cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome Recombination between Delta and Alpha Variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Prominent genomic recombination has been observed between the Delta and Alpha variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolated from clinical specimens in Japan. It is necessary to intensively study such marked genetic variations and characterize the emerging variants after careful verification of their lineage and clade assignment.
The Ca2+-induced membrane transition in mitochondria. II. Nature of the Ca2+ trigger site.

Abstract The permeability of isolated mitochondria which have undergone the Ca2+-induced transition can be modulated over a wide range simply by adjusting the concentration of free Ca2+ in the medium. The effect varies sigmoidally with respect to Ca2+ concentration, with an apparent Km of 16 μ m at pH 7.0. It is concluded that the trigger site (by “trigger site” we mean the site of binding of Ca2+ which, when Ca2+ is bound, will allow the transition in permeability to occur) is possibly also the site for high-affinity Ca2+ uptake. Added ADP, NADH and Mg2+ inhibit the Ca2+-induced permeability of mitochondria which have undergone the Ca2+-induced transition. Mg2+ and other ions, including H+, act like competitive inhibitors of the Ca2+ effect. In the presence of Ca2+, both neutral and charged molecules of molecular weight
Behavioral Law and Economics: The Assault on Consent, Will, and Dignity

In "Behavioral Law and Economics: The Assault on Consent, Will, and Dignity," Mark D. White uses the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant to examine the intersection of economics, psychology, and law known as "behavioral law and economics." Scholars in this relatively new field claim that, because of various cognitive biases and failures, people often make choices that are not in their own interests. The policy implications of this are that public and private organizations, such as the state and employers, can and should design the presentation of options and default choices in order to "steer" people to the decision they would make, were they able to make choices in the absence of their cognitive biases and failures. Such policies are promoted under the name "libertarian paternalism," because choice is not blocked or co-opted, but simply "nudged." White argues that such manipulation of choice is impossible to conduct in people's true interests, and any other goal pursed by policymakers substitutes their own ends, however benevolent they may be, for people's true ends. Normatively, such manipulation should not be conducted because it fails to respect the dignity and autonomy of persons, what some hold to be the central idea in Kant's ethical system, and which serves to protect the individual from coercion, however subtle, from other persons or the state.
The Mechanochemical Formation of Functionalized Semiconductor Nanoparticles for Biological, Electronic and Superhydrophobic Surface Applications

A rapid, direct and efficient method for the fabrication of functionalized semiconductor nanoparticles is described. The mechanochemical method involves the simultaneous top-down formation of nanoparticles using high energy ball milling (HEBM) and reaction with a liquid medium to passivate (functionalize) the surface of nanoparticles as they are formed. In one embodiment of this process, elemental silicon is ball-milled in the presence of a reactive hydrocarbon, such as an n-alkyne. As the silicon fractures during the mechanical attrition, the formation of reactive surface species leads to the reaction with the surrounding organic medium and the creation of direct Si-C bonds. As the particles further fracture into the nano-regime and become sufficiently functionalized with organic molecules, they become soluble in the parent liquor and can be easily removed in a post-milling centrifugation step. Examples of how this method are being adapted to other semiconductors such as germanium, and other reactive organic compounds such as alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids are given. Furthermore, the adaptation of this technique to yield water-soluble analogues is elucidated. The importance of these functionalized semiconductor nanoparticles is illustrated through a brief description of the opto-electronic properties, including photoluminescence. Finally, the use of “waste” material from processing for the production of superhydrophobic films and surfaces is described. The importance of processing parameters and continuous operation to scale-up are discussed.
Knowledge-Based Fuzzy Neural Networks

Knowledge-based neural networks are concerned with the use of numerical information, which forms the domain knowledge, obtained from sensor measurements to determine the initial structure of a neural network. Research on combining symbolic inductive learning with neural networks, as well as research on combining fuzzy logic with neural networks, is proceeding on several fronts. Fuzzy decision trees and their various algorithmic implementations are one of the most popular choices in applications to learning and reasoning from feature-based examples. Such constructions have drawn increasing attention recently due to comprehensibility of the generated knowledge structure, and wide availability of data in the form of feature descriptions. However, the inability of coping with missing data, imprecise or vague information, and measurements errors create a lot of problems for symbolic artificial intelligence. These problems might be overcome by employing fuzzy methodology. In this paper we present an approach based on fuzzy neural trees for determining the structure of a neural network. An analysis of digital thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphs is presented to corroborate the theory and demonstrate the utility of the approach.
Response to boguslaw stec's letter to the editor of protein science

We are grateful to Dr. Stec for pointing out that a new sequence for FTHFS became available. We have re-refined, using HKL3000, the structures reported in the article with the new sequence and we agree with Dr. Stec that the electron density matches the new sequence. We do not think that a new variant of FTHFS emerged but rather it is more likely that the old sequence published in 1990 had errors. For the recombinant protein expression, we used the system constructed by one of the authors of the original sequence data, the bacteria were propagated just a few times.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A HYPERACTIVE SEGMENT AT THE RECTOSIGMOID JUNCTION

During a study of intraluminal motor patterns of the colon and rectum, spontaneous wave activity of a continuous complex type was observed at the rectosigmoid junction in constipated subjects. To assess the frequency and characteristics of this hyperactive segment, 39 subjects with colonic motor disorders and 12 healthy controls were studied. Eighteen of 24 patients with constipation (75%) and 1 of 7 subjects with asymptomatic diverticulosis exhibited a persistent hyperactive segment at the rectosigmoid junction. Neither secretin nor cholecystokinin influenced the wave activity of the hyperactive segment. In contrast, atropine and glucagon inhibited markedly all wave activity and decreased the motility index of this segment significantly, suggesting overactivity of the muscarinic effector cells. It is concluded tnat a seginental area of overactivity exists at the rectosigmoid junction in most constipated subjects regardless of their underlying disorders.
Learning And Teaching Styles In Management Education: Identifying, Analyzing, And Facilitating

Drawing on the learning theory of the Felder-Silverman model (2002), and the work of A.F. Grasha, this paper provides a brief review of teaching and learning styles used in management education. Professors, like students, demonstrate a number of learning styles and a professor has some responsibility to organize and present a course to satisfy students’ varied learning styles. After a brief review of the literature this paper suggests ways to assess the teaching and learning styles of management educators and students.
Effects of an antral mucosectomy, L-364,718 and atropine on cephalic phase of gastric and pancreatic secretion in dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of gastrin and cholecystokinin in the cephalic phase of gastrin release and gastric and pancreatic secretion in conscious dogs. Sham feeding in intact dogs increased gastric acid output to about 65% of histamine maximum and pancreatic protein to 23% of caerulein maximum. Significant increases in plasma gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide but not cholecystokinin occurred. Similar effects were obtained using insulin hypoglycemia or 2-deoxy-D-glucose glucocytopemia. Atropine eliminated gastric acid response to sham feeding, insulin, or 2-deoxy-D-glucose, significantly reduced the pancreatic protein response by about 60%, and abolished plasma pancreatic polypeptide but not plasma gastrin. Blocking of cholecystokinin receptors by L-364,715 did not affect gastric or pancreatic secretory responses to sham feeding, insulin, or 2-deoxy-D-glucose and failed to influence the accompanying increments in plasma gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide. In antral-mucosectomized dogs, sham feeding-induced acid output reached only 17% of histamine maximum but the increase in pancreatic protein output was similar to that in intact dogs. In these animals, background stimulation with G17I (62 pmol/kg per h) potentiated the gastric acid response to sham feeding but had little effect on pancreatic protein output. This study provides evidence that unlike gastric acid, the pancreatic protein response to physiological or pharmacological cephalic stimulation does not depend on vagally released gastrin but probably on direct vagal stimulation of the pancreas.
The role of networks in small firm competitiveness

Contact networks as a means of obtaining external information are a well–accepted aspect of firm behavior. For large firms, formal ties, such as strategic alliances and joint ventures, are common, but for small firms more flexible, informal connections are the norm. In addition, semi–formal flexible manufacturing networks have evolved within the US as a means for firms to identify similar and compatible firms for cooperative activities. This paper examines the behaviour of firms with regard to the role played by networks in information flow and, at least speculatively, in firm competitiveness. Data come from interviews with firms throughout the US, in both rural and urban settings. Formal networks may be less critical in urban agglomerations, where proximity may provide advantages through informal interactions. Comparisons with industrial districts in Europe provide scope for understanding the role of information in firm behaviour.
Hemothorax in a child as a result of costal exostosis.

Chest pain in pediatric patients is uncommon. Chest pain due to hemothorax is rare. Although hemothorax is usually a result of trauma, it has been reported as a complication of costal exostoses.1-6 The youngest such patient reported, to our knowledge, was 7 years old. We report a case of hemothorax in a 3½-year-old boy with hereditary multiple exostoses. CASE HISTORY A 3½-year-old boy was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic, right-sided pleural effusion. The child, who was adopted from Romania at 1 year of age, was a known chronic hepatitis B carrier. He had been malnourished when he was first adopted, but he was currently thriving, with height and weight at the 50th percentile for age.
Distribution automation using CDMA

Distribution automation technology using code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless communication network had been developed and proved its cost effectiveness and durability through the field test. Several system components for CDMA such as gateway, packet assembly disassembly (PAD) and modem had been newly developed and their interfaces are standardized. Establishing a separate control channel for Inter-Working function (IWF) from central station, system reliability is significantly improved in the case of event processing. CDMA network would be applied to a small-scale DAS which has a difficulty to construct a communication network in an economic way, while fiber optic cable would be applied to a large- scale DAS which needs high speed and reliability in a big city.
Pulmonary Nocardia and Aspergillus co-infection in a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease.

: Immunosuppression and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are major risk factors for the development of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in bone marrow transplant patients. Although nocardial infections are well described in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients, little information is available about the incidence of nocardiosis in patients with chronic GVHD after HSCT. Coexistence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and nocardiosis following non-myeloablative HSCT has not been reported previously. With the increasing use of pentostatin in the treatment of chronic GVHD in future and other nucleoside analogues as preparative regimens in patients undergoing reduced-intensity conditioning transplantation, the possibility of co-infection with rare organisms should be kept in mind while assessing at-risk patients.
Respiratory characteristics and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration of dog blood during the postnatal period

Abstract 1. 1. Serial data ( N = 187) were obtained from newborn pups ( N = 70) to determine blood respiratory characteristics and related parameters and to compare with adult values ( N = 18). 2. 2. The mean Hb conc at birth (13.0 ± 1.3 g%) was within two SD of the normal adult mean (14.8 ± 1.0 g%). A postnatal anemia occurred (7.3 ± 1.0 g%) and was most pronounced at 40 days of age. 3. 3. The O 2 affinity of newborn pup blood is greater than that of mature adult blood ( P 50 = 20.9 ± 0.7 vs 30.8 ± 0.7 mm Hg . Following birth, blood O 2 affinity decreased up to 65 days of age ( P 50 =35.1 ± 0.7 mm Hg), thereafter the O 2 ; affinity gradually increased with age and at 203 days was similar to the normal adult mean ( P 50 = 31.7 ± 0.1 vs 30.8 ± 0.7 mm Hg). 4. 4. Blood 2,3-DPG cone paralleled the P 50 ) values, being lowest at 1 day of age (2.64 ± 0.42 μmol/g Hb), highest at 65 days of age (23.67 ± 1.30 μmol/g Hb) and at 203 days of age was within two SD of the normal adult mean (19.03 + 0.34 vs 16.51 ± 1.91 μmol/g Hb). 5. 5. Both incubation of whole blood and dialysis effectively decreased the concn of 2,3-DPG regardless of the age of the donor and concurrently, the P 50 values were reduced. When 2,3-DPG was added to the dialysate the P 50 approximated the normal adult mean regardless of the age of the donor. 6. 6. These data support the previous hypothesis that newborn and adult dog blood do not possess structurally different hemoglobins but the alteration in O 2 affinity is regulated by the concn of 2,3-DPG. 7. 7. Comparative studies of several species indicate that the disappearance of postnatal anemia approximates the time of onset of puberty.
Does expectancy determine performance

Aronson and Carlsmith (1962) indicated that Ss preferred to fail and confirm a failure expectancy than to be successful and disconfirm the expectancy. An attempted replication reported here, Experiment I, did not support these findings. Instead, Ss appeared achievement oriented. An alternative explanation of the Aronson and Carlsmith data, that of experimenter demand, was rejected by a second study, in which experimenter status and payment were manipulated. Experiment III investigated a differential recall interpretation of the Aronson and Carlsmith results. Some recall differences were found. Correcting our initial data for recall, the achievement interpretation appeared strengthened. However, similarly correcting the Aronson and Carlsmith data strengthens their expectancy analysis. It is suggested that, in the present studies, strong achievement motives may be suppressing expectancy effects. Therefore, no definitive refutation of expectancy theory is claimed.
ASSESSING SCHOOL AND PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS: ESTIMATING TEACHER LEVEL EFFECTS

Large scale studies of the relative effects of schools or school programs on student achievement, as measured by standardized tests, have produced consistently pessimistic findings (Averch, Carroll, Donaldson, Kiesling, Pincus, 1972; Cicirelli, Cooper, Granger, 1969; Coleman, Campbell, Hobson, McPartland, Mood, Weinfried, and York, 1966; Jencks, 1972). Critics of these studies have suggested that two methodological extensions of research on school effectiveness are needed to shed further light on the issue of the differential effectiveness of schools or school programs. One extension is the use of tighter experimental designs to overcome the cross-sectional, survey limitations of prior studies (Campbell, 1969; Stanley, 1972; Mosteller and Moynihan, 1972; Smith, 1972). A second extension recommends the use of a wider variety of dependent measures to tap a larger domain of potentially school-related outcomes (Jackson, 1973; Jencks, 1972). While both of these extensions are warranted, the important finding leading to the conclusion that resources or programs have little differential impact upon student achievement is that withinschool or program variation is large in comparison to between-school or program variation.
The ReH6[P(C6H5)3]2− ion as a ligand: complexes with M(CO)3 fragments (M = Cr, Mo, W)☆

Abstract The reactions of [(H5C6)3P]2ReH6− with (CH3CN)3Cr(CO)3, (diglyme)Mo(CO)3 or (C3H7CN)3W(CO)3 led to the formation of [(H5C6)3P]2ReH6M(CO)3− (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. These have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies, as well as elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study has also been carried out for the M = Cr complex as a K(18-crown-6)+ salt. The complex crystallizes as a THF monosolvate in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 22.323(6), b = 9.523(2), c = 27.502(5) A , β = 104.98(2) 0 and V = 5648 A 3 for Z = 4 . The ReCr separation is 2.5745(12) A, and the two phosphine ligands are oriented unsymmetrically. Although the hydride ligands were not found, the presence of three bridging hydrides and a dodecahedral coordination geometry about rhenium could be inferred. Low temperature 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopic studies did not reveal the low symmetry of the solid state structure.
Malarial ecology: A global perspective

Abstract Malaria has affected human civilization for a long time. It is principally a warm climate disease which needs parasite-vector-human host associations to continue its cycle. The parasite and the vector require certain temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and terrain conditions to survive and effectively infect human beings. Poor economy and certain cultural conditions also encourage continuance of malaria. The disease incidence shifts northward along with the movement of the sun during the northern summer and southward during southern summer. There is an endemic malarial zone centering around the equator. In spite of decades of efforts by the World Health Organization the disease continues to exist extensively in this zone; complete eradication is too expensive. Probably only an economically produced vaccine can achieve total eradication of the disease.
China and the Arab Awakening: The Cost of Doing Business

The popular unrest that has swept the Arab World since January 2011—occurring as China entered a period of leadership succession and delicate economic adjustment—presented Beijing with both domestic political and diplomatic challenges. This article examines how, and how well, China responded to the Arab Awakening at home and in the conduct of its diplomacy.
Differential patterns of in vitro IgM rheumatoid factor synthesis in seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis

The existence of a subpopulation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who lack detectable rheumatoid factor (RF) is well documented. The cellular basis for nonexpression of RF in seronegative RA is not understood. In order to approach this problem, we compared mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) from 20 healthy adult controls, 20 seropositive RA and 22 seronegative RA patients to assess their capacity to synthesize IgM and IgM RF in vitro in the presence and absence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM). MNL from 10 of 20 seropositive RA patients spontaneously elaborated IgM RF (mean = 16.7 ng/106 cells), whereas this was not observed with MNL from either controls or seronegative patients. Small quantities of IgM were spontaneously released by MNL from the seropositive (68.1 ng/106 cells), seronegative (43.1 ng/106 cells), and control (142.3 ng/106 cells) groups. PWM induced IgM RF production by MNL from 10 of 20 controls (18.5 ng/106 cells) and 8 of 22 seronegative RA patients (13.5 ng/106 cells); however, this was significantly less than the production observed with seropositive RA MNL (13 of 20; 37.5 ng/106 cells). In contrast, IgM production in response to PWM was significantly less in both the seronegative (999.7 ng/106 cells) and seropositive RA groups (471.7 ng/106 cells) than in the control group (2,678 ng/106 cells). IgM RF constituted a significantly higher proportion of total IgM synthesized by seropositive RA MNL (10.7%) than either seronegative RA MNL (2.5%) or control MNL (1.2%). Differences in IgM RF production in vitro could not be explained by HLA—DR4 status. Hidden RF was not detected in seronegative MNL supernatants. The results indicate clear differences in the pattern of in vitro release of IgM and IgM RF by MNL from seronegative RA patients as compared to either seropositive RA MNL or control MNL. The similarity of seronegative RA MNL to control MNL with regard to in vitro expression of IgM RF suggests that regulatory mechanisms governing RF synthesis are relatively intact in patients who have seronegative RA.
Development of in-vitro models to elucidate mechanisms of intrinsic cellular and tissue fluorescence

In vitro cell model systems have been used to study the mechanisms of intrinsic cellular and tissue fluorescence as a potential biomarker for cancer. Phenotypic characteristics of cancer that are different from normal tissue include changes in histoarchitecture, proliferation rates and differentiation. a nitrosmethlybenzylamine (NMBA)/rat esophageal carcinogenesis model (NMBA), a transforming growth factor beta (TGF- (beta) )/normal epithelial cell model, and a retinoic acid (RA)/multicellular tumor spheroid model (RAMTS) were used to assess fluorescence changes associated respectively with changes in histoarchitecture, proliferation rates and differentiation. A xenon based fluorescence spectrophotometer (Mediscience Corp.) was used to collect excitation and emission spectra. Two excitation scans ((lambda) Ex 200-360 nm, (lambda) Em 380 nm; (lambda) Ex 240-430 nm, (lambda) Em 450 nm) and two emission scans ((lambda) Ex 300 nm, (lambda) Em 320-580 nm; (lambda) Ex 340 nm, (lambda) Em 360-660 nm) were used to analyze the three model systems. Using the NMBA model. Differences were seen in the excitation scan ((lambda) Ex 200-360 nm, (lambda) Em 380 nm) and the emission scan ((lambda) Ex 340 nm, (lambda) Em 360-660 nm) when normal rat esophageal tissue was compared to hyperplastic and tumor tissue. In the (TGF-(beta) ) model, differences were seen in the excitation scan ((lambda) Ex 240-430 nm, (lambda) Em 450 nm) when comparing proliferation slowed (TGF-(beta) treated) epithelial cells to their untreated controls. In the RAMTS model, differences were seen with all four scans when RA treated multicellular tumor spheroids (nondifferentiating) were compared to untreated control cells (differentiating). The data indicate that fluorescence changes seen in these model systems may relate to changes in histoarchitecture, proliferation rates and differentiation. Their relationship to in vivo fluorescence changes seen in cancer patients remains to be elucidated.
Sensitivity of the mini‐mental state examination to frontal lobe dysfunction in normal aging

The present study examined the sensitivity of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in detecting the frontal lobe dysfunction that occurs with normal aging. Eighty normal, independently living older adults in four age groupings from 50 to 89 were administered the MMSE along with three neurocognitive measures sensitive to frontal lobe functioning. Results revealed age-related cognitive decline on frontal lobe tasks that also was detected by the MMSE. These findings are noteworthy because the MMSE was intended as a measure of gross cognitive status rather than of frontal lobe functioning.
Selectively Cytotoxic Diterpenes from Euphorbia poisonii

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the latex of Euphorbia poisonii Pax. (Euphorbiaceae) led to the isolation and characterization of a new tigliane diterpene, 12-deoxyphorbol 13-(9,10-methylene)un...
Evidence for two-step disordering of the Au(110)-1 × 2 reconstructed surface

Abstract We present the results of a synchrotron X-ray scattering study of the thermal disordering of the Au(110)−1 × 2 reconstructed surface. Observing the temperature dependence of the in-plane superlattice and integral-order surface peaks, as well as the (ll0) specular reflectivity, we find that at Tc = 735 K the 1 × 2 surface undergoes a reversible deconstruction transition characterized by a proliferation of compact antiphase defects with no measurable change in the density of surface steps. This transition is described by critical exponents close to those characterizing a two-dimensional Ising transition. We also find that by 784 K there has been a significant increase in the density of surface steps of the type associated with surface roughening. This suggests that the Au(110) surface disorders in a two-step process, deconstruction followed by roughening, with a difference in the two transition temperatures of less than 50 K.
The effect of interferon-γ intramammary administration on mammary phagocyte function.

The effect of recombinant bovine interferon-gamma on intramammary phagocyte function of mammary gland was studied in 4 Holstein cows (Study 1) and 7 Holstein cows (Study 2). Recombinant bovine interferon-gamma was intramammarily infused on day 6 of the dry period and phagocytes were collected from lacteal secretions and tested in vitro 24 hours later. Results from Study 1 indicate that phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly increased after than before interferon treatment. Similarly, the number of bacteria killed/active phagocyte was enhanced by treatment. Results from Study 2 suggested a trend towards increased production of oxygen dependent bactericidal components and increased killing ability by phagocytes exposed to interferon as compared to control phagocytes. These results from both studies suggest that intramammary infusions of bovine interferon-gamma can stimulate phagocyte function during the early phase of the dry period.
Surfaced-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) differentiation of serum protein profiles of BRCA-1 and sporadic breast cancer.

Background: BRCA-1 mutations predispose women to early onset breast cancer, but ∼20% never develop cancer. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) profiling can differentiate protein signatures of cancer and normal subjects. Our objective was to distinguish women with BRCA-1 mutations who developed breast cancer (BRCA-1 Ca) from those who did not (Carrier), normal volunteers (NL), and women with sporadic breast cancer (SBC), using SELDI-TOF.
Cell-penetrating peptides released from thermosensitive nanoparticles suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine response by specifically targeting inflamed cartilage explants

Abstract Cell-penetrating anti-inflammatory peptide KAFAKLAARLYRKALARQLGVAA (KAFAK) has the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 when released from degradable and non-degradable poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles. In vitro human macrophage model with THP1 human monocytes and ex vivo bovine knee cartilage tissue both showed a dose-dependent suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines when treated with KAFAK-loaded poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles. When bovine knee cartilage explants were treated with KAFAK-loaded poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles, rapid and highly selective targeting of only damaged tissue occurred. This study has demonstrated selective targeting and therapeutic efficacy of KAFAK when released from both degradable and non-degradable poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles in in vitro and ex vivo models. As a result, poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles loaded with KAFAK could be a very effective tool to treat osteoarthritis. From the Clinical Editor Inflammatory arthritis remains a major medical problem with substantial socio-economic impact. Anti-inflammatory KAFAK peptide when released from degradable and non-degradable poly(NIPAm-AMPS) nanoparticles has the ability to penetrate cells and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in rapid and highly selective targeting of only damaged tissue in bovine knee cartilage explants. This approach may provide a very effective future tool in addressing osteoarthritis.
Base rate effects on the interpretations of probability and frequency expressions

Abstract Two studies were run to determine whether the interpretations of statements or forecasts using vague probability and frequency expressions such as likely, improbable, frequently, or rarely, were sensitive to the base rates of the events involved. In the first experiment, professional weather forecasters judged event probabilities in situations drawn from a medical context. In the second experiment, students judged matched forecast scenarios of common semantic content that differed only in prior probability (as determined by an independent group of subjects). Results were (a) the interpretations of forecasts using neutral (e.g., possible) and high probability or frequency terms (e.g., usually) were strong, positive functions of base rate, while the interpretations of forecasts using low terms (e.g., rarely) were much less affected by base rates; (b) in the second experiment interpretations of forecasts appeared to represent some kind of average of the meaning of the expression and the base rate.
A noncognitivist reading of Quine's ethics

Until recently it has been tacitly assumed that Quine is a cognitivist about ethical sentences, that ethical sentences have cognitive meaning. I argue that for broad systematic reasons Quine must be read as a noncognitivist concerning ethical sentences. Because Quine himself has written as if he were a cognitivist, he has a number of claims about ethics which turn out to conflict with the noncognitivist reading of his position, and I make explicit the conflicts engendered by three particular claims. I tentatively explore a pair of strategies for eliminating the conflicts or reducing their effects. In the end these strategies do not appear promising, and Quinean ethics, on this noncognitivist reading of Quine, ends up somewhat the worse for wear.
Cholinergic suppression of tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), a hyperkinetic disorder associated with long-term neuroleptic treatment, may be a manifestation of imbalance of opposing DA and ACh dependent systems in the CNS (i.e., hyperdopamine activity or hypocholinergic function). Dopamine blocking agents give some transient relief of symptoms. Physostigmine, an anticholinesterase which enhances CNS acetylcholine action, has been given to 7 subjects with TD and measurements of their pathological movements made before, 45 min and 24 h later. All 7 subjects showed significant suppression of movement at 24 h. Many showed measurable decrement at 45 min. Side effects were minimal and transient. Physostigmine suppresses movements of TD.
Optical clocks and relativity

Observers in relative motion or at different gravitational potentials measure disparate clock rates. These predictions of relativity have previously been observed with atomic clocks at high velocities and with large changes in elevation. We observed time dilation from relative speeds of less than 10 meters per second by comparing two optical atomic clocks connected by a 75-meter length of optical fiber. We can now also detect time dilation due to a change in height near Earth's surface of less than 1 meter. This technique may be extended to the field of geodesy, with applications in geophysics and hydrology as well as in space-based tests of fundamental physics.
Mammogram feature analysis system using DAF wavelet

We present here a mammography imaging system, named DAF SparkleTM, with a particular emphasis on digital mammogram enhancement and feature analysis using interpolating Distributed Approximating Functional (DAF) wavelets, nonlinear multiscale edge enhancement, and visual group normalization technique (VGN). Sinc-type interpolating DAFs are utilized for generating a new class of biorthogonal wavelets with arbitrary smoothness in both space and frequency regions. A new nonlinear multiscale edge enhancement technique is presented here to sharpen the image edge based on the wavelet coefficients without enhancing the noise as well. The visual group normalization technique (VGN), as a natural extensions of earlier normalization techniques for noisy image restoration, is used to normalize the multiscale wavelet coefficients, remove perceptual redundancy, as well as to improve the visualization of the important diagnostic features for digital mammograms. Without prior knowledge of the `true' spatial distribution of the signal, excellent enhancement results are obtained by the present techniques.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The transient buoyancy driven motion of bubbles across a two-dimensional quiescent domain

The transient buoyancy driven motion of two-dimensional bubbles across a domain bounded by two horizontal walls is studied by direct numerical simulations. The bubbles are initially released next to the lower wall and as they rise, they disperse. Eventually all the bubbles collect at the top wall. The goal of the study is to examine how a simple one-dimensional model for the averaged void fraction captures the unsteady bubble motion. By using void fraction dependent velocities, where the exact dependency is obtained from simulations of homogeneous bubbly flows, the overall dispersion of the bubbles is predicted. Significant differences remain, however. We suggest that bubble dispersion by the bubble induced liquid velocity must be included, and by using a simple model for the bubble dispersion we show improved agreement.
Acquisition of bidirectional reflectance factor data with field goniometers

Abstract With the launch of new spaceborne sensors capable of acquiring bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data of the earth surface, extensive ground BRDF measurements will become necessary to provide much-needed ground reference data for numerous remote sensing applications. To obtain homologous BRDF data from field goniometer devices, guidelines and recommendations are required that will allow a better comparison between BRDF data from different goniometer systems, from air- and spaceborne sensors, as well as from theoretical studies with physically based BRDF models. In this study, two examples of recent goniometer systems are given, and the quality and limits of field goniometer systems are discussed, along with detailed practical advice for the acquisition, processing, and documentation of BRDF data and ancillary information. Special emphasis is on the characterization and documentation of atmospheric and measurement surface conditions. The study also presents common shortcomings and limitations of field BRDF data, such as the influence of diffuse irradiance and changes in illumination conditions, and gives recommendations for correcting these effects from an application-oriented viewpoint.
Economic exposure and hysteresis

Abstract Real exchange rate changes reflect terms of trade changes and macroeconomic shocks in productivity, aggregate demand, and interest rates. We show that German, Japanese, and U.S. excess stock returns vary directly with changes in the real terms of trade as well as with exchange rate changes induced by the macroeconomic factors. These results suggest that economic exposure is a global phenomenon. Although German, Japanese, and U.S. firms appear to adjust costs and productivity in response to economic exposure, there are indications that firms in all three countries suffer from hysteresis, an effect persisting after the initial cause is removed.
Effects of a physical activity intervention on body image in university seniors: project GRAD.

Project GRAD (Graduate Ready for Activity Daily) was a randomized controlled study to teach university seniors behavioral skills necessary for increasing and/or maintaining physical activity habits in preparation for the transition to working adult roles after graduation. This study examines the secondary effects of this intervention on body image concerns among college-aged men and women. Three hundred thirty-eight undergraduates (54%female, Mage = 24years, SD = 1.95; MBody Mass Index = 24.26, SD = 4.0) were studied. The sample was 61/% Anglo, 16% Latino, 16% Asian/Pacific Islander, 4% African American, and 3% Native American/Other Body image concerns were assessed at pre- and posttreatment using 2 subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory: Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction. Because the latter concentrates on body parts typically associated with female concerns (e.g., thighs, hips, buttocks), a parallel scale was developed to target body parts that may be of more concern to men (e.g., legs, shoulders, arms, stomach). Results indicated that compared to the control group, women in the intervention showed a significant increase in drive for thinness without any changes in body dissatisfaction. For men, there were no significant changes in drive for thinness or body dissatisfaction. These results suggest that physical activity interventions may have some negative consequences of increasing concerns about thinness in women. This negative effect occurred despite intervention content designed to prevent concern over eating, dieting, and the importance of weight. Health promotion studies should include assessments of potential negative side effects.
Implications of racial and ethnic relations for health and well-being in new Latino communities: A case study of West Columbia, South Carolina

In this community-based research, we reveal social processes contributing to health inequities among the resident Latino population – predominantly new immigrants – in a working-class, urban community with an historical, social and political landscape defined by a Black–White social divide and its attendant racial tensions. Using the social determinants of health framework, we identify both macro- and micro-level structures and processes that threaten the health and well-being of individual Latinos and the broader communities where they live and work: discrimination, social isolation, communication barriers, host community residents’ fear of immigrants, and racial/ethnic competition for work, housing, and educational and social resources.
Structural imaging in early pre-states of dementia

In this review focus is on structural imaging in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pre-states, particularly cognitively normal (CN) persons at future dementia risk. Findings in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are described here only for comparison with CN. Cited literature evidence and commentary address issues of structural imaging alterations in CN that precede MCI and AD, regional patterns of such alterations, and the time relationship between structural imaging alterations and the appearance of symptoms of AD, issues relevant to the conduct of future AD prevention trials. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Imaging Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative disease.
Machine vision applied to vehicle guidance and safety

This paper discusses problems in image processing, pattern recognition and control associated with the guidance and control of automated surface vehicles. An overview of work done by others is presented first. This is followed by a discussion on obstacle detection and avoidance methods and a description of existing and specially developed algorithms to be applied to guidance. A brief description is presented of the model to be used for the discrete control of the dynamic system. It is needed to determine such things as the optimal control law and most important, it allows calculation of the necessary sampling rate for stability which is the time available for real time computation between samples. Navigation is a complicated problem which may make use of stored information about the highway. Guidance and safety are problems which must be solved in real time under widely variable weather, seasonal and road conditions. Its complete solution will require a relatively long time, but some useful results may be obtained in the near future.
THE THIRD NOEL BUTLIN LECTURE: AUSTRALIAN EXCEPTIONALISM REVISITED

In the late-nineteenth century, Australia had one of the highest levels of income per capita in the world. Over the twentieth century, Australia's exceptional position declined as its high labour force participation rate and male-skewed gender ratio gradually aligned with other countries. A similar reversion occurred in the other important components underlying Australia's high productivity, such as work hours. As the structure of the economy shifted away from a reliance on agricultural and towards manufacturing, Australia's protective attitude and restrictive business practices may have exacerbated its loss in productivity. Considerable research remains to be carried out to confirm these views.
Tailoring a Treatment Fidelity Framework for an Intensive Care Unit Clinical Trial.

Background Treatment fidelity (TF) refers to methodological strategies and practices used to monitor and enhance the reliability and validity of behavioral interventions. Treatment fidelity monitoring enhances internal and external validity and is needed for study replication and generalizability. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the implementation, monitoring, and impact of TF in an intensive-care-unit-based clinical trial testing music for anxiety self-management with mechanically ventilated patients. Method Development of the criteria was based on the Five-Component Treatment Fidelity Framework from the Treatment Fidelity Workgroup. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate adherence rates to the key TF criteria and the reasons criteria were unmet. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate the impact of TF on participants' use of the assigned intervention. Results The Treatment Fidelity Framework was adapted easily to fit the study interventions. After the initial implementation phase of monitoring, adherence to key criteria was maintained at the targeted level of 80%. The majority of barriers to adherence affected the research nurses' opportunity to interact with the participant and encourage use of the intervention. There was a trend toward increased use of equipment associated with the assigned condition after the initiation of TF; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Discussion Treatment fidelity monitoring is an iterative process that requires ongoing vigilance. Identification of barriers and the implementation of methods to enhance protocol adherence are needed to enhance the reliability, validity, and generalizability of clinical trials in the dynamic and challenging research environment of the intensive care unit.
The effects of a face-name mnemonic in young, middle-aged, and elderly adults.

Abstract A mnemonic for learning name-to-face associations was taught to young, middle-aged, and. elderly adults. Recall of names was assessed initially, before participants were introduced to the mnemonic, and after it had been learned. The youngest group recalled the most names overall whereas the oldest group recalled the least; middle-aged participants performed at intermediate levels. Despite this decline in performance with age, all three groups showed significant gains in recall after learning the mnemonic, and the amount of improvement was comparable across groups.
Substrates induce conformational changes in human anion exchanger 1 (hAE1) as observed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The one-for-one exchange of Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) ions is catalyzed by human erythrocyte anion exchanger 1 (hAE1) through a ping-pong mechanism whereby the protein exists in two main conformations, with the single anion-binding site exposed at either the cytoplasmic (inner) side (E(i)) or the extracellular side (E(o)), with interconversion between the two states being possible only after anion binding. Steady-state and time-resolved resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques were used to determine the distance of the binding site for diTBA (bis-(1,3-diethylthiobarbituric acid)trimethine oxonol), a high affinity fluorescent oxonol inhibitor of hAE1, from a benchmark site (probably Lys-430) labeled by external fluorescein maleimide (FM). Using red cell ghost membranes, energy transfer distances were measured in media containing different anions between FM as the donor, covalently attached to one monomer, and diTBA as the acceptor, reversibly bound to the adjacent monomer of a hAE1 dimer. Energy transfer increased significantly in chloride or bicarbonate buffers relative to conditions where no transportable anions were present, that is, in citrate buffer. These differences in transfer efficiencies were interpreted in light of the conformational distributions of hAE1 in various buffers and the possible effects of diTBA itself on the distribution. The analysis indicates that the diTBA binding site comes closer to the FM site by approximately 7 A in chloride buffer as compared to that in citrate (or equivalent changes in diTBA orientation occur) because of the effects of anion binding. This provides the first direct physical evidence for structural changes in hAE1 induced by substrates.
A Structural Model for the Damage-sensing Complex in Bacterial Nucleotide Excision Repair

Nucleotide excision repair is distinguished from other DNA repair pathways by its ability to process a wide range of structurally unrelated DNA lesions. In bacteria, damage recognition is achieved by the UvrA·UvrB ensemble. Here, we report the structure of the complex between the interaction domains of UvrA and UvrB. These domains are necessary and sufficient for full-length UvrA and UvrB to associate and thereby form the DNA damage-sensing complex of bacterial nucleotide excision repair. The crystal structure and accompanying biochemical analyses suggest a model for the complete damage-sensing complex.
Multiple pregnancies: a call for action.

The 1990s have been referred to as the “Technology Decade” because of the evolution of the Internet, exponential growth of .com companies, and soaring stock market. The Technology Decade has also had a profound impact on assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) through scientific advances that have increased implantation rates, pregnancy rates, and unfortunately, multiple-pregnancy rates. In fact, between 1988 and 1997 (the most recent figures available), the multiple-pregnancy rate increased faster than the NASDAQ Composite! We could only hope for a “correction” in the multiple pregnancy rates such as the NASDAQ Composite experienced over the first part of the year 2000 (Figure 1; ref. 1–9).
The growing teratoma syndrome

Growing teratoma syndrome is defined as enlarging masses of mature teratoma following chemotherapy for malignant nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors. Typically, there is associated normalization of initially elevated serum tumor markers. We describe clinical and imaging findings in a case of growing teratoma syndrome originating from immature teratoma of the ovary in a 12-year-old girl. Familiarity with this unusual entity is important to avoid confusion with advancing malignancy.