cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concept of local polaritons and optical properties of mixed polar crystals

The concept of local polaritons is used to describe the optical properties of mixed crystals in the frequency region of their restrahlen band. It is shown that this concept allows for a physically transparent explanation of the presence of weak features in the spectra of so-called one-mode crystals and for one-two mode behavior. The previous models were able to explain these features only with the use of many fitting parameters. We show that under certain conditions new impurity-induced polariton modes may arise within the restrahlen of the host crystals, and study their dispersion laws and density of states. Particularly, we find that the group velocity of these excitations is proportional to the concentration of the impurities and can be thousands of times smaller than the speed of light in vacuum. The optical properties of mixed polar crystals have been attracting a great deal of interest since the 1950s. The main efforts have been directed to experimental and theoretical studies of the concentration dependences of fundamental transverse ~TO! and longitudinal ~LO! phonon modes, and to the fine structure of spectra in the frequency region between them ~restrahlen band!. Reviews of earlier experimental and theoretical works in this area can be found in Refs. 1 and 2. In spite of the disordered nature of mixed crystals, it is usually possible to observe both TO and LO modes of pure crystals at both ends of the concentration range, as well as features associated with disorder. 1‐3 This is usually done in reflectance or transmittance experiments by identifying the maxima of Im(e) and 2Im(1/e) with TO and LO modes, respectively, where e is the dielectric function. 4 The term ‘‘mixed crystals’’ is usually applied to materials in which the concentration of each component is large, so that no component can be considered as a system of independent impurities. At smaller concentrations the dynamics of impure systems is described in terms of defect states, which are either localized or quasilocalized depending on whether they fall into forbidden or allowed bands 5‐8 of the pure system. The transition from low- to high-concentration behavior occurs when the average distance between defects becomes of the same order as the localization length of the individual states. In the case of the local phonon states, the localization length is of the order of a few lattice constants, and the respective transition concentration is of the order of ;10 18 cm 23 . Most of the studies of mixed crystals were focused upon combinations of alkali halides, II/VI and III/V group polar binary crystals AB12 pCp , where p is concentration. The B atoms are substituted by the atoms C from the same column of the periodic table. It was found that there were several patterns that TO and LO modes follow in mixed
Structures of human thymidylate synthase R163K with dUMP, FdUMP and glutathione show asymmetric ligand binding.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a well validated target in cancer chemotherapy. Here, a new crystal form of the R163K variant of human TS (hTS) with five subunits per asymmetric part of the unit cell, all with loop 181–197 in the active conformation, is reported. This form allows binding studies by soaking crystals in artificial mother liquors containing ligands that bind in the active site. Using this approach, crystal structures of hTS complexes with FdUMP and dUMP were obtained, indicating that this form should facilitate high-throughput analysis of hTS complexes with drug candidates. Crystal soaking experiments using oxidized glutathione revealed that hTS binds this ligand. Interestingly, the two types of binding observed are both asymmetric. In one subunit of the physiological dimer covalent modification of the catalytic nucleophile Cys195 takes place, while in another dimer a noncovalent adduct with reduced glutathione is formed in one of the active sites.
Return to the Wilberforce–Huxley Debate

One hundred and twenty-eight years ago in the historic city of Oxford a relatively brief impromptu verbal exchange at a scientific convention occurred. It is still vividly remembered in and out of academia. This so-called ‘debate’ between the Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce, and the young scientist, Thomas Henry Huxley, a simple and concrete episode, has continued to symbolize dramatically the complex and abstract phenomenon of the conflict between science and religion in the late nineteenth century. while that symbol may be somewhat inaccurate, or its relevance may have shifted from a century ago, it still is a powerful image, one which continues to be an important part of the religious, scientific and rhetorical history of the late Victorian era. Moore recently wrote: ‘No battle of the nineteenth century, save Waterloo, is better known.’ It is, as Altholz put it, ‘one of those historical events the substance and significance of which are clear, but whose specifics are decidedly fuzzy around the edges.’ It is the purpose of this paper to present a full and balanced view of the specific ingredients, permitting a better insight into the event's symbolism and significance.
Effects of sea surface temperature, radiation, cloud microphysics, and diurnal variations on vertical structures of tropical tropospheric temperature: a two-dimensional equilibrium cloud-resolving modeling study

The effects of sea surface temperature (SST), radiation, cloud microphysics, and diurnal variations on the vertical structure of tropical tropospheric temperature are investigated by analyzing 10 two-dimensional equilibrium cloud-resolving model simulation data. The increase of SST, exclusion of diurnal variation of SST, and inclusion of diurnal variation of solar zenith angle, radiative effects of ice clouds, and ice microphysics could lead to tropical tropospheric warming and increase of tropopause height. The increase of SST and the suppression of its diurnal variation enhance the warming in the lower and upper troposphere, respectively, through increasing latent heat and decreasing IR cooling. The inclusion of diurnal variation of solar zenith angle increases the tropospheric warming through increasing solar heating. The inclusion of cloud radiative effects increases tropospheric warming through suppressing IR cooling in the mid and lower troposphere and enhancing solar heating in the upper troposphere. The inclusion of ice microphysics barely increases warming in the mid and lower troposphere because the warming from ice radiative effects is nearly offset by the cooling from ice microphysical effects, whereas it causes the large warming enhancement in the upper troposphere due to the dominance of ice radiative effects. The tropopause height is increased mainly through the large enhancement of IR cooling.
Encoding with synchrony: phase-delayed inhibition allows for reliable and specific stimulus detection.

Abstract Synchronized oscillations are observed in a diverse array of neuronal systems, suggesting that synchrony represents a common mechanism used by the brain to encode and relay information. Coherent population activity can be deciphered by a decoder neuron with a high spike threshold or by a decoder using phase-delayed inhibition. These two mechanisms are fundamentally different – a high spike threshold detects a minimum number of synchronous input spikes (absolute synchrony), while phase-delayed inhibition requires a fixed fraction of incoming spikes to be synchronous (relative synchrony). We show that, in a system with noisy encoders where stimuli are encoded through synchrony, phase-delayed inhibition enables the creation of a decoder that can respond both reliably and specifically to a stimulus, while a high spike threshold does not.
Oclusión sintomática posicional de la arteria carótida interna: Evaluación y tratamiento quirúrgico

Al girar la cabeza a la izquierda, una mujer de 42 anos presento debilidad del brazo y pierna derechos La angiografia de la carotida, en posicion neutra, demostro una desviacion anterior de la arteria carotida interna izquierda y una oclusion completa de la arteria cuando giraba la cabeza a la izquierda. Durante la cirugia, en la paciente del presente informe se observo una arteria carotida interna izquierda redundante y fue tratada mediante reseccion y reanastomosis de la arteria. El examen Doppler de la paciente, practicado a los 4 meses postoperatorios, demostro una buena permeabilidad de las arterias permeables y ulteriormente la paciente permanecio asintomatica.
Small sample and efficiency results for the Nelson-Aalen estimator

Absfract: In this note the exact bias and variance functions of the nonparametric NelsonAalen estimator (NAE) of the cumulative hazard function (/lF) are compared with approximations provided by asymptotic theory under the Koziol-Green (KG) model of random censorship. It is found that for small sample sizes (ns30) the asymptotic approximations are very misleading when inferences are to be made on the tails of the cumulative hazard function and/or in the presence of a high degree of censoring. To ascertain the efficiency of the NAE under the KG model, a model-dependent estimator of /1, is obtained, and the exact and asymptotic efficiencies of the NAE relative to this estimator are derived. It is found that the NAE is always less efficient than this estimator under the KG model, and its asymptotic efficiency can be as low as the probability of an uncensored observation on both tails of nF. AMS Subject C~assificationt Primary 62N05; secondary 62F11,62F12
A qualitative study of patients’ goals and expectations for self-management of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an illness that affects patients on multiple levels, both physically and psychologically. While there is a growing body of evidence for the efficacy of self-management among patients with COPD, little evidence is available on the optimal content and methods for delivering self-management support. The purpose of this study was to address gaps in the literature on self-management support by examining patients' responses to questions about goals, needs, and expectations regarding self-management using qualitative methods in a broadly representative sample of patients with moderate to severe COPD. By focusing on patients' perceptions of their needs, we hoped to guide development of cognitive-behavioural interventions for self-management support. Patients ≥45 years of age with a physician diagnosis of COPD were recruited as part of a larger randomised controlled trial designed to determine the effectiveness of a lifestyle behavioural intervention to increase physical activity. In-depth interviews were conducted at baseline data collection using 10 standardised open-ended questions tailored to examine factors relevant to self-management support including concerns, fears, learning needs, barriers, facilitators, and goals. All interviews were audio recorded and analysed using qualitative methods. Responses were coded by three raters into thematic categories. A sample of 47 interviews with patients of mean age 68.4 years, 53% male, 87% white were used in the analysis. The distribution of spirometric impairment based on percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was moderate (57.5%), severe (31.9%), and very severe (10.6%). In response to questions targeting needs and goals for care, three main themes (loss, fear, and desire for improved care) and seven associated sub-themes were identified. Because of breathlessness and fatigue as well as symptoms from conditions other than COPD, patients reported the loss of ability to participate in pleasurable and necessary activities of daily living and the desire to recover at least some of their functioning. They expressed problems with social isolation and uncertainty about their prognosis, as well as the hope to improve. In addition, fearful experiences associated with uncontrolled breathlessness and a wish for greater understanding and knowledge about treatment were major concerns. These qualitative results suggest that the content of self-management support for patients with COPD should focus on addressing patients' fears associated with the uncertainty, progression, and suffering of their disease, their expectations about overcoming or replacing losses, their needs for improved health literacy and their desire for improved care. These responses indicate areas where cognitive-behavioural intervention should focus in order to enhance patient self-efficacy, motivation, and behavioural change for improved self-management.
A statistical analysis of the Martian wave of darkening and related phenomena

Statistical correlation of latitude with time of maximum darkening of Mars dark areas, noting consistency of 2 models
The Role of the NUKAT Union Catalog in Shaping the Society of Knowledge in Poland: January 2008 Conference Report

The paper summarizes the proceedings of the January 2008 conference entitled The Role of the NUKAT Union Catalog in Shaping the Society of Knowledge in Poland.
The Mucopolysaccharidoses: A Synergism between Clinical and Basic Investigation

The mucopolysaccharidoses are a family of genetic diseases involving faulty degradation of one or more type of mucopolysaccharide or glycosaminoglycan. These conditions are characterized by skeletal, connective tissue, and intellectual manifestations. Biochemical investigations over the past 10–20 yr have enhanced our understanding of the clinical conditions and advanced our knowledge of catabolic pathways for complex biological structures. Identification of stored and excreted materials as partially degraded glycosaminoglycans allowed classification of these conditions on clinical and chemical criteria. The development of a cell culture model for studying the mucopolysaccharidoses lead to the identification of a variety of lysosomal sulfatases and glycosidases as deficient enzymes. This stimulated the identification of several new conditions. Knowledge of primary biochemical defects improved genetic services by providing accurate diagnosis, facilitating carrier identification and improving prenatal diagnosis. Glycosaminoglycan excretion patterns associated with individual enzyme defects suggested sequential degradative pathways for GAGs and related macromolecules. Attempts at enzyme replacement revealed a complex system of recognition markers and membrane receptors for the uptake of extracellular proteins. Multiple enzyme deficiencies are providing information on lysosomal enzyme synthesis and processing. The mucopolysaccharide storage diseases offer an excellent example of a productive synergism between basic biology and clinical medicine.
Substance Abuse Administrators' Attitudes Regarding Psychosocial Functioning of Persons with Single Diagnoses Versus Severe Dual Diagnoses

ABSTRACT This study assessed whether administrators of substance abuse agencies would rate the psychosocial functioning of clients with either of two substance dependence diagnoses (alcohol dependence, illicit drug dependence) or either of two serious psychiatric diagnoses (schizophrenia, major depression) as different than the functioning of clients with selected dual diagnoses (either alcohol or illicit drug dependence with either schizophrenia or major depression). A short case description, an assessment inventory, and a demographic questionnaire were mailed to a randomly selected, nationwide sample of 470 clinical directors of American substance abuse treatment agencies (response rate = 45%; responding n = 212). Consistent with research indicating more impaired functioning by persons with dual diagnoses, case descriptions of clients with single diagnoses typically were rated as having higher overall functioning, as more capable of functioning independently and responsibly, and as less likely to injure...
Social context and perceived task difficulty as mediators of depressive self-evaluation

This study examined two separate, but potentially interactive, influences on depressive self-evaluation: social context and perceptions of task difficulty. First, it was hypothesized that, if negative self-evaluations of depressed individuals are motivated by a desire to elicit attention and sympathy from others, depressed subjects should evaluate themselves more negatively than nondepressed subjects in a public setting, but not when they make self-evaluative judgments in private. Second, it was hypothesized that negative self-evaluation results from a bias to perceive tasks as being intrinsically easy, i.e., if a task is easy, a given score would be evaluated more poorly than if the task were difficult. It was found that the self-evaluations of depressed subjects were influenced by the social context, but not always in a negative direction. Depressed subjects did not differ from nondepressed subjects when performance evaluations were made in private. In a public condition, depressed subjects evaluated themselves more negatively than nondepressed subjects following an easy task, but evaluated themselves more positively following a difficult task. Depressed subjects did not evidence a bias to perceive tasks as being intrinsically easy. Depressed subjects did rate the tasks to be more difficult for themselves than they thought they would be for others and this expectancy was predictive of negative self-evaluation. These results were discussed in terms of alternative self-presentation motives and theories of social cognition. Self-evaluation often involves social comparison and researchers need to attend to the potentially complex interactions among social and cognitive processes.
Use of Signal-to-Noise Ratio Theory to Evaluate Parameters Characteristic of Multiplier Phototubes

The two most important parameters characteristic of multiplier phototubes are: γ, the photoanodic sensitivity factor (which is the number of amperes produced at the photoanode to the watts of radiant power reaching the photocathode) and BM, the effective gain of the multiplier phototube. M is the actual gain of the multiplier phototube (M=Gx, where G is the gain per dynode and x is the number of dynodes) and B is a statistical factor which accounts for electrons produced at the dynodes and for electrons lost in the transit from cathode to anode.
Further evidence of a decorin-collagen interaction in the disruption of cervical collagen fibers during rat gestation.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine the histologic distribution and expression of decorin in rat cervix throughout the course of rat gestation and to correlate the findings with the known progression of collagen fiber disruption and cellular turnover in this tissue. Study Design: Cervices from pregnant animals at 5, 11, 18, and 21 days were studied. A proteoglycan of low molecular weight, decorin, was detected by sensitive and specific immunohistochemical analysis with a biotin-avidin horseradish peroxidase method. Results: Decorin was not detected on day 5. By day 11 moderate decorin staining was detected in the subepithelial layer and in the deep stroma. Decorin staining progressed to a strong expression in the subepithelial layer and to a moderate expression in the deep stroma on day 18. On day 21 (term in rat) the staining was fairly homogeneous throughout the connective tissue stroma. Conclusion: These findings clearly demonstrate that decorin expression increased progressively throughout pregnancy and are consistent with the hypothesis that an excess of decorin near term is capable of initiating a decorin-collagen interaction that leads to collagen fibril disruption and decreased cervical tensile strength. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:805-12.)
Potential of Enzymes in Continous Cheesemaking

Abstract The potential of applying enzymes to continuous cheesemaking processes is real despite many problems. An English continuous cheesemaking process for Cheddar cheese, utilizing the principle of cold milk rennetting for continuous curd formation of Cheddar cheese, reflects recent activity. Such cheese was produced on a pilot plant scale by first reacting milk at 4 to 5C with starter culture and rennet overnight, followed by instant and continuous coagulation as the enzyme reacted milk moved through batteries of long Visking dialysis columns. The curd was drained and texturized continuously at elevated temperatures prior to Cheddaring. The real needs for continuous cheesemaking include proper mechanical design of equipment for heating curd and expelling whey. Application of food grade lactase from yeast (Saccharomyces lactis) to cheese milk for accelerated acid development, and food grade lipases and proteases from microorganisms (Aspergillus oryzae) to cheese curds with salt for accelerated flavor, have a potential for continuous cheesemaking, particularly for cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk or from imitation milks. Insolubilized enzyme systems for cheesemaking such as pepsin, rennin, catalase, and lactase, are emerging, but their application demands imagination and fortitude. Challenges to continuous cheesemaking with or without enzymes can be expected to continue from batch cheesemaking systems which are constantly evolving to larger and larger units with improved economics.
Hydrokinetic Assessment of the Kvichak River near Igiugig, Alaska, Using a Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model

Two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations were performed on a monthly basis along 2.5 km of the Kvichak River near Igiugig in southwest Alaska, USA, to estimate flow conditions and to assess the hydrokinetic potential of the river reach. Instantaneous power density function along the computational domain was calculated. Study results indicate that two areas may be suitable for deploying turbines. The best option is located near the town, where the channel is relatively straight. A second possible site is located near the end of the study reach (approximately 2.3 km, along the river, from Lake Illiamna). Monthly-averaged velocities along the thalweg ranged from 1.7 to 2.7 m/s; and from 1.1 to 2 m/s at the upstream and downstream sites, respectively. Similarly, averaged values for the instantaneous power density, reduced by an extraction coefficient, were approximately 1500 and 5500 W/m2 during April and September, respectively, at the upstream site, as well as 400 and 2500 W/m2 for the same months at the downstream site. It was found that a previous resource assessment, which considered cross-sectionally averaged velocities, substantially underestimated the available power density along the river reach. Finally, the importance of having adequate bathymetric data is demonstrated by comparing field measurements with model simulations.
Myocardial oxidative metabolic supply-demand relationships in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is associated with left ventricular remodeling, hypertrophy, and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities in vitro. We evaluated the hypothesis that energy supply, as judged by the rate of myocardial oxidative metabolism, is inadequate to meet oxygen demand in patients with NIDCM compared with normal subjects.
A neuro-propositional model of language processing

An implemented model of language processing has been developed that views the propositional components of a sentence as neural units. The propositional sentence units are linked through symbolic, reified representations of subordinate sentence parts. Large numbers of these highly standardized propositional units are encoded in a manner that interconnects propositional data through the declarative knowledge base structures, thus minimizing the importance of the procedural component and the need for backward chaining and inference generation. The introduction of new sentence information triggers a connectionist-like flurry of activity in which constantly changing propositional weights and reification strengths effect changes in the belief states encoded within the knowledge base.
Hyperlink Obsolescence in Scholarly Online Journals

Hyperlinks to resources available on the Web are commonly used in footnotes or citation of references in scholarly online journals. A review of three well-established online journals revealed that nearly half of such links are broken, raising questions regarding the archival integrity of the published material. Some practical recommendations are advanced for online journal editors and authors based on a consideration of the role of hyperlinked references.
Spike train characteristics of single motor units in the human masseter muscle.

Abstract Single motor unit (SMU) spike trains were recorded from the masseter muscles of human subjects while they isometrically produced interocclusal force. The majority of SMUs increased their firing rate as interocclusal force was increased, but the rate changes declined in magnitude at each successive force level and eventually reached constant values. This indicated a progressive decline in the ability of motoneurons to increase firing rate in response to increases in excitatory drive, and the evidence suggests that this is due to temporal summation of afterhyperpolarization conductances. There was a strong tendency for SMUs with low recruitment thresholds to show the largest rate changes per kilogram change in force, which may be a consequence of the decreasing input resistances associated with increases in cell size. There were also monotonic decreases in standard deviations and skewness of the interspike interval (ISI) distributions as firing rate increased, which indicates that synaptic drive to the motoneurons was increasing monotonically. The graph of standard deviation mean ISI revealed less tendency for masseter motoneurons to maintain minimum discharge variability as compared to spinal motoneurons; the lack of recurrent inhibition to masseter motoneurons may be responsible.
New sub-family of lysozyme-like proteins shows no catalytic activity: crystallographic and biochemical study of STM3605 protein from Salmonella Typhimurium

Phage viruses that infect prokaryotes integrate their genome into the host chromosome; thus, microbial genomes typically contain genetic remnants of both recent and ancient phage infections. Often phage genes occur in clusters of atypical G+C content that reflect integration of the foreign DNA. However, some phage genes occur in isolation without other phage gene neighbors, probably resulting from horizontal gene transfer. In these cases, the phage gene product is unlikely to function as a component of a mature phage particle, and instead may have been co-opted by the host for its own benefit. The product of one such gene from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, STM3605, encodes a protein with modest sequence similarity to phage-like lysozyme (N-acetylmuramidase) but appears to lack essential catalytic residues that are strictly conserved in all lysozymes. Close homologs in other bacteria share this characteristic. The structure of the STM3605 protein was characterized by X-ray crystallography, and functional assays showed that it is a stable, folded protein whose structure closely resembles lysozyme. However, this protein is unlikely to hydrolyze peptidoglycan. Instead, STM3605 is presumed to have evolved an alternative function because it shows some lytic activity and partitions to micelles.
Variation in Use of Active Surveillance among Men Undergoing Expectant Treatment for Early Stage Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We examined variation in active surveillance use in Medicare eligible men undergoing expectant treatment for early stage prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) and Medicare data we identified 49,192 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer from 2004 through 2007. Of 7,347 patients who did not receive treatment (ie expectant management) within 12 months of diagnosis we assessed the prevalence of active surveillance (ie repeat prostate biopsy and prostate specific antigen measurement) vs watchful waiting across health care markets. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations of active surveillance with patient demographics, cancer severity and health care market characteristics.Results: During the study interval use of active surveillance vs watchful waiting increased significantly in patients treated expectantly from 9.7% in 2004 to 15.3% in 2007 (p <0.001). Active surveillance was less common in older patients...
Interferon-γ-induced regulation of the pancreatic derived cytokine FAM3B in islets and insulin-secreting βTC3 cells

The pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER, FAM3B) is a novel protein that is beta-cell specific and induces beta-cell death. PANDER is localized to insulin-containing granules-based on confocal microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy. PANDER protein was detected in the conditioned medium of betaTC3 cells. Using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, treatment of betaTC3 cells with IL-1beta + TNFalpha + IFNgamma induced a significant seven-fold increase in PANDER mRNA expression (n = 3; p < 0.01 at 24 h, p < 0.05 at 48 h), while IFNgamma alone caused a 3.2-fold increase (n = 3; p < 0.01 at 24 h) compared to unstimulated and time-matched vehicle controls. IL-1beta or TNFalpha alone had no effect. Under those conditions, a similar up-regulation was also observed in mouse islet cells, with increases in PANDER mRNA of 5.9-fold and 5.0-fold after treatment with IL-1beta + TNFalpha + IFNgamma or IFNgamma alone. Because PANDER mRNA expression is up-regulated by IFNgamma, a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, PANDER may contribute to the pathogenesis of beta-cell death.
Properties of Molecular-Based Frustrated Magnets

Abstract The magnetic properties of cobalt complexes of BTCA (BTCA = 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylic acid) have been investigated. The trianion of the BTCA ligand has the ability to create lattices with competing interactions leading to frustration. A dodecahydrate phase, Co3BTCA2(H2O)12, is obtained from room temperature aqueous solutions and consists of pendant chains with very small interactions. Varying the reaction conditions leads to an amorphous phase which displays many of the features of a spin glass: hysteresis, remanent magnetization, frequency dependent susceptibility, aging effects, and an inverse field dependence of the dc susceptibility. The dehydration state and corresponding magnetic properties are strongly dependent on the temperature of the original reaction. Reaction temperatures below 78 °C lead to the pendant chain while temperatures greater than 78 °C yield more interesting glassy phases. These phases exhibit many properties of reentrant spin glasses.
Is the MMPI an appropriate assessment device for Blacks

This article asked whether the MMPI, the inventory most frequently used to assess psychopathology and per sonality, should continue to be employed to evaluate Blacks, given the fact that it was normed exclusively on Whites. Blacks, especially normal individuals, typically obtain significantly higher scores than Whites on scales measuring nonconformity, alienation, and impulsivity. Blacks also differ from Whites in their responses to a large portion of the 550 items. Clinicians and automated sys tems often interpret these differences as indicating that Blacks are more maladjusted than Whites, but there is no empirical evidence to support this conclusion. Misin terpretations could be reduced by developing special norms, adjusting scores by means of Race-Sensitive scale values or by deriving behavioral correlates for Blacks' MMPI profiles. Ideally, inventories that measure adjust ment, but also have additional dimensions more relevant to job and school performance, should be developed to help in the assessme...
Quantitative analysis of intrusion detection systems: Snort and Suricata

Given competing claims, an objective head-to-head comparison of the performance of both the Snort R and Suricata Intrusion Detection Systems is needed. In this paper, we present a comprehensive quantitative comparison of the two systems. We have developed a rigorous testing framework that examines the performance of both systems as we scale system resources. Our results show that a single instance of Suricata is able to deliver substantially higher performance than a corresponding single instance of Snort. This paper describes in detail both the testing framework capabilities, tests performed and results found.
Differences in the phospholipid, cholesterol, and fatty acyl composition of 3T3 and SV3T3 plasma membranes

An analysis of the phospholipid, cholesterol, and phospholipid fatty acyl composition of isolated plasma membranes of 3T3 and SV3T3 mouse embryo cells has been performed. The results show that the plasma membrane of SV3T3 cells contain relatively less phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin and more cholesterol than 3T3 plasma membranes. The fatty acyl composition of individual phospholipid classes as determined by gas liquid chromatography also showed differences between 3T3 and SV3T3 plasma membranes. The plasma membranes of SV40 transformed 3T3 cells contain: (a) a higher percentage of 18∶1 and less 20∶3 and 20∶4 in phosphatidylethanolamine; (b) a higher percentage of 18∶1 in phosphatidylserine; and (c) a higher percentage of 18∶2 and 20∶4 in phosphatidylinositol.
A Prognostic Model for Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Survival of patients with end-stage liver disease is variable and difficult to predict. A two-phase prospective cohort study was conducted at five teaching hospitals to develop and evaluate a model for prediction of death. METHODS: Five hundred thirty-eight hospitalized patients with a history of chronic liver disease and two or more signs of decompensation were studied. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of death was 30% at 30 days and 50% at 6 months. In 295 patients in phase I, time till death was independently associated (P or=65 years, and prothrombin time > or=16 seconds. These risk factors stratified 243 patients in phase II into three groups with cumulative incidences of death at 30 days of 12%, 40%, and 74%, respectively. Integration of the prognostic model with physicians' predictions led to improved estimates of the probability of death. Although performance of liver transplantation after study entry was independently associated with enhanced survival, the intensity of other acute therapies was not. CONCLUSIONS: Five risk factors were associated with the risk of death in patients with end-stage liver disease and provided a quantitative basis to complement physicians' prognostic estimates. (Gastroenterology 1997 Oct;113(4):1278-88)
Testable but not falsifiable

We are puzzled by a recent comment that suggested that historical hypotheses can be tested but are unfalsifiable. We argue that phylogenetic hypotheses are falsifiable without the aid of a time machine and that they are like any other hypothesis: they are tentative knowledge propositions capable of falsification with character evidence.
Autonomy: part of the nursing role?

A descriptive study of nurses' (n=208) perceptions of autonomy documented little increase in mean scores over the past 15 years. The respondents perceived that they were expected, to a great extent, to practice autonomously but that the majority felt little support to do so within their hospital work environment.
Crabs of the Family Homolodromiidae, IV. Rediscovery and Redescription of Homolodromia Bouvieri Doflein, 1904 (Decapoda: Dromiacea) from Off Mozambique

The dromiacean crab species Homolodromia bouvieri, originally described from a small, damaged male from deep waters off the coast of Kenya, is redescribed, based on a male from off the coast of Mozambique, Africa. The specimen is the third known for the species and is significantly larger than the 2 previously known specimens, from off Kenya and Natal. Com­ parisons are made between H. bouvieri and the other two species in the genus, H. paradoxa and H. robertsi, known from the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, respectively. Among the many interesting crustaceans collected by the German vessel Valdivia during her 1898-1899 Tiefsee-Expedition were one new genus and three new species of the Dromiacea (Doflein, 1904). One of the new species, Homolodromia bouvieri Doflein, 1904, was represented in the col­ lections by a single male of 18-mm carapace length collected at Valdivia Station 247, in a depth of 863 m, off the coast of Kenya (03°38.8'S, 40''16.0'E) (Doiein, 1904). The specimen was in very poor condition, ap­ parently having just completed a molt, and was soft, with several diagnostic features poorly developed. A second specimen, also a male but slightly larger (carapace length including rostrum 22.7 mm), was reported by Kensley (1977) from off Natal, South Africa (Kensley, 1977: 178, figs. 11, 12); that specimen was in better condition, al­ lowing Kensley (1977) to illustrate several important morphological features. There are no other records of this species in the Uterature.
Vibratory particle size sorting in multi-component systems

Particle size segregation of granular mixtures due to shaking or vibrations has been observed in industries concerned with the handling and processing of particulates. Upon introducing the concept of relative concentrations between each size species, this paper presents a segregation model from which generalized expressions are derived for the instantaneous rate of change of concentration of each size species. The expressions are specialized to a ternary system. A Monte Carlo computer simulation study is done to simulate size sorting in a ternary system at a fixed shaking amplitude. The results of the simulations show good agreement with model predictions regarding the influence of particle size ratios. The most striking effect is a reversal of sorting order between the small and large particles with a change of size ratios. This reversal, which occurs in the simulated system, is clearly explained by the model.
Responses of directionally selective retinal ganglion cells to activation of AMPA glutamate receptors

Previous studies in the rabbit retina have shown that drugs which block AMPA glutamate receptors abolish directional selectivity in ON-OFF directionally selective (DS) ganglion cells. The effects of activation of AMPA receptors on the directionally selective responses of these ganglion cells had not been studied. In the present study, extracellular recordings of the responses of ON-OFF DS ganglion cells to a moving bar of light were made in an in vitro rabbit retinal preparation. In control solution, bath application of AMPA (7-10 microM) abolished the light responses of most ON-OFF DS ganglion cells. On washout of AMPA, the light responses rapidly returned; however, the cells temporarily lost the ability to discriminate the direction of the moving bar of light. That is, the cells responded equally to movement in the preferred and null directions. Pretreatment of retinas with the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine (1-2 microM) did not alter the effects of AMPA. On the other hand, in retinas pretreated with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist SR95531 (0.2-0.25 microM), AMPA did not abolish the light responses of ON-OFF DS ganglion cells but instead abolished directional selectivity in these cells by bringing out a response to movement in the null direction. This finding suggests that an AMPA-induced GABA efflux from cells in the retina was responsible for the suppression of the light responses by AMPA. In control solution, application of the selective AMPA receptor agonist (S)-5-fluorowillardiine (2-3 microM) only temporarily abolished the light responses of ON-OFF DS ganglion cells. As the light responses returned, it was clear that directional selectivity had been abolished by (S)-5-fluorowillardiine. In control solution, blocking AMPA receptor desensitization with cyclothiazide (80-100 microM) greatly reduced the light responses of ON-OFF DS ganglion cells. As the light responses slowly returned on washout of cyclothiazide, directional selectivity was clearly reduced although not abolished. In retinas pretreated with SR95531, application of cyclothiazide abolished directional selectivity. Diazoxide (700-1000 microM), another blocker of AMPA receptor desensitization, abolished directional selectivity in ON-OFF DS ganglion cells without the need of adding SR95531 to the bathing solution. It is concluded that, in the rabbit retina, AMPA receptors play an important role in generating directional selectivity in ON-OFF DS ganglion cells. Moreover, excessive activation of AMPA receptors greatly compromises the mechanism for directional selectivity in ON-OFF DS ganglion cells.
Indirect Electrochemical Oxidation of Chlorophenols in Dilute Aqueous Solutions

The indirect electrochemical oxidation of chlorophenols was studied. The process involved the simultaneous reduction of water to produce protons that were used for the subsequent electrochemical reduction of oxygen to generate hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of ferrous ions, a Fenton’s reagent was produced. In the process, upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide, ferrous ions were converted to the ferric state and were then regenerated at the cathode to recover ferrous ion—an important reactant in Fenton’s reagent. A series of chlorophenols, including 4-mono-, 6-dichloro-, and 4-trichlorophenol, were studied. The degradation of monochlorophenols proceeded in decreasing order: 3-chlorophenol>2-chlorophenol∼4-chlorophenol; for dichloerophenols, the order was: 3, 5-dichlorophenol>3, 4-dichlorophenol>2, 3-dichlorophenol>2, 5-dichlorophenol>2, 4-dichlorophenol>2, 6-dichlorophenol;and for trichloro-phenols, the order followed: 2, 3, 5-trichlorophenol>2, 3, 6-trichlorophenol>2, 4, 5-trichlorophenol>2, 4, 6-trich...
Nonlinear optical waveguides containing a transition metal-based dye molecule

Two pentaammine malonitrile ruthenium dyes that show sharp and intense absorption maxima near 800 nm have been synthesized for use as nonlinear optical (NLO) dyes. Preliminary powder measurements of crystals of these dyes for second harmonic generation (SHG) are reported for incident 1064 nm light. The anomalous dispersion due to the location of the one-photon absorption maximum has interesting consequences for phase matching, and calculations for inherently phase-matched single-mode waveguides are presented.
Analysis of Restraint-Free Nursing Homes

Administrators and key informants in restraint-free nursing homes participated in a telephone survey to improve understanding of the process, resources, and measures for successful adoption of restraint-free care. Respondents expressed a strong opinion that each facility must develop its own individualized approach to restraint removal. However, similar approaches were found which suggest that efficiencies in conversion may be gained through application of change theory informed by restraint removal experience.
A study of cognitive and technical skill deterioration among trained paramedics

Thirty trained paramedics were studied to measure cognitive and technical skill deterioration 6 to 30 months after completion of their individual training programs. The group of 30 paramedics included those with six months and those with one year of training. The purpose of the study was to identify areas in need of continuing education and to see if the rate of skill deterioration correlated with the time from completion of the training program. The trained paramedics were given the same final written and technical skill examination they had taken at the end of their training and the individuals' two scores were compared. The skills requiring the most technical knowledge deteriorated the fastest. Also, basic skills, despite frequent use in the field, had deteriorated. The amount of skill deterioration was greatest among the group of trained paramedics that had completed their training 30 months prior to this study.
Risk of extramedullary relapse following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia with leukemia cutis

Leukemia cutis (LC) is a rare feature of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Little information is available regarding its prognostic influence on post-transplant outcome. In our institution, 202 patients with AML received an allogeneic HLA-identical marrow transplant from related donors between March 1982 and January 1994. Thirteen patients had prior leukemic involvement of the skin (leukemia cutis or LC group) while 189 patients did not (non-LC group). There was a higher incidence of patients with the M4-M5 FAB subtypes in the LC group (83%) as compared to the non-LC group (33%). In addition, the percentage of patients transplanted in relapse was also higher in the LC group (69 vs 15%). While there were no differences observed in the rates of relapse post-transplant in the LC and non-LC groups when matched for stage of disease at transplant, the sites of relapse differed markedly. Five of six relapses in the LC group involved extramedullary sites as compared to only six of 38 relapses in the non-LC group (P = 0.002), with a 6-year probability of extramedullary relapse of 38.5% in the LC group as compared to 3.9% in the non-LC group. This increased probability of extramedullary relapse was independent of the FAB morphology (50 vs 2% for patients with the M4-M5 subtypes in the LC and the non-LC group respectively) and of disease status at the time of transplant. Moreover, only three relapses post-transplant involved the skin, all of which were in the LC group, with a probability of skin relapse of 23.1% in this group. Patients with AML and leukemia cutis have a remarkable propensity to relapse in extramedullary sites following marrow transplantation. These relapses occur in the skin as well as other organs. Further investigations are needed to understand the biological basis of this clinical feature.
Surface Phosphorylation by Ecto‐Protein Kinase C in Brain Neurons: A Target for Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Peptides

: The powerful regulatory machinery of protein phosphorylation operates in the extracellular environment of the brain. Enzymatic activity with the catalytic specificity of protein kinase C (PKC) was detected on the surface of brain neurons, where it can serve as a direct target for neurotrophic and neurotoxic substances that control neuronal development and cause neurodegeneration. This activity fulfilled all the criteria required of an ectoprotein kinase (ecto-PK). Detailed analysis of surface protein phosphorylation in cultured brain neurons using specific exogenous substrates (casein, histones, and myelin basic protein), inhibitors (PKC-pseudosubstrate 19–36; K252b) and antibodies (anti-PKC catalytic region M.Ab.1.9, antibodies to the carboxy-terminus of eight PKC isozymes) revealed several types of ecto-PK activity, among them ecto-PKs with catalytic specificity of the PKC isozymes ζ and δ. The activity of the neuronal ecto-PKC is constitutive and not stimulated by phorbol esters. The phosphorylation of a 12K/13K surface protein duplex by ecto-PKC-δ was found to be developmentally regulated, with peak activity occurring during the onset of neuritogenesis. Alzheimer's amyloid peptides β1–40 and β25–35 applied at neurotrophic concentrations stimulated the phosphorylation of endogenous substrates of ecto-PKC activity in brain neurons but inhibited specifically this surface phosphorylation activity with the same dose-response relationships that cause neurodegeneration. As may be expected from a relevant pathophysiological activity, β-amyloid peptide 1–28 did not inhibit this surface phosphorylation. The discovery that ecto-PKC-mediated protein phosphorylation serves as a target for β-amyloid peptides at the very site they operate, i.e., at the neuronal cell surface, opens a new research direction in the investigation of molecular events that play a role in the etiology of developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative disorders.