cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Conclusion Validity of Early Intervention Research with Handicapped Children

The statistical conclusion validity of early intervention research studies was examined by conducting a post hoc power analysis of 484 statistical tests from 49 early intervention articles. Statistical power determinations were made based on Cohen's (1977) criteria for small, medium, and large effect sizes. The analysis revealed that the median power to detect small, medium, and large effect sizes ranged from .08 to .46. Four percent of early intervention studies had adequate power (.80 or greater) to detect medium intervention effects and 18% to detect large intervention effects. The power values suggest poor statistical conclusion validity in the analyzed research and should alert investigators to the possibility of Type II experimental errors in the early intervention research literature. The argument is made that low statistical conclusion validity has practical consequences in relation to program evaluation and cost-effectiveness determinations.
A distributed CPU-GPU framework for pairwise alignments on large-scale sequence datasets

Several problems in computational biology require the all-against-all pairwise comparisons of tens of thousands of individual biological sequences. Each such comparison can be performed with the well-known Needleman-Wunsch alignment algorithm. However, with the rapid growth of biological databases, performing all possible comparisons with this algorithm in serial becomes extremely time-consuming. The massive computational power of graphics processing units (GPUs) makes them an appealing choice for accelerating these computations. As such, CPU-GPU clusters can enable all-against-all comparisons on large datasets.
Using Young Adult Literature Featuring LGBTQ Adolescents With Intellectual and/or Physical Disabilities to Strengthen Classroom Inclusion

Adolescence is chaotic for all individuals, but LGBTQ adolescents with intellectual and/or physical disabilities struggle with what it means to be furthest from the majority. These teens experience varying exclusions and harassments from peers, educators, and family members. Contemporary young adult literature can assist these adolescents through novels positively reflecting themselves and their situations and issues. Such literature also affords greater majority awareness, understanding, and acceptance of these minority individuals within schools and society.
Arabic: another ‘other Spanish language’?

This article examines the present-day status of the Arabic language in Spain and compares its situation to that of Spain's officially recognised minority tongues. Arguments based on the role of Arabic in Spanish history, the mandates of Spanish legislation and the constitution, the dictates of various European bodies, the advantages of mother tongue instruction and multilingualism, and considerations of basic fairness, all suggest that it may be time to recognise Arabic as one of the ‘other Spanish languages’.
REDUCTION OF WORD-RECOGNITION THRESHOLD UNDER HYPNOSIS.

In two experiments with 24 Ss each, the recognition threshold for common English words was reduced under hypnosis. Thresholds were also reduced, however, after waking suggestions and, in one of the experiments, after a prolonged rest period. In all these cases, the amount of the threshold reduction was highly correlated with the initial threshold level. Since these initial thresholds were apparently inflated by S's expectancy for hypnosis, the subsequent threshold reduction may reflect merely the termination of this expectancy and not the direct influence of the treatment variables. The effect of hypnosis upon thresholds uninflated by the expectancy for hypnosis remains to be tested.
Fleroxacin clinical pharmacokinetics.

Fleroxacin is a new member of the class of fluoroquinolones. The drug has good activity (i.e. minimum inhibitory concentrations at less than 2 mg/L against 90% of strains) against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. High performance liquid chromatography is used to determine concentrations of fleroxacin and its metabolites in biological fluids. Absorption of orally ingested drug is rapid as the peak plasma concentration of approximately 5 mg/L is reached in 1 to 2h after a single dose of 400mg. The systemic availability is close to 100%. Fleroxacin is poorly bound to plasma proteins (23%) and exhibits excellent tissue distribution. Renal clearance accounts for 60 to 70% of elimination. The drug is metabolised to form antimicrobially active N-demethyl-fleroxacin and inactive N-oxide-fleroxacin. In multiple dose studies the accumulation ratio of a once-daily dosage regimen is about 1.3, as predicted from the elimination half-life of 10 to 12h. Compared with ciprofloxacin, fleroxacin has a greater systemic availability and a longer half-life. Fleroxacin concentrations are higher in elderly patients, but further studies are needed to establish whether a dosage reduction should be recommended for this age group. In patients with renal disease dosage adjustment is recommended since a decreased renal clearance of fleroxacin leads to a significant prolongation of the elimination half-life. Fleroxacin is only poorly eliminated by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis. The most important drug-drug interaction is a decrease in systemic availability of fleroxacin after ingestion of aluminium- or magnesium-containing antacids. There is no evidence of a significant interaction between fleroxacin and theophylline. Only limited data are available on adverse reactions of fleroxacin. The most important adverse effects appear to be photosensitivity and a dose-dependent incidence of central nervous system reactions including sleep disorders.
Brownian local times

In this paper explicit formulas are given for the distribution functions and the moments of the local times of the Brownian motion, the reflecting Brownian motion, the Brownian meander, the Brownian bridge, the reflecting Brownian bridge and the Brownian excursion.
Comparison of HPLC/ESI-FTICR MS Versus MALDI-TOF/TOF MS for Glycopeptide Analysis of a Highly Glycosylated HIV Envelope Glycoprotein

Defining the structures and locations of the glycans attached on secreted proteins and virus envelope proteins is important in understanding how glycosylation affects their biological properties. Glycopeptide mass spectrometry (MS)-based analysis is a very powerful, emerging approach to characterize glycoproteins, in which glycosylation sites and the corresponding glycan structures are elucidated in a single MS experiment. However, to date there is not a consensus regarding which mass spectrometric platform provides the best glycosylation coverage information. Herein, we employ two of the most widely used MS approaches, online high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) and offline HPLC followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), to determine which of the two approaches provides the best glycosylation coverage information of a complex glycoprotein, the group M consensus HIV-1 envelope, CON-S gp140ΔCFI, which has 31 potential glycosylation sites. Our results highlight differences in the informational content obtained between the two methods such as the overall number of glycosylation sites detected, the numbers of N-linked glycans present at each site, and the type of confirmatory information obtained about the glycopeptide using MS/MS experiments. The two approaches are quite complementary, both in their coverage of glycopeptides and in the information they provide in MS/MS experiments. The information in this study contributes to the field of mass spectrometry by demonstrating the strengths and limitations of two widely used MS platforms in glycoprotein analysis.
Paying the person: A better approach to management?

This article reviews the problems with job-based management systems. It focuses particularly on the impact of job evaluation within such systems. It points out how person-based management systems fit better with high involvement approaches management, and identifies the steps and issues involved in establishing a skill-or knowledge-based pay system.
HfO2 on MoS2 by Atomic Layer Deposition: Adsorption Mechanisms and Thickness Scalability

We report our investigation of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of HfO2 on the MoS2 surface. In contrast to previous reports of conformal growth on MoS2 flakes, we find that ALD on MoS2 bulk material is not uniform. No covalent bonding between the HfO2 and MoS2 is detected. We highlight that individual precursors do not permanently adsorb on the clean MoS2 surface but that organic and solvent residues can dramatically change ALD nucleation behavior. We then posit that prior reports of conformal ALD deposition on MoS2 flakes that had been exposed to such organics and solvents likely rely on contamination-mediated nucleation. These results highlight that surface functionalization will be required before controllable and low defect density high-κ/MoS2 interfaces will be realized. The band structure of the HfO2/MoS2 system is experimentally derived with valence and conduction band offsets found to be 2.67 and 2.09 eV, respectively.
Rapid reversal of anticoagulation reduces hemorrhage volume in a mouse model of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.

Warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (W-ICH) is a severe type of stroke. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for W-ICH. Using a mouse model, we tested whether the rapid reversal ...
Renal injury in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with gold

While severe nephrotoxicity is uncommon during gold therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the prevalence of mild nephrotoxicity has not been investigated. To study this, levels of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG) (nmole/hr/mg urinary creatinine), and β2microglobulin (β2M) (μg/mg urinary creatinine) were measured in urine samples from 33 patients with RA receiving gold and 28 patients with various musculoskeletal diseases not receiving gold. Each patient had a normal urinalysis and blood urea nitrogen or serum creatinine. LAP was above 30 in 55% of RA patients and 7% of controls (p < 0.01). NAG was above 100 in 70% of RA patients and 14% of controls (p < 0.01). In 8 RA patients, NAG was over 200; LAP was over 100 in 4, but in none of the controls. β2M was above 0.32 in 7 of 23 female RA patients and in none of 12 female controls (p = 0.012) and none of the male patients. Patients who excreted high levels of β2M also excreted high levels of NAG and LAP. These data show that gold in therapeutic doses affects renal tubular cells, causing the release of NAG and LAP from lysosomes and brush borders of the cells. This may represent the mildest stage of nephrotoxicity. Elevated β2M in the urine of some patients indicate a degree of nephrotoxicity sufficient to cause renal tubular dysfunction. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 28, 216–222; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.153
Evolution of Photophysical and Photovoltaic Properties of Perylene Bis(phenethylimide) Films upon Solvent Vapor Annealing

A detailed study is presented of the changes in photophysical and photovoltaic properties of thin films of perylene bis(phenethylimide), PPEI, as the film structure evolved from amorphous to polycrystalline under the influence of methylene chloride vapor. A strong absorption band grew in on the low-energy side of the original spectrum as the film order increased, and the peak of the emission spectrum shifted to higher energy, decreasing the Stokes shift by 283 meV. The singlet exciton diffusion length increased by 76%, leading to enhanced quenching of the PPEI fluorescence by a surface film of titanyl phthalocyanine, TiOPc. The heterojunction barrier height in TiOPc/PPEI photovoltaic cells decreased by 88 mV after 12 min exposure to methylene chloride vapor and subsequently remained constant. The series resistance of the cells increased monotonically as the films crystallized. Photocurrents increased by a factor of 10 after brief exposure and decreased thereafter. The active depth from which photocurrent ...
The regularity principle of self-management

The principle of regularity proposed here for self management of systems, states that for a large system to be manageable it must possess suitable regularities. In other words, this principle identifies the ability to establish regularities in a system, as a necessary condition for its self-manageability. But this principle does not call for any universal regularity, but for regularities that fit the system to be managed, and the management mechanism to be used.This paper also proposes a mechanism for establishing a wide range of regularities, even over heterogeneous distributed systems - which would otherwise lack them. This provides a critical key for the self management of heterogeneous distributed systems, which is particularly important because such systems do not lend themselves to external management.
The Public University's Unbearable Defiance of Being

Modernity has imposed on many of us, and perhaps especially on academics, a habit of silence with regard to what John Rawls called deeply held ‘comprehensive’ moral beliefs. According to Rawls and his many disciples, the survival of liberalism depends upon the bracketing of comprehensive beliefs whenever we step into the public sphere. And in the field of higher education, that would have to include the classroom, the lab, the library carrel, the hotel conference suites where we confer and exchange ideas, as well as the vast academic publishing apparatus. I would like to call attention to the way that the supposed requirement of the Rawlsian silence is being challenged, not just by conservative critics but even by such a staunch defender of conventional liberalism as Jurgen Habermas. Second, if Habermas and the other critics are right, then a fortiori, the public university—perhaps the most representative and exemplary of all the institutions of civil society—ought to welcome the infusion of relevant but ...
Shape of a twin as related to the inelastic forces acting on twinning dislocations in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

We investigated with electron microscopy the twin shape in YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} matrix of melt-textured pellets that contained dispersed particles of Y{sub 2}BaCuO{sub 5} (Y211). We compared the recorded images with the shape predicted from the thin twin-dislocation theory for three regions (twin tip, root, and intermediate regions). These twin-shape investigations yielded twin-boundary energies {gamma}{sub tw}=(60.0{+-}21.0) mJ/m{sup 2} that agree with values 46.5 mJ/m{sup 2} obtained by relating twin spacing with local twin-colony size, determined by spacing between Y211 particles for the same samples. Addition of Pt proves to decrease twin boundary energy to (26.8{+-}9.5) mJ/m{sup 2} as evaluated by the twin shape method and to 18.3 mJ/m{sup 2} by the interparticle twin-spacing method. The lattice frictional force S{sub fr} resisting twining dislocation motion was also estimated from the minimum twin thickness h{sub c} and twin shape. The estimated frictional force agrees with the limit set by the reported detwinning stress. Both the frictional force and detwinning stress are expected to increase sharply as temperature falls. We then estimated the critical length scale around 250 nm when it will be still energetic to create twins instead of remaining elastically strained and twinless.
Further variant patterns within Prinzmetal angina pectoris.

A diagnosis of Prinzmetal variant angina was made in 12 patients admitted to a coronary care unit. Five patients without a history of myocardial infarction were observed to have episodic ST segment elevation in electrocardiographic leads corresponding to the distribution of a major coronary artery in the absence of chest pain. Seven others, five patients with acute myocardial infarction, and two patients with remote transmural infarction, demonstrated typical clinical and electrocardiographic findings of the Prinzmetal variant in the period after infarction. Asingle focal obstructive lesion was angiographically demonstrated in only two of six patients studied. Four patients demonstrated focal and diffuse disease involving two or more coronary arteries. The clinical spectrum of Prinzmetal angina must now be extended to include both painless and post infarction variants. Diffuse, widespread coronary involvement as well as “spasm” in apparently normal coronary vessels, or single vessel, focal obstructive disease may be demonstrable angiographically.
Stability of resting deoxyglucose metabolic values in PET studies of schizophrenia

Positron emission tomography (PET) and the deoxyglucose method were used to determine the test-retest stability of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in 8 male schizophrenic patients and 11 normal control subjects, scanned twice under baseline (resting) conditions. Normal and schizophrenic subjects showed comparable stability of regional metabolism. When the regional values were scaled to compensate for the effects of changes in whole brain metabolism, the resulting mean regional changes were reduced to about 1-2% in both groups. This study demonstrates that the baseline resting state is an appropriate reference state for schizophrenic subjects in deoxyglucose PET experiments.
Hypercalciuria in children with febrile convulsions

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether idiopathic hypercalciuria may be implicated in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions. METHODS We studied 38 children (22 boys) with febrile convulsions (mean (+/- SD) age 3.25 +/- 1.09 years) and 45 healthy children (28 boys) of similar age who served as controls. Twenty-four hour urine calcium and phosphate, as well as serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were determined. RESULTS Hypercalciuria (urine Ca >4.0 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) was found in nine children with febrile convulsions (23.7%) and in three controls (6.7%). Hypercalciuric children excreted significantly more phosphate in their urine (37.0 +/- 11.6 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) than normocalciuric children (18.7 +/- 8.7 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) and controls (20.2 +/- 7.6 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h). They also had higher serum intact PTH concentrations (49.87 +/- 15.36 pg/mL) than normocalciuric (35.39 +/- 15.67 pg/mL) and control children (28.21 +/- 14.00 pg/mL). According to the calcium-loading test, eight of nine children with hypercalciuria had the renal type of the disorder. Furthermore, hypercalciuric children had significantly more convulsive episodes (2.77 +/- 1.98) than normocalciuric children (1.86 +/- 1.24). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that renal hypercalciuria may be implicated in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.
Paraffin Mirrors for Ultrasoft X-rays

OUR search for a suitable dispersion technique to identify ultrasoft X-radiation (wavelength λ>20 A) led us to consider the wavelength dependence of the critical angle of total reflexion. A critical angle of total reflexion exists only if the reflector is transparent to radiation. Thus, one reason for the unsatisfactory results reported by Franks and Braybrook1 could be the high absorption of the ultra-soft X-rays in the beryllium reflector used by these authors. At first glance beryllium is the best choice for a low-absorption reflector, but commercial beryllium is contaminated by heavy metals. Even a small proportion of, say, iron or nickel, combined with the beryllium oxide that always forms on the surface where total reflexion occurs, can destroy the critical angle.
Assessment of left ventricular function by radionuclide angiography during induced supraventricular tachycardia.

Abstract Electrocardiographically synchronized radionuclide angiography was performed before, during and after induced paroxysmal Supraventricular tachycardia in 13 patients. Data were acquired with a computer-interfaced Anger camera in a left anterior oblique projection. No data were acquired during tachycardia until tachycardia had been sustained for 1 minute. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 64 years (mean ± standard deviation 42 ± 14.5). Three patients had organic heart disease and 10 did not. Baseline and tachycardia heart rates (beats/min) were 59 to 99 (73 ± 11) versus 141 to 228 (157 ± 22). Baseline and tachycardia left ventricular measurements (mean ± standard error) were as follows: ejection fraction 64 ± 2 versus 62 ± 4 percent (not significant), ejection rate 3.0 ± 0.1 versus 4.3 ± 0.4 mean ventricular counts/s (p 3 counts (p 3 counts (p 3 counts/min (p In summary, paroxysmal Supraventricular tachycardia was characterized by a marked decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic and stroke volumes but increased ejection rate and cardiac output without significant change in ejection fraction. Heart disease or rapid heart rate during tachycardia appeared to have a deleterious effect on ejection fraction.
Life History and Life Table of Metaseiulus occidentalis

The life history of M. occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) was determined at a diurnal temperature range of 15–°C. The rates of predation for all stages of M. occidentalis on the eggs of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, also were observed at this cyclical temperature. From the life-history data, a life table was constructed for M. occidentalis . The intrinsic rate of increase was found to be 0.183 individuals per female per day, and the population multiplied 24.29 times in a generation time of 17.43 days.
Regional geochemical studies in parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, U.S.A.

Abstract A geochemical survey of the Sherbrooke and Lewiston 1° × 2° quadrangles was conducted from 1979 to 1982 by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of the Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program. The area covers about 23,000 km2. The region is characterized by a temperate climate, abundant rainfall, and dense forests. The topography ranges from rolling and subdued to mountainous. Bedrock is generally covered by glacial deposits, lakes, and bogs. The bedrock includes metamorphic and plutonic rocks ranging in age from Precambrian to Cretaceous. Known mineral deposits within the area include massive-sulfide deposits, Cu-Mo porphyry deposits, minor base-metal vein deposits, minor Sn-bearing vein deposits, and minor Be-bearing skarn deposits. Stream sediments were the primary sample medium because: (1) drainage systems are extensively developed; (2) bedrock is poorly exposed; and (3) previous studies had established stream-sediment sampling as a viable procedure for reconnaissance geochemical studies in this region. The data from about 1,700 stream-sediment samples collected in earlier U.S. Geological Survey programs were included to give a total of 6,935 samples of stream sediment. At 1,420 sites, samples of heavy-mineral concentrate from stream sediment were also collected. Both sample media were analyzed for as many as 32 elements. The distributions for Cr, Cu, Zn, Mo, and U in stream-sediment samples and for Sn and W in nonmagnetic heavy-mineral-concentrate samples are discussed here. Some significant findings are: (1) nonmagnetic heavy-mineral concentrates are a valuable sample medium for the region; (2) certain Jurassic granites are potential hosts to Sn deposits; (3) a prominent linear trend of stream-sediment samples containing high Cr may be caused by glacial transport of mafic or ultramafic rock material for distances as great as 160 km; (4) glacial action must be considered in the interpretation of (a) elements, such as Cr, W, and Sn, that form resistate minerals and (b) elements, such as Cu, that are associated with chromite or other resistate minerals; (5) glacial action seems to be a minor factor in the regional dispersion of elements from sulfide deposits; and (6) the geochemical expression of some known massive-sulfide deposits is subtle; thus, weak anomalies in areas of no known deposits may be significant.
Development of Primordial Follicles in the Hamster: Role of Estradiol-17β

The role of E2 on primordial follicle formation was examined by treating neonatal hamsters with 1 or 2 microg estradiol cypionate (ECP) at age postnatal d 1 (P1) and P4 or by in vitro culture of embryonic d 15 (E15) ovaries with 1, 5, or 10 ng/ml estradiol-17beta (E2). The specificity of E2 action was examined by ICI 182,780. One microgram of ECP maintained serum levels of E2 within the physiological range, significantly reduced apoptosis, and stimulated the formation and development of primordial follicles. In contrast, 2 microg ECP increased serum E2 levels to 400 pg/ml and had significantly less influence on primordial follicle formation. In vivo, ICI 182,780 significantly increased apoptosis and caused a modest reduction in primordial follicle formation. The formation and development of primordial follicles in vitro increased markedly with 1 ng/ml E2, and the effect was blocked by ICI 182,780. Higher doses of E2 had no effect on primordial follicle formation but significantly up-regulated apoptosis, which was blocked by ICI 182,780. CYP19A1 mRNA expression occurred by E13 and increased with the formation of primordial follicles. P4 ovaries synthesized E2 from testosterone, which increased further by FSH. Both testosterone and FSH maintained ovarian CYP19A1 mRNA, but FSH up-regulated the expression. These results suggest that neonatal hamster ovaries produce E2 under FSH control and that E2 action is essential for the survival and differentiation of somatic cells and the oocytes leading to the formation and development of primordial follicles. This supportive action of E2 is lost when hormone levels increase above a threshold.
The product elimination function

Historically, major consideration given to product management has focused on research and development or the introductory stage of the product life cycle. The authors present an empirical study delineating the variables to be considered in the product elimination process. More specifically, the elimination process is evaluated under a situation of poor product performance despite a generally viable market. The basic objectives of the study were: to determine the significant variables in the product elimination process of the Small Appliance Industry; to determine the relative importance of the variables; to examine the interaction among variables. The data obtained through personal structured questionnaire interviews were analyzed and provided a ranking of twenty-six variables relevant to the elimination process. Moreover, the Johnson's Hierarchical Clustering Schemes was applied to determine the interaction among variables. The results indicate that profitability and financial variables are most significant in the elimination decision-process. Second, the primary clusters of importance are concerned with market share, market growth rate, consumer awareness, and competitive action.
Thermal Stress in Sudden Infant Death: Is There an Ambiguity With the Rebreathing Hypothesis?

Objective. To assess the role of thermal stress in the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and to compare risk factors with those of rebreathing. Methodology. Analysis of publications concerning the epidemiology and physiology of thermal stress in SIDS. Results. A strong association between thermal regulation and ventilatory control was found, specifically for prolonged apnea. Infections, excessive room heat and insulation, and prone sleeping produce significantly increased odds ratios for SIDS. Although some of the risk factors for rebreathing could be explained by the effects of thermal stress, several factors for thermal stress could not reasonably be explained by the rebreathing hypothesis. Conclusions. Although the risk of thermal stress is widely accepted abroad, it has received relatively little attention in the United States. The incidence of SIDS in the United States can likely be further reduced by educating the public against the dangers of overheating, as an integral part of the back-to-sleep campaign.
Upper-extremity phocomelia reexamined: a longitudinal dysplasia.

BackgroundIn contrast to longitudinal deficiencies, phocomelia is considered a transverse, intercalated segmental dysplasia. Most patients demonstrate severe, but not otherwise classifiable, upper-extremity deformities, which usually cannot be placed into one of three previously described phocomelia
Relationships between quantum physics and biology

The known facts of quantum physics and biology strongly suggest the following hypotheses: atoms and the fundamental particles have a rudimentary degree of consciousness, volition, or self-activity; the basic features of quantum mechanics are a result of this fact; the quantum mechanical wave properties of matter are actually the conscious properties of matter; and living organisms are a direct result of these properties of matter. These hypotheses are tested by using them to make detailed predictions of new facts, and then by showing that the predictions can be verified. The hypotheses are used to predict successfully that the quantum wave properties of matter are strongly predominant in proteins, to explain the presence and relative abundance of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur in proteins, and to explain diffraction phenomena, the behavior of helium II, the exclusion principle, and causality and determinism in modern science, thus closely relating physics and biology.
Urethritis: Clinical manifestations and inter-relationship with intercourse and therapy

Acute bacterial cystitis in women is a common and easily treatable disease. The high concentrations of antibiotics obtainable in urine allow prompt eradication of bacitluria with even short courses of treatment. A small percentage of women, however, will remain symptomatic after eradication of bacilluria and will often fail to respond to further anti-bacterial treatment. While it is generally felt that these women suffer from urethritis, there is less general agreement regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of this entity. Treatment modalities have ranged from such conservative measures as urethral dilatation and intermittent antibiotics to surgical meatal and urethral reconstructive procedures.1 Despite this lack of agreement, however, the fact that urethritis is often related to sexual activity remains a prominent feature of this disease. Therefore its effects on female sexual function, as well as the role of sexual activity in its pathogenesis, are important. These relationships will be explored in somewhat more detail in the following presentation.
Consumption smoothing during the economic transition in Bulgaria

Abstract In this paper, we use monthly data from a panel of households in Bulgaria in 1994 to examine the extent to which households are able to protect their consumption from fluctuations in real income. The empirical analysis reveals that consumption is protected only partially from idiosyncratic fluctuations in income. In general, households smooth food consumption by adjusting their non-food expenditures and by borrowing through formal and informal credit markets. Overall, inter-household transfers play a limited role in insuring consumption. The extent of consumption smoothing varies across regions and across household characteristics. Food consumption also appears to be less protected from changes in food prices than it is from changes in household income. Journal of Comparative Economics 32 (2) (2004) 328–347.
Pulse-shape measurements for the oak ridge electron linear accelerator with gamma-ray detection techniques

Abstract A study of the pulse-shape characteristics of the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator was carried out because the resolution of neutron cross section and neutron spectra measurements are directly dependent upon this pulse shape. Gamma-ray detection with techniques commonly used in the neutron time-of-flight experiments was used in the study because of the fidelity with which the pulse shape could be measured.
IpaA Targets β1 Integrins and Rho to Promote Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangements Necessary for Shigella Entry

Shigella invasion into the colonic epithelium involves many steps including the formation of large membrane protrusions by the epithelial cells that facilitate bacterial engulfment. IpaA, a Shigella protein secreted into target cells upon cell contact induces a loss of actin stress fibers in cells and promotes the reorganization of actin at the site of entry. The mechanism for this is not known but is thought to involve recruitment of the focal adhesion protein vinculin to IpaA. Here we have examined the mechanism for the effects of IpaA on the actin cytoskeleton. We show that IpaA-induced loss of actin stress fibers and cell rounding do not require vinculin expression or an intact vinculin binding site on IpaA. Rather, we find that cells expressing IpaA exhibited elevated Rho activity and increased myosin light chain phosphorylation. In addition, IpaA decreases integrin affinity for extracellular matrix ligands by interfering with talin recruitment to the integrin cytoplasmic tail. The combination of these two effects, namely weakened adhesion and increased contractility, account for the loss of actin stress fibers and cell rounding observed in cells exposed to IpaA.
Syndromes in Twins

There is a higher incidence of perinatal mortality and morbidity in twins than in singleton pregnancies. The main reason for this increase is the higher incidence of preterm delivery in twins. There are special conditions unique to twins that also contribute to this increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. These conditions include monoamniotic twins, congenital anomalies unique to twins, ie, conjoined twins and acardia, intrauterine fetal demise, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. These conditions are the subject of this review. The prenantal determination of chorionicity is discussed first, because this assessment is key to the diagnosis and management of many of these conditions.
Changes in Physician Utilization Over Time among Older Adults

Although much is known from cross-sectional studies about the use of physician services among older adults, little is known about the consistency of or changes in that utilization over time. Hierarchical multivariable regression analysis of data on the 2,430 older adults who were enrolled in the LSOA and successfully reinterviewed in 1986, 1988, and 1990 is used to model changes in the number of physician visits between 1984 and 1990 based on the predisposing, enabling, and need (including functional status) characteristics measured in 1984, and subsequent changes in functional status. Overall, 19 percent of the variance in physician utilization is explained, with 8 percent coming from the introduction of the need characteristics, 4.7 percent from the subsequent introduction of the number of physician visits at baseline, and 4.9 percent from the subsequent introduction of changes in functional status. Declines in each of the functional status measures are significantly associated with increases in physician utilization, although improvements are fundamentally unrelated.
An experimental high pressure line shape study of the rubidium D1 and D2 transitions with the noble gases, methane, and ethane

At high pressure the rst resonance lines of rubidium have been observed to broaden asymmetrically. A the- oretical line shape for this asymmetry has been determined via the Anderson-Talman theory and the impact approximation. The broadening and shift rates compared nicely to previous low pressure results and the rates for asymmetry have been measured for the noble gases, methane, and ethane.
A New Window for the Treatment of Posterior Cerebral Artery, Superior Cerebellar Artery, and Basilar Apex Aneurysm: The Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Approach.

Objective To explore the feasibility of an endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to treat aneurysms arising in the basilar apex, posterior cerebral arteries, and superior cerebellar arteries. Study Design Cadaveric anatomical study. Participants Fifteen cadaveric specimens. Main Outcome Measures Degree of surgical exposure of each artery attained, distance from the nasal vestibule to these three arteries, and feasibility of clipping these vessels using standard vascular clip applicators. Results Both posterior cerebral arteries were exposed, 0.67 cm (standard deviation [SD]: 0.2) on the right side and 0.59 cm (SD: 0.2) on the left side. Both right and left superior cerebral arteries were exposed, 0.6 cm (SD: 0.2) and 0.7 cm (SD: 0.3), respectively. The length of the basilar artery exposed was 2.6 cm (SD: 0.3). The distance from the nasal vestibule to the posterior cerebral artery, superior cerebellar artery, and basilar apex was 10 cm with an SD of ± 0.7, 0.6, and 0.8 cm, respectively. We were able to apply clips on each of these three vessels with a minimal alteration of surrounding normal tissue. Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach represents a potentially feasible surgical corridor to treat aneurysms arising from these vessels.
Increasing Academic Performance Through Home-Managed Contingency Programs.

Abstract Sixteen pupils in three, second-grade classes were performing below grade achievement level in arithmetic. To increase their performance, parents were instructed to present contingent consequences at home. Three methods were used for instructing parents in program management: parents of 5 pupils attended two one-hour conferences, parents of 6 received a 15-minute conference, and instructions were mailed to parents of the other 5. All three methods resulted in increases in pupils' percent correct, but no substantial difference was observed as a function of mode of parent instruction. Parents receiving two hours' instruction later applied contingency management to additional child behaviors.
Cultivar and temperature influence on development, survival, and fecundity in four successive generations of Acyrthosiphon kondoi (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Total developmental time for Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji reared at 20°C was significantly longer on the alfalfa cultivar ‘CUF 101’ than on ‘Moapa 69.’ Mortality rate was more rapid and survival shorter on ‘CUF 101.’ Fecundity, averaged over four generations, was 27% lower on ‘CUF 101’ than on ‘Moapa 69.’ The intrinsic rate of increase was consistently higher on ‘Moapa 69’ in all generations. At 15°C, developmental times and aphid survival were nearly identical. Progeny production was significantly higher on ‘Moapa 69’ in the parental generation but was virtually identical on the two cultivars in F1 through F3. Intrinsic rate of increase values was nearly identical in all generations. Results support the hypothesis that antibiosis is involved in ‘CUF 101’s’ resistance to A. kondoi . Resistance is virtually lost at 15°C, a result consistent with other aphid-alfalfa systems.
Mutation of Tryptophan 128 in T4 Endonuclease V Does Not Affect Glycosylase or Abasic Site Lyase Activity

Mutation of various residues within the carboxy-terminal 11 amino acids of endonuclease V, an enzyme made up of 138 amino acids that initiates the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in DNA, has demonstrated the importance of this region in dimer-specific binding. In a previous study, substitution of a serine residue for tryptophan 128 resulted in a protein with decreased abasic site lyase activity without a concomitant decrease in DNA glycosylase activity [Nakabeppu, Y., et al. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 2556-2562]. To assess the importance of the tryptophan at position 128, six mutants were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis, including W128Y, W128V, W128I, W128G, W128S, and W128T. Upon characterization, these six mutants were found qualitatively to complement the repair deficiency of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiated Escherichia coli cells (recA-, uvrA-) to levels comparable to that of wild-type endonuclease V. The activities of the mutant proteins were characterized using UV-irradiated plasmid DNA and oligonucleotides containing either a site-specific cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer or an abasic site. In all cases, the six mutants displayed glycosylase and abasic site lyase activities comparable to those of wild-type endonuclease V, indicating that Trp-128 is not crucial for dimer-specific binding or catalysis.
Longitudinal outcome for low birth weight infants: effects of intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Abstract This study addresses the mental and motor development of 78 low birth weight infants (LBW) classified into five groups according to early medical complications: (1) respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); (2) intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH Grades I-II); (3) IVH (Grade III); (4) IVH (Grade IV) with hydrocephalus; and (5) bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with or without IVH. Each child received an assessment of mental and motor development at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of age. Results of mental scores revealed clear effects of group and age, but no interaction of group and age. The RDS and IVH (Grades I -III) groups generally had higher scores on indices of mental development than did IVH (Grade IV) and BPD infants with or without IVH. Although most groups had higher mental scores at the older ages, rates of growth were essentially parallel across the five groups. There was some support for differential rates of motor development, with the IVH (Grade IV) group showing acceleration between 24 and 36 mon...
Detection and tracking of coherent features in a mach 4 turbulent boundary layer

The detection and tracking of coherent vortical structures in a turbulent compressible boundary layer is considered. Several vortex identification methods are evaluated. It is found that for this flow, the discriminant of the characteristic polynomial of the velocity gradient tensor is the most useful. It tends to highlight vortical structures that are located farther from the wall, and the feature detection is less sensitive to the level than the other methods evaluated. The flow fields are visualized using advanced volume rendering methods that allow large datasets to be analyzed efficiently. This methods have also been adapted to volume fill specific structures so that their evolution can be tracked in time. These approaches promise to make the analysis of large DNS datasets more efficient and quantitative.
Descriptions of Sexual Content and Ratings of Movie Preference

A total of 109 college students read one of the two versions of a movie guide with brief narrative descriptions of 12 movies. Sexual content was manipulated by having only one version of the movie guide contain a categorical rating of ‘nudity’ or ‘sexuality’ for each movie. Analysis indicated that simply announcing the presence of sexual content in R-rated movies may increase the preferences of college students, particularly of female students.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Residual Symptoms and Impairment in Schizophrenia

This study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions in the treatment of persons with schizophrenia who experienced significant residual symptoms and impaired functioning despite their adherence to medication. The study used an aggregated AB single-system research design across 22 participants to evaluate change in clinical outcomes. Standardized measures of psychosocial functioning, severity of symptoms, attainment of treatment goals, and severity of the impact of illness on self-concept were used to assess change during the course of 18 months of treatment. Of the clients, 86% made statistically significant improvement in psychosocial functioning; 82% of the clientsmade statistically significant reduction in severity of psychiatric symptoms. All 22 clients exceeded the expected level of attainment of treatment goals. There was a statistically significant reduction in the negative impact of illness on sense of self. Findings support the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interv...
An Investigation of Hope, Academics, Environment, and Motivation as Predictors of Persistence in Higher Education Online Programs

Predictors of persistence previously found useful in distinguishing successful from unsuccessful distance learners were assembled in a 60-item survey. The survey was completed by 259 learners enrolled in associate's, bachelor's, or master's level distance learning courses in accounting, business administration, information services, criminal justice, nursing, management, and education. The survey measured variables related to academics, environment, motivation, and hope as predictors of persistence, where persistence was defined as continuing beyond the first three classes in one of the three degree-granting programs. Persisters (N=209) tended to score higher on environmental measures of Emotional Support, Self-efficacy, and Time and Study Management than non-persisters (N=50). Surprisingly,highscoresonameasureofLearnerAutonomy (independentlearning) wereassociated withnon-persistence in the online programs. The findings were interpreted in the context of the cohort model used in the online programs attended by the students surveyed in the study. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Current understanding of the genetic basis of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common, immunologically mediated, inflammatory and hyperproliferative disease of the skin and joints, with a multifactorial genetic basis. Recently, the association of psoriasis with loci at HLA-Cw*0602, IL12B, IL23A, IL23R, TNFAIP3, TNIP1, ZNF313 and IL4/IL13, and copy number variations in the β-defensin and late-cornified envelope (LCE) gene loci were described. Here, we discuss the advances in the technology that has lead to the identification of these genes and their presumed role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Although it is now generally accepted that psoriatic lesions are caused by abnormal reactivity of specific T cells in the skin, these findings suggest that alterations in the epidermal barrier, innate defenses and processing of inflammatory signals may all contribute to the triggering of nonspecific innate immune mechanisms, which, in combination with altered IL-23 signaling, may lead to the dysregulation of T-cell-driven immune responses.
An input-process-output model of shared understanding in partially distributed conceptual design teams

In this study, we used qualitative data analysis to examine factors that are associated with shared understanding in the context of partially distributed conceptual design teams. The identified factors were then organized in an input-process-output model. The utility of the model as well as current and future works are discussed.