cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bibliographic guide to issues of national and international government information policies

Bibliographie selective presentee par type de documents (documents americains, documents internationaux et non americains, articles, livres) autour des grands themes (liberte de l'information, technologies des communications par satellite, gestion de l'information, systemes d'information pour pays en developpement, la guerre de l'information, etc…) que recouvrent les politiques nationales et internationales des gouvernements en matiere d'information
Combining Semantics, Context, and Statistical Evidence in Genomics Literature Search

We present an information retrieval model for combining evidence from concept-based semantics, term statistics, and context for improving search precision of genomics literature by accurately identifying concise, variable length passages of text to answer a user query. The system combines a dimensional data model for indexing scientific literature at multiple levels of document structure and context with a rule-based query processing algorithm. The query processing algorithm uses an iterative information extraction technique to identify query concepts, and a retrieval function for systematically combining concepts with term statistics at multiple levels of context. We define context by variable length passages of text and different levels of document lexical structure including terms, sentences, paragraphs, and entire documents. Our results demonstrate improved search results in the presence of varying levels of semantic evidence, and higher performance using retrieval functions that combine document as well as sentence and passage level information versus using document, sentence or passage level information alone. Initial results are promising. When ranking documents based on the most relevant extracted passages, the results exceed the state-of-the-art by 13.89% as assessed by the TREC 2005 Genomics track collection of 4.5 million MEDLINE citations.
Efficacy of transferrin‐conjugated paclitaxel‐loaded nanoparticles in a murine model of prostate cancer

Chemotherapy remains the preferred choice of treatment for prostate cancer but modest drug response and significant toxicity by conventional methods of administration limit their efficacy. In our study, we determined the efficacy of paclitaxel (Tx)-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) on tumor inhibition. We hypothesized that NPs following conjugation to transferrin (Tf) ligand (NPs-Tf) would enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drug. The antiproliferative activity of NPs was determined in human prostate cancer cell line (PC3) and their effect on tumor inhibition in a murine model of prostate cancer. NPs (approximately 220 nm in diameter, 5.4% w/w drug loading) under in vitro conditions exhibited sustained release of the encapsulated drug (60% release in 60 days). The IC50 (concentration of drug for 50% inhibition of cell growth) of the drug with Tf-conjugated NPs (Tx-NPs-Tf) was about 5-fold lower than that with unconjugated NPs (Tx-NPs) or drug in solution. Animals that received a single-dose intratumoral injection of Tx-NPs-Tf (Tx dose= 4 mg/kg) demonstrated complete tumor regression and greater survival rate than those that received either Tx-NPs or Tx-Cremophor EL formulation. In conclusion, sustained release NPs demonstrated greater antitumor activity following their conjugation to Tf ligand.
Visual system electrodiagnosis in neurologic disease of childhood

Electrodiagnostic examination of the visual system includes visual evoked potentials and electroretinography. These tests can be applied to all ages. Pitfalls in the clinical ophthalmologic examination of children, such as optic nerve pallor and pigmentary retinopathy, can be clarified by these tests. Investigation of neurodegenerative disease may be directed to the most likely defect by results of visual evoked potential testing and electroretinography. The child who is unable to meaningfully communicate sensory experience can be objectively evaluated by these studies. Familiarity with the applications and limitations of these tests will allow the examiner to choose the appropriate setting and time to apply each of them.
Petrology and Rb-Sr age of Precambrian rhyolitic dikes, Llano County, Texas

Rhyolite porphyry (llanite) and iron-rich melarhyolite dikes intrude Precambrian metamorphic rocks in north-central and south-eastern Llano County, respectively. These dikes are chemically and mineralogically similar, except that rhyolite porphyry is richer in quartz and alkali feldspar phenocrysts, whereas melarhyolite contains a greater abundance of biotite and magnetite. There are corresponding enrichments of SiO 2 in rhyolite porphyry and of FeO + Fe 2 O 3 in melarhyolite. The two rock types may have originated as two fractions of a common parent magma enriched in salic and mafic phases, respectively, to produce rhyolite porphyry and melarhyolite. This proposed relation is compatible with major-element chemistry and Rb-Sr systematics. Isotopic analyses of five melarhyolite whole rocks, two rhyolite porphyry whole rocks, groundmass and feldspar phenocrysts from rhyolite porphyry, and a nearby diabase dike yield an isochron age of 1,106 ± 6 m.y. (λ Rb = 1.39 × 10 −11 yr −1 and initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr of 0.7028 ± 0.0002. Other data, including Zartman9s (1964) analyses of the microcline fraction of alkali feldspar phenocrysts from rhyolite porphyry, indicate subsequent Rb-Sr redistributions. These may be related to devitrification of melarhyolite groundmass and to unmixing of alkali feldspar phenocrysts in rhyolite porphyry.
Progress in probability density function methods for turbulent reacting flows

Abstract Probability density function (PDF) methods offer compelling advantages for modeling chemically reacting turbulent flows. In particular, they provide an elegant and effective resolution to the closure problems that arise from averaging or filtering the highly nonlinear chemical source terms, and terms that correspond to other one-point physical processes (e.g., radiative emission) in the instantaneous governing equations. This review is limited to transported PDF methods, where one models and solves an equation that governs the evolution of the one-point, one-time PDF for a set of variables that determines the local thermochemical and/or hydrodynamic state of a reacting system. Progress over the previous 20–25 years (roughly since Pope's seminal paper [24] ) is covered, with emphasis on developments over the past decade. For clarity and concreteness, two current mainstream approaches are adopted as baselines: composition PDF and velocity–composition PDF methods for low-Mach-number reacting ideal-gas mixtures, with standard closure models for key physical processes (e.g., mixing models), and consistent hybrid Lagrangian particle/Eulerian mesh numerical solution algorithms. Alternative formulations, other flow regimes, additional physics, advanced models, and alternative solution algorithms are introduced and discussed with respect to these baselines. Important developments that are discussed include velocity–composition–frequency PDF's, PDF-based methods as subfilter-scale models for large-eddy simulation (filtered density function methods), PDF-based modeling of thermal radiation heat transfer and turbulence–radiation interactions, PDF-based models for soot and liquid fuel sprays, and Eulerian field methods for solving modeled PDF transport equations. Examples of applications to canonical systems, laboratory-scale flames, and practical combustion devices are provided to emphasize key points. An attempt has been made throughout to strike a balance between rigor and accessibility, between breadth and depth of coverage, and between fundamental physics and practical relevance. It is hoped that this review will contribute to broadening the accessibility of PDF methods and to dispelling misconceptions about PDF methods. Although PDF methods have been applied primarily to reacting ideal-gas mixtures using single-turbulence-scale models, multiple-physics, multiple-scale information is readily incorporated. And while most applications to date have been to laboratory-scale nonpremixed flames, PDF methods can be, and have been, applied to high-Damkohler-number systems as well as to low-to-moderate-Damkohler-number systems, to premixed systems as well as to nonpremixed and partially premixed systems, and to practical combustion devices as well as to laboratory-scale flames. It is anticipated that PDF-based methods will be adopted even more broadly through the 21st century to address important combustion-related energy and environmental issues.
Stochastic income and wealth

As is well known, the deterministic version of the maximum principle allows us to state rigorously the relationship between deterministic income (essentially the Hamiltonian) and deterministic wealth (essentially the state evaluation function). As a background motivating point of departure, consider the simple story of an infinitely long-lived individual whose sole wealth consists of a bank deposit paying a constant rate of interest. For this simple parable, whether we define and measure income in the spirit of Fisher as being the return on wealth, or in the spirit of Lindahl as being consumption plus net value of investment, or in the spirit of Hicks as being the largest permanently maintainable level of consumption, we get the same answer to the question ‘‘what is income?’’. The theory of the deterministic maximum principle shows is that this fundamental identity of the three seemingly different definitions of income is much broader and goes much deeper than the simple bank-account parable. We now seek to extend the investigation to cover uncertainty by dealing with the case where net capital accumulation is described by a stochastic diffusion equation in place of a deterministic differential equation. Stochastic diffusion equations introduce mathematical subtleties and complexities, which we will only deal with casually in this treatment. The introduction of uncertainty ratchets up the required level of analysis another several notches on the scale of mathematical complexity. To treat the subject of this paper fully rigorously and also at the level of generality of a multi-dimensional economic growth problem could easily turn this paper into a book and would be out of all proportion to its www.elsevier.com/locate/econbase Japan and the World Economy 16 (2004) 277–301
Preservation of natural endothelial cytopathogenicity of cytomegalovirus by propagation in endothelial cells.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a source of major complications in immunosuppressed individuals, and endothelial involvement in CMV infection is well documented. Traditionally the virus has been propagated in fibroblasts, however this process may alter CMV's characteristics, thereby limiting the fibroblast model's utility as a research tool. In our efforts to develop a more accurate in vitro model of CMV/endothelial cell interaction, we have propagated a recent isolate (CMV VHL) through multiple passages in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVE) and, collaterally in neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Infection of HUVE inoculated with either sub-strain of the virus was confirmed by CMV-specific in situ hybridization and by immunocytochemical staining for CMV antigens. Whereas infection of HUVE by sub-strain VHL/E (endothelial-raised) was accompanied by dramatic cytopathology resembling that observed clinically, the endothelial cytopathic potential of VHL/F (fibroblast-raised) was lost by its 20th passage in NHDF. Similarly, the ability of VHL/F to initiate sustained productive infection in HUVE was severely attenuated; plaque assay of culture supernatants and infected cell fractions, as well as virus-specific DNA polymerase assay of cell lysates, demonstrated progressive viral reproductive activity in VHL/E-inoculated HUVE, whereas VHL/F reproduction was barely detectable. Since properties of VHL/F bear strong resemblance to those of the fibroblast-raised AD169, these studies suggest that while the fibroblast adaption process commonly employed in the propagation of CMV restricts the host range of the virus and attenuates its spectrum of cytopathic potential, endothelial-based propagation preserves the natural endothelial cytopathogenicity of the original isolate.
Adsorption of Cs(I), Sr(II), Eu(III), Co(II) and Cd(II) by Al2O3

Adsorption of Cs(I), Sr(II), Eu(III), Co(II) and Cd(II) by Al2O3 was carried out over a wide range of NaCl concentration and solution pH. In the medium pH region (pH 5–9) adsorption depends strongly on pH and less on salt concentration. However, in the high pH region (pH above 9), the salt dependence of the distribution coefficient becomes important.
Random thoughts on voting

Most Europeans have heard a good deal of criticism of the last U.S. presidential election. There are two normal criticisms, one of which regards the electoral college system, which means that the person who gets the majority of the popular votes does not necessarily win. The other criticism regards a set of specific criticisms of this election.
VARIATION IN BANK ASSET PORTFOLIOS

ASSET and liability reports submitted by banks to supervisory agencies are aggregated into combined balance sheets for all banks and for banks by class, by state, by district, and in some cases by groups based on size of bank. From such balance sheets a great deal can be learned about the asset structures of banks. We can discover, for example, the ratio of the loans of all banks to their total asests. Such a ratio is an average for the banking system, an average in which the weight of each individual bank is proportionate to its share of the assets of the system. Similar ratios may be computed for any group of banks for which aggregate asset data are available, e.g., for all banks of a given class or in a given state. Since some of the individual bank ratios in any group of banks will be greater and some smaller than the group average, we know that the highest and lowest individual bank ratios in the whole banking system will differ by more than do the highest and lowest average ratios found for any grouping of banks. This gives us an idea of the bank-to-bank variation among all banks. But it is a rough idea only, and from the data aggregated for banks grouped by state, class, etc., we have no information as to dispersion within the groups. To obtain information about bank-to-bank variation in asset portfolios, and for other statistical purposes, special studies were made of the reports of insured commercial banks as of June 30, 1953, and June 30, 1954. The assets and liabilities reported by each bank were recorded on punch cards. From these were developed data concerning assets and liabilities of banks grouped by size, and also frequency distributions of banks according to individual asset and liability ratios. The most complete study of assets and liabilities by size of bank was made with the data for June 30, 1954, and is reported in Part III of the Annual Report of the Federal Deposit Insurance
On “Brand”—Whether a Semiotic Marketing System or Not

Problems of definition and conceptualization have plagued the word “brand” for longer than any reader’s professional memory. Conejo and Wooliscroft have recently addressed this issue in their creative and radical Journal of Macromarketing article challenging especially the American Marketing Association’s official definition of brand. The following note offers response to the central content of the authors’ framework and discusses derived semantic and conceptual concerns, while endeavoring to contribute to a coherent and viable understanding of the brand construct and its surrounding conceptual system, but from a different posture than their approach. Unless a generally accepted understanding of the elemental brand term and construct is settled upon, shoring up our field’s conceptual underpinning, one large part of the body of marketing theory will remain ethereal.
Synthesis and secretion of cobalamin binding proteins by opossum kidney cells.

Abstract Opossum kidney epithelial cells synthesize and secrete two Cobalamin (Cbl) binding proteins of Mr 66,000 and 43,000. When grown on culture inserts, the apical medium contained both these proteins while the basolateral medium contained only the 43 kDa Cbl binder. Colchicine, a microtubule disruptive drug, increased two fold the apical but not the basolateral secretion of the Cbl binding proteins. Although the opossum Cbl binders did not cross react with antiserum raised to Cbl binders from other species, the identity based on Cbl binding and size suggest that the 66 kDa and 43 kDa proteins are haptocorrin and transcobalamin II.
Vomeronasal organ detects odorants in absence of signaling through main olfactory epithelium.

It is commonly assumed that odorants are detected by the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and pheromones are sensed through the vomeronasal organ (VNO). The complete loss of MOE-mediated olfaction in type-3 adenylyl cyclase knockout mice (AC3−/−) allowed us to examine chemosensory functions of the VNO in the absence of signaling through the MOE. Here we report that AC3−/− mice are able to detect certain volatile odorants via the VNO. These same odorants elicited electro-olfactogram transients in the VNO and MOE of wild-type mice, but only VNO responses in AC3−/− mice. This indicates that some odorants are detected through an AC3-independent pathway in the VNO.
Impact of Technological Developments on Urban Form and Travel Behaviour

KUMAR A. (1990) Impact of technological developments on urban form and travel behaviour, Reg. Studies 24, 137–148. The growth and diffusion of new information technologies in cities are transforming the structural and spatial relationships between the residence and the workplace with a significant impact on commuting behaviour. This paper uses the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey data for the years 1977 and 1983–84 to analyse the changes in two basic travel parameters over the six-year period: worktrip distance, representing the degree of dispersal of urban activity; and worktrip frequency, representing the intensity of linkages between the labour force and economic activities. The analysis supports the hypothesis of a dispersal of information-dominated activities as revealed by declining commuting distances. In addition, the possibility of ‘telecommuting’ to work from home and decentralized work stations is becoming a reality for some people in certain occupations. An econometric model is tested...
Haemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumour (so-called haemosiderotic fibrohistiocytic lipomatous tumour): analysis of 13 new cases in support of a distinct entity.

Aims : To describe 13 new cases of a rare soft tissue neoplasm currently known as haemosiderotic fibrohistiocytic lipomatous tumour (HFHLL) and to further its characterization. Methods and results : Patients were eight females and five males, aged 8 months to 74 years. Lesions ranged in size from 10 to 130 mm (median 45). Twelve of 13 lesions were located in the ankle/foot region; one involved the hand. Grossly the lesions were fatty/gelatinous or lipoma-like. They were characterized by varying proportions of mature adipocytes and fibroblastic spindle cells, associated with haemosiderin pigment present predominantly in macrophages within the spindle cell component. Dissecting between adipocytic lobules were septa containing short spindle cells with streaming, swirling or honeycomb growth patterns. Most tumours contained scattered osteoclast-like giant cells. Mitoses were rare and only one case showed mild atypia. Immunohistochemistry in 10 cases showed 7/9 CD34+; all were negative for smooth muscle actin, CD68, S100 and desmin. Follow-up in nine cases ranging from 1 to 130 months (median 12) showed local recurrence in three but no metastasis. Conclusions : So-called HFHLL, better termed haemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumour, is a distinct lesion characterized by an admixture of fibroblastic spindle cells, mature adipocytes and haemosiderin pigmentation, shows a predilection for the distal extremities and quite often recurs locally.
Don't Make Me Mad, Bub!

The history of Bub1, a spindle checkpoint component, reveals a spectacular case of parallel evolution. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Suijkerbuijk et al. (2012) provide evidence that Bub1 has duplicated and diverged many times during eukaryotic evolution, dividing the functions of its ancestor between the two duplicated copies.
The expanding horizon of renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa: Leading research in the social sciences

Abstract Africa faces numerous energy hurdles: low rates of access to electricity, decaying infrastructure, harmful cookstoves, and reliance on wood that leads to deforestation, among others. While many have long researched Africa's fossil fuel abundance, only recently have social scientists studied renewable energy in Africa. In this lead article for a “Special Issue on Renewable Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Contributions from the Social Sciences,” I begin by outlining the challenges Africa faces with respect to energy issues, along with the role of renewable energy today and the potential for increasing energy supply. I then discuss gaps in the literature followed by details on how the authors for the Special Issue collectively contribute to our understanding of renewable energy in Africa. I first note that most of the authors use qualitative methods, and then discuss key findings, including the importance of understanding culture, accommodating rural communities, fostering capacity-building, finding the money, and leveraging regionalism. I conclude with ways to overcome challenges of researching this topic and other opportunities for research that are not covered in depth here, such as gender analysis and the role of China and South Africa.
Assent observed: Children's involvement in leukemia treatment and research discussions

Objective. Assent is a critical issue in pediatric ethics that has not been well-studied. We examined the role of older children in discussing a recent diagnosis of acute leukemia and treatment options, including participation in a randomized, clinical trial (RCT). Design. Our sample was drawn from data collected as part of a larger, National Cancer Institute-funded study in which we observed, tape-recorded, and transcribed the informed consent conference (ICC) for children with leukemia at 6 institutions. We analyzed the data for the child’s presence and role, examined 5 discussion categories relevant to assent in the context of pediatric cancer treatment/research, conducted parent interviews, and administered clinician questionnaires to examine these issues. We report a qualitative analysis of 14 cases in which the child was present for the ICC. Results. Clinicians varied with regard to whom they directed specific discussions when patients were present. Questions asked by the children predominantly related to details of the disease and treatment, with few questions about the RCT. Clinicians and parents attribute responsibility for decision-making about participation in RCTs in a variety of ways. In conferences that included the child-patient, parents asked significantly fewer questions than in other ICCs. Conclusion. There is significant variation among ICCs that include the older child. Additional empirical study of assent is warranted, and our data suggest several hypotheses that should be tested in future research.
Evidence of two kinds of fear aroused by threat appeals.

Summary.-Higbee (1969, 1974) suggested the conflicting findings on the relative effectiveness of strong vs mild threat may result from arousal of two different kinds of fear by the messages used in research on threat appeal. One type of fear (nausea-type) is aroused by gruesome, vivid descriptions; the other fear (concern-type) is more related to the likelihood that the subject will experience the threat. In research reported here, subjects exposed to nausea-type threat expressed more aggression than subjects exposed to concerntype threat. These results support Higbee's suggestion that nausea-type threat and concern-type threat are different. Indirectly, they support the hypothesis that the conflicting findings are, in part, the result of unequivalent operations for the concept "threat" by different investigators.
The Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: An Overview

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is characterized by the presence of maternal anticardiolipin antibodies and/or the lupus anticoagulant in association with recurrent pregnancy loss, thrombotic events, and/or thrombocytopenia. This disorder occurs rarely, but pregnant patients with antiphospholipid antibodies are at risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This article reviews the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, including its pathophysiology, clinical sequelae, diagnostic criteria, medical treatment, and nursing care.
Local influences on shear-flow turbulence in the equatorial ocean.

A 12-day series of 1749 profiles of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation above the equatorial undercurrent at 140° west showed that, in the upper 110 meters of the ocean, the dissipation radically decreased during the solar heating period each day. Daily averages were linearly related to the local wind power. When integrated over the depth range of 10 to 110 meters, the dissipation was 10.6 ergs per square centimeter per second or 0.92 ± 0.10 percent of the wind power, a proportion not substantially different from those found in mid-latitude surface mixed layers. These results suggest that much of the energy dissipated above the equatorial undercurrent may be extracted directly from the local wind.
Molecular mechanisms regulating the vascular endothelial cell motile response to injury.

Vascular endothelial cell (EC) wound healing was characterized on an EC-synthesized extracellular matrix (ECM) previously treated with enzymes and antibodies speific for ECM components. Using a computer-assisted video-microscope recording system capable of automatic EC recognition, we learned whether components of the EC-synthesized matrix influenced post-injury migration and wound healing in vitro. Localization of actin and its encoded mRNA using isoform-specific antibodies and labeled cDNA probes allowed for a direct correlation of living-cell behavior with cytoskeletal form and distribution. Results of these studies indicate that the computer-assisted EC tracking system allows for an automatic and reproducible analysis of EC behavior following injury in vitro
"Consider If This Is a Person": Primo Levi, Hannah Arendt, and the Political Significance of Auschwitz

Primo Levi asks his readers to consider whether those who live comfortable lives have some meaningful connection to those who suffered in Auschwitz. He suggests that discovering such a connection is, paradoxically, both improbable and imperative. Alternatively, Hannah Arendt argues that the thoughtlessness of the perpetrators and the suffering of the victims in the camps amount to meaningless banalities. For her, totalitarianism is an attack on humanness as such and the best response to it is to practice a different, more human type of politics. However, Levi’s paradox shows us that thoughtlessness is an insufficient diagnosis of the Nazi bureaucrat and that our relationship to those who suffer cannot be separated from politics or the question of what it means to be human. Instead, the essential political question after Auschwitz is whether or not those who suffer are part of the human community.
A Stress-Tolerant Temperature-Stable RF MEMS Switched Capacitor

We present the design, fabrication, and measurement of an RF MEMS (Radio Frequency Micro-Electromechanical System) switched capacitor that exhibits reduced sensitivity to residual stress and temperature. The device is based on a circularly symmetric geometry with arc-type springs placed between the anchors and suspended beam. This design compensates for the effects of the residual biaxial stress in the beam, resulting in a pull-in voltage slope versus temperature of only -50 mV/ °C from -5 °C to 95 °C. Reducing the device sensitivity to residual stress improves the performance uniformity on a wafer-scale, and from wafer-to-wafer lots.
Early detection, curative treatment, and survival rates for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis: a meta-analysis.

Background Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has level I evidence among patients with hepatitis B but only level II evidence in patients with cirrhosis. This lack of randomized data has spurred questions regarding the utility of HCC surveillance in this patient population; however, lack of randomized data does not equate to a lack of data supporting the efficacy of surveillance. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of HCC surveillance on early stage tumor detection, receipt of curative therapy, and overall survival in patients with cirrhosis.
HIV-1 RNA and viral load

Viral load monitoring has become the standard of care in clinical practice to assess risk for disease progression and to monitor treatment response. Furthermore, viral load monitoring has contributed greatly to the understanding of HIV disease pathogenesis and response to various antiretroviral regimens, and has broadened its applications to include blood bank screening. The assays that are currently available are more sensitive, precise, and robust. There is now a better understanding of their limitations and the clinical scenarios and assay performance issues that result in variations of viral load results.
Painful Carotid Artery

Excerpt To the editor: I have observed a syndrome of painful carotid artery in myself and in five patients during the past 2 years. It first came to my attention 2 years ago when, at age 40, I deve...
Degree of acculturation and adherence to Asian values as correlates of psychological distress among Korean immigrants

Background: Although psychological distress among Asian immigrants adjusting to a Western society has been reported in the clinical literature, empirical research support for this phenomenon is lacking. This is particularly true regarding Korean immigrants, an Asian population that is currently immigrating to non-Asian countries in large numbers.Aims: This study investigated how degree of acculturation and adherence to Asian values correlate with psychological distress among Korean immigrants (N = 118) in the United States.Method: Participants from the Midwestern United States (N = 118) completed survey packets including a demographic questionnaire, the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, the Asian Values Scale, and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18.Results: A multiple regression analysis revealed that less acculturation, stronger adherence to Asian values, and fewer years of living or being educated in the host country cumulatively predicted heightened psychological distress in this populatio...
Relationships among cell attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and migration rate for anchorage-dependent cells on model surfaces.

Many research and commercial applications use a synthetic substrate which is seeded with cells in a serum-containing medium. The surface properties of the material influence the composition of the adsorbed protein layer, which subsequently regulates a variety of cell behaviors such as attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In this study, we examined the relationships among cell attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and migration rate for MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on glass surfaces modified with -SO(x), -NH(2), -N(+)(CH(3))(3), -SH, and -CH(3) terminal silanes. We also studied the relationship between cell spread area and migration rate for a variety of anchorage-dependent cell types on a model polymeric biomaterial, poly(acrylonitrile-vinylchloride). Our results indicated that MC3T3-E1 osteoblast behavior was surface chemistry dependent, and varied with individual functional groups rather than general surface properties such as wettability. In addition, cell migration rate was inversely related to cell spread area for MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on a variety of silane-modified surfaces as well as for different anchorage-dependent cell types on a model polymeric biomaterial. Furthermore, the data revealed significant differences in migration rate among different cell types on a common polymeric substrate, suggesting that cell type-specific differences must be considered when using, selecting, or designing a substrate for research and therapeutic applications.
Effects of Accelerated Aging on Fiber Damage Thresholds

Laser-induced damage mechanisms that can occur during high-intensity fiber transmission have been under study for a number of years. Our particular interest in laser initiation of explosives has led us to examine damage processes associated with the transmission of Q-switched, Nd:YAG pulses at 1.06 {micro}m through step-index, multimode, fused silica fiber. Laser breakdown at the fiber entrance face is often the first process to limit fiber transmission but catastrophic damage can also occur at either fiber end face, within the initial entry segment of the fiber, and at other internal sites along the fiber path. Past studies have examined how these various damage mechanisms depend upon fiber end-face preparation, fiber fixturing and routing, laser characteristics, and laser-to-fiber injection optics. In some applications of interest, however, a fiber transmission system may spend years in storage before it is used. Consequently, an important additional issue for these applications is whether or not there are aging processes that can result in lower damage thresholds over time. Fiber end-face contamination would certainly lower breakdown and damage thresholds at these surfaces, but careful design of hermetic seals in connectors and other end-face fixtures can minimize this possibility. A more subtle possibility would be a process for the slow growth of internal defects that could lead to lower thresholds for internal damage. In the current study, two approaches to stimulating the growth of internal defects were used in an attempt to produce observable changes in internal damage thresholds. In the first approach test fibers were subjected to a very high tensile stress for a time sufficient for some fraction to fail from static fatigue. In the second approach, test fibers were subjected to a combination of high tensile stress and large, cyclic temperature variations. Both of these approaches were rather arbitrary due to the lack of an established growth mechanism for internal defects. Damage characteristics obtained from fibers subjected to each of these aging environments were compared to results from fresh fibers tested under identical conditions. A surprising result was that internal damage was not observed in any of the tested fibers. Only breakdown at the fiber entrance face and catastrophic damage at both end faces were observed. Fiber end faces were not sealed during the accelerated aging environments, and thresholds at these faces were significantly lower in the aged fibers. However, most fibers transmitted relatively high pulse energies before damaging, and a large fraction never damaged before we reached the limits of our test laser. The absence of any observable affect on internal damage thresholds is encouraging, but the current results do not rule out the possibility that some other approach to accelerated aging could reveal a growth mechanism for internal defects.
Front-running dynamics

We integrate a monopolist dual trader into a dynamic model of speculation. In static settings, [J.-C. Rochet, J.-L. Vila, Insider trading without normality, Rev. Econ. Stud. 61 (1994), 131–152] establish an irrelevance result—expected equilibrium outcomes are the same whether the monopolist speculator sees liquidity trade or not; and Roell [Dual-capacity trading and market quality, J. Finan. Intermediation (1990), 105–124] shows that with multiple speculators, dual trading benefits liquidity traders. In dynamic settings, these results are reversed: a front-running speculator exploits knowledge of future liquidity trade, extracting greater profits by smoothing profit extraction intertemporally. Front running introduces positive serial correlation to order flow. Accordingly, market makers discount past order flow in prices, but prices retain the martingale property.
Biosynthesis and secretion of testosterone by adrenal tissue from the North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana, and the effects of tropic hormone stimulation.

Abstract The synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids and testosterone by the adrenal cortex of the North American opossum Didelphis virginiana has been studied. In vitro , tissue from adult females has the capacity to synthesise testosterone from [ 3 H ] pregnenolone and [ 14 C ] progesterone in yields similar to those of cortisol. From endogenous precursors, values for testosterone production, measured by RIA, were about 1 30th of those for total corticosteroid as measured by CPB. Testosterone output from endogenous precursors was stimulated by the addition of FSH or LH to the incubation media, whereas ACTH had no effect. Corticosteroid output was stimulated by both ACTH and LH, but not by FSH. In vivo , circulating levels of both corticosteroid and testosterone were decreased by dexamethasone treatment. ACTH treatment, on the other hand, stimulated corticosteroid levels but was without effect on testosterone. PMS treatment gave increased testosterone concentrations after 1 day's treatment although this was not sustained following further treatments on the 2 subsequent days. Cortisol was unaffected. Neither control values for testosterone nor those obtained in stimulated animals were significantly affected by ovariectomy. The results suggest that the adrenal cortex is the source of circulating testosterone in the adult female opossum and that the synthesis and secretion of testosterone may be enhanced by stimulation with gonadotropin. In nearly all respects there is a striking similarity between these results and those obtained with another marsupial, the Australian brush-tailed possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ). The results are discussed in relation to the functional zonation of the mammalian adrenal cortex.
From the Subprime to the Exotic: Excessive Mortgage Market Risk and Foreclosures

Problem: The recent rapid growth of high-risk mortgage lending raised the financial risk profile facing not only the American homeowner but entire neighborhoods. From the perspective of planners, the problem of increased and geographically concentrated foreclosures is the most critical outcome that has resulted from high-risk mortgage markets. Purpose: This article analyzes recent trends in mortgage finance in order to recommend what local planners can do to reduce the negative consequences of high-risk home lending for their own communities. Methods: I plot public and private data, much of it readily available for little or no cost, to discover where in the nation recent mortgage foreclosures are concentrated, and describe how similar analysis could be used prospectively and at a local scale to anticipate future problems. Results and conclusions: Numbers of subprime, exotic, and zero-down-payment mortgages have all been growing. Where they are spatially concentrated they are linked to rising and geograph...
Alston and Hartshorne on the concept of God

other, and a classical theist in the sense that he supports the traditional conception of God in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (not necessarily based on biblical theism) wherein God is omnipotent, omniscient (even with respect to the outcome of future contingencies), and eternal in the sense of being outside of time and space. In effect Alston takes away from Hartshorne with one hand what is granted with the other. In the final section, I will return to Hartshorne's dual (as opposed to monopolar) transcendence so as to indicate the superiority of his view to Alston's. The elucidation of religious statements
Numerical modeling of the groundwater flow system of the Gumera sub-basin in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia

The groundwater flow contribution into Lake Tana was simulated using Gumera River sub-basin as a case study. Draining into Lake Tana, the Gumera sub-basin boundary was delineated from a 90-m Shuttle Radar Terrain Mapping (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) using ArcHydro tools. The sub-basin boundary served as the divide line of the groundwater flow while stream networks were used as internal drainage lines. Input parameters such as transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity were obtained from past studies and experts' knowledge. Based on the geological information of the sub-basin, unconfined subsurface flow condition was considered and simulated using MODular 3D finite difference ground-water FLOW model (MODFLOW). Analytical solutions were also used for comparison purposes. The result indicates that head contours are aligned to the streams showing their relationship as a subdued form of the surface water flow, which are dictated by the morphology of the basin. This suggested the need to account groundwater contribution of the sub-basins to Lake Tana as baseflow, and to estimate groundwater inflow from the floodplain separately. The contribution from the floodplain was estimated using a finite differences method which showed an inflow of 0·15 billion cubic meter (BCM) from rivers into the floodplain out of which 0.09 BCM is flowing out to the Lake Tana and 0.06 BCM stored in the aquifers of the floodplain. The stored quantity could meet irrigation demands as well as contribute to the preservation of the ecological structure and function of the area. The study suggests further research on validation of parameters through inverse modeling approaches and optimization of water allocations.
Cell Mechanics: Two regimes, maybe three?

We have begun to understand the physical determinants of cell rheology and their relevance to biological functions. Experiments performed on freshly excised cells offer a new perspective in which soft-glass rheology and prestress seem to play central roles.
Influence of blinding and home-cage lighting on aggressive behaviors of laboratory rats

Abstract Two experiments were conducted on the aggressive behavior of laboratory rats. In Experiment 1, blinded and sighted subjects were raised with blinded or sighted cagemates in a colony maintained under a light-dark cycle. Although blinding affected the light synchronized rhythms in home-cage and shock-induced aggression, it did not affect the overall occurrence of these two behaviors. In Experiment 2, blinded and sighted subjects were raised with blinded or sighted cagemates in a colony maintained under continuous lighting (LL). The results of this experiment suggested that reduced aggression in rats from LL conditions is due to an LL induced state of the subject rather than social exposures during development. However, blinded rats reared with LL cagemates evidenced reduced shock-induced aggression, presumably due to reduced social experiences during development that were associated with being raised with LL rats.
The Diversity of Health Effects of Individual trans Fatty Acid Isomers

There are multiple adverse effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) that are produced by partial hydrogenation (i.e., manufactured TFA), on CVD, blood lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial health, body weight, insulin sensitivity, and cancer. It is not yet clear how specific TFA isomers vary in their biological activity and mechanisms of action. There is evidence of health benefits on some of the endpoints that have been studied for some animal TFA isomers, such as conjugated linoleic acid; however, these are not a major TFA source in the diet. Future research will bring clarity to our understanding of the biological effects of the individual TFA isomers. At this point, it is not possible to plan diets that emphasize individual TFA from animal sources at levels that would be expected to have significant health effects. Due to the multiple adverse effects of manufactured TFA, numerous agencies and governing bodies recommend limiting TFA in the diet and reducing TFA in the food supply. These initiatives and regulations, along with potential TFA alternatives, are presented herein.
Queueing models for police-fire merger analysis

Cities with under 100,000 in population expend a significant portion of their budgets on emergency services. One option that a number of these cities have considered for improving service and cutting costs is training personnel to handle both police and fire roles. In this paper we describe a hierarchy of models that we have used to assess the performance viability of a merger as well as to design specific deployment plans. The modeling environment is more complex than a traditional police or fire system. We need to model the response pattern of four or more patrol units along with the simultaneous dispatch of fire equipment from one or more fire stations. The major contribution of the paper is the manner in which a series of models is linked together to forecast a wide range of performance measures under differing dispatch assumptions. We use a queueing model of police patrol to calculate steady state probabilities and expected delays without preemption. We then model two types of preemptive dispatch strategies utilized in responding initially to a major fire by superimposing a binomial distribution on the basic queueing model. There is also a travel time simulation model to calculate conditional expected response time statistics. The queueing models and the travel time simulation are then combined to estimate unconditional expected values. Lastly, we describe a simulation model used to address transient performance issues that are of concern during a major fire.
State and Ethnicity in Precolonial Northern Nigeria

Despite scholarly assertions to the contrary, the dramatic increase in the scale and intensity of migration in Africa, since the fifteenth century, has made the formation of ethnically constituted states the exception rather than the rule. This paper traces the origin and development of the multi-ethnic state of Katsina, which is in the area that was to become northern Nigeria. It maintains that territorial identification was more salient than ethnicity in the precolonial period. It goes on to show that even the nineteenth-century jihad, which incorporated Katsina and the other Hausa states into the Sokoto Caliphate, and which has often been portrayed as a religious or ethnic movement, did not significantly increase the salience of ethnic identification in the area. The Sokoto Caliphate was more politically fragmented than the various Hausa states which preceded it. Consequently, though the Caliphate created a Fulani aristocracy, and replaced the ideological underpinnings of the independent Hausa states with an Islamic superstructure, it nevertheless, remained an ethnically heterogeneous polity in which territorial identification superseded any sense of being Hausa-Fulani.
The half-life, metabolism and excretion of tritiated luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (Lh-rh) in man

ABSTRACT Synthetic 3H-labeled luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) with a specific activity of 18.3 Ci/mM and the same biological activity as pure porcine LH-RH was used to study the half-life, metabolism and urinary excretion of LH-RH in man. Seven healthy men were given a rapid iv injection of 42 μCi of 3H-LH-RH, followed in 6 of the subjects by 250 μg unlabeled LH-RH. Frequent samples of blood and urine were collected. There was a mean maximum increase in plasma levels of LH of 963% and FSH of 312% in samples obtained 30 min after injection. A plot of the disappearance times in the plasma was characteristic of a multiexponential curve. The half-life of the first exponential curve, which probably represents the half-life of LH-RH in man, was 4 min and for the second curve was 57 min. The distribution volume, when expressed as a percentage of body weight was 8.7%. One hr after the injection of the labeled LH-RH, 48.2 ± 5.4% of the dose of radioactivity was found in the urine and after 24 hr 73.5...