab League. We also added three other countries that are very much tied to the Arab region and are usually included in the Middle East: Turkey, Israel and Iran. Following the recommendations of previous authors (DuBois and Reeb, 2000; Nicholls-Nixon et al., 2011; Martinez and Kalliny, 2012), published articles are reviewed, but not book chapters, book reviews and dissertation abstracts from our sample, as they do not meet the sample selection criteria (Inkpen and Beamish, 1994; Samiee and Athanassiou, 1998). Findings – As Table I indicates...
Microbial biogeochemistry of coastal upwelling regimes in a changing ocean

The coastal upwelling regimes located along the eastern boundaries of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins are small in size, but make a disproportionate contribution to the productivity and microbial biogeochemistry of the ocean. These regimes include the California and Peru/Humboldt current systems in the Pacific, and the Canary and Benguela current systems in the Atlantic. Their characteristic equatorward wind patterns lead to the net offshore transport of surface water, allowing cold, nutrient-laden water to upwell into the illuminated zone where phytoplankton photosynthesis occurs. Rich upwelled supplies of nitrate, phosphate and silicate, and the tremendous blooms of resident phytoplankton they support, render these regimes the ‘new production factories’ of the world ocean 1
Influence of benzylisothiocyanate and 13-cis-retinoic acid on micronucleus formation induced by benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of benzylisothiocyanate (BIT) and 13- cis retinoic acid (RA) upon the genotoxic potential of benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP) to induce micronucleus formation in the bone marrow of mice. Eighty-two male mice were divided into 10 groups. One group served as a negative control (olive oil intubation). Four groups received an oral intubation of various concentrations of BIT (15 to 120 mg/kg) and i.p. injections of BaP (185 mg/kg). Another four groups were treated identically, but received RA (20 to 150 mg/kg) in place of BIT. Finally, one group received only i.p. injection of BaP (185 mg/kg). The results showed that both BIT and RA significantly reduced the frequency of micronucleus formation in the bone marrow of the BaP treated animals. BIT was found to be effective at all the tested concentrations. RA was effective only at three of the four tested concentrations (40, 75 and 150 mg/kg). These findings indicate that both BIT and RA may reduce the genotoxic effects of benzo[ a ]pyrene in mice under the test conditions utilized.
Suggested terminology for Quaternary dating methods

Classification of Quaternary dating methods should be based on the level of quantitative information and the degree of confidence contained in the age estimates produced by the dating methods. We recommend the use of the terms numerical-age, calibrated-age, relative-age, and correlated-age to describe these levels. We also classify dating methods by type into sideral, isotopic, radiogenic, chemical and biological, geomorphic, and correlation methods. The use of “absolute” is inappropriate for most dating methods, and should be replaced by “numerical.” The use of “date” should be minimized in favor of “age” or “age estimate.” We recommend use of the abbreviations ka and Ma for most ages; calender dates can be used where appropriate and yr B.P. can be used for radiocarbon ages.
Descriptions of megalopa and juveniles of Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883), with an account of the Parapaguridae (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguroidea) from Antarctic and Subantarctic waters

Four species and a megalopa of the hermit crab family Parapaguridae were obtained during cruises of the USNS Eltanin (1962–8) and Hero (1971) to Antarctic and Subantarctic waters. Adults, numerous juveniles, and the presumed megalopal larvae of Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883), are reported. Morphological variations and pleopod development in juveniles, and the megalopa of this species, are described and illustrated. Sympagurus haigae (De Saint Laurent, 1972), and Parapagurus latimanus Henderson, 1888, previously were either poorly defined or known from only a few localities; they are diagnosed or their descriptions amended, and illustrated. Parapagurus bouvieri Stebbing, 1910, was found off the coast of New Zealand, extending its range across the Indian Ocean. It is postulated that, at least in some species of Sympagurus, megalopal development is more variable than previously assumed.
CDCs and the Changing Context for Urban Community Development: A Review of the Field and the Environment

This review takes Rebuilding Communities as a starting point to survey the community development literature, the community development field, and external environmental factors, in order to examine what has happened over the past fifteen years to shape the context in which urban community development corporations (CDCs) now operate. This paper is both a bounded literature review and an environmental scan. We identify categories of changes and influences on the community development field. We find that in the last fifteen years, the community development field has grown increasingly professionalized. Policy initiatives have also shaped the field. New evaluations of community development have been conducted and published. We now know much more about the potential and limits of CDCs than we did when the Rebuilding Communities (RC) study was launched in the late 1980s. At the same time, significant gaps in our knowledge of the community development field remain. In particular, there has been insufficient stud...
Theory of a tribometer experiment on ice friction

Abstract A simple analysis of a tribometer measurement of ice friction at low temperatures indicates that the loss mechanism was due to viscous resistance of frictionally melted liquid.
Two-spring model for active compression textiles with integrated NiTi coil actuators

This paper describes the development and implementation of a two-spring model to predict the performance of hybrid compression textiles combining passive elastic fabrics and integrated NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) coil actuators. An analytic model that treats passive fabric-SMA coil systems as conjoined linear springs is presented to predict garment passive and active counter-pressure as a function of 11 design variables. For a fixed SMA coil design (encompassing five design variables), the model predicts that passive fabric material modulus, initial length, width and thickness determine both passive counter-pressure magnitude and activation stroke length, and that passive and active pressures are highly dependent on the relative unstretched lengths of the conjoined SMA-fabric system compared to the total limb circumference. Several passive fabrics were tested to determine their moduli and to generally assess the fabric linearity model assumption: two fabrics (spandex and neoprene) were found to behave linearly up to 200% strain, while two other fabrics (flat polyester elastic and a tri-laminate Lycra) were found to be nonlinear in the same strain envelope. Five hypothetical compression tourniquet designs are presented using experimentally determined fabric characteristics and previously studied SMA actuators developed at MIT. The performance of each tourniquet design is discussed with a specific focus on mechanical counter-pressure (MCP) space suit design requirements, with designs presented that achieve the full MCP design specification ( 29.6 kPa) while minimizing ( 5 mm) garment thickness. The modeling framework developed in this effort enables compression garment designers to tailor counter-pressure and activation stroke properties of active compression garments based on a variety of design parameters to meet a wide range of performance specifications.
UNRESOLVED COMMEMORATIONS: MEMORIALS TO VICTIMS OF HOMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN ITALY

In this essay I look at the commemorative practices surrounding two events that for many gay rights organizations have come to symbolize the effects of homophobia in Italy, and particularly Rome: Alfredo Ormando’s self-immolation in Piazza San Pietro in 1998 and the murder of Paolo Seganti in a Roman park in 2005. I will examine the forms the various commemorations for these two men have taken, such as plaques, candlelight vigils, sit-ins, art exhibitions, archives, and websites, and investigate how some of these forms offer resistant counter-memories to a dominant narrative while others risk relegating their subject to oblivion.
Recurrent pneumococcal sepsis and defective opsonization after pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine in a child with nephrotic syndrome

1. Welsh JK, and May JT: Antinfective properties of breast milk, J PEDIATR 94:1, 1979. 2. Robinson JE, Harvey BAM, and Soothill JF: Phagocytosis and killing of bacteria and yeast by human milk cells after opsonization in aqueous phase milk, Br Med J 1:1443, 1978. 3. Mowat AG, and Baum J: Chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with diabetes mellitus, N Eng J Med 284:621, 1971. 4. Khan AJ, Evans HE, Glass L, et al: Abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis and random migration induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics, J Lab Clin Med 93:295, 1979. 5. Hill HR, Warwick W J, Dettloff J, and Quie P J: Neutrophil granulocyte function in patients with pulmonary infection, J PEDIAXR 84:55, 1974. 6. Pitt J, Barlow B, and Heird WC: Protection against necrotizing enterocolitis by maternal milk. I. Role of milk leukocytes, Pediatr Res 11:907, 1977. 7. Khan AJ, Mehta S, and Walia BNS: Augmented histamine test in newborn, Pediatr Clin India 4:361, 1969. 8. Paxsons CL Jr, and Cross CC: Survival of human leukocytes, J PEDIATR 94:61, 1979. 9. Kmetz M, Dunne HW, and Schultz RD: Leukocytes as carriers in the transmission of bovine leukemia: invasion of digestive tract of the newborn by ingested cultured leukocytes, Am J Vet Res 31:637, 1970. 10. Miller ME, and Ganges RG: Serum complement like opsonic activities in human, animal, vegetable and proprietary milks, Science 196:1115, 1977. 11. Keller HU, Heiss MW, and Cottier H: Physiology of chemotaxis and random mobility, in Miescher PA, and Jaffe ER, editors: Seminars in hematology, vol 12, New York, 1975, Grune & Stratton, Inc., pp 47-57.
Effect of the bat star Asterina miniata (Brandt) on recruitment of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera C. Agardh

Abstract The effect of the common bat star, Asterina miniata (Brandt), on recruitment of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera C. Agardh, was addressed through laboratory grazing experiments, a field experiment, and modeling of feeding behavior. In the laboratory, Asterina miniata significantly decreased the density of sporophytes that developed from 1-wk-old gametophytes as well as the percent cover of 2-, 6-, and 7-wk-old sporophytes. All grazed blades remaining at the end of these experiments subsequently died. Small scale variability in spore settlement and sporophyte development were also evident in the laboratory. Bat star density significantly affected short-term kelp recruitment during a large-scale field experiment. Small scale variability in kelp recruitment and bat star density was also evident during this experiment. Simple modeling suggested that high densities of Asterina miniata could graze nearly 100% of the bottom over the 90-day experiment. However, visible recruitment was seen in less than 30 days, and over this time, 36% of the substratum was predicted to have remained ungrazed. Macrocystis pyrifera of 1 to 3 cm in length may thus obtain a refuge in size from bat star grazing through rapid growth. These results indicate this generalist grazer can affect giant kelp recruitment but that even under high grazing pressure numerous plants survive. Bat star grazing probably does not contribute to large-scale differences in adult plant density but may contribute to small-scale patterns of dispersion.
Molybdenum-ruthenium/beryllium multilayer coatings

A newly developed beryllium-based multilayer system consisting of polycrystalline Be and amorphous MoRu layers is presented. The multilayer exhibits many remarkable properties: reflectivity as high as 69.3% at a wavelength of 11.4 nm (achieved with 50 bilayers giving a bandwidth of 0.35 nm), near-zero intrinsic stress, and excellent smoothing properties. As compared with Mo/Si multilayers at 13.4 nm, the shorter wavelength of 11.4 nm is better matched to the spectral output of gas-jet laser produced plasma sources, allowing a much higher optical throughput of the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) tool. The properties of MoRu/Be are compared to other beryllium-based multilayers, which have been considered for reflective coatings for EUVL optics.
Improved limits on small-scale anisotropy in cosmic microwave background

As a remnant of the early Universe, the cosmic microwave background provides unique information on the initial conditions from which matter has evolved to form the structures we see today. All efforts to detect small-scale structure in this radiation have so far been unsuccessful (ref. 1 and refs therein)1–4. Nevertheless, upper limits set on possible underlying fluctuations restrict the range of physical models for perturbations of the density in the early Universe. Our search for small-scale anisotropy in the background radiation has now resulted in a lowering of the upper limit on root-mean-square fluctuations (ΔTr.m.s) observed at an angular scale of ∼4 arc min to ΔTr.m.s./T<2.1 × 10−5 at the 95% confidence level (where T = 2.7 K, the temperature of the background radiation). The actual limits deduced from our experiment depend on the model assumed for the unseen fluctuations. Several possibilities are discussed as well as the implications this new measurement has for various cosmological models.
Rescue factor: a design for evaluating long-acting analgesics.

A design is described that uses need for supplemental (rescue) analgesic as a factor predicting effectiveness of a test analgesic. This methodology is especially suited for evaluating long-acting analgesics given repeatedly. Rescue use is measured over dosing intervals as test drug is titrated from a subanalgesic dose to that requiring no or minimal rescue. This design was used to evaluate oral long-acting morphine sulfate (MS Contin) given every 12 hours in a crossover study of cancer pain using oral immediate–release morphine sulfate given every 4 hours as reference. Less morphine was required for MS Contin given every 12 hours relative to immediate–release morphine sulfate given every 4 hours (186 ± 22 mg vs. 239 ± 35 mg; p = 0.04). Total daily morphine for both regimens correlated linearly (r = 0.96) with a slope of 1.27 ± 0.11, significantly (p = 0.03) different from equivalence (slope of unity) in favor of MS Contin. This design features assay sensitivity (dose-response) and provides relative potency estimates for analgesics given at specific regimens. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1988) 43, 376–380; doi:10.1038/clpt.1988.46
Binding sequence-dependent regulation of the human proliferating cell nuclear antigen promoter by p53

Exposure of a lung epithelial cell line to ionizing radiation (IR) arrests cell cycle progression through 48 h post-exposure. Coincidentally, IR differentially activates expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21/WAF1, and the DNA replication protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). p21/WAF1 mRNA levels remain elevated through 48 h post-exposure to IR, while PCNA mRNA levels increase transiently at early times. Since p21/WAF1 inhibits DNA replication by directly binding PCNA, the relative levels of the two proteins can determine cell cycle progression. The PCNA p53-binding site displayed reduced p53 binding affinity in vitro relative to the distal p21/WAF1 p53-binding site. Substitution of the p21/WAF1 site for the resident p53-binding site in the PCNA promoter altered the responses to increasing amounts of p53 or IR in transient expression assays. The p21/WAF1 p53-binding site sustained activation of the chimeric PCNA promoter under conditions (high p53 levels or high dose IR) that the PCNA p53-binding site did not. Binding site-specific regulation by wild-type p53 was not observed with mutant p53 harboring a serine to alanine change at amino acid 46. Limited activation of the PCNA promoter by p53 and its modified forms would restrict the amount of PCNA made available for DNA repair.
Competitive capacity expansion under demand uncertainty

Abstract We analyze the capacity expansion behavior of firms in a duopoly faced with an uncertain new market. The market demand may be high or low with a given probability mass function. Firms obtain private information about the market size and build their capacity before the market demand is known. Once the demand is revealed, firms enter a capacity constrained price competition phase which determines their revenues. Two scenarios are considered: first, when firms choose their capacities simultaneously in the investment phase, and second, when they do so sequentially. For each case, we determine the unique symmetric Nash equilibrium. Excess capacity can occur in equilibrium in the industry. It is seen that preempting the competitor in the capacity expansion phase offers first mover benefits. We argue that the sequential moves game is more prone to equilibrium excess capacity compared to the simultaneous case. We show that preemption is a good strategy if the investing environment is either highly optimistic or highly pessimistic. If the industry outlook is only moderately optimistic, a capacity planner is still better off preempting his competitor, however, the industry may encounter overcapacity as a consequence.
Mass Spectrometry in Cancer Research

Publisher Summary A mass spectrometric analysis provides both unequivocal identification and quantification of the constituents of interest, often in the presence of a host of similarly behaving native biological or artificial chemical materials. The recent developments in mass spectrometry (MS), computer instrumentation, and analytical techniques significantly elevated MS to a unique status, thus, offering high sensitivity and high selectivity simultaneously, along with general applicability and small sample requirements. Any material, organic or inorganic, can be analyzed by MS provided that the molecular weight of the compound, or a suitable derivative of it, is less than about 1200. MS offers other significant advantages such as small sample requirement and speed. There are four areas in which MS can be applied to the problems in cancer research and therapy: (1) confirmation of identity, (2) identification of unknowns, (3) quantification of selected trace constituents, and (4) profile surveying, in a single analysis, of a large number of endogenous or drug metabolites, closely related groups of carcinogenic chemicals, or all elements in the periodic table. The chapter describes the basic principle of MS and reviews three areas of application: (1) identification, quantification, and metabolism of carcinogens, (2) metabolism and monitoring of antineoplastic agents, and (3) searching for biological markers.
Determination of Conduction Band Offsets in Type-II In0.27Ga0.73Sb/ InxAl1-xAsySb1-y Heterostructures Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) has been performed on a set of specially designed ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.27}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.73}\mathrm{Sb}∕{\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{As}}_{y}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}$ multiple quantum well (MQW) heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy in order to provide a measure of the conduction band offsets in this material system. These alloys are of interest for the development of high-speed heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) that show promise for operation at lower power dissipation than in $\mathrm{GaAs}$- and $\mathrm{InP}$-based HBTs. Excitation power studies revealed evidence for strong electron-hole recombination at $0.56\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ within the $\mathrm{InGaSb}$ layers of the type-I MQW structure with $(x=0.52,y=0.25)$, while several weaker indirect transitions involving electrons in the ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{As}}_{y}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}$ and holes in the $\mathrm{InGaSb}$ layers were observed between 0.38 and $0.53\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ from the nominally type-II MQW samples with $(x,y)=(0.67,0.39)$ and (0.69,0.41). Neglecting small corrections $(\ensuremath{\sim}15\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV})$ due to the electron and hole confinement energies, we estimate conduction band offsets of $\ensuremath{\sim}120--150\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ in these type-II structures. The general trends of the PL features as a function of excitation power have been reproduced from modeling of the quantum well electron and hole subband energies, including effects due to band bending at the heterointerfaces.
Repeated Measurements on Autoregressive Processes

Abstract Estimation of parameters and tests of hypotheses are studied in first-order autoregressive processes where the process is observed several times over a given time interval. The process may be homogeneous (i.e., the parameters may be constant over time) or inhomogeneous (time-varying parameters). Sufficient statistics under normality are obtained for various cases and several tests of hypotheses are given.
Prenatal alcohol exposure and depressive features in children.

Background: This study examined the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and self-report of depressive symptoms in 5- to 6-year-old children. Higher levels of prenatal alcohol exposure were hypothesized to be associated with endorsement of a greater number of depressive symptoms in children. It was also hypothesized that maternal depression, although associated with drinking behavior, would contribute independently to outcome. Finally, the mother's behavior toward the child, as well as current drinking practices, were postulated to mediate the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and child depressive symptoms. Methods: Participants were 41 mother-child dyads who had been followed longitudinally since the children were 1 year of age. Self-report questionnaires for maternal and child depression were used. Results: Results revealed that prenatal alcohol exposure, maternal depression, and child gender seemed to be highly associated with child depressive symptoms. Girls who had higher levels of prenatal alcohol exposure and whose mothers acknowledged higher levels of depression endorsed the highest number of depressive symptoms. Neither the mother's behavior in interaction with the child nor her current level of alcohol consumption mediated the relationship. Conclusions: The importance of considering prenatal alcohol exposure as a risk variable in the prediction of childhood-onset depression and the possible neurological mechanisms underlying depression in children with alcohol exposure in utero are discussed.
Recent advances in the therapy of castration-resistant prostate cancer: the price of progress.

Within the past two years, three agents have garnered approval from the US FDA for the specific treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) – (1) abiraterone, (2) cabazitaxel and (3) sipuleucel-T. In separate phase III studies, each agent led to an improvement in overall survival (OS) of 2–4 months over a suitable comparator. With these costly therapies all having potential application in the patient with mCRPC, multiple entities (industry, government, and the general public) must strategize to determine how the cost burden of these agents can be balanced with the potential gains for the individual patient. Herein, we provide a framework with which to approach this dilemma.
Binary Consensus over Fading Channels: A Best Affine Estimation Approach

In this paper we consider a cooperative network that is trying to reach binary consensus over fading channels. We first characterize the impact of fading on network consensus by upper bounding the second largest eigenvalue of the underlying probability transition matrix in fading environments. Using the information of link qualities, we then propose a novel consensus-seeking protocol based on the best affine estimation of network state. We characterize the performance of our proposed strategy mathematically. We derive an approximated expression for the second largest eigenvalue in order to characterize the convergence rate. Our results show the impact of fading on network consensus. They furthermore indicate that the proposed technique can improve the consensus performance considerably.
Physician Adoption of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) : Testing Its Determinants Within a Structural Equation Model

Research has begun to explore the determinants of personal digital assistant (PDA) adoption in health care. Much of this research has, however, been inconsistent in its treatment of key constructs and its methodological approaches. The current study takes a stricter approach and tracks the pre- and postadoption beliefs of physicians provided with an actual PDA within a single health care facility in the United States. Results show that age, position in hospital, beliefs about health IT, and cluster ownership are significant, direct predictors of the physician's preadoption beliefs about PDAs. Contrary to prior research findings, both ease of use and usefulness perceptions significantly influenced the physician's intent to adopt PDAs. More important, results show that physicians focus on a broader range of PDA factors during preadoption assessment of the technology, while actual use is based solely on the PDA's ease of use. Moreover, the preadoption usefulness perceptions do not influence postadoption usef...
Report on prevention and control

Means for reduction of dust control were summarized and priorities assigned to education and engineering control of farm equipment in the work on prevention. Personal protection equipment was reviewed and positive pressure respiratory helmets suggested for more extended use. A fuller characterization of exposure agents, such as peak levels and measurement of different particle sizes was recommended. For medical prevention, priorities should be given to establishment of health care delivery organizations, particularly for farmers, and to specific prevention measures which were discussed in connection with each disease entity. Recommendations for further research include development of new measuring techniques, assessments of new equipment and work practices, and establishment of additional information on dose-response relationships and etiologic agents causing lung disease.
An Introduction To Culture Methods For Larval And Postlarval Penaeid Shrimp

The two principal methods of culturing penaeid larvae and postlarvae are briefly described. In the “indoor” method algae to feed the larval shrimp are cultured separately and added to the rearing tank when needed, while in the “outdoor” method sunlight is utilized to grow phytoplankton as food in the same water with the larvae.
Quantifying the sources of revenue variation in the Northern Great Plains

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the sources and factors affecting farm revenue variation on crop and livestock farms in the Northern Great Plains. Design/methodology/approach – A two method approach is used. Variance decomposition analysis is completed on an 18-year balanced panel data set of North Dakota producers to determine the sources of farm revenue variation. The second component of this research uses a random effects estimator to determine the effect of farm characteristics on farm revenue variation measured by coefficient of variation. Findings – Crop revenue is the largest source of farm revenue variation, with crop insurance being the largest source of revenue variation diversification. Small market crops and corn were found to increase revenue variation compared to those operations that received the largest sum of their revenue from wheat. Government payments and insurance payments were also found to increase farm revenue variation indicating they may provide an incentive t...
Determination of the headgroup-gold(111) potential surface for alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers by ab initio calculation

Abstract We present a realistic empirical potential function to model the head-group interaction for self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on Au(111). The potential function is fit to data obtained by ab initio geometry optimization of SCH 3 on Au(111) clusters. The principal result from our calculations is that barriers within the surface corrugation potential are too small to pin S atoms at any particular site. We note that simulations of alkanethiol/gold systems that employ a model precluding lateral movement of S cannot reproduce all dynamical behavior of the SAM.
5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase and monoamine oxidase in hearts of normal, thyroid-fed and propylthiouracil-fed male and female rats.

Male and female Wistar rats (125–175 g) were fed for 21 days ad lib. diets of a meal containing 0.15% strong desiccated thyroid, 0.15% prophylthiouracil (PTU), or meal alone. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contents, and 5-Hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase (5-HTPD) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities of the hearts of these animals were determined. Normal male rats possessed significantly greater heart MAO activities than normal females; these animals showed no significant sex difference in heart 5-HT or 5-HTPD. Thyroid feeding of the males lowered heart 5-HTPD but did not alter heart 5-HT or MAO significantly. Thyroid-fed females showed decreased heart 5-HT and 5-HTPD and increased MAO. PTU-fed males showed elevated heart 5- HTPD, lowered MAO, and unchanged 5-HT. PTU feeding of the females produced no significant change in heart 5-HT or MAO but increased heart 5-HTPD.
Choice Of Size Factors and Empirical Problems in Corporate Analysis

This article reviews the empirical accuracy of various alternatives for size used in measuring corporate performance. The primary focus is to expose inherent weaknesses in usefully interpreting these size factors. The empirical performance of a number of size alternatives which are frequently used in the management literature is then analysed. Consistent with explanations offered by Coffman (1983) and in most other financial studies, the market value of equity is identified as the most robust single measure of corporate size. However, measures of size that are based on total capitalisation and sales performance, appear to provide increasing explanatory power.
Afterimages, binocular rivalry, and the temporal properties of dominance and suppression.

When different contours are presented to the two eyes, an unstable percept, binocular rivalry, is the result. Parts of each set of contours may be seen but the two sets are not seen in the same place at the same time. The contours need not be physically present. Afterimages will produce binocular rivalry. Normal rivalry can be prevented if intermittent stimulation is used. Previous work has shown that orthogonal gratings, flashed for less than 150 ms and separated by more than 150 ms, will appear to fuse into a plaid or checkerboard pattern. In the present experiment this phenomenon is examined with afterimages used to produce rivalry. This abnormal ‘fusion’ is seen when negative afterimages are stroboscopically illuminated at less than 5 Hz. The results obtained with afterimages are predictable from the previous results obtained with stimuli external to the eye.
A temperature-aware synthesis approach for simultaneous delay and leakage optimization

Accurate thermal knowledge is essential for achieving ultra low power in deep sub-micron CMOS technology, as it affects gate speed linearly and leakage exponentially. We propose a temperature-aware synthesis technique that efficiently utilizes input vector control (IVC), dual-threshold voltage gate sizing (GS) and pin reordering (PR) for performing simultaneous delay and leakage power optimization. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to consider these techniques in a synergistic fashion with thermal knowledge. We evaluate our approach by showing improvements over each method when considered in isolation and in conjunction. We also study the impact of employing considered techniques with/without accurate thermal knowledge. We ran simulations on synthesized ISCAS-85 and ITC-99 circuits on a 45 nm cell library while conforming to an industrial design flow. Leakage power improvements of up to 4.54X (2.14X avg.) were achieved when applying thermal knowledge over equivalent methods that do not.