cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene clustering coordinates transcriptional output of disparate biological processes in eukaryotes

Abstract The establishment of distinct transcriptional programs in response to developmental or environmental cues is central to all life. This entails the concordant and discordant transcriptional regulation of several distinct biological processes (BP) often involving thousands of genes. Genomic clustering of genes in a BP is one strategy by which transcriptional coregulation of a BP’s genes is achieved. However, whether gene clustering also plays a role in transcriptional coherence of several distinct BPs, often involving thousands of genes, remains unexplored. Here, by analyzing the genomes of eukaryotes ranging from yeast to human, we report the identification of thousands of conserved and species-specific discrete clustered BP pairs, many of which in normal human tissues are transcriptionally correlated. Strikingly, our results reveal that system-level transcriptional coordination is achieved in part by the genic proximity of regulatory nodes of disparate BPs whose coregulation drives the transcriptional coherence of their respective pathways. This, we hypothesize, is one strategy for creating coregulated, tunable modulons in eukaryotes.
Visceral adiposity, muscle composition, and exercise tolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

AIMS Visceral adipose tissue (AT) promotes inflammation and may be associated with disease progression in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We characterized regional AT distribution in HFpEF patients and controls and analysed associations with co-morbidities and exercise tolerance. METHODS AND RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to quantify epicardial, liver, abdominal, and thigh skeletal muscle AT. We assessed New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, 6 min walk distance, and global well-being score. Multivariable linear regression models adjusting for body surface area were used. We studied 55 HFpEF patients (41 women, mean age 67 ± 11 years) and 33 controls (21 women, mean age 57 ± 10 years). Epicardial AT (median [interquartile range] 4.6 [2.0] vs. 3.2 [1.4] mm, P < 0.001), thigh intermuscular fat (11.0 [11.5] vs. 5.0 [2.7] cm2 , P < 0.001) and liver fat fraction (6.4% [6.1] vs. 4.1% [5.5], P = 0.001) were higher in HFpEF patients than controls. Women with HFpEF had higher abdominal and thigh subcutaneous AT than men. Greater thigh intermuscular fat was associated with higher blood pressure (β [SE] 0.73 [0.17], P < 0.001) and diabetes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.2 [1.0-1.5], P = 0.03). Greater thigh intramuscular fat was associated with both worse NYHA class (β [SE] 2.7 [1.0], P = 0.01) and shorter 6 min walk distance (β [SE] -4.1 [1.9], P = 0.03), and greater epicardial AT (β [SE] -0.2 [0.1], P < 0.001) and liver fat fraction (β [SE] -0.4 [0.2], P = 0.04) were associated with lower global well-being score. CONCLUSIONS Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients have increased epicardial, liver, and skeletal muscle fat compared with controls out of proportion to their increased body size, and adiposity was associated with worse NYHA class and exercise tolerance in HFpEF. These results provide the basis for further investigation into the effect of interventions to reduce regional AT distribution in relation to HFpEF symptoms and pathophysiology.
Leaking and Legitimacy

Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden have captured the world’s attention in recent years by leaking massive quantities of secret government information. In each case, critics have made much of the fact that the leaks were in violation of government secrecy laws, while supporters have drawn parallels with whistleblower leaks, including the most famous and now widely acclaimed leak in United States history, Daniel Ellsberg’s leak of the Pentagon Papers.This Article makes two important contributions to this debate. First, it defines this type of leak — which it labels a “deluge leak” — as a new category. Unlike whistleblower leaks, which expose targeted government policies about which a knowledgeable leaker is concerned (in Ellsberg’s case, military involvement in Vietnam), deluge leaks are a broad response to excessive government secrecy insofar as they reveal a vast array of records about which the leaker knows relatively little.Second, departing from traditional criminal law and First Amendment analyses of these leaks, this Article examines deluge leaks through the lens of the social science literature on legitimacy. That literature establishes that a perceived lack of procedural justice is a key reason that people break the law. Currently, deficient procedural justice characterizes the suite of laws that governs the public’s right to access government information, including the Freedom of Information Act, the classification system, and whistleblower protections. This lack of legitimacy is an important motivation for recent deluge leaks, as the leakers’ own actions and words demonstrate. The Article concludes by arguing, counter-intuitively, that improving transparency laws would better protect national security secrets.
Coronal tibiofemoral subluxation in knee osteoarthritis.

To analyze knees in varying stages of osteoarthritis (OA) for the presence of coronal tibiofemoral (CTF) subluxation and to determine if CTF subluxation severity is related to knee OA worsening. We retrospectively evaluated CTF subluxation and limb alignment in 113 patients with different stages of knee OA who were being considered for an arthroplasty procedure. Knee OA was classified as “mild” or “severe” according to Kellgren-Lawrence scale. CTF subluxation was measured in the study groups and in 40 knees of healthy controls using software developed specifically on the basis of Iterative Closest Point mathematical algorithm. Mean CTF subluxation in “mild OA” and “severe OA” groups was 3.5 % (±2) and 3.5 % (±5) of the tibial plateau, respectively. For both the mild and severe OA groups, CTF subluxation was significantly increased compared to the 1.4 % (±1) CTF subluxation in the control group, (p < 0.0001) and (p = 0.012), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in CTF subluxation between the mild OA and severe OA groups (p = 0.75). Limb varus malalignment in mild OA and severe OA groups was 3.6° (±2.2) and 5.3° (±2.6), respectively. Both significantly increased comparing to the 1° (±0.7) control group alignment (p < 0.0001). Varus malalignment in the severe OA group was significantly increased comparing to the mild OA group (p = 0.0003). CTF subluxation is a radiographic finding related to knee OA which occurs mainly in the early stages of the osteoarthritic process and stagnates as OA progresses.
Colony Growth of Human Peripheral White Blood Cells In Vitro

Peripheral blood from normal humans and patients with circulating atypical mononuclear cells have been studied for their ability to form granulocytic colonies in vitro in the agar-gel method of hematopoietic cell culture. WBC from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia failed to proliferate. Normal human white blood cells gave rise to 0.5-8 colonies per 1 x 106 cells plated, while peripheral blood containing large mononuclear cells gave rise to 15 to 120 colonies per 1 x 106 cells plated, depending upon the number of such cells plated. Colonies averaged 500 cells in size by day 20 of culture and appeared to be granulocytic.
Pathway-based analysis of mutation impact

Genomic damage plays an important role in cancer onset and progression. But how exactly do mutations, copy number changes, and epigenetic events affect the wiring of otherwise normal-functioning cellular pathways? Genomic probing with technologies such as RNA sequencing, copy number profiling, and DNA promoter methylation arrays are providing unprecedented views of cells. Uncovering predictive models from these datasets to shed light on key disrupted pathways in cancer is a major challenge that could offer breakthroughs for personalized medicine. I'll describe a new pathway-based strategy that gives novel insight into the functional impact of mutations in particular genes. The major mechanism by which cancer arises is through somatic mutations. Individual tumors can contain hundreds to thousands of mutations. It is critical to distinguish mutations that have an important role defining the cancer - driver mutations - from mutations that are unimportant to the tumor - passenger mutations. A pathway-based approach is able to detect a shift in the downstream effects of an altered gene compared to what is expected from its upstream regulatory input. Application to several datasets across multiple tissues revealed several important driver mutations even among rarely mutated genes. Thus, pathway analysis shows promise in differentiating driver and passenger events that will increase our understanding of cancer disease mechanisms, which can help identify novel targets for treatment.
Assessing the Likelihood of Privacy Policy Compliance

Individuals interact with organizations in many different capacities (e.g. as clients, as employees). Many of these interactions require the individual to submit her personal information to the organization, which may claim compliance with privacy policy. It is important to assess this compliance quantitatively. This paper describes an approach for quantitatively assessing the likelihood that an organization will comply with privacy policy.
Tribological Challenges in Micromechanical Systems

Despite much progress in surface micromachining technology, adhesion, friction and wear remain key issues, severely limiting the realization and reliability of many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. In this article, we focus on the use of molecularly thin organic films as release and anti-stiction coatings for MEMS. The various classes of organic films explored for MEMS are reviewed here, followed by a discussion of the current limitations and areas for improvements for this coating technology.
The scattering of phonons of arbitrary wavelength at a solid-solid interface: Model calculation and applications

A one-dimensional lattice model of a solid-solid interface is presented within which it is possible to characterize the scattering of phonons at the interface as a function of wavelength. The probability for a phonon to be transmitted across the interface is found generally to decrease with decreasing wavelength, although phenomena such as total reflexion and resonant transmission may occur. Conditions for the existence of a localized interface mode are given. The thermal boundary resistance for heat flow across the interface is expressed in terms of an average temperature-dependent phonon transmission coefficient which generally increases with decreasing temperature and approaches the continuum value at very low temperature. Applications of these results to three-dimensional interfaces in general, and particularly to heat dissipation in catalysts, high-frequency phonon radiators, and Kapitza resistance, are discussed.
Evidence for Growth of Eccentricity and Mass Clearing in a Disc Interior to a Planet

We present computational results showing eccentricity growth in the inner portions of a protoplanetary disc. We attribute this to the evolving surface density of the disc. The planet creates a gap, which adjusts the balance between the 3:1 (eccentricity exciting) and 2:1 (eccentricity damping) resonances. The eccentricity of the inner disc can rise as high as 0.3, which is sufficient to cause it to be accreted onto the star. This offers an alternative mechanism for producing the large holes observed in the discs of CoKu Tau/4, GM Aur and DM Tau.
Investing in entrepreneurs: a strategic approach for strengthening your regional and community economy

How can we help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and ultimately, successful communities? Lichtenstein and Lyons seek to address this question, not academically, but in practical terms, foc...
Best bands selection for detection in hyperspectral processing

We explore the role of best bands algorithms in the context of maximizing the performance of hyperspectral algorithms. Specifically, we first focus on creating an intuitive framework for how metrics quantify the distance between two spectra. Focusing on the spectral angle mapper (SAM) metric, we demonstrate how the separability of two spectra can be increased by choosing the bands that maximize the metric. This intuition about best bands analysis for SAM is extended to the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) for a practical target/background detection scenario. Results are shown for a scene imaged by the HYDICE sensor demonstrating that the separability of targets and background can be increased by carefully choosing the bands for the test.
Exercise in the Heat is Limited by a Critical Internal Temperature

We examined whether fatigue during exertional heat stress occurred at a critical internal temperature independent of the initial temperature at the start of exercise. Microwaves (2.1 GHz; 100 mW/cm...
Broadband source modeling of the November 8, 1997, Tibet (Mw = 7.5) earthquake and its tectonic implications

We studied the source process of a large (Ms = 7.9) intraplate earthquake that occurred on November 8, 1997, at 1002 UT in a remote region of northern Tibet. We used four distinct methods to investigate the broadband source process and thereby better understand the tectonic implications of this event. We relocated aftershocks using a master event technique and found that the distribution of aftershocks covers a region of 200 km in lateral extent. We also employed a surface wave spectral inversion technique to estimate the mainshock moment, depth, centroid location, and centroid time and utilized an empirical Green's function technique to extract rupture directivity information and a detailed source time function from observed seismograms. We also inverted body waves to estimate the moment release along the fault and the source time function. The 1997 earthquake ruptured a strike-slip fault that appears to be an extension or splay of the Kun Lun fault system. This fault is one of the most seismically active strike-slip faults within the Tibetan plateau and has had events with surface wave magnitudes of 6.1, 7.4, and 7.9 in this region since 1973. The rupture released most of the energy within the first 20 s and propagated bilaterally initially, with the later rupture propagating westward for 20–30 s. The absence of large aftershocks suggests that the earthquake efficiently released the stored strain. Comparing mainshock to the largest aftershock energy ratios for this event and other large strike-slip events shows that faulting within the plateau has the characteristics of weak faults (e.g., fracture zone faulting).
Unresolved issues in spin-polarized superfluid flow dynamics

Abstract Spin (accompanied by mass) flows can be induced magnetically in its “ferromagnetic” spin-polarized superfluid 3 He A 1 phase. Observations have been made by applying magnetic field gradients across a spin filter and measuring the induced pressure gradient. There are issues which remain unresolved. An ideal static magnetic fountain effect has not been seen. The observed effect decays with a characteristic relaxation time. The relaxation time jumps by a factor of 2 near the middle of the A1 phase. The presence of A1/A2 phase interface has been speculated to cause the jump. The measured relaxation time increases with the applied field up to 1.4 T . The origins of the temperature and field dependence are not understood. Planned experiments to probe these issues are described.
Chemistry in Space

IT may be of interest to your readers to know that the idea of the arrangement of atoms in space, which is looked upon as quite a modern one, is clearly put forth by Wollaston in his paper entitled “On Super-Acid and Sub-Acid Salts” (Phil. Trans, vol. xcviii. 1808, pp. 96–102).
Low Ejection Fraction Predicts Shortened Survival in Patients Undergoing Infrainguinal Arterial Reconstruction

With the advent of endovascular therapy for lower extremity ischemia it is important to better determine what factors may affect the outcome. The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether ejection fraction (EF) is predictive of outcome in infrainguinal arterial reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed 736 patients undergoing 897 infrainguinal arterial reconstructions from July 1999 to February 2002. Patients were divided into two groups: group I contained 54 patients with an EF<35% and group II had 216 patients with an EF ≥35%. The outcome evaluated was major adverse clinical events (MACEs), defined as postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and perioperative mortality. Major adverse clinical events occurred in 20.3% of patients (11/54) in group I and 10.6% patients (23/216) in group II (p = 0.068). Group I had a trend toward a greater incidence of MACEs compared to group II. Two-year survival for group I was 61.7%, whereas survival for group II was 78.4% (p = 0.0085). Low EF predicts a significantly shortened 2-year survival after infrainguinal arterial reconstruction and a trend toward increased perioperative complications. This is another factor to be considered in choosing open versus endovascular options.
Lp-Approximation by Certain Projection Operators

Abstract We estimate the Lp( R d)-approximation rate (1≤p≤∞) provided dilates of an orthogonal projection operator of L2( R d) onto a space generated by shifts of a function which has a polynomial decay rate at infinity and has stable shifts. To this end we employ a quasi-interpolation scheme and invoke Wiener′s lemma. In particular, this paper provides further substantiation to one of the fundamental properties of refinable functions: the connection between smoothness and approximation order.
Metabolic activation of mycotoxins by animals and humans: an overview.

Aflatoxins are associated with acute toxicoses in poultry and livestock and with liver cancer in human populations in Africa and Southeast Asia. Comparative metabolism studies indicate that aflatoxin B 1 , the most potent of these compounds, requires metabolic activation to the ultimate carcinogen. The mycotoxin (1) is oxidatively demethylated to form the phenolic derivative, (2) is hydroxylated directly at three sites, and (3) undergoes reduction of the carbonyl group in the cyclopentenone ring to a hydroxyl group; these five hydroxy derivatives all appear to be part of detoxication pathways. Considerable evidence is now available to support the hypothesis that activation of aflatoxin B1 to the ultimate carcinogen involves epoxidation of the double bond in the terminal furan ring. The epoxide decomposes to form a carbonium ion at C‐2, which attacks nucleophilic sites in DNA, especially on the guanine moiety. Thus, like carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons and N‐nitroso compounds, aflatoxin B 1, appears t...
Modeling position uncertainty of networked autonomous underwater vehicles

Recently there has been increasing engineering activity in the deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Different types of AUVs are being used for applications ranging from ocean exploration to coastal tactical surveillance. These AUVs generally follow a predictable trajectory specified by the mission requirements. Inaccuracies in models for deriving position estimates and the drift caused by ocean currents, however, lead to uncertainty when estimating an AUV's position. In this article, two forms of position uncertainty - internal and external - are studied, which are the position uncertainty associated with a particular AUV as seen by itself and that as seen by others, respectively. Then, a statistical model to estimate the internal uncertainty for a general AUV is proposed. Based on this model, a novel mathematical framework using Unscented Kalman Filtering is developed to estimate the external uncertainty. Finally, the benefits of this framework for several location-sensitive applications are shown via emulations.
Bank capital buffer and portfolio risk: The influence of business cycle and revenue diversification

Abstract The relationship between macroeconomic developments and bank capital buffer and portfolio risk adjustments is relevant to assess the efficacy of newly created countercyclical buffer requirements. Using the U.S. bank holding company data over the period 1992:Q1–2011:Q3, we find a negative relationship between the business cycle and capital buffer. Our results offer some support for the Basel III agreements that countercyclical capital buffer in the banking sector is necessary to help the performance of the real economy during recessions. We find a robust evidence of inverse relationship between business cycle and bank default risk. Our analysis provides evidence of diversification benefits. The probability of insolvency risk decreases for diversified banks and banks with high revenue diversity achieve capital savings.
Preparation of large numbers of uniform tracheal organ cultures for long term studies. I. Effects of serum on establishment in culture.

Rat tracheas were each sectioned into fourteen rings of equal size with a slicing device which holds evenly spaced razor blades in register. The razor blades were positioned to minimize shearing of tissues during sectioning so that there was no gross tissue disruption or cell death distant from cut edges. Hundreds of these fragments can be conveniently prepared for studies requiring replicate samples. The cultures can be established in McCoy’s 5a (modified) medium with or without calf serum. Cultures grown in the presence of calf serum were compared with those grown in serum-free medium, using vital phase microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopic autoradiography of thymidine incorporation. When there is calf serum in the medium, epithelization of the entire surface of the ring occurs rapidly with the cells flattening and migrating as a sheet of closely apposed cells. Until migration is complete, mitoses are limited to the original mucosa near the cut edge. Without calf serum, migration is slow. The cells do not flatten or become closely apposed. Mitoses appear later but are present on all areas of the surface before migration is complete. In both serum-containing and serum-free media, ciliated cells are included in the migrating population and differentiation into pseudostratified epithelium occurs on newly epithelialized surfaces. The differing pattern of mitotic activity makes culture in serum-containing media more suitable for studies of wound healing and culture in serum-free medium more useful for some cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies.
CEACAM-7: A predictive marker for rectal cancer recurrence

Background The identification of rectal cancer patients predisposed to developing recurrent disease could allow directed adjuvant therapy to improve outcomes while decreasing unnecessary morbidity. This study evaluates carcinoembryonic antigen cellular adhesion molecule-7 (CEACAM-7) expression in rectal cancer as a predictive recurrence factor. Methods A single-institution colorectal cancer database and a frozen tissue biobank were queried for rectal cancer patients. CEACAM-7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression from normal rectal mucosa and rectal cancers was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression-level differences among normal tissue, disease-free survivors, and those that developed recurrence were analyzed. Results Eighty-four patients were included in the study, which consisted of 37 patients with nonrecurrent disease (median follow-up, 170 months), 29 patients with recurrent disease, and 18 patients with stage IV disease. CEACAM-7 expression was decreased 21-fold in rectal cancers compared with normal mucosa (P = .002). The expression levels of CEACAM-7 were relatively decreased in tumors that developed recurrence compared with nonrecurrence, significantly for stage II patients (14-fold relative decrease, P = .002). For stages I–III, disease-free survival segregates were based on relative CEACAM-7 expression values (P = .036), specifically for stage II (P = .018). Conclusion CEACAM-7 expression is significantly decreased in rectal cancer. Expression differences between long-term survivors and those with recurrent disease introduce a potential tumor marker to define a subset of patients who benefit most from adjuvant therapy.
Creativity and innovation in organizations: Two models and managerial implications

Abstract Technological innovation is emerging as the single most important factor to influence business success in today's intensely competitive and dynamic environment. Accordingly, scholars as well as practitioners are contributing to a rapidly growing body of knowledge for the effective management of innovation. However, surprisingly, very little attention is being paid to the organizational and managerial issues pertaining to creativity , which is the most basic and the most critical element in the process of innovation. This paper highlights creativity as the central issue in management of innovation, and presents two models to further our understanding of the dynamics of creativity in organizational settings, and the place of creativity in the innovation process. For a comprehensive understanding of creative behavior and performance in organizations this paper develops a Multiple Perspective Model. This model includes three perspectives, the Individual , the Technical , and the Organizational , which focus respectively on the distinctive individual characteristics associated with creativity, the needed technical resources—material as well as human—for creativity, and the organizational practices and manegerial actions that aid or stifle creativity. The exposition of this model is followed by an analysis of its implications for the management of creativity. Next, a model of the innovation process is proposed, in which innovation is shown as being contingent on a cascade of creative efforts in various functional areas and across different fields of specialization. These two models are expected to be useful to both researchers and practitioners in ferreting out the issues of primary significance, nurturing creativity and enhancing innovation in organizations.
The WebBook and the Web Forager: an information workspace for the World-Wide Web

The World-Wide Web has achieved global connectivity stimulating the transition of computers from knowledge processors to knowledge sources. But the Web and its client software are seriously deficient for supporting users’ interactive use of this information. This paper presents two related designs with which to evolve the Web and its clients. The first is the WebBook, a 3D interactive book of HTML pages. The WebBook allows rapid interaction with objects at a higher level of aggregation than pages. The second is the Web Forager, an application that embeds the WebBook and other objects in a hierarchical 3D workspace. Both designs are intended as exercises to play off against analytical studies of information workspaces.
Introspection on uncertainty and judicious help-seeking during the preschool years

Little is known about the mechanisms underlying a ubiquitous behavior in preschoolers, help-seeking. We tested the hypothesis that preschoolers' awareness of their own uncertainty is associated with help-seeking. Three-, 4-, and 5-year-olds (N = 125) completed a perceptual identification task twice: once independently and once when they could request help from a confederate whose competence level was manipulated. Consistent with our hypothesis, participants sought help more frequently on trials for which, when required to answer independently, they expressed lower confidence. Children in the bad-helper condition were slower to respond after receiving help than those in the good-helper condition. Finally, females and children with more advanced theory of mind were more likely to seek help, identifying additional factors that relate to help-seeking.
Particulates formed by a stabilized high voltage spark discharge

Abstract Light scattering was used to demonstrate the presence of small (⩽1 μm) particles in the immediate surroundings of a stable spark discharge. Several parameters, including electrode composition and surface condition, which are of importance in emission spectrochemical analysis, were found to be of importance in affecting the scattering signal. Electron micrographs of the heaviest particles revealed two distinct types of particles. Analytical implications are discussed.
Electrohydrodynamic stability: Taylor-Melcher theory for a liquid bridge suspended in a dielectric gas

A liquid bridge is a column of liquid, pinned at each end. Here we analyse the stability of a bridge pinned between planar electrodes held at different potentials and surrounded by a non-conducting, dielectric gas. In the absence of electric fields, surface tension destabilizes bridges with aspect ratios (length/diameter) greater than π. Here we describe how electrical forces counteract surface tension, using a linearized model. When the liquid is treated as an Ohmic conductor, the specific conductivity level is irrelevant and only the dielectric properties of the bridge and the surrounding gas are involved. Fourier series and a biharmonic, biorthogonal set of Papkovich–Fadle functions are used to formulate an eigenvalue problem. Numerical solutions disclose that the most unstable axisymmetric deformation is antisymmetric with respect to the bridge’s midplane. It is shown that whilst a bridge whose length exceeds its circumference may be unstable, a sufficiently strong axial field provides stability if the dielectric constant of the bridge exceeds that of the surrounding fluid. Conversely, a field destabilizes a bridge whose dielectric constant is lower than that of its surroundings, even when its aspect ratio is less than π. Bridge behaviour is sensitive to the presence of conduction along the surface and much higher fields are required for stability when surface transport is present. The theoretical results are compared with experimental work (Burcham & Saville 2000) that demonstrated how a field stabilizes an otherwise unstable configuration. According to the experiments, the bridge undergoes two asymmetric transitions (cylinder-to-amphora and pinch-off) as the field is reduced. Agreement between theory and experiment for the field strength at the pinch-off transition is excellent, but less so for the change from cylinder to amphora. Using surface conductivity as an adjustable parameter brings theory and experiment into agreement.
A multivariate analysis of DISC election decision

This study found that the decision by management to establish a DISC unit may not be satisfactorily identified by the examination of the financial data on either anex ante orex post basis. However, examination of the responses to the questionnaires indicate differences in the perceptions of the management of the two groups are significantly different on a multivariate basis. A possible implication of this research effort is that the use of published financial data alone cannot adequately explain decisions made by management. Indeed, unless management's expectations are realized, use of published data alone may result in unwarranted conclusions.
Mindfulness Training and Stress Reactivity in Substance Abuse: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Stage I Pilot Study

Stress is important in substance use disorders (SUDs). Mindfulness training (MT) has shown promise for stress-related maladies. No studies have compared MT to empirically validated treatments for SUDs. The goals of this study were to assess MT compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in substance use and treatment acceptability, and specificity of MT compared to CBT in targeting stress reactivity. Thirty-six individuals with alcohol and/or cocaine use disorders were randomly assigned to receive group MT or CBT in an outpatient setting. Drug use was assessed weekly. After treatment, responses to personalized stress provocation were measured. Fourteen individuals completed treatment. There were no differences in treatment satisfaction or drug use between groups. The laboratory paradigm suggested reduced psychological and physiological indices of stress during provocation in MT compared to CBT. This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MT in treating SUDs and suggests that MT may be efficacious in targeting stress.
Circulating growth hormone binding proteins.

The ‘high-affinity’ growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) corresponds to the extracellular domain of the membrane-associated GH receptor. In man, it is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular portion of the receptor, while in the rat and mouse, it is the product of alternative splicing of GH receptor mRNA. Because of the relationship between the GHBP and the GH receptor, measurement of serum concentrations of GHBP provide an index of GH receptor concentrations and/or affinity.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE MECHANISMS IN MYCOPLASMA SPECIES

Examination of the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of strains of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma orale II, Mycoplasma pharyngis, Mycoplasma salivarium and selected species of avian Mycoplasma to chloramphenicol, dihydrostreptomycin, and tetracycline showed that in the cultures studied, reduced antibiotic uptake was involved rather than specific degradation of the antibiotic.
The distribution of peach scab lesions on the surface of diseased peaches

The aim of the study was to quantify peach scab (Fusicladosporium carpophilum) lesion distribution relative to the point of maximum lesion number on the fruit surface, the relationship between lesion count and distance from the point of maximum lesion density, and establish whether the distribution of lesions was consistent with a splash dispersed pathogen, and to assess the effect of lesion number on fruit size. Fruit of four cultivars, Jerseyqueen, Jefferson, BY07-6428r and Dixiland were collected and the fruit (assumed spherical) sliced taking three horizontal planes across the axis from the point of maximum disease, such that each horizontal zone (Z1-Z4) had the same vertical height, and thus equal surface areas. Lesion counts were analysed using general linear modeling with a Poisson distribution and a log-link function. Zones on the fruit had different numbers of lesions (P 90° to the peduncle. This pattern of disease is consistent with observations of the splash-borne nature of conidia, with the most exposed, easily wetted, uppermost portion of fruit developing most disease.
The Dynamic Stability of Cholesterol Clusters in DPPC Lipid Bilayers Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The dynamic stability of cholesterol clusters in DPPC lipid bilayers was investigated by MD simulation. Two parallel simulations were performed at 20 mole % of cholesterol: in one system, cholesterols were initially arranged as clusters, and in the other, cholesterols were randomly placed. Any two cholesterol molecules in the same monolayer are assigned to the same cluster if their lateral separation is less than a predetermined cutoff distance. The results show that cholesterol clusters in DPPC bilayers are unstable and are ready to disperse into individual cholesterol even at the early stage of the simulation. In the cluster system, the average size of cholesterol cluster decreases monotonously and the total number of clusters increases with time, approaching the corresponding values of the random system. In addition, cholesterols in cluster experience more water exposure, and this unfavorable exposure is reduced when individual cholesterols are surrounded by DPPC molecules. The result is consistent with the Umbrella Model, which suggests that, driven by hydrophobic interactions, cholesterols have a strong tendency to avoid forming cluster in a lipid bilayer.
Clam predation by whelks (Busycon spp.): Experimental tests of the importance of prey size, prey density, and seagrass cover

In 57 l-m2 samples within a meadow of Halodule wrightii in Bogue Sound, North Carolina, USA, densities of the clams Mercenaria mercenaria and Chione cancellata were positively associated with seagrass cover. Where seagrass was experimentally removed, marked individuals of both clam species exhibited high rates of mortality in fine sand sediments during two successive experiments spanning 13 months. In the unaltered (control) seagrass meadow, M. mercenaria density remained constant over 13 months and C. cancellata density declined at a slower rate than in the unvegetated plots. Seagrass provides these clams with a refuge from whelk (Busycon carica, B. contrarium, and B. canaliculatum) predation, the major cause of mortality and population decline in experimentally unvegetated plots. In 2 factorial field experiments in unvegetated substratum in which densities of M. mercenaria and C. cancellata were varied independently, first over 5 levels (0 X, 1/2X, 1 X, 2 X, 4 X) and subsequently over 4 levels (0 X, 1/4 X, 1 X, 4 X), there was no repeatable intra- or interspecific effect of density on percent survival, or on the rate of any mortality type. Whelk predation fell preferentially on larger size classes of both species, whereas factors which contribute to clam disappearance usually acted more intensely on smaller sizes. Experimental exclusion of large predators by caging demonstrated that even in unvegetated substratum survivorship of both clam species was high in the absence of whelks and other predators. Individuals of C. cancellata live closer to the sediment surface than those of M. mercenaria, which may explain why seagrass does not serve as effectively to protect them from whelk predation. The mechanism of whelk inhibition may depend upon sediment binding by the H. wrightii root mat, which produces a demonstrable decrease in the physical penetrability of surface sediments.
Malignant Small Round Blue Cell Tumor of the Kidney Without EWSR1 Rearrangement: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Introduction Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) occur as part of the spectrum of the Ewing family of tumors (EFT) of malignant, small, round cell sarcomas that display a variable neuroectodermal phenotype. On one end of the spectrum is PNET, which shows clear neural differentiation, usually with formation of Homer Wright rosettes; on the other end is Ewing sarcoma, which generally lacks features of neuroectodermal differentiation. EFT/PNET typically occur in the horacopulmonary area, cervix, kidneys, and bones. We report the ase of a renal tumor in a young adult, with histology most consistent ith PNET, for which we had a 5-year follow-up after adjuvant hemotherapy.
The thermal transition behavior of polyorganophosphazenes

The thermal transition behavior of poly[bis(trifluoroethoxyphosphazene)] (I) and two samples of poly[bis(p-chlorophenoxyphosphazene)] (II) have been studied as representative alkoxy- and aryloxy-substituted polyorganophosphazenes. Several of the polymers of this class are reported to exhibit two first-order transitions, denoted herein as T (1) for the transition from a crystalline to mesomorphic state and Tm for the true melt. Studies of these two polymers were undertaken to gain a further understanding of this behavior. Optical microscopy on a solution-cast film of I showed that the details of spherulitic morphology persist through T(1) = 90°C and remain undisturbed through the temperature interval up to Tm = 240°C. The study of II by x-ray diffraction reveals that two sharp lines are observed above T(1) = 165°C and that orientation is not randomized upon heating to temperatures as high as 238°C. Considerable improvement in the crystalline diffraction pattern results from the thermal treatment. A detailed examination was also made by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the effects of cycling through T(1), annealing in the temperature interval between T(1) and Tm and for I, the influence of controlled crystallization from the melt. The results indicate that the organization in the mesomorphic state, as influenced by thermal history, has a profound affect on the peak position, area, and sharpness of the endotherm at T(1). For I, the apparent heat of fusion at T(1) is about ten times greater than at Tm, whereas for II, no DSC peak is observed at Tm = 365°C, suggesting that the ratio of the heats of fusion at T(1) and Tm is greater than 50. However, estimated volume changes at the two transitions are nearly equal. These results are compared with those of other polymers which exhibit an intermediate state of order and with molecular liquid crystals.
The methodology of judicial behavior research: A review and critique

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the development of a better fit between theory and methodology in judicial behavior research by reviewing, assessing, and making recommendations for the use of the latter. The methodological practice of judicial behavior research is assessed, and recommendations and projections to the future are provided. Four components of methodology—research design, data sources and generation procedures, operationalization and measurement of concepts, and statistical methods and measures—are discussed. Judicial behavior is understood to have a primary focus on the explanation of the behavior of individual decision makers, but also includes decision making within or by groups of decision makers and by courts.
Prenominal adjective order preferences in Chinese and German L2 English: A multifactorial corpus study

This study presents a contrastive analysis of 3624 instances of prenominal adjective order retrieved from the Chinese and German sections of the International Corpus of Learner English and the International Corpus of English. The data was annotated for nine determinants of adjective order, including semantic, frequency-related, and articulatory features. Applying a two-step regression procedure called MuPDAR (Multifactorial Prediction and Deviation Analysis Using Regressions), the present study finds that overall, the intermediate-advanced level learners are well-aligned with native speakers’ preferences. However, we also see that while the German learners seem generally better aligned with regard to frequency-related factors, the Chinese learners behave more target-like with regard to the effect of adjective gradability, and they seem more sensitive to segmental alternation constraints. In discussing these and other results, the study hopes to illustrate how corpus-based methods can make a valuable contribution to contemporary SLA research, specifically with regard to multifactorially determined phenomena such as adjective order.
Impact of adverse weather on sensors for vehicle collision avoidance systems

This paper treats the use of in-vehicle imaging sensors to achieve lateral control to avoid single vehicle roadway departure crashes. Since the sensor is expected to function under a variety of weather conditions, it is important to determine the overall performance envelope of the combined sensor/image processing algorithm. Initial roadway imagery was acquired under favorable ambient conditions and subsequently transformed to specified levels of adverse weather by means of software originally developed for military sensor applications. The transformed imagery was utilized to determine the relationship between adverse weather, measured in visibility ranges, versus the ability of the sensor/image processing algorithm to maintain lateral vehicle stability.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of autosome movements and of sex-chromosome movements on sex-chromosome segregation in crane fly spermatocytes.

In crane fly spermatocyte meiosis 3 autosome half-bivalents normally move to each spindle pole in anaphase while the 2 amphitelic sex-chromosome univalents remain at the equator. The sex-chromosome univalents move to opposite poles after the autosomes reach the poles. — We used micromanipulation to detach half-bivalents in anaphase. When re-attached half-bivalents were syntelically oriented to the original pole, sex-chromosome segregation was usually not altered. When re-attached half-bivalents were amphitelically oriented, sex-chromosome segregation was usually altered: usually the amphitelic autosome segregated against one sex-chromosome while the other sex-chromosome remained at the equator. When re-attached half-bivalents were syntelically oriented to the opposite pole, sex-chromosome segregation was often altered: often one sex-chromosome moved normally to the spindle pole with 2 autosomal half-bivalents, while the other sex-chromosome did not move to the spindle pole with 4 autosomal half-bivalents, but remained at the equator. — The direction of motion of a sex-chromosome could be altered even after sex-chromosome segregation had begun, by suitable micromanipulation of the other sex-chromosome. — Amphitelic chromosomes that were not on the equator at the start of anaphase segregated predominantly to the closer spindle pole. Detached half-bivalents showed no preference for the closer pole when they re-attached with syntelic orientation. — We discuss some possible hypotheses for non-independent movements, and some implications of the results.
Leprechaunism: in vitro insulin action despite genetic insulin resistance.

ABSTRACT: We recently identified a female leprechaun infant with marked hyperinsulinemia [as high as 10,975/μU/ml (78,746 pmol/liter)], presumably secondary to insulin resistance. She had two physical findings suggestive of possible insulin action: cystic ovarian enlargement with gonadotropin-independent steroid secretion and persistent, severe myocardial hypertrophy. To examine the pathophysiology of this disorder we measured the in vitro sensitivity to insulin and other growth factors of erythroid progenitors and a T-lymphoblast cell line derived from her peripheral blood. Resistance to insulin was demonstrated by failure of her circulating erythroid progenitor cells to augment proliferation in response to physiologic concentrations of insulin (1-10 ng/ml). An immortalized T lymphoblast cell line was established by transforming the cells with the human retrovirus human T cell leukemia virus II. This cell line showed little or no response to physiologic concentrations of insulin contrary to consistently observed stimulation of colony formation by cell lines similarly derived from normals. The patient's I lymphoblasts, however, showed normal sensitivity to insulin-like growth factor I. In response to supraphysiologic insulin concentrations (25-1000 ng/ml), leprechaun T lymphoblasts showed significant augmentation of colony formation (peak 189% above baseline at 50 ng/ml); normal T lymphoblasts also showed responsiveness at these high insulin concentrations. Preincubation with a monoclonal antibody against the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (αIR-3 at 5000 ng/ml) blocked the in vitro effect of physiologic concentrations of insulin-like growth factor and supraphysiologic concentrations of insulin on leprechaun and control T lymphoblast colony formation, but had no clear effect upon the response to physiologic insulin concentrations. These findings document genetic insulin resistance in hematopoietic cells from a patient with leprechaunism. Response to supraphysiologic concentrations of insulin appears to be mediated via the insulin-like growth factor receptor mechanism which remains intact. Such action in vivo could account for the ovarian and cardiac findings in the patient.