cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cervical vertebral and dental maturity are correlated in Turkish subjects.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Cervical vertebral and dental maturity in Turkish subjects Basaran G, Ozer T, Hamamci N. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2007;131(4):447.e13-20 Level of Evidence 2 Purpose/Question The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the stages of calcification of teeth and the cervical vertebral maturity stages in Turkish subjects. Source of Funding Not reported. Type of Study/Design A retrospective cross-sectional study.
An improved synthesis of crystalline mammalian glucagon.

Mammalian glucagon was synthesized by the stepwise solid-phase method using several improvements developed in recent years. Peptide was assembled on a 4-(oxymethyl)phenylacetamidomethyl-copoly(styrene-divinyl benzene) resin support with Nα-t-butoxycarbonyl and benzyl-based side-chain protection for most of the trifunctional amino acids. Crude synthetic glucagon was obtained in 75% yield by deprotection and cleavage from the resin with a new modified HF procedure. Pure material was isolated in 48% overall yield by a one-step purification on preparative C18 reverse-phase chromatography. It was crystallized from aqueous solution at pH 9.2. The synthetic glucagon activated adenylate cyclase in rat liver membranes in the same manner as natural glucagon, with both achieving half-maximum activation at a concentration of 7 nM.
Governance of Ice-Covered Areas: Rule Construction in the Arctic Ocean

This article recounts the negotiations and emergence of Article 234 concerning ice-covered areas in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As Arctic shipping increases, more vessels and flag states may be subject to the provisions of Article 234, which permit coastal states to both prescribe and enforce special measures to protect the marine environment in ice-covered areas. The history of the Article 234, disclosed partially through declassified U.S. government documents, provides context for implementation of the provision by Arctic coastal states and flag states.
Receptor binding and analgesic properties of oxymorphazone.

Abstract The 14-hydroxydihydromorphinone hydrazones have been quite useful in studying aspects of opiate receptor binding and function. The most extensively studied, naloxazone, effectively and selectively inhibits high affinity (mu1) sites in vitro and morphine analgesia in vivo . We now report on the actions of oxymorphazone on receptor binding in vitro and on analgesia in vivo . Oxymorphazone effectively lowers 3H-opioid binding despite extensive washes with the same selectively for high affinity, or mu1, binding sites as naloxazone. Acutely, oxymorphazone was less potent in vivo than oxymorphone (ED50's of 0.8 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively). Both quantal dose response curves were parallel. At higher doses (100 mg/kg), 83% of animals given oxymorphazone over 20 hr previously were analgesic whereas none of the oxymorphone animals were (p
Benzodiazepine receptor binding by membranes from brain cell cultures following chronic treatment with diazepam

Murine brain cells differentiated for 19 days in culture before treatment for 5 days with 10 μM diazepam. Radioligand binding to the benzodiazepine receptors on membranes obtained from these cultures was determined by the filtration assay method. Decreased binding was observed in the membranes from treated cultures relative to untreated cells. However, this decrease appears to be due, at least in part, to competition from residual drug in the assay system despite extensive cell and membrane rinses. These data emphasize the difficulty in ascribing the mechanism of benzodiazepine tolerance observed clinically with chronic treatment to receptor down-regulation as determined by binding assays.
The Ga-As-H-CI vapor phase epitaxial growth system

The equilibrium compositions in the Ga-As-H-Cl system saturated with GaAs(s) were determined in the range 625 to 875 °C by means of an iterative method of computation. Using the formalism of extent of reaction and the Gauss-Scidel reduction procedure in conjunction with the equilibrium partial pressure data, the deposition rates of GaAs(s) were found for a variety of input gas stream compositions and temperatures. These calculated maximum deposition rates are compared to the observed rates reported earlier and the discrepancies interpreted in terms of a quasi-equilibrium model according to which only a fraction(β) of the input gas stream actually equilibrates with the GaAs(s)-phase. Present results show thatβ takes on progressively larger values as the solid substrate temperature is increased.
Some sources of uncertainty and their consequences in engineering design projects

The primary intent of this study is to identify what first-level technical supervisors perceive as the causes of uncertainty in their design work. The projects studied involved prototype designs by groups of engineers. Sources of uncertainty were defined as factors, including interpersonal relations, which caused group leaders to see more than one possible outcome to decisions during the problem-solving process of design.
Does sleeping on a waterbed promote gastroesophageal reflux

We conducted a randomized prospective study with extended intraesophageal pH monitoring on two consecutive nights to test the hypothesis that a waterbed (WB) might increase recumbent acid exposure compared to a regular bed (RB). We studied 10 controls (mean age 29 years; five males, five females) with no history of reflux symptoms more than two times per month. We also studied 10 reflux patients (mean age 42 years; seven males, three females) with symptoms at least five days a week and documented recumbent reflux, with or without upright reflux, by previous 24 hr pH study. A standard meal (56% fat) was provided at 6 pm. After randomization, the subjects and patients slept on the assigned bed (WB or RB) in one nearby hotel. The pH probe was removed the next morning at 8 am. On the same day, the pH probe was inserted at 4 pm and the routine was repeated with use of the other bed. No significant difference (P> 0.05; paired t test) was found between the regular bed and waterbed in any measurement of recumbent reflux. Our study does not support the hypothesis that greater recumbent reflux may occur when sleeping flat on a waterbed compared to a regular bed. It does not, however, absolutely refute the possible association of waterbed use with esophagitis, since elevation of the head of a waterbed is not possible.
Observer Efficiency And Feature Polarity

Disk features of positive or negative polarity were superimposed on images of stationary, Gaussian, uncorrelated noise. In one detection task, the three observers rated the likelihood that specified image locations contained a feature of known polarity rather than the uniform noise background. In a second detection task, the same observers rated the likelihood that each specified location contained a feature of unknown polarity (dark or bright), and then indicated which was the more likely polarity, assuming that a feature was present. In the third task (polarity discrimination) observers rated the likelihood that the feature, known to be present in each location, was positive rather than negative in polarity. Independent samples of images varied the feature's contrast to manipulate the observers performance within each task. An index of the observer's detection or discrimination accuracy, obtained from the measured ROC curve for each observer, task, and condition, was compared to the calculated value of the same index for the realized cross-correlator. With noisy images of this type, the cross-correlator is an "ideal observer" that yields a physically optimal decision variable. In all three tasks, the observers' performance indices were closely proportional to the cross-correlator's (slope about 0.57). This indicates an' "observer efficiency" similar to the levels we measured in tasks using CT images, for which the cross correlator is suboptimal. Observers' detection of the positive-contrast and negative-contrast features did not differ, in either the known-- or unknown--polarity tasks.
Do the Compact Radio Sources in NGC 253 and M82 Fade over Time

The nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253 has been observed at a third epoch at 6 cm, and a second epoch at 3.6 cm, using the highest resolution configuration of the Very Large Array (VLA). Over a total time span of 4 yr between 1987 and 1991, no new compact radio sources have appeared. The flux density limit ranges from 3 mJy (3 times the power of Cas A) for most of the main body of the source to approximately 0.3 mJy off the diffuse source surrounding the nucleus. Furthermore, there is no evidence for significant source fading over 4 yr, in contrast to the result reported by Kronberg & Sramek (1985) for M82. More recent data suggest that, except for the strongest source in that galaxy, the compact radio sources in M82 may not be fading after all. If this suggestion proves correct, supernova rates of 0.2-0.3/yr in M82, estimated based on the assumed source fading, are incorrect. More accurate limits on source fading indicate that the current rate of production of radio supernovae in M82 is no greater than 0.1/yr, while that in NGC 253 is no greater than 0.25/yr.
Interactions between Ultraviolet Light and MC1R and OCA2 Variants Are Determinants of Childhood Nevus and Freckle Phenotypes

Background: Melanocytic nevi (moles) and freckles are well known biomarkers of melanoma risk, and they are influenced by similar UV light exposures and genetic susceptibilities to those that increase melanoma risk. Nevertheless, the selective interactions between UV exposures and nevus and freckling genes remain largely undescribed. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study from ages 6 through 10 years in 477 Colorado children who had annual information collected for sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and full body skin exams. MC1R and HERC2 / OCA2 rs12913832 were genotyped and linear mixed models were used to identify main and interaction effects. Results: All measures of sun exposure (chronic, sunburns, and waterside vacations) contributed to total nevus counts, and cumulative chronic exposure acted as the major driver of nevus development. Waterside vacations strongly increased total nevus counts in children with rs12913832 blue eye color alleles and facial freckling scores in those with MC1R red hair color variants. Sunburns increased the numbers of larger nevi (≥2 mm) in subjects with certain MC1R and rs12913832 genotypes. Conclusions: Complex interactions between different UV exposure profiles and genotype combinations determine nevus numbers and size, and the degree of facial freckling. Impact: Our findings emphasize the importance of implementing sun-protective behavior in childhood regardless of genetic make-up, although children with particular genetic variants may benefit from specifically targeted preventive measures to counteract their inherent risk of melanoma. Moreover, we demonstrate, for the first time, that longitudinal studies are a highly powered tool to uncover new gene–environment interactions that increase cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2829–39. ©2014 AACR .
Thermodynamics of cation exchange on semi-crystalline zirconium phosphate

Abstract The equilibrium exchange of Li+, K+ and Cs+ ions with the hydrogen form of semicrystalline zirconium phosphate at a constant ionic strength of 0.1 M in the reaction: RH+M+⇄RM+H+ has been studied at 25°. Solid phase activity coefficients for the exchanging ions and free energy changes were evaluated from the ion-exchange isotherms. The enthalpies of reaction were obtained by direct calorimetric measurements and the corresponding entropy values were calculated. The thermodynamic functions are interpreted in terms of the nature of the bonding between the alkali metal ions and the matrix and the concomitant changes in hydration.
Polymer-Based Photonic Crystals

We studied low index polymer photonic crystals that allow self-guided light propagation based on their engineered dispersion properties. We developed a novel and versatile fabrication approach that can fabricate three-dimensional photonic crystals using photosensitive polymers.
Sublimation of iodine crystals suitable for profile angle measurements

The sublimation and preservation of very volatile substances are discussed. The material must be evenly distributed over the heated surface of the cell.
In-Situ Measurements of Particle Size and Charge Distributions for Mars and Lunar Missions

E-SPART analyzer is an instrument capable of measuring aerodynamic diameter and electrostatic charge distributions on a single particle basis in real time. A frequency biased laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) is used to make non- contact in-situ analysis of the particles under ambient conditions, with respect to the temperature, pressure, and composition of the gaseous medium in which the particles are suspended. We report here new developments related to LDV optics, signal processor, and miniaturization of the E-SPART analyzer so that it can be applied on the surface of Mars and the Moon for characterization of dust particles. The conventional LDV was replaced with a diode laser based MiniLDV and we eliminated the frequency biasing device that requires either use of Bragg Cells or rotating diffraction grating with a new LDV beam geometry. The new optical system, a Stationary Fringe LDV (SFLDV), in which the fringe pattern in the sensing volume is stationary, is able to resolve directional ambiguity of an oscillating particle motion without a frequency bias between the two laser beams. Thus the complexity of the frequency biasing system is absent allowing both stability and robustness of the miniature E-SPART analyzer. For comparison between the conventional E-SPART analyzer and the new miniaturized instrument, experimental results on size and charge distributions for different test particle clouds are presented. The advantages of the new instrument for in-situ particle characterization for different industrial, pharmaceutical, and space explorations applications are discussed.
The influence of setting on drinking behaviors: The laboratory vs the barroom

Abstract Relatively few studies have attempted to assess the validity of laboratory analogue procedures by determining the degree to which drinking behaviors observed in a laboratory setting are related to drinking behaviors in a barroom setting. In the present study, subjects' drinking behaviors were monitored in a lab setting and at a local tavern, and the influence of these settings on drinking behaviors were assessed independent of the effects of beverage payment. It was found that the barroom was associated with significant increases in drinking rate and amount consumed, while beverage payment resulted in a significant decrease in sip amount in both settings.
Safety assessment of immunomodulatory biologics: the promise and challenges of regulatory T-cell modulation.

Regulatory T-cell (Treg) modulation is developing as an important therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of a number of important diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, infection, and organ transplant rejection. However, as demonstrated with IL-2 and TGN-1412, our understanding of the complex immunological interactions that occur with Treg modulation in both non-clinical models and in patients remains limited and appears highly contextual. This lack of understanding will challenge our ability to identify the patient population who might derive the highest benefit from Treg modulation and creates special challenges as we transition these therapeutics from non-clinical models into humans. Thus, in vivo testing in the most representative animal model systems, with careful progress in the clinic, will remain critical in developing therapeutics targeting Treg and understanding their clinical utility. Moreover, toxicology models can inform some of the potential liabilities associated with Treg modulation,...
Aurora A moonlights in neurite extension

Aurora A, an integral mitotic kinase, is essential for microtubule dynamics of post-mitotic neurons. PKCζ activates Aurora A, which in turn phosphorylates NDEL1 to promote neurite extension. This raises the possibility that Aurora A may also be involved in establishing cell polarity and axon/dendrite elaboration in young neurons.
On the Structure of Au/Pd Bimetallic Nanoparticles

We performed a study on bimetallic Au/Pd nanoparticles using aberration corrected electron microscopy along with molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the features of specific atomic sites at the surface, which can be related to the high catalytic activity properties of the particles. The calculations mimic the growth of nanoparticles through a cooling process from a molten solid to a crystalline structure at room temperature. We found that the final structure for the alloy particles is neither a cuboctahedral nor an icosahedral, but a complex structure that has a very rough surface and unique isolated Pd sites surrounded by Au atoms. We also found that there is predominance of three specific Pd sites at the surface, which can be directly related to the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles.
Modeling respiration-transpiration in a modified atmosphere packaging system containing blueberry.

Abstract A respiration–transpiration model was developed by applying simultaneous heat and mass transfer principles along with known physiological behavior for the design of MAP systems containing fresh produce. The model equations were solved numerically using Adams–Moulton method to predict gas compositions, RH, and temperature in model packages. The applicability of the model to packages containing blueberry at 15 and 25 °C was successfully verified using different types of packaging films. The difference between the experimental and predicted headspace gas composition was less than 1%. The predicted and experimental values were in agreement for RH (within 2%) and temperature (within 0.5 °C).
Inclusion into a heart failure critical pathway reduces the risk of death or readmission after hospital discharge.

Abstract Background Evidence-based therapies can lower the risk of death or hospital admission in heart failure (HF) patients, but are underprescribed. Critical pathways are one means of supporting systematic use of evidence-based recommendations. Methods Patients admitted for HF in one hospital in 2009 and included in a critical pathway were compared with a control group of patients admitted in 2007. The primary endpoint was the risk of death or readmission within 90 days after discharge. The hazard ratio of death or readmission was evaluated in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for age, sex, co-morbidities, and length of stay. Results Three hundred and sixty-three patients were evaluated (151 in the critical pathway and 212 in the control group). Adjusted hazard ratio for death or readmission at 90 days was 0.72 (95 CI 0.51–1.00, p = 0.049). Adhesion to guidelines was significantly better for patients included in the critical pathway (p = 0.004), with more frequent prescription of beta-blockers (70.9% (95% CI 62.9–78.0) vs. 56.6% (95% CI 49.6–63.4), p = 0.006), and evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 73.5% (95% CI 65.7–80.3) vs. 57.5% (95% CI 50.6–64.3), p = 0.002). Patients with reduced LVEF seem to have benefited the most from the inclusion in the critical pathway. Conclusions Implementation of a critical pathway for patients hospitalized for HF was associated with a 28% reduction of the relative risk of death or readmission and improved adhesion to guidelines.
Arthroscopic management of labral tears in the hip: A systematic review

Arthroscopic management of labral problems in the hip has become an accepted therapeutic modality in appropriately selected patients. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the rate of patient satisfaction that can be expected following acetabular labral debridement. Computerized literature databases were searched from January 1980 to September 2005 to identify relevant articles that met inclusion criteria and had at least 2 years followup. We included patients with symptomatic acetabular labral tears who failed conservative management, were not claiming workers' compensation, and did not have severe arthritis or severe acetabular dysplasia. Following labral debridement this patient population can expect: (1) a patient satisfaction rate of approximately 67% at 3.5 years follow-up; (2) good results by a modified Harris Hip Score in patients who are subjectively satisfied with their outcome; and (3) a complete resolution of mechanical symptoms in nearly 50% of patients with this complaint. Although limited, the current literature supports non workers' compensation patients with isolated labral tears, who lack associated intraarticular abnormality, can receive both symptomatic and functional improvement following arthroscopic labral debridement.
Effect of temperature on the circular dichroism spectra of β2-microglobulins

When the temperature was lowered from 25 to 5°C dramatic changes were observed in the near-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectra of bovine and caprine but not human β2-imcroglobulin. Comparison of the protein sequences suggests that the conformational change occurs in the amino-terminal 24 residues and that a tyrosine residue located on a potential β-turn acts as a reporter group. Because ΔH° is small (−22 kcal · mol−1), such conformational changes, possibly not readily observed, may occur at low temperatures in other proteins having potential β-turns in otherwise aperiodic regions of sequence.
Possible causes of calibration degradation of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer visible and near-infrared channels

Gradual deterioration of calibration of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) can be explained by the erosion of the scanning mirror as a result of interaction with interplanetary dust. Other elements of the instrument (optical filters, detector, electronics) were also examined for their behavior in space conditions and were found most likely to be stable and not responsible for the decrease in sensitivity. Calculations show that the erosion of the scanning mirror is of the order of 4.5% per year, although this erosion is very variable because of the variability of the density of interplanetary dust. This erosion can easily explain the 3–5% per year deterioration of the AVHRR sensors on NOAA-7 and NOAA-9.
Bioreduction of Tempone and Spin-Labeled Gentamicin by Gram-Negative Bacteria: Kinetics and Effect of Ultrasound☆

Abstract The primary objective of this study is the investigation of bioreduction kinetics of hydrophilic spin probes, 2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidinyl-1-oxyl (Tempone), and spin-labeled antibiotic gentamicin by gram-negative bacteria maintained at various oxygen tensions, with emphasis on the effect of probe penetration rate. This information was used to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the penetration of hydrophilic compounds, including antibiotics, into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli cells. Penetration of spin-labeled compounds into the cells was assessed by the reduction rate of the nitroxyl moiety measured by EPR. In cell suspensions, both Tempone and spin-labeled gentamicin were localized predominantly in the aqueous phase surrounding the cells. However, a gradual reduction of the probes in contact with the cells indicated that the probes penetrated through the outer membrane and periplasmic space into the cytoplasmic membrane, where the electron transport chains and other metabolic activities of gram-negative bacteria are localized. The kinetics of probe reduction depended on oxygen tension and presence of electron transport chain blockers. It was found that probe penetration rate through the outer cell membrane affected the rate of probe reduction; damaging the permeability barrier by cell incubation with EDTA or by powerful insonation above the cavitation threshold increased the rate of probe reduction. In contrast, insonation below the cavitation threshold did not affect the rate of probe reduction. These findings imply that the recently observed synergistic effect between hydrophilic antibiotics and low frequency ultrasound in killing gram-negative bacteria did not result from the enhanced antibiotic penetration through bacterial cell walls.
Repeated acquisition and delayed performance as a baseline to assess drug effects on retention in monkeys.

Abstract As an extension of previous research on repeated acquisition, a new baseline was developed to assess the effects of phencyclidine on retention in patas monkeys. Each session was divided into three phases: acquisition, delay, and performance. During acquisition, the subject acquired a four-response chain (which was different each session) by responding sequentially on three keys in the presence of four geometric forms. When the acquisition criterion (20 consecutive rerrect responses) was met, the keylights turned off and the delay (retention interval) began. After the delay, the keylights and a white light above the keys were turned on for 10 min (performance). The white light indicated that the response chain was the same as the chain acquired before the delay. Retention of the acquired response chain, as measured by percent “savings” in errors to criterion, decreased as the delay was increased from 5 to 180 min, and this “forgetting curve” tended to shift to the left with increasing doses of phencyclidine (administered IM 5 min before the performance phase). “Overlearning” the response chain before the 180-min delay increased retention and attenuated the disruptive effects of the lower dose of phencyclidine.
Evaluation of Back Projection Methods for Breast Tomosynthesis Image Reconstruction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the USA. Compared to mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis is a new imaging technique that may improve the diagnostic accuracy by removing the ambiguities of overlapped tissues and providing 3D information of the breast. Tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithms generate 3D reconstructed slices from a few limited angle projection images. Among different reconstruction algorithms, back projection (BP) is considered an important foundation of quite a few reconstruction techniques with deblurring algorithms such as filtered back projection. In this paper, two BP variants, including α-trimmed BP and principal component analysis-based BP, were proposed to improve the image quality against that of traditional BP. Computer simulations and phantom studies demonstrated that the α-trimmed BP may improve signal response performance and suppress noise in breast tomosynthesis image reconstruction.
Phosphorylation of a zymogen granule membrane polypeptide from rat pancreas

Secretion of digestive enzymes and proenzymes by the exocrine pancreas is stimulated by the polypeptide hormone, pancreozymin, and by acetylcholine [ 1,2] . Adenosine 3’:5’ cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP), butyryl derivatives of cyclic AMP and theophylline stimulated pancreatic secretion in vitro, suggesting that cyclic AMP is an intracellular mediator of these hormones [3]. The role of cyclic AMP in the pancreas is still not clear [4,5] . A possible function is the regulation of protein kinases. A soluble, cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinase was partially purified from beef pancreas [6] . Furthermore I-ambert et al. [7] observed that peptide hormonestimulated secretion in pancreatic tissue slices was coupled to increased phosphorylation of zymogen granules. We now report that purified zymogen granule membranes from rat pancreas phosphorylated a granule membrane polypeptide, distinct from the major polypeptide of this membrane [8,9]. This phosphorylation, apparently due to an endogenous protein kinase, was not stimulated by cyclic AMP. There was minimal stimulation by guanosine 3’: 5’ cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP).
Accounting for the Effects of Identity on Political Behavior: Descent, Strength of Attachment, and Preferences in the Regions of Spain

This article examines the determinants of identification within the autonomous communities (ACs) of Spain and explores whether “activated identities” guide behavior. The authors test this hypothesized effect empirically and demonstrate that regional and especially (non-Spanish) national activated identity affect preferences for exclusionary policies and for greater autonomy or independence for the AC. Both preferences and activated identities increase the likelihood of voting for regional, rather than statewide, political parties. The authors argue that the strength of attachment to identity (i.e., to the AC to or Spain) and the effect of identities on preferences constitute the mechanisms that link identity to behaviors. Thus, the authors contribute to, and help to clarify, both the theoretical and empirical literatures focused on the relationship between identity and behaviors.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies and inherited brachial plexus neuropathy--two genetically distinct disorders.

Objective To determine whether hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) and inherited brachial plexus neuropathy (IBPN) are genetically distinct disorders and to evaluate the usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for diagnosing HNPP in individual patients. Design We studied representative metaphases from patients with HNPP and IBPN with use of FISH and a DNA probe. Material and Methods With use of FISH, 14 persons from 4 unrelated families with HNPP and 7 members from 3 unrelated families with IBPN were studied. We used a DNA probe that hybridizes to chromosome 17p 11.2 in an area thought to be deleted in HNPP. Results Each participant in this study who had HNPP showed deletion of this chromosome site. Each of the 10 control subjects and 7 patients with IBPN showed normal fluorescent signals on both number 17 chromosomes. Conclusion These results demonstrate that HNPP and IBPN are genetically different. FISH with this probe is a sensitive and specific method for detect­ing the chromosomal deletion in individual patients without the use of family studies or linkage analysis.
Characterization of β-adrenoceptor subtypes in rabbit mononuclear leukocytes

Computer analysis of [125I]iodocyanopindolol competition studies using the relatively selective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 89406, and the β2-selective antagonist, ICI 118551, on rabbit mononuclear leukocyte plasmalemmal preparations favored a two-site model indicating that both β1- and β2-adrenoceptor subtypes were present in approximately equal numbers. In contrast, similar studies performed on rabbit cardiac sarcolemma favored a one site model consistent with the presence of β1-adrenoceptors. Consequently, rabbit mononuclear leukocytes may provide a useful model for studying selective modulatory mechanisms of β1- and β2-adrenoceptors.
Effect of Post-irradiation Heat Treatment on the Elevated Temperature Embrittlement of Irradiated Stainless Steel

THE effect of reactor irradiation on the mechanical properties of structural materials at elevated temperatures is of importance to nuclear reactor technology.
The Dearing Report: A Transatlantic View

The Dearing Report reflects the perspectives on higher education of the Government that appointed it, perspectives that are widely shared among the leaders of British institutions outside of academic life. It is of interest for that, rather than for its recommendations, which are fundamentally flawed. The Report does not show an intimate knowledge of the institutions about which it advises; it separates its discussions of finance from its comments on teaching and learning; it ignores the wide diversity of higher education institutions, subjects, and students in making its sweeping recommendations, and it does not recognise the limits of its own knowledge, nor make provision for the continuing improvement of the knowledge and understanding on which future policies for British higher education might be based. For these and other reasons, the Report is now one of the many problems facing British higher education rather than part of their solution.
A multi-level examination of quality-focused human resource practices and firm performance: evidence from the US healthcare industry

In today's business world, the role of quality has become ever more significant for organizations to compete in a global marketplace. Based on the quality management theory, this study empirically examines the relationship between quality-focused human resource practices (QHRP) and organizational performance outcomes. Data from 69 healthcare organizations indicate a strong support for this relationship. A Human Resource (HR) system focused on quality management was directly related to multiple dimensions of organizational performance outcomes (i.e., intangible – employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction – and tangible – profit). Specifically, two measures of QHRP, knowledge management and strategic management, were found to be positively related to the financial performance of firms implementing quality management. Process management is found to be negatively related to employee satisfaction. General Human Resources were positively related to both employee and customer satisfaction. Employee focus o...
Retinal and optic nerve serotonin and retinal degeneration as influenced by photoperiod.

Abstract The environmental light stimulus, which controls neuroendocrine events associated with reproductive cycles, also influences the serotonin cyclicity in the central nervous system. A possible relationship between photoperiod and serotonin in the retina has been determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry after intraocular injection of tritium-labelled amine precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (3H·5-HTP), into adult female rats kept for varying time periods in either constant light, constant darkness, or a cyclic photoperiod of 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness. Constant illumination suppressed retinal and optic nerve serotonin stores after 16 days, but had no effect after 4 or 30 days exposure. Radioactivity in the retina and optic nerves was reduced after 30 days of constant darkness. Exposure to constant illumination under ordinary laboratory conditions for 4, 16, and 30 days resulted in a reduction in the thickness of the retina, accompanied by degenerative changes in the photoreceptor cells. Terminal segments of these cells fragmented during early exposure periods and were absent, first in the posterior, and later, in the more peripheral areas of the retina after 16 and 30 days of constant light. Neither the cyclic photoperiod nor continuous darkness initiated degeneration in the retina. The results demonstrate that serotonin is influenced by photoperiod fluctuations and suggest that the biogenic amine might be related to light-induced changes in neuroendocrine function.
Nursing informatics: yesterday, today and tomorrow

Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, nursing informatics has become a part of our professional activities. Informatics has advanced the field of nursing by bridging the gap from nursing as an art to nursing as a science. This article discusses the major milestones that have influenced the growth of computer technology and the specific efforts that have influenced yesterday's creation of the nursing informatics movement. It also provides an overview of nursing informatics in today's health care industry, while highlighting the administrative, management, research and educational applications and initiatives. In addition, it provides an overview of Saba's Home Health Care Classification, a nursing language system that has influenced the field. Finally, it provides a prediction of how computer technology will impact the nursing profession in the 21st century.
Sextant with Improved Filters

Polarizing plates, made of polarizing film cemented between glass, provide a new and convenient filter for the navigator’s sextant. The celestial filter consists of two polarizing plates, one or both of which may be interposed into the optical path, and when both are in position, one may be rotated with respect to the other to yield the desired reduction in light intensity of the celestial object. The combination is a rapidly adjustable variable filter. The horizon filter likewise consists of two polarizing plates. These fulfill a double function. One plate is set with axis of polarization vertical; this usually sharpens the sea sky horizon and diminishes the glare of the sun path. The addition of the second plate, which is rotatable, provides a rapidly adjustable variable filter.
Probabilistic scalable P2P resource location services

Scalable resource discovery services form the core of directory and other middleware services. Scalability requirements preclude centralized solutions. The need to have directory services that are highly robust and that can scale with the number of resources and the performance of individual nodes, points to Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architectures as a promising approach. The resource location problem can be simply stated as "given a resource name, find the location of a node or nodes that manage the resource." We call this the deterministic location problem. In a very large network, it is clearly not feasible to contact all nodes to locate a resource. Therefore, we modify the problem statement to "given a resource name, find with a given probability, the location of a node or nodes that manage the resource." We call this a probabilistic location approach. We present a protocol that solves this problem and develop an analytical model to compute the probability that a directory entry is found, the fraction of peers involved in a search, and the average number of hops required to find a directory entry. Numerical results clearly show that the proposed approach achieves high probability of finding the entry while involving a relatively small fraction of the total number of peers. The analytical results are further validated by results obtained from an implementation of the proposed protocol in a cluster of workstations.
Aggressive and Predatory Pricing: Insights and Empirical Examination in the Airline Industry

Abstract The authors advance the understanding of predatory pricing through an examination of the Supreme Court's elements for proving allegations of such conduct in the marketplace. On the basis of recent research in economics, marketing, and other fields and a 2001 U.S. Department of Transportation report, the authors offer several insights into understanding and applying these elements in the airline industry. Drawing on these insights, the authors conduct empirical research to examine patterns of market power on the part of major airlines in selected hub airports and the pricing response to the entry of discount airlines over time on the part of a major airline. They also examine the relationship between market power and pricing-related conduct through a simultaneous equation model. Findings from these analyses yield insights into understanding aggressive and predatory pricing in the airline industry.
The use of manufacturing technologies–an external influence perspective

Given the generally positive relationship between technology utilisation and performance, why do some plants use installed technologies to a lesser extent than others? Literature suggests that the extent of use of technology, as a decision of choice, is influenced by a variety of factors. Organisational and individual influences include process type, plant size, perceived usefulness of the technology, and user demographics (Zhang, P., Aikman, S.N., and Heshan, S., 2008, Two types of attitudes in ICT acceptance and use. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 24 (7), 628–648; Swamidass, P.M. and Kotha, S., 1998, Explaining manufacturing technology use, firm size and performance using a multidimensional view of technology. Journal of Operations Management, 17 (1), 23–37; Davis, F., Bagozzi, R., and Warshaw, P., 1989, User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35 (8), 982–1003). External factors such as customer mandates and firm nationali...
Prebiotics enhance magnesium absorption and inulin-based fibers exert chronic effects on calcium utilization in a postmenopausal rodent model.

Abstract: Age-related changes in calcium metabolism play a role in the development of osteoporosis. A 4-wk feeding study was conducted in 5-mo-old ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats to assess the effect of various dietary fibers on mineral metabolism and bone health parameters. There were 6 treatment groups: sham-Control, OVX-Control, OVX rats receiving daily estradiol (E2) injections, and OVX rats receiving an AIN-93M diet supplement with either an inulin-based fiber (Synergy1® or Fruitafit HD®) or a novel fiber (polydextrose) at 5% wt. of diet. Calcium and magnesium metabolic balances were performed after early (3 d) and late exposure (4 wk) to dietary treatments. Rats receiving polydextrose had significantly higher net calcium absorption efficiency and retention than all control groups and a trend (P≤ 0.10) for higher calcium absorption when compared to inulin-based fibers after early exposure but the advantage did not persist over long-term exposure. The inulin-based fibers had positive chronic effects on calcium metabolism that were related to changes in the gut, that is, production of short chain fatty acids and higher cecal wall weights. All fibers improved magnesium absorption and retention in early and late metabolic balances; effects on magnesium metabolism were more pronounced than for calcium. Practical Application: Steady growth in US middle-aged and elderly populations has led to higher incidences of several chronic diseases including osteoporosis, a bone disease that primarily affects postmenopausal women. Recent research suggests that certain dietary fibers (prebiotics) enhance mineral absorption and may impart bone health benefits. This work examines the impact of prebiotic supplementation on mineral metabolism and bone health using a postmenopausal rat model. Study findings will aid future investigations in ascertaining the factors related to potential bone health benefits of prebiotic which will aid in developing an effective prebiotics food product/supplement that will address the bone health needs of consumers.
The magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor instability in dynamic z pinches

The magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor (MRT) instability limits the performance of dynamic z pinches. This instability develops at the plasma-vacuum/field interface, growing in amplitude throughout the implosion, thereby reducing the peak plasma velocity and spatial uniformity at stagnation. MRT instabilities are believed to play a dominant role in the case of high wire number arrays, gas puffs and foils. In this article, the MRT instability is discussed in terms of initial seeding, linear and nonlinear growth, experimental evidence, radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations, and mitigating schemes. A number of experimental results are presented, where the mitigating schemes have been realized. In general, the problem is inherently three dimensional, but two-dimensional simulations together with theory and experiment enhance our physical understanding and provide insight into future load design.
The Role of Mitochondrial Porins and the Permeability Transition Pore in Learning and Synaptic Plasticity

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeability is conferred by a family of porin proteins. Mitochondrial porins conduct small molecules and constitute one component of the permeability transition pore that opens in response to apoptotic signals. Because mitochondrial porins have significant roles in diverse cellular processes including regulation of mitochondrial ATP and calcium flux, we sought to determine their importance in learning and synaptic plasticity in mice. We show that fear conditioning and spatial learning are disrupted in porin-deficient mice. Electrophysiological recordings of porin-deficient hippocampal slices reveal deficits in long and short term synaptic plasticity. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore by cyclosporin A in wild-type hippocampal slices reproduces the electrophysiological phenotype of porin-deficient mice. These results demonstrate a dynamic functional role for mitochondrial porins and the permeability transition pore in learning and synaptic plasticity.
Benzo(a)pyrene Activates Extracellular Signal-Related and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in HT29 Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells: Involvement in NAD(P)H:quinone Reductase Activity and Cell Proliferation

Benzo(a)pyrene (BP) is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon generated from the combustion of fossil fuel. Human exposure results primarily through dietary sources and smoking. Little is known about the effect of BP on mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, which include extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. We investigated the participation of BP-induced MAP kinase activation in cell growth and increases in activity of the detoxification enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR). In HT29 human colon carcinoma cells, 10 nM BP activated ERK and p38 but not JNK after 24 h. Treatment with 10 nM BP increased QR activity within 24 h and tritiated thymidine ([(3)H]thyd) incorporation after 48 h and reduced cell viability after 72 h. Using the MAP kinase inhibitors PD98059 and SB203580, we investigated the relative contributions of ERK and p38 to QR activity and [(3)H]thyd cell incorporation. Inhibition of ERK eliminated BP-induced QR activity, whereas inhibition of p38 had no effect on QR activity. Treatment of cells with 10 nM BP increased [(3)H]thyd incorporation by 50% after 48 h. This increase was eliminated by ERK but not p38 inhibition. In conclusion, 10 nM BP activates ERK and p38, but only ERK contributes to BP-induced QR activity. ERK, but not p38 activation participated in [(3)H]thyd incorporation. In summary, BP influences cellular signaling pathways at concentrations present in routine human exposures.
Semi-crossed Products of C*-Algebras

Abstract Given a C∗-algebra U and endomorphim α, there is an associated nonselfadjoint operator algebra Z + Xα U , called the semi-crossed product of U with α. If α is an automorphim, Z + Xα U can be identified with a subalgebra of the C∗-crossed product Z + Xα U . If U is commutative and α is an automorphim satisfying certain conditions, Z + Xα U is an operator algebra of the type studied by Arveson and Josephson. Suppose S is a locally compact Hausdorff space, φ: S → S is a continuous and proper map, and α is the endomorphim of U=C0(S) given by α(ƒ) = ƒ ō φ. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the map φ are given to insure that the semi-crossed product Z+XαC0(S) is (i) semiprime; (ii) semisimple; (ii) strongly semisimple.
Numerical simulations of periodic flow oscillations in low Prandtl number fluids

The transition from steady to oscillatory flow for a very low Prandtl number fluid (Pr = 0.008) is computed for rectangular enclosures with aspect ratios (length/height) of 0.25, 0.4, 1.0, and 2.0 and are found to occur at Rayleigh numbers of 250,000, 130,000, 83,500, and 30,000 respectively. The structures of the oscillations are graphically depicted and are manifested in corner cells which dissipate into centered cells and then into opposite corner cells. A secondary flow transition is detected for a geometry with an aspect ratio of 1.0 at Ra = 1.2Rac2. � 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.