cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Net transport of calcium by toad bladder.

Abstract Net calcium transport in the toad bladder was determined as the difference between simultaneous unidirectional fluxes of 45Ca and 47Ca. Owing to the contamination with 45Ca of available 47Ca, measurements were limited to bladders with substantial (and probably abnormal) calcium permeability. In Tris- or bicarbonate-buffered Ringer solution, average net calcium flux during continuous short-circuiting was not significantly different from zero, whether the medium contained 2.7 mM calcium or 50 mM calcium. However, significant mucosal-to-serosal flux occurred in a few experiments. Open-circuiting reduced flux ratio and often led to significant serosal-to-mucosal flux, but the change observed was closer to the theoretical change predicted for a monovalent cation than a divalent one. Pitressin had no appreciable effect on calcium flux ratio.
Investigation of polyacrylonitrile solution inhomogeneity by dynamic light scattering

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) has been used to quantify nanoscale heterogeneity in the industrially significant polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer solution. The heterogeneity in polymer solution, traced by the ratio of amplitudes of the slow to fast mode, is observed to be related to various parameters, such as molecular weight of the polymer, the type of co-monomer, processing time, concentration of the solution, and the choice of the solvents. It has been identified that low molecular weight PAN homopolymer have the least heterogeneity issues. Amongst the chosen co-polymers for this study, similar degree of heterogeneity was observed at concentration slightly above the critical concentration at which the polymer chains begin to overlap. Whereas, at higher concentration, PAN-methacrylic acid (4 wt%) copolymer showed the least heterogeneity issue. The aggregate diffusion coefficient of PAN-methacrylic acid (4 wt%) copolymer solution in dimethylformamide (DMF) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) are respectively determined to be ∼1.6 × 10−12 cm2/s and ∼1.6 × 10−13 cm2/s, which results in an estimated aggregate size of 9 nm and 90 nm. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1403–1407, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simulation of shrinkage induced cracking in cement composite overlays

Abstract A random lattice is used to model moisture transport in cement-based composites. Model geometry, and the scaling of the elemental diffusivity terms, are based on a Voronoi discretization of the material domain. Steady-state and transient potential flow problems are simulated, and compared with theory, to demonstrate model accuracy and objectivity with respect to lattice random geometry. A novel routine is described for computing moisture flux values at the random lattice sites. Stress production, and potential shrinkage crack development, are driven by the associated drying processes. The random lattice modeling of moisture movement is coupled with rigid-body-spring networks (RBSN), which account for elasticity, creep, and fracture properties of the material. The RBSN is based on the same Voronoi discretization of the material as used to model moisture movement. Relative humidity contours, stress contours, and crack plots are produced for a cement composite overlay restrained by a mature concrete substrate. That example is based on a set of simulation results reported in the literature.
A concise and accurate solution to Chandrasekhar’s basic problem in radiative transfer

Abstract A recently developed version of the discrete-ordinates method is used along with elementary numerical linear-algebra techniques to establish an efficient and especially accurate solution to what can be called Chandrasekhar’s basic problem in radiative transfer, namely the problem of computing the radiation intensity in a finite plane-parallel layer illuminated by an incident beam of radiation and in which scattering can be described by a (rather) general scattering law.
Effects of dreissenid mussels, chironomids, fishes, and zooplankton on growth of round goby in experimental aquaria

There is a widely accepted paradigm supported by early field and laboratory observations that the adult round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is highly adapted to, and primarily survives on, dreissenid mussels. However, more recent stable isotope and diet analyses indicate that the round goby may not rely on dreissenid prey to the extent that was previously believed. We conducted a feeding experiment where round gobies were provided with an excess of one of four naturally occurring diets for 25 days – dreissenid mussels, juvenile fish, chironomids, or zooplankton. Round gobies fed dreissenids had significantly lower growth (−0.04 g day−1) than individuals fed fish and chironomids (0.13 g day−1) and displayed the same weight loss as round gobies fed only zooplankton. Although dreissenids are often consumed by round gobies, this likely happens only when more profitable prey such as fish and non-dreissenid invertebrates are lacking or difficult to capture. Additionally, field observations of round goby diets t...
Effect of hydrogen and carbon dioxide partial pressures on growth and sulfide production of the extremely thermophilic archaebacterium Pyrodictium brockii.

The effect of hydrogen and carbon dioxide partial pressure on the growth of the extremely thermophilic archaebacterium Pyrodictium brockii at 98°C was investigated. Previous work with this bacterium has been done using an 80:20 hydrogen-carbon dioxide gas phase with a total pressure of 4 atm; no attempt has been made to determine if this mixture is optimal. It was found in this study that reduced hydrogen partial pressures affected cell yield, growth rate, and sulfide production. The effect of hydrogen partial pressure on cell yield and growth rate was less dramatic when compared to the effect on sulfide production, which was not found to be growth-associated. Carbon dioxide was also found to affect growth but only at very low partial pressures. The relationship between growth rate and substrate concentration could be correlated with a Monod-type expression for either carbon dioxide or hydrogen as the limiting substrate. The results from this study indicate that a balance must be struck between cell yields and sulfide production in choosing an optimal hydrogen partial pressure for the growth of P. brockii.
Cooperative cache-based data access in ad hoc networks

Cooperative caching, in which multiple nodes share and coordinate cached data, is widely used to improve Web performance in wired networks. However, resource constraints and node mobility have limited the application of these techniques in ad hoc networks. We propose caching techniques that use the underlying routing protocols to overcome these constraints and further improve performance.
Evidence for a single macromolecular form of lactate dehydrogenase in Artemia salina

Abstract A study of lactate dehydrogenase in encysted embryos, nauplii (larvae) and adults of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina , indicates that this enzyme, specific for l -lactate exists in a single macromolecular form throughout the life cycle. A single band of activity was observed in all Artemia extracts by polyacrylamide gel, starch gel, and cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis, under a variety of experimental conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase activities from different stages of the life cycle showed similar responses to pyruvate and lactate concentrations, utilization of α-ketobutyrate, and inhibition by oxalate. The molecular weight was estimated to be between 140,000 and 150,000.
Respiratory enzyme activities correlate with anoxia tolerance in salt marsh grasses

Abstract Salt marsh communities are known for well-defined species zonation patterns. Lower limits of plant growth are thought to be set by an ability to tolerate anoxic sediments, but the physiological differences between species have not previously been examined. To investigate responses to anoxic sediments, several estuarine species were grown in greenhouse experiments to compare how respiratory processes were affected by flooding. Metabolic characteristics related to respiration and anoxia tolerance were studied in the emergent estuarine species Spartina alterniflora , S. anglica , S. densiflora , S. foliosa , S. alterniflora × S. foliosa hybrids, S. patens , and Distichlis spicata and compared to the inland species maize ( Zea mays ). All species showed a strong ability to respire anaerobically, indicating flooding tolerance. High intertidal marsh species had significantly higher root aerobic respiration enzyme activities compared to low intertidal species that may suggest lower aerobic demand in low marsh species. Some higher marsh species showed an apparent high sensitivity to sulfide that may be related to high cytochrome c oxidase activities. In contrast, the low marsh species S. alterniflora and S. anglica had lower aerobic respiration enzyme activities and a lower sensitivity to sulfide. Thus differences in aerobic demand and sulfide sensitivity may influence estuarine species zonation.
Thiosugars II. A novel approach to thiodisaccharides The synthesis of 3-deoxy-4-thiocellobiose from levoglucosenone

Abstract An expeditious methodology for the synthesis of β-(1 → 4)-3-deoxythiodisaccharides (3-deoxythiocellobiose) has been developed. The methodology is based on the stereoselective Michael addition of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-β-d-glucose to levoglucosenone, followed by stereoselective reduction at C-2 with l -Selectride® and DIBAH, followed by acetolysis to the target thiodisaccharide derivative.
Depressive disorder as a long-term antecedent risk factor for incident back pain: a 13-year follow-up study from the Baltimore Epidemiological Catchment Area sample.

Background The co-occurrence of affective distress and back pain is well documented but the relationship between them is less certain. This study examines the relationship between lifetime occurrence of depressive disorder and incident back pain reported over a 13-year period. Method The Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study is a prospective study of a household-residing cohort, selected probabilistically from East Baltimore in 1981. Between 1982-3 (wave 2) and again between 1993-6 (wave 3), a follow-up study of the original cohort was conducted. Questions on depressive disorder and back pain were drawn from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate whether depressive disorder acts as a risk factor for incident back pain. Results In cross-sectional analyses, lifetime occurrence of depressive disorder was a significant correlate of lifetime prevalence of back pain at wave 1 (OR = 1.6, P = 0.01). During the 13-year follow-up, across three data collection points, there was an increase in the risk for incident back pain when depressive disorder was present at baseline (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.03, 3.4). However, during the short-term follow-up period of 1 year, between baseline and wave 2, depressive disorder at baseline was unrelated to first-ever reports of back pain. Lifetime depressive disorder in both waves 1 (baseline) and 2 (1 year later) was associated with a more than three times greater risk for a first-ever report of back pain during the 12 to 13 year follow-up period, in comparison to those who did not have depressive disorder at waves 1 or 2 (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.4, 7.8). Back pain at wave 1 was not significantly associated with an increased risk for depression in the longitudinal analysis (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.5, 1.4). Conclusions Depressive disorder appears to be a risk factor for incident back pain independent of other characteristics often associated with back pain. Back pain is not a short-term consequence of depressive disorder but emerges over periods longer than 1 year. Moreover, in this study the alternative pathway of back pain as a risk factor for depressive disorder could not be supported.
E-journal Package-Content Tracking Services

Libraries in the new digital marketplace struggle with finding ways to inform patrons and staff about the electronic journals the library subscribes to that are hidden inside aggregated packages. Three companies have emerged to help libraries cope with the problem of tracking package content: JournalWebCite, Serials Solutions, and TDNet. In this column, these three companies' services are examined, in the hope that libraries will be able to learn more about their options for maintaining and offering access to titles in their aggregated packages. Serials Review 2002; 28:49–52.
Industry progress report on neuro-oncology: Biotech update 2013.

For the second time, The Brain Tumor Center of the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, in collaboration with Voices Against Brain Cancer, hosted The Brain Tumor Biotech Summit in New York City in June 2013. After a very successful first summit in 2012, this innovative event has established a platform for intensive networking between neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, members of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical communities, members of the financial community and leaders of non-profit organizations. This year’s summit highlighted dendritic cell vaccines, novel antibody, heat shock protein and targeted therapies as well as exosome technologies, MRI-guided therapies and other novel drug delivery tools. This report presents a short overview of the current progress in brain tumor research and therapy as presented at the 2013 Brain Tumor Biotech Summit.
Noninvasive Optical Detection of Spontaneous Low Frequency Oscillations in Cerebral Blood Flow

A diffuse correlation spectroscopy was used to quantify low frequency oscillations in cerebral blood flow of healthy volunteers at rest, during head-up-titling (HUT) and during enforced breathing. The HUT is found to be a robust and stable protocol.
Pseudoephedrine as a Practical Chiral Auxiliary for the Synthesis of Highly Enantiomerically Enriched Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols, Aldehydes, and Ketones

The use of pseudoephedrine as a practical chiral auxiliary for asymmetric synthesis is described in full. Both enantiomers of pseudoephedrine are inexpensive commodity chemicals and can be N-acylated in high yields to form tertiary amides. In the presence of lithium chloride, the enolates of the corresponding pseudoephedrine amides undergo highly diastereoselective alkylations with a wide range of alkyl halides to afford α-substituted products in high yields. These products can then be transformed in a single operation into highly enantiomerically enriched carboxylic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones.
Geomagnetic cyclotron resonance in living cells

Although considerable experimental evidence now exists to indicate that low-frequency magnetic fileds influence living cells, the mode of coupling remains a mystery. We propose a radical new model for electromagnetic interactions with cells, one resulting from a cyclotron resonance mechanism attached to ions moving through transmembrane channels. It is shown that the cyclotron resonance condition on such ions readily leads to a predicted ELF-coupling at geomagnetic levels. This model quantitatively explains the results reported by Blackman et al. (1984), identifying the focus of magnetic interaction in these experiments as K+ charge carriers. The cyclotron resonance concept is consistent with recent indications showing that many membrane channels have helical configurations. This model is quite testable, can probably be applied to other circulating charge components within the cell and, most important, leads to the feasibility of direct resonant electromagnetic energy transfer to selected compartments of the cell.
Simulation Apprenticeship: A Southern California Experience

Abstract Although an experienced simulation educator, the author was given the opportunity to improve her expertise by attending an apprenticeship in Southern California at a large regional medical center's simulation center. Cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and both manikin-based and standardized patients helped accomplish her learning goals.
Pathogen signatures activate a ubiquitination pathway that modulates the function of the metabolic checkpoint kinase mTOR

Discriminating between harmless and pathogenic bacteria is a key challenge faced by the immune system. Ivanov and Roy demonstrate that virulent bacteria disrupt mTOR signaling, which then skews responses towards inflammatory cytokine production.
Mammalian B lymphocyte precursors.

Ce l l u l a r spec ia l i za t i on in the immune response is epitomized by the d i v i s i o n of lymphocytes into func t iona l subsets. The most basic such d i v i s i o n involves ce l l s with eas i l y detectable ce l l surface immunoglobulin (s lg +, B c e l l s ) and ce l l s a r i s ing from the thymus (T ce l l s ) which d i f f e r s u b s t a n t i a l l y in func t ion . B ce l l s are responsib le for the production of antibody in the immune response, whereas T ce l l s are responsib le for a number of c e l l u l a r immune funct ions such as ce l l mediated c y t o t o x i c i t y , delayed h y p e r s e n s i t i v i t y , and a ser ies of regu la to ry networks envisioned to contro l the waxing and waning of immune responses. There have been fu r t he r subd iv is ions of these two basic ce l l types both by developmental h ierarchy and func t iona l a c t i v i t y . Most notable of these has been the accumulating evidence for the func t iona l d i v i s i o n of thymus derived ce l l s in to suppressor /cy to tox ic , and he lper / inducer ce l l categories ( i 4 ) . At least the basic d i v i s i o n of lymphocytes in to T ce l l s and B ce l l s has been substant ia ted for the anuran amphibia (5-8) , r e p t i l i a (8-10), ayes (11,12), and mammalia (13,14).
Ethnicity and HIV risk behaviour, testing and knowledge in Guatemala

Objectives. To describe levels of risky sexual behaviour, HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men and women in Guatemala by ethnic group and to identify adjusted associations between ethnicity and these outcomes. Design. Data on 16,205 women aged 15–49 and 6822 men aged 15–59 from the 2008–2009 Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil were used to describe ethnic group differences in sexual behaviour, HIV knowledge and testing. We then controlled for age, education, wealth and other socio-demographic factors in a multivariate logistic regression model to examine the effects of ethnicity on outcomes related to age at sexual debut, number of lifetime sex partners, comprehensive HIV knowledge, HIV testing and lifetime sex worker patronage (men only). Results. The data show low levels of risky sexual behaviour and low levels of HIV knowledge among indigenous women and men, compared to other respondents. Controlling for demographic factors, indigenous women were more likely than other women never to have been tested for HIV and to lack comprehensive HIV knowledge. They were less likely to report early sexual debut and three or more lifetime sexual partners. Indigenous men were more likely than other men to lack comprehensive HIV knowledge and demonstrated lower odds of early sexual debut, 10 or more lifetime sexual partners and sex worker patronage. Conclusions. The Mayan indigenous population in Guatemala, while broadly socially vulnerable, does not appear to be at elevated risk for HIV based on this analysis of selected risk factors. Nonetheless, low rates of HIV knowledge and testing may be cause for concern. Programmes working in indigenous communities should focus on HIV education and reducing barriers to testing. Further research into the factors that underlie ethnic self-identity and perceived ethnicity could help clarify the relative significance of these measures for HIV risk and other health outcomes.
Chromatographic analysis of some terpenes.

A study has been made of the chromatographic properties of single terpenes and binary mixtures using the columnartechniques of frontal analysis, elution analysis, and displacement analysis. Norit-A with alcohol and silica gel with chloroform were used as combinations of phases to achieve the separations. Frontal analysis is a useful means of separating the terpenes.
A Content Analysis of Peer Feedback in Triadic Supervision

There is limited research on the types of peer feedback exchanged during triadic supervision. Through a content analysis, the authors found that students provided feedback about counseling performance and cognitive counseling skills most often in supervision sessions. However, there were differences in the types of feedback exchanged across three experience levels.
Facing Technological Risks: The Importance of Individual Differences☆☆☆★

Abstract Survey research on risk assessment has emphasized risk characteristics, such as uncontrollability of exposure or the catastrophic potential of hazards. This study extends past research by examining the importance of individual difference factors. Two hundred forty-nine respondents assessed the risk characteristics associated with various technologies. In addition, respondents rated perceived risk and personal worry and completed the Desirability of Control Scale and Ambiguity Intolerance Measure. Results indicated that perceived risk and worry were related to individual difference variables and to some risk characteristics as well as to interactions among these variables. Perceived risk and worry differentially predicted the desire for regulations and willingness to take action to decrease the risk associated with technological hazards.
The nontransmembrane tyrosine phosphatase PTP-1B localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum via its 35 amino acid C-terminal sequence

We report the first intracellular characterization of an endogenous nontransmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP). Using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies, we have identified PTP-1B as a 50 kd serine phosphoprotein in immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting assays. Surprisingly, indirect immunofluorescence experiments indicate that PTP-1B is localized predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Subcellular fractionation is consistent with this localization and establishes that PTP-1B is tightly associated with microsomal membranes, with its phosphatase domain oriented towards the cytoplasm. The C-terminal 35 amino acids of PTP-1B are both necessary and sufficient for targeting to the ER. The finding of a tyrosine phosphatase on the ER suggests new possibilities for cellular events controlled by tyrosine phosphorylation.
Gamete retrieval after death or irreversible unconsciousness: what counts as informed consent?

The first reported case of postmortem sperm retrieval occurred in 1978, involving a man who became brain dead after a motor vehicle accident and whose wife requested removal of his sperm so that she could be artificially inseminated. Physicians performed the retrieval by surgically excising the ducts that transport sperm from the testes (the epididymis and vas deferens) and removing sperm from them. Since that time, several other methods for retrieving sperm from such patients have been reported, and at least 141 cases have been documented in which requests were made for removal of sperm from men who were dead or irreversibly unconscious. Moreover, there have been several reports of pregnancies and births resulting from assisted reproduction using sperm retrieved in such cases.
The rheology of cementitious suspensions: A closer look at experimental parameters and property determination using common rheological models

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of gap between parallel plates, surface texture of the bottom plate, and mixing intensity on the yield stress and plastic viscosity of cementitious suspensions extracted using the Bingham model. Special emphasis is paid toward understanding the effects of shear rate range and different rheological models on the flow parameters. It is shown that the use of a wider shear rate range (0.1–100/s), can be beneficial in obtaining a reasonable portion of the stress plateau in the shear stress–shear rate relationship, which facilitates a model-less, yet accurate extraction of yield stress. The Bingham model that considers only the linear region (i.e. ∼5–100/s) overestimates the yield stress as indicated by the stress asymptote while the Herschel–Bulkley (H–B) equation applied in the 0.1–100/s shear rate range underestimates the yield stress. Further lowering the evaluated shear rate range (i.e. 0.005–100/s) does substantially improve the H–B prediction of yield stress.
Predicting the preexponential temperature dependence of bimolecular metathesis reaction rate coefficients using transition state theory

The thermochemical kinetics formulation of conventional transition state theory for bimolecular reactions allows for a separate contribution from each degree of freedom (translation, rotation, vibration, etc.) in the activated complex to the entropy and heat capacity of activation, and thus to the preexponential terms in the Arrhenius rate expression, k = ATn exp(−B/T). The number of vibrations and (possibly hindred) internal rotations varies depending on the nature of the reaction: atom + diatom, diatom + linear polyatom, etc. The temperature exponent n can be evaluated explicitly for each type of reaction if the harmonic oscillator-rigid free rotor approximation is valid for the reagents and activated complex and if the contribution from tunneling is small. Various reaction types are examined successively, and n is evaluated for each case. The possible contributions of other factors (vibrational anharmonicity, hindered internal rotation, tunneling, “looseness” of activated complex) to the value of n are also considered.
Preliminary characterization of angiogenic activity in media conditioned by cells from luteinized rat ovaries.

Angiogenic activity was detected in media conditioned by ovarian cells from superovulated, pseudopregnant (PMSG/human CG treated) immature Holtzman rats. Media conditioned by cells from luteinized rat ovaries stimulated the directed migration of rabbit endothelial cells or mouse Balb/ c3T3 cells, but was not mitogenic to either cell type. That endotheliotropic activity was not associated with a steroid was indicated by the finding that chemoattractant activity was detected in fractions after reversed-phase Ci8 chromatography, which removes more than 95% of steroids present in the media, and that chemoattractant activity was precipitated by ammonium sulfate and by ethanol. Full chemoattractant activity was recovered after boiling (95 C for 30 min), lyophilization, dialysis, Sephadex G-25 desalting columns, and pH changes from 3–10. After Sephadex G-200 chromatography, chemoattractant activity emerged at elution volumes corresponding to 20,000–30,000 mol wt. Chemoattractant activity was not retained by Conc...
SOLAR FLARES IN THE EUV OBSERVED FROM OSO-5.

Solar flares in three broad EUV spectral bands have been observed from OSO-5 with a grating spectrophotometer. Results are given for three large flares of March 12, March 21 and April 21, 1969. In general the time dependence of flare intensity in each band is characterized by a slowly varying component with impulsive bursts superimposed. Bands 2 (465–630 A) and 3 (760–1030 A) are quite similar in their time variations, but band 1 (280–370 A) shows less impulsive structure, and declines more slowly. Absolute EUV intensities for the flares are estimated, and a comparison made with the 2800 mc s−1 radio emission. A flare model is proposed to account for the EUV time variations during a large flare.
Discrete time analytic semigroups and the geometry of Banach spaces

We study different notions of discrete maximal regularity for discrete-time abstract Cauchy problems in Banach spaces. First we look at l2-discrete maximal regularity and show that Hilbert spaces are the only Banach spaces, among spaces with an unconditional basis, in which the analyticity of the associated discrete-time semigroup is a sufficient condition to obtain this kind of regularity. We then turn to different notions of regularity, in a l1 and in a l∞ sense. We link the existence of particular semigroups such that the associated Cauchy problem has one of these maximal regularities to the geometry of the underlying Banach space (more precisely, to the existence of a complemented subspace isomorphic to c0 or l1). Finally, we give some elements to compare these regularities.
A 78-mm/7-T Multi-Width No-Insulation ReBCO Magnet: Key Concept and Magnet Design

This paper presents a multi-width (MW) winding technique suitable for an HTS (high temperature superconductor) magnet comprising a stack of double-pancake (DP) coils. The main idea is to place DP coils wound with the narrowest-width ReBCO tape in the magnet center region and those of progressively wider tapes toward the magnet ends, where the “perpendicular field (parallel to the ReBCO c-axis)”, a major limiting field of ReBCO current-carrying capacity, is at its peak. Analysis demonstrates the superior field performance of an MW ReBCO magnet to those of its single-width (SW) counterparts. Combined with the no-insulation (NI) technique, the NI-MW technique makes an HTS magnet self-protecting, highly compact, and mechanically robust. Appling the NI-MW technique, we have designed a 7-T/78-mm ReBCO magnet that will be built and operated under a 2-year program. Also, presented in the paper are electromagnetic and mechanical analyses, together with discussion on protection and charging delay issues. Sample MW ReBCO tapes were mechanically slit and their measured 77-K Ic data are presented.
Fixed-point free endomorphisms and Hopf Galois structures

Let L|K be a Galois extension of fields with finite Galois group G. Greither and Pareigis [GP87] showed that there is a bijection between Hopf Galois structures on L|K and regular subgroups of Perm(G) normalized by G, and Byott [By96] translated the problem into that of finding equivalence classes of embeddings of G in the holomorph of groups N of the same cardinality as G. In [CCo06] we showed, using Byott’s translation, that fixed point free endomorphisms of G yield Hopf Galois structures on L|K. Here we show how abelian fixed point free endomorphisms yield Hopf Galois structures directly, using the Greither-Pareigis approach, and, in some cases, also via the Byott translation. The Hopf Galois structures that arise are “twistings” of the Hopf Galois structure by Hλ, the K-Hopf algebra that arises from the left regular representation of G in Perm(G). The paper concludes with various old and new examples of abelian fixed point free endomorphisms. Hopf Galois structures We first review the Greither-Pareigis approach to Hopf Galois structures. Let G be a finite group. The left (resp. right) regular representation λ (resp. ρ) of G in Perm(G) is the map from G to Perm(G) given by
Board, game, and media: Interactive board games as multimedia convergence

Interactive media board games reflect a changing media culture. Converging media text and technology with game play mechanics and rules, these board games exist as a hybrid form of game and media. ...
Public recognition of specialty designations.

Abstract Purpose: Although there is no supporting evidence, there is a perception that the public is unfamiliar with what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of persons about the type of treatment rendered by 12 different specialties and to determine if such unfamiliarity is true only for oral and maxillofacial surgery or whether it occurs with other specialties. Patients and Methods: Two groups of patients, one in a dental setting (n = 101) and one in a general medical office setting (n = 157), were asked to match a list of 12 different specialists with list of 15 brief treatment options. Data related to level of education, gender, and age were also collected. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between correct identification of individual specialties and the demographic variables. Results: Subjects in both settings correctly matched an average of 72% of the specialists. The most commonly identified specialist in both groups was the gastroenterologist (90%), and the least recognized was the nephrologist in the dental setting (44%), and the otolaryngologist in the medical setting (53%). The oral and maxillofacial surgeon had an identification rate of 77%. Older and better-educated respondents correctly recognized the greatest number of specialists. Conclusions: The results of this study show that name recognition is not a problem faced only by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It also shows that efforts directed at improving this situation should be aimed at the younger and less-educated population. © 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:1182-1185, 2002
Senate Influence or Presidential Unilateralism? An Examination of Treaties and Executive Agreements from Theodore Roosevelt and George W. Bush

Treaty-making involves the constitutional struggle for policy control. Both the Executive and Senate are defined as official actors in establishing international commitments and both closely guard their constitutionally defined roles.Yet most research concludes that Congress rarely matters when defining US commitments abroad.We explore the Senate's role in treaty-making during the administrations of Theodore Roosevelt (1901—1909) and the first term of George W. Bush (2001— 2005). Our evidence confirms that even recent studies showing greater Senate influence on treaty-making significantly underestimate the upper chamber's role in defining US commitments abroad. Rather than killing treaties with a formal floor vote, the Senate exerts influence at the committee stage by refusing to act on controversial agreements negotiated by presidential administrations. President Bush has responded to such congressional oversight by establishing more international commitments through executive agreements rather than trea...
Role of protein synthesis in the activation of cytotoxic mouse macrophages by lymphokines

Abstract The role of protein synthesis during the activation of macrophages (Mφ) by lymphokines (LK) was studied. Peritoneal murine macrophages elicited by proteose-peptone (pMφ) were activated with LK (supernatants from normal mouse spleen cells pulsed with concanavalin A) and tested for cytotoxicity in an 18 hr assay against 111 In-labeled L5178Y lymphoma target cells. Reversible (cycloheximide and puromycin) or poorly reversible (emetine and pactamycin) inhibitors of protein synthesis were added during activation, and their effects on pMφ-mediated cytotoxicity and pMφ protein synthesis were measured. Minimal concentrations of inhibitors, reducing the rate of protein synthesis by more than 90% without toxic effects on macrophages, were chosen. Exposure of pMφ to LK for 2 to 18 hr in the presence of reversible inhibitors of protein synthesis did not affect the induction of cytolytic activity, indicating that protein synthesis was not required during the activation period. In contrast, activation of macrophages for 2 hr in the presence of poorly reversible inhibitors of protein synthesis resulted in a considerable reduction of cytolytic activity. The impairment of cytotoxic activity was also evident when pMφ were treated with such drugs during the first 2 hr of an 18 hr exposure to LK or when LK-activated macrophages were treated for 2 hr with the drugs before the addition of the targets. These results demonstrate that active protein synthesis is not required during the exposure of pMφ to LK, but that new proteins have to be synthesized to allow the expression of the cytotoxic activity in LK-activated pMφ.
Variable-temperature fourier transform IR as a probe of intermolecular forces: Application to organotin compounds

Abstract The medium and strong IR absorptions of a number of organometallic complexes of Sn(IV) have been studied as a function of temperature over the range 78
Video Hand Opening Time (vHOT) in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) (P05.188)

Objective: To evaluate test-retest reliability of vHOT in DM1. Background Delayed release of the handgrip is a common symptom in DM1, reflecting myotonia plus a variable contribution of finger extensor weakness. Previous methods to quantify myotonia required sophisticated equipment and labor-intensive analysis. Video recording coupled with blinded review is an accepted procedure to evaluate motor performance in clinical trials. Design/Methods: vHOT recordings were made using a standardized procedure in 20 individuals with DM1. Subjects were asked to perform maximal handgrip for 5 seconds, followed by rapid extension of fingers without shaking of the hand. Each participant completed 3 trials with a 10-minute rest between trials. vHOT was recorded on 2 consecutive days by the same evaluator. vHOT recordings were later reviewed using the standard video editing software by 2 blinded raters. Time for maximal hand opening was measured separately for the thumb and long finger. Results: The mean vHOT was 4.6 ± 5.6 seconds. vHOT was longer for the thumb than the long finger. The correlation of vHOT between trials on the same day (r = 0.94-0.97) was better than for trials on the separate days (r = 0.88). There is no evidence for “warm-up” in successive trials. The ICC for test-retest concordance for the same rater on 2 successive days was 0.71. The ICC for concordance between 2 raters was 0.96. Conclusions: vHOT provides a simple low-cost method to assess grip myotonia and finger extension. The inter-rater reliability is excellent and the test-retest reliability is moderate, reflecting the physiologic variability of myotonia over time. vHOT may provide a suitable endpoint for studies of disease progression and therapeutic response in DM1. Supported by: NIH U54NS48843. Disclosure: Dr. Puwanant has nothing to disclose. Dr. Statland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dilek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moxley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thornton has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme Corporation as a consultant. Dr. Thornton has received research support from Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
An Intelligent Control Strategy for Computer Consultation

Expert consultant systems often perform computations on a directed graph of associated propositions. Each proposition is represented by a node. Edges connecting these nodes are associated with rules which organize the propositions into antecedent/consequent relationships. A node may be assigned a value through the edges that bind it to its antecedents. Various strategies are employed to determine assignment sequences that result in efficient computer consultation. One such strategy, the merit system, has been successfully implemented in Battle, an expert consultant system for the Marine Corps. The merit strategy enables Battle to focus the consultation process on the most appropriate questions. The merit system, originally defined for logical functions in the Multiple program, has been extended to the Mycin style of propagation and to the method of subjective Bayesian assignments used by Prospector. A procedure for merit calculations with any differentiable, real-valued assignment function is presented. Our experience has shown that merit values provide an efficient flow of control for expert consultation.
Prediction of hospital readmission for heart failure: development of a simple risk score based on administrative data

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop a convenient and inexpensive method for identifying an individual's risk for hospital readmission for congestive heart failure (CHF) using information derived exclusively from administrative data sources and available at the time of an index hospital discharge. BACKGROUND Rates of readmission are high after hospitalization for CHF. The significant determinants of rehospitalization are debated. METHODS Administrative information on all 1995 hospital discharges in New York State which were assigned International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification codes indicative of CHF in the principal diagnosis position were obtained. The following were compared among hospital survivors who did and did not experience readmission: demographics, comorbid illness, hospital type and location, processes of care, length of stay and hospital charges. RESULTS A total of 42,731 black or white patients were identified. The subgroup of 9,112 patients (21.3%) who were readmitted were distinguished by a greater proportion of blacks, a higher prevalence of Medicare and Medicaid insurance, more comorbid illnesses and the use of telemetry monitoring during their index hospitalization. Patients treated at rural hospitals, those discharged to skilled nursing facilities and those having echocardiograms or cardiac catheterization were less likely to be readmitted. Using multiple regression methods, a simple methodology was devised that segregated patients into low, intermediate and high risk for readmission. CONCLUSIONS Patient characteristics, hospital features, processes of care and clinical outcomes may be used to estimate the risk of hospital readmission for CHF. However, some of the variation in rehospitalization risk remains unexplained and may be the result of discretionary behavior by physicians and patients.
CT Dose Index and Patient Dose: They Are Not the Same Thing

Estimates of individual patient risk, and epidemiologic studies assessing potential late effects, must use patient size–specific dose estimates—they cannot use only scanner output (volume CT dose index or dose-length product).
CALCULATION OF CRANIAL CAPACITY FROM LINEAR DIMENSIONS.

Physical anthropological and x-ray linear measurements of length, breadth and height of 28 dried skulls were made. The means and variances of these measurements were calculated and are given in tables. Next, the cranial capacity of these skulls was measured with mustard seeds (this method was validated using water measured skull) and the means and variances are given separately for males and females. Two formulae: (1) Lee's - Males, 0.365 (L × B × H) + 359.34; Females, 0.375 (L × B × H) + 296.40. (2) Spheroid-π/6 (L × B × H) were applied to calculate cranial capacity (in milliliters) from the linear anthropological and radiological dimensions (in centimeters). The results of the volumes thus obtained were compared to each other and to the control volume of the respective skulls. It was concluded that both the Lee's and Spheroid formulas for calculating the volume showed acceptably small difference from the respective control values. However, the Lee's method gave closer to control volumes for anthropological measurements whereas the Spheroid method gave closer to control volumes for x-ray measurements.
Differences between relapsing-remitting and chronic progressive multiple sclerosis as determined with quantitative MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cross-sectional relationships among multiple quantitative brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements in patients with relapsing-remitting versus chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with MS (relapsing-remitting, 26; chronic progressive, 12) were examined. Lesion volume on T2-weighted MR images, contrast material–enhancing lesion volume, percentage of brain parenchymal volume (brain volume/[brain volume + cerebrospinal fluid volume]), and magnetization transfer ratio histogram peak height for the whole brain were calculated. RESULTS: Significant negative correlation was noted between volume on T2-weighted images and magnetization transfer ratio histogram peak height for both the relapsing-remitting and chronic progressive groups (P < .001 for both). A positive correlation was demonstrated for lesion volume on T2-weighted images and enhancing lesion volume in the relapsing-remitting group (P < .01) but not in the chroni...
On the stability and convergence properties of the fuzzy learning algorithm for robotic manipulators

Investigates the stability and convergence properties of the fuzzy learning algorithm which was the subject of the authors' earlier research. The authors show that the algorithm lends itself more fully to analysis than traditional intelligent control techniques. The authors' analysis begins with conditions under which a fuzzy regression problem will have a solution, and then considering a bound on the fuzzy regression cost function and showing that this bound leads to a bounded error norm, which implies stability, and also convergence if the bound can be shown to be zero. The authors conclude that they can control the stability properties of the algorithm through the selection of the fuzzy regression parameters, and that in general, the less fuzzy the model learned by fuzzy regression, the closer the algorithm will be to providing overall trajectory convergence.
Multidrug resistance in breast cancer: A meta-analysis of MDR1/gp170 expression and its possible functional significance

Background: P-glycoprotein (gp170; encoded by the MDR1 gene [also known as PGY1]) is a membrane protein capable of exporting a variety of anticancer drugs from cells. MDR1/ gp170 expression has been studied in breast cancer, but the prevalence of this expression and its role in breast tumor drug resistance are unclear. Purpose: We conducted a critical review and meta-analysis of studies examining MDR1/ gp170 expression in breast cancer to estimate the likely prevalence and clinical relevance of this expression. We also explored reasons for differences in the findings from individual studies. Methods: Published papers on MDR1/gp170 expression in breast cancer were identified by searching several literature databases and reviewing the bibliographies of identified papers. Variability across the studies in the proportion of tumors expressing MDR1/gp170 was assessed by use of chi-squared tests of homogeneity, weighted means, and weighted linear regression. Pooled relative risks (RRs) for the association between the induction of MDR1/gp170 expression and prior chemotherapy and associations between MDR1/gp170 expression and several clinical outcomes were estimated by use of Mantel-Haenszel methods. Heterogeneity among the pooled RRs was explored by use of chi-squared tests. Reported P values are two-sided. Results: Thirty-one studies were identified and evaluated. The proportion of breast tumors expressing MDR1/gp170 in all of the studies was 41.2%, but there was substantial heterogeneity in the values across individual studies (P<.0001). Regression analyses demonstrated that a considerable portion of the observed heterogeneity was a consequence of the change, over time, from RNA hybridization-based assays to immunohistochemistry-based assays of MDR1/gp170 expression. Measuring MDR1/gp170 expression before versus after chemotherapy and use of cytotoxic drugs that are not substrates for gp170 also contributed to the heterogeneity. Treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs or hormonal agents was associated with an increase in the proportion of tumors expressing MDR1/gp170 (RR = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.15). Patients with tumors expressing MDRl/gpl70 were three times more likely to fail to respond to chemotherapy than patients whose tumors were MDR1/ gp170 negative (RR = 3.21; 95% CI = 2.28-4.51); this RR increased to 4.19 (95% CI = 2.71-6.47) when considering only patients whose tumor expression of MDR1/gp170 was measured after chemotherapy. MDR1/gp170 expression was not associated with lymph node metastases, estrogen receptor status, tumor size, tumor grade, or tumor histology. Conclusions and Implications: MDR1/gp170 expression in breast tumors is associated with treatment and with a poor response to chemotherapy. The data are consistent with a contributory role for MDR1/gp170 in the multidrug resistance in some breast tumors.