cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unresolved issues in early trials of cholesterol lowering.

A reexamination of early intervention trials in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) shows that a pessimistic view of cholesterol reduction in such patients is inappropriate. In observational studies, individuals with documented coronary artery disease and elevated cholesterol levels fare worse than individuals with normal or low cholesterol levels. Early trials of cholesterol reduction in individuals with coronary artery disease succeeded in lowering total cholesterol levels by only 5–15%. Nevertheless, when reviewed in meta-analysis, these trials demonstrated borderline effects on total mortality, statistically significant benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease and CAD, and no increase in mortality from noncardiovascular causes. Substantially greater lowering of low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels was achieved in early regression studies. In these studies, examples of improvement were noted in individual coronary artery segments. What was not appreciated initially was the dramatic reduction in coronary events. Older secondary prevention trials did not definitively address the benefits of cholesterol reduction in individuals whose cholesterol levels were only modestly elevated (total cholesterol, 160–240 mg/dl [4.14–6.21 mmol/liter], and LDL cholesterol levels 100–160 mg/dl [2.59–4.14 mmol/liter]). Several other issues were not addressed in these early studies, including the effect of declines in triglyceride levels, increases in high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and the effects in women and individuals aged >60 years. Even with these limitations, a comparison of meta-analyses of other medical interventions-i.e., β blockade and aspirin therapy-indicates that declines in coronary mortality are in the same range as obtained in older studies with modest cholesterol reduction-i.e., 20–25%. Thus, these early studies provide substantial support for cholesterol reduction in individuals with established CAD.
There is no relationship between concentration, motility and vacuolated cells.

To determine whether there are differences between concentration and motility in the vacuolated spermatozoa of fertile donors, randomized men and infertile patients, semen samples were compared. Based on the percentages of concentration and motility, samples were divided into three groups: Group I, fertile donors, concentration >20×106/ml, motility >50%; Group II, patients, concentration 20×106/ml, motility >50%. In each group samples were assessed morphologically by the strict criteria of Kruger et al. The results showed that there was no difference between Group I and Group II, but there were differences between Group III and Group II, and Group III and Group I. We conclude that there is no relationship between concentration, motility and vacuolated cells.
Increase in survival of subcultured fibroblasts mediated by serotonin.

WE have already reported a cytospecific effect of serotonin in enhancing the growth of fibroblasts in vitro1, apparently by shortening the lag phase. We have now investigated this effect and the kinetics of cell growth in order to provide information about the mechanism of action of serotonin.
Peripartal endocrine changes associated with retained placenta in dairy cows.

Peripheral serum concentrations of prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), cortisol, and progesterone (P4) were determined in cows that retained placentae (RP; n = 18) and cows that did not retain placentae after parturition (NRP; n = 28). Blood samples collected from Day 15 before until Day 15 after parturition were assayed. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in PGFM concentrations occurred in RP cows between Days 7 and 6 before parturition compared with NRP cows. There were no differences in the interval required to attain peak concentrations of PGFM and the interval required to reach basal concentrations after parturition in both groups. However, the amount of PGFM secreted during the peripartum period was significantly higher in RP cows (P < 0.01). Starting from Day 6 before parturition, serum cortisol concentrations in RP cows increased significantly to peak levels 3 d before parturition (P < 0.05). Cortisol levels decreased to basal concentrations in RP cows on Day 1 postpartum. The peripartal serum P4 concentrations in RP and NRP cows did not differ. The results indicate that prepartal PGFM and cortisol increases may constitute reliable indicators of retained placenta in dairy cows.
Dietary quality in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Recent data demonstrate that youth with type 1 diabetes are not meeting established nutrition guidelines. However, comprehensive assessments of overall dietary quality in these youth are lacking, and it is unclear whether their dietary quality differs from that of their peers without diabetes. Therefore, we assessed comprehensive dietary quality in 50 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (mean age 14.9 ± 1.9 years, 54% male, 80% non-Hispanic white, 65% with household income ≤75,000 USD, diabetes duration 6.2 ± 4.0 years, and HbA1c 8.9 ± 1.5%) and 40 demographically similar adolescents without diabetes (mean age 14.9 ± 1.9 years, 48% male, 85% non-Hispanic white, and 59% with household income ≤75,000 USD) and sought to identify correlates of dietary quality. Individuals with other conditions affecting dietary intake (e.g., celiac disease) were excluded. This study has institutional review board approval. Dietary quality was assessed via U.S. …
Recombinant prohormone convertase 1 and 2 cleave purified pro cholecystokinin (CCK) and a synthetic peptide containing CCK 8 Gly Arg Arg and the carboxyl-terminal flanking peptide

Purified recombinant prohormone convertase 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2) cleave a peptide containing cholecystokinin (CCK) 8 Gly Arg Arg and the carboxyl-terminal peptide liberating CCK 8 Gly Arg Arg. PC1 and PC2 also cleave purified pro CCK, liberating the amino terminal pro-peptide while no carboxyl-terminal cleavage was detected. Under the conditions of the in vitro cleavage assay, it appears that the carboxyl-terminal cleavage site of pro CCK is not accessible to the enzymes while this site is readily cleaved in a synthetic peptide. Additional cellular proteins that unfold the prohormone may be required to expose the carboxyl-terminal site for cleavage.
Influence of the Diffusion Saturation with Oxygen on the Durability and Long-Term Static Strength of Titanium Alloys

We study the influence of gradient hardening of the surface layer of the metal with an interstitial impurity (oxygen) on the durability of VT1-0, VT5, PT-7M, and OT4-1 titanium alloys under the conditions of pure and rotating bending, cyclic tension, and long-term static loading (up to 1000 h).
Going to extremes: family structure, children's well-being, and social science.

In this article I argue that public discussions of demographic issues are often conducted in a troubling pattern in which one extreme position is debated in relation to the opposite extreme. This pattern impedes our understanding of social problems and is a poor guide to sound public policies. To illustrate this thesis I use the case of social scientific research examining how children are affected by not living with two biological parents while they are growing up. Over the last decade, I maintain, most of the public, and even many social scientists, have been puzzled and poorly informed by this debate. In particular I consider Judith Wallerstein’s clinically based claims of the pervasive, profound harm caused by divorce and, at the other extreme, Judith Rich Harris s reading of behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology, which leads her to dismiss the direct effects of divorce. Neither extreme gives a clear picture of the consequences of growing up in a single-parent family or a stepfamily.
α2C-Adrenoceptors mediate inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in rat striatum

Abstract The potential role of α 2 -adrenoceptors in modulating the activity of adenylyl cyclase in the rat striatum was examined. The selective α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist, UK14,304, produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated accumulation of cAMP in striatal slices. The effect of UK14,304 was reversed by pre-incubation of striatal slices with the selective α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002. To determine whether α 2C -adrenoceptors contribute to the α 2 -adrenoceptor-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide directed against α 2C -adrenoceptor mRNA ( α 2C AS) or a random sequence (RS) was infused directly into the striatum. The ability of α 2C AS to reduce the expression of α 2C -adrenoceptors has been previously demonstrated. α 2C AS infusions did not reduce the ability of UK14,304 to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Instead, α 2C AS significantly enhanced forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation on the infusion side compared to the contralateral striatum. In contrast to the effects of α 2C AS, infusions of RS had no effects on forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation or on the ability of UK14,304 to inhibit this effect. Incubation of striatal slices from untreated rats with RX821002 could mimic the ability of α 2C AS infusion to enhance forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, and did so in a concentration-dependent manner. α 2 -Adrenoceptors are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in the rat striatum and α 2C -adrenoceptors appear to be under tonic activation by an endogenous ligand in striatal slices.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF GALAPAGOS BOTANY. SUPPLEMENT I

This supplement to a bibliography published in 1973 lists 112 new references on Galapagos botany. The availability of accurate information in a new flora of the Galapagos Islands has brought about an increase in botanical research. Very little new work has been done on cryptogams. Many recent studies concentrate on ecology and conservation of the unique Galapagos plants.
On distributed file tree walk of parallel file systems

Supercomputers generate vast amounts of data, typically organized into large directory hierarchies on parallel file systems. While the supercomputing applications are parallel, the tools used to process them requiring complete directory traversais, are typically serial. We present an algorithm framework and three fully distributed algorithms for traversing large parallel file systems, and performing file operations in parallel. The first algorithm introduces a randomized work-stealing scheduler; the second improves the first with proximity-awareness; and the third improves upon the second by using a hybrid approach. We have tested our implementation on Cielo, a 1.37 petaflop supercomputer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and its 7 petabyte file system. Test results show that our algorithms execute orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art algorithms while achieving ideal load balancing and low communication cost. We present performance insights from the use of our algorithms in production systems at LANL, performing daily file system operations.
The Flute in Jazz: Window on World Music

The Flute in Jazz: Window on World Music, a 2012 documentary from Harmonia Productions, provides an informative look into the world of jazz flutists. The film's producer, Peter Westbrook, takes the...
Keratin 8 of simple epithelia is expressed in glia of the goldfish nervous system.

Abstract The intermediate filament protein composition in glial cells of goldfish optic nerve differs from that found in glial cells of the goldfish spinal cord and brain. Brain and spinal cord glial cells contain glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), whereas glial cells in the optic nerve contain ON3. The ON3 protein of the goldfish optic nerve was recently identified as the goldfish equivalent to the mammalian type II keratin 8 protein. In addition to the ON3 protein, the goldfish optic nerve also contains a 48-kDa protein. Immunoblotting experiments suggest that this protein is equivalent to the mammalian type I keratin 18 protein, which typically pairs with keratin 8 to form filaments. We show that these proteins are not specific to the optic nerve. The ON3 and 48-kDa proteins of the goldfish optic nerve share common anti-genie properties with the predominant keratin pair expressed in the goldfish liver. These proteins are also expressed at low levels in the goldfish brain and spinal cord. In addition RNase protection assays and Northern blots indicate that the mRNA for the ON3 protein in optic nerve is identical to the message found in other goldfish tissues. The expression of ON3 was also examined in cultured glial cells from goldfish spinal cord and optic nerve and cultured fibroblast cells. Analysis of intermediate filament protein expression in cultured glial cells taken from goldfish spinal cord demonstrated the absence of GFAP in these cells and the expression of ON3. This protein was also the predominant intermediate filament protein of cultured optic nerve glial cells and fibroblasts. The differences in the expression of intermediate filament proteins in mammals and lower vertebrates are discussed. In addition, we discuss how the expression of a simple epithelial keratin pair in glial cells of the goldfish optic nerve may be associated with this system's capacity for continuous growth and regeneration.
Demand forecast sharing in a dual-channel supply chain

Abstract We assess the benefits of sharing demand forecast information in a manufacturer–retailer supply chain, consisting of a traditional retail channel and a direct channel. The demand is a linear function of price with a Gaussian primary demand (i.e., zero-price market potential). Both the manufacturer and the retailer set their price based on their forecast of the primary demand. In this setting, we investigate the value of sharing demand forecasts. We analyze the ‘make-to-order’ scenario, in which prices are set before and production takes place after the primary demand is known, and the ‘make-to-stock’ scenario, in which production takes place and prices are set before the primary demand is known. We also compare the supply chain performance with and without the direct channel under some assumptions (production cost is zero, and each demand function has the same slope of price). We find that the direct channel has a negative impact on the retailer’s performance, and, under some conditions, the manufacturer and the whole supply chain are better off. Our research extends and complements prior research that has investigated only the inventory and replenishment-related benefits of information sharing.
The Working Alliance: A Comparison of Two Therapies

Alliance ratings of single significant sessions of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic-interpersonal therapies were compared using the observer form of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-O). Eighteen cognitive-behavioral and 13 psychodynamic-interpersonal therapists, nominated by experts in the field, participated in the study. Results indicate significantly higher total alliance scores for cognitive-behavioral sessions, and greater variability in alliance for psychodynamic-interpersonal sessions. In addition, SCL-90 scores were negatively correlated with the alliance solely in psychodynamic therapy, indicating that more symptomatic patients may have greater difficulty with the work required in this kind of therapy.
An ordered nanoporous monolith from an elastomeric crosslinked block copolymer precursor

An ordered nanoporous monolith was prepared from a poly(isoprene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (PI-PDMS) hexagonally packed cylinder precursor. The PDMS cylinders were macroscopically aligned, the PI was crosslinked with dicumyl peroxide, and the PDMS was removed using tetra butylaminonium fluoride. The stability of the pores depended on the modulus of the matrix. At high crosslink density the pore were stable, but they collapsed at a low crosslink density. The nanoporous materials could be swollen in toluene.
Streicker Bridge: a comparison between Bragg-grating long-gauge strain and temperature sensors and Brillouin scattering-based distributed strain and temperature sensors

The Streicker Bridge at Princeton University campus has been equipped with two fiber-optic sensing technologies: discrete long-gauge sensing, based on Fiber Bragg-Gratings (FBG), and truly-distributed sensing, based on Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA). The sensors were embedded in concrete during the construction. The early age measurements, including hydration swelling and contraction, and post-tensioning of concrete were registered by both systems and placed side by side in order to compare their performances. Aside from the usual behavior, an unusual increase in strain was detected by several sensors in various cross-sections. The nature of this event is still under investigation, but preliminary study indicates early-age cracking as the cause. The comparison between the two monitoring systems shows good agreement in the areas where no unusual behavior was detected, but some discrepancies are noticed at locations where unusual behavior occurred and during the early age of concrete. These discrepancies are attributed to the spatial resolution of the distributed monitoring system and the temperature influences at early age. In this paper, general information concerning the Streicker Bridge project is given. The monitoring systems and their specifications are briefly presented. The monitoring data are analyzed and a comparison between the two systems is performed.
C/EBPα regulates CRL4Cdt2-mediated degradation of p21 in response to UVB-induced DNA damage to control the G1/S checkpoint

The bZIP transcription factor, C/EBPα is highly inducible by UVB and other DNA damaging agents in keratinocytes. C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes fail to undergo cell cycle arrest in G1 in response to UVB-induced DNA damage and mice lacking epidermal C/EBPα are highly susceptible to UVB-induced skin cancer. The mechanism through which C/EBPα regulates the cell cycle checkpoint in response to DNA damage is unknown. Here we report untreated C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes have normal levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, however, UVB-treated C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes fail to up-regulate nuclear p21 protein levels despite normal up-regulation of Cdkn1a mRNA levels. UVB-treated C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes displayed a 4-fold decrease in nuclear p21 protein half-life due to the increased proteasomal degradation of p21 via the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4Cdt2. Cdt2 is the substrate recognition subunit of CRL4Cdt2 and Cdt2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in UVB-treated C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes. Knockdown of Cdt2 restored p21 protein levels in UVB-treated C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes. Lastly, the failure to accumulate p21 in response to UVB in C/EBPα-deficient keratinocytes resulted in decreased p21 interactions with critical cell cycle regulatory proteins, increased CDK2 activity, and inappropriate entry into S-phase. These findings reveal C/EBPα regulates G1/S cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage via the control of CRL4Cdt2 mediated degradation of p21.
Changes in IAA responsiveness in the elongation region of graviresponding mung bean roots.

IAA responsiveness of sections of root tissue taken from the top and bottom of mung bean roots was assessed prior to and at varying times following gravistimulation. Prior to gravistimulation, root tissue sections from the sides of the elongation zone responded similarly to IAA. After gravistimulation (within 5 min), root sections from the bottom of the elongation zone became more responsive to IAA than sections collected from the upper side of the elongation zone. The change in IAA responsiveness of these tissue sections was transient with root sections from both the top and bottom of the elongation zone again exhibiting similar responsiveness to IAA following 15 minutes of gravistimulation. These studies also examined if the root tip is required for the gravity-induced shift in IAA responsiveness in the tissues of the elongation zone. The IAA responsiveness of top and bottom sections of the elongation zone from decapped mung bean roots was assessed at varying times following gravistimulation. The responsiveness to IAA of top and bottom sections changed rapidly in decapped roots, just as had been previously found for intact roots. Although the alteration in responsiveness was transient in decapped roots (just as intact roots), the time it took for the sections to recover previous responsiveness to IAA was extended. These results suggest that the initial growth response of graviresponding roots may be due to a change in the IAA responsiveness of tissues in the elongation zone and not an asymmetric accumulation of IAA on the lower side of the elongation zone. The results also indicate that the gravity-induced shift in IAA responsiveness in the elongation zone occurs independently of the root cap, suggesting that the cells in the elongation region can perceive and respond to gravity independently of the root cap during the intial phases of the gravity response.
Benefits of virtualization in security lab design

As a constructivist learning tool, information security laboratories can facilitate student learning. However, they also present challenges. The ability to confine malware within laboratory boundaries, repeatability and flexibility are desired qualities in laboratory design. This paper shares my experiences in using virtualization technology to achieve those qualities.
Corporatism as an economic system: A review essay

Abstract Interest in corporatism has surged in recent years among political scientists, sociologists, and historians trying to explain changes in economic institutions and processes of national economic policy-making in various OECD nations. This essay surveys various meanings of corporatism, the many propositions offered about economic and political factors encouraging the growth of corporatism, and the various propositions proposed to explain the economic impact of corporatist institutions.
Molecular dynamics simulation of superionicity in Neighborite, NaMgF3

Superionicity in neighborite, NaMgF3, has been studied by molecular dynamics using parameter-free Gordon-Kim potentials. These simulations show that this halide-based perovskite has a superionic phase. The onset temperature for superionicity is ∼ 50–100 K below the melting point. This is a novel type of superionicity in a halide, occurring as it does in a perovskite rather than a fluorite. Superionicity is demonstrated to occur whether one uses the full ionicity for Mg2+ and F− or employs reduced charges derived from a Quantum Chemistry calculation. The relevance of these findings to predictions of superionicity in the oxide perovskite MgSiO3[Matsui and Price, 1991] is discussed.
Lean management as a countermeasure for “Normal” disruptions

The academic and practitioner literature offer numerous examples of firms that have achieved significant performance improvement as a result of implementing lean management. Lean firms consistently apply well-defined tools and the relationship between implementation of these tools and improved performance is well-established in the literature. Many lean practices, such as standardized work and visual cues, reduce variability, increase productivity, and make problems more visible which can create a culture where disruptions occur less often. Although there is evidence that lean implementation leads to reduced disruptions, a question that remains unresolved is why these lean management tools lead to fewer disruptions and whether conditions such as the level of complexity and inventory in the system predict the successful application of these lean practices. Because many of the firms that adopt lean management can be characterized as complex work systems, we draw insights from literature on complex organizations operating in environments that are inherently perilous. Two constructs that are addressed in this literature are fundamental to the concept of lean management – interactive complexity and tight coupling or organizational slack. We argue that theory that applies to complex organizations provides a lens for viewing how lean management firms avoid disruptions and conclude that the theoretical basis for lean management lies in understanding how to overcome the complexity inherent in these systems to achieve disruption-free performance.
Tunneling and infrared measurements of the energy gap in the high-critical-temperature superconductor Y-Ba-Cu-O

We have measured the superconducting energy gap \ensuremath{\Delta} of high-critical-temperature (${T}_{c}$\ensuremath{\sim}90 K) ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{9\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ samples using tunneling and infrared techniques. From our tunneling data, we place limits on the reduced superconducting energy gap of 3.72\ensuremath{\Delta}/${k}_{B}$${T}_{c}$5.6. The tunneling gaps for a single-crystal sample are essentially the same if the tunneling tip is oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the CuO planes. The infrared measurements give a smaller apparent gap. We discuss the origins of the differences between the infrared and tunneling results.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulates Growth, But Not Atresia, of Mouse Preantral and Antral Follicles

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds various environmental contaminants. Despite our knowledge regarding the role of the AhR in mediating toxicity, little is known about the physiological role of the AhR. Previous studies indicate that the AhR may regulate folliculogenesis, because AhR-deficient (AhRKO) mice have fewer preantral and antral follicles than wild-type (WT) mice during postnatal life. Thus, the first objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that AhR deficiency reduces the numbers of preantral and antral follicles by slowing growth and/or increasing atresia of follicles. Because alterations in follicular growth or atresia can affect the ability to ovulate, the second objective was to test whether AhR deficiency reduces the number of ovulated eggs. To test these hypotheses, follicular growth was compared in WT and AhRKO ovaries using morphometric techniques and by measuring the ability of the ovary and follicles to grow in response to eCG. Atresia was compared in WT and AhRKO ovaries using morphometric techniques, TUNEL assays, and 3'-end labeling of fragmented DNA. Ovulation was compared in WT and AhRKO mice by assessing the number of corpora lutea per ovary. The results indicate that follicular growth and ovulation were reduced in AhRKO ovaries compared to WT ovaries. The WT ovaries had a 1.5-fold increase in the number of preantral and antral follicles between Postnatal Days 32 and 45, were more responsive to eCG, and contained more corpora lutea than AhRKO ovaries. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of atresia in WT and AhRKO ovaries. Taken together, these results suggest that the AhR may regulate growth, but not atresia, of preantral and antral follicles in the mouse ovary.
The PYXAID Program for Non-Adiabatic Molecular Dynamics in Condensed Matter Systems.

This work introduces the PYXAID program, developed for non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations in condensed matter systems. By applying the classical path approximation to the fewest switches surface hopping approach, we have developed an efficient computational tool that can be applied to study photoinduced dynamics at the ab initio level in systems composed of hundreds of atoms and involving thousands of electronic states. The technique is used to study in detail the ultrafast relaxation of hot electrons in crystalline pentacene. The simulated relaxation occurs on a 500 fs time scale, in excellent agreement with experiment, and is driven by molecular lattice vibrations in the 200–250 cm–1 frequency range. The PYXAID program is organized as a Python extension module and can be easily combined with other Python-driven modules, enhancing user-friendliness and flexibility of the software. The source code and additional information are available on the Web at the address http://gdriv.es/pyxaid. The prog...
Gas-phase conjugation to arginine residues in polypeptide ions via N-hydroxysuccinimide ester-based reagent ions.

Gas-phase conjugation to unprotonated arginine side-chains via N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters is demonstrated through both charge reduction and charge inversion ion/ion reactions. The unprotonated guanidino group of arginine can serve as a strong nucleophile, resulting in the facile displacement of NHS from NHS esters with concomitant covalent modification of the arginine residue. This reactivity is analogous to that observed with unprotonated primary amines such as the N-terminus or e-amino group of lysine. In solution, however, the arginine residues tend to be protonated at pH values low enough to prevent hydrolysis of NHS esters, which would render them relatively unreactive with NHS esters. This work demonstrates novel means for gas-phase conjugation to arginine side chains in polypeptide ions.
Transit of normal rat uterine stromal cells through G1 phase of the cell cycle requires progesterone-growth factor interactions.

Understanding of cell cycle regulation in hormonally responsive cells lags behind studies in other systems because few models have been available to identify the role of steroid hormones and their receptors in this process. This study investigates progesterone-dependent effects on the progression of normal uterine stromal cells through early G1 phase of the cell cycle. Quiescent rat uterine stromal cells were stimulated to reenter the cell cycle by adding serum-free medium containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF). [3H]thymidine incorporation increased significantly (P = 0.025) in cells stimulated with both FGF alone and MPA plus FGF compared with the control cells. Moreover, cells stimulated with MPA plus FGF incorporated significantly more (P = 0.01)[ 3H]thymidine than cells treated with FGF alone, suggesting requisite interactions between progesterone and FGF for stromal cell entry into S phase. Flow cytometric analysis of stimulated stromal cells showed FGF ...
Interpretation of gravity waves observed in the mesopause region at Starfire Optical Range, New Mexico: Strong evidence for nonseparable intrinsic (m, ω) spectra

Sixty-five hours of Na lidar observations of vertical and horizontal winds, temperature, and Na density were obtained during eight different nights in 1994 and 1995 at the Starfire Optical Range, New Mexico, using a 3,5 m diameter telescope. The high-resolution data are used to study the spectra of gravity wave perturbations in the mesopause region. Wave activity was strong during the observations. The average variances of temperature, relative atmospheric density, horizontal wind, and vertical wind were 80 K 2 , 28 (%) 2 , 1100 m 2 /s 2 , and 4.3 m 2 /s 2 , respectively. The temperature, relative density, and horizontal wind spectra are generally consistent with the large body of published measurements and with the predictions of gravity wave theory. The observed temporal frequency (ω 0 ) and vertical wave number (m) spectra of vertical winds are both very shallow. The indices of the ω o spectra vary between -0.59±0.13 and -1.2±0.09, and the mean value is -0.76. The indices of the m spectra vary between -0.83±0.04 and -1.48±0.03, and the mean value is -1.1. In contrast, the indices of the horizontal wind m spectra vary between -2.8±0.10 and -3.2±0.13 with a mean of -3.0. These large differences imply that the underlying intrinsic spectra are not separable. However, the observed vertical wind m spectra are not consistent with the nonseparable theories which predict index values near +1. By using mathematical and numerical models, we show that the observed m spectra are distorted by Doppler and critical layer effects associated with the height-varying mean wind field. This distortion is greatest at high values of m and leads to observed vertical wind m spectra which are steeper than the underlying intrinsic spectra. Although the intrinsic spectra are definitely shallower (i.e., indices more positive) than the observations, it is not possible to determine if the measurements are entirely consistent with any of the nonseparable wave dissipation theories.
Bernard-Soulier syndrome: Common ancestry in two African American families with the GP Ibα Leu129Pro mutation

Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSs) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by circulating giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and a prolonged bleeding time. BSs usually has an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, with a preponderance of Caucasian and Japanese ancestry when the ethnic background has been reported. Underlying this disorder of platelet function is a defect in the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex, composed of four polypeptides, GP Ibα, GP Ibβ, GP IX, and GP V. Molecular characterization of individuals with BSs has identified mutations in the GP Ibα, GP Ibβ, and GP IX genes responsible for the expressed phenotype. In this study, we report a family of African-American descent, with autosomal recessive BSs showing a point mutation in codon 129 of the GP Ibα gene. This mutation, CTC:wild-type to CCC:mutant, is similar to that of another African American family where the resulting leucine to proline substitution in the 5th leucine-rich repeat of GP Ibα is responsible for the observed BSs phenotype. Comparison of the intragenic polymorphisms of GP Ibα, as well as microsatellite markers in a 17.5 cM region of chromosome 17p12 that contains the GP Ibα gene, suggests that, although socially unrelated, the Leu129Pro mutation in these two families has a common founder. Am. J. Hematol. 65:141–148, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Annihilating Time and Space: Eclecticism and Virtual Tourism at the Sydenham Crystal Palace

29 April 1852. Parliament. At the instigation of James Heywood, the House of Commons was debating a last-ditch motion to preserve the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, where it had stood during the much...
Construction of minimal cocycles arising from specific differential equations

Blending methods of Topological Dynamics and Control Theory, we develop a new technique to construct compact-Lie-group-valued minimal cocycles arising as fundamental matrix solutions of linear differential equations with recurrent coefficients subject to a given constraint. The precise requirement on the coefficients is that they belong to a specified closed convex subsetS of the Lie algebraL of the Lie group. Our result is proved for a very thin class of cocycles, since the dimension ofS is allowed to be much smaller than that ofL, and the only assumption onS is thatL 0(S) =L, whereL 0(S) is the ideal ofL(S) generated by the difference setS − S, andL(S) is the Lie subalgebra ofL generated byS. This covers a number of differential equations arising in Mathematical Physics, and applies in particular to the widely studied example of the Rabi oscillator.
Parameter and quantile estimation for the generalized pareto distribution

The generalized Pareto distribution is a two-parameter distribution that contains uniform, exponential, and Pareto distributions as special cases. It has applications in a number of fields, including reliability studies and the analysis of environmental extreme events. Maximum likelihood estimation of the generalized Pareto distribution has previously been considered in the literature, but we show, using computer simulation, that, unless the sample size is 500 or more, estimators derived by the method of moments or the method of probability-weighted moments are more reliable. We also use computer simulation to assess the accuracy of confidence intervals for the parameters and quantiles of the generalized Pareto distribution.
International Evidence on the Asymmetry of Business Cycle Turning Points

Turning point symmetry implies that a time series displays cycles that exhibit similar behavior around peaks and troughs. In this paper two tests for business cycle turning point symmetry are applied to industrial production data from a number of OECD countries. A Markov chain test provides very weak evidence for turning point asymmetry for these countries. Several problems with this approach are identified, and nonparametric methods are proposed as alternatives to the Markov chain test and reveal more clear-cut evidence for turning point asymmetry.
Self-assembled monolayers as anti-stiction coatings for MEMS: characteristics and recent developments

Despite significant advances in surface micromachining technology, stiction remains a key problem, severely limiting the realization and reliability of many micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices. In this article, we focus on self-assembled monolayers as release and anti-stiction coatings for MEMS. Their formation mechanism, the microstructure coating process, and the characteristics of the coated microstructures are described, followed by a discussion of the current limitations, areas for improvements and recent progress for this coating technology.
Novel 45-Kilodalton Leptospiral Protein That Is Processed to a 31-Kilodalton Growth-Phase-Regulated Peripheral Membrane Protein

Leptospiral protein antigens are of interest as potential virulence factors and as candidate serodiagnostic and immunoprotective reagents. We identified leptospiral protein antigens by screening a genomic expression library with serum from a rabbit hyperimmunized with formalin-killed, virulent Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa. Genes expressing known outer membrane lipoproteins LipL32 and LipL41, the heat shock protein GroEL, and the α, β, and β′ subunits of RNA polymerase were isolated from the library. In addition, a new leptospiral gene that in Escherichia coli expressed a 45-kDa antigen with an amino-terminal signal peptide followed by the spirochetal lipobox Val−4-Phe−3-Asn−2-Ala−1↓Cys+1 was isolated. We designated this putative lipoprotein LipL45. Immunoblot analysis of a panel of Leptospira strains probed with LipL45 antiserum demonstrated that many low-passage strains expressed LipL45. In contrast, LipL45 was not detected in high-passage, culture-attenuated strains, suggesting that LipL45 is a virulence-associated protein. In addition, all leptospiral strains tested, irrespective of culture passage, expressed a 31-kDa antigen that was recognized by LipL45 antiserum. Southern blot and peptide mapping studies indicated that this 31-kDa antigen was derived from the carboxy terminus of LipL45; therefore, it was designated P31LipL45. Membrane fractionation studies demonstrated that P31LipL45 is a peripheral membrane protein. Finally, we found that P31LipL45 levels increased as Leptospira entered the stationary phase, indicating that P31LipL45 levels were regulated. Hamsters infected with L. kirschneri formed an antibody response to LipL45, indicating that LipL45 was expressed during infection. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry of kidneys from infected hamsters indicated that LipL45 was expressed by L. kirschneri that colonized the renal tubule. These observations suggest that expression of LipL45 responds to environmental cues, including those encountered during infection of a mammalian host.
Review Essay: On Transparency, Epistemologies, and Positioning in Writing Introductory Qualitative Research Texts

Building on Gunter MEY's (2000, para. 2) argument that "reviews should help to promote additional perspectives … and to open up new scientific discourses," in this essay review of Carol GRBICH's (2007) "Qualitative Data Analysis," we present an approach to reading texts ethnographically that enabled us to uncover how the choices GRBICH makes in positioning readers and in choosing particular ways of representing select qualitative approaches inscribes particular worlds and possibilities for qualitative research. In her text GRBICH argues that authors position readers through the ways in which they report and write about their work. In this review essay we use this argument as a basis to uncover how GRBICH positions readers, researchers, those researched, different qualitative traditions and perspectives as well as herself as an author of the text, to lay a foundation for engaging readers of FQS in a hermeneutic dialogue (KELLY, 2006) about the authoring and reviewing processes and their inter-relationships. Through this dialogue, we seek to develop with readers of FQS a new discourse about the necessity of transparency in the position that authors and reviewers take in reporting/reviewing of research, and in representing the traditions that differ from the author's/reviewer's own tradition(s). Our goal in framing this essay review as a hermeneutical dialogue is to identify previously unexamined issues of how the writing of introductory texts is shaped by the often invisible perspectives of authors, which in turn leads to a particular inscription of what counts as qualitative research . URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1201233
Electrochemical and Optical Behavior of 8-Hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic Acid at Optically Transparent Electrodes

The objective of this work is to elucidate the electrochemical and corresponding optical properties of 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS), using optically transparent electrodes, thereby deducing its usefulness as a model compound for spectroelectrochemical sensor development. Three pH levels were tested to determine optimal solution conditions for optical signal modulation. The electrolysis of HPTS follows an ECE mechanism, presumably resulting in the formation of a dihydroxy/dione derivative, and modulates the optical response at 405 and 460 nm wavelengths for pH 5 solutions. HPTS is a good candidate for spectroelectrochemical sensor research.
Incorporating commodity stockholding into a general equilibrium model of the global economy

Applied General Equilibrium (AGE) models are increasingly used for short-run commodity market analysis, although they are generally not designed for such purposes. This study remedies a key shortcoming of such work by incorporating a commodity stockholding model into a short-run global AGE model. An approach to calibrating and validating the model is demonstrated for the staple grains sector. Its historical weather-induced supply shocks form a natural vehicle for reconciling model outcomes with observed behavior. The stockholding model, in conjunction with a Gaussian Quadrature approach to characterizing supply-side uncertainty, will prove useful to researchers seeking to conduct short-run analysis of commodity market policy in an AGE context.
Group counseling for students transitioning out of postsecondary education

This paper proposes a narrative-based group counseling model for postsecondary students preparing to graduate and transition out of university life. The challenges associated with this transition are both psychological and career-related in nature. The author utilizes multiple transition frameworks to provide a conceptualization of the graduation transition, and offers an overview of narrative therapy, its use in transition counseling, and its use in groupwork. The proposed intervention calls for two facilitators and between six and eight members. An intervention overview is provided that includes recruitment and prescreening instructions as well as content for eight sessions.
Thomas Edison's Monetary Option

In 1922, Thomas Edison publicly introduced his latest invention—a new type of money, a commodity-backed currency that he believed was the long-term solution to America's monetary woes. “I want to cast the variable out of money. This gold money is not good enough. It's a fiction” he boldly proclaimed (New York Times 1922).
Return to drug use and overdose after release from prison: a qualitative study of risk and protective factors

Former inmates are at high risk for death from drug overdose, especially in the immediate post-release period. The purpose of the study is to understand the drug use experiences, perceptions of overdose risk, and experiences with overdose among former prisoners. This qualitative study included former prison inmates (N = 29) who were recruited within two months after their release. Interviewers conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews which explored participants' experiences and perceptions. Transcripts were analyzed utilizing a team-based method of inductive analysis. The following themes emerged: 1) Relapse to drugs and alcohol occurred in a context of poor social support, medical co-morbidity and inadequate economic resources; 2) former inmates experienced ubiquitous exposure to drugs in their living environments; 3) intentional overdose was considered "a way out" given situational stressors, and accidental overdose was perceived as related to decreased tolerance; and 4) protective factors included structured drug treatment programs, spirituality/religion, community-based resources (including self-help groups), and family. Former inmates return to environments that strongly trigger relapse to drug use and put them at risk for overdose. Interventions to prevent overdose after release from prison may benefit from including structured treatment with gradual transition to the community, enhanced protective factors, and reductions of environmental triggers to use drugs.
Candida albicans Als1p: an adhesin that is a downstream effector of the EFG1 filamentation pathway

Summary Filamentation and adherence to host cells are critical virulence factors of Candida albicans. Multiple filamentation regulatory pathways have been discovered in C. albicans using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. In S. cerevisiae, these pathways converge on Flo11p, which functions as a downstream effector of filamentation and also mediates cell–cell adherence (flocculation). In C. albicans, such effector(s) have not yet been identified. Here, we demonstrate that the cell surface protein Als1p is an effector of filamentation in C. albicans. We show that Als1p expression is controlled by the transcription factor Efg1p, which is known to be a key regulator of filamentation in C. albicans. Further, disruption of ALS1 inhibited filamentation, and autonomous expression of Als1p restored filamentation in an efg1 homozygous null mutant. Thus, Als1p functions as a downstream effector of the EFG1 filamentation pathway. In addition, we found that Als1p mediates both flocculation and adherence of C. albicans to endothelial cells in vitro. As a cell surface glycoprotein that mediates filamentation and adherence, Als1p has both structural and functional similarity to S. cerevisiae Flo11p. Consistent with our in vitro results, Als1p was required for both normal filamentation and virulence in the mouse model of haematogenously disseminated candidiasis.
Wound Healing Is Accelerated by Agonists of Adenosine A2 (Gαs-linked) Receptors

The complete healing of wounds is the final step in a highly regulated response to injury. Although many of the molecular mediators and cellular events of healing are known, their manipulation for the enhancement and acceleration of wound closure has not proven practical as yet. We and others have established that adenosine is a potent regulator of the inflammatory response, which is a component of wound healing. We now report that ligation of the Gαs-linked adenosine receptors on the cells of an artificial wound dramatically alters the kinetics of wound closure. Excisional wound closure in normal, healthy mice was significantly accelerated by topical application of the specific A2A receptor agonist CGS-21680 (50% closure by day 2 in A2 receptor antagonists. In rats rendered diabetic (streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus) wound healing was impaired as compared to nondiabetic rats; CGS-21680 significantly increased the rate of wound healing in both nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Indeed, the rate of wound healing in the CGS-21680–treated diabetic rats was greater than or equal to that observed in untreated normal rats. These results appear to constitute the first evidence that a small molecule, such as an adenosine receptor agonist, accelerates wound healing in both normal animals and in animals with impaired wound healing.