cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamic effects and clinical use of alpha methyldopa in the treatment of essential hypertension.

Abstract The availability of decarboxylase inhibitors provides a new biochemical means for controlling blood pressure in patients with diastolic hypertension. The decarboxylase inhibitor, alpha methyldopa, is a potent antihypertensive agent which produces a predominant orthostatic response. The hypotensive action of the drug appears due to peripheral arteriolar relaxation and accompanying reduction in cardiac output. Its ability to reduce renal vascular resistance suggests potential usefulness in the hypertensive patient with renal functional impairment as well.
Chlorimipramine: a double-blind comparison of intravenous versus oral administration in depressed patients.

A double-blind study was carried out in 30 patients to compare the results of chlorimipramine given orally and intravenously. The speed of onset of action and the overall improvement were excellent for both treatment modalities. No significant differences were found favoring either way of administration. As a consequence, our results do not support previous reports that suggest advantages and rationale for the intravenous usage of chlorimipramine.
Mucosal production of complement C3 and serum amyloid A is differentially regulated in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract during endotoxemia in mice.

The effect of endotoxemia and sepsis on mucosal production of the acute-phase proteins complement component C3 and serum amyloid A (SAA) was studied in mice. In addition, the role of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (EL)-Iβ, and IL-6 on mucosal C3 and SAA production was examined. Endotoxemia was induced by the subcutaneous injection of 250 μg/mouse of lipopolysaccharide. Control mice were injected with corresponding volumes of sterile saline solution. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture, and sham-operated mice served as controls. Endotoxemia resulted in increased mucosal C3 levels in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract examined, from the stomach to the colon, with the most pronounced effects noticed in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. The influence of endotoxemia on mucosal SAA production was more differentiated with increased levels noted in the jejunum and ileum, and no changes seen in gastric and colonic mucosa. Sepsis resulted in similar changes in mucosal C3 and SAA levels as seen in endotoxemic mice, except that SAA levels were increased in colonic mucosa of septic mice. Among the cytokines, IL-lβ resulted in the most pronounced changes in mucosal acute-phase proteins. The increase in C3 and SAA levels in the mucosa of the small intestine during endotoxemia was partially blocked by IL-1 receptor antagonist. The results suggest that endotoxemia is associated with increased mucosal C3 production in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract and increased SAA production in the mucosa of the small intestine. Mucosal acute-phase protein synthesis may, at least in part, be regulated by IL-1 β.
Evaluation with sparse nominal data: The case of differential compliance with the 55 MPH limit

This paper notes the inability of analysts to evaluate the impact of certain policy interventions because of sparse nominal level data. Using the premise that knowing the limits of what could have happened will assist the investigator to know what did happen, this research enumerated all possible solutions or, in real world terms, scenarios that represent changes in driving behavior before and after the imposition of the 55 mph limit in 1974 on Michigan freeways. The enumeration tallied extreme values of all cells and some cell groupings in the 3x3 table representing the speed changes from 1973 to 1974. Enumeration of all possible solutions also yielded information about the likelihood that certain cells exceeded others. In some cases non-obvious and absolutely certain knowledge about interrelationships among some cells was uncovered. Substantively this investigation demonstrated that those 1973 drivers who travelled relatively fast modified their driving behavior more radically than those who were closer to the new 1974 speed limit.
Complications of pre-operative anorexia nervosa in bariatric surgery.

Summary It is important to recognise that patients who seek weight loss surgery may have a history of restrictive eating or anorexia nervosa. The following case report describes a woman with a history of anorexia nervosa who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Her eating disorder symptoms subsequently reappeared and were largely resistant to treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a bariatric surgery patient with a prior history of anorexia nervosa. Further research is required to determine how best to select patients for weight loss surgery.
Approaches to Research on Intersectionality: Perspectives on Gender, LGBT, and Racial/Ethnic Identities

Intersectionality theories, or the recognition of multiple interlocking identities, defined by relative sociocultural power and privilege, constitute a vital step forward in research across multiple domains of inquiry. This special issue, which extends Shields (2008) contribution in Sex Roles, provides an opportunity to reflect on past, present, and future promise in intersectionality scholarship. To provide a common ground for this work, each paper in this special issue addresses the intersections of gender; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT); and racial/ethnic identities and related experiences. In this introduction, we (1) provide an overview of definitions and conceptualizations of intersectionality, (2) discuss the various approaches utilized in this issue to conceptualize and assess gender, LGBT, and racial/ethnic identities, (3) describe how these conceptualizations and assessments were translated into analyses of intersectionality, and (4) close with a discussion of some additional approaches and considerations intended to advance intersectionality research.
Influence of soil solution aluminum on root elongation of wheat seedlings

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings were grown for 4 days in an acid soil horizon treated with 10 levels each of Ca(OH)2, CaSO4 and CaCl2. The treatments resulted in a wide range of Al levels and Al speciation in soil solution. Seedling root length in the Ca(OH)2 treatments was significantly related (p<0.01) to calculated Al3+ activity in soil solution. The Al−SO4 complex in soil solution had a negligible effect on the root growth of Hart wheat, thus confirming the previously reached conclusion concerning the nonphytotoxicity of Al−SO4. The short-term seedling root growth technique used in this investigation allowed for separation of Al effects on root elongation from those on plant nutrition and should be useful for studying Al toxicity relationships in soil.
Outstanding Paper Award: Global Mixed-Criticality Scheduling on Multiprocessors

The scheduling of mixed-criticality implicit-deadline sporadic task systems on identical multiprocessor platforms is considered, when inter-processor migration is permitted. A scheduling algorithm is derived and proved correct, and its properties investigated. Theoretical analysis (in the form of both a speedup factor and sufficient schedulability conditions) as well as extensive simulation experiments serve to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Metal-free Superoxide Dismutase-1 and Three Different Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Variants Share a Similar Partially Unfolded β-Barrel at Physiological Temperature *

The structure and unfolding of metal-free (apo) human wild-type SOD1 and three pathogenic variants of SOD1 (A4V, G93R, and H48Q) that cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been studied with amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange and mass spectrometry. The results indicate that a significant proportion of each of these proteins exists in solution in a conformation in which some strands of the β-barrel (i.e. β2) are well protected from exchange at physiological temperature (37 °C), whereas other strands (i.e. β3 and β4) appear to be unprotected from hydrogen/deuterium exchange. Moreover, the thermal unfolding of these proteins does not result in the uniform incorporation of deuterium throughout the polypeptide but involves the local unfolding of different residues at different temperatures. Some regions of the proteins (i.e. the “Greek key” loop, residues 104–116) unfold at a significantly higher temperature than other regions (i.e. β3 and β4, residues 21–53). Together, these results show that human wild-type apo-SOD1 and variants have a partially unfolded β-barrel at physiological temperature and unfold non-cooperatively.
In vitro Inhibition of Na+-K+ and Mg2+ ATPases by Mono, Di and Trivalent Cations.

SummaryNa+-K+ ATPase has been found to be strongly inhibited in vitro by addition of silver, vanadium, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and mercury. Calcium, strontium and barium enhance the dephosphorylation of ATP in the presence of Mg2+ dependent ATPase, while exerting an inhibitory effect on the monovalent cation stimulated portion. Cesium acts as an activator of Mg2+ ATPase in the system studied.
An analysis of five simulation methods for determining the number of replications in a complex Monte Carlo study

Abstract In this article we summarize the results of a simulation study that compares and contrasts five different methods for selecting the number of replications necessary to accurately estimate a group of parameters utilizing the simple Monte Carlo method. The five methods are: an extension to several dimensions of Stein's two-stage procedure, an extension of Hall's three-stage procedure, a purely-sequential procedure that continuously monitors the simulation output, a continuously-monitoring procedure with a correction term, and a maximum eigenvalue procedure due to Srivastava. This study varies three design factors: the dimension of the simulated response (two or three), the number of replications necessary to be accurate (small, moderate and large sample sizes), and the kind of accuracy sets (rectangular or spherical). The simulation methods are compared on the basis of their probability of being accurate and on the basis of their efficiency, as measured by the distribution of the number of replications needed to be accurate. Typical distributional and density estimates are presented in both table and graph form.
Snake River Spring and Summer Chinook Salmon—The Choice for Recovery

Abstract The Snake River was once the most productive tributary of one of the greatest salmon producing river systems in the world, the Columbia River. Four dams completed on the lower Columbia River and Snake River from 1938 to 1961 resulted in decreased, but still robust adult returns of spring and summer chinook salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha) to the Snake River basin. Four additional dams completed from 1968 to 1975 resulted in a systematic decrease in smolt-to-adult return rate that has yet to be reversed. Snake River spring and summer chinook salmon were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1992. Recovery efforts to date have been based on a mechanistic foundation (i.e., based on engineering and technology) and have failed to achieve recovery. Comprehensive investigations into the plight of Snake River spring and summer chinook salmon concluded that restoring some level of pre-dam ecosystem function, rather than continuing to rely on mechanistic actions, has a high probab...
Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism.

Increased brain size is common in children with autism spectrum disorders. Here we propose that an increased number of cortical excitatory neurons may underlie the increased brain volume, minicolumn pathology and excessive network excitability, leading to sensory hyper-reactivity and seizures, which are often found in autism. We suggest that Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), a family of genes that regulate cortical size and connectivity, may be responsible for these developmental alterations. Studies in animal models suggest that mutations in FGF genes lead to altered cortical volume, excitatory cortical neuron number, minicolum pathology, hyperactivity and social deficits. Thus, many risk factors may converge upon FGF-regulated pathogenetic pathways, which alter excitatory/inhibitory balance and cortical modular architecture, and predispose to autism spectrum disorders.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Pentachlorophenol Degradation by Sonication, Ozonation, and Sonolytic Ozonation

The decomposition of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by sonication was investigated at two frequencies (20 and 500 kHz) and two concentrations (20 and 60 μM) to gain insight into the kinetics and mechanisms occurring at different frequencies. Results suggest the presence of parallel pyrolysis and OH• reaction pathways that are altered both as a function of frequency and PCP concentration. In addition, ozone was added to the system and compared to experiments of sonication and ozonation separately to explore the mechanism of sonolytic ozonation. The addition of ozone during sonication did not affect the first-order degradation constant for PCP compared to the linear combination of separate sonication and ozonation experiments; hence, the residual kinetic effect of the combined system was zero (k_(US/O_3) = 0). Observed byproducts of sonication include the following: tetrachloro-o-benzoquinone (o-chloranil), tetrachlorocatechol (TCC), oxalate, and chloride.
A coauthorship network and preliminary results of binary agreement model simulations

We describe the mining and analysis of a coauthorship network, obtained by mining data from the ACM Digital Library. In addition to providing various basic properties of the network, we also provide preliminary results of using this network to run binary agreement model simulations, and the potential for committed minorities in the network.
Lipoplex Thermodynamics: Determination of DNA-Cationic Lipoid Interaction Energies

An experimental study of the cationic lipid-DNA binding affinity is presented. The binding free energy was determined by monitoring lipoplex dissociation under conditions of increasing salt concentration. The primary procedure was based on the extent of quenching by energy transfer of fluorophores on DNA molecules by fluorophore on a lipid as these molecules came into close association in the lipoplex. Titration calorimetry on the Dickerson dodecamer was also done, with results that were in agreement with the fluorescence data. Measurements on short oligonucleotides allowed estimation of the binding energy per nucleotide. The binding free energy is ∼0.6 kcal/mole nucleotide for the Dickerson dodecamer and declines for longer oligonucleotides. The entropy gained upon complex formation is ∼1 entropy unit per released counterion. The method was applied to long DNA molecules (herring and λ-phage DNA) and revealed that complete dissociation occurs at 750 mM NaCl. Likely contributions of macromolecular desolvation and DNA flexibility to the binding energy are discussed.
Are all results created equal? auditing organizational outcomes for quality

Abstract Coinciding with pressure to produce measurable outcomes, managerial leaders are increasingly exposed to results management. Leaders could benefit by viewing results from a quality management perspective. Focusing on six dimensions, this article extends quality management to the treatment of organizational results. A straightforward methodology for assessing organizational outcomes against a set of ‘results quality’ criteria is offered. Auditing results for quality is applied to a business. Values, ethics, purpose, learning and the need for balanced measurement are woven into the discussion.
Urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction in elderly men

Voiding disorders, including urinary incontinence (UI), are common in elderly men. The aging process is associated with anatomic and physiologic changes that may predispose older adults to urinary problems. The epidemiology of UI in older adults is different from that in younger individuals. Costs associated with UI care—in terms of economic costs, health resource utilization, and personal psychosocial costs—can be quite high. UI is one of the geriatric syndromes that can negatively influence physical function and quality of life in the elderly. Several clinical disorders that commonly occur in older men may have important urologic correlates, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and dementia. Nocturia is also highly prevalent in this population and may be somewhat difficult to treat. UI is common in nursing home residents and can be associated with declines in overall and health-related quality of life. Successful treatment can have a positive impact. Effective evaluation and management rely on a strong knowledge of the etiology and treatment options for UI in elderly men.
The behavior of vasopressin-deficient rats (Brattleboro strain)

Seven Brattleboro rats homozygous for diabetes insipidus (DI) and seven normal Long-Evans (LE) rats were tested on a neuropsychological test battery comprised of the following tasks: time-spent-eating in two adaptation boxes, time-to-emerge into an open field, adaptation to a T-maze, contingently reinforced T-maze alternation, olfactory and visual discrimination, runway learning, approach-avoidance conflict, step-through passive avoidance, prod burying, and stress-induced interference. It was found that DI rats adapted more slowly than LE rats to novel environments (e.g., adaptation box, T-maze, and runway), and DI rats were slower to emerge into an open field. However, DI rats performed as well as LE rats on all other tasks. These results suggest that DI rats have altered temperamental dispositions (timidity or cautiousness), normal working and reference memory, and similar susceptibility (compared to LE rats) to the interfering effects of inescapable stress.
Purification of antibodies: II. Precipitation, passive sensitization, and passive desensitization with antibodies eluted from speciflc precipitates

Abstract Antibodies were eluted from specific immune precipitates with acid glycine buffers. They were then precipitated from the buffers by 50 per cent saturation with ammonium sulfate, washed with sodium sulfate, and redissolved in normal saline. The "purified" antibody solutions: (1) re-precipitated with their specific haptens or antigens (Type II and Type VIII pneumococcal polysaccharides and crystallized egg albumin); (2) sensitized guinea pigs passively; and (3) passively desensitized (protected) other passively sensitized guinea pigs specifically against potent challenging doses of their respective haptens or antigens. The protecting doses of antibody solutions were given one hour before the challenging doses of antigen or hapten.
The influence of overlay coatings on high cycle fatigue of an advanced tantalum carbide strengthened eutectic composite

High cycle fatigue of coated and uncoated NiTaC 3-116A2, a directionally solidified tantalum carbide strengthened eutectic, has been examined over a range of temperatures. In the uncoated condition, the fatigue strength of the alloy increased with temperature from room temperature to 600 °C, but was slightly lower at 900 °C than at 600 °C, which is consistent with the variation in 0.2 pct yield strength with temperature. At room temperature and 600 °C, the influence of several plasma sprayed coatings in reducing the fatigue life was found to be sensitive to the coating composition and alternating stress level. A Ni-20Cr coating resisted fatigue damage on the basis of its ductility and therefore performed better at high cyclic stress levels than at low cyclic stress levels. By contrast, Ni-20Cr-10Al-2Hf-0.1C. and Ni-20Co-20Cr-10Al-2Hf-0.1C coatings were stronger and so exhibited high fatigue strengths at long lives but, because of their limited ductility, cracked readily when tested at high stress levels. At 900 °C the coatings had little effect on fatigue life. On the basis of the present results and the metallographic observations of early crack growth through the coatings, it is concluded that the selection of a mechanically compatible coating requires a knowledge of the fatigue cycle. To ensure a minimum effect on fatigue lives for the anticipated stress cycle, it is necessary to match the coating and substrate mechanical properties as closely as possible.
Accelerated heavy ions and the lens. IX: Late effects of LET and dose on cellular parameters in the murine lens

Lenses of mice irradiated with 250 MeV protons, 670 MeV/amu 20Ne, 600 MeV/amu 56Fe, 350 MeV/amu 56Fe, 600 MeV/amu 93Nb or 593 MeV/amu 139La ions were evaluated by analysing cytopathological indicators which have been implicated in the cataractogenic process. The LETs ranged from 0.39 to 953 keV/microns and the fluences from 1.31 x 10(3)/mm2 to 5.12 x 10(7)/mm2. The lenses were assessed 64 weeks post-irradiation in order to observe the late effects of LET and dose on the target cell population of the lens' epithelium. Our studies showed that growth-dependent pathological changes occurred at the cellular level as a function of dose and LET. For a given particle dose, as the LET rose, the number of abnormal mitotic figures, micronuclei frequency, and the disorganization of meridional rows increased to a maximum and then reached a plateau or decreased. For particles of the same LET, the severity of meridional rows disorganization and micronuclei frequency increased with increasing dose. The numbers of cells surviving at late times post-irradiation were comparable with those of controls. In addition, the cellular density was similarly unaffected. These observations are consistent with the current theory of the mechanism of radiation cataractogenesis which posits that genomic damage to the epithelial cells surviving the exposure is responsible for opacification.
On the origin of chondrules and chondrites

Abstract The calculated ferrous iron content of a silicate liquid at equilibrium with solar gas approximately equals the Fe 2+ content of chondrules in a primitive chondrite (Renazzo). This points to a relationship between chondrules and the primordial solar nebula, and supports the proposition that chondrules are original (liquid) condensations from the nebula, predating the planets. Basic silicate liquids would be stable in an undifferentiated solar gas only at 10 2 −10 4 atmospheres total pressure and ∼2000°K. Recent theoretical studies of the temperature-hydrostatic pressure history of a contracting model protosun do not yield such a combination of high pressure and moderate temperature. However, chemical fractionation of the nebular gas or transient pressures associated with T Tauri-like mass ejection could make the condensation of liquid droplets (chondrules) possible. The postulated sequence of events by which chondrules and the various classes of chondrites were formed is summarized in Section 12. By the time planets accreted, a number of processes would probably have acted to fractionate Fe, O, and S with respect to Si: chemical fractionation prior to condensation; chondrule-dust, metal-silicate, and solid-gas fractionations after condensation; and incomplete reaction of solid with gas phase at the time of accretion. These effects can account for Prior's law and for chemical differences between the various chondrite classes.
New amicable pairs of type (2,2) and type (3,2)

A UBASIC computer program was developed to implement a method of te Riele for finding amicable pairs of type (2,2). Hundreds of new pairs were found, including a new largest (2,2) pair and several "daughter", "granddaughter", and "great granddaughter" pairs.
The laser induced chemiluminescent reaction of C2 with NO

Abstract We report here on the chemiluminescent reaction of C 2 with NO. The feasibility of using infrared laser induced multiphoton dissociation (ILIMD) as a source for the study of chemiluminescent reaction is discussed, as are details of the ILIMD of ethanol.
Structural Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Systems

We examine some basic attributes of, and challenges in, modeling of the mechanical behavior of materials and structures in microelectronics and photonics (mainly fiber optic). The emphasis is on the role that methods and approaches of Structural Analysis should play (and, in effect, have played) in the design, manufacturing, testing and operation of micro- and opto-electronics assemblies, packages and systems. The objectives, merits and shortcomings of Structural Analysis (analytical modeling) are addressed, as well as the interaction between the analytical (“mathematical”) and numerical (mostly, FEA) modeling. We discuss also the interaction of the theoretical and experimental approaches, which should complement each other, when there is a need to design, build and operate a viable and reliable micro- or opto-electronic system. The review is based primarily on author’s work carried out during his tenure with Ball Laboratories, Physical Sciences and Engineering Research Division, and is a revised, updated and expanded version of an invited lecture presented several years ago at the RPI. It is carried out in connection with the author’s 2004 ASME award (Worcester Warner Reed Medal) “for outstanding contributions to the permanent literature of engineering through a series of papers in Mechanical, Microelectronic, and Optoelectronic Engineering, which established a new discipline known as the Structural Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Systems”.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Spontaneous closure of uncomplicated ventricular septal defect

The charts of 222 patients with a diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (VSD) were reviewed to determine the overall incidence, the prevalence of membranous and muscular defects and the rates of spontaneous VSD closure. VSD diagnosis and location were determined primarily from reports of 2-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echocardiograms. In a 5-year period, VSDs occurred in 3.85/1,000 live full-term births and 7.06/1,000 live premature births. The VSD closed spontaneously in 20 of 44 patients (45%) followed from birth (University Hospital group) during a mean follow-up of 12 months. Of 165 patients not followed from birth (referred group), the VSD closed spontaneously in 37 (22%). Overall, VSD location was determined in 101 of 209 patients (48%) and was distributed as follows: membranous 66 (65%), muscular 32 (32%) and subpulmonic 3 (3%). Rates of spontaneous closure for membranous and muscular VSDs were 37% and 50%, respectively, for the University Hospital group and 9% and 9%, respectively, for the referred group (no significant difference in either case). Surgical closure was required in 30 of 165 referred patients (18%) and only 1 of 44 University Hospital patients (2%). There was no significant difference in rate of closure for premature vs full-term infants or small vs larger defects. Data for patients followed from birth more likely reflect the true natural history of VSD.
Cornerstones of Cost Accounting

Providing the most up-to-date and thorough coverage of cost management topics, Hansen/Mowen's CORNERSTONES OF COST ACCOUNTING provides students with a solid foundation with its unique Cornerstones approach. Created from our research on student learning behavior, this step-by-step format helps students understand the How, Why, and What Ifs of solving and mastering basic cost management topics, while also getting at the conceptual nature of each equation or topic. This relevant text also addresses some of the most recent processes affecting the discipline such as a chapter on productivity measurement and lean accounting.
ENZYMATIC SYNTHESIS OF CAROTENES

ABSTRACT The pathway of carotene biosynthesis from isopentenyl pyrophosphate in tomato fruit plastids has been established, except for minor details, through the conversion of radioactive substrates and intermediates to acyclic and cyclic carotenes in cell-free systems. After the pathway of carotene biosynthesis was established attention was turned to the isolation and purification of enzymes of carotene biosynthesis. An enzyme that converts isopentenyl pyrophosphate to phytoene has been isolated from an acetone powder of tomato fruit plastids and partially purified. This enzyme behaves as a complex on Biogel filtration. It dissociates, though, into two or more components on DEAE-cellulose chromatography. One of these synthesizes geranylgeranyl and prephytoene pyrophosphates from isopentenyl pyrophosphate. This enzyme has been purified to homogeneity and some of its characteristics and the reactions it catalyzes have been determined. Since this protein yields only one band on SDS gel electrophoresis, it is a polyfunctional peptide. Studies on the enzymes converting phytoene to lycopene have been minimal. It is known, from tracer studies, that one cis-trans isomerization and four dehydrogenations occur in these reactions. Whether five or fewer distinct enzymes occur is not known. Neither is it known whether the enzymes for this series of reactions are separable or whether they exist in a complex. Cofactor studies on the system converting phytoene to lycopene indicate that NADP+, FAD and Mn++ are required for these reactions. Studies on the conversion of lycopene to cyclic carotenes indicate that two separate enzymes are involved in the formation of α-ionone and β-ionone rings. This conclusion is based upon the finding of some tomato strains which have an enzyme system that forms only β-ionone ring-containing carotenes, whereas others have an enzyme for the formation of both of these compounds. It is not certain whether the introduction of a β-ionone ring into γ- and σ- carotenes to yield β- and α-carotenes requires two separate enzymes or whether this reaction is effected by a single enzyme. Cofactor studies have shown that FAD is necessary for the conversion of lycopene to cyclic carotenes.
A method for characterizing ultrasonically-derived follicular data in heifers.

A method was developed for ultrasonically characterizing follicular waves in heifers without the necessity of maintaining day-to-day identities of individual follicles (nonidentity method). Results were compared to a method in which the identities of individual follicles were maintained from day to day (identity method). Data collected daily during 5 estrous cycles were processed by each method, independently, by different operators. The nonidentity method involved grouping and then profiling follicles in order of decreasing diameters without regard to day-to-day identities. The profiling scheme distinguished between follicles of the left versus the right ovary. The dominant and subordinate follicles were readily distinguishable in the nonidentity profiles. When successive dominant follicles developed in the opposite ovary, the follicles were profiled directly. When two successive dominant follicles developed on the same ovary, size information was obscured for a few days where the profiles for each follicle crossed, but continuity of the profiles on each side of the area of ambiguity was maintained. The nonidentity method seemed equivalent to the identity method in determining characteristics of the dominant follicle (e.g., maximal diameter, growth rate, regression rate). Day of emergence of a wave and day of divergence in diameters between dominant and subordinate follicles were readily determined by inspection of the nonidentity profiles. A greater number of subordinate follicles per wave was detected by the nonidentity method due to the inability to individually identify all detected follicles by the identity method. Regression of follicles from a previous wave into the subordinate follicles of a succeeding wave was apparent by either method. The nonidentity method seemed suitable for most needs, was less tedious, and required less skill than the identity method.
Transient Currents Induced on a Metallic Body of Revolution by an Electromagnetic Pulse

A numerical technique is presented that may be used to predict the current induced on a thin metallic body of revolution excited by an electromagnetic pulse. Examples are given. Introduced here is the use of the radiation condition in a finite difference solution. This development alleviates the requirement that finite difference techniques be applied to a bounded region of space.
Dedicated followers of fashion: peacock fashion and the roots of the new American man, 1960–70

This article explores the peacock look in men’s fashion in the second half of the 1960s and the ways the style helped to reinvent the identities of white, middle-class, middle-age men. Peacock style shifted the emphasis from men’s careers to their self-constructed leisure identities, especially their sexuality. Peacock style also became part of what Thomas Frank characterizes as hip consumerism, that is, the desire to appear trendy and unique rather than to fit in.
Transient burning of a convective fuel droplet

Abstract The transient burning of an n -octane fuel droplet in a hot gas stream at 20 atmosphere pressure is numerically studied, with considerations of droplet regression, deceleration due to the drag of the droplet, internal circulation inside the droplet, variable properties, non-uniform surface temperature, and the effect of surface tension. An initial envelope flame is found to remain envelope in time, and an initial wake flame is always transitioned into an envelope flame at a later time, with the normalized transition delay controlled by the initial Reynolds number and the initial Damkohler number. The initial flame shape is primarily determined by the initial Damkohler number, which has a critical value of Da 0 = 1.02 . The burning rates are modified by the transition, and are influenced by the intensity of forced convection which is determined by initial Reynolds number. The influence of surface tension is also studied as the surface temperature is non-uniform. Surface tension affects the liquid motion at the droplet surface significantly and affects the change of surface temperature and burning rate modestly. The influence of surface tension generally increases with increasing initial Reynolds number within the range without droplet breakup. We also studied cases with constant relative velocity between the air stream and the droplet. The results show that in these cases the initial envelope flame still remains envelope, but the evolution from an initial wake flame to an envelope flame is inhibited. Validation of our analysis is made by comparing with a published porous-sphere experiment Raghavan et al. (2005) [6] which used methanol fuel.
Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Paradoxical Embolism

Background— Percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is used as an alternative to surgery or long-term anticoagulation for the treatment of patients with paradoxical embolism and PFO. Methods and Results— We report the immediate and long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcome of 110 consecutive patients (58 males, mean age 47±14 years) who underwent transcatheter closure of PFO because of paradoxical embolism between 1995 and 2001. Procedural success, defined as successful deployment of the device and effective occlusion (no, or trivial, shunt after device placement), was achieved in all (100%) patients. There was no in-hospital mortality, 1 device migration requiring surgical intervention (0.9%), and 1 episode of cardiac tamponade (0.9%) requiring pericardiocentesis. A progressive increment in full occlusion was observed (44%, 51%, 66%, and 71% at 1 day, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years, respectively, after device placement). At a mean follow-up of 2.3 years, 2 patients experience...
Colonialism, decolonisation and growth rates: theory and empirical evidence

This paper examines the economic impact of imperialism on growth rates and economic structures in lagging countries over the 'long nineteenth century.' Defining imperialism as the use of coercion by capital, labor, and governments in advanced countries to pursue their interests in lagging countries, it is shown that the nature of this impact depends on the degree of imperialist control exercised over lagging countries: whether they are colonies, quasi-colonies, dependencies, or sovereign countries. Some hypotheses resulting from this analysis are also subjected to empirical testing. Copyright 1994 by Oxford University Press.
Orientational Order of Molecular Assemblies on Rough Surfaces

Using atomic force microscopy, we show that previous observations on the orientational order of micelles on atomically smooth crystals with directions dictated by the crystal symmetry is only valid for the case of perfectly smooth crystals. On rough surfaces, orientations are independent of the lattice symmetry and the observed directions can be explained by considering the guiding influence of topographic surface features.
Reduced-Bandwidth Multithreaded Algorithms for Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication

On multicore architectures, the ratio of peak memory bandwidth to peak floating-point performance (byte:flop ratio) is decreasing as core counts increase, further limiting the performance of bandwidth limited applications. Multiplying a sparse matrix (as well as its transpose in the unsymmetric case) with a dense vector is the core of sparse iterative methods. In this paper, we present a new multithreaded algorithm for the symmetric case which potentially cuts the bandwidth requirements in half while exposing lots of parallelism in practice. We also give a new data structure transformation, called bit masked register blocks, which promises significant reductions on bandwidth requirements by reducing the number of indexing elements without introducing additional fill-in zeros. Our work shows how to incorporate this transformation into existing parallel algorithms (both symmetric and unsymmetric) without limiting their parallel scalability. Experimental results indicate that the combined benefits of bit masked register blocks and the new symmetric algorithm can be as high as a factor of 3.5x in multicore performance over an already scalable parallel approach. We also provide a model that accurately predicts the performance of the new methods, showing that even larger performance gains are expected in future multicore systems as current trends (decreasing byte:flop ratio and larger sparse matrices) continue.
Reduce Factory Turnover

Summary The problem of high turnover during the first few months of employment is frequently serious and costly. In the factory studied, 22% of one group of 212 hired had left by the end of the first month, 35% by the end of the second month and less than half were on the rolls by the end of the sixth month. Use of an interest inventory enabled the reduction of first-month turnover from 22% to 7.5%; six-month turnover could be cut from 54% to 31%. The interest inventory was specifically designed for its purpose and the scoring key developed experimentally. Trial has shown that the interest inventory and scoring weights are effective in reducing early turnover, not only in the factory in which they were developed, but also in another factory in a different section of the country. It is particularly worth noting that the scoring weights which actually distinguished the early quits from the continuing workers were radically different from those which would have been set on the basis of “informed judgment”.
Influence of pulling handles and device stiffness in single-molecule force spectroscopy

In single-molecule force spectroscopy, individual molecules and complexes are often stretched by pulling devices via intervening molecular handles. Accurate interpretation of measurements from such experiments in terms of the underlying energy landscape, defined by activation barriers and intrinsic rates of transition, relies on our understanding, and proper theoretical treatment, of the effects of the pulling device and handle. Here, we present a framework based on Kramers' theory that elucidates the dependence of measured rupture forces and rates on the pulling device stiffness and attributes of the handle, contour length and persistence length. We also introduce a simple analytic model that improves prediction of activation barriers and intrinsic rates for all device stiffnesses and handle properties, thus allowing for a more reliable interpretation of experiments. Our analyses also suggests intuitive ways of displaying the measured force spectra for proper prognosis of device and handle effects and provides the range of device and handle attributes over which these effects can be neglected.
Pathogenic Aβ induces the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in human cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Human cerebrovascular smooth muscle (HCSM) cells, which are intimately associated with CAA, have been used as an in vitro model system to investigate pathologic interactions with amyloid β protein (Aβ). Previously we have shown that pathogenic forms of Aβ induce several pathologic responses in HCSM cells including fibril assembly at the cell surface, increase in the levels of Aβ precursor, and apoptotic cell death. Here we show that pathogenic Aβ stimulates the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the increase in MMP-2 activation is largely caused by increased expression of membrane type-1 (MT1)-MMP expression, the primary MMP-2 activator. Finally, treatment with MMP-2 inhibitors resulted in increased HCSM cell viability in the presence of pathogenic Aβ. Our findings suggest that increased expression and activation of MMP-2 may contribute to HCSM cell death in response to pathogenic Aβ. In addition, these activities may also contribute to loss of vessel wall integrity in CAA resulting in hemorrhagic stroke. Therefore, further understanding into the role of MMPs in HCSM cell degeneration may facilitate designing therapeutic strategies to treat CAA found in AD and related disorders.
Abenzyl 10-formyl-trideazafolic acid (abenzyl 10-formyl-TDAF): An effective inhibitor of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase

The synthesis of N-[7-(2-amino-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinazolin-6-yl)-6-formyl-1-oxo-heptyl]-l-glutamic acid (2, abenzyl 10-formyl-5,8,10-trideazafolic acid) as a potential enzyme-assembled tight binding inhibitor of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) or aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (AICAR Tfase) is reported. The inhibitor was prepared by a convergent synthesis utilizing the sequential alkylations of acetaldehyde dimethylhydrazone with 6 and 8. The agent exhibited effective inhibition of GAR Tfase (Ki = 4.5 ± 0.3 μM) and more modest inhibition of AICAR Tfase (Ki = 42 ± 11 μM).
Discontinuation of standard first-line antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of 1434 Malawian children

The standard first-line antiretroviral (ART) regimen in Malawi for both adults and children is a fixed-dose combination tablet containing stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP). This regimen has been shown to yield satisfactory virologic and immunologic outcomes in children. Published studies have described insights into discontinuation of first-line regimen and toxicities of ART in adults, but similar studies in paediatric populations are lacking.
Genomic Effects of Nucleotide Substitutions in Drosophila simulans

Selective fixation of beneficial mutations reduces levels of linked, neutral variation. The magnitude of this "hitchhiking effect" is determined by the strength of selection and the recombination rate between selected and neutral sites. Thus, depending on the values of these parameters and the frequency with which directional selection occurs, the genomic scale over which directional selection reduces levels of linked variation may vary widely. Here we present a permutation-based analysis of nucleotide polymorphisms and fixations in Drosophila simulans. We show evidence of pervasive small-scale hitchhiking effects in this lineage. Furthermore, our results reveal that different types of fixations are associated with different levels of linked variation.
Unraveling the functions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells during viral infections, autoimmunity, and tolerance

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are bone marrow-derived cells that secrete large amounts of type I interferon (IFN) in response to viruses. Type I IFNs are pleiotropic cytokines with antiviral activity that also enhance innate and adaptive immune responses. Viruses trigger activation of pDCs and type I IFN responses mainly through the Toll-like receptor pathway. However, a variety of activating and inhibitory pDC receptors fine tune the amplitude of type I IFN responses. Chronic activation and secretion of type I IFN in the absence of infection can promote autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, while activated pDCs promote immunity and autoimmunity, resting or alternatively activated pDCs may be tolerogenic. The various roles of pDCs have been extensively studied in vitro and in vivo with depleting antibodies. However, depleting antibodies cross-react with other cell types that are critical for eliciting protective immunity, potentially yielding ambiguous phenotypes. Here we discuss new approaches to assess pDC functions in vivo and provide preliminary data on their potential roles during viral infections. Such approaches would also prove useful in the more specific evaluation of how pDCs mediate tolerance and autoimmunity. Finally, we discuss the emergent role of pDCs and one of their receptors, tetherin, in human immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis.
RANTES stimulates inflammatory cascades and receptor modulation in murine astrocytes.

Cultured mouse astrocytes respond to the CC chemokine RANTES by production of chemokine and cytokine transcripts. Stimulation of astrocytes with 1 nM RANTES or 3–10 nM of the structurally related chemokines (eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and -β [MIP-1α, MIP-1β]) induced transcripts for KC, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MIP-1α, MIP-2, and RANTES in a chemokine and cell-specific fashion. Synthesis of chemokine (KC and MCP-1) and cytokine (TNF-α) proteins was also demonstrated. RANTES-mediated chemokine synthesis was specifically inhibited by pertussis toxin, indicating that G-protein-coupled chemokine receptors participated in astrocyte signaling. Astrocytes expressed CCR1 and CCR5 (the redundant RANTES receptors). Astrocytes derived from mice with targeted mutations of either CCR1 or CCR5 respond after RANTES stimulation, suggesting multiple chemokine receptors may separately mediate RANTES responsiveness in astrocytes. Preliminary data suggest activation of the MAP kinase pathway is also critical for RANTES-mediated signaling in astrocytes. Treatment with RANTES specifically modulated astrocyte receptors upregulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and downregulating CX3CR1 expression. Thus, after chemokine treatment, astrocytes release proinflammatory mediators and reprogram their surface molecules. The combined effects of RANTES may serve to amplify inflammatory responses within the central nervous system. GLIA 39:19–30, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The one-to-one principle: challenges in current practice

The DCMI One-to-One Principle holds that related but conceptually different entities, such as a photograph and a digital image of that photograph, should be represented by separate metadata records. In practice, however, large numbers of practitioners do not adhere to this principle and commonly mix elements representing two related entities in a single metadata record. This paper explores reasons why this is the case, why it is problematic, how the principle itself would benefit from greater clarity, some practical options for maintaining the principle in current systems, with advantages and disadvantages of each, and suggests a possible compromise option. The paper focuses on the widespread application context of small to medium-sized cultural heritage institutions digitizing unique local resources, creating metadata using digital collection software packages such as CONTENTdm, and exposing only simple Dublin Core metadata for OAI harvesting and aggregating.