cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The normal variabilities of the menstrual cycle

Objective To address conflicts in the normal variabilities of the menstrual cycle using the newest generation test methods and to establish normal ranges for use in clinical practice. Design Daily urine samples were collected from 167 women eager to achieve pregnancy. Samples were tested prospectively for LH and total hCG. A total of 458 nongestational and 111 gestational menstrual cycles were evaluated. Setting Division of Women's Health Research, University of New Mexico. Patient(s) One hundred sixty-seven women desiring pregnancy. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Levels of hCG and LH. Result(s) Menstrual cycles were 27.7 ± 2.4 days in length. The LH peak indicated the onset of the presumed ovulatory window, which occurs at 14.7 ± 2.4 days. Implantation (first day of sensitive detection of hCG) occurred in gestational menstrual cycles at 24.6 ± 3.1 days, or 4.3 ± 2.2 days before missing the expected onset of menses. Conclusion(s) Our data confirm epidemiological studies on menstrual cycle length and variability and hormonal studies on timing of the ovulatory window and its variability. They dispute, however, the published data on the timing and variance of implantation. As shown, implantation is limited to a 10-day interval culminating in the day of the expected onset of menses. Reference range data provide guidelines for differentiating normal and problem menstrual cycles.
THE PRODUCTION OF CRIMINOLOGY

Criminology—in theory and practice—is a form of cultural production. We are creating a way of understanding and a way of living in the world. Our production, however. is mediated by our location in the class structure. Whether our expressions are critical and reflexive or merely reflections of capitalism is shaped by our ability to think dialectically and by our conscious involvement in the class struggle. We are in Ihe position-intellectually and socially-to think about and act upon the production of a socialist future.
Inadequate Physical Activity and Health Care Expenditures in the United States

This study estimates the percentage of health care expenditures in the non-institutionalized United States (U.S.) adult population associated with levels of physical activity inadequate to meet current guidelines. Leisure-time physical activity data from the National Health Interview Survey (2004-2010) were merged with health care expenditure data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2006-2011). Health care expenditures for inactive (i.e., no physical activity) and insufficiently active adults (i.e., some physical activity but not enough to meet guidelines) were compared with active adults (i.e., ≥150minutes/week moderate-intensity equivalent activity) using an econometric model. Overall, 11.1% (95% CI: 7.3, 14.9) of aggregate health care expenditures were associated with inadequate physical activity (i.e., inactive and insufficiently active levels). When adults with any reported difficulty walking due to a health problem were excluded, 8.7% (95% CI: 5.2, 12.3) of aggregate health care expenditures were associated with inadequate physical activity. Increasing adults' physical activity to meet guidelines may reduce U.S. health care expenditures.
Direct determination of ion-neutral molecule interaction potentials from gaseous ion mobility measurements

In the last fifteen years it has become possible to make measurements of the mobility of trace amounts of ions through a neutral gas with an accuracy of 1–2% over a wide range of E/N, the ratio of electric field strength to the neutral gas number density. Only recently, however, has theory developed sufficiently to permit attempts to obtain accurate information about ion-neutral potentials from analysis of such measurements. We present a scheme that allows the theoretical expressions to be inverted, so that the direct determination of ion-neutral potentials from gaseous ion mobility measurements becomes feasible with good accuracy (5% or better) over a wide range of separation distances. The accuracy of the inversion scheme is tested using simulated data for Li+ in He.
Robust inferential control of multi-rate sampled-data systems

Abstract A framework called generalized inferential control (GIC) is established for designing robust, linear inferential control systems for multi-rate sampled-data systems. Practical issues such as model/plant mismatch, constraints, and actuator/measurement failure tolerance are addressed rigorously in the GIC framework. Various H 2 -optimal design techniques such as linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), model-predictive control (MPC), and internal model control (IMC) are discussed and extended in the context of GIC. In addition, a connection between MPC and IMC is established and a method for replacing the “difficult-to-select” covariance and weighting matrices with more direct, on-line-tunable parameters is proposed. The proposed design methods are applied to a high-purity distillation column.
Accurate and versatile equations of state for the Sun and Sun-like stars

For models of the Sun and Sun-like stars, a high-quality equation of state is crucial. In addition, helioseismic and asteroseismic observations also put constraints on the physical formalisms. Thus, they effectively turn the Sun and the stars into laboratories for dense plasmas. Currently, the main astrophysical beneficiary of a good equation of state is the determination of the chemical composition. Here, seismic data have supplemented spectroscopic information. Recently, there has been theoretical progress in the equation of state, thanks to renewed rigorous and phenomenological approaches.
Morphological analysis of discrete random shapes

In this paper I discuss a number of theoretical issues regarding the morphological analysis of discrete random shapes by means of Matheron's random set theory. I revisit this theory by limiting myself to the discrete case, since most image data are available in a discrete form. Although it may seem that the transition from the continuous to the discrete case is straightforward (since most of Matheron's theory is general enough to incorporate the discrete case as a special case), this transition is often challenging and full of exciting and, surprisingly, pleasant results. I introduce the concept of the cumulative-distribution functional of a discrete random set and review some fundamental properties of the capacity functional (a fundamental statistical quantity that uniquely defines a random set and relates random set theory to mathematical morphology). In analogy to a recent result and under a natural boundness condition, I show that there exists a one-to-one correspondence between the probability-mass function of a discrete binary random field and the corresponding cumulative-distribution functional. The relationship between the cumulative-distribution functional and the capacity functional of a discrete random set is also established. The cumulative-distribution and capacity functionals are related to the higher-order moments of a discrete binary random field, and, therefore, their computation is equivalent to computing these moments. A brief discussion of how to perform such computations for a certain class of discrete random sets is provided. The capacity functional of a morphologically transformed, continuous random set cannot be associated to the capacity functional of the random set itself, except in the case of dilation. I show that the derivation of such an association is possible in the discrete case and for the cases of dilation and erosion and more complicated morphological transformations, such as opening and closing. These relationships are then used to derive a fundamental result regarding the statistical behavior of opening and closing morphological filters. I also show that the probability-mass function of a discrete binary random field may be expressed in terms of the cumulative-distribution functional or the capacity functional of a morphologically transformed discrete random set by means of a hit-or-miss transformation. I also introduce moments for discrete random sets, which permit generalization of the concepts of autocorrelation and contact distribution. Furthermore, I demonstrate the fact that the class of opening-based size distributions, introduced axiomatically by Matheron, are higher-order moments of a discrete random set, therefore statistically demonstrating that size distributions are good statistical summaries for shape. Finally, convex random sets are viewed in the discrete domain. My final result regarding convexity, is similar to Matheron's. However, the tools used here for the derivation of such a result are different from the ones used by Matheron, whose approach to this subject is limited to the continuous case.
Limit laws in the best of 2n ‐ 1 bernoulli trials

A series of independent Bernoulli trials is considered in which either an outcome of type A or type B occurs at each trial. The series terminates when n outcomes of one type have occurred. Two observable random variables of interest are the total number of outcomes in the series and the number of outcomes of the “losing kind.” Two methods of approximation of the expectations of these random variables for large n are obtained and compared. The limiting distribution of the number of outcomes of the “losing kind” is considered when a beta distribution is assigned to p.
T time in the brain

Inflammation in neural tissue has long been suspected to have a role in stroke. A new study in mouse models of focal cerebral ischemia suggest that a stereotyped sequence of T cell infiltration and activation may underlie the progression of brain injury that can last up to days after stroke onset ( pages 946–950 ).
Low-level lead exposure and children's IQ : a meta-analysis and search for a threshold

To assess the strength of the association between blood lead and children's IQ, a meta-analysis of the studies examining the relationship in school age children was performed. Emphasis was given to the size of the effect, since that allows comparisons that are informative about potential confounding and effect modifiers. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. A highly significant association was found between lead exposure and children's IQ (P < 0.001). An increase in blood lead from 10 to 20 micrograms/dl was associated with a decrease of 2.6 IQ points in the meta-analysis. This result was robust to inclusion or exclusion of the strongest individual studies and to relaxing the age requirements (school age children) of the meta-analysis. Adding eight studies with effect estimates of 0 would still leave a significant association with blood lead (P < 0.01). There was no evidence that the effect was limited to disadvantaged children and there was a suggestion of the opposite. The studies with mean blood lead levels of 15 micrograms/dl or lower in their sample had higher estimated blood lead slopes, suggesting that a threshold at 10 micrograms/dl is implausible. The study with the lowest mean blood lead level was examined using nonparametric smoothing. It showed no evidence of a threshold down to blood lead concentrations of 1 microgram/dl. Lead interferes with GABAergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. It has been shown to bind to the NMDA receptor and inhibit long-term potentiation in the hippocampal region of the brain. Moreover, experimental studies have demonstrated that blood levels of 10 micrograms/dl interfere with a broad range of cognitive function in primates. Given this support, these associations in humans should be considered causal.
Renormalized equilibria of a Schlögl model lattice gas

A lattice gas model for Schlogl's second chemical reaction is described and analyzed. Because the lattice gas does not obey a semi-detailed-balance condition, the equilibria are non-Gibbsian. In spite of this, a self-consistent set of equations for the exact homogeneous equilibria are described, using a generalized cluster-expansion scheme. These equations are solved in the two-particle BBGKY approximation, and the results are compared to numerical experiment. It is found that this approximation describes the equilibria far more accurately than the Boltzmann approximation. It is also found, however, that it can give rise to spurious solutions to the equilibrium equations.
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

Fatigue is a common disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is often considered a state of exhaustion distinct from depressed mood or physical weakness. Fatigue can be assessed by either self-report scales or performance-based measures; however, neither method captures all features of fatigue. Fatigue in MS frequently leads to unemployment. It is associated with a sense of loss of control over one's environment, low positive affect, psychological distress and neurological impairment. To date there is no reproducible neuroimaging marker or biological correlate that has been identified. Proposed pathological mechanisms of fatigue in MS include neuronal factors such as dysfunction of premotor, limbic, basal ganglia or hypothalamic areas; disruption of the neuroendrocrine axis leading to low arousal; alteration in serotoninergic pathways; changes in neurotransmitter levels; and altered CNS functioning caused by a disruption of the immune response. Treatment of fatigue is best approached in a multidisciplinary fashion that incorporates nonpharmacological interventions as well as medication. Amantadine and modafinil are among the most commonly used medications for fatigue associated with MS. Both medications have been studied with positive results in controlled clinical trials. Additional research towards measurement and pathogenesis of fatigue will hopefully lead to improved therapies.
Determinants of Physician Ordering of Preoperative Autologous Donations

Preoperative autologous donation (PAD) is frequently utilized to reduce infectious disease transmission risks, but it is an expensive form of hemotherapy that is not always closely matched with the needs of the patients. We compared the use of PAD in an academic medical center with patient needs and then investigated the efficacy of a simple intervention to promote targeting of PAD toward patients most likely to benefit from having PADs available. Over a 3-month period, surgeons whose patients received allogeneic components were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to identify reasons for not ordering PAD. PAD units were used in 14 (11%) of 124 cases, accounting for 6% of perioperative red cell use. The responses (46, 42% of the surveys sent) stated that PAD had not been ordered because of time constraints (39%), medical problems (26%), anemia (15%), and lack of expectation of blood use (24%). Chart review documented the presence of cited conditions in 88% of cases. Logistic and cost concerns were not evident. However, only 8% of the 176 PAD units collected in that period were transfused. Following dissemination of PAD ordering guidelines, this proportion rose to 52% without a reduction in the proportion of elective surgical cases utilizing autologous transfusion. This improvement in ordering practice was maintained over at least in 5-month period. Thus we were able to improve the efficiency of PAD application (reducing over-ordering) through a simple feedback to surgeons that assisted them in targeting PAD toward patients most likely to need transfusion.
Efficacy of cinoxacin in urinary tract infections.

Cinoxacin, a new synthetic antibacterial agent with in vitro activity against all species of Enterobacteriaceae , was used in the treatment of urinary tract infections in 20 patients. The dose of cinoxacin was 250 mg orally every 6 h for 10 days. The etiological agents were Escherichia coli in fifteen, Klebsiella-Enterobacter in five, Proteus mirabilis in two, and Providencia in one. The minimal inhibitory concentration for these organisms ranged from 2 to 64 μg/ml. Eleven of the 20 patients had renal involvement by defined criteria, whereas the remaining nine were considered to have bladder bacilluria. The initial strain was eradicated during and immediately after treatment in 19 of 20 cases. At 6 weeks, 65% had sterile urine. Bactericidal urine levels of cinoxacin were obtained in all patients. No significant hematological, renal, hepatic, or gastroenterologic toxicity was noted. Cinoxacin appears to be a safe and useful drug in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae . Images
Passing Mirrors: Subjectivity in a Midwestern Hair Salon

Before I could begin the process of making cultural meanings visible through notes, on the page, to an audience and in Iowa, I first had to face the inner voice that told a realistic story about itself, its history, its power. This realization came early, on day one of what was intended to be a straightforward field study beginning in one particular place, a hair salon in rural Iowa, leading to a more extensive study involving other urban, community-based salons. Beginning in Iowa, I was to employ the most obvious and specific of ethnographic techniques available to a budding researcher, participant observation. My intentions were simple: to observe and, while doing so, to zero in on forms of talk that were characteristic of the African American cultural ethos to use in my dissertation. Ultimately, my greater goal became a comparative analysis between talk in community hair salons and the talk of users of African American English who make use of culturally relevant discourse in classrooms while reasoning about literature. Why a hair salon as a source for data? Hair salons for women, like barbershops for men, are traditionally places where co-constructed, community forms of talk-stories, personal narratives, jokes, folklore, and folktales--can be found. They are also sites in which these genres and African American English interactional norms are used as resources for the construction of arguments. This hypothesis is based on the contributions of linguists, sociocultural theorists, and anthropologists who have hypothesized that the genres of discourse and related communicative norms one might find in the hair salon typify norms across institutions in the black community, such as the traditional African American church, and literary and music genres such as jazz, hip-hop, and rap. Within the hair salon, I sought to identify the communicative characteristics and discourse structures, that is, interaction patterns, the role and structure of personal narratives, and other genres of talk drawn from the sociolinguistic literature on African American English discourses. Early on in this quest, however, I came to realize that every moment in one particular salon was informed not only by the literature before me but also by the subjective position of myself as the researcher, a key instrument in the research process. Every moment in "pursuit of indigenous meanings," according to Emerson and associates (1995:12), becomes a moment in the process of self-discovery. Through it, the
Subdividing the Trefoil by Origami

In 2005, David Cox and Jerry Shurman proved that the curves they call <path id="x1D45A" d="M766 88q-40 -45 -83.5 -72.5t-63.5 -27.5q-39 0 -16 103l49 224q15 68 -10 68q-36 0 -112.5 -78.5t-105.5 -133.5q-27 -101 -38 -165q-35 -4 -77 -18l-6 6q42 153 70 288q12 55 10 78t-19 23q-38 0 -114 -80.5t-101 -131.5q-24 -68 -41 -165q-36 -3 -76 -18l-8 6 q56 202 87 347q7 33 -3 33q-8 0 -31.5 -17.5t-41.5 -35.5l-12 28q42 45 84 72t63 27q44 0 10 -124l-20 -75h2q92 121 193 178q36 21 64 21q62 0 28 -159l-8 -37h2q50 67 103.5 112t94.5 65q39 19 62 19q60 0 23 -156l-45 -189q-9 -39 2 -39q17 0 71 49z" /> -clovers can be subdivided into <path id="x1D45B" d="M495 86q-46 -47 -87 -72.5t-63 -25.5q-43 0 -16 107l49 210q7 34 8 50.5t-3 21t-13 4.5q-35 0 -109.5 -72.5t-115.5 -140.5q-21 -75 -38 -159q-50 -10 -76 -21l-6 8l84 340q8 35 -4 35q-17 0 -67 -46l-15 26q44 44 85.5 70.5t64.5 26.5q35 0 10 -103l-24 -98h2 q42 56 97 103.5t96 71.5q46 26 74 26q9 0 16 -2.5t14 -11.5t9.5 -24.5t-1 -44t-13.5 -68.5q-30 -117 -47 -200q-4 -19 -3.5 -25t6.5 -6q21 0 70 48z" /> equal lengths (for certain values of ) by origami, in the cases where , 2, 3, and 4. In this paper, we expand their work to include the 6-clover.
Capturing the cardiac effects of racial discrimination: Do the effects "keep going"?

Racial discrimination negatively impacts cardiac functioning, but few studies examine the more distal cardiac effects of racial discrimination experiences. The present study examined the momentary and prolonged impact of lab-based intergroup and intragroup racial discrimination on heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) in a sample (N = 42) of African American (AA) women across two days. On day one, the women were exposed to simulated racial discrimination from either a European American (EA) or AA confederate in the lab. On day two, the women returned to the lab for additional physiological recording and debriefing. Women insulted by the EA confederate exhibited lower HRV on day one and marginally lower HRV on day two. These women also exhibited marginally higher HR on day two. The HRV and HR effects on day two were not mediated by differences in perseveration about the stressor. The findings indicate that racial discrimination – particularly intergroup racial discrimination – may have both momentary and prolonged effects on cardiac activity in AAs.
Clinical interpretation of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-Short Form sexual summary score.

Purpose: The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite is a validated health related quality of life instrument that is commonly administered after prostate cancer treatment. We classified Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-Short Form sexual summary scores into clinically meaningful groups.Materials and Methods: A development cohort of 561 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy was used to define sexual summary groups by correlation with their responses on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men. A separate validation cohort of 430 patients was used to compare Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-Long Form sexual bother scores among these sexual summary groups.Results: A sexual summary group score of 0 to 33, 34 to 45, 46 to 60, 61 to 75 and greater than 75 correlated with Sexual Health Inventory for Men groups of severe—1 to 7, moderate—8 to 11, mild/moderate—12 to 16, mild—17 to 21 and no erectile dysfunction—22 to 25, respectively. In the validation group mean sexual bother scores in each of th...
Antibody specific for extra domain B of fibronectin demonstrates elevated levels of both extra domain B(+) and B(-) fibronectin in osteoarthritic canine cartilage

A fusion protein containing the alternately spliced Extra Domain B [ED-B(+)] sequence of canine fibronectin was expressed in E. coli and the purified protein was used to produce an antibody specific for the ED-B(+) segment. This antibody recognized canine cartilage fibronectin but not canine plasma or synovial fluid fibronectin. Using this antibody, it was determined that ED-B(+) fibronectin increased proportionally with the total fibronectin in osteoarthritic cartilage. From this result, it was concluded that the chondrocyte is the source of much of the elevated fibronectin that appears in osteoarthritic cartilage.
Service life prediction of residential interior finishes for life cycle assessment

Service life of building products has an important influence on life cycle assessment (LCA) results of buildings. The goal of this study was to propose a systematic approach to estimate service life of building products by including both technical and social factors. A hybrid service life prediction method, combining the statistical approach described in American Society for Testing and Materials standard G166 with the Factor Method adopted by International Organization for Standardization standard 15686, was proposed. In their current forms, the two methods are not suitable to provide reliable lifetime estimates for the wide variety of products that are used in buildings. Statistical analysis was preferred over a deterministic approach. Regression analysis was used to define Weibull distribution parameters for each product. These distributions were then used to calculate the mean estimated service life of products with an 80% confidence interval. Using actual lifetime observed from practice instead of design lifetime for reference service life was preferred. This enables the use of a smaller range of coefficients for each factor affecting service life, which decreases subjectivity and increases reliability of results. Example median service life estimates were demonstrated for common residential interior finishes that are replaced more frequently, and therefore require more maintenance planning and potentially have significant environmental impacts. Probability of renovation distributions was also presented for interior finishes. The proposed method inherently includes social factors in the dataset used to define lifetime distributions, which could be as important as durability for some building product categories. Another advantage is that choosing reference service life based on real-life conditions decreases the range of coefficients necessary for modifying factors in comparison to when design lifetime is used, thus decreasing the subjectivity of results due to variations in assigned values by different users. The Factor Method is the most promising method available to estimate service life of products. Unless additional data points were gathered for investigated products, the presented lifetime distribution results can be directly applied to LCA studies. The proposed hybrid method can also be applied to other products that are studied within the Factor Method. Products whose lifetimes are influenced by social factors are prime candidates to apply this method.
Library Master: bibliographic and textual database software

Library Master: bibliographic and textual database software. Author: Harry Hahne. Available from Balboa Software, 61 Lorraine Drive, Willowdale, Ontario M2N 2E3, Canada. Tel: +1 (416) 730–1896. MS‐DOS version US$179.95, CAN$199.95. Demonstration disk US$5.00. Trial version and full documentation US$24.95. System requirements: PC/MS‐DOS 2.0 or higher. Two floppy drives or hard disk and minimum 384 Kb RAM, with 512 Kb RAM recommended for complex databases.
Structure in semantic memory: A probabilistic approach using a continuous response task

In the continuous response (CR) task, the subject is given the name of a familiar category and must respond with category examples within a fixed time limit. The response sequence and the interresponse times are the measured variables. A general model is proposed for performance in the CR task. The time taken to generate a response is identified with the shortest search time from among a set of simultaneous search processes. Each response has a generation probability that is a function of the parameters governing the search process durations. Data involving the category “states in the United States” are used to test the model. The model accounts for the performance of nearly all individuals in these data.
Immunization of mice with melanoma cells transfected to secrete the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin A.

Immunization of mice with a melanoma vaccine coupled with staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) inhibits the growth of primary melanoma tumors in mice. We have now successfully transfected B16 cells with the sea gene and have immunized C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously once per week for 4 weeks prior to tumor challenge with vaccines of irradiated B16 cells or, 4 weeks following tumor challenge of naive mice with B16 cells, with irradiated B16 cells transfected with the sea gene. Primary tumor growth following both types of treatments was inhibited significantly. To characterize immune responses to these immunogens, we examined the production of antibodies to the B700 melanoma antigen, the stimulation of endogenous IL-2 production, the expression of CD4, CD8, Vβ and CD25 T cell markers, and the induction of NK activity. At 4 weeks following immunization of mice, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in levels of interleukin-2 production by splenocytes from mice immunized with SEA-secreting B16 cells or with the parental B16 cells, compared to controls. Levels of antibodies to the B700 melanoma antigen were also significantly higher in mice immunized with the SEA-secreting B16 cells, as was expression of CD4, CD8, CD25 and Vβ T cell antigens, particularly CD4. Natural killer cell activity (at various E:T ratios) was tenfold higher in splenocytes of mice immunized with SEA-secreting B16 cells, and fivefold higher in mice immunized with the parental B16 cells, compared to controls. These data confirm the possibility of using irradiated murine melanoma cells transfected to secrete SEA in vaccines targeted at preventing the development and growth of melanoma.
NIF optical materials and fabrication technologies: an overview

The high-energy/high-power section of the NIF laser system contains 7360 meter-scale optics. Advanced optical materials and fabrication technologies needed to manufacture the NIF optics have been developed and put into production at key vendor sites. Production rates are up to 20 times faster and per-optic costs 5 times lower than could be achieved prior to the NIF. In addition, the optics manufactured for NIF are better than specification giving laser performance better than the design. A suite of custom metrology tools have been designed, built and installed at the vendor sites to verify compliance with NIF optical specifications. A brief description of the NIF optical wavefront specifications for the glass and crystal optics is presented. The wavefront specifications span a continuous range of spatial scale-lengths from 10 μm to 0.5 m (full aperture). We have continued our multi-year research effort to improve the lifetime (i.e. damage resistance) of bulk optical materials, finished optical surfaces and multi-layer dielectric coatings. New methods for post-processing the completed optic to improve the damage resistance have been developed and made operational. This includes laser conditioning of coatings, glass surfaces and bulk KDP and DKDP and well as raster and full aperture defect mapping systems. Research on damage mechanisms continues to drive the development of even better optical materials.
Operational reviews and auditing ERP

Reider, Rob. 2002. Operational Review: Maximum Results at Efficient Costs, 3rd edition (New York: John Wiley & Sons). Musaji, Yusufali F. 2002. Integrated Auditing of ERP Systems (New York: John Wiley & Sons).
A model of the nucleotide-binding site in tubulin

Abstract Tubulin uses GTP to regulate microtubule assembly and is thought to be a member of a class of GDP/GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) as defined by Hughes [(1983) Febs Lett. 164, 1–8]. How tubulin is structurally related to G-proteins is not known. We use a synthesis of sequence comparisons between tubulin, other G-proteins, and ADP/ATP-binding proteins and topological arguments to identify potential regions involved in nucleotide binding. We propose that the nucleotide-binding domain in the β-subunit of tubulin is an α/β structure derived from amino acid residues ∼60–300. Five peptide sequences are identified which we suggest exist as ‘loops’ that extend from β-strands and connect α-helices in this structure. We argue that GDP binds to four of the five loops in an Mg 2+ - independent manner while GTP binds in an Mg 2+ - dependent manner to a different combination of four loops. We propose that this switch between loops upon GTP binding induces a conformational change essential for microtubule assembly.
Monitoring the collision of a cargo ship with the Vincent Thomas Bridge

On 27 August 2006, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a 1850-m suspension bridge located in the larger metropolitan Los Angeles region, was struck by a large cargo ship passing under the bridge. Moderate damage to the maintenance scaffolding at the main span of the bridge was observed. This incident left transportation authorities wondering about the structural integrity of the bridge. A real-time continuous monitoring system that had been recently installed on the bridge successfully recorded dynamic response before and after the incident, as well as during the collision. Analysis of these valuable data allows transportation authorities to quantify the effects of the collision on the bridge structural condition, which would otherwise be infeasible with traditional visual bridge inspection approaches. A forensic study was performed to assess the structural condition of the bridge before and after the incident. Both global (multi-sensor) and local (single-sensor) identification methods were applied to detect whether significant changes occurred in the bridge vibration signature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percent Free Prostate Specific Antigen in the Total Prostate Specific Antigen 2 to 4 ng./ml. Range Does Not Substantially Increase the Number of Biopsies Needed to Detect Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Compared to the 4 to 10 ng./ml. Range

Purpose: Percent free prostate specific antigen (PSA) is useful to select patients for prostate biopsy with total PSA 4 to 10 ng./ml. However, 20% of men with PSA between 2.6 and 4 ng./ml. harbor significant prostate cancer and percent free PSA has been suggested to aid in the decision to biopsy in this total PSA range as well. Concerns exist that the number of biopsies needed to detect 1 cancer in this range may be inappropriately high. In a prospective referral population we evaluated sensitivity and specificity of various percent free PSA cutoffs and determined the biopsy-per-cancer ratio in the PSA 2 to 4 ng./ml. range in men with a benign digital rectal examination, and report on the biological nature of the detected cancers based on Gleason score. Results were compared to those obtained from a reference group of patients (PSA 4 to 10 ng./ml., benign digital rectal examination) from the same prospective referral cohort.Materials and Methods: Total PSA and free PSA were measured and percent free PSA w...
Progesterone and allopregnanolone reduce inflammatory cytokines after traumatic brain injury

Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the excessive release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a major cause of cerebral edema, which, in turn, can cause permanent neuronal loss and cognitive deficits in laboratory rats. This study examined the changes in expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha after progesterone (8 mg/kg) or allopregnanolone (4 mg/kg) treatment in brain-injured rats at 3, 8, and 12 h and 6 days post-injury. Adult male rats received either bilateral prefrontal cortical contusion or sham surgery. The hormones were given intraperitoneally at 1 and 6 h, and continued once per day for up to 5 days. The gene expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was measured by mRNA using real-time quantitative reverse transcripted polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm the translation from mRNA to protein. The results indicated that progesterone and allopregnanolone reduce both IL-1beta and TNF-alpha at 3 h post-injury, when the expression of these cytokines peaks. At 8 and 12 h post-injury, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha gene expression in injured rats was still elevated compared to shams. By the sixth day post-injury, cytokine expression was back to the level of intact rats. We conclude that progesterone and allopregnanolone may attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines early after TBI, and this may be one mechanism by which progesterone and allopregnanolone reduce cerebral edema and promote functional recovery from TBI.
Column liquid chromatographic determination of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine in human serum using solid-phase extraction

A 0.5-ml aliquot of a serum sample, after the addition of a 50-μl aliquot of a 5 μg/ml solution of amoxapine as the internal standard, is vortex-mixed with 0.5 ml of acetonitrile and centrifugated. The supernatant is applied to a 1-ml BondElut C18 silica extraction column-conditioned with subsequent washings with 1 M HCl, methanol and water. After passing the sample at a slow rate, the column is washed twice with water and once with acetonitrile. The desired compounds are then eluted with a 0.25-ml aliquot of 35% perchloric acid-methanol (1:100, v/v). A 15-μl aliquot of the eluate is injected onto a 150 × 4.6 mm I.D. column packed with 5-μm C8 silica particles and eluted at ambient temperature with a mobile phase of 0.1% tetramethylammonium perchlorate-acetonitrile (73:27, v/v) adjusted to pH 4.2 with 10% perchloric acid. The peaks are detected with an absorbance detector at 245 nm.
Probabilistic and reliability analysis of a structural-acoustic system

Abstract A study of the structural acoustics of an imperfect cylindrical shell submerged in an infinite acoustic medium via probabilistic and reliability analysis is presented. The first order reliability method is used for estimating the reliability of the system. The influence of the imperfection patterns, and its correlation length on the scattered pressure field is investigated in detail. A probabilistic finite element method is also developed for this problem. Numerical results show excellent agreement with those obtained by a perturbation methods.
Sigma receptors mediate the psychotomimetic effects of N-allylnormetazocine (SKF-10,047), but not its opioid agonistic-antagonistic properties

Our present findings suggest that SKF-10,047, the prototype sigma agonist, has its opioid entity residing with its (-) isomer, while both its (+) and (-) isomers possess psychotogenic properties similar to those produced by PCP. We found that (-)-SKF-10,047 blocks EEG and behavioral effects of morphine in the naive rat, precipitates withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats, produces physical dependence as evidenced by naloxone-induced withdrawal, and displaces [3H]dihydromorphine from brain homogenates. (+)-SKF-10,047 did not produce dependence upon chronic treatment, and it did not displace [3H]dihydromorphine from brain homogenates. Such pharmacodynamic dissociation with SKF-10,047 suggests an association of sigma receptors with psychogenic, but not opioid effects. The latter are most likely mediated by mu or kappa receptors.
Implementing assistive technology: opportunities and challenges

In this paper, I describe some of the challenges and opportunities presented when attempting to be proactive in improving the accessibility of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) 20 open-access computer labs.
Comparing effective and ineffective behaviors of student programmers

This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of five years of data collected in the first three programming courses at Virginia Tech. The dataset involves a total of 89,879 assignment submissions by 1,101 different students. Assignment results were partitioned into two groups: scores above 80% (A/B) and scores below 80% (C/D/F). To investigate student behaviors that result in differing levels of achievement, all students who consistently received A/B scores and all students who consistently received C/D/F scores were removed from the dataset. A within-subjects comparison of the scores received by the remaining individuals was performed. Further, time and code-size data that is difficult to compare directly between different courses was normalized.This study revealed several significant results. When students received A/B scores, they started earlier and finished earlier than when the same students received C/D/F scores. They also wrote slightly more program code. They did not appear to spend any more time on their work, however. Approximately two-thirds of the A/B scores were received by individuals who started more than a day in advance of the deadline, while approximately two-thirds of the C/D/F scores were received by individuals who started on the last day or later. One possible explanation is that students who start earlier simply have more time to seek assistance when they get stuck.
Surgical outcomes for older patients with glioblastoma multiforme: preoperative factors associated with decreased survival. Clinical article.

Object As the population ages, the incidence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) among older patients (age > 65 years) will increase. Older patients, unlike their younger counterparts, are not often offered aggressive surgery because of their age, comorbidities, and potential inability to tolerate surgery. The goal of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with decreased survival for older patients who underwent resection of a GBM. The identification of these factors may provide insight into which patients would benefit most from aggressive surgery. Methods All patients older than 65 years who underwent nonbiopsy resection of an intracranial GBM at a single institution between 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with overall survival were assessed using multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis after controlling for peri- and postoperative factors known to be associated with outcome (extent of resection, carmustine wafer implantation, temozolomide c...
Oxygen isotope effect and structural phase transitions in La2−xMxCuO4

Abstract The 18 O/ 16 O isotope effect on Tc in La 2−x Ca x CuO 4 has been determined and is compared with previous work on the Ba and Sr-doped materials. α o values greater than 0.5 are observed and unusual lattice dynamics at 1/8 hole per Cu are again indicated.
"where am i going to stop?": exotic dancing, fluid body boundaries, and effects on identity

Female exotic dancers earn a living through particularly objectified and sexualized constructions of their bodies. In order to increase cash reward, dancers may allow their body boundaries to be "fluid," deciding on a customer-by-customer basis how they will interact physically. These body compromises can lead to a variety of identity problems for the women. This article thus builds on exotic dancing literature about stigma and deviance by incorporating a deeper look at these body and identity conflicts. Using in-depth interviews with female exotic dancers, this article explores the ongoing negotiation of fluid body boundaries experienced by the women who strip for a living, and the identity meanings and effects of related body compromises.
IgE-Dependent Histamine-Releasing Factors

A cytokine, termed histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and produced by many cell types, has become the focus of research by many investigators due to its potential importance as a stimulus in chronic inflammation. We are producing and characterizing an HRF which causes IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils. Following extensive purification procedures, the molecule will be sequenced and synthesized. A functional heterogeneity of IgE molecules was revealed by these studies. We are currently producing IgE antibody in vitro and testing the hypothesis that differential glycosylation is the basis for the heterogeneity. Knowledge of the structures and interactions of these molecules should advance our understanding of allergic and more chronic diseases.
Adverse risk incentives and the design of performance-bases contracts

This paper uses option pricing theory to value and analyze many performance-based fee contracts that are currently in use. A potential problem with some of these contracts is that they may induce portfolio managers to adversely alter the risk of the portfolios they manage. The paper is prescriptive in that it presents conditions for contract parameters that provide proper risk incentives for classes of investment strategies. For buy-and-hold and rebalancing strategies adverse risk incentives are avoided when the penalties for poor performance outweigh the rewards for good performance.
Decondensation of sperm nuclei in vitro.

Abstract Treatment of mouse spermatozoa with dithiothreitol and proteases, particularly trypsin, causes the nucleus to enlarge and decondense, while the acrosomal region remains relatively intact. Dithiothreitol or trypsin alone does not induce swelling, and exposure to the reducing agent is necessary before trypsin can act. Chymotrypsin, promise, and papain will substitute for trypsin, but micrococcal nuclease and pancreatic deoxyribonuclease will not. Similar results were obtained with rat, guinea pig, and rabbit sperm. These results provide the basis for a method of purifying sperm acrosomes and suggest possible mechanisms for decondensation of the sperm nucleus after penetration of the egg.
Longitudinal Tethering of Arteries in Dogs

The magnitude and properties of longitudinal vascular tethering were studied in the thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, and femoral artery of 23 dogs. The tethering was found to consist of a dominant viscoelastic restraining element that demonstrated a moderate degree of stress relaxation and a significant inertial component that was related to the mass of the vessel and its surrounding tissues (the "added mass"). Static and dynamic studies of these properties showed them to be surprisingly linear. The simplest linear model that could simulate these experimental data consisted of two elastic components, two frictional components and a lumped inertial component. Within the physiologic range of frequencies (1 to 20 cycles/sec), the two elastic components became dynamically coupled so that they appeared to act as a single spring, the stiffness of which could be characterized by a "dynamic spring constant." The mean value of the dynamic spring constant was 12 g/cm3 for the thoracic aorta; it increased along the ...
Prolonged Length of Stay After Liver Transplantation

Prolonged hospital length of stay after liver transplantation uses a large amount of hospital resources. The authors evaluated factors associated with prolonged hospital stay in a large single center series. Prolonged hospital stay was defined as more than 30 days. A total of 578 adult cadaveric liver transplants were included, and of these, 160 (27.7%) had a prolonged hospital stay. These patients had shorter waitlist time, higher preoperative MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) scores and received organs from donors with lower donor risk indices. In multivariate analysis, only preoperative MELD score remained significant. Postoperatively, there was no difference in the incidence of acute kidney injury; however, patients with prolonged hospital stay were more likely to have early allograft dysfunction and a higher 90-day mortality.
Economics and physical activity: A research agenda

Both economic and public health/medical perspectives play an important role in the policy process, but often approach policy questions in an incompatible way. Economics and public health perspectives can complement each other, although harnessing any synergy requires an understanding of the other perspective. This article contrasts the two perspectives and reviews existing economic research in physical activity. Much effort has gone into producing cost-of-illness numbers or cost-offset claims with limited value from an economic perspective, although some simple steps could make them more informative. A more notable advance for active living research would be the adoption of standardized cost-effectiveness analysis methods, even just as an add-on to ongoing intervention trials. Probably the most challenging and exciting area, however, is the emerging research on the interaction between environmental incentives and physical activity. An economic perspective with its explicit focus on market failures is an important complement to ongoing active living research as policymakers in the United States are more likely to rely on the market to solve policy problems than on regulation. It is imperative to understand how the market works in actuality, not in the abstract, an area wide open for empirical research.