cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk and Return Considerations in “The Weakest Link”

The television game show, The Weakest Link, involves contestants making a sequence of decisions over time. Given the rules of the game and the process for accrual of payoffs over time, a number of authors have recognized that this show serves as a laboratory for assessment of human decision-making. To this end, by comparing theoretically derived gaming strategies with those actually used by the contestants, conclusions are drawn regarding the extent to which players’ decisions are rational and consistent with the pursuit of optimality. The first main objective of this paper is to provide arguments that the models used in the literature to date may result in an erroneous impression of the extent to which contestants’ decisions deviate from the optimum. More specifically, we first point out that previous authors, while concentrating on maximization of the expected value of the return, totally neglect the risk component; i.e., the expected return is considered while its variance is not. To this end, we expand the analysis of previous authors to include both risk and return and a number of other factors: mixing of strategies and socalled end effects due to fixed round length. It is seen that many strategies, discounted by previous authors as being sub-optimal in terms of maximization of expected return, may in fact be consistent with rational decision-making. That is, such strategies satisfy a certain “efficiency” requirement in the risk-return plane. To obtain this efficiency characterization of the game, the paper also includes results describing mean and variance of the return in closed form.
Method to Measure the Activation Energy of the Receptor-Ligand Binding by Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy

Single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) is routinely used in biophysical research to measure the kinetic parameters of dissociation of biomolecules by affecting the dissociation kinetics with external force. We have noticed that probability to form bond between tethered ligand and immobilized receptor measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based SMFS depends on time the AFM probe spends near the surface. This dependence has been attributed to the tether-constrained kinetics of forming the molecular bond between the ligand and the receptor. We have developed a kinetic model that incorporates the polymeric tether dynamics and permits measurement of the activation energy of association in bimolecular reaction. To test this model we have performed SMFS measurements using biotin tethered to the AFM probe by PEG linkers with molecular weights of 5 and 3.4 kDa and streptavidin immobilized on a flat substrate. Measurements support the developed model and yield activation energy of the binding of 9.5±0.5 kT. The developed approach can be used as a common SMFS tool in characterizing the activation energy of binding in other molecular systems.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Loss of continuity and lack of closure in therapeutic relationships were associated with feelings of abandonment at the transition to end of life care.

What are the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, physicians, and nurses on abandonment during transition to end of life care? Longitudinal qualitative study. Seattle, Washington, USA. Purposive sample of 31 physicians who spent ⩾50% of their time in clinical practice and could identify ⩾4 patients who had advanced cancer or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a life expectancy ⩽1 year. 55 eligible patients and their caregivers (n = 36) and nurses (n = 25) participated in the study. Data were collected in semistructured interviews (220 h) at study entry, 4–6 months, and 12 months. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically, using a limited application of grounded theory. 2 themes described worries about or experiences of abandonment at transition to end of life care. (1) Loss of continuity before death . Patients and their families worried about loss of continuity of medical expertise : “Someone else would take over, who doesn’t have a lot of history with [the dying] person…I think that one could feel relatively abandoned.” One caregiver talked about transition to hospice: “…they’re just here to make you comfortable until you …
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir in postherpetic neuralgia.

Twenty-one patients with postherpetic neuralgia of two- to 84-months duration participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir. Pain perception was assessed with the Melzack Pain Questionnaire at baseline and at two- to six-week intervals during the ensuing six months. Clinically significant pain reduction occurred in eight patients: four received acyclovir, and four received a placebo. Several treatment strategies have been advocated for relief of postherpetic neuralgia. Results of the present study demonstrate the need for a double-blind, placebo-controlled paradigm to substantiate the efficacy of new clinical approaches. The same caveat applies to the more common syndromes encountered in psychiatric practice.
Dietary Energy Levels for Laying Hens as Related to Age and Environmental Temperatures 1. Effect on Egg Production, Body Weight and Feed Conversion

Abstract LAYING rations of high energy content were reported to support higher rates of egg production as early as 1945 by Heuser et al., and an inverse relationship between dietary fiber level and egg production efficiency was observed by Bird and Whitson (1946). Lillie et al. (1952) noted that the feeding of a laying diet supplemented with lard produced a marked improvement in feed conversion of layers. McDaniel et al. (1957) reported a 12.2% improvement in feed conversion through an increase in productive energy level from 962–1,050 Calories per pound in a 17% protein diet. During the cold weather months only, Hill, Anderson and Dansky (1956) noted an improvement in the rate of egg production at the higher energy levels studied. No difference in rate of production was obtained during the other portions of the year. Feed requirement per dozen eggs was lowered 12% by a 100 Calorie increase in…
Lack of antibody induction following skin testing with Histolyn-CYL: ELISA determinations with Histoplasma capsulatum yeast and mycelial phase antigens

No significant increases in antibody levels (IgG, IgM) were detected when serum specimens obtained from individuals exhibiting a positive skin test to the Histoplasma capsulatum yeast phase reagent, Histolyn-CYL, were assayed by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using yeast and mycelial phase antigens.
Passive catheter tracking using MRI: comparison of conventional and magnetization-prepared FLASH.

Purpose To compare a magnetization-prepared gradient-echo (GRE) sequence with a conventional GRE sequence for visualizing contrast agent-filled catheters. Materials and Methods Passive visualization of endovascular catheters using MRI was compared between two imaging sequences: 1) inversion recovery (IR)-fast low angle shot (FLASH), and 2) conventional FLASH. Two-dimensional projection images of the catheters filled with 4% diluted contrast agent in a phantom and the aorta of swine were obtained with each sequence with a temporal resolution of two frames per second. We compared background suppression and catheter visibility using the catheter-to-background signal ratio and the ratings of two radiologists. Results In the phantom, IR-FLASH allowed for a 200% increase in catheter-to-background ratio (p < 0.01) and improved depiction of catheters over conventional FLASH. In swine, the IR-FLASH images showed a statistically significant improvement of 80% (p < 0.001) over conventional FLASH in all comparisons of the catheter-to-background signal ratio, and an improvement of 160% (p < 0.05) in comparison with the radiologists' observations. Conclusion This study shows that IR-FLASH is a better technique for passive tracking of contrast agent-filled catheters than conventional FLASH. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:104–109. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cultivation of the cercaria of Himasthla quissetensis (Trematoda) on the chick chorioallantois.

Abstract Cercariae of Himasthla quissetensis were cultivated on the chick chorioallantois maintained at 38 ± 1°C and a relative humidity of 70–75%. Of 68, 6-day-old eggs, each inoculated with 100 cercariae, 28 (41%) were examined 1–9 days post-inoculation. Of the 28 eggs, 23 (82%) were infected with a total of 224 live worms plus 10 encysted metacercariae. Worms contained blood or hematin-like material in their intestinal caeca and showed considerable development of reproductive structures. A total of 58, 6- or 7-day-old chorioallantoic-worms were serially transferred to new 6-day-old embryos, but only a single live worm was recovered after 13 days on two membranes. Based on fixed and stained specimens, 7-day-old chorioallantoic-worms increased their body area about 4× compared to cercariae and the 13-day-old worm increased its body area about 10×.
Detection of Giardia in Sewage Effluent

Giardia sp. cysts were found at levels of 4,000-450,000/378,500 liters (100,000 gallons) in sewage effluents from three of seven sewage treatment plants in Sangamon County, Illinois, in June, July, and August 1981. Effluent from the positive plants is discharged into Lake Springfield (the present source of the city of Springfield's water supply) or the Sangamon River.
TEM Investigation of Multilayered Structures in Heterogeneous AuCo Alloys

The microstructure of melt-spun Au83.3Co16.7 and Au71.6Co28.4 ribbons is investigated by means of analytical and high-resolution electron microscopy. The as-quenched ribbons contain a multilayered lamellar eutectic within the grains and Co precipitates at grain boundaries. Cobalt-rich lamellae are found with growing direction 〈110〉 and an average width of 7.5 nm. The thickness of the Co-lamella parallel to [001] is larger in the sample with the higher Co-content. Annealing at 480 °C dissolves the eutectic and large Co particles are formed at grain boundaries and within the grains deteriorating the magnetic properties. Die Mikrostruktur von schnell abgekuhlten Au83.3Co16.7 und Au71.6Co28.4 Bandern wird mittels analytischer und hochauflosender Elektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Die nicht warmebehandelten Bander bestehen aus Kornern mit einem lamellaren Eutektikum und Co-Ausscheidungen an den Korngrenzen. Die Kobalt-reichen Lamellen wachsen in 〈110〉 Richtung und weisen eine mittlere Breite von 7,5 nm auf. In der 28,4 At% Co Probe ist die Dicke der Co-Lamellen parallel zu [001] groser als in der Probe mit geringerem Co-Gehalt. Eine Warmebehandlung bei 480 °C lost die Lamellenstruktur auf, fuhrt zur Bildung von grosen Co-Ausscheidungen an Korngrenzen und im Inneren der Korner und verschlechtert die magnetischen Eigenschaften.
Analysis of Jet Fuel Reforming for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications in Auxiliary Power Units

Abstract Jet fuel reforming was analyzed for both partial oxidation and autothermal reforming processes based on the chemical-reaction equilibria with possible use of solid oxide fuel cells in the auxiliary power units of aircraft to reduce pollutant emissions. Parameters considered in this paper were the oxygen-to-carbon ratio (0–0.7), the steam-to-carbon ratio (0–1), and the reformer temperature (500– 1200 ∘ C ). The product compositions and energy change of the reforming process were calculated for 12 hydrocarbons of a surrogate jet fuel under the isothermal conditions and the jet fuel under the adiabatic conditions. Solid carbon in the form of graphite was included as one of the products. The effect of 12 hydrocarbons on the oxygen-to-carbon ratio at the carbon formation boundary was negligible above 700 ∘ C . Under isothermal conditions, the maximum yield of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or syngas was at the carbon formation boundary. Under adiabatic conditions, the minimum required oxygen-to-carbon ratio to avoid carbon formation was decreased from 0.52 to 0.38 and the corresponding temperature was reduced from 844 to 617 ∘ C with the increase of steam-to-carbon ratio from 0 to 1 for the jet fuel reforming. The maximum reforming efficiency based on the synthesis gas was about 83% for the considered steam-to-carbon ratios.
Neurological basis of language and reading

Abstract The central theme of this article is that contemporary neuroanatomical-neurolinguistic models which conceptualize language and reading as multidimensional, interactive functional systems are more able than earlier localizationist viewpoints to contribute to our understanding of individual differences. After providing a theoretical rationale for this position based on Luria (1973,1980), three modern neuroanatomical-neuroloinguistic models, derived from the extensive case study literature of adult asphasia, alexia, and acquired dyslexia, are discussed. Specifically, the Geschwind-Dejerine model of reading which stresses involvement of classical perisylvian structures in the left hemisphere, Bastian's (1898) competing model which postulates more bihemispheric involvement in reading, and a neurolinguistic model to account for the different ways surface, phonological, and deep dyslexics access meaning, are critically evaluated in terms of their empirical validation, utility, and limitations for understanding individual differences. Finally, suggestions for future research are offered.
Casting Simulation of Calcium Titanate and Calcium Zirconate Nozzles for Continuous Casting of Aluminum-Killed Steels

The clogging of submerged entry nozzles (SENs) and tundish well nozzles is a common problem in the continuous casting of aluminum-killed steels. Clogging occurs when alumina attaches to the inside of the nozzle restricting the flow. This article explores the use of new nozzle materials that could prevent accretion growth through the formation of liquid phases at the inclusion-refractory interface. Casting simulation experiments were conducted using three nozzle refractory formulations: calcium titanate, calcium zirconate, and a 2:1 calcium titanate to calcium zirconate molar mixture. Nozzles fabricated from these materials cast more aluminum-killed steel without clogging than typical industrial alumina graphite nozzles. However, the nozzles constructed of calcium titanate dramatically outperformed alumina graphite, calcium zirconate, and the mixed nozzles. Microscopy investigation of spent nozzles found no accretion formation in the calcium titanate nozzles. The performance difference was due to the formation of a liquid calcium aluminum titanate phase, which prevented alumina accretions.
Pion gauge invariance and low-energy theorems

Zero-mass pion theories invariant under $c$-number translations ("chiral transformations") of the pion field are studied in a general framework. The operator which induces the chiral transformation is defined in Fock space (in which it is not unitary) and in von Neumann's infinite-tensor-product space (in which it is unitary). The transformed (noninvariant) Fock-space vacuum is recognized as a coherent state in the tensor-product space. The generator of the chiral transformation---a constant of the motion in gauge-invariant theories---is diagonalized, and its eigenvectors, the "chiral states," are employed in one of two derivations of a low-energy theorem for zero-mass pion emission and absorption, assuming gauge invariance of the theory. The other method of derivation is also used to rederive the electromagnetic gauge conditions. Then Lagrangian models (gradient-coupling, $c$-number, and operator theory) are studied in which the invariance is realized provided the current is suitably restricted. Implications of the low-energy theorem are checked (exactly for the $c$-number theory, in lowest-order perturbation theory for the operator theory). A larger class of models is then considered in which, it is shown, the complicated set of transformations under which the Lagrangian is invariant reduce, by virtue of the field equations and the asymptotic condition, to a simple pion translation when expressed in terms of the asymptotic fields, and hence obey the supposition of our theorem, which we again check in lowest-order perturbation theory.
Energy Utilization in Laying Hens III. Effect of Dietary Protein Level at 21 and 32 C

Abstract White Leghorn pullets housed at either 21 or 32 C were used to investigate the effects of dietary protein level on energy utilization. Protein levels of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20% were employed in this study with three feeding levels of each (two restricted levels and ad lib.). All diets were isocaloric, and the duration of the study was 21 days. Maintenance metabolizable energy (ME) was estimated as 134 and 121 kcal/kg physiological body weight (BW.75) at 21 and 32 C, respectively. Fasting heat production/BW.75 was 21% higher at the lower temperature (89 vs. 70 kcal). Estimates of energetic efficiencies at 21 C varied from 60.9% for the 12% protein diet to 72.4% for the 18% protein diets. At 32 C, similar diets showed lower energetic efficiencies for ME conversion to net energy (50.6% for the 12% protein diet and 70.6% at 20% protein) due to lower feed intakes. Egg weights were significantly higher at the lower environmental temperature, and at each temperature they were increased with the feeding of the higher protein diets. The average feed efficiency (g egg/g feed) was significantly better at the higher environmental temperature (.46 vs. .53). Calculations of heat increment (HI) plus activity values from a parabolic regression developed in relation to protein intakes showed higher (HI plus activity) values with either low or high protein intakes. Thus, the feeding of dietary protein levels which result in intakes commensurate with needs should result in maximum energetic efficiencies and dietary net energy.
Deletion of CD74, a putative MIF receptor, in mice enhances osteoclastogenesis and decreases bone mass

CD74 is a type II transmembrane protein that can act as a receptor for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and plays a role in MIF-regulated responses. We reported that MIF inhibited osteoclast formation and MIF knockout (KO) mice had decreased bone mass. We therefore examined if CD74 was involved in the ability of MIF to alter osteoclastogenesis in cultured bone marrow (BM) from wild-type (WT) and CD74-deficient (KO) male mice. We also measured the bone phenotype of CD74 KO male mice. Bone mass in the femur of 8-week-old mice was measured by micro–computed tomography and histomorphometry. Bone marrow cells from CD74 KO mice formed 15% more osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) (both at 30 ng/mL) compared to WT. Addition of MIF to WT cultures inhibited OCL formation by 16% but had no effect on CD74KO cultures. The number of colony forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) in the bone marrow of CD74 KO mice was 26% greater than in WT controls. Trabecular bone volume (TBV) in the femurs of CD74 KO male mice was decreased by 26% compared to WT. In addition, cortical area and thickness were decreased by 14% and 11%, respectively. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)(+) osteoclast number and area were significantly increased in CD74 KO by 35% and 43%, respectively compared to WT. Finally, we examined the effect of MIF on RANKL-induced-signaling pathways in bone marrow macrophage (BMM) cultures. MIF treatment decreased RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos protein in BMM cultures by 70% and 41%, respectively. Our data demonstrate that CD74 is required for MIF to affect in vitro osteoclastogenesis. Further, the bone phenotype of CD74 KO mice is similar to that of MIF KO mice. MIF treatment of WT cultures suppressed RANKL-induced activator protein 1 (AP-1) expression, which resulted in decreased osteoclast differentiation in vitro. We propose that CD74 plays a critical role in the MIF inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diminished functional role and altered localization of SHP2 in non-small cell lung cancer cells with EGFR-activating mutations

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tend to display elevated activity of several survival signaling pathways. Surprisingly, these mutations also correlate with reduced phosphorylation of ERK and SHP2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase required for complete ERK activation downstream of most receptor tyrosine kinases. As ERK activity influences cellular response to EGFR inhibition, altered SHP2 function could have a role in the striking response to gefitinib witnessed with EGFR mutation. Here, we demonstrate that impaired SHP2 phosphorylation correlates with diminished SHP2 function in NSCLC cells expressing mutant, versus wild-type, EGFR. In NSCLC cells expressing wild-type EGFR, SHP2 knockdown decreased ERK phosphorylation, basally and in response to gefitinib, and increased cellular sensitivity to gefitinib. In cells expressing EGFR mutants, these effects of SHP2 knockdown were less substantial, but the expression of constitutively active SHP2 reduced cellular sensitivity to gefitinib. In cells expressing EGFR mutants, which do not undergo efficient ligand-mediated endocytosis, SHP2 was basally associated with GRB2-associated binder 1 (GAB1) and EGFR, and SHP2’s presence in membrane fractions was dependent on EGFR activity. Whereas EGF promoted a more uniform intracellular distribution of initially centrally localized SHP2 in cells expressing wild-type EGFR, SHP2 was basally evenly distributed and did not redistribute in response to EGF in cells with EGFR mutation. Thus, EGFR mutation may promote association of a fraction of SHP2 at the plasma membrane with adapters that promote SHP2 activity. Consistent with this, SHP2 immunoprecipitated from cells with EGFR mutation was active, and EGF treatment did not change this activity. Overall, our data suggest that a fraction of SHP2 is sequestered at the plasma membrane in cells with EGFR mutation in a way that impedes SHP2’s ability to promote ERK activity and identify SHP2 as a potential target for co-inhibition with EGFR in NSCLC.
Build your own low-cost seismic/bathymetric recorder annotator

Abstract An inexpensive programmable annotator, completely compatible with at least three models of widely used graphic recorders (Raytheon LSR-1811, Raytheon LSR-1807 M, and EDO 550) has been developed to automatically write event marks and print up to sixteen numbers on the paper record. Event mark and character printout intervals, character height and character position are all selectable with front panel switches. Operation is completely compatible with recorders running in either continuous or start-stop mode.
NaNoWriMo in the AcadLib: A Case Study of National Novel Writing Month Activities in an Academic Library

The J. D. Williams Library at the University of Mississippi launched a pilot program during the 2010 National Novel Writing Month, hosting related events to determine community demand and how such efforts could be quantified. Using participant-submitted word counts and the event's own tools, researchers were able to ascertain that such events had a positive impact on participants’ writing output, at least by the standards of National Novel Writing Month itself, and that there is sufficient community interest to hold future events in an academic library setting.
Acute spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the peripartum period.

c PONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION (SCAD) is a rare condition that can lead to blood flow bstruction and acute myocardial ischemia and infarction.1 The orbidity and mortality associated with SCAD in pregnant or ostpartum patients can be high without awareness of the ossibility of this condition and its appropriate treatment. The uthors present a case and review the literature concerning cute SCAD in the peripartum patient.
Spillover rate from Pd to AI203

To measure the rate of spillover on Pd/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3], the authors used interrupted TPR and isotope exchange before a complete TPR experiment. In this approach, [sup 12]CO was adsorbed at 300 K and the catalyst temperature was then raised in H[sub 2] flow to facilitate spillover. The heating ramp was interrupted before a significant amount of CH[sub 4] formed, and the sample was quickly cooled to 300 K. Then the catalyst was exposed to [sup 13]CO to displace any [sup 12]CO that remained on the Pd surface. At room temperature, gas phase CO readily exchanges with adsorbed CO on Pd. The authors also observed previously that gas phase CO does not exchange with CH[sub 3]O on Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] of Ni/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3]. Thus, any [sup 12]CO remaining on the catalyst after exchange was assumed to be present as [sup 12]CH[sub 3]O on the Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] surface. The amount of [sup 12]CH[sub 4] that formed during the subsequent TPR was thus a measure of how much [sup 12]CO had spilled over to the Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] since all the adsorbed [sup 12]CH[sub 3]O was hydrogenated to [sup 12]CH[sub 4]. A series of TRP experiments with different interruption temperaturesmore » yielded a TPR spectrum for spillover and an estimate of the activaiton energy for spillover.« less
Tabanid Larval Habitats and Population Densities in an Alluvial Area in Southern Louisiana

Study of tabanid larval habitats generally has been confined to swampy areas, streams, ponds, marshes, and other areas in which a high soil moisture content prevails. The work of Logothetis and Schwardt (1948), Tashiro and Schwardt (1949, 1953), Schomberg (1952), and Schomberg and Howell (1955) are notable exceptions.
Comment on “Weathering, plants, and the long-term carbon cycle” by Robert A. Berner

Berner (1992) has asserted that Jackson and Keller (1970a) misinterpreted the conspicuous reddish crust which forms on young lava flows in areas of rock surface colonised by the lichen Stereocaulon vulcani (but not in adjacent areas of bare rock) in regions of high rain fall on the Island of Hawaii. Jackson (1968) and Jackson and Keller (1970a,b) concluded from the results of a thorough interdisiplinary investigation employing a wide spectrum of techniques and information that his reddish coating, is an intensely leached weathering crust formed in situ, and that biochemical activities of the lichen or its associated microflora not only accelerate the chemical weathering of the rock by orders of magnitude but also determine the specific mineralogical and chemical properties of the weathering products. Berner, however, maintained that the reddish crust is in reality a deposit of [open quotes]wind-blown soil dust[close quotes] entrapped by a sticky organic substance secreted by the lichen. Berner fixed his attention on just one aspect of the many-sided body of interrelated data on which the conclusions of Jackson and Keller are founded-the observation that the weathering crust is much thicker on lichen-covered rock surfaces than on lichen-free [open quotes]control[close quotes] areas of the same rock.more » The totality of published evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusions of Jackson and Keller an demonstrates that Berner's rival hypothesis is untenable.« less
Measurement of subpicosecond time intervals between two photons by interference.

A fourth-order interference technique has been used to measure the time intervals between two photons, and by implication the length of the photon wave packet, produced in the process of parametric down-conversion. The width of the time-interval distribution, which is largely determined by an interference filter, is found to be about 100 fs, with an accuracy that could, in principle, be less than 1 fs.
Examining sex differences in knee pain: the multicenter osteoarthritis study.

Summary Objective To determine whether women experience greater knee pain severity than men at equivalent levels of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design and methods A cross-sectional analysis of 2712 individuals (60% women) without knee replacement or a recent steroid injection. Sex differences in pain severity at each Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade were assessed by knee using visual analog scale (VAS) scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) with and without adjustment for age, analgesic use, Body mass index (BMI), clinic site, comorbid conditions, depression score, education, race, and widespread pain (WSP) using generalized estimating equations. Effect sizes (Cohen's d ) were also calculated. Analyses were repeated in those with and without patellofemoral OA (PFOA). Results Women reported higher VAS pain at all KL grades in unadjusted analyses ( d = 0.21–0.31, P d = 0.16–0.22, P d = 0.10–0.18) and were significant for KL grade ≤2 ( P = 0.0015) and 2 ( P = 0.0200). Presence compared with absence of WSP was associated with significantly greater knee pain at all KL grades ( d = 0.32–0.52, P d = 0.45–0.62, P = 0.0006–0.0030) and remained significant for all KL grades in adjusted analyses ( d = 0.31–0.57, P = 0.0013–0.0361). Results using WOMAC were similar. Conclusions Women reported greater knee pain than men regardless of KL grade, though effect sizes were generally small. These differences increased in the presence of PFOA. The strong contribution of WSP to sex differences in knee pain suggests that central sensitivity plays a role in these differences.
The effect of hemodialysis on the transport of sodium in erythrocytes from chronic renal failure patients maintained on hemodialysis.

Abstract Studies were undertaken to evaluate the modulatory effect of maintenance hemodialysis on ouabain sensitive (OS) and ouabain insensitive (OIS) 22 Na + uptake in erythrocytes (E) of 8 chronic renal failure patients of both sexes. Following the receipt of informed consent, the blood samples were obtained just before and after Dialysis. The % 22 Na + uptake of the total 22 Na + present in the assay media was determined in the purified E just before and after Dialysis. The assay medium was composed of 100 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 10 mM trisbase, 10 mM MOPS, 10 mM D-glucose and 60 mM sucrose, pH 7.4 with and without ouabain. Five different concentrations of E, ranging from 0.75 to 2.00 × 10 9 /mL were used for this study. We observed a linear relationship between the 22 Na + uptake and E concentrations in both of the assay systems (OS and OIS). The mean total 22 Na + uptake per 6.5 × 10 9 E/mL in OS and OIS before and after hemodialysis were 3.28 ± 0.4 (OS) and 3.26 ± 0.42 (OIS), and 3.42 ± 0.54 (OS) and 3.42 ± 0.68 (OIS) respectively. The relative % differences between pre- and post-Dialysis were 4 and 5%, which were statistically not significant. From this study, we conclude that hemodialysis does not affect E membrane properties influencing 22 Na + transport.
Angiogenesis Induced by Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5A (STAT5A) Is Dependent on Autocrine Activity of Proliferin

Multiple secreted factors induce the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The signal transduction events that orchestrate the numerous cellular activities required for angiogenesis remain incompletely understood. We have shown previously that STAT5 plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis induced by FGF2 and FGF8b. To delineate the signaling pathway downstream of STAT5, we expressed constitutively active (CA) or dominant-negative (DN) mutant STAT5A in mouse brain endothelial cells (EC). We found that the conditioned medium from CA-STAT5A but not from dominant-negative STAT5A overexpressing EC is sufficient to induce EC invasion and tube formation, indicating that STAT5A regulates the secretion of autocrine proangiogenic factors. Conversely, CA-STAT5A-induced conditioned medium had no effect on EC proliferation. Using a comparative genome-wide transcription array screen, we identified the prolactin family member proliferin (PLF1 and PLF4) as a candidate autocrine factor. The CA-STAT5A-dependent transcription and secretion of PLF by EC was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. CA-STAT5A binds to the PLF1 promoter region, suggesting a direct transcriptional regulation. Knockdown of PLF expression by shRNA or by blocking of PLF activity with neutralizing antibodies removed the CA-STAT5A-dependent proangiogenic activity from the conditioned medium of EC. Similarly, the ability of concentrated conditioned medium from CA-STAT5A transfected EC to induce angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs in vivo was abolished when PLF was depleted from the medium. These observations demonstrate a FGF/STAT5/PLF signaling cascade in EC and implicate PLF as autocrine regulator of EC invasion and tube formation.
On the nature of temporary yield loss in maize following canola

Background and Aims Soy is currently the most important biodiesel feedstock crop in the U.S., but canola is an attractive alternative because of its potential for greater oil yields. Nevertheless, factors other than oil yield must be considered in the choice of biodiesel feedstock crop. For example, soy is mycorrhizal and canola is not. We examined the consequences of soy and canola crops to subsequently-grown maize, which is mycorrhizal. We hypothesized that canola would reduce mycorrhization, P uptake and yield of subsequently-grown maize when compared to soy, and that winter cover cropping with wheat (mycorrhizal) would ameliorate canola’s negative impacts.
Goodpasture's epitope in development of experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis in rats

Goodpasture's epitope in development of experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis in rats. The Goodpasture's epitope (GP) has recently been localized to the last 36 AA of the non-collagenous (NC1) domain of the α 3 chain of type IV collagen [ α 3 (IV)]. Since α 3 (IV) induces glomerulonephritis (GN) in rats and rabbits, the purpose of the present study was to determine if the GP epitope itself could induce GN. We immunized rats with synthetic peptides of GP epitope, 36-mer, alone or as protein conjugates. Rats immunized with bovine GBM served as positive controls. Peptide immunized rats developed high titer antibodies to peptides, but only unconjugated 36-mer induced antibody against human and bovine GBM, but not to rat GBM. Acidic residues and the full length 36-mer were important in production of GBM reactive antibodies. Positive controls developed antibody to GBM without reactivity against 36-mer, had IgG and fibrin on the basement membrane, GN and proteinuria. Kidney eluted antibody was reactive with rat, bovine, and human GBM but not 36-mer. GN rat lymphocytes underwent blast transformation to GBM but not peptide, and peptide immunized animals responded only to the respective peptides. None of the animals immunized with GP peptide epitope, despite the development of anti-peptide antibodies or anti-GBM antibodies, developed any in vivo fixation of antibody to the GBM, abnormal proteinuria, or GN. The present study shows that the GP epitope is sufficient to induce an immune response to the epitope, but it is not sufficient to induce GN. This demonstrates that other factors or epitopes are important in the pathogenicity of GBM induced GN in this model. These remain to be delineated.
The role of proctoring in personalized instruction

The effect of amount of student-proctor interaction was investigated within the framework of Keller's (1968) method of personalized instruction. College students enrolled in introductory psychology were randomly assigned to five groups: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, reflecting the percentage of units on which each student was proctored. The results indicated that (a) the proctored students were superior to the non-proctored students as measured by final examination performance, (b) for the proctored groups, the amount of proctoring did not differentially affect final examination performance, and (c) the major effect of increased proctoring was an acceleration of the rate of progress through the course.
Transdermal delivery of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2: in vitro/in vivo correlation.

Purpose. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 in vitro and in vivo.
Cerebrovascular effects of prolonged hypocarbia and hypercarbia after experimental global ischemia in cats.

Hyperventilation therapy is often recommended after an episode of global cerebral ischemia (cardiac arrest), even though several workers have shown that under such circumstances the cerebral vasculature is unresponsive to changing Paco2. However, no study has examined the effects of prolonged Paco2 changes. We therefore studied the cerebrovascular effects of a 3-h period of continuous hypercarbia (40 to 45 torr) or hypocarbia (15 to 20 torr) in cats resuscitated from 12 min of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation. There were no differences in postresuscitation cerebral blood flow (CBF) or EEG, but intracranial pressure was lower in the hypocapnic animals. Furthermore, hypocapnic cats retained some CBF responsiveness to varying Paco2 levels, while no such response was noted in previously hypercapnic animals. These findings suggest that some measurable changes in postarrest cerebrovascular behavior can result from prolonged hypocapnia (possibly related to tissue pH alterations). Whether such changes will have clinical utility is unclear.
Centromeres: unique chromatin structures that drive chromosome segregation.

Centromeric chromatin differs from bulk chromatin in many aspects, including a distinct organization and the presence of different histone variants. Studies have focused on elucidating the molecular and physical architecture of centromeric chromatin, as well as the properties that make it invaluable during chromosome segregation in mitosis.
Efficacy of Class 1C Antiarrhythmic Agents in Patients With Inducible Ventricular Tachycardia Refractory to Therapy With Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs

The efficacy of class 1C antiarrhythmic agents was determined in 36 patients with inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia during baseline electrophysiology study (EPS), who continued to have inducible monomorphic ventricular tachycardia during EPS on class 1A antiarrhythmic therapy. Of 12 patients who partially responded to class 1A drugs, 11 (91.7%) continued to have a partial response during EPS on class 1C therapy, whereas one patient did not respond. Of 24 nonresponders to class 1A therapy, 2 (8.3%) responded during EPS on class 1C therapy, 7 (29.2%) partially responded, and 15 (62.5%) did not respond. In the 24 nonresponders to class 1A therapy, 9 of 17 patients (53%) with left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) 30% responded or partially responded to class 1C therapy, compared with none of 7 patients with EF <30% (P <.05). The EPS on class 1C agents in patients who fail to respond to class 1A therapy may be warranted oniy in those with EF ≥ 30%.
Rapid Infra-Red Determination of Acetone in the Blood and the Exhaled Air of Diabetic Patients

THERE has long been a need for a rapid method for the quantitative determination of acetone in the blood and in the exhaled breath of the patient with diabetes mellitus. Since these concentrations are a direct reflexion of the diabetic state, precise acetone measurements would provide the physician with more accurate data with which to evaluate his diabetic patient. To be clinically practical, this analytical method should be specific, sensitive and rapid. An extension of an infra-red method previously reported1 provides the basis for this preliminary report on the analysis of actone in blood and in the expired air.
Studies on the embryogenesis of Aulocara elliotti (Thomas) (Orthoptera, Acrididae). I. External morphogenesis.

The growth and morphogenesis of embryos of Aulocara elliotti (Thomas) at constant temperature are described in terms of 27 discrete morphological stages with four stages designating blastokinesis. The developmental variability of two series of embryos reared from a single wild population in two different years is compared. A bibliography to studies on other embryos of the Acrididae is included.
Clausal complementation and the status of French à/de ce que

In this paper, we examine in some detail the syntactic distribution and semantic properties of French tensed clausal complements introduced by a/de ce que. We argue that the clausal determiner analysis put forth in Zaring (1992) is inadequate for explaining their distribution and that an extension of Kayne's (1999) treatment of a and de + infinitive to a/de ce que is also unlikely to yield the right results since a number of contexts reveal that the distribution of so-called prepositional complementizers in infinitives and that of a/de ce que only partially overlap. We propose instead that a/de ce que are noncompositional elements of the C system that are restricted to tensed clausal complements to verbs, nouns and adjectives that form coherent semantic classes. This type of selection and distribution is shown to be strongly reminiscent of that of indirect interrogative si. Finally we argue, based on topic placement, that given Rizzi's (1997, 2001) multi-layered approach to the C system, de ce que, just like que, occupies the head of ForceP while a ce que appears in a lower position: head of IntP.
Soils of war

Brutal battles for fungal supremacy rage in the most tranquil of settings, says mycologist Lynne Boddy
Inclined cross-stream stereo particle image velocimetry measurements in turbulent boundary layers

© Cambridge University Press. Hutchins, N., Hambleton, W. T., & Marusic, I. (2005). Inclined cross-stream stereo particle image velocimetry measurements in turbulent boundary layers. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 541, 21-54. http://www.jfm.damtp.cam.ac.uk/
E-commerce security issues

Without trust, most prudent business operators and clients may decide to forgo use of the Internet and revert back to traditional methods of doing business. To counter this trend, the issues of network security at the e-commerce and customer sites must be constantly reviewed and appropriate countermeasures devised. These security measures must be implemented so that they do not inhibit or dissuade the intended e-commerce operation. This paper will discuss pertinent network and computer security issues and will present some of the threats to e-commerce and customer privacy. These threats originate from both hackers as well as the e-commerce site itself. A straightforward comparison could be made of the security weaknesses in the postal system vs. security weaknesses on the Net. The vulnerable spots in both cases are at the endpoints - the customer's computer/network and the business' servers/network. Information flowing in the conduit (trucks/planes and wires) is relatively immune to everyday break-ins. Privacy issues are amongst the major drivers for improved network security along with the elimination of theft, fraud and vandalism. Two major threats to customer privacy and confidence come from sources both hostile to the environment as well as sources seemingly friendly. Coordinated attacks on Yahoo, eBay, ZDNet, Buy.com (on their IPO day) and amazon.com generated a huge amount of publicity and a federal government response. A brief description of these attacks will be given in this paper. Another threat may originate at ostensibly friendly companies such as DoubleClick, MemberWorks and similar firms that collect customer information and route it to other firms. Much of this transaction information is able to be associated with a specific person making these seemingly friendly actions potential threats to consumer privacy. Many of the issues and countermeasure discussed here come from experiences derived with consulting with clients on how to maintain secure e-commerce facilities. These methods and techniques can be useful in a variety of client and server environments, also serving to alert e-commerce users of potential threats.
Small market media managers: A profile

The following study, based on funding from an NAB grant, describes the typical radio station manager and daily newspaper editor in communities of 10,000 population or less. Both types are essentially similar and see themselves as “strong local influentials”; deeply involved in bettering their communities. Editors and managers are active in community groups, involved in community affairs, and stress local news content in their media. That they are happy in their jobs and locale is evident by their own comments recorded below. Drs. Bohn and Clark are both presently assistant professors of speech at the University of Massachusetts. Bohn received the Ph.D. from Wisconsin in 1968; Clark from Ohio State in 1911.
The Roles of Risk Perception and Borderline and Antisocial Personality Characteristics in College Alcohol Use and Abuse1

This study examined the relationships among risk perceptions, alcohol use and abuse, and borderline and antisocial personality characteristics in college students. College students who perceived themselves less able to avoid negative consequences reported drinking more and having more substance abuse symptoms than those who perceived themselves as more able to avoid negative consequences. College students who scored higher on borderline or antisocial personality tended to rate personal avoidability of negative consequences lower than those who scored lower on these personality characteristics. A multiple regression model accounted for 50% of the variance in self-reported substance abuse symptoms. Low perceived personal avoidability of negative drinking consequences and high borderline or antisocial personality characteristics are risk factors for substance abuse problems.
Disconnection-resilient file system for mobile clients

In this paper, we propose a novel mobile distributed file system design, which provides high available and reliable storage for files and guarantees that file operations are executed in spite of concurrency and failures. The design is intended to fit mobile clients' devices (e.g., PDAs and cell phones) that have limited storage space and cannot store all data they need, yet they require to access these data at all times. We adopt a server-side caching in order to guarantee sufficient caching space to all mobile clients, and ensure the availability of files in case of clients' failures. We present our algorithm, describe its implementation, and report on its performance evaluation using a cluster of workstations. Our results indicate clearly that our algorithm exhibits a significant degree of automation and conflict-free mobile file system
Determinants of right ventricular ejection fraction in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background Right ventricular function is a key determinant of exercise capacity and survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We aimed to study the predictors of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with newly diagnosed PAH. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with idiopathic, familial, or anorexigen-associated PAH who underwent equilibrium radionuclide angiography for measurement of RVEF at baseline. Results Of the 84 patients in the cohort, 63 underwent equilibrium radionuclide angiography and right heart catheterization and were included. The mean age was 41 ± 13 years, and 79% of the patients were female. The mean RVEF was 30 ± 8%. RVEF was directly associated with right ventricular stroke volume index and cardiac index, and inversely associated with pulmonary vascular resistance index from right heart catheterization (all p Conclusions Older patients and males with PAH had lower RVEF at baseline than younger patients and females, even after controlling for left ventricular function and hemodynamics. Higher plasma von Willebrand factor levels, a marker of endothelial dysfunction, were also associated with lower RVEF.