cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bringing Identity Theory into Environmental Sociology

In an effort to explain pro-environmental behavior, environmental sociologists often study environmental attitudes. While much of this work is atheoretical, the focus on attitudes suggests that res...
Simplified three-body problem in nuclear matter

We treat the three-particle problem in nuclear matter for the special class of two-body potentials for which the two-body interaction energy vanishes. We compare the results obtained using the variational method, the Bethe-Faddeev method, and a slightly modified version of the latter in which certain fourth-order diagrams, which can lead to divergences, are eliminated.
Marketing HMOs to Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare health maintenance organizations (HMOs) market extensively to attract beneficiaries. To assess the dynamics of this marketing, this paper examines newspaper and television ads and materials from marketing seminars that are illustrative of Medicare HMOs' marketing activities in four major media markets. Lower costs and better benefits are pitched in the majority of the ads. Image and content analyses suggest that, in general, HMO ads appear to market to healthy seniors and not to the sick or to disabled persons under age sixty-five. Important plan information often appears in fine print. The study raises questions about the impact of marketing on beneficiaries' insurance choices and the challenges facing the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) in establishing and enforcing marketing guidelines.
Design approaches for developing a high density, high performance analog test instrument

This paper describes the techniques and technologies used to create a high performance, high density, multi-functional analog test instrument. Overcoming density challenges, while maintaining optimal performance levels, requires the careful selection of parts in order to balance functionality, power dissipation, and board area. This paper discusses technologies such as a custom analog ASIC, semi-custom cooling, programmable digital logic, and PCB materials, and how these elements combine to result in a highly functional analog test design in a minimized footprint.
Genetic ablation of the GluK4 kainate receptor subunit causes anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior in mice

There is a clear link between dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling and mood disorders. Genetic variants in the glutamate receptor gene GRIK4, which encodes the kainate receptor subunit GluK4, alter the susceptibility for depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Here we demonstrate that Grik4−/− mice have reduced anxiety and an antidepressant-like phenotype. In the elevated zero-maze, a test for anxiety and risk taking behavior, Grik4−/− mice spent significantly more time exploring the open areas of the maze. In anxiogenic tests of marble-burying and novelty-induced suppression of feeding, anxiety-like behavior was consistently reduced in knockout animals. In the forced swim test, a test of learned helplessness that is used to determine depression-like behavior, knockout mice demonstrated significantly less immobility suggesting that Grik4 ablation has an antidepressant-like effect. Finally, in the sucrose preference test, a test for anhedonia in rodents, Grik4−/− mice demonstrated increased sucrose preference. Expression of the GluK4 receptor subunit in the forebrain is restricted to the CA3 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus regions where KARs are known to modulate synaptic plasticity. We tested whether Grik4 ablation had effects on mossy fiber (MF) plasticity and found there to be a significant impairment in LTP likely through a loss of KAR modulation of excitability of the presynaptic MF axons. These studies demonstrate a clear anxiolytic and antidepressant phenotype associated with ablation of Grik4 and a parallel disruption in hippocampal plasticity, providing support for the importance of this receptor subunit in mood disorders.
cDNA gene expression profile homology of antioxidants and their antiapoptotic and proapoptotic activities in human neuroblastoma cells

Antioxidants have concentration-dependent neuroprotective and proapoptotic activities in models of Parkinson's disease. The aim of our study was to determine gene-protein pathways of the antioxidants, dopamine (DA), R-apomorphine (R-APO), melatonin, and green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in neuroblastoma cells, using a customized cDNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction gene expression techniques. We demonstrate a concentration-dependent correlation between these compounds and modulation of cell survival/cell death-related gene pathways. High toxic concentration of DA (500 microM), R-APO (50 microM), melatonin (50 microM), and EGCG (50 microM) exhibited a similar profile of proapoptotic gene expression, increasing the level of bax, caspase-6, fas ligand, and the cell-cycle inhibitor gadd45 genes, while decreasing antiapoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-xL. Conversely, the low neuroprotective concentrations (1-10 microM) of these compounds induced an antiapoptotic response. Melatonin displayed an extremely low index of mortality, which may be partially explained by the observation that a high concentration did not significantly affect the expression of mitochondrial Bcl-2 family members, bcl-2 and bax. Protein analysis of Bcl-2, Bax, and activated caspase-3 correlated with the gene expression pattern. Our results provide for the first time new insights into the molecular events involved in the dose-dependent neuroprotective and neurotoxic activities of catechols and indole amine compounds.
Composable tools for network discovery and security analysis

Security analysis should take advantage of a reliable knowledge base that contains semantically-rich information about a protected network. This knowledge is provided by network mapping tools. These tools rely on models to represent the entities of interest, and they leverage off network discovery techniques to populate the model structure with the data that is pertinent to a specific target network. Unfortunately, existing tools rely on incomplete data models. Networks are complex systems and most approaches oversimplify their target models in an effort to limit the problem space. In addition, the techniques used to populate the models are limited in scope and are difficult to extend. This paper presents NetMap, a security tool for network modeling, discovery, and analysis. NetMap relies on a comprehensive network model that is not limited to a specific network level; it integrates network information throughout the layers. The model contains information about topology, infrastructure, and deployed services. In addition, the relationships among different entities in different layers of the model are made explicit. The modeled information is managed by using a suite of composable network tools that can determine various aspects of network configurations through scanning techniques and heuristics. Tools in the suite are responsible for a single, well-defined task.
The Politics of Conceptualizing Islam and the West

n the last three years, a large number of books have been published, all trying to answer the now-classic post–September 11 question: Why do they,“the Muslims,”dislike or hate “us”?—with the “us” variously defined as the United States, the West, or the modern world. Scholarly and nonscholarly curiosity on this topic is not limited to the history of al-Qaeda and a small network of fundamentalist terrorists but also tries to explain why untold numbers of Muslim intellectuals have critical, and even hostile, opinions of the United States and Western civilization. Are critiques of the “West” peculiar to the Muslim world? Are they a reflection of a simple discontent with the international order or a conservative rejection of Western-originated, universal modernity? How should Western intellectuals and leaders respond to the Muslim critiques of modernity, the international order, and Western civilization? Bernard Lewis’s What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East, though completed before the events of September 11, 2001, examines “the longer sequence and larger pattern of events, ideas, and attitudes that preceded and in some measure produced them.” Appearing at a fortuitous moment, the book not only became a bestseller but soon also a favorite of Washington policy circles. Lewis’s approach takes the exceptionalist view that the content of the “Muslim revolt against the West” is shaped by the centuries-long conflict between Islamic and Christian civilizations. According to Lewis, as Christian civilization came to produce and embody modernity in the last three hundred years, Muslim civilization first rejected modernity due to its Christian nature during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and then tried to emulate this Christian modernity after realizing that this was the only method for survival against the expansion of Western modernity. Lewis also implies that MusThe Politics of Conceptualizing Islam and the West
Identification and Basic Management of Bleeding Disorders in Adults

Adults with bleeding disorders may present to their family physician with minor bleeding symptoms or hematologic laboratory abnormalities discovered during evaluation for surgery or another purpose. Identifying the small proportion of adults who have an underlying bleeding disorder as the cause for such signs or symptoms may be challenging. In cases of asymptomatic hematologic laboratory abnormalities, the particular abnormality should narrow down the potentially affected hemostatic component(s), ideally streamlining subsequent investigation. In patients presenting with bleeding symptoms, a thorough history and physical examination are critical for first identifying bleeding as pathologic, then performing the appropriate diagnostic evaluation after excluding identifiable causes. Knowledge of the pathophysiologic processes contributing to impaired hemostasis in any given bleeding disorder ensures proper treatment and avoids therapies that are unnecessary or even contraindicated. Management is further determined by bleeding phenotype and, for invasive procedures, the anticipated risk for bleeding. Consultation with a hematologist may facilitate proper evaluation and treatment, particularly in adults with rare bleeding disorders or no identifiable cause for bleeding. This article reviews the diagnostic approach to hematologic laboratory abnormalities and abnormal bleeding in adults, as well as basic preventive care and hemostatic management of adults with bleeding disorders.
Real-time hand-tracking with a color glove

Articulated hand-tracking systems have been widely used in virtual reality but are rarely deployed in consumer applications due to their price and complexity. In this paper, we propose an easy-to-use and inexpensive system that facilitates 3-D articulated user-input using the hands. Our approach uses a single camera to track a hand wearing an ordinary cloth glove that is imprinted with a custom pattern. The pattern is designed to simplify the pose estimation problem, allowing us to employ a nearest-neighbor approach to track hands at interactive rates. We describe several proof-of-concept applications enabled by our system that we hope will provide a foundation for new interactions in modeling, animation control and augmented reality.
High-resolution impedance manometry findings in patients with nutcracker esophagus

Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between high-resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance findings and symptoms in patients with nutcracker esophagus (NE). Methods: After institutional review board approval retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who were diagnosed with NE as per the Chicago classification (distal contractile integral [DCI] > 5000 mmHg-s-cm) at Creighton University between October 2008 and October 2010. Patients with achalasia or a history of previous foregut surgery were excluded. NE patients were sub-divided into: (i) Segmental (mean distal esophageal amplitude [DEA] at 3 and 8 cm above lower esophageal sphincter [LES] 180 mmHg) and (iii) Spastic (DCI > 8000 mmHg-s-cm). Results: Forty-one patients (segmental: 13, diffuse: 4, spastic: 24) satisfied study criteria. Patients with segmental NE would have been missed by conventional manometry criteria as their DEA < 180 mmHg. A higher percentage of patients with spastic NE (63%) had chest pain when compared to patients with segmental NE (23%) and diffuse NE (25%). There was a significant positive correlation between chest pain severity score and DCI while there was no significant correlation between dysphagia severity and DCI. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with NE using the Chicago classification presence and intensity of chest pain increases with increasing DCI. The present criteria (> 5000 mmHg-s-cm) seems to be too sensitive and has poor symptom correlation. Adjusting the criteria to 8000 mmHg-s-cm is more relevant clinically.
Monstruo, discurso y caracterización en Melanipa sabia

This article analyzes the testimonies and critical reactions to the famous speech of the protagonist of Melanippe the Wise in the light of an important theme of the play: that of supernatural portents and their interpretation. By means of this speech, the character reveals herself as an intellectual prodigy; likewise, Melanippe’s rhetorical strategy based upon emphasis, transforms her discourse into a sign akin to that of a portent, whose true significance is left for others (audience and readers included) to interpret.
Teaching critical thinking and problem-solving in a pharmacy self-care lab: A skills-based approach

Abstract Introduction Developing self-care curricula to engage millennial learners in critical thinking is challenging. A five-phase experiential-based learning cycle with a foundation based on millennial learners' preferences, human patient simulation, and critical thinking skills development was adapted for use in a self-care lab. Skills are reinforced with topics that increase in complexity as the semester progresses. The objective of this study is to describe the implementation process and to measure the success of these curricular changes. Methods The five-phase learning cycle is utilized to introduce SOAP note writing, evidenced-based medicine, drug information skills, new disease states, patient interviewing, and medication therapy management. Constructive feedback through development of rubrics and verbal as well as written communication reinforces skills development. Curricular changes were measured by analyzing student grades, as well as student's and Curriculum Committee's written and scored feedback. A two-sided t -test was used to determine statistical significance. Results Comparisons of student feedback from 2007 to 2008 showed a statistically significant improvement with the revised curricula ( p p p = 0.03) also improved significantly. While student grades initially fell in 2008 ( p Conclusions Teaching an "approach to self-care" rather than trying to cover every self-care topic has been successful in terms of promoting critical thinking as well as other patient-centered skills in a self-care lab. It was well received by students and faculty and has encouraged students to achieve high levels of cognition.
A resident's internal medicine practice.

The decision-making experience of rest-dents in a primary care internal medicine training practice was examined. The patient population provided residents appropriate training opportunities but the experience of many residents making decisions about prevalent primary care problems was often inadequate. The residents' evaluation of their educational experience with patients suggests that several elements of patient care affect their ability to learn. These include the occurrence of diseases in their patients, opportunities to treat and follow patients, the chance to use diagnostic pro cedures, and the option of reviewing their care with supervisors and consultants or through reading. The results of this study and the current understanding of the development of clinical judgment are discussed as argumentsfor evaluating internal medicine training programs in part by examining the content of residents' decision-making opportunities in their ambulatory patient practices.
An Evaluation of the Accuracy of Assess and MiniWright Peak Flowmeters

With the advent of small inexpensive peak flowmeters, the at-home monitoring of peak flow rates has become an invaluable aid in the treatment of asthmatic patients. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the MiniWright and Assess peak flowmeters for accuracy and reproducibility. Measurements were made at varying peak flow rates and compared with those obtained simultaneously by a calibrated pneumotachograph. When this segment of the study was completed, the peak flow devices were subjected to 200 uses and were then retested. Four MiniWright peak flowmeters that had been extensively used in our clinic were tested as well. The Assess peak flowmeter was more accurate than the MiniWright at low flow rates ( 400 L/min). We also found that the accuracy of the MiniWright meter deteriorated after 200 uses and worsened further after extensive use, while the Assess meter retained its accuracy after 200 uses.
An aqueous endpoint assay of snake venom phospholipase A2

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme found in most snake venoms, catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids in biological membranes, and some have presynaptic neurotoxic activity. A synthetic substrate, 4-nitro-3-(octanoyloxy)benzoic acid, was synthesized and purified on a silica gel column using a published method. This substrate was used to develop an endpoint assay which is rapid and requires a minimum of equipment. This aqueous assay system allowed enzyme activity to be examined without the use of radioactive substrates or organic solvents, minimizing waste disposal concerns. Whole venoms, partially purified enzyme isolated from Crotalus mitchelli pyrrhus venom, tissue extracts and commercial preparations were employed as sources of PLA2. Results show that this method is a convenient and specific assay for PLA2 from several sources and is particularly suited for assaying large numbers of fractions generated during purification procedures.
Compositional disorder and its effect on the thermoelectric performance of Zn3P2 nanowire–copper nanoparticle composites

Recent studies indicated that nanowire format of materials is ideal for enhancing the thermoelectric performance of materials. Most of these studies were performed using individual nanowires as the test elements. It is not currently clear whether bulk assemblies of nanowires replicate this enhanced thermoelectric performance of individual nanowires. Therefore, it is imperative to understand whether enhanced thermoelectric performance exhibited by individual nanowires can be extended to bulk assemblies of nanowires. It is also imperative to know whether the addition of metal nanoparticle to semiconductor nanowires can be employed for enhancing their thermoelectric performance further. Specifically, it is important to understand the effect of microstructure and composition on the thermoelectric performance on bulk compound semiconductor nanowire?metal nanoparticle composites. In this study, bulk composites composed of mixtures of copper nanoparticles with either unfunctionalized or 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT) functionalized Zn3P2 nanowires were fabricated and analyzed for their thermoelectric performance. The results indicated that use of BDT functionalized nanowires for the fabrication of composites leads to interface-engineered composites that have uniform composition all across their cross-section. The interface engineering allows for increasing their Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities, relative to the Zn3P2 nanowire pellets. In contrast, the use of unfunctionalized Zn3P2 nanowires for the fabrication of composite leads to the formation of composites that are non-uniform in composition across their cross-section. Ultimately, the composites were found to have Zn3P2 nanowires interspersed with metal alloy nanoparticles. Such non-uniform composites exhibited very high electrical conductivities, but slightly lower Seebeck coefficients, relative to Zn3P2 nanowire pellets. These composites were found to show a very high zT of 0.23 at 770?K, orders of magnitude higher than either interface-engineered composites or Zn3P2 nanowire pellets. The results indicate that microstructural composition of semiconductor nanowire?metal nanoparticle composites plays a major role in determining their thermoelectric performance, and such composites exhibit enhanced thermoelectric performance.
Clinical study of urokinase-bound fibrocollagenous tubes.

Dacron-reinforced fibrocollagenous tubes (FCT) were synthesized from canine mongrels using the mandril-rod technique in order to develop a small diameter (i.e., 4 mm i.d.) vascular graft. They were rendered fibrinolytic by immobilizing urokinase on to the inner surface of the tubes. Urokinase-bound fibrocollagenous tubes (UK-FCT), control FCTs (i.e., no bound enzyme), Perloff grafts (Dr. Perloff, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center, Sidney Australia, has developed a mandril-derived collagenous tube from goats. Samples were implanted for comparative purposes.) and autogeneous saphenous veins, were interposed in the carotid or femoral artery in chronic studies involving 21 canine mongrels. On the basis of Doppler auscultation and palpation, the UK-FCTs were statistically more patent than other candidate prostheses. Fibrin degradation product (FDP) increased in the dogs' systemic circulation with a postoperative peak of 5 days. The host's increase in fibrinolytic activity was shown to be local to the anastamosis. A carotid arterial extracorporeal shunt was designed to evaluate acute patency. Results indicated a rapid thrombosis but no platlet or fibrin adherence to the graft surface was observed, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy.
High power (> 10 W) RF MEMS switched capacitors

This paper presents the design and characterization of a high power RF MEMS switched capacitor. The switch is based on a 4 µm-thick metal plate and four symmetrical springs. The design has low sensitivity to residual stress and stress gradients. S-parameter measurements result in Cu=0.08 pF, Cd=0.55 pF (Cr=6.9), power handling > 10 W, and a switching time of 12–15 µs. The pull-down and release voltages are stable to +/−3 V over 20–120 C. The design can be arrayed for N-bit switched-capacitor networks.
Metastatic mechanisms in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer incidence is rising annually largely related to enhanced detection and early stage well-differentiated primary tumors. The prognosis for patients with early stage thyroid cancer is outstanding with most patients being cured with surgery. In selected cases, I-131 is administered to treat known or suspected residual or metastatic disease. Even patients with loco-regional metastases typically have an outstanding long-term prognosis, albeit with monitoring and occasional intervention for residual or recurrent disease. By contrast, individuals with distant metastases from thyroid cancer, particularly older patients with larger metastatic burdens and those with poorly differentiated tumors, have a poor prognosis. Patients with metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer have a particularly poor prognosis. Published clinical trials indicate that transient disease control and partial remissions can be achieved with kinase inhibitor therapy directed toward angiogenic targets and that in some cases I-131 uptake can be enhanced. However, the direct targets of activity in metastatic lesions are incompletely defined and clear evidence that these treatments increase the duration or quality of life of patients is lacking, underscoring the need for improved knowledge regarding the metastatic process to inform the development of new therapies. In this review, we will focus on current data and hypotheses regarding key regulators of metastatic dormancy, metastatic progression, and the role of putative cancer stem cells.
Measurement, identification and calculation of cyber defense metrics

This paper presents performance metrics to be used for evaluation of cyber dynamic defense solutions. Currently, there are no standard, industry-defined metrics or benchmarks for evaluating cyber security architectures and systems for dynamic defense. These systems have relied instead on a layered, “defense in depth” approach, where the only measurement made is the number of defenses. In order to characterize the performance of cyber defense solutions, a variety of metrics need to be defined and captured based on observable effects on both cyber attacks and defenses. By establishing these metrics, the benefit each individual layer provides to an overall defensive solution can be determined, allowing system designers to select the most effective suite of defensive techniques. The metrics presented were formulated using a discrete event simulation of dynamic defense solutions. The focus of this simulation was to assess the increased cost to cyber attackers, where cost is based in time. Metrics are captured from the perspective of the defender, as well as that of the attacker. Collection of data supporting computation of the metrics will be shown in a discrete event simulation environment, as well as recommendations for network locations and equipment that can be used to collect these metrics in a notional network architecture.
Processing–Property Relations in Grain-Oriented Lead Metaniobate Ceramics Fabricated by Layered Manufacturing

Highly grain-oriented lead metaniobate (PbNb2O6; PN) ceramics were prepared by a layered manufacturing (LM) process. This process has enabled us to obtain a net-shaped piezoelectric ceramic component with grain orientation of f∼89%, and improvement in electromechanical properties. The LM feedstock (filament) includes equiaxed (matrix; 90 vol%) and anisometric PN templates (10 vol%), both dispersed uniformly in a thermoplastic binder. The needle-like PN templates were synthesized by molten salt synthesis technique, while the equiaxed PN powder was prepared by conventional ceramic processing methods. The processing conditions were studied and optimized to obtain orthorhombic phase fine powder and anisometric templates. Samples were obtained through layer-by-layer deposition of the filament through a small diameter (500 μm) nozzle. After binder removal, the PN samples were sintered in a temperature range of 1150°–1300°C for 1 h. SEM observation revealed strong grain orientation perpendicular to the deposition direction. Relative permittivity at the Curie point (Tc: 560°C) was 18 100 and 14 600 for the LM and random polycrystalline samples, respectively. Improved properties in piezoelectric figure of merit by 71%, d33 by 23%, and g33 by 31% were observed in the grain-oriented samples. Remnant polarization also showed about 80% improvement, increasing from 4.5 to 8.1 μC/cm2 for the grain-oriented LM samples.
A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF BLOOD VESSELS IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF RABBIT FETUSES.

The central nervous system of rabbit fetuses from the ninth to the twentieth day of gestation has been examined by phase contrast and electron microscopy. Blood vessels are first seen in the neuroectodermal tissue at 11 days of gestation. They increase in number between 11 days and 20 days of gestation but there is no change in their fine structure. The endothelial cells usually have voluminous cytoplasm which forms projections into the lumen of the vessels. These projections or flaps are a prominent feature of the fine structure of the endothelial cells during this period of growth of the central nervous system. Their function appears to be the impounding of material from the blood stream by curving over and coalescing with the plasma membrane, thus forming a large vesicle. Thorium dioxide, injected into the blood stream, is taken up along with the constituents of the plasma and is seen in the large vesicles formed by the flaps, as well as in smaller vesicles formed directly from the luminal plasma membrane by the usual mechanism of pinocytosis. Flaps are usually located at the terminal bars. Thorium dioxide is not seen between the thickened cell membranes that form the terminal bar but is present in vesicles adjacent to the terminal bar.
REVENGE OF THE BETA BOYS: OPTING OUT AS AN EXERCISE IN MASCULINITY

This study examines the factors influencing underachieving boys on a high-performing high school campus. Unlike the “laddishness” often seen in studies of underachievement among boys, the boys in this study were quiet, unobtrusive, and compliant within the classroom. Using qualitative interviews and observations conducted over a one-year period, the study showed the formation of student identities in response to the hegemonic masculinity of the “golden boy” portrayed by the popular boys on campus, which included high academic performance. The boys constructed an alternate masculinity, the Beta Boy, designed to demonstrate superior intellect through eschewing in-class work and homework but performing particularly well on tests.
TestEra: Specification-Based Testing of Java Programs Using SAT

TestEra is a framework for automated specification-based testing of Java programs. TestEra requires as input a Java method (in sourcecode or bytecode), a formal specification of the pre- and post-conditions of that method, and a bound that limits the size of the test cases to be generated. Using the method's pre-condition, TestEra automatically generates all nonisomorphic test inputs up to the given bound. It executes the method on each test input, and uses the method postcondition as an oracle to check the correctness of each output. Specifications are first-order logic formulae. As an enabling technology, TestEra uses the Alloy toolset, which provides an automatic SAT-based tool for analyzing first-order logic formulae. We have used TestEra to check several Java programs including an architecture for dynamic networks, the Alloy-alpha analyzer, a fault-tree analyzer, and methods from the Java Collection Framework.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Rexinoids

Rexinoids have shown clinical activity in hematologic malignancies by mediating genes associated with both growth and differentiation. Consequently, these compounds are increasingly being investigated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Combining rexinoids with interleukin-2 receptor-targeted therapies, such as denileukin diftitox, would appear to be a rational therapy option in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. This article discusses the use of rexinoids in combination with these pharmacotherapeutic agents, together with their use in combination with extracorporeal photophoresis and explores practical clinical approaches that may help to evoke immunomodulatory effects in targeted tumor cells, and ultimately lead to improved clinical outcome.
EFFECTS OF INTERFERON‐INDUCING AGENTS ON HEPATIC CYTOCHROME P‐450 DRUG METABOLIZING SYSTEMS*

Duration and intensity of drug action are greatly influenced by the rates of which drugs are biotransformed by the cytochrome P-450-linked monooxygenase systems of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum. Several interferon-inducing agents (poly rI.rC, tilorone, vaccines, viruses, endotoxin) are shown to markedly depress hepatic P-450 systems when administered to rodents. The interferon (IF) inducers that depress hepatic drug metabolism also modulate certain immune responses; it is therefore not known whether the depression of P-450 is due to IF per se or to the action of IF-inducing agents on one or more components of the immune system. The loss of cytochrome P-450 elicited by IF-inducing agents is accompanied by a perturbation of heme metabolism associated with the dissociation of heme from cytochrome P-450. The agents also cause losses of hepatic catalase and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. These studies predict that viral infections, vaccinations, and treatment with IF-inducing agents will be shown to seriously impair the metabolism of drugs in humans.
The effect of positive and negative signals on perceived deceptiveness of websites in online markets

This study extends the understanding of signaling in online shopping environments by evaluating the effect of positive and negative signals on perceptions of online buyers. Drawing from signaling theory, this study proposes and empirically tests a model for conceptualizing the influence of website signals on perceived deceptiveness and purchase intentions. The results support the assertions of the model and indicate that the online buyers' perceptions of website deceptiveness and purchase intentions are mainly influenced by website content, website amateurism and website physical presence, whereas human presence is not significant.
An iterative algorithm for finding stable solutions to the covariance or modified covariance autoregressive modeling methods

While the covariance and modified covariance methods of linear prediction have many desirable properties for spectral estimation, they are not guaranteed to yield stable model estimates. In this paper we present a simple iterative method for finding the best stable solution to the covariance or modified covariance problems. The technique alternates between a data extrapolation step and calculating an "infinite interval" covariance method estimate. Each iteration reduces the prediction error and thus improves the parameter estimates. Furthermore, convergence can be guaranteed to either the solution to the original covariance problem (if it is stable), or else to a set of polynomials with one or more zeroes on the unit circle and the rest inside. Several examples are shown comparing the iterative methods with the unconstrained covariance and modified covariance methods, and with Burg's algorithm.
Leveraging mobile technology for m-learning: 3rd generation threaded discussions

Emerging mobile technologies hold great promise for educational institutions seeking to extend the learning experience to an increasingly nomadic and time-challenged student community, especially at urban campuses where both faculty and students typically commute to school and struggle to multi-processes work, study and family time and location demands. The ability to reach out and engage learners, unconstrained by physical location, enables true anytime/anyplace access, helping combat the out-of-site/out-of-mind effect and leverage time otherwise wasted sitting in traffic or standing in line. This paper proposes a "third generation" (3G) threaded discussion facility that exploits mobile technology to enhance collaborative learning by adding a real-time, location-independent "push" dimension to this valuable, but previously passive, pull-oriented paradigm.
Biotechnology Patenting in India: Will Bio-Generics Lead a 'Sunrise Industry' to Bio-Innovation?

This article evaluates TRIPS-level patent protection as an incentive mechanism for biotechnology innovation in India. Recent enhancements to India's patent laws, a new acceptance of biotechnology patents by the Indian judiciary, and an expanding global demand for generic bio-pharmaceuticals all predict a surge in biotechnology process development and patenting in India. Many Indian biotechnology companies have developed proprietary processes for manufacturing "bio-generics" or "bio-similars," i.e., copies or derivative forms of first-generation biologics such as recombinant human insulin and erythropoietin now coming off patent in the U.S. and elsewhere. Despite their success in process development, the Indian firms are not yet filing a significant number of patent applications in India. Data gathered for this article, limited to companies generating significant biotechnology revenues in India in 2005 and 2006, reveal that they filed only a handful of Indian patent applications during that period. Are the Indian firms' efforts to meet the growing worldwide demand for generic biologics draining resources that might otherwise be put towards now-potentially patentable innovation? Rather than developing novel recombinant proteins or methods of manufacturing them, for example, the bulk of India's skilled biotechnologists might remain focused on merely copying off-patent biologics. The enhanced incentives provided by India's newly strengthened patents regime might take a back seat to supplying the demand for generic biologics. This article rejects such a scenario. The TRIPS-mandated term extension of Indian chemical (including biotechnological) process patents from seven to twenty years from filing, coupled with a shifted burden of proof for alleged infringements of process patents, will work in concert with the Indian biotechnology industry's desire to lead the world in supplying generic biologics. As multiple Indian companies compete to sell the same biotechnology product, each firm's need to distinguish itself by process development increases. Stronger process patent protection will facilitate competitive advantage among Indian biotechnology companies.
Carbon–Hydrogen Bond Activation in Bis(2,6-dimethylbenzenethiolato)tris(trimethylphosphine)ruthenium(II): Ligand Dances and Solvent Transformations

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to predict the mechanism for the intramolecular carbon–hydrogen bond activation of an ortho methyl group on the RuII(SC6H3Me2-2,6-κ1S)2(PMe3)3 complex to form the cycloruthenated product cis-Ru[SC6H3-(2-CH2)(6-Me)-κ2S2C](PMe3)4 and HSC6H3Me2-2,6 in the presence of PMe3. The DFT calculations also show how changing the solvent from benzene to methanol prevents C–H activation and results in the unactivated six-coordinate product Ru(SC6H3Me2-2,6-κ1S)2(PMe3)4 in 100% yield. The reactant was determined to have two plausible σ-bond metathesis pathways in which to react, one for each of the two thiolate ligands. The steps in both mechanisms were influenced by the electronic interactions between the sulfur lone pairs and the Ru 4d orbitals and the steric repulsion between the methyl groups on the five ligands in such a way that the methyl group in the SAr (Ar = SC6H3Me2-2,6) ligand closest to the Ru pirouettes away to activate the other methyl group. The equato...
CONVERSION OF ACETYL STROPHANTHIDIN-INDUCED VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA TO SINUS RHYTHM BY ISOPROPYL METHOXAMINE.

SummaryAcetyl strophanthidin was infused intravenously into 9 dogs at a constant rate of 6 μg/kg/min until death occurred. After the establishment of ventricular tachycardia, isopropyl methoxamine was administered intravenously at dose levels ranging from 2-12 mg/kg. This resulted in temporary conversion to sinus rhythm in all cases.
Ion Channeling Analysis of GaAsxP1−x/GaP Strained-Layer Superlattices

Axial ion channeling and backscattering with 2 MeV 4He are used to probe the strain in GaAs.16P.84/GaP strained-layer superlattices (SLS) by two methods. The tetragonal distortions in the growth direction of SLS’s give rise to alternating tilts in inclined crystal directions at each interface. In the first method the large increase in dechanneling along directions containing the angular tilts is measured relative to the negligible increase in dechanneling along the growth direction. This method provides a sensitive depth-dependent measure of strain but requires computer simulation for quantitative analysis. In the second method, channeling angular scans are used to directly measure the lattice strain by the shift in the crystal direction in the top layer relative to the average direction. These results demonstrate the validity of the strain accommodation model for the interpretation of the dechanneling and indicate that GaAsxP1−x/GaP SLS structures of high crystalline quality can be obtained with strains somewhat lower than that predicted theoretically from bulk lattice properties.
Dissociation Constant of m-Nitrophenol in 50 Wt Percent Methanol-Water Solvent from 25 to 40 °C and Related Medium Effects.

The dissociation constant of m-nitrophenol in 50 wt percent methanol-water as solvent has been determined at 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C. A spectrophotometric method was used, together with acidity functions for buffer solutions in 50 percent methanol derived from previous emf measurements. Values of the enthalpy and entropy changes on dissociation of the phenol have been calculated. A comparison with corresponding values for the dissociation of m-nitrophenol in aqueous solution affords a measure of the medium effect. The medium effect for m-nitrophenol lies intermediate between that for o-nitrophenol and that for p-nitrophenol.
J06 Safety And Feasibility Of Treadmill Training In Ambulatory Individuals With Huntington’s Disease

Background Individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD) experience balance and walking problems. Treadmill training (TT) improves walking function (e.g., gait speed, stride length) in Parkinson’s disease suggesting that TT may also be beneficial in HD. Aims We investigated the safety, feasibility, and possible effects on gait of a single session of TT in individuals with HD. Methods Nine ambulatory individuals with HD [mean (SD); age: 53.4 (9.4) yrs; symptom duration: 9.5 (5.9) yrs; 5 women; TFC: 8.2 (3)] participated in this study. Spatiotemporal gait parameters in forward, forward fast, and backward walking were assessed with GAITRite. Mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Outcome measures were assessed before (pre1), after a 15 min delay (pre2) and immediately following (post) TT. TT included 20 min of continuous walking with treadmill speed set at the participant’s overground comfortable walking speed initially and then increased by 10% in each subsequent 5-minute time interval. Vital signs and perceived rate of exertion (RPE) were collected before, during, and after TT. Results All participants completed the 20-minute training period. Blood pressure and heart rate responses to walking were within normal ranges; no adverse events occurred. RPEs during treadmill walking ranged from 2–3; one individual needed to rest during TT. Gait measures were unchanged across all conditions following TT. TUG scores trended toward significance between pre1 and post testing (p = 0.067). Treadmill walking required the full attention of many participants to maintain continuous stepping and most participants (60%) did not attain their comfortable overground walking speeds on the TT by session end, suggesting that it was cognitively challenging. Conclusions Preliminary data from this study suggest that TT of moderate intensity may be safe and feasible in individuals with HD. Analysis of gait variability and motor coordination data is ongoing.
Syndrome of acquired factor X deficiency and systemic amyloidosis in vivo studies of the metabolic fate of factor X.

To determine the metabolic fate of factor X in primary amyloidosis associated with factor X deficiency, we examined the pathways of its catabolism in a man with this syndrome. Intravenous infusion of human or bovine 131I-labeled factor X established a triphasic plasma clearance pattern for factor X. About 85 per cent of the factor X disappeared, with a disappearance half-time of less than 30 seconds. A second and third phase showed a T1/2 of 90 minutes and nine hours respectively. 131I-labeles factor X in plasma did not appear to be rapidly modified or degraded. Relatively minor quantities of 131I were cleared into the urine. We observed a diffuse distribution of radioactivity over the body surface, with a concentration in the hepatic and splenic regions. These studies demonstrate than factor X deficiency associated with systemic amyloidosis is due to binding of factor X to body tissue, probably within the circulatory system.
Requirement Analysis of AIDS Prevention and Control Knowledge among Export Labors Personnel from Weifang City

[Objective] To understand requirement and acceptance of AIDS knowledge among export labors.[Methods] The awareness rate of AIDS prevention and control knowledge among export labors was investigated by using sampling questionnaire survey.[Results] 865 were investigated,the average awareness rate was 60.8%.[Conclusion]The average awareness rate of respondents was very low,but the respondents show great demand for test and knowledge,the propaganda and education work should be strengthened continuously,and targeted advisory services should be increased.
The Relationship between the Supervision Role and Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Genetic Counseling

Many genetic counselors provide supervision to students during their career. Previous studies have shown genetic counselors, in general, are at increased risk for developing compassion fatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in compassion fatigue and burnout levels in genetic counselors who currently supervise compared to genetic counselors who do not. Genetic counselors who currently practice in a clinical setting (N = 391) completed an online survey containing demographic questions, the Professional Quality of Life Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and questions specific to the genetic counselor's experiences with supervision. Overall, when controlling for trait-anxiety, the supervision role by itself was not independently associated with the risk for compassion fatigue and burnout among genetic counselors. Within supervisors, however, there were several factors which were associated with this risk. Those with less supervision experience reported more secondary traumatic stress. Those supervisors reporting less confidence had decreased compassion satisfaction. Those with less experience or less confidence in their supervision role were most likely to be at increased risk for developing compassion fatigue. Training in supervision and support for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnout may be beneficial to supervisors with less experience.
Lead in preserved duck eggs: field screening test and confirmation and quantitation by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and anodic stripping voltammetry

Analysis of preserved duck eggs in this laboratory by acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry has shown that addition of lead salts to the egg coating to speed the preservation process results in lead in the egg albumen and yolk. The lead levels decrease as the lead passes through successive membranes, i.e., the lead level in the yolk is lower than that in the albumen. A method has been developed for the field screening of preserved duck eggs for the presence of lead in which a portion of the egg coating is shaken with 4% acetic acid, and the resulting solution is tested by a modification of the AOAC dithizone method. A quantitative method for laboratory confirmation of lead in egg albumen and/or yolk has also been developed in which lead is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry or anodic stripping voltammetry after closed-system Teflon-cup digestion with nitric acid.
Organizational Openness, Relative Performance Information (RPI), and Employee Performance

This study investigates the relationship between organizational openness, relative performance information (RPI), and employee performance. Firms are increasingly transitioning from closed workplaces to more open environments that increase employees’ knowledge about their co-workers’ actions. We investigate whether an open workplace can improve employee performance by leading employees to choose better strategies to perform their tasks. Further, we also examine whether the speed with which the benefits of openness are realized depend upon the type of performance feedback employees receive. We predict and find that openness can significantly increase employees’ propensity to choose better-performing strategies but that it takes time for this to occur. Importantly, we also predict and find that this time can be reduced if employees receive RPI that reveals their co-workers’ performance because this helps employees to identify better-performing strategies more quickly. Thus, our study suggests that the effect of organizational openness on employees’ job performance depends upon the type of performance feedback they receive. We discuss this and several other implications of our results.