cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do U.S. Gambling Industries Cannibalize Each Other

Many states facing recent fiscal crises have looked to legalized gambling in an attempt to ease fiscal constraints. Although there has been some research on the economic effects of gambling, no study has offered a comprehensive analysis of the interindustry relationships of lotteries, casinos, horse racing, and greyhound racing. In this article, we use seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) estimation to analyze the relationships among gambling industries in the United States. Our results indicate that some industries “cannibalize” each other (e.g., casinos and lotteries, and horse and dog racing), whereas other industries help each other (e.g., casinos and horse racing, dog racing and lotteries, and horse racing and lotteries). The study also examines the effects of adjacent-state gambling and a variety of demographic variables. This analysis provides a foundation for further research on how to optimize tax revenues from legalized gambling.
Why We Do Not Have Ethical Conduct: A Response to Dr. Sternberg

Abstract In “We Need to Teach for Ethical Conduct,” Dr. Robert Sternberg argued that students act unethically because they are unable to transfer principles of ethics into practice. While I agree that this is partially the case, it is also the case that unethical behavior is a result of the prevailing educational -philosophy: radical constructivism (RC). In this essay, I show how RC is flawed and how its philosophical opposite, objectivism, is both possible and necessary for an ethical society.
The rational initial clinical evaluation of the patient with musculoskeletal complaints

The differentiation of articular from nonarticular complaints and inflammatory from noninflammatory disorders can usually be made by clinical evaluation. Laboratory and radiographic studies serve as adjuncts in the evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints; however, before ordering these studies, it is important to consider how the findings will affect diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. An effective clinical evaluation is frequently sufficient to establish a differential diagnosis, focus further confirmatory testing, and consider appropriate treatment.
The relationship between adult attachment style and therapeutic alliance in individual psychotherapy: a meta-analytic review.

The present study examined the relationship between adult attachment style and therapeutic alliance in individual psychotherapy. Search procedures yielded 17 independent samples (total N = 886, average n = 52, standard deviation = 24) for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that greater attachment security was associated with stronger therapeutic alliances, whereas greater attachment insecurity was associated with weaker therapeutic alliances, with an overall weighted effect size of r = .17, p .10) with the exception of the source of alliance ratings; results indicated that patient-rated alliance demonstrated a significantly larger relationship with attachment compared with therapist-rated alliance (Qbetween = 3.95, df = 1, p = .047). Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).
Sonoporation delivery of interleukin-27 gene therapy efficiently reduces prostate tumor cell growth in vivo

We have examined the potential of a novel cytokine, interleukin-27 (IL-27), for gene therapy of prostate cancer. IL-27 is the most recently characterized member of the family of heterodimeric IL-12-related cytokines and has shown promise in halting tumor growth and mediating tumor regression in several cancer models. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of a new mode of gene delivery to prostate tumors: low-frequency ultrasound irradiation or "sonoporation." We also examined the potential of IL-27 gene delivery by sonoporation to treat and reduce the growth of prostate cancer in vivo. We used three models of immune-competent prostate adenocarcinoma and characterized the tumor-growth reduction, gene-profile expression, and effector cellular profiles. Our results suggest that IL-27 can be effective in reducing tumor growth and can help enhance accumulation of effector cells in prostate tumors in vivo. These results are promising, because they are potentially relevant to developing novel therapies that can be translated by using the novel and effective sonoporation gene-therapy delivery strategy.
Personality Disorder Diagnosis: Limitations of the Five-Factor Model

(1993). Personality Disorder Diagnosis: Limitations of the Five-Factor Model. Psychological Inquiry: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 100-104.
Uses of mobile phones in post-conflict Liberia

Liberia is a country emerging from years of protracted and devastating civil conflict. Left without any fixed line telephone infrastructure, it relies solely on the mobile phone for telephony. This study investigates the usage of mobile phones in this immediate post-conflict setting. In particular, we adopt the uses and gratifications approach to media research, giving focus to both instrumental and intrinsic motivations for use. Mobile phone users in both the capital city of Monrovia and in various rural areas were surveyed using the Q methodology, which identified distinct perspectives within these urban and rural groups. Participants were then sorted into groups where each group contained users with similar perspectives on their mobile phones. These identified groups included sets of users who saw their phones as productivity enhancers, means of connectivity to family and friends, essential business tools, technological curiosities, and sources of personal security. The idea of a phone as a stylish object was markedly rejected, especially in rural areas. We contrast these Q-sort results from Liberia with previous work from Kigali, Rwanda, finding differences especially as related to security.
A system model for dynamically reconfigurable software

The ability to reconfigure software is useful for a variety of reasons, including adapting applications to changing environments, performing on-line software upgrades, and extending base application functionality with additional nonfunctional services. Reconfiguring distributed applications, however, can be difficult in practice because of the dependencies that exist among the processes in the system. This paper formally describes a model for capturing the structure and run-time behavior of a distributed system. The structure is defined by a set of elements containing the state variables in the system. The run-time behavior is defined by threads that execute atomic actions called operations. Operations invoke code blocks to bring about state changes in the system, and these state changes are confined to a single element and thread. By creating input/output signatures based upon the variable access patterns of the code blocks, dataflow dependencies among operations can be derived for a given configuration of the system. Proposed reconfigurations can be evaluated through off-line tests using the formal model to determine whether the new mapping of operations-to-code blocks disrupts existing dataflow dependencies in the system. System administrators--or software components that control adaptivity in autonomic systems--can use the results of these tests to gauge the impact of a proposed reconfiguration on the existing system. The system model presented in this paper underpins the design of reconfigurable ARMOR (Adaptive Reconfigurable Mobile Objects of Reliability) processes that provide flexible error detection and recovery services to user applications.
Performance-driven multi-level clustering with application to hierarchical FPGA mapping

In this paper, we study the problem of performance-driven multi-level circuit clustering with application to hierarchical FPGA designs. We first show that the performance-driven multi-level clustering problem is NP-hard (in contrast to the fact that single-level performance-driven clustering can be solved in polynomial time optimally). Then, we present an efficient heuristic for two-level clustering for delay minimization. It can also provide area-delay trade-off by controlling the amount of node duplication. The algorithm is applied to Altera's latest APEX FPGA architecture which has a two-level hierarchy. Experimental results with combinational circuits show that with our performance-driven two-level clustering solution we can improve the circuit performance produced by the Quartus Design System from Altera by an average of 15% for APEX devices measured in terms of delay after final layout. To our knowledge this is the first in-depth study for the performance-driven multi-level circuit clustering problem.
RECOVERY OF OIL SPILLED UNDER RIVER ICE COVER

A laboratory study showed that oil spilled under river ice cover could be recovered from a slot cut on the ice cover if the slot was properly dimensioned and the river flow and oil properties met certain criteria. Design curves were derived for proper design of slots normal to the flow, but slots at an angle to the flow were more effective in trapping the spilled oil and guided the oil to the more desirable points for recovery. Imbedded barriers and slot-barrier combinations were also studied for their effectiveness in containing and diverting spilled oil. The quantitative effects of the affecting parameters were studied experimentally, and design curves were obtained for angled slot diverters, barriers, and slot-barrier combinations. The laboratory study was used to guide a successful field exercise in Mar. 1978 on the North Saskatchewan River in which Vertical Bar3: 99Vertical Bar3< of the oil spilled upstream was recovered by an angled slot The field experiments on diverters supported the laboratory findings. The laboratory predictions on the holding capcity of a slot were conservative because of the high turbulence level in the laboratory experiment.
Overexpression of c-src and n-src in the DevelopingXenopusRetina Differentially Impairs Axonogenesis

Abstract To compare the roles of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-src and its neuronal splice form n-src in developing neurons, Xenopus retinal precursors were transfected in vivo with c-src, n-src, or constitutively active mutants. Axonogenesis of retinal ganglion cells was markedly impaired by the expression of constitutively active c-src and only mildly affected by the expression of constitutively active n-src. This differential phenotype could not be accounted for by raised levels of intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation alone because the average anti-phosphotyrosine staining intensity of retinal neurons expressing mutant n-src was almost twofold greater than that of neurons expressing mutant c-src. The expression of either constitutively active isoform inhibited photoreceptor differentiation by 72% but did not influence other cell fates. These results suggest that c-src and n-src have both overlapping and distinct activities in differentiating retinal neurons.
Experimental identification of unconventional superconducting phases

Some possible approaches to determine the order parameter in unconventional superconductors are reviewed. Two such approaches, neutron scattering and experiments which take advantage of the coupling of the order parameter to the lattice, are discussed in detail. These two methods have the advantage of reflecting possible anisotropy directly. Neutron scattering can also distinguish between p-wave and d-wave superconductivity.
Modified Linear-Response Method for Obtaining the Spin-Diffusion Constant of a Rigid Dipole System

The spin-diffusion constant $D$ is obtained for a lattice of spin-\textonehalf{} particles with dipole-dipole coupling. The method of calculation is to create an equilibrium state with a nonuniform magnetization which is then allowed to relax after removal of the small inhomogeneous applied magnetic field. Comparison of the relaxation as calculated from a microscopic and macroscopic point of view defines $D$.
SU-E-T-456: Potential Optimization of Stereotactic Body Radation Therapy (SBRT) from a Simple Field Timing Rearrangement.

Purpose: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy(SBRT) is a radiotherapy technique which uses high dose fractions with multiple coplanar and non‐ coplanar beams. Treatments are typically protracted with more fields than conventional radiation treatment schemes. The timing of field delivery may have an impact on the radiobiological results for SBRT.Methods: In a cohort of eight SBRTpatient treatments, the protraction factor (G‐value), LPL, and LQL models were used to optimize field arrangements. An actual field timing delivered in the clinic (C) was included for comparison. The LPL model was used to quantify the difference in survival fractions (SF). Published data from three cell lines for non‐small cell lungcancers: H460, H660, and H157 was used to acquire the model parameters. The results were displayed as (C:O)N or (V:O)N, where C, V, and O were the SF for the clinical (C), least favorable (V), and optimal (O) field timings respectively. N represents the number of fractions for the SBRT protocol. Results: Results from all three models indicate that the optimal field order occurs when the fields are arranged in a triangle like pattern, where the highest dose fields are positioned centrally. Minimization of cell kill was achieved with a V‐shaped orientation, although these results were not as conclusive. Results of the SF ratios demonstrated that regardless the cell type and model the triangle shape had lower cell survival fractions compared to both the C and the V arrangement. For example, the H460, with repair half‐time = 1.50 h, an average ratio of (C:O)3 = 5.8, suggesting the triangle pattern is approximately 6 times more effective than the clinical plan, after 3 fractions. Conclusions: Rearranging field timing for a SBRTtreatment so that maximal dose is deposited in the central fields of treatment may optimize cell kill and potentially affect overall treatment outcome.
Structure and Properties of Madden–Julian Oscillations Deduced from DYNAMO Sounding Arrays

AbstractThe kinematic and thermodynamic characteristics of the October and November 2011 Madden–Julian oscillations (MJOs) that occurred over the Indian Ocean during Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) are investigated. Analyses are presented 1) for two primary sounding arrays, where results are independent of model parameterizations, and 2) on larger scales, including the Indian Ocean, using operational and reanalysis data.Mean precipitation during DYNAMO was characterized by maxima in two east–west bands north and south of the equator. This pattern alternated between two bands during the inactive phase of the MJOs and a single rainfall maximum on the equator during the active phases. Precipitation over the northern sounding array (NSA), where the MJO signal was strongest, was significantly modulated by the MJOs, while the southern array experienced more frequent, briefer episodes of rainfall mostly related to ITCZ convection. Over the NSA the MJOs were characterized by gradual moistening of the low to midtropo...
EFFECT OF THE MENARCHE ON HEPATOMEGALY IN AN APUBESCENT GIRL WITH A SYNDROME RESEMBLING GLYCOGEN DISEASE

SINCE the syndrome called glycogen disease was first described twenty years ago (1), a number of patients with this disease have been reported. The majority of these patients died in infancy or childhood. To our knowledge, only 12 patients have been reported, 8 females and 4 males, who had reached the age at which adolescence is normally expected to occur (2–8). This process was delayed, as manifested by apubescence or hypopubescence in all but one; a girl, who was described by Crawford (4) as being “normally developed mentally and sexually” at 15 years of age. Since no specific studies were reported on this girl, the diagnosis is uncertain. Worster-Drought (8) described a girl whose progress he followed for fifteen years. She was retarded in growth and sexual development. At age 15 the liver began to decrease in size; at 17 pubescence began and the liver was no longer palpable. By age 22 she had attained normal height and had a slight acetonuria but no hepatomegaly. Van Creveld (5) studied a boy for seve...
The Mutable Self: A Self-Concept for Social Change

`This book will be widely read. One of the most useful aspects is Zurcher's comprehensive survey of theories of human development and social change. He cites a formidable array of sources and it is valuable to have his summaries of many of them assembled in one place.' -- Teachers College Record, Vol 83 No 2, Winter 1981
Strategic entry deterrence and terrorism: Theory and experimental evidence

Using a two stage rent-seeking framework, we present a simple model of strategic entry/terrorism deterrence and test the model using laboratory experiments. Our contest success function highlights the potential for strategic spillovers. The theory illustrates that, relative to a cooperative outcome, negative externalities lead to over-spending on deterrence and positive externalities lead to under-spending on deterrence. Our experimental results are broadly consistent; subjects in the negative externality treatment had higher expenditures. In contrast to theoretical predictions, participation decisions, while primarily driven by the probability of winning a contest, were influenced by a subject’s ability to participate in multiple contests.
The landscape of long noncoding RNAs in the human transcriptome

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of tissue physiology and disease processes including cancer. To delineate genome-wide lncRNA expression, we curated 7,256 RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries from tumors, normal tissues and cell lines comprising over 43 Tb of sequence from 25 independent studies. We applied ab initio assembly methodology to this data set, yielding a consensus human transcriptome of 91,013 expressed genes. Over 68% (58,648) of genes were classified as lncRNAs, of which 79% were previously unannotated. About 1% (597) of the lncRNAs harbored ultraconserved elements, and 7% (3,900) overlapped disease-associated SNPs. To prioritize lineage-specific, disease-associated lncRNA expression, we employed non-parametric differential expression testing and nominated 7,942 lineage- or cancer-associated lncRNA genes. The lncRNA landscape characterized here may shed light on normal biology and cancer pathogenesis and may be valuable for future biomarker development.
Binary sequential representations of random partitions

Random partitions can be thought of as a consistent family of exchangeable random partitions of the sets {1,2,...,n} for n≥1. Historically, random partitions were constructed by sampling an infinite population of types and partitioning individuals of the same type into a single class. A particularly tractable way to construct random partitions is via random sequences of 0s and 1s. The only random partition derived from an independent 0-1 sequence is Ewens' one-parameter family of partitions which plays a predominant role in population genetics. A two-parameter generalization of Ewens' partition is obtained by considering random partitions constructed from discrete renewal processes and introducing a convolution-type product on 0-1 sequences.
Maternal histidinaemia: pregnancies and offspring outcomes.

Summary: Untreated pregnancies and their outcomes were studied in 10 women with histidinaemia and their 26 pregnancies. The mean maternal assigned histidine level was 727±186 µmol/L (range 484–1053). Six women had classic histidinaemia (assigned level>700 µmol/L) and the remaining four had mild (atypical) histidinaemia. The pregnancies were uneventful, with only one spontaneous loss and 25 live births. Birth measurements were normal and no congenital anomalies were observed. Growth and development were normal in all offspring. IQ among the 23 offspring tested was 103±12 (range 79–122). Four offspring required special education for brief periods and one for several years, but this frequency, as well as that of 12% for attention deficit hyperactive disorder, was not significantly different from expected in the general population. It would appear that maternal histidinaemia, unlike maternal phenylketonuria, can be added to the list of maternal inborn errors of metabolism that are nonteratogenic.
Low-Velocity Impact Study on GLARE FMLs Using Various Indenters

AbstractImpact responses and damage induced by drop-weight impact on two types of glass-laminated aluminum-reinforced epoxy (GLARE) fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) were studied experimentally and numerically. Indenters with various shapes and sizes were used under different impact energies. For line-nose Charpy indenters, the effect of the angle between the indenter and the fiber direction was also investigated. Both the nondestructive ultrasonic and mechanical sectioning techniques were adopted to evaluate impact damage in the laminates. The results showed that GLARE 3 (cross-ply) offers higher impact resistance than GLARE 2 (unidirectional). The first failure at low-velocity impact occurred as delamination between the nonimpacted-side aluminum and the adjacent fiber-epoxy layer, then was followed by a visible crack in the outer aluminum layer at the nonimpacted side. More severe local damages appeared with smaller indenters, indicating that the energy dissipated mainly through delamination and cracks for s...
Zoom lens for automatic target recognition

Detection, location, and target recognition require scanning and processing of large images and are computationally expensive. Their implementation in real time is thus quite difficult. The Zoom-lens model is suggested in this paper as a possible solution for decreasing the computational burden usually associated with automatic target recognition (ATR). The original field of view (FOV) is partitioned into overlapping regions of lower resolution whose likelihood to contain targets of interest is evaluated using prespecified attention thresholds and distributed associative memories (DAMs). The Zoom-lens system iteratively focuses its attention at ever-increasing resolution on those regions selected by the preceding preattentive stages until final recognition (or rejection) occurs. Experimental results reported herein demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Formation of corrosion-resistant surface alloys by metal ion implantation

Abstract Surface alloys were fabricated by the implantation of 25 keV chromium and nickel ions into polycrystalline iron in doses ranging from 1.0 × 1016 to 4.0 × 1016 ions cm-2. The alloy distribution as a function of depth (depth profile) was determined for the Fe-Cr and Fe-Ni surface alloys, and the results were compared with theoretical predictions. The resistance of the surface alloys to environmental attack was evaluated both by determining their anodic polarization behavior under potentiostatic conditions in a buffered boric acid solution and by determining their gaseous oxidation characteristics. The results of the electrochemical studies showed that the general corrosion resistances of the surface alloys are comparable with those of nominally equivalent bulk alloys and that the pitting-corrosion resistances of the surface alloys are superior to that of iron, although generally they are not as good as those of most equivalent bulk alloys. The gaseous oxidation studies showed that surface and bulk Fe-Cr alloys exhibit essentially identical oxidation kinetics, with a much higher rate of oxidation being observed for iron. In both the aqueous corrosion and the gaseous oxidation studies the quantity of the alloying element in the surface alloys was six to seven orders of magnitude less than that in the equivalent bulk alloys.
A Model of the Effects of Perceived Parent and Peer Support on Adolescent False Self Behavior

A model linking 3 perceived support variables, namely, level of support, quality of support (unconditional or conditional), and hope about future support, to false self behavior (acting in ways that are not the "real me") was hypothesized. Both parent and peer support were examined. The best fitting model for the parent and peer data revealed that perceived quality and level of parent support predict hope about future parent support, which in turn predicts false self behavior. Adolescents' motives for engaging in false self behavior were also examined. Those whose reported motives were hypothesized to be the most clinically debilitating (devaluation of the self) reported the most negative outcomes (depressed affect, low self-worth, hopelessness, and less knowledge of the true self). In contrast, adolescents citing the developmentally normative motive of role experimentation reported the most positive affect, highest self-worth, greatest hopefulness, and most knowledge of true self. Those reporting that they engaged in false self behavior to please, impress, or win the approval of parents and peers had intermediate scores on the depression, self-worth, hope, and knowledge of true self measures. Discussion focused on the potential causes and consequences of false self behavior.
EXTRUSION COOKING OF CORN MEAL WITH SODIUM BICARBONATE AND SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE1

Sodium bicarbonate and sodium aluminum phosphate (0-0.45 %) were mixed with corn meal and extruded in a twin-screw extruder at screw speeds of 200-400 rpm and initial moisture contents of 19.5-21.5% (wb). Increasing NaHCO 3 and NaAl 3 H 14 (PO 4 ) 8 level increased product specific length and volume and decreased apparent bulk density and the expansion ratio. Increasing screw speed showed similar trends. An increase in initial moisture content decreased product specific length, specific volume and the expansion ratio and increased the bulk density. Product yellowness and lightness increased when the NaHCo 3 and NaAl 3 H 14 (PO 4 ) 8 content was increased. Product cell size decreased and cell number increased when the NaHCO 3 and NaAl 3 H 14 (PO 4 ) 8 level or screw speed was increased. Chemical analysis showed the amount of bicarbonate remaining in the finished product depended on the NaHCO 3 and NaAl 3 H 14 (PO 4 ) 8 content. Product shear strength was not affected by the NaHCO 3 and NaAl 3 H 14 (PO 4 ) 8 level.
Solution and bulk properties of branched polyvinyl acetates part III—Intrinsic viscosity and light scattering measurements

Abstract Light scattering and intrinsic viscosity measurements have been made on three different series of vinyl acetate polymers, one linear and two branched. One of the branched series was obtained by fractionation of a high conversion polymer, the other by a graft polymerization under conditions that allowed structural characterization of the resultant comb-shaped polymers. These data show that the ratio of the mean-square radii of gyration of branched and linear polymers of the same molecular weight is greater in good solvents than the ratio calculated tl eoretically for a theta solvent. The ratio of the second virial coefficients of the comb-shaped branched and linear polymers of the same molecular weight is equal within experimental error to the ratio of the intrinsic viscosities. The ratio of the intrinsic viscosities of branched and linear polymers is greater in a good solvent than in a theta solvent, in support of inferences from the behavior of the radius of gyration. A theoretical expression for the ratio of the intrinsic viscosities in a poor solvent is obeyed more nearly in a good solvent than in a theta solvent.
Structure of the Human 25 kDa FK506 Binding Protein Complexed with Rapamycin

The immunosuppressive drugs FK5061 and rapamycin2,3 bind to a family of proteins called the FK506 binding proteins or FKBPs.4 The prototype of the family, the cytosolic human FKBP12,5,6 has been intensively investigated both structurally7-11 and biologically.12-14 FKBP13, which is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and does not play a role in immunosuppression, has also been characterized.15,16 FKBP25, a third member of the family, has two domains: a C-terminal domain with 43% sequence identity to FKBP12 and an N-terminal domain with no recognizable homology to any known protein.17,18 The C-terminal domain of FKBP25 contains a possible nuclear localization sequence, and FKBP25 has been suggested to be a nuclear protein.19 The C-terminal domain, like the other FKBPs, is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase or rotamase), and this activity is inhibited by FK506 and rapamycin. Unlike the other FKBPs, FKBP25 shows a strong preference for binding rapamycin (Ki ) 0.9 nM) over FK506 (Ki ) 200 nM). The N-terminal domain does not influence the binding specificity since the C-terminal domain shows the same binding preferences as the full-length protein.20 In order to understand the structural bases for FKBP25’s selectivity, we used X-ray diffraction to characterize the three-dimensional structure of the C-terminal domain of FKBP25 (FKBP25C, residues P109 to D224, see Figure 1) complexed with rapamycin (1).
Substrate mediates consumer control of salt marsh cordgrass on Cape Cod, New England

Cordgrass die-offs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, salt marshes have challenged the view that the primary production of New England salt marshes is controlled by physical factors. These die-offs have increased dramatically over the last decade and are caused by the common herbivorous marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum, but other factors that control crab impacts remain unclear. We examined the influence of plant nutrient supply and disturbances on Sesarma herbivory by fertilizing plots and creating experimental disturbances, since previous studies have revealed that they mediate the intensity of herbivory in other Western Atlantic marshes. Neither nutrient enrichment nor experimental disturbances affected crab grazing intensity despite their strong effects in other marsh systems. Within and among Cape Cod salt marshes, however, Sesarma burrows are concentrated on peat substrate. Surveys of 10 Cape Cod marshes revealed that burrow density, depth, and complexity are all much higher on peat than on sand or mud substrate, and paralleling these patterns, crab abundance, herbivore pressure, and the expansion of die-off areas are markedly higher on peat than on other substrates. Complementing work hypothesizing that predator release is triggering increased crab herbivory in Cape Cod marshes, these results suggest that cordgrass die-offs are constrained to the peat substrate commonly found on the leading edge of marshes and that the vulnerability of New England salt marshes to crab herbivory and future die-offs may be predictable.
The effects of gonadotropins on metabolism of isolated rat granulosa cells

Abstract FSH in vitro , but not LH, increased the O2 uptake of isolated granulosa cells from 23 day old rats previously treated with DES or with DES and FSH. Dose response studies showed that the cells were most sensitive to FSH when the cellular binding of FSH was highest. LH increased the O2 uptake of granulosa cells of untreated 30 day old rats. DES treatment inhibited the LH induced rise in O2 uptake when the rats were implanted with DES capsules unless FSH was injected to induce LH receptors. Addition of dbcAMP in vitro increased O2 uptake of granulosa cells from 30 day old rats at concentrations 10X lower than those required to stimulate O2 uptake in cells from 23 day old rats treated with DES alone. FSH in vitro increased lactate formation in the absence of added substrates but did not do so when glucose was added to the media. In contrast, LH greatly increased lactate formation with added glucose. Dose response studies showed that less than 0.6 ug/ml LH S21 was effective in increasing lactate above control levels. These data suggest that FSH affects aerobic pathways while LH affects anaerobic pathways in the process of the differentiation of granulosa cells toward luteal cells. It is well known that FSH and LH interact with their target cells in the ovary by binding to specific receptors and that FSH stimulates LH-receptor production (1). Receptor binding by either hormone activates adenylate cyclase (2) raising cyclic adenosine monosphosphate (cAMP) levels (3) and increasing protein kinase activity (4). Such changes probably trigger changes in the major metabolic pathways that support follicular development because cells of corpora lutea have glycogen (5) which is not present in follicular granulosa cells (6–9). Several studies suggest that FSH and LH may regulate metabolic processes in the ovary. LH increases lactate in whole prepuberal ovaries (10,11,12) and also increases the uptake of glucose (13). FSH increases oxygen uptake in chick ovaries (14), rat ovaries (15) and prairie dog ovaries (16). However, only one study has been done using isolated ovarian cells. Hamberger (17) has reported that FSH increased the oxygen uptake of thecal cells of immature rats while LH increased the oxygen uptake of granulosa cells. Since granulosa cells from immature rats are reported to have FSH receptors while theca cells have LH receptors the effects of these hormones appear unclear. The present studies were undertaken to more accurately characterize the actions of FSH, LH, and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) on the oxygen uptake of isolated granulosa cells and remaining tissues of immature ovaries and to determine the effects of FSH and LH on the production of lactate by granulosa cells.
Combining Locoregional Therapies in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In an effort to promote more durable local control of larger lesions, thermal ablation has been combined with chemical ablative techniques and with vaso-occlusive procedures such as chemoembolization and bland embolization in an effort to mitigate the limitations inherent in the use of any single treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) >3 cm. The heat-sink effect is the underlying principle for combining vaso-occlusive therapies with ablative techniques. Combination therapies do present viable options for abrogating tumor progression and potentially downsizing tumors to facilitate transplant. We discuss the two most commonly used combination locoregional therapies by the interventionalist and the evidence defining the best techniques in practice.
The mandibular symphysis as a donor site in maxillofacial bone grafting: a quantitative anatomic study.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to quantify the amount of bone graft material present in the mandibular symphysis as well as to determine the maximal size of the corticocancellous bone block that can be harvested while avoiding mental nerve injury, tooth injury, and simultaneously preserving the preoperative facial contour. Materials and Methods: Sixteen fixed dentate cadaver mandibles were studied. Osteotomies were performed in a monocortical fashion, 5 mm anterior to the mental foramen, cephalad to the inferior border of the mandible, caudal to the expected position of the apices of the anterior teeth, and at the midline. The size of the corticocancellous block was then measured. Bone volume, using 2 techniques, was measured by displacement volumetry. Results: The average volumes obtained were 4.84 mL and 4.71 mL (range, 3.25 to 6.50 mL), respectively, for the 2 techniques of volumetry. The average block size was 20.9 × 9.9 × 6.9 mm; the smallest block was 21.0 × 6.5 × 6.0 mm, and the largest was 25.0 × 13.0 × 9.0 mm. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is apparent that the mandibular symphysis can be reliably selected as the harvest site in a variety of oral and maxillofacial reconstructive procedures. © 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Amorphous SiC-N coatings: its properties and applications

Laser ablation has been used to deposit a:SiC-N films from a CVD SiC target. Depositions were carried out either in vacuum or in a nitrogen ambient ranging from 10 to 100 mT. The mechanical properties of the films versus nitrogen background pressure were assessed using nanoindentation and surface acoustic wave measurements. Deflected optical beam testing, pull testing and atomic force microscopy were used to determine film stress, film-substrate adhesion and film roughness, respectively. The optical properties were also characterized as a function of nitrogen back pressure using spectroscopic ellipsometry which determined refractive indices and predicted film compositions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy determined the bonding structures in the films, and finally Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy measurements were also performed. Based on the best mechanical and optical properties, the optimum film deposition conditions were obtained. It was observed that with an increase in nitrogen background pressure, oxygen content in the film, in the form of SiOx, increased significantly affecting the overall properties of the a:SiC-N films.
Non-optimal codon usage is a mechanism to achieve circadian clock conditionality

Central circadian proteins in cyanobacteria unexpectedly use non-optimal codons, and optimizing their codes is shown to cause a change in an adaptive response to environmental conditions. Many biological processes are rhythmically regulated on a daily, or circadian, cycle. Highly expressed genes, such as those regulating the circadian rhythm, normally contain optimal codons, to allow efficient expression. Two studies, from the laboratories of Carl Johnson and Yi Liu, now find that central circadian proteins in cyanobacteria and Neurospora unexpectedly use non-optimal codons, and that optimizing their codes causes a change in an adaptive response in cyanobacteria, and compromises function of the Neurospora clock. These works highlight an unanticipated selection against optimal codon usage. Circadian rhythms are oscillations in biological processes that function as a key adaptation to the daily rhythms of most environments. In the model cyanobacterial circadian clock system, the core oscillator proteins are encoded by the gene cluster kaiABC1. Genes with high expression and functional importance, such as the kai genes, are usually encoded by optimal codons, yet the codon-usage bias of the kaiBC genes is not optimized for translational efficiency. We discovered a relationship between codon usage and a general property of circadian rhythms called conditionality; namely, that endogenous rhythmicity is robustly expressed under some environmental conditions but not others2. Despite the generality of circadian conditionality, however, its molecular basis is unknown for any system. Here we show that in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongate, non-optimal codon usage was selected as a post-transcriptional mechanism to switch between circadian and non-circadian regulation of gene expression as an adaptive response to environmental conditions. When the kaiBC sequence was experimentally optimized to enhance expression of the KaiB and KaiC proteins, intrinsic rhythmicity was enhanced at cool temperatures that are experienced by this organism in its natural habitat. However, fitness at those temperatures was highest in cells in which the endogenous rhythms were suppressed at cool temperatures as compared with cells exhibiting high-amplitude rhythmicity. These results indicate natural selection against circadian systems in cyanobacteria that are intrinsically robust at cool temperatures. Modulation of circadian amplitude is therefore crucial to its adaptive significance3. Moreover, these results show the direct effects of codon usage on a complex phenotype and organismal fitness. Our work also challenges the long-standing view of directional selection towards optimal codons4,5,6,7, and provides a key example of natural selection against optimal codons to achieve adaptive responses to environmental changes.
Mini little Higgs and dark matter

Abstract We construct a little Higgs model with the most minimal extension of the standard model gauge group by an extra U ( 1 ) gauge symmetry. For specific charge assignments of scalars, an approximate U ( 3 ) global symmetry appears in the cutoff-squared scalar mass terms generated from gauge bosons at one-loop level. Hence, the Higgs boson, identified as a pseudo-Goldstone boson of the broken global symmetry, has its mass radiatively protected up to scales of 5–10 TeV. In this model, a Z 2 symmetry, ensuring the two U ( 1 ) gauge groups to be identical, also makes the extra massive neutral gauge boson stable and a viable dark matter candidate with a promising prospect of direct detection.
On Testing Equality of Means of Correlated Variates with Missing Data on One Response

A statistic is proposed for testing the hypothesis of equality of the means of a bivariate normal distribution with unknown common variance and correlation coefficient when observations are missing on one of the variates. The distribution of the statistic is approximated by a normal distribution under the null hypothesis. The empirical powers of the statistic are computed and compared with those of the conventional paired t and the other known statistics. The power comparisons support the use of the proposed test.
The use of counter-attack in apologetic public relations crises: The case of General Motors vs. Dateline NBC

Abstract As products become more expensive to develop and market, companies are likely to react more aggressively when said products are exposed to criticism. In some instances, companies directly challenge the right of their accusers to pass judgment; that is, they offer “kategoria-based apologiae.” This analysis seeks to explicate one such apologetic exchange that took place between General Motors and NBC in 1992–1993 over the safety of GM's C/K trucks.
Deepithelialization of a complex ventral hernia for completely extraperitoneal Rives-Stoppa herniorrhaphy.

Peritoneal incisions made during abdominal surgery are associated with numerous postoperative complications. Laparoscopic procedures are extraperitoneal, but they do not always provide adequate exposure of the defect nor room for manipulation. We suggest a deepithelialization approach prior to mesh placement for the repair of large ventral hernias as a means of achieving a completely extraperitoneal ventral herniorrhaphy.
The new human resource department: A cross‐functional unit

As new trends in business operations take hold, the need for a redefined human resource department, including what it should look like and what functions it should perform, seems imminent. HR departments are moving toward a stronger involvement in strategic decision-making and an attunement between a worker’s and an organization’s needs and the worker’s work-life balance. The result of this new HRD-focused perception will be the hiring of new workers with a consideration of current and future needs and a streamlining of processes and applicable skills.
Observational astrochemistry: recent results.

More than 80 molecular species have now been observed in the dense interstellar clouds where stars and planets form or in the envelopes expelled by evolved stars. Elemental constituents of these compounds include all of the biogenic elements, H, C, N, O, S and P. In addition, Si is found in several molecules, and a series of metal halides have recently been detected in the outflowing envelope of a nearby carbon star. Knowledge of the chemical reservoirs for the major volatile elements and a comparison between observed molecular abundances and theoretical models are both discussed.
ABSENCE OF THE LOCAL EXISTENCE THEOREM IN THE CRITICAL SPACE FOR THE $3\mathcal{D}$-NAVIER–STOKES SYSTEM

We consider the -Navier–Stokes System (NSS) on R3 without external forcing. After Fourier transform we get a nonlocal nonlinear integral equation equivalent to NSS. For one-parameter families of initial conditions A · c(0)(k)/|k|2 in the case of small |A| the NSS has a unique global solution. We argue that for large A NSS has no local solutions with these initial conditions.
Immunoglobulin secretion by the normal and the infected newborn infant

The development of quantitative single-cell immunoassays has provided a novel opportunity to demonstrate the isotype-specific immunogiobulin responses in normal and infected neonates. The reverse enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to determine the number of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (IgSCs) in peripheral blood. Baseline numbers of IgSCs were established in 69 uninfected term and preterm infants within 5 days of birth; values above the 99th percentile were considered elevated. The IgSCs were also measured in 266 infants with proved or suspected infections or congenital anomalles. A subset of newborn infants was retested weekly. Few IgSCs (mostly IgMSCs) were detected within 5 days of birth in uninfected neonates, but by 1 moth 77% had increased numbers of IgSCs, primarily IgASCs. Sixty-three (24%) of 266 study infants had increased IgSCs on initial sampling (predominantly IgMSCs); these included infants as immature as 25 to 27 weeks of gestational age; elevations in IgSCs were most frequent in infants with intrauterine infections. Increased numbers of IgSCs were uncommon in infants with early-onset sepsis in the first 5 days but were frequent by the second week, consistent with acquisition of infection near the time of delivery. We conclude that the presence of elevated numbers of IgSCs soon after birth may be a useful surrogate marker of untreated intrauterine infection. The development of predominantly IgASCs in the first month of life suggests postnatal exposure to common mucosal antigens.
MECHANISMS OF NEUROPROTECTION DURING ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING: LESSONS FROM ANOXIC TOLERANCE

Different physiological adaptations for anoxia resistance have been described in the animal kingdom. These adaptations are particularly important in organs that are highly susceptible to energy deprivation such as the heart and brain. Among vertebrates, turtles are one of the species that are highly tolerant to anoxia. In mammals however, insults such as anoxia, ischemia and hypoglycemia, all cause major histopathological events to the brain. However, in mammals even ischemic or anoxic tolerance is found when a sublethal ischemic/anoxic insult is induced sometime before a lethal ischemic/anoxic insult is induced. This phenomenon is defined as ischemic preconditioning. Better understanding of the mechanisms inducing both anoxic tolerance in turtles or ischemic preconditioning in mammals may provide novel therapeutic interventions that may aide mammalian brain to resist the ravages of cerebral ischemia. In this review, we will summarize some of the mechanisms implemented in both models of tolerance, emphasizing physiological and biochemical similarities.
Are All Presidents Created Equal? Presidential Powers and the Shadow of Presidential Elections

Presidential elections with few candidates held in temporal proximity to legislative elections are believed to promote the nationalization and consolidation of the legislative party system. However, contrary to the existing literature, the authors argue here that the shadow presidential elections cast over legislative elections is contingent on the relative powers of the president vis-a-vis the legislature. Specifically, the authors find that proximate presidential elections with few presidential candidates promote the nationalization and consolidation of the legislative party system only when the president is neither very weak nor very powerful. They also find that proximate presidential elections with many presidential candidates promote the denationalization and fragmentation of the legislative party system only when the president is at least reasonably powerful.