cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylation of DNA and protamine by methyl methanesulfonate in the germ cells of male mice.

Abstract The molecular dosimetry of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in the germ cells of male mice has been investigated. The mice were injected i.p. with 100 mg/kg of [ 3 H]MMS and methylations per sperm head, per deoxynucleotide, and per unit of protamine were then determined over a 3-week period. The methylations per sperm head paralleled the dominant lethal frequency curve for MMS, reaching a maximum of between 22 and 26 million methylations per vas sperm head 8–11 days after treatment. Methylation of sperm DNA was greatest at 4 h (the earliest time point studied) after treatment, with 16.6 methylations/10 5 deoxynucleotides. DNA methylation gradually decreased during the subsequent 3-week period. The methylation of germ-cell DNA did not increase in the stages most sensitive to MMS (late spermatids → early spermatozoa) and was not correlated with the dominant lethal frequency curve for MMS. However, methylation of protamine did increase in the germ-cell stages most sensitive to MMS, and showed an excellent correlation with the incidence of dominant lethals produced by MMS in the different germ-cell stages. The pattern of alkylation produced by MMS in the developing germ-cell stages of the mouse is similar to that found for EMS. However, for equimolar exposures, MMS alkylates the germ cells 5–7 times more than does EMS.
Application of neural constraint satisfaction networks to vision

Summary form only given, as follows. The problem of constraint satisfaction is common in computer vision. The author maps this problem to a network where the nodes are the hypotheses and the links are the constraints. The network is implemented as a neural network which is then used to select the optimal subset of hypotheses which satisfy the given constraints. The author illustrates the use of a simple constraint satisfaction network and an augmented multilayered version for solving problems in perceptual organization. >
Melanoma Stem Cells: The Dark Seed of Melanoma

Cells with stem-cell markers and features have recently been identified in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Melanoma stem-like cells possess many traits of tumor-initiating or tumor stem cells including self-renewal capacity, high tumorigenicity, and differentiation into various mesenchymal lineages, including melanocytic cells. Four subpopulations of melanoma-initiating cells have been distinguished: CD20(+), CD133(+), label-retaining or slow-cycling cells, and side-population cells with high efflux activities. Whether these are distinct or overlapping populations is currently under investigation. Ongoing studies are dissecting and characterizing the hierarchy of these subpopulations within a malignant lesion. Understanding these and the dynamics of clonal dominance will aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
A search procedure for solving small nonlinear programs on small computers

Abstract This work describes a brute-force procedure for solving small nonlinear optimization problems. The scheme will work on any micro, or larger, computer on which it is possible to express the functions appearing in the problem. Sample problems are included, along with the code, in C, used to solve two of them. The code is derived from a procedure used to find the curve of intersection of three-dimensional surfaces.
Delayed axonal degeneration in slow Wallerian degeneration mutant mice detected using diffusion tensor imaging

Previous studies have shown the feasibility of using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as a noninvasive imaging modality to evaluate neurodegeneration in humans and animals. The axial and radial diffusivities derived from DTI were demonstrated to be sensitive markers for axonal and myelin damage, respectively. This study used DTI to evaluate optic nerve degeneration in wild-type and slow Wallerian degeneration (WldS) mutant mice. Longitudinal DTI was performed on optic nerves following high intraocular pressure-induced transient retinal ischemia. The axial diffusivity of wild-type nerves decreased 30% (P<0.05) at 3 days and 40% (P<0.05) at 5–30 days after transient elevation of intraocular pressure. In contrast, the axial diffusivity of WldS nerves did not change at 3 days; decreased by 20% (P<0.05) at 5 days, and continued to decrease by 30% (P<0.05) at 15 days and 40% (P<0.05) at 30 days after transient intraocular pressure elevation, suggesting delayed axonal damage in WldS mice. Radial diffusivity increased 200% (P<0.05) at 15–30 days in the wild-type mice and 100% (P<0.05) at 30 days in the WldS mice after transient intraocular pressure elevation, suggesting delayed myelin damage in WldS mice. DTI detected damage was confirmed with immunohistochemistry using phosphorylated neurofilament and myelin basic protein for assessing axonal and myelin integrity, respectively. These findings support the use of DTI not only to evaluate the progression of neurodegeneration but also to noninvasively demonstrate WldS mutation to delay the Wallerian degeneration.
Synthesis and Studies of the Properties of a Liquid-Crystalline Quaterrylenebis(dicarboximide) by 1H NMR and UV−vis Spectroscopies

The synthesis of an ionic quaterrylenebis(dicarboximide) 1a, a long-wavelength absorbing mesogen, is described. When compared with its analogue 2a, an ionic perylenebis(dicarboximide), the aromatic protons of 1a exchange with deuterium of concentrated D(2)SO(4) at a dramatically faster rate. In addition, stronger aggregation in aqueous media was observed for 1a.
A modified-local-harmonic model for solids

We present a modified-local-harmonic model for solids that permits quick and accurate calculations of the finite-temperature properties of perfect crystals and defects. The results obtained with this simple modification are more accurate than those obtained by using the local harmonic approximation, and this approach still retains the simplicity inherent in the local-harmonic approximation. The utility of this new approach is demonstrated by a calculation of the free energy of a perfect solid and the formation free energy of an isolated point defect and a comparison of the results with those obtained by using the local-harmonic and quasiharmonic approximations. Finally, we relate both the local-harmonic and the modified-local-harmonic models to a model based on a local vibrational density of states that has been proposed by Sutton.
Pharmaceutically Active Natural Product Synthesis and Supply via Plant Cell Culture Technology

The chemical diversity of plant-derived natural products allows them to function in a multitude of ways including flavor enhancers, agricultural chemicals, and importantly, human medicinals. Supply of pharmaceutically active natural products is often a challenge due to the slow growing nature of some species, low yields found in nature, and unpredictable variability in accumulation. Several production options are available including natural harvestation, total chemical synthesis, semisynthesis from isolated precursors, and expression of plant pathways in microbial systems. However, for some medicinal natural products, such as the anticancer agent paclitaxel, where low yields in nature, chemical complexity and lack of knowledge of the complete biosynthetic pathway, preclude many of these options, plant cell culture technology is an attractive alternative for supply. Plant cell suspension cultures are amenable to scale-up, environmental optimization, and metabolic engineering. This review focuses on some of the key challenges in utilizing and commercializing plant cell culture suspension technology, with a focus on pharmaceutically active natural products. Recent research has been directed toward application of traditional strategies such as reactor design, cell immobilization, and enzyme elicitation as well as emerging strategies such as characterizing cellular heterogeneity and variability through flow cytometric techniques, metabolic engineering, and system-wide analysis.
Spatially resolved absorption examination of the redox catalysis mechanism : equilibrium and near equilibrium cases

Abstract Concentration vs. distance profiles were determined for several cases of a redox catalysis mechanism in which an electrogenerated optical absorber oxidizes a reductant in solution. The concentration profile of the absorber is sensitive to the stoichiometry, kinetics, and equilibrium constant(s) for the homogeneous redox cross reaction between electrogenerated oxidant and bulk solution reductant. For the case of very large rate and equilibrium constants, the profile of the oxidant is linear, and there is a simple relationship between the reaction layer thickness and cross reaction stoichiometry. Even when the equilibrium and rate constants are moderate, the reaction layer thickness indicates reaction stoichiometry to sufficient accuracy. The method was demonstrated for several examples of phenothiazine cation radical oxidations of hydroquinone and dopamine. The technique permits the first direct observation of reaction layer thickness, and provides insight into both stoichiometry and kinetics of homogeneous redox catalysis.
Endoscopic Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Endoscopic therapy can be employed and may be useful in inflammatory bowel disease patients with dysplastic polyps, inflammatory strictures (enteric and biliary), bleeding, and for treatment of some complications of continent ileostomies. Dysplastic polyps can be removed endoscopically safely and effectively without resorting to colectomy, as long as there is no other detectable dysplasia in flat mucosa and complete removal can be assured (by biopsy of adjacent mucosa and close follow-up). Some colonic strictures in Crohn’s disease can be dilated using endoscopes of graded caliber or with through-the-scope balloons, with or without stent placement. Endoscopy is most useful in dilating anastomotic strictures and less useful for long strictures in active inflammatory disease. Strictures in ulcerative colitis are suspicious for neoplasia and, if dilated at all, should be biopsied extensively and followed closely. We prefer colectomy to endoscopic dilatation for strictures in ulcerative colitis. Biliary endoscopy can be used to dilate strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis and to sample these areas for malignancy. Although dilatation may improve morbidity and prolong survival, it may not prevent progression to cirrhosis. In cholangiocarcinomas, endoscopic dilatation with or without stents can offer palliation and perhaps be used to deliver photodynamic therapy. Injection and sclerotherapy can be employed in Crohn’s disease bleeding from a discrete site. In obstructed continent ileostomies (both Kock pouches and pelvic ileoanal reservoirs), endoscopy can be employed effectively to both determine the cause of the obstruction and re-establish patency. We do not advocate endoscopic treatment of toxic megacolon because of the heightened risk of perforation. Endoscopic therapy of Crohn’s fistulas is a possible emerging technology, but it has not been used in large cohorts of patients.
Effect of repeated firing on fluorescence of porcelain-fused-to-metal porcelains.

T o simulate the bluish-white fluorescence of natural teeth under ultraviolet light,‘-’ dental manufacturers use fluorophors of proprietary composition. Uranium oxides were often used in the past in combination with cerium to impart a realistic fluorescence to dental porcelain.* Uranium is no longer used as a result of increased awareness of possible radiation effects on oral tissues.‘.” Fluorescent dental porcelains are often patented; for example, fluorescence activators for Shofu porcelain (Shofu Dental Corp., Monrovia, Calif.) include combinations of rare earths such as europium, cerium, and ytterbium.” Both natural and artificial teeth are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light routinely. Not only does sunlight contain a significant UV component, but so do certain fluorescent lights, photoflash lights, high intensity studio lights, and entertainment lights. The bluish-white fluorescence of natural teeth is the result of a broad emission band with a diffuse peak at 410 to 420 nm when subjected to near UV excitation of approximately 340 nm (Fig. l).13 It appears that both the organic and inorganic portions of tooth structure are involved, but that for enamel the organic component predominates.‘4 In 1978, the luminescence spectra of many dental porcelains and acrylic resins commercially available were published.13 At that time, the effect of repeated firing on fluorescence was not investigated, and a clear distinction among the characteristics of opaque, body, and enamel porcelains was not made. It was felt, therefore, that a new study on presently used commercial porcelain was worthwhile.
High-speed x-ray gating cameras for ICF imaging applications

High-speed, high x-ray energy imaging of implosions is a key diagnostic technique in the glass laser implosion program in the USA. With the correct x-ray energy, time-gated images can measure the symmetry and mix of the imploding shell into the stagnated fuel if the spatial resolution of 10 or 5 micrometers matched by a temporal resolution of 100 or 50 psec. Several 100 psec microchannelplate (MCP) x-ray pin hole cameras have bee installed and run on large laser systems with improving reliability. To increase the sensitivity of the imaging system, a ring aperture microscope has been coupled to a gated MCP detector allowing imaging at up to 8 keV.
Comparison of structure-thermal property relationships for barium bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate) polyether complexes

Abstract The thermal properties of Ba(hfa) 2 , Ba(hfa) 2 (tetraglyme), Ba(hfa) 2 (18-crown-6), and Ba(hfa) 2 (diaza-18-crown-6) are investigated by comparing the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for these materials. All TGA measurements were made in helium at atmospheric pressure. Infrared, MS, NMR, and x-ray crystallographic measurements are compared for each of the complexes and correlations are made between the structure-specific information derived from these analyses and the thermal properties of the barium complexes.
Conformal field theory and the symmetries of string field theory

Abstract The two-dimensional conformal field theory representation of Witten's bosonic string field theory is discussed. The basic overlap equations, K n symmetry and BRST invariance are proved directly, without the usual expansion in oscillators. The conformal field theory approach naturally provides local overlap identities which (when integrated over half the string) can be used to verify properties of the cubic action. In particular, a recently proposed diffeomorphism invariance is shown to be free of anomalies. Finally, a new class of symmetries, including generalizations of the K n symmetries which are local in spacetime, are presented.
Power delivery modeling for 3D systems with non-uniform TSV distribution

This paper reports on power delivery modeling for 3D systems where through-silicon vias (TSVs) are not uniformly distributed, but are arranged at the peripheries of circuit blocks and die edges. The voltage drop (IR) and di/dt noise on the power delivery are modeled and compared with those given by uniformly distributed TSVs. The impact of TSV density and circuit block size, and their tradeoffs are evaluated.
Renal function after ligation of right renal vein.

Abstract Renal function following the ligation of the right renal vein has never been reported in man. This case report shows adequate renal function after ligation of the right renal vein for trauma. The functional recovery of the kidney because of adequate collaterals gives an ample testimony for not sacrificing the kidney.
Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Liver Cancer Stem Cells and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines with FH535

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been observed in at least 1/3 of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), and a significant number of these have mutations in the β-catenin gene. Therefore, effective inhibition of this pathway could provide a novel method to treat HCC. The purposed of this study was to determine whether FH535, which was previously shown to block the β-catenin pathway, could inhibit β-catenin activation of target genes and inhibit proliferation of Liver Cancer Stem Cells (LCSC) and HCC cell lines. Using β-catenin responsive reporter genes, our data indicates that FH535 can inhibit target gene activation by endogenous and exogenously expressed β-catenin, including the constitutively active form of β-catenin that contains a Serine37Alanine mutation. Our data also indicate that proliferation of LCSC and HCC lines is inhibited by FH535 in a dose-dependent manner, and that this correlates with a decrease in the percentage of cells in S phase. Finally, we also show that expression of two well-characterized targets of β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and Survivin, is reduced by FH535. Taken together, this data indicates that FH535 has potential therapeutic value in treatment of liver cancer. Importantly, these results suggest that this therapy may be effective at several levels by targeting both HCC and LCSC.
A comparison of CMUTs and piezoelectric transducer elements for 2D medical imaging based on conventional simulation models

This work compares CMUT and piezoelectric transducer technology for a typical 1D 7.5-MHz medical transducer array element. The comparison is based on the Redwood model of the piezoelectric transducer and a spring-mass-damper model for the CMUT. The simulated CMUT shows over twice the fractional bandwidth of the piezoelectric transducer but one-half the sensitivity and lower noise-equivalent-voltage. Experimental data from a CMUT array element generally confirms the CMUT simulations although shows lower source pressure and bandwidth.
Hydrocarbon steam reforming on Ni alloys at solid oxide fuel cell operating conditions

We demonstrate that supported Sn/Ni alloy catalyst is more resistant to deactivation via carbon deposition than supported monometallic Ni catalyst in steam reforming of isooctane at moderate steam to carbon ratios, irrespective of the average size of metal particles and the metal loading. The experiments were performed for average diameters of catalytic particles ranging from 30 to 500 nm and for the loading of active material ranging from 15 to 44 wt% with respect to the total mass of catalyst. The steam reforming reactions were performed at conditions that are consistent with typical solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating conditions. DFT calculations show that the reasons for the enhanced carbon-tolerance of Sn/Ni compared to monometallic Ni are high propensity of Sn/Ni to oxidize carbon and lower driving force to form carbon deposits on low-coordinated metal sites.
Effects of serum and plasma matrices on multiplex immunoassays

Multiplexed fluorescence or electrochemiluminescence immunoassays of soluble cytokines are commonly performed in the context of human serum or plasma, to look for disease biomarkers and to monitor the immune system in a simple and minimally invasive way. These assays provide challenges due to the complexities of the matrix (serum or plasma) and the presence of many cytokines near the limit of detection of the assay. Here, we compare the readout of matched serum and plasma samples, which are generally correlated. However, a subset of cytokines usually have higher levels in serum, and the non-specific background is significantly increased in serum versus plasma. Presumably as a result of this non-specific background, disease-related decreases in low-abundance cytokines can sometimes be detected in plasma but not in serum. We further show, through spike recovery experiments, that both serum and plasma inhibit the readout of many cytokines, with some variability between donors, but with serum causing greater inhibition than plasma in many cases. Standard diluents from different vendors can partially reverse this inhibition to varying degrees. Dilution of samples can also partly overcome the inhibitory effect of the matrix. We also show that dilution is nonlinear and differentially affects various cytokines. Together, these data argue that (1) plasma is a more sensitive matrix for detecting changes in certain low-abundance cytokines; (2) calculation of concentrations in serum or plasma matrices is inherently inaccurate; and (3) dilution of samples should not be assumed to be linear, i.e., all comparisons need to be made among similarly diluted samples.
Islamic values relevant to group work, with practical applications for the group leader

Abstract Islamic and cultural values of Muslim members are presented along with their potential positive and negative impacts on counseling groups. Therapeutic functions and skills are suggested when working with Muslim members.
Oxygen mediated synthesis of high quality InN nanowires above their decomposition temperature

A novel method for synthesis of high quality InN nanowires, at temperatures well above their decomposition temperature, has been demonstrated by utilizing controlled oxygen flow in the growth chamber. Detailed structural and chemical analyses indicate that the nanowires consist of pure InN, with no evidence of In2O3 detected by any of the characterization methods. It is proposed that the oxygen, pre-adsorbed on the Au catalyst surface, assists in accelerating the decomposition of NH3 at the growth temperature by providing high concentration of atomic nitrogen to assist in the growth, and prevent decomposition of the InN nanowires, without getting incorporated in them. The proposed role of oxygen is supported by improved material quality at higher oxygen flow rates.
Gauge-invariant density fluctuations in a cold dark matter universe

Abstract Adiabatic density fluctuations of a cold collisionless gas in a radiation background are examined using a gauge-invariant formalism. Particular attention is paid to fluctuations which cross the horizon during the radiation-dominated era. The resulting density spectrum invalidates previous arguments that a Zel'dovich primordial fluctuation spectrum is not consistent with an axion-dominated universe.
Determination of microgram quantities of deoxyribonucleic acid and protein in tissues grown in vitro.

Summary 1. A simple and accurate procedure is described for the routine determination of deoxyribonucleic acid and protein in tissue culture material, microtome sections, or other histologically defined tissue samples. 2. The tissue is dissolved by incubation in 1 N NaOH for 1 hr. at 37°C. Aliquots of the alkaline digest are used for the two determinations. 3. The DNA determination is based on the color reaction with indole. It has a range of 0.2–2.0 μg. DNA with a standard deviation of 0.015 μg. The average recovery of added DNA is 103 ± 4%. 4. The protein determination is a slightly modified version of the bromosulfalein method of Nayyar and Glick, with a range of 1.0–10 μg. protein and a standard deviation of 0.15 μg. The decrease in optical density relative to a reagent “blank” is proportional to the amount of protein in the sample up to a relative decrease of 60%. Factors converting the decrease in optical density to μg. protein have been established for chick embryo heart, lung, intestine, liver, and brain. 5. The specificity of both methods has been studied. It was found that a single extraction with trichloroacetic acid will remove virtually all of the small amounts of material interfering in the DNA determination.
Regiospecific synthesis of 2,6-bis-indazol-1-ylpyridines from 2,6-bis-hydrazinopyridine

Abstract The synthesis of 2,6-bis-hydrazonopyridines from 2,6-bis-hydrazinopyridine and the conversion of these bis-hydrazones into 2,6-bis-indazol-1-ylpyridines were studied. The conversion of bis-haloarylhydrazones to bis-indazoles was systematically optimized using iron and copper mediated reactions and various bases and ligands. By varying solvent, base, transition metal, and ligand, a novel regiospecific route to the 2,6-bis-indazol-1-ylpyridine class of ligands was developed.
Synchronization of the electrocorticogram by visceral and somatic bradykinin stimulation in anesthetized cats

Abstract The cortical response to visceral and somatic bradykinin stimulation was studied in cats under light to moderate pentobarbital anesthesia. Following the injection of bradykinin into arteries supplying visceral organs and somatic structures, a marked cortical synchronization was recorded. The bilateral, rhythmic discharge in the theta to alpha range was best seen on SI; occasionally the contralateral SI response was more prominent. The cortical synchronization and its distribution were the same for visceral and somatic stimulation. There was only minimal response desensitization to multiple injections of bradykinin in rapid succession. Following transection of the thoracolumbar spinal cord, synchronization failed to develop after hindlimb injections but continued to be seen after forelimb stimulation; similarly, partial denervation of a limb blocked the bradykinin response. No synchronization or desynchronization could be produced by epinephrine and nitroglycerine which caused phasic changes in systemic blood pressure equal to or greater than those seen with bradykinin. The results are discussed in terms of possible pathways and receptors. It is suggested that bradykinin acts primarily on free nerve endings common to visceral and deep somatic tissue with convergence of impulses occurring at spinal and higher levels. The preferential response of SI may reflect afferent activity generated by natural, painful stimulation of deep somatic and visceral organs. Normally, this component would be masked by the concomitant non-specific arousal response of the medial reticulo-thalamic system which was depressed by the anesthetic.
A Place to Stand: Intersubjectivity and the Desire to Dominate

Research indicates that upwards of 80% of our students experience the devastation of bullying during their school years. To date, research on bullying has mainly employed empirical methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. This research has largely concluded that bullying is situated in a lack of skill, understanding, or self-control and involves intentional action directed toward status dominance. Based upon these assumptions current anti-bullying strategies focus on training students toward more appropriate avenues of status acquisition and social interaction. Against the backdrop of an actual bullying encounter this paper employs a psychoanalytic philosophical lens to offer a fresh perspective on this enduring educational issue. Employing the philosophical work of Adam Phillips, Jessica Benjamin, and Emmanuel Ghent I ask the question: What is the desire to bully a desire for? Here I consider what is sought and what is at stake in the typical bullying encounter. Through careful analysis I argue that the domination represented in bullying is not simply situated in a lack of social skills or in disregulated aggression––skill deficiencies that require training. Instead, or perhaps in addition to these possibilities, I contend that bullying is foundationally a move toward establishing identity, a self. On this view bullying becomes an activity of self construction through attempted omnipotence. I argue that the status dominance inherent in bullying should be seen not as an end (a tool to secure resources or privilege), but as a means to something more foundational. I conclude that status dominance becomes a means toward the end of providing a secure place for the self to stand. Hence, instead of advocating that we train students to get along better this paper outlines the futility, as well as the insatiability of bullying, opening up new territory focused upon a re-construction of the bully through the relational bonding and differentiation available in the concrete Other.
Developmental Normative Data on The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.

Developmental normative data for 775 children aged 6-16 are presented for the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.), a 23-minute fixed-interval visual Continuous Performance Test with minimal language demands and no left-right discrimination. The target is presented on 22.5% and 77.5% of the trials during the first and second halves, respectively, T.O.V.A. indices include omission and commission errors, response time means and standard deviations, and anticipatory responses. Attention and impulse control developed in a non-linear manner, changing rapidly in early childhood and leveling off during later childhood and adolescence.
Identification of effective retinoids for inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis in bladder cancer cells

Purpose: Retinoids modulate the growth and differentiation of normal and malignant epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo, and inhibit bladder carcinogenesis in animal models. Retinoid analogs have been used in several clinical chemoprevention trials of superficial bladder cancer recurrence. There is a clear need to identify new effective retinoids and develop novel approaches for the chemoprevention and treatment of superficial bladder cancer. We investigated the effects of various retinoids on growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in bladder cancer cell lines .Materials and Methods: Ten grades 1 to 3 bladder cancer cell lines and the 4 retinoids all-trans-retinoic acid, 9-cis retinoic acid, 4-(N-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4HPR) and LGD1069 were used in the study. We compared the ability of these retinoids to inhibit growth, induce apoptosis, affect the expression of nuclear retinoid receptors and modulate apoptosis related genes.Results: Most bladder cancer cell lines did not express retinoic acid re...
Comparison of Immune and Naturally‐Occurring Antibodies as Test Reagents for Blood Grouping Diabetic Patients

Blood grouping tests were carried out with 1,124 diabetic patients, using both immune and naturally-occurring antibodies as reagents. The high-titered immune antibody gave the most reliable results. The low-titered immune and naturally-occurring serums often showed weak agglutination and false-negative readings. If the erythrocytes were saline washed before testing, the agglutinabil-ity of the cells was improved. The weak and false-negative blood grouping reactions with blood samples from diabetic patients appear to be due to a water-soluble substance which interferes with the reactivity of ABO blood group antibodies but not with antibodies of other blood group systems. This inhibitor substance was unrelated to racial influence, sex of the patient, severity of the disease, the controlling drug or the blood group secretor status of the patient. Periodic blood collections from some of these diabetics have shown that the inhibitor in the serum persists at approximately the same concentration as that originally observed.
Miasma and “Social Factors” In Disease Causality: Lessons from the Nineteenth Century

Conventional public health wisdom holds that the end of the nineteenth century saw a dramatic change in beliefs about what causes disease, as early convictions about the importance of broad social factors gave way to a concentration on microorganisms. I argue, however, that in both the middle and late nineteenth century nearly everyone, professionals and laypeople alike, saw disease causality in terms of precise, invisible entities, and that prevention policies were as reductionist and narrow as the available technology would allow. My argument is based on a rereading of the primary documents that other scholars have seen as supporting the idea of two distinct public health periods, and on a new interpretation of the revisionist history that questions the idea. I suggest that health policy analysts today are too vague about the meaning of "social factors" and that disease prevention policies might be better if the term was clarified.
Traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect: Surgical Repair in Two Patients

Abstract Two patients with supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD) following stabbing underwent successful repair using cardiopulmonary bypass. Hemodynamic data were very similar. Traumatic pericarditis in 1 patient was treated by limited pericardiectomy.
Cellular and biochemical response of the rat lung to repeated inhalation of cadmium

Male Lewis rats were exposed from 1 to 6 weeks (3 hr/day, 5 days/week) to a Cd aerosol (1.6 mg Cd/m3). After the first week, there were significant elevations in airway amounts of lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, protein, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes. After 2 weeks of exposures, airway cytological and biochemical alterations intensified and pulmonary histopathology was observed. The severity of pulmonary injury did not progress beyond this point, although Cd continued to accumulate in the lung in a linear fashion. During the next 3 weeks of exposures, airway alterations diminished and lung histology became normal, suggesting that pulmonary adaptation to Cd might have occurred. Cd-binding proteins, with properties similar to hepatic metallothionein (MT), were isolated from the lungs of Cd-exposed animals. Pulmonary MT quantities increased significantly with repeated exposure to Cd. Sequestration of Cd by MT may be involved in the partial resolution of the lung injury. Translocation of Cd to the liver and kidney also occurred following inhalation exposure. Prior Cd inhalation exposure increased Cd translocation to the kidney, but not to the liver. Liver and kidney Cd burdens increased during the 6 weeks of Cd exposure. MT values also rose but hepatic MT quantities increased faster and to a greater extent than renal MT quantities.
Nonlocal independent pixel approximation: direct and inverse problems

The independent pixel approximation (IPA), which treats radiative properties of each pixel independently by using standard plane-parallel calculations preserves scale-invariance found in the analyses of the horizontal variability of liquid water in marine stratocumulus clouds. Several studies, however, report a violation of scale-invariance in LANDSAT cloud radiance fields that are much smoother than cloud structure on small scales. This shows a limitation of IPA on small scales: it is unable to simulate the smooth small-scale behavior that is due to the horizontal photon transport. This paper introduces a "nonlocal" independent pixel approximation (NIPA) that extends the IPA by incorporating empirically the smoothing effects of horizontal interpixel fluxes through a convolution product of the IPA and an approximate Green function for radiative transfer. The authors also address the inverse problem of cloud optical depth retrieval from satellite data, showing how NIPA can be used to overcome the limitations of current IPA-based methods at small scales.
MMP-2 Regulates Erk1/2 Phosphorylation and Aortic Dilatation in Marfan Syndrome

Rationale:Aneurysm and dissection of the ascending thoracic aorta are the main cardiovascular complications of Marfan syndrome (MFS) resulting in premature death. Studies using mouse models of MFS have shown that activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the concomitant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to aneurysm development. Our previous study showed that doxycycline delayed aneurysm rupture in a mouse model of MFS, Fbn1mgR/mgR. Losartan has been shown to prevent aneurysms in another mouse model of MFS, Fbn1C1039G/+, through inhibition of the Erk1/2 pathway. However, the role of MMP-2 in MFS and effect of losartan on the lifespan of MFS mice remain unknown. Objective:We investigated the role of MMP-2 in MFS and compared the effects of losartan and doxycycline on aortic dilatation and survival in Fbn1mgR/mgR mice. Methods and Results:By life table analysis, we found that losartan and doxycycline improved the survival of Fbn1mgR/mgR mice. Gelatin zymography and W...
National culture and industrial buyer-seller relationships in the United States and Latin America

This study examined whether national culture directly moderates the link between buyer-seller relationship strength and repurchase intentions in industrial markets, as well as indirectly moderates the same link through its influence on corporate culture. Hypotheses were tested using a mail survey among industrial buyers in the United States and Latin America. Results based on 126 responses from Latin American firms and 81 responses from U.S. firms showed that national culture and corporate culture moderate the relationship-repurchase link and that national culture is associated with corporate culture. Using national culture index scores computed from administering Hofstede’s Value Survey Module 94, the authors further show that uncertainty avoidance is the primary driver of national culture’s influence on this link and that power distance is most directly associated with corporate culture.
Resident Self-Assessment and Learning Goal Development: Evaluation of Resident-Reported Competence and Future Goals

Abstract Objective To determine incidence of learning goals by competency area and to assess which goals fall into competency areas with lower self-assessment scores. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of existing deidentified American Academy of Pediatrics' PediaLink individualized learning plan data for the academic year 2009–2010. Residents self-assessed competencies in the 6 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competency areas and wrote learning goals. Textual responses for goals were mapped to 6 ACGME competency areas, future practice, or personal attributes. Adjusted mean differences and associations were estimated using multiple linear and logistic regression. Results A total of 2254 residents reported 6078 goals. Residents self-assessed their systems-based practice (51.8) and medical knowledge (53.0) competencies lowest and professionalism (68.9) and interpersonal and communication skills (62.2) highest. Residents were most likely to identify goals involving medical knowledge (70.5%) and patient care (50.5%) and least likely to write goals on systems-based practice (11.0%) and professionalism (6.9%). In logistic regression analysis adjusting for postgraduate year (PGY), gender, and degree type (MD/DO), resident-reported goal area showed no association with the learner's relative self-assessment score for that competency area. In the conditional logistic regression analysis, with each learner serving as his or her own control, senior residents (PGY2/3+s) who rated themselves relatively lower in a competency area were more likely to write a learning goal in that area than were PGY1s. Conclusions Senior residents appear to develop better skills and/or motivation to explicitly turn self-assessed learning gaps into learning goals, suggesting that individualized learning plans may help improve self-regulated learning during residency.
DEFORESTATION AND AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION IN TROPICAL FORESTS: CAN WE GENERALIZE? SOME RESULTS FROM CAMPECHE, MEXICO AND RONDONIA, BRAZIL

The adoption of sustainable agriculture and other sustainable forestry methods that can help to reduce tropical deforestation have received a great deal of attention in the literature (Adesina and Zinnah 1993, Akinola and Young 1985, Feder and Slade 1984, Holden 1993, Kebede et al. 1990). Although results from different studies can be compared in an absolute sense, there are very few individual studies that compare results and determine, through empirical analysis, whether policy can be universally applied. This paper uses farm-level data to determine whether some universal conclusions can be drawn about the adoption of agroforestry by peasant farmers in developing countries by comparing the land use choices of farmers in Rondonia, Brazil and Campeche, Mexico. The empirical results indicate that education level and the degree of exposure to information about agroforestry significantly influence the adoption of agroforestry and that deforestation levels for farmers in both nations are influenced by the size of the farm lots. The two communities used in the analysis differ in terms of tradition, history, geography, and economics but both experience a link between deforestation and imperfect information. Policies that address imperfect information in developing countries are likely to decrease deforestation as well as improve the well being of residents.
Comparative characterization of Jatropha, soybean and commercial biodiesel

Oil was extracted from seeds of Jatropha Curcas, in high yields (up to 40% by weight). The extracted Jatropha oil was converted in a laboratory reactor to biodiesel by transesterification. Analysis of Jatropha oil and Jatropha biodiesel by GC/MS and GC/SIMDIS showed that Jatropha oil could be readily converted to a biodiesel product through NaOH catalyzed transesterification. The resulting biodiesel has desirable properties such as high cetane number and low flash point, which are major improvements over the properties of commercial biodiesel fuels.
THE IMPACT OF MARINE RESERVES: DO RESERVES WORK AND DOES RESERVE SIZE MATTER?

Marine reserves are quickly gaining popularity as a management option for marine conservation, fisheries, and other human uses of the oceans. Despite the popularity of marine reserves as a management tool, few reserves appear to have been created or designed with an understanding of how reserves affect biological factors or how reserves can be designed to meet biological goals more effectively (e.g., attaining sustainable fish populations). This shortcoming occurs in part because the many studies that have examined the impacts of reserves on marine organisms remain isolated examples or anecdotes; the results of these many studies have not yet been synthesized. Here, I review the empirical work and discuss the theoretical literature to assess the impacts of marine reserves on several biological measures (density, biomass, size of organisms, and diversity), paying particular attention to the role reserve size has in determining those impacts. The results of 89 separate studies show that, on average, with the exception of invertebrate biomass and size, values for all four biological measures are significantly higher inside reserves compared to outside (or after reserve establishment vs. before) when evaluated for both the overall communities and by each functional group within these communities (carniv- orous fishes, herbivorous fishes, planktivorous fishes/invertebrate eaters, and invertebrates). Surprisingly, results also show that the relative impacts of reserves, such as the proportional differences in density or biomass, are independent of reserve size, suggesting that the effects of marine reserves increase directly rather than proportionally with the size of a reserve. However, equal relative differences in biological measures between small and large reserves nearly always translate into greater absolute differences for larger reserves, and so larger reserves may be necessary to meet the goals set for marine reserves. The quality of the data in the reviewed studies varied greatly. To improve data quality in the future, whenever possible, studies should take measurements before and after the creation of a reserve, replicate sampling, and include a suite of representative species. Despite the variable quality of the data, the results from this review suggest that nearly any marine habitat can benefit from the implementation of a reserve. Success of a marine reserve, however, will always be judged against the expectations for that reserve, and so we must keep in mind the goals of a reserve in its design, management, and evaluation.
Implications of the spectroscopic abundances in α Centauri A and B

Regardless of their close proximity, abundance measurements for both stars in α Centauri by different groups have led to varying results. We have chosen to combine the abundance ratios from five similar data sets in order to reduce systematic effects that may have caused inconsistencies. With these collated relative abundance measurements, we find that the α Cen system and the Sun were likely formed from the same material, despite the [Fe/H] enrichment observed in the α Cen binaries: 0.28 and 0.31 dex, respectively. Both α Centauri A and B exhibit relative abundance ratios that are generally solar, with the mean at 0.002 and 0.03 dex, respectively. The refractory elements (condensation temperature ≳ 900 K) in each have a mean of −0.02 and 0.01 dex and a 1σ uncertainty of 0.09 and 0.11 dex, respectively. Given the trends seen when analysing the refractory abundances [X/Fe] with condensation temperature, we find it possible that α Centauri A may host a yet undiscovered planet.
Hierarchical Caches for Grid Workflows

From personal software to advanced systems, caching mechanisms have steadfastly been a ubiquitous means for reducing workloads. It is no surprise, then, that under the grid and cluster paradigms, middlewares and other large-scale applications often seek caching solutions. Among these distributed applications, scientific workflow management systems have gained ground towards mitigating the often painstaking process of composing sequences of scientific data sets and services to derive virtual data. In the past, workflow managers have relied on low-level system cache for reuse support. But in distributed query intensive environments, where high volumes of intermediate virtual data can potentially be stored anywhere on the grid, a novel cache structure is needed to efficiently facilitate workflow planning. In this paper, we describe an approach to combat the challenges of maintaining large, fast virtual data caches for workflow composition. A hierarchical structure is proposed for indexing scientific data with spatiotemporal annotations across grid nodes. Our experimental results show that our hierarchical index is scalable and outperforms a centralized indexing scheme by an exponential factor in query intensive environments.
Women in economics: Moving up or falling off the academic career ladder?

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 by the American Economic Association.
Lines in the Sand: Geomorphic and Geospatial Characterization and Interpretation of Sandy Shorelines and Beaches

The world's beaches hold an appeal that draws millions of people to live and, each year, millions more to relax and play. However, in the face of this allure fly the strain and consequence of overuse. Increasingly, the imperative to find ways to effectively manage this fragile, finite resource compels science to learn more about this complex, multifaceted system. It is through such understanding that the best hope for effective management lies. In this paper, we look at ways in which researchers study the shore. Specifically, we'll examine this active corner of geomorphology as seen through the lens of the geoscientist, with particular focus on two geomorphic features: the shoreline and the beach. Further emphasis is placed on how investigators have historically, and until today, applied concepts, tools, and methods borrowed from the spatial sciences and, in more recent times, geographic information technologies to the study of the shoreline and the beach. We begin this exploration with a first principal: the definition of shoreline—the boundary where land and water meet. Next, we examine ways in which researchers over the years have worked to generate a suitable shoreline analog or proxy for study. We then follow with a look at how shoreline position is measured—an area where much recent research attention has been placed. Taking matters a step further, we explore the beach, and beach change in three dimensions, looking at how investigators are using geospatial technologies to characterize and analyze change. Finally, we look at various ways in which researchers predict shore and beach changes, by combining spatial analysis and technology with numerical and statistical models. © 2012 The Author. Geography Compass © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd