cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The glucose oxidase mechanism. Interpretation of the pH dependence.

Abstract The pH dependence of the steady state parameters of the glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4, from Aspergillus niger) reaction was determined by O2-monitored experiments over the entire pH range from 3 to 10 at 25°, with d-glucose as substrate. The data were fitted to a three-parameter steady state rate equation and the significance of the steady state parameters was examined by stopped flow half-reaction and turnover measurements at the extremes of the pH range used. The major conclusions from these studies can be summarized as follows. 1. At low pH, in the presence of halide, the maximum turn-over number (kcat) is determined entirely by the rate of flavin reduction (k2) in the reductive half-reaction. Furthermore, substrate combines only with an unprotonated form of the oxidized enzyme and the reductive half-reaction can be represented as follows. H+ E0 (K1)/⇄/(H+) E0 + S (k1)/⇄/(k-1) E0 - S (k2)/→ Er + δ-lactone Since kcat and k2 are both specifically decreased by halides at low pH values, it is probable that the turnover rate in the low pH range is also limited by k2 in the absence of halide. The steady state absorption spectrum of E0 - S is indistinguishable from the spectrum of E0. This finding, together with the fact that removal of the 1-hydrogen from d-glucose is a ratelimiting process in flavin reduction is consistent with both a hydride transfer mechanism and with a flavin-glucose adduct mechanism in which this adduct is relatively unstable and never accumulates significantly as a kinetic intermediate. 2. The importance of k2 as a limiting first order process in turnover diminishes as the pH is raised. Thus, at pH 10 the major first order process in turnover is the breakdown of a species of oxidized enzyme, E'0, in the oxidative half-reaction. The rate of this process at pH 10.0 is 214 sec-1, whereas k2 has a value of 800 sec-1. 3. The reduced enzyme exists in two kinetically significant states of ionization, Er and Er-. The rapid reoxidation of Er with O2, to regenerate E0, is predominant at pH values less than 7. At pH values greater than 7, a much less rapid reaction of Er- with O2, leading to the formation of E'0-, becomes increasingly important. The species E'0- is unreactive with glucose and it is the conversion of a protonated form of E'0- to E0 which principally governs kcat at pH values greater than 7. We present a complete kinetic scheme describing the effects of pH and discuss the possible chemical significance of the species E'0.
Bilateral, simultaneous, spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon. A report of 3 cases and a review of the literature.

Abstract Bilateral, simultaneous, spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a very rare injury. It usually occurs in the obese older patient (over 50 years). Often, patients are mistakenly treated for rheumatoid arthritis, mild strokes and even neurological paralysis. This diagnostic confusion can lead to a delay in treatment. There is often no history of significant trauma. The patho-gnomonic signs are a palpable suprapatellar gap and an inability to lift the straight leg. Surgical ‘end to end’ repair, even of delayed cases, yields satisfactory results. In none of our cases was protective additional tissue reinforcement or a pullout suture used.
Sound velocity and equation-of-state measurements in high pressure fluid and solid helium

We used the previously described piston-cylinder cell to measure simultaneously the pressure, temperature, volume, and sound velocity in high-pressure helium fluid. These measurements, along isotherms from 75 to 300 K, cover the pressure range 3-20 kbar. We fitted the 670 data sets by means of a double-process least-squares method to an equation of state of the Benedict type. The melting curve was determined up to 20 kbar. Measurements in the solid phase extended to 18 kbar and are compared with those calculated from the data of Stewart, obtained at 4 K. The large compressibility of solid helium at these higher temperatures suggests its use as a pressurant in diamond-anvil cells and we discuss preliminary experiments of this kind.
Neuroenteric Stimulation for Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis (GP) is a syndrome characterized by delayed gastric emptying in association with symptoms of epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The prevalence of gastroparesis has been estimated at 24 per 100,000, with women more commonly affected than men. Diabetes appears to be the underlying cause in approximately 25 % of patients, while connective tissue disorders, autoimmune disorders, prior gastric surgery, ischemia, and medications make up a smaller percentage of the remaining identifiable causes. However, the largest group of GP patients falls into the idiopathic category (~50 %); many of these patients likely develop GP as a result of a prior viral infection. Symptoms of gastroparesis develop due to a number of different pathophysiologic processes, including disorders of fundic accommodation, antroduodenal dyscoordination, a weak antral pump, gastric dysrhythmias, abnormal duodenal feedback, and enhanced visceral sensation. Once the diagnosis of GP is made, the clinician has a number of different treatment options. For patients with mild to moderate symptoms, dietary modifications in conjunction with or without prokinetics and antiemetics are often all that is required. However, many patients with severe symptoms who fail to respond to standard therapy may benefit from neuroenteric stimulation (gastric electrical stimulation). This monograph will review the role of the neuroenteric stimulator therapy for gastroparesis, discuss possible mechanisms of action of neuroenteric stimulation, review data from recently published studies on its efficacy, and discuss patient selection and adverse events.
A Redescription of Myxobolus inornatus from Young-of-the-Year Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu )

Abstract: During investigations of young-of-the year smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) mortalities in the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and affected tributaries, raised areas were noted in the muscle in the vicinity of the caudal peduncle. The raised areas were caused by plasmodia of a myxozoan parasite. Spores found within plasmodia were similar to those of Myxobolus inornatus previously described from the caudal peduncle of fingerling largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Montana. Here, M. inornatus is redescribed based on histologic comparisons and spore measurements. The addition of spore photographs, line drawings, a voucher specimen, and partial small-subunit ribosomal (rSSU) DNA gene sequence are new in this study. This is also the first description of M. inornatus from smallmouth bass. The plasmodia of M. inornatus were grossly observed at the base of the caudal and dorsal fins and were 280.3 ± 33.5 (range 77.1–920.3) μm long and 320.6 ± 41.0 (range 74.85–898.4) μm wide. In som...
Creating value: economics and accounting ‐ perspectives for managers

Focuses on understanding accounting and economic concepts, relationships and factors important as a basis for economic decisions that create value. Provides the background essential for understanding the future papers in the series. Offers a review and develops perspectives useful to those with or without knowledge of accounting. Distinguishes between accounting and economic events, providing examples to support understanding of issues such as types of cost, relevant costs in economic analysis, economic contribution margin and break‐even, and basic concepts related to product pricing, and the relationship between risk, expected economic profits and value. Relates costs and risk factors that have an impact on value and addresses issues critical in decision making.
Narcotics Use Among Miami's Public School Students, 1992: No Restraints

This analysis examines narcotics use by 464 adolescents in Dade County, Florida public schools during 1992. Significant factors that tend to increase the probability of narcotics use include peer use of narcotics, that they are White, that they are male, and that they tend to be good students.
Step melting and the equilibrium crystal shape of Pb.

The equilibrium crystal shape of lead develops an edge around the (111) orientation in the temperature range where surface melting is observed. In this temperature range, the (111) facet grows with temperature. The thermal behavior of the edge and facet is shown to result from a competition between a localized melting of surface diffusers and vacancies on the (111) facet and a localized step melting. The formation of the edge cannot be explained solely by the surface melting of high-index orientations.
Irreversible Inhibition of Plasma Membrane (Ca2++ Mg2+)-ATPase and Ca2+Transport by 4-OH-2,3-trans-Nonenal

Abstract 4-OH-2,3- trans -nonenal (HNE), a major aldehydic lipid peroxidation product, has been shown to cause cellular toxicities and has been linked to a number of pathophysiological processes including atherogenesis. Specifically, in vitro exposure of erythrocyte plasma membrane preparations to HNE resulted in the inhibition of membrane transport function and integrity. To characterize the nature of the inhibitory effects of HNE on plasma membrane regulatory mechanisms, we investigated its effects on substrate and calmodulin (CaM) stimulation on erythrocyte Ca 2+ transport and (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase activities. Concentration–effect relationship analysis in erythrocyte membrane “ghosts” and inside-out vesicles (IOVs) yielded purely noncompetitive kinetics for Ca 2+ , ATP, and CaM activation of (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase and Ca 2+ transport. Reductions of V max from direct addition of 0.1 mM HNE to the assay incubation mixtures ranged from 23 to 41%. Similarly, pretreatment with HNE of both membrane ghosts and IOVs resulted in a concentration-dependent inactivation of ATPase and transport activities without changes in affinity for Ca 2+ , ATP, or CaM. Conversely, pretreatment of CaM itself did not impair its ability to stimulate (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase activity threefold. Moreover, HNE-pretreated membranes exhibited unaltered acetylcholinesterase activity compared to sham-pretreated membranes. Together, these results suggest that HNE may structurally, and thus irreversibly, modify one or more functionally important sites on the transport protein itself.
Nonsystem Reasons for Delay in Door-to-Balloon Time and Associated In-Hospital Mortality : A Report From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry

Objectives The goal of this study was to characterize nonsystem reasons for delay in door-to-balloon time (D2BT) and the impact on in-hospital mortality. Background Studies have evaluated predictors of delay in D2BT, highlighting system-related issues and patient demographic characteristics. Limited data exist, however, for nonsystem reasons for delay in D2BT. Methods We analyzed nonsystem reasons for delay in D2BT among 82,678 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 h of symptom onset in the CathPCI Registry from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011. Results Nonsystem delays occurred in 14.7% of patients (n = 12,146). Patients with nonsystem delays were more likely to be older, female, African American, and have greater comorbidities. The in-hospital mortality for patients treated without delay was 2.5% versus 15.1% for those with delay (p Conclusions Nonsystem reasons for delay in D2BT in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients presenting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention are common and associated with high in-hospital mortality.
Millimeter-wave radar for vital signs sensing

In this paper, we will describe the development of a 228 GHz heterodyne radar system as a vital signs sensing monitor that can remotely measure respiration and heart rates from distances of 1 to 50 meters. We will discuss the design of the radar system along with several studies of its performance. The system includes the 228 GHz transmitter and heterodyne receiver that are optically coupled to the same 6 inch optical mirror that is used to illuminate the subject under study. Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal processing allows the system to track the phase of the reflected signal through I and Q detection and phase unwrapping. The system monitors the displacement in real time, allowing various studies of its performance to be made. We will review its successes by comparing the measured rates with a wireless health monitor and also describe the challenges of the system.
Altered Cardiac Phenotype in Transgenic Mice Carrying the Δ337 Threonine Thyroid Hormone Receptor β Mutant Derived from the S Family

The heart has been recognized as a major target of thyroid hormone action. Our study investigates both the regulation of cardiac-specific genes and contractile behavior of the heart in the presence of a mutant thyroid hormone receptor β1 (T3Rβ1-Δ337T) derived from the S kindred. The mutant receptor was originally identified in a patient with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone. Cardiac expression of the mutant receptor was achieved by a transgenic approach in mice. As the genes for myosin heavy chains (MHCα and MHCβ) and the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA2) are known to be regulated by T3, their cardiac expression was analyzed. The messenger RNA levels for MHCα and SERCA2 were markedly down-regulated, MHCβ messenger RNA was up-regulated. Although T3 levels were normal in these animals, this pattern of cardiac gene expression mimics a hypothyroid phenotype. Cardiac muscle contraction was significantly prolonged in papillary muscles from transgenic mice. The electr...
Simultaneous analysis of foodborne pathogenic bacteria by an oligonucleotide microarray assay

A rapid and accurate method for simultaneous identification of foodborne infectious pathogens was developed based on oligonucleotide microarray technology. The proposed identification method is based on PCR amplification of the target region of the groEL genes with degenerate primers, followed by the PCR products hybridization with oligonucleotide probes specific for species. The groEL gene amplification products of seventeen species of pathogenic bacteria were hybridized to the oligonucleotide array. Hybridization results were analyzed with digoxigenin-linked enzyme reaction. Results indicated that fifteen species of pathogenic bacteria showed high sensitivity and specificity for the oligonucleotide array, while two other species gave cross-reaction with the E. coli. Our results suggested that microarray analysis of foodborne infectious pathogens might be very useful for simultaneous identification of bacterial pathogens. The oligonucleotide array can also be applied to samples collected in clinical settings of foodborne infections. The superiority of oligonucleotide array over other tests lies on its rapidity, accuracy and efficiency in the diagnosis, treatment and control of foodborne infections. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Shear response of Σ 3 { 112 } twin boundaries in face-centered-cubic metals

Molecular statics and dynamics simulations were used to study the mechanisms of sliding and migration of \ensuremath{\Sigma}3{112} incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs) under applied shear acting in the boundary in the face-centered-cubic (fcc) metals, Ag, Cu, Pd, and Al, of varying stacking fault energies. These studies revealed that (i) ITBs can dissociate into two phase boundaries (PBs), bounding the hexagonal 9$R$ phase, that contain different arrays of partial dislocations; (ii) the separation distance between the two PBs scales inversely with increasing stacking fault energy; (iii) for fcc metals with low stacking fault energy, one of the two PBs migrates through the collective glide of partials, referred to as the phase-boundary-migration (PBM) mechanism; (iv) for metals with high stacking energy, ITBs experience a coupled motion (migration and sliding) through the glide of interface disconnections, referred to as the interface-disconnection-glide (IDG) mechanism.
Accurate Measurement of Brain Changes in Longitudinal MRI Scans using Tensor-Based Morphometry

This paper responds to Thompson and Holland (2011), who challenged our tensor-based morphometry (TBM) method for estimating rates of brain changes in serial MRI from 431 subjects scanned every 6 months, for 2 years. Thompson and Holland noted an unexplained jump in our atrophy rate estimates: an offset between 0 and 6 months that may bias clinical trial power calculations. We identified why this jump occurs and propose a solution. By enforcing inverse-consistency in our TBM method, the offset dropped from 1.4% to 0.28%, giving plausible anatomical trajectories. Transitivity error accounted for the minimal remaining offset. Drug trial sample size estimates with the revised TBM-derived metrics are highly competitive with other methods, though higher than previously reported sample size estimates by a factor of 1.6 to 2.4. Importantly, estimates are far below those given in the critique. To demonstrate a 25% slowing of atrophic rates with 80% power, 62 AD and 129 MCI subjects would be required for a 2-year trial, and 91 AD and 192 MCI subjects for a 1-year trial.
Energy balance in solar active regions - The dip of April, 1985

The presence of a solar active region affects the luminosity of the sun. Sunspots directly produce 'dips' in the total solar irradiance approximately proportionally to their projected area, while faculae produce excess energy. These effects were discovered during the solar maximum period of 1980, and the sunspot effect during solar minimum is examined. The 'dip' due to an active region in April, 1985, as observed in the total solar irradiance by the ACRIM instrument on the Solar Maximum Mission is examined. These data (obtained after the spacecraft repair in May, 1984) have simple variations, relative to those observed in 1980, because of the reduced level of activity approaching solar minimum. It is found that the PSI index of projected sunspot area as defined in 1980 appears to describe this 'dip' satisfactorily.
Upregulation of prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated endothelium promotes inflammation

Background Prolylcarboxypeptidase (Prcp) gene, along with altered PRCP and kallikrein levels, have been implicated in inflammation pathogenesis. PRCP regulates angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) – and bradykinin (BK) – stimulated nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. The mechanism through which kallikrein expression is altered during infection is not fully understood. Investigations were performed to determine the association between PRCP and kallikrein levels as a function of the upregulation of PRCP expression and the link between PRCP and inflammation risk in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelium activation.
Public health hazards from electricity-producing plants

When a new electricity-producing plant is to be built in a given locality it is natural to take into account the public health consequences of the normal operation of each type of plant contemplated. Here, the fossil-burning plants and nuclear facilities come under consideration. I have attempted to show that, in spite of the many important studies performed, there is currently no reliable methodology to estimate how many more cancer cases, and how many more heart attacks and other diseases have to be anticipated as a consequence of the normal operation of this or that type of electric generator. In part, this is because the currently available estimates of radiation effects on humans are based on extrapolations from studies of two kinds. Those of one kind may be exemplified by studies of atomic bomb casualties in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The other kind are laboratory experiments with lower animals, frequently mice. The unreliability of both kinds of extrapolations is connected with the following circumstances: (i) The omnipresent troublesome phenomenon of competing risks. (ii) The dependence of health effects of a given noxious agent on the preexisting local pollution. (iii) The dependence of health effects not only on the "dose" of an agent, but also on the rate at which the agent is administered. (iv) The noted difficulties of making extrapolations from one mammal to another. Our obtaining reliable estimates of the public health effects of extra pollution from new industrial plants would seem to depend on a large multipollutant and multilocality epidemiological study being conducted--one requiring the cooperative effort of several governmental agencies. However, a much easier study of certain developments in the vicinity of Rocky Flats, Colorado, might provide important direct information on health phenomena as they occur in real life.
Isolation of dictyosomes fromEuglena gracilis

A method for the isolation of dictyosomes fromEuglena gracilis Klebs strain Z (Pringsheim) is described. An extensive Golgi system, with the individual dictyosomes commonly containing ten to twenty cisternae is present. Log phase cells are broken in a French pressure cell at 105 to 120 kg/cm2 in a breaking mix containing sucrose, sorbitol and ficoll. Addition of 0.3% of glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde to the breaking mix increases the number of stacked cisternae present in the final preparation. In addition to membrane stacks, the fractions contain numerous smooth vesicles. Swollen cisternae, which are also present, may account for these vesicles. Three dictyosome-enriched fractions are obtained by centrifugation in a discontinuous sucrose gradient. Fractions differ morphologically in the degree of stacking of cisternae. Further identification of the membrane fractions was accomplished by measuring IDPase activities in each of the fractions. Inosine diphosphatase activity is enriched 8–10-fold relative to the initial homogenate. The highest IDPase activity was present in the fraction containing the greatest number of stacked cisternae.
Organizational computing frameworks: Progress and needs

Organizational computing is an emerging field of study, the development of which will have profound socioeconomic implications for organizations and individuals in the coming years. Currently it is an ill‐structured field crisscrossed by various streams of research. Frameworks previously advanced to help characterize the field and foster its further study have been developed primarily from a technological perspective. Here, we review such frameworks and argue for the creation of organizational computing frameworks within the complementary organizational perspective. Desirable traits of such frameworks are identified as a basis for stimulating their creation.
Wireless networks with symmetric demands

It has been shown recently that a simple layering principle — local physical-layer schemes combined with global routing — can achieve approximately optimal performance in wireless networks. However, this result depends heavily on the assumption of reciprocity of wireless networks, which may be violated due to asymmetric power constraints, directional antennas or frequency-duplexing. In this paper, we show that the approximate optimality continues to hold even for wireless networks modeled as directed graphs as long as there is a symmetric demand constraint: every demand from source s i to sink t i at rate R i has a counterpart demand from source node t i to sink node s i at the same rate. This models several practical scenarios including voice calls, video calls, and interactive gaming. We prove this result in the context of several channel models for which good local schemes exist. The key technical contributions are an outer bound based on a Generalized Network Sharing bound for wireless networks and an achievable strategy based on a connection to polymatroidal networks.
How Laënnec invented the stethoscope.

Although it is well known that Laennec invented the stethoscope, the story of how he invented it is less well known. This article discusses the many theories behind the story as well as the impact of Laennec's discovery on the practice of cardiology in the 21st century.
Cytotoxic activity of the titanium alkoxide (OPy)(2)Ti(4AP)(2) against cancer colony forming cells.

A novel family of titanium alkoxides with two stable pyridinemethoxide moieties bound to a titanium metal center were synthesized and tested for cytotoxic activity on a variety of cancer cell lines using colony formation assays. One compound, (OPy)2Ti(4AP)2, where OPy is NC5H5CH2O−, and 4AP is 4-aminophenoxide (−OC6H5(NH2)-4), demonstrated increased cytotoxicity in breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer cell lines at 100 nanomolar levels with only short exposures. Further, (OPy)2Ti(4AP)2 had activity in colon and pancreatic cancer cell lines that are usually resistant to chemotherapy. This demonstrates that these titanium compounds may have a role in anti-cancer therapy, similar to platinum-based compounds, and the (OPy)2Ti(4AP)2 compound specifically deserves further investigation as an anti-cancer agent in chemo-resistant solid tumors.
Will tuned power lines eventually solve long distance transmission

A new approach to an important problem in the field of electric power is offered by the author, who limits his discussion to the possibilities of tuned lines rather than their practical application. He presents the results of extensive research work, and on the basis of laboratory experiments points out that through the use of higher transmission frequencies, the efficiency of a given line might be increased as much as 500 per cent.
Support of Educational Technology by the U. S. Department of Education: 1971–1980

During the decade 1971–1980 the Department of Education, and its predecessor the Education Division of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, spent about one billion dollars on educational technology research, development, demonstrations, and on support for local purchase of equipment and facilities (including facilities for public and educational broadcasting). A breakdown of this spending is given, together with an analysis of the spending pattern. Recommendations are made for future support of educational technology.
What is a scientist-practitioner anyway?

The scientist-practitioner model is the dominant approach to training in clinical psychology, but it is more readily realized in theory than in practice. The articles in this series consider ways to make research more accessible to the practitioner in a realistic and helpful manner, and to allow practitioners to influence the course of research. Many innovative models are described, and they converge on a high value placed on methodological pluralism. Many of the authors, explicitly or implicitly, endorse psychotherapy integration, and also portray a practitioner who bears resemblance to the local clinical scientist.
Real-Time Laser Spectrochemical Analysis for Energy and Environment Applications

A new technology has been developed providing rapid, real-time elemental and isotopic analysis for advancing R&D in energy and environmental and also for application in advanced manufacturing. The same technology is on the Mars Curiosity
Squelching of ETS2 Transactivation by POU5F1 Silences the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin CGA Subunit Gene in Human Choriocarcinoma and Embryonic Stem Cells

The subunit genes encoding human chorionic gonadotropin, CGA, and CGB, are up-regulated in human trophoblast. However, they are effectively silenced in choriocarcinoma cells by ectopically expressed POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1 (POU5F1). Here we show that POU5F1 represses activity of the CGA promoter through its interactions with ETS2, a transcription factor required for both placental development and human chorionic gonadotropin subunit gene expression, by forming a complex that precludes ETS2 from interacting with the CGA promoter. Mutation of a POU5F1 binding site proximal to the ETS2 binding site does not alter the ability of POU5F1 to act as a repressor but causes a drop in basal promoter activity due to overlap with the binding site for DLX3. DLX3 has only a modest ability to raise basal CGA promoter activity, but its coexpression with ETS2 can up-regulate it 100-fold or more. The two factors form a complex, and both must bind to the promoter for the combination to be transcriptionally ...
Identification of wiener systems : the least amount of a priori information

In this paper, we investigate what constitutes the least amount of a priori information on the nonlinearity so that the linear part is identifiable in the non-Gausian case. Three types of a priori information are considered including quadrant information, point information and locally monotonous information. In all three cases, identifiability has been established and corresponding identification algorithms are developed with their convergence proofs.
Age-related changes in serum free thyroxine during childhood and adolescence

The purposes of this study were to reevaluate age-related changes in the concentration of serum free thyroxine (T 4 ) between early infancy and adulthood, and to study the relationship of serum thyrotropin to these changes in free T 4 . Five hundred thirty-six healthy infants, children, adolescents, and adults between 1 day and 45 years of age were studied. Serum free T 4 was determined by direct equilibrium dialysis, thyrotropin by a sensitive immunoassay, and total T 4 by radioimmunoassay. Free T 4 concentrations were age dependent and differed significantly ( p 4 concentrations (mean±SEM) were 48.1±1.5, 20.3±0.6, 17.0±0.4, 19.9±0.4, 17.0±0.4, and 21.2±0.4 pmol/L (3.74±0.12, 1.58±0.05, 1.32±0.03, 1.55±0.03, 1.32±0.03, and 1.65±0.03 ng/dl), respectively. Age-related reference ranges were determined. Changes in the relationship between serum thyrotropin and free T 4 were complex, indicating age-related changes in pituitary thyroid regulation. No correlation existed between concentrations of free T 4 and total T 4 after the first 13 days of life ( r 2 4 concentrations and free T 4 -thyrotropin relationships differ from those in adults and (2) age-related changes in total T 4 do not indicate age-related changes in either free T 4 or thyroid function, after 13 days of age.
Clinically significant intestinal metastasis from a primary bronchogenic carcinoma

Although abdominal metastasis from lung cancer are not unusual postmortem findings, they are rarely of clinical significance. Our patient's clinical course was complicated by intestinal obstruction secondary to metastatic lung cancer. With the current epidemic of lung cancer, we can expect more patients with abdominal complaints secondary to metastatic disease. In these patients, survival time averaged less than 60 days.
Socializing Attribution: Generalization to “Real” Social Environments1

Social status variables have been shown to influence attributional judgments, but their effects have been demonstrated almost entirely in experimental settings. The influence of such statuses in experimental settings may differ from their influence in natural settings. We examined the influence on attributional judgments of the status characteristics of both subjects and actors in conjunction with variations in the degree of “real world” characteristics of both subjects and social context. These comparisons were drawn through a partial replication of earlier research investigating the effects of a social status variable, victim sex, and a situational variable—type of assault—on attributions about an assault victim. The social status characteristic, victim sex, had less influence on attributions in an adult juror sample than in a student sample and testimony-related characteristics were more influential in the adult juror sample than in the student sample. Thus, the categories of variables that influence attributions appear to depend on the context of judgment and on the breadth of subjects' life experience. These findings are discussed and we conclude with the caution that careful identification of the differences produced by context and subject characteristics is necessary to support generalization of laboratory-based research.
Unusual Case of Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Attributable to Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome

A 54-year-old man was referred for cardiac evaluation before renal transplantation because of chronic renal failure. His medical history was remarkable for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and 3 episodes of transient ischemic attack (the most recent was 3 years earlier). A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large, mobile mass on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, with trivial mitral regurgitation (Figure 1; Movie I in the online-only Data Supplement). The mass was originally believed to be a fibroelastoma; endocarditis was not considered initially because of the absence of systemic symptoms. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a 1×2-cm mobile, echodense region on the A2 segment of the mitral valve leaflet (Figure 2 and Movie II in the online-only Data Supplement are 2-dimensional images; Figure 3 and …
Twenty-five years of quantitative PCR for gene expression analysis

Following its invention 25 years ago, PCR has been adapted for numerous molecular biology applications. Gene expression analysis by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has been a key enabling technology of the post-genome era. Since the founding of BioTechniques, this journal has been a resource for the improvements in qPCR technology, experimental design, and data analysis. qPCR and, more specifically, real-time qPCR has become a routine and robust approach for measuring the expression of genes of interest, validating microarray experiments, and monitoring biomarkers. The use of real-time qPCR has nearly supplanted other approaches (e.g., Northern blotting, RNase protection assays). This review examines the current state of qPCR for gene expression analysis now that the method has reached a mature stage of development and implementation. Specifically, the different fluorescent reporter technologies of real-time qPCR are discussed as well as the selection of endogenous controls. The conceptual framework for data analysis methods is also presented to demystify these analysis techniques. The future of qPCR remains bright as the technology becomes more rapid, cost-effective, easier to use, and capable of higher throughput.
Extended Rees Algebras and Mixed Multiplicities

The aim of this paper is to study mixed multiplicities of ideals and use them to calculate multiplicities of certain homogeneous ideals of extended Rees algebras and to give a complete characterization of those parameter ideals whose extended Rees algebras are Cohen-Macaulay with minimal multiplicity at their maximal homogeneous ideals. Let (R, m) be a local ring of dimension d. Let I be an m-primary ideal. It is well known that the length of the artinian ring R/F, I(R/F), is a polynomial of degree d in r for all large r. The coefficient of nd/d ! in this polynomial, called the multiplicity of I, denoted by e(I), is a well-understood and useful invariant of/. Suppose J is another m-primary ideal. Then it is natural to consider l (R/FJ s) for positive integers r and s. It is proved in [B] that for large values of r and s, I(R/FJ ~) is given by a polynomial P(r, s) of total degree d in r and s. Moreover, the terms of total degree d in P(r, s) have the form
Ab initio metadynamics simulations of oxygen/ligand interactions in organoaluminum clusters

Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics combined with a metadynamics algorithm is used to study the initial interaction of O2 with the low-valence organoaluminum clusters Al4Cp4 (Cp=C5H5) and Al4 Cp 4* (Cp*=C5[CH3]5). Prior to reaction with the aluminum core, simulations suggest that the oxygen undergoes a hindered crossing of the steric barrier presented by the outer ligand monolayer. A combination of two collective variables based on aluminum/oxygen distance and lateral oxygen displacement was found to produce distinct reactant, product, and transition states for this process. In the methylated cluster with Cp* ligands, a broad transition state of 45 kJ/mol was observed due to direct steric interactions with the ligand groups and considerable oxygen reorientation. In the non-methylated cluster the ligands distort away from the oxidizer, resulting in a barrier of roughly 34 kJ/mol with minimal O2 reorientation. A study of the oxygen/cluster system fixed in a triplet multiplicity suggests that the spin state do...
Geotechnical properties of ocean sediments recovered with the Giant Piston Corer: Blake—Bahama Outer Ridge☆

Abstract Consolidation tests were conducted on sediment samples from four cores (17–31 m lengths) obtained with the Giant Piston Corer on the Blake—Bahama Outer Ridge (water depths 4758–4962 m). Three of the cores (GPC-7, 8, 9) had similar composition (calcareous lutites) and texture (60% clay) and similar vertical variability in water content, shear strength and carbonate profiles with very large decreases in water content (average decrease of 52%) occurring at 20 m depth. The fourth core (GPC-11) has considerable sand- and silt-sized material (calcareous tests) and much higher shear strength. The consolidation results of core GPC-11 showed a significant amount of overconsolidation suggesting that more than 10 m of sediment has been eroded and that the core was taken in the bottom of a large erosional furrow. Correlations between consolidation parameters and composition are proposed through use of a mineralogy factor ( E ) such that the mineralogy of the clay fraction is combined with effects of stress history and clay fraction influence as follows: E=[(M ∗ + I) − (%CaCo 3 )] × [(w 0 − w p ) % where: • M∗ = percentage of montmorillonite plus mixed-layer montmorillonite—illite, • I = percentage of illite, • w 0 = in-situ water content, and • w P = plastic limit. The following regression-line equations were obtained based on consolidation test results from Blake—Bahama Outer Ridge: Compression Index = C c = 0.0162 E − 0.0333 Coef. of Secondary Compression = C ∝ = (0.461 E − 0.126) · 10 −3 Although clay mineralogy does have an effect on consolidation behavior, the effects of consistency coupled with percentage of calcium carbonate exert the greatest influence on the consolidation characteristics of these sediments.
Information technology and its socioeconomic and academic impact

Technological and social planning often has unanticipated outcomes. The planned function of information technology is primarily information and storage. The latent function might be (1) an increase in Power for those able to make best use of this technology; (2) an acceleration of historic change in which multinational corporations may supplant nation‐states. The paper also speculates on unplanned changes in (1) the direction research takes; (2) library training; (3) accessibility of source materials; (4) the formation of library elites.
Recent advances in glomerulonephritis

Summary Advances in our understanding of glomerulonephritis (GN) have come from both clinical and research studies. New animal models of human GN, human and mouse genetic studies, and molecular and immunological tools have helped to identify new inflammatory mediators and regulatory molecules, resulting in a better understanding of the pathogenesis of human GN and novel therapeutic strategies. In this article, we review recent advances in Goodpasture's disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated GN, membranous glomerulopathy, membranoproliferative GN and a new classification of lupus nephritis.
Institutional Quality and Generalized Trust: A Nonrecursive Causal Model.

This paper investigates the association between institutional quality and generalized trust. Despite the importance of the topic, little quantitative empirical evidence exists to support either unidirectional or bidirectional causality for the reason that cross-sectional studies rarely model the reciprocal relationship between institutional quality and generalized trust. Using data from the World Values Survey, World Bank, and other data sources in an identified nonrecursive structural equation model, results show that generalized trust and institutional quality form a positive reciprocal relationship, where the connection is stronger from generalized trust to institutional quality. The conclusion discusses implications for theory and policy in this area.
Pseudotable methods for the analysis of 2 x 2 tables

Abstract Epidemiologists often use the log odds ratio regression model to analyze sets of 2 × 2 tables. The estimation of a common odds ratio is based on this model. The classical estimation procedures for this problem are maximum likelihood, conditional maximum likelihood, and Mantel-Haenszel estimation. This paper proposes new estimators which augment the data by pseudotables of a particular form to reduce the bias and mean squared error of the estimation. The estimators can be motivated by Bayes and empirical Bayes methodology or as penalized likelihood estimators. A simulation study demonstrates that the proposed estimators have improved operating characteristics over large portions of the parameter space compared to the classical estimators. Applications are given to estimating the common odds ration of tumor in two examples, one involving “large strata” and one involving “sparse strata”.
Effects of the enantiomers of (±)-HA-966 on dopamine neurons: an electrophysiological study of a chiral molecule

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the resolved enantiomers of (±)-1-hydroxy-3-aminopyrrolidone-2 ((±)-HA-966) on the electrophysiological properties of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra of the chloral hydrate anesthetized rat. Both (+)- and (−)-HA-966 produced a dose-dependent reduction in firing rate that eventually resulted in total cessation of spontaneous neuronal activity (ID50 = 5.7 and 57.8 mg/kg i.v., respectively). The inhibitory effects of both drugs were accompanied by a marked increase in the regularity of neuronal firing and a concomitant suppression of bursting activity. Although approximately 10-fold less potent than the (−) enantiomer, the inhibitory effects of (+)-HA-966 were completely antagonized by the centrally active, GABAB receptor antagonist, CGP-35348 (300 mg/kg i.v.). These data suggest that the complementary electrophysiological effects of the enantiomers of (±)-HA-966 on nigral dopamine neurons are mediated through a common mechanism of action possibly involving a novel interaction with GABAB receptors.
Effect of frequent phone contacts and Optional Food Provision on maintenance of weight loss.

This article reports the results of two studies evaluating strategies to improve maintenance of weight loss. Study 1 evaluated the effect of frequent contact with patients through phone calls designed to promote adherence to self-monitoring; Study 2 evaluated a crisis intervention model, where subjects could obtain food boxes during high-risk periods to simplify dietary adherence. All subjects had originally participated in an initial six-month behavioral weight control program conducted at the University of Minnesota or at the University of Pittsburgh and had lost >4.0 kg. Subjects from the University of Minnesota (N=53) were randomly assigned to either a year-long maintenance program involving weekly phone calls from a staff member or to a no-contact control (Study 1). Weekly phone calls, which inquired about self-monitoring and current weight, were completed with high frequency (76% completion rate); call completion and self-reported adherence to daily monitoring were negatively associated with weight regain (r=−0.52 to −0.59, p<.01). However, weight regain did not differ significantly in the Phone Maintenance versus Control Condition (+3.9 kg versus +5.6 kg, p=.28). Study 2, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, involved 47 subjects who were randomly assigned to a Control or Optional Food Provision Condition. Both groups attended monthly maintenance meetings; the Food Provision Group had the option of purchasing boxes of food containing five breakfasts and five dinners. Twelve of the 26 subjects in the Food Provision Group purchased these food boxes for at least one month of maintenance. However, weight regain in those people who purchased the box, or in the Food Provision Condition as a whole, did not differ from the Control Condition (+4.2 kg for intervention versus +4.3 kg for control). Further research is needed to develop more effective maintenance interventions.
Normal coordinate ab initio calculations of cubic anharmonicity constants

Abstract A procedure is described to calculate cubic molecular anharmonicity constants by numerical differentiation of ab initio forces in vibrational normal coordinate space. The method is simpler than comparable procedures and is useful in determining normal coordinate anharmonicity of isotopic species. Results for H 2 O and its isotopic homologs are in excellent agreement with literature values.
Mechanisms of Disease: insights into the emerging role of signal transducers and activators of transcription in cancer

Members of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway have recently been demonstrated to have a major role in cancer. Constitutive activation of the STAT family members Stat3 and Stat5, and/or loss of Stat1 signaling, is found in a large group of diverse tumors. STAT proteins can regulate many pathways important in oncogenesis including cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor-cell evasion of the immune system. This review highlights STAT signaling pathways, STAT target genes involved in cancer, evidence for STAT activation in human cancers, and therapeutic strategies to target STAT molecules for anticancer therapy. Members of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway, which were originally identified as key components linking cytokine signals to transcriptional events in cells, have recently been demonstrated to have a major role in cancer. They are cytoplasmic proteins that form functional dimers with each other when activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Activated STAT proteins translocate to the nucleus to regulate expression of genes by binding to specific elements within gene promoters. Constitutive activation of the STAT family members Stat3 and Stat5, and/or loss of Stat1 signaling, is found in a large group of diverse tumors. Increasing evidence demonstrates that STAT proteins can regulate many pathways important in oncogenesis including cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, tumor angiogenesis, tumor-cell invasion and metastasis, and tumor-cell evasion of the immune system. Based on these findings, a growing effort is underway to target STAT proteins directly and indirectly for cancer therapy. This review will highlight STAT signaling pathways, STAT target genes involved in cancer, evidence for STAT activation in human cancers, and therapeutic strategies to target STAT molecules for anticancer therapy.
Ash Content of Detergent Fibers in Feeds, Digesta, and Feces and Its Relevance in Fiber Digestibility Calculations

The influence of insoluble ash in diet, digesta, and fecal samples was evaluated. Ash-free values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) for feed, digesta, and fecal samples were compared with uncorrected values of NDF and ADF in two digestibility experiments. Six feed samples were selected at random along with four duodenal and two fecal samples; the latter two were a part of two digestion studies. The silica composition of feed samples was low with the exception of oat hay and rice straw. Ash-free values of NDF and ADF for digesta and fecal samples were lower than uncorrected values of NDF and ADF, and silica accounted for the majority of the differences. The use of ash-free values of NDF and ADF in both digestibility experiments with dairy cows resulted in more realistic digestibility estimates and reduced the amount of variability associated with the calculation of the digestibility of NDF and ADF in the rumen and total digestive tract. The source of the insoluble ash was not identified but could have come from individual feedstuffs or the consumption of sand. Sample contamination by silica and other ash components may influence NDF and ADF composition if the fiber residues are not ashed prior to calculation of NDF and ADF.