cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA Biomarkers in Canine Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Lymphoma is among the most common cancer in dogs. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the predominant type, accounting for up to half of all cases. Definitive diagnosis of DLBCL relies on cytologic evaluation with immunophenotyping, or histopathology and immunohistochemistry when needed. A rapid and specific molecular test aiding in the diagnosis could be beneficial. Noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Not surprisingly, miRNA expression is aberrant in diseases such as cancers. Their high stability and abundance in tissues make them promising biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. This study aimed to identify miRNA signatures of DLBCL to develop ancillary molecular diagnostic tools. miRNA was isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lymph node tissue from 22 DLBCL and 14 nonneoplastic controls. Relative gene expression of 8 tumor-regulating miRNAs was achieved by RT-qPCR (reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction). The results showed downregulation of the let-7 family of miRNAs and miR-155, whereas miR-34a was upregulated in DLBCL compared to the controls. We demonstrated that the combination of expression levels of miR-34a and let-7f or of let-7b and let-7f achieved 100% differentiation between DLBCL and controls. Furthermore, let-7f alone discriminated DLBCL from nonneoplastic tissue in 97% of cases. Our results represent one step forward in search of a rapid and accurate ancillary diagnostic test for DLBCL in dogs.
Metabolomic changes in severe acute malnutrition suggest hepatic oxidative stress: a secondary analysis.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM), due to poor energy and/or protein intake, is associated with poor growth, depressed immune function, and long-term impacts on metabolic function. As the liver is a major metabolic organ and malnutrition poses metabolic stress, we hypothesize that SAM will be associated with alterations in the hepatic metabolome reflective of oxidative stress, gluconeogenesis, and ketogenesis. Thus, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to understand how SAM alters hepatic metabolism using a piglet model. Weanling piglets were feed either a reference (REF) or protein-energy deficient diet (MAL) for 5 weeks. After dietary treatment MAL piglets were severely underweight (weight-for-age Z-score of -3.29, Welch's t test, P = .0007), moderately wasted (weight-for-length Z-score of-2.49, Welch's t test, P = .003), and tended toward higher hepatic triglyceride content (Welch's t test, P = .07). Hematologic and blood biochemical measurements were assessed at baseline and after dietary treatment. The hepatic metabolome was investigated using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Hepatic concentrations of betaine, cysteine, and glutathione tended to be lower in MAL (Welch's t test with FDR correction, P < .1), while inosine, lactate, and methionine sulfoxide concentrations were higher in MAL (inosine: P = .0448, lactate: P = .0258, methionine sulfoxide: P = .0337). These changes suggest that SAM is associated with elevated hepatic oxidative stress, increased gluconeogenesis, and alterations in 1-carbon metabolism.
Paul’s Defense: Masculinity and Authority in 2 Corinthians 10–13:

In 2 Cor. 10–13, Paul tries to prove his authority as a reliable leader by using two different masculinity standards. Paul manifests his power and control over the Corinthian church members by usin...
Artificial Optic-neural Synapse Based on Floating-gate Phototransistor for Machine Vision

The prevailing thrive of artificial neural networks (ANNs) demonstrated their capability especially in cognitive tasks, such as speech recognition, image classification, and natural language processing (NLP). This increased the demands for more power-efficient hardware platform, and resulted in a variety of novel devices were studied to mimic the synaptic dynamics, such as phase change memory (PCM), metal oxide based resistive random access memory (RRAM), ferroelectric field effective transistor (FeFET), and spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM). [1] , [2] However, biometric sensing elements are rarely integrated with these synaptic devices. In this work, the artificial optic-neural synapses are emulated by floating-gate phototransistors (FG-PFETs) with InP channels, which enabled the simultaneous sensing and processing of optical information. Clearly, it paved the way toward more systematical hardware integration for machine vision.
Nonlinear Transient and Steady State Stretching of Deflated Vesicles in Flow.

Membrane-bound vesicles and organelles exhibit a wide array of nonspherical shapes at equilibrium, including biconcave and tubular morphologies. Despite recent progress, the stretching dynamics of deflated vesicles is not fully understood, particularly far from equilibrium where complex nonspherical shapes undergo large deformations in flow. Here, we directly observe the transient and steady-state nonlinear stretching dynamics of deflated vesicles in extensional flow using a Stokes trap. Automated flow control is used to observe vesicle dynamics over a wide range of flow rates, shape anisotropy, and viscosity contrast. Our results show that deflated vesicle membranes stretch into highly deformed shapes in flow above a critical capillary number Cac1. We further identify a second critical capillary number Cac2, above which vesicle stretch diverges in flow. Vesicles are robust to multiple nonlinear stretch-relax cycles, evidenced by relaxation of dumbbell-shaped vesicles containing thin lipid tethers following flow cessation. An analytical model is developed for vesicle deformation in flow, which enables comparison of nonlinear steady-state stretching results with theories for different reduced volumes. Our results show that the model captures the steady-state stretching of moderately deflated vesicles; however, it underpredicts the steady-state nonlinear stretching of highly deflated vesicles. Overall, these results provide a new understanding of the nonlinear stretching dynamics and membrane mechanics of deflated vesicles in flow.
γδ T cells promote the maturation of dendritic cells during West Nile virus infection.

γδ T cells are important for the early control of West Nile virus (WNV) dissemination. Here, we investigated the role of γδ T cells in the regulation of CD4+ T-cell response following a WNV challenge. Splenic dendritic cells (DCs) of WNV-infected γδ T-cell-deficient (TCRδ−/−) mice displayed lower levels of CD40, CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression and interleukin-12 (IL-12) production than those of wild-type mice. Naive DCs cocultured with WNV-infected γδ T cells showed enhanced levels of costimulatory molecules, MHC class II expression and IL-12 production. Further, coculture of CD4+ T cells from OT II transgenic mice with DCs of WNV-infected TCRδ−/− mice induced less interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-2 production than with those of wild-type controls. Viral antigens were detected in WNV-infected γδ T cells.WNV infection or toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist treatment of γδ T cells induced the production of IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, which are known to promote DC maturation. Nevertheless, the levels of TLRs 2, 3, 4 and 7 expression of WNV-infected γδ T cells were not different from those of noninfected cells. Overall, these data suggest that WNV-induced γδ T-cell activation promotes DC maturation and initiates CD4+ T-cell priming.
Regions of war and peace

In this contribution to the literature on the causes of war, Douglas Lemke asks whether the same factors affect minor powers as affect major ones. He investigates whether power parity and dissatisfaction with the status quo have an impact within Africa, the Far East, the Middle East and South America. Lemke argues that there are similarities across these regions and levels of power, and that parity and dissatisfaction are correlates of war around the world. The extent to which they increase the risk of war varies across regions, however, and the book looks at the possible sources of this cross-regional variation, concluding that differential progress toward development is the likely cause. This book will interest students and scholars of international relations and peace studies, as well as comparative politics and area studies.
Response to “The “gatekeeper” hypothesis challenged in a human cervico-vaginal tissue model for HIV-1 transmission”

Response to “The “gatekeeper” hypothesis challenged in a human cervico-vaginal tissue model for HIV-1 transmission”
OBSERVATION OF ΔφΔη SCALED CORRELATION SIGNALS WHICH INCREASE WITH CENTRALITY OF AuAu COLLISIONS AT $\sqrt{^SNN} = 200\ {\rm GeV}$

We show the preliminary charged-particle pair correlation analyses presented in a poster session at the 2006 International Quark Matter Conference in Shanghai China. The correlation analysis space of Δφ (azimuth) and Δη (pseudo-rapidity) are considered as a function of centrality for minimum bias Au + Au collisions in the mid-transverse momentum range in the STAR detector. The analyses involve unlike-sign charge pairs and like-sign charge pairs, which are transformed into charge-dependent (CD) signals and charge-independent (CI) signals. We use a multiplicity scale to compare the different centralities. We find the signals increase with increasing centrality. A model featuring dense gluonic hot spots as first proposed by van Hove predicts that the observables under investigation would have sensitivity to such a substructure should it occur. A blast wave model including multiple hot spots motivates the selection of transverse momenta in the range 0.8 GeV/c < pt < 4.0 GeV/c.
Guiding queries to information sources with InfoBeacons

The Internet provides a wealth of useful information in a vast number of dynamic information sources, but it is difficult to determine which sources are useful for a given query. Most existing techniques either require explicit source cooperation (for example, by exporting data summaries), or build a relatively static source characterization (for example, by assigning a topic to the source). We present a system, called InfoBeacons, that takes a different approach: data and sources are left "as is," and a peer-to-peer network of beacons uses past query results to "guide" queries to sources, who do the actual query processing. This approach has several advantages, including requiring minimal changes to sources, tolerance of dynamism and heterogeneity, and the ability to scale to large numbers of sources. We present the architecture of the system, and discuss the advantages of our design. We then focus on how a beacon can choose good sources for a query despite the loose coupling of beacons to sources. Beacons cache responses to previous queries and adapt the cache to changes at the source. The cache is then used to select good sources for future queries. We discuss results from a detailed experimental study using our beacon prototype which demonstrates that our "loosely coupled" approach is effective; a beacon only has to contact sixty percent or less of the sources contacted by existing, tightly coupled approaches, while providing results of equivalent or better relevance to queries.
Proving Properties of SNOBOL 4 Patterns: Selecting the Assertion Format

Classic Hoare logic has been very successful for proving properties of programs in conventional, imperative languages. Adapting it to a non-imperative environment, which has not been tried much, can provide new insight into the method of axiomatic semantics as well as into the specific new area of application.
Post-translational processing of urea amidolyase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Urea amidolyase catalyzes the two reactions (urea carboxylase and a allophanate hydrolase) associated with urea degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Past work has shown that both reactions are catalyzed by a 204-kilodalton, multifunctional protein. In view of these observations, it was surprising to find that on induction at 22 degrees C, approximately 2 to 6 min elapsed between the appearance of allophanate hydrolase and urea carboxylase activities. In search of an explanation for this apparent paradox, we determined whether or not a detectable period of time elapsed between the appearance of allophanate hydrolase activity and activation of the urea carboxylase domain by the addition of biotin. We found that a significant portion of the protein produced immediately after the onset of induction lacked the prosthetic group. A steady-state level of biotin-free enzyme was reached 16 min after induction and persisted indefinitely thereafter. These data are consistent with the suggestion that sequential induction of allophanate hydrolase and urea carboxylase activities results from the time required to covalently bind biotin to the latter domain of the protein.
The role of stochasticity in sawtooth oscillations

Stochastization of field lines, resulting from the interaction of the fundamental m/n=1/1 helical mode with other periodicities, plays an important role in sawtooth oscillations. The time-scale for stochastic temperature diffusion is shown to be sufficiently fast to account for the fast sawtooth crash. The enhanced electron and ion viscosities arising from the stochastic field lines are calculated. The enhanced electron viscosity always leads to an initial increase in the growth rate of the mode-the 'magnetic trigger'. The enhanced ion viscosity can ultimately lead to mode stabilization before a complete temperature redistribution or flux reconnection has occurred. A dynamical model is introduced to calculate the path of the sawtooth oscillation through the parameter space of shear and amplitude of the helical perturbation, including a stochastic trigger to an enhanced growth rate, stabilization by ion viscosity and a prescription for flux reconnection at the end of the growth phase
The Pursuit of Power and Its Manifestation in Written Dialog

In this paper we explore the written dialog behavior of participants in anon line discussion for automatic identification of participants who pursue power within the discussion group. We employ various standard unsupervised machine learning approaches to make this prediction. Our approach relies on the identification of certain discourse structures and linguistic techniques used by participants in the discussion. We achive an F-measure of 69.5% using unsupervised methods.
The motion of vapor bubbles growing in uniformly superheated liquids

The motion of simultaneously rising and growing vapor bubblesin a uniformly superheated liquid is analyzed, and the predicted bubble velocities are shown to be in good agreement with available data. Using a quasisteady state approximation to describe the drag, and existing bubble growth theory to describe the growth rate, the equation of motion is solved for two ranges of bubble size encountered in nucleate boiling. For smaller bubbles (R 0.07 cm.) a numerical solution and analytical asymptotic solutions are obtained.
Diet and lifestyle influences on risk of coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) stems from the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. However, modifiable environmental factors, especially diet and lifestyle, are largely responsible for increased risk of CHD at population levels. Although cigarette smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity are well-established causes of CHD, the role of specific dietary factors has not been clearly defined until more recently. Cumulative evidence indicates that types of fats and carbohydrates are more important than total amounts in determining risk of CHD. Epidemiologic and clinical trial data strongly support that dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can reduce risk of CHD. Diet and lifestyle modification, combined with pharmacologic treatment of hypertension and high lipid levels (if necessary), could prevent the vast majority of CHD events.
Managing for innovation: Managerial control and employee level outcomes

Abstract Considerable effort is made by organizations to increase long-term firm performance through innovation. Despite the emphasis on innovation as a source of renewal, relatively little is known about the effective management of human resources supporting innovation efforts. Prior research supports a negative impact of managerial control on the motivation of employees. Following on recent theoretical developments, we argue that the impact of managerial control will differ based on the type of knowledge being used. Using data from 104 members of product development teams working on new product development or current product management, our findings suggest that the use of control can have differing effects on motivation depending on the attributes of the knowledge involved. Specifically, tests of moderation indicated the negative impact of control on employee motivation is much greater when the knowledge being used is less complete (those working on the development of new products).
Religion as an insulator of delinquency in schools

While much of the current social control literature has examined the role of religiosity in delinquency, very little attention has been given to its effect on school delinquency. This study sought to fill that void by examining the effectiveness of social bond theory in restraining students from committing school delinquency in a rural Southern county. Further, given the literature that suggests that delinquency varies along developmental stages, the authors also sought to determine the effect of the revised social bond along 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. Findings indicate that social control theory was moderately successful in explaining school delinquency, while religion achieved significance in the 6th, 8th, and 12th grades, but not the 10th grade. Suggestions for practitioners and policy makers are also discussed.
CHARACTERIZING THE MANIFEST PROBABILITIES OF LATENT TRAIT MODELS

The problem of characterizing the manifest probabilities of a latent trait model is considered. The item characteristic curve is transformed to the item passing-odds curve and a corresponding transformation is made on the distribution of ability. This results in a useful expression for the manifest probabilities of any latent trait model. The result is then applied to give a characterization of the Rasch model as a log-linear model for a 2 J -contingency table. Partial results are also obtained for other models. The question of the identifiability of “guessing” parameters is also discussed.
Ubiquitin and the synapse.

Post-translational modification by the attachment of ubiquitin seems to have a crucial role in regulating synaptic structure and function. By controlling the stability, activity and localization of target proteins, this versatile regulatory system can shape the pattern, activity and plasticity of synaptic connections. Here, we discuss the myriad ways in which ubiquitin functions to sculpt synapses during development, and to remodel synapses for the acquisition and storage of memory.
An experimental test of frankel's law of film thickness

Abstract Experimental methods for determining the relation between thickness and velocity of pull-out for surfactant films are presented. When applied to a variety of surfactant systems over a wide range of bulk viscosities, purity, and surface viscosity, they yield data in excellent agreement with Frankel's law, which relates film thickness and velocity of pull-out to bulk viscosity, density, surface tension, and the force of gravity on the basis of simple hydrodynamics assuming negligible surface extensibility in the region of interest.
Indentification and quantification of mono-, di- and trihydroxybenzenes (phenols) at trace concentrations in seawater by aqueous acetylation and gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric analysis

A method is described that uses aqueous acetylation with acetic anhydride, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and concentration, and gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis to identify and quantify mono-, di- and trihydroxybenzenes (phenols) at low concentrations in marine and waste waters. Phenolic compounds in water samples were buffered with NaHCO3 and directly acetylated with acetic anhydride. Phenol acetates were then extracted using C18 SPE columns. The columns were eluted and the phenol acetates concentrated and analyzed by GC-MS. Detection of phenols in the ng 1−1 concentration range can be obtained with 500 ml of sample. A large volume extraction setup is described from which detection limits in the upper pg 1−1 range may be obtained. The method was applicable to a wide range of phenolic compounds but was not suitable for nitrophenols. Water samples from several coastal environments and wastewater treatment facilities were analyzed for phenols using this method. Phenol, cresols and catechols were the most common phenolic compounds identified. Concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 370 ng 1−1 for these phenols in seawater sampled in San Diego Bay, in the vicinity of White's Point outfall off San Pedro (Los Angeles area) and outfalls off the Northern coast of California near Eureka.
The influence of antibiotics on infection and anastomotic recurrence after colon resection for cancer

Two hundred-thirty bowel resections for cancer, performed during the 3-year period 1975–1977, were reviewed with respect to the influence of antibiotic prophylaxis on wound infection rates and anastomotic recurrences. A large number of surgeons were involved, offering a variety of approaches and skills.
Defect study and identification in Ge(Li) P-N junction radiation detectors

Ge(Li) detectors, which are very high resolution γ-ray spectrometers, are extremely sensitive to defects in the junction of the detector. These defects act as charge-trapping centers and seriously degrade the detector performance. Several techniques, which include the detector monochromatic infrared response, reverse current characteristics, and performance analysis, have been used to study these defects. The results indicate that degradation of the detector spectrum is due both to detector inhomogeneities and traps. The main inhomogeneity is caused by a localized variation in the precipitation rate of lithium, which results in weak detector collection fields and heavier localized trapping. The properties of copper, nickel, and iron as traps indicate that the presence of lithium modifies the trap behavior by shielding the Coulomb force and by shifting the deep-trap energy states. The most important traps are those due to lithium effects. The precipitate phase of lithium behaves as a hole trap with a distributed energy level system. A separate lithium phase involving the complex formation of lithium with thermal defects results in an electron trap with an energy position located atEc−Et=0.22 ev.
A comparison of Goldmann, Fieldmaster 200, and Dicon AP2000 perimeters used in a screening mode.

Abstract Many unsubstantiated claims have been made regarding the superiority of a given method of stimulus presentation or fixation monitoring during perimetry. The Goldmann perimeter uses a projected stimulus with manual fixation monitoring. The Fieldmaster 200 uses fiberoptic stimulus and photoelectric fixation control, and the Dicon AP2000 uses LED stimulus with Heijl-Krakau and manual fixation monitoring. One hundred twenty-three eyes (33 normal, 86 abnormal) were tested on each of the three perimeters using a rigid screening protocol designed to minimize other variables. Quantitative Goldmann perimetry was then performed as a standard against which to compare the screeners. False alarm rates of 6 to 9% and detection rates of 90 to 94% were found with the three screening perimeters, which were essentially equivalent in performance.
A Review of Facts Influencing Egg Yolk Mottling

Although all factors responsible for mottling probably are not yet known, a number of causes are defined in this review.Gossypol, a substance found in cottonseed meal, is known to cause yolk discol...
Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) as a Basis for an Alternative Approach to Assessment

This article discusses how Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) is incorporated into testing practices to define a relatively new addition to the assessment repertory called dynamic assessment. Dynamic assessment (DA) typically follows a pre-test-intervene-posttest format. The author has designed procedures where the intervention portion offers mediational interactions that are designed to promote higher mental functioning in the student. The response of the student to these interventions provides important information about the student's abilities and functioning within a teaching/learning situation. The article first operationalizes MLE in a rating scale and then describes four approaches to DA: a group administered screening procedure; a generic curriculum-based approach; an individual assessment for pre-school children and a procedure for determining eligibility for gifted programming demonstrated to be successful with students from ethnic and linguistic minority backgrounds. Some concluding thoughts ab...
Parameter uncertainty and the behavior of a size-dependent plankton model

Abstract A model was previously developed to examine the implications of size-dependent growth and feeding relationships among phytoplankton and zooplankton on phytoplankton productivity. For each zooplankton population size the model defined a corresponding average individual weight that associated with maximum algal productivity. The algal productivities described a ridge when plotted as a function of zooplankton population size and individual weight. Results of more than 2000 simulations demonstrated that the productivity ridge was not an artifact of parameter choice when values were varied randomly using distributions defined by coefficients of variation ranging from 2 to 20%. Variation in productivity along the ridge was determined primarily by parameters that defined grazing and nutrient remineralization by zooplankton ( a , β, E ). Phytoplankton parameters (α, V max , k M ) explained most of the variation in algal productivity for model conditions of minimum grazing pressure. The location of the productivity ridge in relation to zooplankton biomass and individual size was determined by values of the grazing parameter ( a ).
Trajectory Prediction of Spin-Stabilized Projectiles With a Steady Liquid Payload

Abstract : Payloads that behave like a liquid are carried on board some projectile configurations, and it is well established that the internal motion of a liquid payload can induce destabilizing moments on the projectile. This report creates a method to include the effect of a liquid payload in the flight dynamic equations of motion, enabling trajectory simulations of projectiles with liquid payloads. To include this effect, liquid payload moments are added to the applied loads on the projectile. These loads are computed by solving the linearized Navier-Stokes equations for a projectile undergoing coning motion. To highlight the methodology, trajectory simulation results are provided for an example projectile with different liquid payload configurations possessing stable behavior while one exhibits catastrophic flight instability.
Towards Managing Long-Term Uncertainties in Product Development

Under increasingly uncertain environment of long term life-cycle costs arising from such causes such as material price increases and carbon regulation, product development design decision makers need an improved method for evaluating project net present value under significant risks. This paper seeks to expose this need for an interdisciplinary design method capable of proactively managing long-term uncertainties and risks. First, the paper provides an overview of trends and uncertainties in material prices and environmental regulations. Second, we highlight a variety of existing work relevant to this research. The third section describes Customer Value Chain Analysis and Quality Function Deployment exercises towards addressing the nature of the challenge at hand. The study found that the primary customers for this research are engineering managers involved in strategic product development decisions. The most important aspects of a new methodology are to identify and characterize the uncertainties specific to a project, and to facilitate modeling. The final section describes a research path leading towards the development of a new design methodology. The paper concludes that a new framework will draw upon a variety of fields including Design For Reliability, Decision Analysis, Industrial Ecology, and Informatics.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
EFFECTS OF LOCAL AND GENERAL FATIGUE ON STATIC BALANCE

A static balance test was given to 120 college men and women before and after 2 exercise bouts. In one type of exercise heel raises were used to induce local muscular fatigue. Squat thrusts were em...
Laser Excitation Spectroscopy of the Jet-Cooled Methoxy Radical Amidst Hydroxyl Transitions

Abstract Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra of the methoxy radical have been recorded under high resolution in a supersonic jet expansion. The rotational structure associated with the 31 0 band of methoxy has been identified in the midst of strong overlapping rotational transitions due to the hydroxyl radical in the 32240 - 32580 cm−1 spectral region. Rotationally-resolved A 2A1 – [Xtilde] 2E spectra of the 31 0 band of methoxy have been explicitly assigned using the nomenclature for prolate symmetric top transitions in doublet states.
Cephalopod Hox genes and the origin of morphological novelties

Cephalopods are a diverse group of highly derived molluscs, including nautiluses, squids, octopuses and cuttlefish. Evolution of the cephalopod body plan from a monoplacophoran-like ancestor1 entailed the origin of several key morphological innovations contributing to their impressive evolutionary success2. Recruitment of regulatory genes3, or even pre-existing regulatory networks4, may be a common genetic mechanism for generating new structures. Hox genes encode a family of transcriptional regulatory proteins with a highly conserved role in axial patterning in bilaterians5; however, examples highlighting the importance of Hox gene recruitment for new developmental functions are also known6,7. Here we examined developmental expression patterns for eight out of nine Hox genes8 in the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes, by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Our data show that Hox orthologues have been recruited multiple times and in many ways in the origin of new cephalopod structures. The manner in which these genes have been co-opted during cephalopod evolution provides insight to the nature of the molecular mechanisms driving morphological change in the Lophotrochozoa, a clade exhibiting the greatest diversity of body plans in the Metazoa.
Controlling for observed and unobserved managerial skills in determining first-mover market share advantages

Empirical research on pioneering advantage establishes a strong association between pioneering and market share. Researchers, however, suggest that managerial skills may account for the relationshi...
Long‐term Effectiveness of Probation, Short‐term Intervention and LAI Administration for Reducing DUI Recidivism

Summary Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) arrest records were checked for subjects participating in the Mississippi DUI Probation Follow-up project 6 to 9 years after project entry. The efficacy of short-term intervention, probation, and Life Activities Inventory (LAI) administration for reducing long-term DUI recidivism were evaluated using a logit analysis. A small but statistically significant effect of probation for reducing long-term recidivism was found for offenders classified both as low-risk and high-risk drinkers. However, an interaction effect of combining probation with short-term intervention, which was suggested by an earlier 2-year recidivism analysis, was not statistically significant after the longer tracking period. Administration of the LAI questionnaire was found to reduce recidivism only for offenders classified as low-risk, replicating findings after 2 years of recidivism tracking.
Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Moderate Drinking

The risks of excessive alcohol intake are well known, and heavy drinkers should decrease their intake or stop drinking. On the other hand, in comparison with non-drinkers, moderate drinkers are at much lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain other diseases and have lower total mortality. Thus, middle-aged or older men and post-menopausal women with no contraindications to alcohol use should be informed that they have, on average, net health benefits from the regular consumption of small-to-moderate amounts of alcohol.
A framework for decentralized access control

We present a framework for decentralized authorization for physical access control, using smart cards, where access to individual rooms is guarded by context-dependent policies that are dynamically evaluated. Policies are specified using a logical language parameterized by events. A policy analyzer converts policy specifications into equivalent executable automata and also generates initialization information about the contexts used in these policies. While the automata are stored in users' smart cards, context initialization information is disseminated in the system. We also provide a context modeling mechanism that supports construction and propagation of contexts in the system. Upon an access request, user automata are executed at the point of access in the presence of current context information. This results in an allow/deny decision. The benefit of this approach lies in resolving authorizations in a decentralized manner in situations where the solution needs to scale with increasing number of users.
Stock-price volatility, mean-reverting diffusion, and noise

Abstract Using weekly call option prices on twenty-five stocks over a ten-year period (1975–1985) and calls on the S&P 500 stock-index futures, we find that ex ante market volatility follows a mixed mean-reverting diffusion with noise process. Changes in volatility are correlated across stocks and a marketwide volatility effect is found. Strong forces pull the volatility back to its long-term value. The findings suggest the development of new option pricing models.
Effects of prenatal exposure to chlorpromazine on postnatal development and behavior of rats.

Abstract Chlorpromazine was administered to pregnant rats at doses of 1, 3, or 9 mg/kg/day from Days 6 to 15 of gestation. Fetuses from half the dams were examined for terata, and the remaining litters delivered at term. The growth, morphologic and reflex development, and reproductive performance of the offspring were recorded. Selected males from all groups were tested in the postweaning period for rotorod performance and activity in an open field. At sexual maturity selected pups of both sexes were necropsied; mean organ weights were recorded; and histomorphologic and morphometric examinations were performed on coronal sections of the brain of high-dose and control males. There was no prenatal evidence of a teratogenic effect. The growth, physical, and reflex development of F 1 pups was unaffected during the preweaning period. Postweaning growth of female offspring in all dosage groups was comparable to that of the controls. At 3 and 9 mg/kg/day there was a very slight but statistically significant decrease in average body weight gain of males in the postweaning period, but the biological significance of this effect is uncertain. Mating performance of offspring exposed prenatally to chlorpromazine was unaffected. In the postweaning period there were significant increases in activity in an open field and decreases in latency time in male offspring from the 3 and 9-mg/kg/day dosage groups compared to pooled controls. There were no changes in organ weights and the results of histomorphologic and morphometric examination in brain sections from control and 9-mg/kg/day males were comparable.
Human discrimination of rotational velocities

Vestibular reflexes are critically important for stabilizing gaze and maintaining posture, but comparatively little is known about conscious perceptions of vestibular stimuli and how they may relate to balance function. We used psychophysical methods to determine the ability of normal subjects and a vestibular-deficient subject to discriminate among velocities of earth-vertical sinusoidal rotations. Discrimination thresholds in normal subjects rose from 2.26 deg/s at a peak velocity of 20 deg/s up to 5.16 deg/s at 150 deg/s. The relationship between threshold and peak angular velocity was well described by the power law function ΔI = 0.88I0.37, where I is the magnitude of the stimulus and ΔI is the discrimination threshold. The subject with bilateral vestibular hypofunction had thresholds more than an order of magnitude worse than normals. The performance of normal subjects is much better than that predicted by Weber’s Law, which states that discrimination thresholds increase proportionally with stimulus magnitude (i.e., ΔI/I = C, where C is the “Weber fraction”). This represents a remarkable exception to other sensory systems and may reflect the vestibular system’s ability to stabilize gaze and maintain posture even at high stimulus intensities. Quantifying this relationship may help elucidate the role of higher-level processes in maintaining balance and provide information to diagnose and guide therapy of patients with central causes for imbalance.
Image block coding using exact solutions of fractal equations

In this paper, we will first briefly review fractal equations, then we will present an algorithm for solving encoding equations of class 2 fractals. The idea is to represent images in terms of blocks in a similar way as JPEG. the DCT in JPEG is replaced by fractal transformation. Image compression ratios for various selections of block size and parameter space will be calculated. Thirdly, we will study the simplest IFS, a 1D IFS with two mappings. We will introduce several new concepts: the base language of fractals and the canonical order of fractals. The cardinality of the base language is derived. How base language is used to infer an IFS is discussed.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Building transformational partnerships in nursing

Over the past decade, the nursing education and delivery system has moved to respond to the crisis in nursing workforce and to prepare itself for what promises to be a long and, at times, challenging struggle. Although much progress has been made, it is increasingly apparent that there are limits to what might be gained from primarily unilateral efforts. Already, issues such as scope of vision, resource constraints, and sustainability are beginning to crop up from even the best of the institutionally based efforts. What is becoming apparent to many leaders in organizations attempting to address these issues is that they cannot go it alone. They must develop partnerships with others in the education-care continuum to have any real hope of mounting and sustaining an effort to build the programs needed to address the long-term challenges of a nursing workforce that is adequate in number and skill. As this realization comes to consciousness, these leaders are becoming more aware of the need for partnerships as the foundation for a different type of strategic response. In taking the early steps toward a partnership, leaders are becoming sensitive to the different demands that a true partnership places on them and their colleagues. These demands may be periodically daunting, but they point to a set of outcomes that may actually have greater consequences for the public and patients. This article is about the creation, care, and feeding of these partnerships.
The Effects of Depressed Environmental Oxygen Tensions on Periosteal Proliferation of Mouse Femurs

SummaryMice subjected to femoral trauma in order to induce periosteal proliferation were exposed to atmospheres of either air, 15% O2 or 10% O2. TDR-3H autoradiographs revealed that 15% ambient O2 concentrations did not markedly affect the periosteal response. Ambient gas concentrations of 10% O2 reduced the labeling index of intact and traumatized femurs only slightly. The decreased ambient concentrations of O2 do not appear to affect the trauma site sufficiently to enhance a local tissue factor capable of stimulating cell proliferation.
The role of C-type cytochrome in the Hill reaction with Euglena chloroplasts.

Abstract Euglena chloroplasts catalyze the Hill reaction with ferricyanide or dichlorophenol indophenol (DPIP) but not with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), methyl viologen or horse-heart cytochrome c . The latter compounds can serve as Hill oxidants with Euglena chloroplasts provided Euglena cytochrome-552 is included in the reaction mixture. This c -type cytochrome is solubilized during preparation of the algal chloroplasts. It acts in a catalytic fashion and appears to function in the electron transport chain which interconnects the two photosystems of photosynthesis. Euglena cytochrome-552 is most effective in restoration of NADP photoreduction activity; some restoration is observed with another algal c -type cytochrome, Porphyra tenera cytochrome-553. In contrast, restoration was not observed with either Euglena cytochrome-556 or horse-heart cytochrome c .
Feeding Chemically Treated Seed Grains to Hens

Abstract SINCE the practice of treating seed grains with chemicals for the control of diseases has become quite general, there are often considerable quantities of treated grain which for one reason or another become unfit for or are not used for planting purposes. The question therefore arises whether these materials can be used for feed. The usual recommendation has been not to feed the treated grains in large amounts or over extended periods of time because of the possible toxic effects. Nieber (1925) reported on the feeding of grain soaked in Germisan, AZ3, Segetan-neu, agfa pickle, Uspulun, Urania seed pickle, blue stone, calimate, Corbin, Fusel oil, Tillantan B and Tillantan C. These were fed with no disturbance to health to groups of 10 hens for 14 days at the rate of 150 grams per bird per day. Gilch (1932) fed wheat which was treated with various kinds of mercury-containing substances (Uspulun, …
Surgical volume, hospital quality, and hospitalization cost in congenital heart surgery in the United States

Hospital volume has been associated with improved outcomes in congenital cardiac surgery. However, the relationship between hospital volume and hospitalization cost remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between hospital surgical volume and hospitalization costs, while accounting for measures of quality, in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. A retrospective, repeated cross-sectional analysis was performed, using discharges from the 2006 and 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database. All pediatric admissions ( 400 cases/year, respectively) were associated with lower odds of mortality but not occurrence of a complication. Hospital mortality was associated with the largest increase in hospitalization costs. High-volume hospitals (>400 cases/year) were associated with the lowest hospitalization costs per discharge ($37,775, p < 0.01) when compared to low-($43,270) and medium($41,085)-volume hospitals, prior to adjusting for quality indicators. However, when adjusting for hospital mortality rate, high-volume hospitals no longer demonstrated significant cost savings. When adjusting for hospital complication rate, high-volume hospitals continued to have the lowest hospitalization costs. High-volume hospitals are associated with a reduction in hospitalization costs that appear to be mediated through improvements in quality.
Modification of the jogged-screw model for creep of γ-TiAl

Abstract During the high-temperature creep of the γ-phase (L10 structure) of a “near-gamma” Ti–48Al microstructure, observations using transmission electron microscopy indicate that a/2〈110] or “unit” dislocation activity is a dominant deformation mode. These unit dislocations tend to be elongated along the screw orientation, and exhibit a large number of localized pinning points. Tilting experiments demonstrate that these pinning points are associated with jogs on the screw dislocations, suggesting that the jogged-screw model for creep should be appropriate in this case. However, it is shown that in its conventional formulation, the jogged-screw model is not capable of reproducing the measured creep response (i.e. stress exponents or absolute creep rates). Microscopic observations also demonstrate that a spectrum of jog heights are present, with some as large as 40 nm, based on present observations. A modification of the jogged-screw model is proposed in which the average jog height is assumed to depend on stress. This modified model results in good agreement between predicted and measured creep rates while using reasonable model parameters. Additional implications of the model and required experiments to further validate the model are also discussed.
Stochastic adaptive sensor modeling and data fusion

One of the major problems in sensor fusion is that sensors frequently provide spurious observations which are difficult to predict and model. The spurious data from sensors must be identified and eliminated from the sensor fusion since its incorporation in the fusion pool might lead to inaccurate estimation. This paper presents a sensor fusion strategy based on Bayesian approach that can automatically identify the inconsistency in sensor data so that the spurious sensor data can be eliminated from the sensor fusion process. The proposed method adds a term to the commonly used Bayesian technique that represents the probabilistic estimate corresponding to the event that the data is not spurious conditioned upon the data and the true state. This term has the effect of increasing the variance of the posterior distribution when data from one of the sensors is inconsistent with respect to the other. The proposed strategy was verified with the help of extensive computations performed on simulated data from three sensors. A comparison was made between two different fusion schemes: centralized fusion in which data from all sensors were fused at once, and decentralized or sequential Bayesian method which provided opportunity to identify and eliminate spurious data from the fusion process. The simulations verified that the proposed strategy was able to identify spurious data, and its elimination from the fusion process led to better estimation.
Latin America as a target of trade barriers erected by the major developed countries in 1983

Abstract According to an UNCTAD data set, nontariff barriers were applied by 14 major industrialized importers against 19 percent of Latin American exports. This is not an unusually high coverage ratio – Australia and New Zealand, and Japan faced substantially more frequent barriers. The effects of these barriers on Latin American exports are difficult to estimate. The estimates vary substantially depending on the method of estimation. One method estimates that Latin American exports to this group of 14 importers have been reduced by trade barriers by a total of 34 percent, varying from 5 percent for Mexico to 75 percent for Argentina.