cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association Between Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Cigarette Smoking: Clinical and Experimental Findings

The treatment of low back pain is a major socioeconomic dilemma, resulting in billions of dollars in expenditures each year in the United States alone and affecting 15% to 45% of the population annually1-3. Back pain is the second most common reason for seeing a primary care physician, behind only upper respiratory infections. Although the origins of low back pain remain unclear, degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc of the spine have been strongly associated with the onset of pain1,4-6. Despite persistent warnings regarding the health hazards associated with cigarette smoking, more than one-third of the population of industrialized countries smokes; in the United States, more than 20% of adults are smokers7. Cigarette smoking has been linked to numerous diseases, most notably respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The detrimental effects of tobacco use are also apparent in many orthopaedic issues, including delayed fracture-healing, decreased bone density, and risk of nonunion of fractures and spinal fusions8-10. Although the exact pathophysiology of disc degeneration is not fully understood, an imbalance in anabolic and catabolic activity by the small cellular population of outer fibroblast-like …
A New View of the Incidence of the Property Tax: the Case of New Jersey

State and local legislators in the 1990s face difficult choices concerning the appro-priate mix of state and local taxes. Essential to making informed decisions is an understanding of the distributional effects of existing sources of tax revenues. Unfortunately, in this regard the literature on the New View of property tax incidence has overlooked the issue of the incidence of the property tax at the statewide level. This study applies the New View tax incidence model to analyze the distributional effects of the property tax in New Jersey. The results suggest that in a state with property-tax rates above the national average—and with most of the tax base in residential property—the statewide incidence of the property tax is proportional.
Native American and non-Indian newspaper coverage of land and resource issues in the self-determination era

Abstract Media analysis can be used to track trends over time. In this research, 1,969 articles covering Native American land and resource issues were studied for the period 1970–1994. The articles came from three mainstream newspapers and three Native American-controlled newspapers representing three different regions: the Southwest, the Northern Plains, and the Northeast. The analysis indicated that there were important differences between native and nonnative media. It also indicated that the federal policy of “self-determination” for Native Americans has not been implemented in the area of control of land and natural resources.
Complexation of ephedrine withβ-cyclodextrin: An NMR spectroscopy study

This study focuses on the inclusion complex of ephedrine with β-CD. The association of β-CD and ephedrine has been examined using1H NMR and circular dichroism. The systematic shifts of the proton resonances of the phenyl moiety of ephedrine and that of the protons located inside the β-CD cavity, provide evidence of intracavity inclusion. Two-dimensional ROESY show preferential localization of ephedrine in close proximity with protons located inside the β-CD cavity. The systematic variation of circular dichroism spectra with increasing concentration of β-CD is used to estimate the apparent formation constant.
Magnetoelastic effects in SrTi 1-x M x O 3 (M = Fe, Co, or Cr) epitaxial thin films

SrTi${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$M${}_{x}$O${}_{3}$ films in which M = Fe, Co, or Cr and $x=0.04$--0.5 have been grown epitaxially on CeO${}_{2}$-buffered Si, SrTiO${}_{3}$, and LaAlO${}_{3}$ substrates. Films grown in vacuum containing Fe or Co typically showed a strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the out-of-plane direction, a saturation moment on the order of 0.5\ensuremath{\mu}${}_{\mathrm{B}}$/Fe or Co, and a magnetization that persists to temperatures of order 1000 K. In contrast, films containing Cr showed no evidence of a spontaneous magnetic moment. The films are typically in a high in-plane compressive strain state due to epitaxial growth. The results are discussed in terms of the magnetoelastic effects from specific ionic valence states, and the magnetization versus temperature curves are fitted to a model for magnetoelastic spin ordering.
The Qdot-labeled actin super-resolution motility assay measures low-duty cycle muscle myosin step size.

Myosin powers contraction in heart and skeletal muscle and is a leading target for mutations implicated in inheritable muscle diseases. During contraction, myosin transduces ATP free energy into the work of muscle shortening against resisting force. Muscle shortening involves relative sliding of myosin and actin filaments. Skeletal actin filaments were fluorescently labeled with a streptavidin conjugate quantum dot (Qdot) binding biotin-phalloidin on actin. Single Qdots were imaged in time with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and then spatially localized to 1–3 nm using a super-resolution algorithm as they translated with actin over a surface coated with skeletal heavy meromyosin (sHMM) or full-length β-cardiac myosin (MYH7). The average Qdot-actin velocity matches measurements with rhodamine-phalloidin-labeled actin. The sHMM Qdot-actin velocity histogram contains low-velocity events corresponding to actin translation in quantized steps of ∼5 nm. The MYH7 velocity histogram has quantize...
Family Therapy and Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse: Theoretical Dilemmas:

Therapists working with families affected by child sexual abuse may find that they need to rethink the theories and assumptions that normally guide their work. Several recent articles have discussed the theoretical dilemmas that family counselors face when they try to meet the needs of these troubled families.
Energy consumption analysis of heavy-duty vehicles for transient emissions evaluation on chassis dynamometer

In order to acquire vehicle emissions and fuel economy by driving a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer, it is imperative that the chassis dynamometer should exactly simulate the road experience of the vehicle. In this paper, the modelling of a heavy-duty vehicle energy consumption both on the road and on a chassis dynamometer was developed and implemented by using two driving cycles. Road coast-down tests of a vehicle were conducted to obtain a road load equation of the vehicle. Its companion chassis dynamometer coast-down tests were aimed to estimate the characteristics of the dynamometer-vehicle system. Power absorber settings were achieved that duplicate the vehicle road load in the dynamometer testing. Comparing the measured energy of the vehicle between driving cycles on the chassis dynamometer and the calculated energy on the road, it is shown that the West Virginia University (WVU) transportable heavy-duty chassis dynamometer is successful in simulating the vehicle road load conditions when conducting emissions testing. (A)
Corticosteroid-induced changes in phospholipid membranes as mediators of their action.

THIS SHORT review will describe mechanisms by which corticosteroid modification of cellular phospholipids and particularly the phospholipid- structure of a variety of membranes can produce some of the effects of the corticosteroids. In addition to these effects, many studies have demonstrated effects of other hormones to alter specific phospholipids, phospholipases, or for phospholipase action on cells to mimic hormone action. All actions of the corticosteroids are not thought to be produced by these lipid alterations, but such changes are capable of producing widespread effects on receptor activity, RNA and protein synthesis, enzymatic activity, and transport through membranes. The availability of new data indicating that phospholipids are altered considerably by corticosteroids in a number of tissues makes a review of this subject of interest at this time. Corticosteroids are secreted in response to a variety of “stresses” that represent alterations in the cellular environment that might result in death...
Patterns of axis I comorbidity in early-onset versus late-onset major depressive disorder.

Abstract Background: This study of a large clinical sample of depressed patients examined whether childhood onset as compared with adult onset Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) would confer a greater risk for Axis I comorbidity and whether childhood onset MDD would also differ from adult onset MDD in the pattern of comorbid disorders. Methods: We examined lifetime co-occurrence of Axis I disorders among 381 adult outpatients with MDD by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R-Patient Edition (SCID-P). Subjects were divided into childhood onset ( n = 47), adolescent onset ( n = 101) and adult onset ( n = 233) MDD groups. Results: We found that the two early-onset groups exhibited significantly increased rates of Axis I comorbidity. The childhood onset group accounted for a disproportionately high percentage of depressed adults with two or more comorbid Axis I disorders. Social and simple phobias and alcohol abuse/dependence were significantly more prevalent among individuals with childhood onset MDD than among individuals with adult onset MDD. Alcohol abuse/dependence, but not anxiety disorders, was significantly more prevalent among adolescent onset than adult onset MDD groups. Panic, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and somatoform disorders were equally distributed across MDD onset groups. Comorbid disorders were much more likely to have followed onset of MDD among individuals with childhood compared with adult onset, except for social phobia which more frequently preceded the depression. The relative ordering among the comorbid conditions with respect to whether they followed or preceded MDD did not vary notably across the three age of onset groups. Conclusions: We conclude that early-onset MDD is associated with an increased density of Axis I comorbidity that seems to be limited to specific disorders.
Men's Benefit-Provisioning Mate Retention Behavior Mediates the Relationship Between Their Agreeableness and Their Oral Sex Behaviors.

Men perform oral sex on their romantic partner as part of a broader benefit-provisioning mate retention strategy and men higher in Agreeableness are especially likely to pro- visiontheirpartnerwithbenefits.Thecurrentresearchexplored whether men's benefit-provisioning mate retention behavior
Rediscovering Creativity ‐ Unlearning Old Habits

Creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are “buzz words” frequently used by American business professionals when discussing the question of how to adapt to our rapidly changing global economy. American companies are struggling to innovate in order to compete with foreign competitors, and senior managers are telling middle managers and supervisors, “Our people need to become more creative.”
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND REACTIVITY OF CYCLOPENTADIENYL-FREE TRIMETHYLSILYLMETHYL YTTRIUM DI-TERT-BUTYLPHENOXIDE COMPLEXES

The chemistry of yttrium with the trimethylsilylmethyl/2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenoxide ligand combination has been examined. The anionic dialkyl–diaryloxide complexes, {(Me 3 SiCH 2 ) 2 Ln(OC 6 H 3 t Bu 2 -2,6) 2 } − (Ln=Y, Lu), were prepared and their reactivity and that of the neutral dialkyl–aryloxide complex (Me 3 SiCH 2 ) 2 Y(OC 6 H 3 t Bu 2 -2,6)(THF) 2 , 1 , has been studied and compared with cyclopentadienyl-containing organolanthanide complexes. {(Me 3 SiCH 2 ) 2 Y(OC 6 H 3 t Bu 2 -2,6) 2 }{[(THF) 3 Li] 2 Cl}, 2 , was prepared from the reaction of YCl 3 with two equivalents of LiCH 2 SiMe 3 and two equivalents of LiOC 6 H 3 t Bu 2 -2,6 and crystallized with an unusual cation which can be viewed as a LiCl adduct of [Li(THF) x ] + . [(Me 3 SiCH 2 ) 2 Lu(OC 6 H 3 t Bu 2 -2,6) 2 ][Li(THF) 4 ](THF) 2 , 3 , was prepared analogously and crystallized with a conventional cation. Both 2 and 3 have distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries around the metals. Ring-opening polymerization of e -caprolactone was observed for 1 – 3 , but only complex 1 was found to polymerize ethylene. NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses show that the more reactive complex 1 also exhibits metallation reactivity with pyridine, toluene, phenylacetylene, CH 3 CN, Me 2 CHCN, PhCN, and PhCH 2 CN and insertion chemistry with Me 3 CNC, CO, CO 2 , PhNCO, and PhNCS. However, isolation of the organometallic products has been difficult due to the complexity of the reaction mixtures.
Evaluation of a three-dimensional reconstruction to compute left ventricular volume and mass☆

Abstract This study tests the accuracy of a model to calculate left ventricular volume (LVV) and muscle volume (MV) when optimal data were used. These volumes were calculated using endocardial and epiCardial borders traced from photos of cross sections of 20 animal (dog, goat and pig) hearts. A pyramid summation algorithm was used to perform a 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction based on 5 short-axis views, thus providing computer volume estimates. These were compared with the true (T) ventricular volumes determined by water filling of the cavity and the true MV based on weight. Because each heart was sliced in 5 planes, the appropriateness of the algorithm for MV could be tested for 6 regions. The pyramid summation algorithm consistently underestimated MV at the base and apex, but was accurate from the midmitral valve to the inferior papillary muscle region. Consequently, the total MV was computed as the midventricular MV, plus base and apex volumes computed from regression equations. Results showed that 3-D reconstruction resulted in a regression of LVVT = 1.02LVV3D + 10.30 ml with r = 0.987 for the chamber of MVT = 1.05 MV3D − 9.78 ml, with r = 0.967. It is concluded that the pyramid summation algorithm can accurately estimate volumes from spatially registered short-axis data with 95 % prediction limits about the mean of the data of ±10 ml for left ventricular chamber volume and ±17.6 ml for MV.
Free trade and the environment in Central Europe

The state of the environment and the need for sustainable development strategies in Central Europe are discussed, with particular attention paid to the part that trade liberalization can play in this process. The Central European countries need more than an environmental policy similar to that in the West; new tools backed by solid institutional reforms are essential to building towards sustainable development. This policy should be characterized by at least two aspects: i It should be based on a wider coalition of internal and external actors and ii It must reflect the historical processes taking place in the region, particularly democratization, restructuring, privatization and internationalization. Trade liberalization, however, has not come without consequences. Although Western countries reap the benefits of liberalized access to Central Europe, the Central Europe countries do not enjoy full entry to Western markets yet.
Preliminary crystallographic studies of a protease resistant botulinum neurotoxin associated protein Hn-33.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one of the most potent toxins known. BoNT is also a food poison, which means that the toxin must survive the protease action and acidity of the gut. A group of neurotoxin-associated proteins which are only beginning to be identified and characterized are believed to be responsible for this protection. Hn-33 is a 33 kDa polypeptide which is a major component of the type A botulinum neurotoxin complex. Crystals of Hn-33 have been grown by vapour-diffusion techniques. They belong to a primitive orthorhombic space group and diffract to a resolution of 2.6 A, with unit-cell parameters a = 130.3, b = 122.2, c = 37.2 A.
Endogenous capital utilization and the q theory of investment

Abstract The implications of endogenous capital utilization and variable depreciation for Tobin's q theory of investment are examined. It is shown that knowledge of q and the adjustment cost function is not sufficient for the determination of gross investment. Information about the utilization rate and the depreciation function is also required.
JCTR: Indexing on PubMed

In 2008, we formed a partnership with Springer to launch a new journal, the Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research. The rationale was simply recognizing the need for a new direction in publishing that directly addressed translational research. In March 2010, JCTR was accepted for indexing in Pubmed. Twenty to twenty five percent of journals are accepted for indexing in Pubmed (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/ j_sel_faq.html#a7). JCTR’s indexing in Pubmed reflects the acceptance from the community of a need for a Journal dedicated to publishing Translational Research. The Journal continues to gain momentum in thanks to the vision and fortitude of leaders in this field that recognize a role for translational research for our generation and the generations to follow. A year ago, I stated the editorial team’s priority was... “to publish basic insights and discoveries from the research lab and clinic with timely updates on the development of targets through FDA approval.” “We (also) seek articles that effectively communicate and elucidate the process of development”. Our priority has not changed. Many in the field dissociate, NIH funded translational research with FDA approval. If a survey was taken to determine how many NIH-funded awards in translational research result in a product undergoing the process of FDA approval my guess is this percentage would be low. Why is this? A greater emphasis on discovery and innovation has been placed in the scoring metric for NIH funding. However, the process by which discovery moves to FDA approval has not been adequately addressed. This is a mission for the Journal. A goal of this Editorial team was to identify critical areas of translational research. We sought input from the FDA, readers of JCTR, and leaders in the field. The FDA suggested devices and stem cells. The readers and leaders in the field identified stem cells and genetics. The International Society of Cardiovascular Translational Research (ISCTR), the society linked to the Journal, is the arm following these critical areas. The third Annual Symposium for ISCTR was held recently in Atlanta GA. Topics included personalized medicine, stem cells, and devices. Speakers on these topics covered innovation, drug discovery, the pathways to FDA approval, and patient care. Dr. Jack Lewin, the current ACC president, spoke at the meeting highlighting the importance of translational research. Shortly thereafter, the ACC and ISCTR formed the beginning of a partnership through which ISCTR would provide a forum at the 2012 ACC meeting to enhance innovation and translational research. Additional workshops will be held throughout the year in focused areas. The dates and locations of these workshops J. L. Hall Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Parathion metabolism during percutaneous absorption in perfused porcine skin

The metabolism and disposition of topical parathion was examined in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF), a novel organ perfusion method developed for in vitro studies of the pharmacology and toxicology of skin. Ethanol solutions of 14C-radiolabeled parathion (1.0 mg/ml, 0.05 mCi/ml) were applied to the surface at a dose of 40 μg/cm2 on skin flaps representing three treatment groups: control (N = 5), occluded (N = 4), and 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT)-pretreated (N = 2). Radiolabel uptake in the perfusion medium from 0–8 hr postapplication indicated that total chemical flux and peak rates of absorption in occluded preparations were 59% and 47% lower than in the controls (P 75% lower in the ABT-pretreated IPPSF's. Thin-layer chromatographs of ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated that most of the absorbed radiolabel recovered in the perfusion medium of the controls was paraoxon (67.8 ± 2.3%, mean ± SE), with a lesser amount of p-nitrophenol (14.5 ± 5.2%) and unmetabolized parathion (16.9 ± 4.1%). Occlusion of the application site increased the fraction of p-nitrophenol in the perfusion medium (43.0 ± 7.8%, P < 0.05), at the apparent expense of paraoxon (39.6 ± 17.8%, P < 0.05), without altering the mean percentage of parent compound recovered (17.4 + 10.1%). Pretreatment of the IPPSF by addition of 50 μg ABT/g wet tissue weight into the perfusion medium blocked most of the paraoxon formation (6.6%), but not that of p-nitrophenol (11.9%), while allowing 78.5% of the parathion absorbed to penetrate intact. Total flux assessments for parathion plus its metabolites (total radiolabel absorption) in vitro varied in conjunction with its fraction metabolized within the skin. Net permeation of unchanged parathion was similar in the control (580 ng/cm2) and ABT-pretreated skin flaps (660 ng/cm2), suggesting that the diffusivity of parathion molecules through skin was not altered by this metabolic inhibitor. In contrast, occlusion reduced the net flux of intact parathion molecules to approximately 240 ng/cm2. These findings show that parathion undergoes significant biotransformation following topical application to porcine skin and that the resultant cutaneous metabolite profiles can be altered by both physical (occlusion) and chemical (ABT) means.
Social Justice and Pedagogy

Social justice, predicated on the expansion of human rights, is by definition a critical and intellectual enterprise. Social critique, made possible by social justice paradigms, provides the basis for social action and social change and leads ultimately to the enhancement of social democracies. Such critical intellectual enterprises require that people constantly reevaluate not only their social institutions but also the terms they use to describe their very existence. Such reevaluation is best accomplished within the crucible of the academy.
Fair price: research outside marketing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current research in disciplines outside marketing that applies to price fairness: research by behavioral economists, primate behavior researchers and social neuroscientists.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is descriptive, summarizing the extensive research into fairness being done in disciplines other than marketing.Findings – Research outside marketing indicates that a fair price is a preference. It has social utility that is independent of the economic utility of a low price. Consumers can actually harm themselves to punish what they perceive to be an unfair price. Conversely, a fair price triggers the reward center of the mind, stimulating happiness. The research also indicates that the response to a fair or unfair price is emotional: fast and automatic. The strength of that emotional response to unfairness varies across people. However, despite the variation in reactions, to ignore the concern for fairness is to miss a major motivation ...
Real-time programmable image subtractor using a magnetooptic device.

In an effort to combine the advantages of optical information processing and the flexibility of digital computers, a real-time image subtraction system has been developed. A microcomputer is employed to control a Litton magnetooptic device (MOD) and also to interface the MOD to a video camera. The performance of the system in image subtraction is discussed in detail. An experimental demonstration of image subtraction is shown.
Towards Thermal Characterization of Pico-Liter Volumes Using the 3Omega Method

The continued efforts in the biological community to optimize methodologies such as PCR and to characterize biological reactions and processes are motivating reductions in sample volume. There is a growing need for the detection of thermal phenomena in these small volumes, such as the heat released by recombination and the effective conductivities and capacities in extremely small fluidic regions. While past work has focused largely on heat transport in essentially bulk fluid volumes, there is a need to scale these techniques to the much smaller volumes of interest for biological and biomedical research.”This work applies the 3ω measurement technique to μL volumes by using heaters with dimensions of 200–700μm in lengths and 2–5μm in widths. We investigate fluid samples of DI water, silicone oil, and a salt buffer solution to experimentally determine their temperature-dependent thermal properties from 25°C to 80°C. Validation is achieved through comparison of these values of thermal conductivity κ and volumetric heat capacity Cν to literature. The work also demonstrates the device capability to conduct temperature-dependent measurements down to pL droplet volumes by conducting a volume analysis given the dimensions of heaters used, independent of droplet boundary conditions. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses based on these heater dimensions and surrounding material stack show the detection capabilities of these heaters, as they are optimally designed to maximize signal while accommodating the size restrictions of small volume droplets.© 2013 ASME
Analyzing Information System Investments: A Game-Theoretic Approach

Abstract Businesses invest billions of dollars in information technology every year. Sometimes the incentive for a given investment may not be apparent when considered using traditional financial analysis methods. in this article, Game Theory and an extension, the Theory of Moves, are presented as alternative methods of modeling IT investment decisions. This technique specifically considers investments motivated by operating or competitive necessity. the modeling process is discussed and several examples from the current trade press are examined.
Reoperation for Coronary Artery Disease

Forty-two reoperations for myocardial revascularization were done in 40 patients. Seventeen of them (1%) are from our series of 1,700 patients. Average number of grafts per patient was 2.27. Complications occurred in 20 patients. There was no operative or hospital (30-day) mortality. Patients classified as improved or asymptomatic constitute 82.5% of the series. Reoperations within one year were done predominantly for technical cause of failure, whereas reoperations done after more than one year were usually for disease progression. The operative technique is described as are maneuvers to help make a reoperation less hazardous. Reoperations have been accomplished relatively safely with results similar to those of initial operation.
Range of posterior measures for priors with arbitrary contaminations

The robustness or sensitivity of some posterior criteria to specification of the prior distribution is considered. We model the uncertainties in an elicited prior, π0, by a ∊-contamination class , and consider the case where the class of contaminations Q = {all probability distributions}. The ranges of the posterior mean and the posterior variance, as the prior distribution varies over р, are determined. Examples involving normal and Poisson likelihoods are given.
Anticonvulsant effects of four neuropeptides in the rat hippocampus during self-sustaining status epilepticus.

Abstract We compared the anticonvulsant actions of dynorphin A (1–13), galanin, neuropeptide Y and somatostatin in a model of self-sustaining status epilepticus (SSSE). SSSE was induced in adult Wistar rats by 30 min intermittent perforant path stimulation. Peptides or saline were injected into the hilus of the dentate gyrus 10 min after the end of perforant path stimulation. EEG was analyzed using Harmonie software (Stellate systems). While all neuropeptides showed significant seizureprotecting effects, their anticonvulsant profiles followed different patterns: somatostatin and NPY induced strong, but transient suppression of spikes and seizures, while seizure suppression by dynorphin and galanin was more profound and irreversible.
Irrelevance of Mitigating Circumstances in Retaliatory Behavior at High Levels of Excitation.

Subjects were aggressively instigated by a provoker. They then performed either a nonstrenuous or a strenuous task in order to be placed in either a moderate or an extreme state of sympathetic arousal. Following the task, they either learned or did not learn about mitigating circumstances behind the provoker's behavior. This information was received prior to the provision of an opportunity to retaliate. Under conditions of moderate arousal, mitigating circumstances were found to reduce retaliation. In contrast, these circumstances failed to exert any appreciable effect on retaliation under conditions of extreme arousal. In addition, the induction of extreme arousal was observed to increase retaliatory behavior. The findings were considered to support a model of hostility and aggression that postulates a specific interdependency of cognitive and excitatory processes.
Mesh type tradeoffs in 2D hydrodynamic modeling of flooding with a Godunov-based flow solver

Abstract The effect of mesh type on the accuracy and computational demands of a two-dimensional Godunov-type flood inundation model is critically examined. Cartesian grids, constrained and unconstrained triangular grids, constrained quadrilateral grids, and mixed meshes are considered, with and without local time stepping (LTS), to determine the approach that maximizes computational efficiency defined as accuracy relative to computational effort. A mixed-mesh numerical scheme is introduced so all grids are processed by the same solver. Analysis focuses on a wide range of dam-break type test cases, where Godunov-type flood models have proven very successful. Results show that different mesh types excel under different circumstances. Cartesian grids are 2–3 times more efficient with relatively simple terrain features such as rectilinear channels that call for a uniform grid resolution, while unstructured grids are about twice as efficient in complex domains with irregular terrain features that call for localized refinements. The superior efficiency of locally refined, unstructured grids in complex terrain is attributable to LTS; the locally refined unstructured grid becomes less efficient using global time stepping. These results point to mesh-type tradeoffs that should be considered in flood modeling applications. A mixed mesh model formulation with LTS is recommended as a general purpose solver because the mesh type can be adapted to maximize computational efficiency.
Voices from the Street: How Structural and Individual Factors Influence Homelessness

This study compared structural and individual factors related to persons who are homeless and how these factors affected their ability to utilize and benefit from available services. A qualitative case study design was used to conduct in-depth interviews with two participants receiving hospice care in a residence for the homeless. Results support previous findings that chronic homelessness is the result of multiple structural and individual factors that occur over time. Contrary to the literature on chronic homelessness, however, both participants were unique in their history of employment and strong desire to work, despite having limited work skills. Responses from both participants underscored the value of daily structure and meaningful occupation in residential addiction treatment.
Three years in the solution center

After thirty-plus years of making small “mid-course corrections” types of changes to the support paradigm, many on the Iowa State University campus thought it was time to make some more radical changes to the way we performed information technology support. The result was the Solution Center, a single contact point supporting computer and communication technology for Iowa State University faculty, students and staff. Bringing together resources and employees of Telecommunications, Academic Information Technologies, and Administrative Data Processing to staff the Solution Center was the first step in creating a center dedicated to flexibility and change. “Connectivity” was the initial driving force, assisting students and staff with Ethernet and PPP dial-up connections. Now having a single place that ‘hears it all’ has allowed us to initiate or at least participate on a number of projects to fix systemic problems with tested universal solutions. Recent projects include bringing web-based e-mail onto campus, creating our campus software installer CD (Scout), and merging our Kerberos database processes with the campus Windows 2000 Active Directory servers to create an integrated university-wide password system. Change is never as smooth as we would like, and these three years have seen some ups and some downs. By planning a flexible structure and allowing for natural changes, the Solution Center has proven to be a practical example for providing IT support in the large university setting.
Thinking about thinking : a discussion of the development of cognition and language in deaf children

Teachers of the deaf are challenged to facilitate maximum cognitive and linguistic growth in each student. Often these teachers are not given models to use in assessment and classroom intervention practice with their students. This article suggests that a Piagetian approach to education of the deaf can be applied to other bodies of research to understand what occurs as a deaf child comes to a point of knowledge. The article reviews current research in language acquisition and cognitive development. It makes suggestions for the application of this research to education of the deaf.
Animal model of viral oncogenesis.

ELECTRON microscopy showed a virus in the tissues of a strain of guinea-pigs in which leukaemia arose spontaneously. This strain of guinea-pigs dates back to 1906 when inbreeding began at the Bureau of Animal Industry of the US Department of Agriculture1. We are at present using one of these families, now known as strain No. 2, in our research. In 1940, these animals were transferred to the National Cancer Institute where inbreeding of thib strain has continued until now. A high degree of genetic homogenicity has resulted from this method of breeding. In 1954, Congdon and Lorenz reported several forms of acute lymphatic leukaemia2. Ten transplantable tumours were found, and of these four were carried and three were subsequently lost.
Semi-inclusive pion photoproduction at large transverse momenta

We show that very high momentum transfer semi-inclusive photoproduction of pions from nucleons, [gamma][ital p][r arrow][pi][ital X], is dominated by a subprocess where the pions are produced directly. Although the direct subprocess'' may be thought of as a limiting case of a quark fragmentation subprocess, it is an exclusive process at the quark level, fully calculable using perturbative QCD, and thus distinct from the usual thinking about fragmentation processes. Our numerical results, concentrating on neutral pions, indicate that the direct subprocess is dominant at pion transverse momenta slightly higher than those already measured. Incidentally, the integral over the pion distribution amplitude in the present case is the same as that for the pion electromagnetic form factor, but the momentum transfers involved correspond to measuring the pion form factor at momentum transfers up to several hundred GeV[sup 2].
Ultrasonic Energy in Tendon Treatment

Tenotomy and debridement of diseased tendon can resolve symptoms due to chronic degenerative tendinopathic lesions (i.e. tennis elbow). Recent improvements in musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and the development of a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided ultrasonic energy debridement tool, the TX1 (Tenex Health, Inc., Lake Forrest, CA), have created a viable less invasive alternative to open tenotomy and debridement procedures. The rationale behind this novel and minimally invasive procedure is to ultrasonographically visualize the diseased portion of the tendon and guide a small ultrasonic-energy debridement tool under dynamic sonographic imaging into the tendinopathic region to complete a percutaneous tenotomy and debridement procedure. The TX1-debridement tool is safe and has demonstrated similar or better outcomes to open tenotomy and debridement procedures.
The persistency of high levels of pSTAT3 expression in circulating CD4+ T cells from CIS patients favors the early conversion to clinically defined multiple sclerosis.

article i nfo STAT1 STAT3 T-bet IFNγ IL17 Not all patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) develop clinically defined MS (CDMS). At first clinical event we observed increased production of IL17, IFNγ and IL10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with CIS that remained high in remission. In CD4+ T cells pSTAT3 expression was higher in patients who subsequently converted to CDMS than in patients who did not and controls. The persistency of high levels of pSTAT3 in circulating CD4+ T cells from CIS patients after the first clinical event may favor the early conversion to CDMS.
The meaning of equivocal pancreatic cytology in patients thought to have pancreatic cancer.

Introduction Fine needle aspirations (FNAs) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided brushings (BRUSH) are useful tools in the differentiation between malignant and benign disease of the pancreas. Once the decision to obtain a cytologic confirmation of one's clinical suspicion is made, the interpretation of the findings, especially an equivocal or negative cytology finding, can be unclear. This study seeks to evaluate the utility of cytologic studies in the evaluation of a patient with suspected pancreatic malignancy. Methods A retrospective review of 224 cytologic reports, including 174 FNAs and 50 BRUSHs, from all pancreatic FNAs and BRUSHs performed between January 1989 and June 1995, was performed. Subsequent confirmation of the cytologic diagnosis was made either by histologic or strict clinical criteria. Results Forty-three percent of the cytologic reports were read as malignant, all others reported as suspicious, atypical, or negative. All cytology studies read as malignant and all FNAs reported as suspicious were histologically or clinically confirmed to be malignant. Of those reported as atypical or negative, 55% and 49% were confirmed to be malignant. Both FNA and BRUSH were 100% specific, 75% sensitive, and 80% accurate. Conclusions We conclude that a cytological diagnosis of malignant or suspicious is reliable and useful for further therapy planning in the patient suspected to have a pancreatic malignancy. The reason for the cytologic tests was a strong clinical suspicion, therefore, a high incidence of cancer was found in the patients with atypical or negative readings. A diagnosis of atypical or negative is equivocal and requires further diagnostic maneuvers, frequently including surgery, to make the definitive diagnosis.
Web browsing in a wireless environment: disconnected and asynchronous operation in ARTour Web Express

In a previous paper [l], we described ARTour Web Express, a software system that makes it possible to run World Wide Web applications over wide-area wireless nehvorks. Our earlier paper discussed how our system significantly reduces user cost and response time during online browsing over wireless communications links. Even with these savings, however, users may experience slow performance. This is a result of the inherent delay of wireless communication coupled with congestion in the Internet and Web servers, which cannot be masked Corn users under the synchronous request/response model of browsing. Furthermore, disconnection - both voluntary and involuntary - is common in the mobile environment, and the standard browsing model provides no support for disconnected operation. This paper describes how ARTour Web Express has been enhanced to support both disconnected and asynchronous operation.
Timing of negative disclosures and attitudinal consequences

How to deal with situations that put a product and a company in a negative light has become a major concern for a number of companies. Research in the area of self-disclosure of information and the effect on attraction for the source of the information suggest possible strategies for timing of disclosure of negative information in the advertising message to reduce negative attitudes about the product and the company. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to measure the effects of early or late disclosure of information when consequences of the situation are either light or severe.
Predominant effects of Polypodium leucotomos on membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and expression of elastin and matrixmetalloproteinase-1 in ultraviolet radiation exposed fibroblasts, and keratinocytes.

Summary Background: Polypodium leucotomos has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties. Exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to deposition of excessive elastotic material, reduction in collagen, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Objective: The goal of this research was to determine the effects of P. leucotomos in the absence or presence of UVA or UVB radiation on membrane damage, lipid peroxidation, and expression of elastin and MMP-1 in fibroblasts and keratinocytes, respectively. Methods: Fibroblasts and keratinocytes, respectively, were irradiated by a single exposure to UVA (0.6, 1.8 or 3.6 J) or UVB radiation (0.75, 2.5 or 7.5 mJ), and then incubated with, or without, P. leucotomos (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) and examined for membrane damage, lipid peroxidation, expression of elastin (protein levels) and MMP-1 (protein levels or MMP-1 promoter activity). Results: UV radiation did not significantly alter membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation or MMP-1 expression, but increased elastin expression. P. leucotomos significantly improved membrane integrity, inhibited lipid peroxidation, increased elastin expression, and inhibited MMP-1 expression in both fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. The effects of P. leucotomos predominated in the presence of UVA or UVB in both fibroblasts and keratinocytes, respectively, with the exception of inhibition of MMP-1 protein levels in fibroblasts only in combination with UV radiation. Conclusion: Lower concentration of P. leucotomos (lower than 0.1%), may be beneficial in preventing photoaging by improving membrane integrity and inhibiting MMP-1, without increasing elastin expression. Higher concentration (greater than 0.1%) of P. leucotomos may reverse the loss of normal elastic fibers associated with intrinsic aging.
Chemical Weathering of Serpentinite in the Eastern Piedmont of Maryland

Weathering processes in a small watershed (Soldiers Delight) underlain by Serpentinite in the Piedmont of Maryland were studied by means of a mass balance technique and were compared with the processes operative in a watershed uncertain by schist. The two terranes are downwasting at a rate of 2.4 m per m.y., but chemical weathering much more strongly affects the Serpentinite (2.2 m per m.y.) than the schist (1.2 m per m.y.). The serpentinite lacks a saprolite cover because resistate minerals are absent and alumina in the bedrock is scarce. In contrast, the schist contains both quartz and a source of alumina in the alumino-silicate minerals and, as a result, has a thick saprolite mantle. Relatively small amounts of secondary quartz, chalcedony, and 14A clay minerals are synthesized in the serpentinite watershed, but relatively large amounts of gibbsite and clay minerals (kaolinite and vermiculite) are formed during the weathering of the schist. The hydrologic consequences in the serpentinite terrane compared with the schist watershed are increased flood-flow discharge, greater fluctuation in seasonal, instantaneous base-flow discharge, and pronounced seasonal fluctuations in total discharge. The serpentinite stream water averaged 205 ppm of total dissolved solids in the base flow compared to 25 ppm in the schist. Stream water from the serpentinite is of the magnesium bicarbonate type; that from the schist is sodium–calcium bicarbonate type. On the serpentinite, substantial land-surface reduction (denudation) is effected by chemical weathering; mechanical weathering is secondary. On the schist terrane, mechanical weathering is the primary agent that lowers the land surface, even though chemical weathering has reduced the rock mass ay almost one-half.
Thiouracil Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry: a Cell-Based Method To Identify Host Factors Involved in Viral Amplification

Eukaryotic RNA viruses are known to utilize host factors; however, the identity of these factors and their role in the virus life cycle remain largely undefined. Here, we report a method to identify proteins bound to the viral RNA during amplification in cell culture: thiouracil cross-linking mass spectrometry (TUX-MS). TUX-MS relies on incorporation of a zero-distance cross-linker into the viral RNA during infection. Proteins bound to viral RNA are cross-linked prior to cell lysis, purified, and identified using mass spectrometry. Using the TUX-MS method, an unbiased screen for poliovirus (PV) host factors was conducted. All host and viral proteins that are known to interact with the poliovirus RNA were identified. In addition, TUX-MS identified an additional 66 host proteins that have not been previously described in poliovirus amplification. From these candidates, eight were selected and validated. Furthermore, we demonstrate that small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of two of these uncharacterized host factors results in either a decrease in copy number of positive-stranded RNA or a decrease in PV translation. These data demonstrate that TUX-MS is a robust, unbiased method to identify previously unknown host cell factors that influence virus growth. This method is broadly applicable to a range of RNA viruses, such as flaviviruses, alphaviruses, picornaviruses, bunyaviruses, and coronaviruses.
Role of computed tomography in the evaluation of acute chest pain

Chest pain is common and the initial clinical presentation is often nonspecific. The emergency physician faces the challenge of correctly identifying those patients with a life-threatening cause of chest pain while avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. Three important life-threatening causes of chest pain are aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and acute coronary syndrome. Simple clinical tools should be applied to exclude these diagnoses and avoid CT whenever possible. A normal serum d-dimer measurement can safely exclude pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection, although elevated d-dimer levels are common and nonspecific. Promising markers for early myocardial ischemia have been described and should be developed further. CT provides a first-line imaging tool for aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism based on its wide availability, speed, and high level of diagnostic performance. Improvements in CT scanner technology now enable in-depth data on the coronary arteries. Although angiographic information is limited in its relation to physiologic lesion significance, coronary CT is used to safely diagnose or exclude coronary disease as a source of chest pain in emergency department patients. "Triple rule-out" protocols designed to simultaneously assess the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and coronary arteries are a compromise between dedicated protocols for each diagnosis. The diagnostic value and appropriate clinical use of these protocols remain to be shown by randomized, controlled, outcomes-based trials.