cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stocks and Flows of Economic Value

To quantify financial activities and interdependencies within an economy, economists account for flows of economic value among sectors of the economy. In this chapter, we utilize the prevailing subjective theory of value to develop a framework for value accounting that is consistent with the materials, energy, and embodied energy accounting frameworks presented in prior chapters. We note that important and essential material exchanges between the economy and the biosphere (including energy extraction from the biosphere and waste assimilation by the biosphere) take place outside of the market, and, as such, they are not included in national accounts and have no economic value. We point to the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) or the US Integrated Environmental Economic Satellite Accounts (IEESA) as the way forward to including some of these essential extra-market transactions in national accounting. Similar to previous chapters, a series of increasingly-disaggregated model economies is used to develop our value accounting framework. Value flows for the US auto industry are presented, and concerns are raised about recent changes to include intangible assets, such as software and intellectual property, as capital stock.
Big Data in Practice

Applied research in computational journalism offers opportunities for scholars to engage with data and platforms by developing original code-based scholarship and research methods. However, scholars who write code need a place to publish about it. This paper suggests new article forms and academic publishing conventions that will allow the field of computational journalism to expand. It explores logistical details associated with sharing and publishing code, and describes reproducible research methods in use in other disciplines.
Structure and function of the higher plant mitochondrial genome

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews structure and function of the higher plant mitochondrial genomes. The high frequency of recombination is considered the most unique feature of higher plant mitochondrial genomes. The three mutant phenotypes attributed to mitochondrial genomes include male sterility, sensitivity to a fungal toxin, and abnormal growth with striping of leaves. Mitochondrial mutations causing male sterility are relatively benign defects, resulting primarily in the prevention of normal reproductive development. The first two mitochondrial loci, which encode cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), were in maize CMS-T and in Petunia. Both these loci contain abnormal genes derived from multiple recombination events. In both the cases, the abnormal genes are upstream of apparently normal mitochondrial genes. Early characterization of plant mtDNA by physical methods reveals that the buoyant density of mtDNA and therefore the G+C values are relatively constant in widely divergent species. The similarity in GC content is in contrast to the kinetic complexity of mitochondrial genomes. Relatively abundant small nucleic acid molecules (linear and circular DNA and double-stranded RNAs) have been observed in mitochondria of several plant species.
Mental health training in emergency homeless shelters.

The prevalence of mental illness among homeless persons points to the importance of providing mental health training to emergency shelter staff. The authors report on their own work and argue that such training offers the potential to significantly improve shelter staff's ability to respond to the needs of shelter residents with mental illness, and to the behavioral problems some of these individuals may pose for shelter operation. Mental health care providers should take into consideration organizational dynamics when planning and implementing such training.
Induction of labor with an unfavorable cervix: how does BMI affect success? (‡).

AbstractObjective: Obesity places women and their babies at risk for obstetric and perinatal morbidity including induction of labor and cesarean delivery. We sought to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on successful induction of labor using misoprostol at our institution. The primary outcome was time to delivery. Secondary outcomes were number of doses of misoprostol, duration of oxytocin and cesarean delivery.Methods: A retrospective cohort over two years found 329 patients who were > 37 weeks of gestational age and had a Bishop score < 5 prior to beginning induction. Patients were divided into three categories based on their BMI: Group 1: BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2, Group 2: BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 and Group 3: BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Statistical analysis included the use of multivariate analysis, contingency tables and Chi-square tests for categorical data and Pearson’s correlation coefficient for numerical data.Results: There were no significant differences among the groups when analyzed for gestational age, bi...
Measuring Ethnicity with U.S. Census Data: Implications for Mexicans and Arabs

U.S. racial and ethnic populations can be defined by a number of census questions—race/ethnicity, ancestry, place of birth, and/or language—but little is known about how using alternative definitions of identity affect the size and characteristics of different groups. This article examines this question using combined data from the 1 % and 5 % Public Use Microdata Samples in census 2000, using Mexicans and Arabs as case studies. The analysis uses the standard method of classifying these groups (Hispanic origin and Arab ancestry) as a baseline to explore differences across the range of possible permutations of ethnic identity. In the Arab case, persons captured using alternative definitions of identity (Arabic language at home and/or born in an Arab country) are lesser educated, more likely to be in poverty, and more likely to identify as non-white or multi-racial than the Arab population as a whole. In contrast, persons in the Mexican alternative definition group (Mexican ancestry and/or born in Mexico) are more highly educated, less likely to be in poverty, and more likely to identify as white than the Mexican population as a whole. The article concludes with research and policy implications of these findings.
Factors Associated with PTSD Symptoms Following Treatment for Breast Cancer: Test of the Andersen Model

The utility of Andersen's (1993, 1994) model of psychologic morbidity following cancer treatment for predicting PTSD symptoms in breast cancer survivors (N = 82) was examined. PTSD symptoms, physical comorbidity, social support, depression history, and pre-cancer traumatic stressors were assessed in a structured telephone interview. Multiple regression analysis indicated that Andersen model variables (physical comorbidity, education, disease stage, cancer treatment, depression history, social support) accounted for 39% of variance in PTSD symptom reports (p < .001). Addition to the model of time since treatment completion, pre-cancer traumatic stressors, age at diagnosis, and tamoxifen usage accounted for an additional 16% of variance (p < .001). Higher levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with less social support, greater pre-cancer trauma history, less time since treatment completion, and more advanced disease.
Preliminary results of a longitudinal study of changes in cognitive function in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Objectives: Recent studies suggest that standard dose chemotherapy for breast cancer may cross the blood–brain barrier. However, the evidence for chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments in breast cancer patients is inconsistent. The purposes of this study in a sample of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer were to (1) evaluate cognitive function prior to the administration of chemotherapy; (2) assess changes in cognitive function over time; and (3) evaluate potential relationships between cognitive function and anxiety, depression, fatigue, hemoglobin level, menopausal status, and perception of cognitive function. Methods: Thirty women with breast cancer completed neuropsychological testing before the initiation of chemotherapy and after four cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics, and paired t-tests were carried out to evaluate for changes in neuropsychological test scores prior to and following completion of chemotherapy. Linear mixed model analyses were used to determine whether significant changes in neuropsychological test scores remained after controlling for anxiety, depression, fatigue, hemoglobin level, menopausal status, and perceived cognitive function. Results: Significant decreases in visuospatial skill (p<0.001) and total cognitive scores (p=0.001) were found following chemotherapy. In addition, a significant improvement was found in executive function (p=0.014). Of note, these changes remained significant even after controlling for anxiety, depression, fatigue, hemoglobin level, menopausal status, and perceived cognitive function. Conclusions: Data from this study supported the hypothesis that chemotherapy may have a negative impact on select domains of cognitive function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving Computers into the Writing Center: The Path to Least Resistance

Abstract As institutions transform themselves through computer technologies, writing centers should become campus leaders in development and use of computers for writing. In taking this leadership role, writing centers need to form reciprocal partnerships that require trust, commitment, and open communication. Through successful collaborative projects like computer writing classrooms and online writing labs (OWLs), writing centers help to shape the crossover to computer-aided instruction.
AGC simulator for price-based operation. II. Case study results

For pt.I see ibid., vol.12, no.2, p.527-32 (1997). This paper deals with an automatic generation control (AGC) problem in a deregulated industry. Through the passage of new public utility regulatory policies, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) encourages an open market system for price based operation. The FERC has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on various ancillary services. One of these ancillary services is load following. Part I describes the simulation models and software implementation of load following contracts in the new environment, and also developed a framework for new market structure to understand AGC implementation in the price-based operation. This paper reviews the case studies to show the modifications required of conventional AGC software for the new environment. Three sets of case study results are reported. The first and second case studies illustrate how to simulate bilateral and poolco based transactions respectively in the new market place. The third case study considers various (bilateral and poolco based) contracts existing simultaneously in the system. The simulation results illustrate that the tie-line flows due to increased number of various contracts will tend to cancel among each other.
Household youth on minority operated farms in the United States, 2000: exposures to and injuries from work, horses, ATVs and tractors.

Introduction: It is likely that youth living on minority operated farms (<3% of U.S. farms) face hazards similar to the general farm population; however, since minority youth are not well represented by general farm surveys, this information hasn't been confirmed. Method: Nonfatal injury and exposure data were obtained from the 2000 Minority Farm Operator Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (M-CAIS). Results: On racial minority farms, there were an estimated 28,600 household youth. Of these, about 41% worked, 26% rode a horse, 23% drove an ATV, and 23% operated a tractor. On Hispanic farms, there were an estimated 17,998 household youth. Of these, 44% worked, 30% rode a horse, 27% drove an ATV, and 25% operated a tractor. Conclusions: These results show the value of conducting a survey of minorities to identify high risk groups and target issues that may be unique to the minority farm population.
Tinbergen-Type Central Place Systems

This paper considers Tinbergen's hierarchical flow model in a spatial context. The existence of city systems having consistent geometrical properties is shown to be compatible with his proposal. These city systems exhibit central place properties which differ from those of Christaller and Losch. City populations are then generated through a formulation which reflects Tinbergen's logic and the early Beckmann model is shown to be a special case of this formulation. Finally, the urbanization ratio is delimited for this third class of central place systems.
Reactions of hydrogen with Si-SiO/sub 2/ interfaces

Radiation experiments have established that H/sup +/ released in SiO/sub 2/ migrates to the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface where it can induce new defects. For oxides exposed first to high-temperature annealing and then to molecular hydrogen, mobile positive charge believed to be H/sup +/ can be cycled to and from the interface by reversing the oxide electric field. We report first-principles calculations that identify atomic-scale mechanisms for the two types of behavior and the conditions that are necessary for each. Si-Si bonds on the oxide side, i.e.,"suboxide bonds," can trap H+ in deep wells with an asymmetric barrier (1.5 eV on the Si side, 1 eV on the SiO/sub 2/ side). In radiation experiments these centers can act as fixed positive charge. In the mobile-positive-charge experiments, the protons can be cycled between opposing Si-SiO/sub 2/ interfaces if the density of suboxide bonds is high.
Methane and nitrous oxide evolution and 15N and 226Ra uptake as affected by application of gypsum and phosphogypsum to Louisiana rice

Abstract A field study was conducted to determine the effects of gypsum and phosphogypsum on methane and nitrous oxide evolution and on 15N and 226Ra uptake by Oryza sativa L. (rice). Gypsum and phosphogypsum at 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 tons ha−1 and 15N labelled urea (150 kg N ha−1) were applied pre-flood to experimental plots drill-seeded with `cypress', a semi-dwarf long-grain rice cultivar. Methane and nitrous oxide were measured twice a week over the main cropping season. Plant samples were collected at harvest and 15N uptake and 226Ra activity measured. Three rates of gypsum reduced methane evolution 49, 52 and 66%, respectively, compared with control plots. Phosphogypsum (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 tons ha−1) decreased emissions of methane 47, 46 and 51%, respectively, over the 84-day study. Nitrous oxide fluxes were low (10–29 g ha−1 day−1) and only detected from control plots on two sampling dates. The assimilation of applied 15N in grain collected from gypsum plots was significantly higher compared with control and phosphogypsum treatments. The measured grain 226Ra activities were low and averaged 0.518 Bq kg−1 for phosphogypsum compared with a control plot activity of 0.222 Bq kg−1.
The Intermediate Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test as a neuropsychological measure

The Intermediate Visual and Auditory (IVA) Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Neuropsychological Impairment Scale (NIS) were completed with adults diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and controls. On the IVACPT, the mTBI and ADHD groups performed significantly lower on the full and secondary scales for attention and response accuracy. For individual scales, the mTBI and ADHD groups showed lower performance on measures of reaction time, inattention, impulsivity, and variability of RT. The mTBI and ADHD groups showed similar patterns of performance on the IVA. On the NIS, the mTBI and ADHD groups reported more neuropsychological symptoms than the control group and the mTBI group reported more neuropsychological symptoms than the ADHD group. The results are discussed in regard to changes in cognitive processing and sustained attention in individuals diagnosed with mTBI and ADHD.
A calibration algorithm for atomic absorption

Abstract The equation is shown to be applicable in fitting the analytically useful concentration range of atomic absorption calibration curves. In this equation C is the concentration, A the observed absorbance, and the K's are coefficients which must be determined during calibration. Typical calibration data for four diverse elements (Ag, Bi, Co and Cu) determined in an air-acetylene flame are shown and rules for choosing the standards to be used are discussed.
SELF-ORGANIZATION, COMPLEXITY AND CHAOS : THE NEW BIOLOGY FOR MEDICINE

The self-organization of cells into complex interacting systems can be described using a branch of mathematics called nonlinear dynamics, which includes the study of chaos. Here, Donald Coffey explains how analysis of complex biological systems using nonlinear dynamics sheds light on the events leading to disorders as varied as epilepsy, heart disease and cancer
Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a widely expressed and potent tumor-associated antigen in multiple myeloma

The identification of novel tumor-associated antigens, especially those shared among patients, is urgently needed to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we examined whether Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a protein that is not expressed in most normal tissues but is expressed by tumor cells from almost all patients with myeloma, could be a good candidate. We identified and synthesized DKK1 peptides for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–A*0201 and confirmed their immunogenicity by in vivo immunization in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. We detected, using peptidetetramers, low frequencies of DKK1 peptide-specific CD8-positive (CD8+) T cells in patients with myeloma and generated peptide-specific T-cell lines and clones from HLA-A*0201-positive (HLA-A*0201+) blood donors and patients with myeloma. These T cells efficiently lysed peptide-pulsed but not unpulsed T2 or autologous dendritic cells, DKK1-positive (DKK1+)/HLA-A*0201+ myeloma cell lines U266 and IM-9, and, more importantly, HLA-A*0201+ primary myeloma cells from patients. No killing was observed on DKK1+/HLA-A*0201-negative (HLA-A*0201−) myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells or HLA-A*0201+ normal lymphocytes, including B cells. These results indicate that these T cells were potent cytotoxic T cells and recognized DKK1 peptides naturally presented by myeloma cells in the context of HLA-A*0201 molecules. Hence, our study identifies DKK1 as a potentially important antigen for immunotherapy in MM.
Mixtures of Kura Clover with Small Grains or Italian Ryegrass to Extend the Forage Production Season in the Northern USA

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) has demonstrated excellent persistence in the northern USA but initiates dormancy earlier in autumn and breaks dormancy later in spring than other adapted legumes. The objective of this study was to determine if combinations of kura clover and small grains or ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) could extend the production season for high quality forage in autumn and spring. The study was conducted from 1998 to 2000 in Arlington and Lancaster, WI. Oat (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), winter rye (Secale cereale L.), and Italian ryegrass, were sown in August in monoculture and in binary mixtures with previously established kura clover. In autumn, monoculture kura clover and all mixtures had similar forage yield, but 1.5 Mg ha -1 lower yield than monoculture oat. In spring, binary mixtures of kura clover with winter wheat or winter rye yielded 0.88 Mg ha -1 more than monoculture kura clover. In spring, mixtures with winter wheat or winter rye contained about 60% kura clover. Binary mixtures and monoculture kura clover had 35% greater crude protein, similar in vitro true digestibility, and 32% lower neutral detergent fiber than monoculture small grains and ryegrass in autumn and spring. Oat, barley, or ryegrass sown into kura clover in autumn provide no yield advantage over monoculture kura clover. Winter small grains sown into kura clover in autumn increased forage yield in early spring, but had no impact on full-season production compared with monoculture kura clover. Ryegrass did not affect spring yield, but did increase full-season production by 15% compared with monoculture kura clover. Winter small grains and ryegrass can successfully be sown into monoculture kura clover in autumn without the use of herbicides and can increase early spring or total season forage production the following year.
Full duplex device to device communication in cellular networks

In this paper, we investigate the performance improvements of single band full duplex device to device communication that can transmit and received on the same frequency band in cellular networks. In cellular networks, two separate frequencies are used to enable simultaneous transmission and reception for half duplex radios. Recently, full duplex radios that allows a wireless node to simultaneously transmit and receive in one frequency band were proposed. It was shown that it was effective for short-range communications. As such, full duplex communication is adequate for device to device (D2D) communication, which is usually a short range communication. Device to device communication is an underlay scheme for cellular networks that enables peer-to-peer local services with limited impact on the primary cellular network. When user devices are closer to each other than the base station, D2D communication can improve the bandwidth efficiency of the communication between the users. When full duplex communication is adopted for D2D communication, it requires only one frequency band for two way communication between the local users. It improves the bandwidth efficiency for D2D communication. We propose a simple full duplex D2D communication protocol and analyze the bandwidth performance gain of the protocol compared to the legacy cellular communication scheme.
Impact load spreading in layered materials and structures: concept and quantitative measure

We demonstrate a potentially new concept to enhance the resilience of structures to withstand rapid impulsive loading. The basic idea is to use a high wave speed layer to rapidly spread (μs time scales) the locally applied impact load. We also propose a quantitative measure based on normalized dissipative energy density (NDE) to characterize load spreading. Using this measure, we have studied numerically the effects of wave speed, layering geometry (thickness and configuration), and mechanical properties (impedance and strength) of the layer and substrate on load spreading. The numerical calculations make a good case for the load spreading concept. The NDE measure may also serve as a useful tool to examine the general response of layered composites to impact loading.
Raman Scattering From Phonons And Magnons In Magnetic Semiconductor, MnTe

Comparisons are made between theoretical and experimental data on laser Raman scattering by phonons and two-magnons in antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases of MnTe. The study was performed specifically to characterize the magnetic exchange coupling constants of the Mn ions in the samples. Crystal MnTe samples were bombarded with an Ar ion laser beam to obtain spectrometer and photon counter data. One E(2g) phonon with a room temperature energy of 178/cm and a two-magnon peak of 360/cm were observed in the Raman spectrum. A spin wave dispersion relation is presented for the spectrum. Finally, a Monte Carlo technique was used to calculate the two-magnon joint density of states that best fits the experimental data.
Parent-child attachment working models and self-esteem in adolescence

The degree of continuity over time in the quality of parent-child attachments and the relationship between these attachments and current self-esteem was investigated. Subjects were 218 nonparent college students. The attachment working model styles were determined by modified versions of two attachment measures. Epstein's Mother-Father-Peer Scale of 1983 yielded separate scores for independence-encouraging and acceptance, and Hazan and Shaver's 1987 Rocky Mountain Survey indicated secure, avoidant, or ambivalent attachment patterns. Self-esteem was measured by Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory of 1967. Data collected indicated support for Bowlby's 1988 theory of continuity over time of attachment. Self-esteem was related to both childhood and adolescent working model styles of attachment and to the dimensions of independence-encouraging and acceptance. The two attachment measures were related. Subjects who classified their parent-child attachment as secure rated their parents as high in independence-encouraging and acceptance.
Piano as…text

Abstract A cultural icon, the Piano, carries with it a most imposing artistic‐social tradition. The aesthetics of postmodern music, however, has transcended both the musical and social elements associated with the Piano. Nevertheless, the use and impact of the piano in contemporary music continues unabated, its literature grows; leaving us with a paradox that admits itself only as an oxymoron: in postmodern music, the physical piano remains as the ghost of a concept which has been destroyed. This paper examines three compositions which illustrate this paradox by their simultaneous rejection of and dependence on the traditional Piano: Knocking Piece by Ben Johnston, Be Prepared by the New Percussion Quartet, and For Pianist by Christian Wolff. Drawing upon contemporary literary criticism, the goal is to illustrate the function of the piano as a text‐object, and in so doing, place the above three works within the context of the postmodern arts in general.
Kinematics and a balanced and restored cross-section across the toe of the eastern Nankai accretionary prism

Abstract Seismic profiles across the eastern Nankai accretionary prism show evidence for diffuse deformation through stratal thickening and uplift of the accreting sediment package, thought to reflect the combination of small-scale ductile and brittle strains evident within drill cores. Using a kinematic solution based on changes in stratal thickness and porosities, diffuse strains are estimated for a transect across the eastern Nankai accretionary prism toe, in the vicinity of ODP Site 808. Calculated element displacements are used to reconstruct the undeformed configuration of the prism toe, providing a new method for balancing and restoring deformation in accretionary prisms. The results of this analysis demonstrate a heterogeneous distribution of strain within the prism toe, which appears to correlate with the distribution of brittle deformation structures in drill cores. The greatest vertical tectonic thickening and horizontal shortening estimates are obtained within the deepest sediments, which also display abundant brittle shears. Shallower sediments exhibit high volume loss and lower horizontal shortening, and in drill cores display very few deformation structures. This spatially variable strain distribution may result from inferred high pore pressures near the frontal thrust and decollement inducing a brittle overprint of previous ductile strains.
Noble Gas Atoms Inside Fullerenes

Heating fullerenes at 650°C under 3000 atmospheres of the noble gases helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon introduces these atoms into the fullerene cages in about one in 1000 molecules. A “window” mechanism in which one or more of the carbon-carbon bonds of the cage is broken has been proposed to explain the process. The amount of gas inside the fullerenes can be measured by heating to 1000°C to expel the gases, which can then be measured by mass spectroscopy. Information obtained from the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of helium-3-labeled fullerenes indicates that the magnetic field inside the cage is altered by aromatic ring current effects. Each higher fullerene isomer and each chemical derivative of a fullerene that has been studied so far has given a distinct helium nuclear magnetic resonance peak.
Treatment research at the crossroads: the scientific interface of clinical trials and effectiveness research.

OBJECTIVE: Policy and clinical management decisions depend on data on the health and cost impacts of psychiatric treatments under usual care, i.e., effectiveness. Clinical trials, however, provide information on treatment efficacy under best-practice conditions. An understanding of the design, analysis, and conventions of both efficacy and effectiveness studies can lead to research that better informs clinical and societal questions. METHOD: This paper contrasts the strengths and limitations of clinical trials and effectiveness studies for addressing policy and clinical decisions. These research approaches are assessed in terms of outcomes, treatments, service delivery context, implementation conventions, and validity. RESULTS: Clinical trials and effectiveness research share problems of internal and external validity despite more attention to internal validity in clinical trials (e.g., randomization, blinding, standardized protocols) and to external validity in effectiveness studies (e.g., community-base...
Foundations of a functional approach to knowledge representation.

Abstract We present a new approach to knowledge representation where knowledge bases are characterized not in terms of the structures they use to represent knowledge, but functionally, in terms of what they can be asked or told about some domain. Starting with a representation system that can be asked questions and told facts in a full first-order logical language, we then define ask- and tell-operations over an extended language that can refer not only to the domain but to what the knowledge base knows about that domain. The major technical result is that the resulting knowledge, which now includes auto-epistemic aspects, can still be represented symbolically in first-order terms. We also consider extensions to the framework such as defaults and definitional facilities. The overall result is a formal foundation for knowledge representation which, in accordance with current principles of software design, cleanly separates functionality from implementation structure.
On the Symbiosis of Science and Religion: A Jewish Perspective

Three theses are explored, the first two historical and the third philosophical-theological: (1) throughout most of the history of Western civilization, science and religion have been closely connected with each other, and each has benefited from the connection; (2) the belief that science and religion have always been in conflict is not based on the actual history of either set of institutions; and (3) structurally a relationship between the two institutions is in the interest of both. By religion here I mean specifically, but not exclusively, Judaism.
Methotrexate therapy of psoriasis: differential sensitivity of proliferating lymphoid and epithelial cells to the cytotoxic and growth-inhibitory effects of methotrexate.

Although methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most clinically effective therapies employed to treat psoriasis, the mechanism by which low-dose MTX acts to modulate the hyperplasia of psoriasis, leading to the restoration of clinically normal skin, is only partially understood. MTX has been considered a cytotoxic agent that mediates its effect primarily on proliferating or cycling epidermal cells. Recently, proliferating lymphoid cells have been identified in psoriatic lesions, raising the possibility that proliferating lymphoid cells could be another target cell that is killed by MTX. In this study, we examined the growth-inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of MTX on proliferating lymphoid cells [THP-1 (macrophage), and MOLT-4 (T cell)], epithelial cells (HeLa, and HaCat), and normal human keratinocytes (NHK) in vitro. The proliferating cells were exposed to MTX for 24 b, and placed in fresh media to mimic the transient MTX blood levels that result from once-weekly therapy. THP-1 and MOLT-4 were found to be 10-100 times more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of MTX than were HeLa and HaCat, and more than 1000 times more sensitive than primary human keratinocytes. At MTX concentrations that would be expected to occur in vivo during once-weekly therapy, a large percentage (>95%) of proliferating lymphoid targets would be killed, and only a small percentage ( in vitro data suggests that in psoriasis proliferating lymphoid cells are more likely than epithelial cells to be a major cellular target of MTX in vivo.
Umbilical cord blood transplantation.

Since Gluckman et al ’s first description of successful haemopoietic stem cell transplantation using umbilical cord blood (UCB) as the source of marrow progenitors in 1989,1more than 500 umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants have been performed. Umbilical cord blood banks have been set up in the USA and Europe to store these cells, which in the past have been considered a waste product of reproduction. Although most UCB haemopoietic stem cell transplants have taken place in the past three years, recently published reports2-5 have given an important insight into the clinical potential of UCB as a source of haemopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can potentially be used to cure a variety of diseases including haematological malignancies, bone marrow failure syndromes, haemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiencies, and some inborn errors of metabolism.6 The use of allogeneic BMT is limited by the need for adequate tissue matching of host and donor cells to reduce the risks of rejection and the severity of graft versus host disease (GVHD) in the short term, while allowing immune reconstitution in the longer term. Many patients who might benefit from allogeneic BMT are prevented from doing so because there is no adequately matched donor available. In part, this problem has been addressed by the establishment of large panels of unrelated adult donors who are prepared to donate their bone marrow. Approximately five million donors are available worldwide. Despite these large numbers the need for precise tissue matching compounded by the predominantly white European ethnicity of the donor panels means that a significant number of patients remain unable to benefit from BMT. There is a need for a source of haematopoietic stem cells with a less rigorous requirement for tissue matching that could be used for transplantation into patients who do …
Immunohistochemical demonstration of regionally selective projections from locus coeruleus to the vestibular nuclei in rats

This study describes a regionally selective projection of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers from locus coeruleus (LC) and the A4 region of nucleus subcoeruleus to the vestibular nuclear complex in Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats. These fibers travel in two distinct pathways. A lateral descending noradrenergic bundle provides input from LC to the superior vestibular nucleus (SVN), the cochlear nuclei, and the cerebellar cortex. A medial descending noradrenergic bundle provides input to the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN), medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), and the inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN) before continuing on to the cochlear and cerebellar nuclei. The terminal plexus of these fibers varies markedly across these vestibular nuclear regions. Immunoreactive axons form a dense plexus around somata and proximal dendrites of Deiters' neurons in dorsal LVN. The axon plexus is less dense in SVN and ventral LVN, and relatively sparse in MVN and IVN. This regional selectivity of noradrenergic innervation suggests that central adrenergic systems may selectively modulate vestibulospinal reflexes at the level of the vestibular nuclear complex.
Genetic variation and differentiation in Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Oniscoidea)

Genetic variation was examined with polyacrylamide and starch gel electrophoresis at 22 loci in 8 populations of Armadillidium vulgare. Polymorphism was observed at 9 loci, and the average heterozygosity was 3.0%. Heterozygosity was low when compared to most invertebrates but was similar to that reported for certain decapods. A significant heterozygote deficiency occurred in most populations of A. vulgare and considerable genetic differentiation was observed among isopod populations.
Surface-wave-based inversions of shallow seismic structure

The inversion of surface wave propagation measurements to determine soil properties within a few meters of the surface is being investigated to facilitate the development and simulation of seismic landmine detection techniques. Knowledge of soil types, soil material properties, inhomogeneities, stratification, water content, and nonlinear mechanisms in both the propagation path and the source-to-surface coupling can be used to validate and improve both numerical and experimental models. The determination of the material properties at field test sites is crucial for the continued development of numerical models, which have shown a strong dependency on the assumed soil parameter variations in elastic moduli and density as a function of depth. Field experiments have been conducted at several test sites using both surface and sub-surface sensors to measure the propagation of elastic waves in situ with minimal disruption of the existing soil structure. Material properties have been determined from inversion of surface wave measurements using existing spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) techniques. While SASW techniques are computer-intensive, they do not disturb the existing soil structure during testing as do borehole and trench techniques. Experimental data have been compared to results from 3-D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling of similar soil structures and measurement methods.
112-Gb/s WDM link using two directly modulated Al-MQW BH DFB lasers at 56 Gb/s

Reliable Al-BH lasers at 1310 nm with a 29-GHz bandwidth were used to demonstrate a 2×56-Gb/s NRZ WDM link.
INTERVAL METHODS FOR RIGOROUS INVESTIGATIONS OF PERIODIC ORBITS

In this paper, we investigate the possibility of using interval arithmetic for rigorous investigations of periodic orbits in discrete-time dynamical systems with special emphasis on chaotic systems. We show that methods based on interval arithmetic when implemented properly are capable of finding all period-n cycles for considerable large n. We compare several interval methods for finding periodic orbits. We consider the interval Newton method and methods based on the Krawczyk operator and the Hansen–Sengupta operator. We also test the global versions of these three methods. We propose algorithms for computation of the invariant part and nonwandering part of a given set and for computation of the basin of attraction of stable periodic orbits, which allow reducing greatly the search space for periodic orbits. As examples we consider two-dimensional chaotic discrete-time dynamical systems, defined by the Henon map and the Ikeda map, with the "standard" parameter values for which the chaotic behavior is observed. For both maps using the algorithms presented in this paper, we find very good approximation of the invariant part and the nonwandering part of the region enclosing the chaotic attractor observed numerically. For the Henon map we find all cycles with period n ≤ 30 belonging to the trapping region. For the Ikeda map we find the basin of attraction of the stable fixed point and all periodic orbits with period n ≤ 15. For both systems using the number of short cycles, we estimate its topological entropy.
Mental age, IQ, and motivational factors in the discrimination learning set performance of normal and retarded children.

Abstract The role of MA, IQ, and motivational factors in the diserimination learning set (LS) performance of normal and retarded children was investigated in a basic factorial design involving two levels of MA ( 5 1 2 , 8 1 2 ), three levels of IQ (65, 100, 130), and two motivational conditions (standard and social). In order to examine the effects of institutionalization, both an institutionalized and a noninstitutionalized group of familial retardates were represented at the 65 IQ level. In the standard condition the E was behind a one-way screen. In the social condition. The S was given a preliminary success experience, the E and S were face to face during the LS task, and the S was verbally praised for correct choices. Each S was given a series of 25 4-trial object diserimination LS problems daily until he reached criterion. LS acquisition was significantly more rapid at both higher IQ and MA levels, and more rapid for noninstitutionalized than institutionalized retardates. LS acquisition was facilitated for the normal and high IQ Ss in the social, as compared with the standard condition (particularly at MA level 5 1 2 ), with the reverse pattern characterizing the retarded Ss. Differences in the type of precriterion hypotheses employed were found to be related to MA level and institutionalization. No systematic differences in precriterion hypotheses associated with IQ among noninstitutionalized groups of comparable MA were obtained. The findings were discussed in respect to current views concerning general cognitive development (MA effects), defect theories in the area of mental retardation (IQ effects), and recent work involving such variables as social reinforcement, institutionalization, and task complexity.
Further Evidence for Some Gamma-Ray Bursts Consistent with Primordial Black Hole Evaporation

Previously we identified some short burst events from the BATSE 1B catalog that were consistent with an origin of primordial black hole evaporation at the quark-gluon phase transition. We showed that these events are also consistent with arising from a homogeneous spatial distribution. Recently the PHEBUS group has also indicated that the short bursts are consistent with V/Vmax ~ 1/2. In this paper we describe the results of the study of the BATSE 3B catalog shape that confirm the results from BATSE 1B.
Diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect with transesophageal echocardiography

Background Sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVD) is underdiagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography because of its posterior (far field) location. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) should be ideally suited to diagnose SVD, given the proximity of the transducer to the defect. Methods and Results A retrospective study was undertaken that used the medical history, echocardiographic findings, and surgical data of patients identified from computer records as having the diagnosis of SVD during the period in which TEE has been in use (1987 to 1995). Twenty-five patients (14 females and 11 males; median age, 45 years; range, 10 to 75 years) with SVD had TEE between 1987 and 1995. Prior transthoracic echocardiography clearly defined the SVD in 3 of these patients, and it was suspected in another 11 on the basis of color-flow imaging. Ten patients had unexplained dilatation of the right side of the heart, which prompted TEE examination. SVD was visualized with TEE in all 25 patients and ranged in size fr...
Recognizing the gist of a visual scene: possible perceptual and neural mechanisms

We try to understand the basics of human image processing from a gist recognition perspective. Because the gist is only a subset of the image's information, we think that it is extracted with help of interpretation (feedback). In a perceptual section we list possible mechanisms that the interpretation process uses to determine the gist: in addition to the commonly known local-to-global perception evolvement, there is likely to be also a global-to-local evolvement direction, a coarse/fine scale, as well as a foreground/background scale. In a neural section we first summarize feedback connections that can possibly be involved in gist recognition. Second, we propose that the perceptual mechanisms are spread all over the cortex and that cortical visual computation occurs distributively rather than hierarchical.
Infection of the mammalian nervous system by pseudorabies virus (PRV)

Abstract Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an alphaherpesvirus that causes a disease of economic impact in swine. Studies on the molecular biology and pathogenesis of PRV are well advanced. PRV has a striking neurotropism and can establish latent infections in the peripheral and central nervous system. Many parallels exist between PRV pathogenesis in animals and the neurotropic human herpesviruses. Since work can be done with the natural host, model systems can be evaluated directly—something difficult, if not impossible, to do with the human viruses. This review focuses on the ability of PRV to infect the mammalian nervous system, with a specific emphasis on transneuronal spread, the host response to neuronal infection and latency.
Do susceptibility loci contribute to the expression of more than one mental disorder? A view from the genetics of Alzheimer's disease

The susceptibility of developing most major psychiatric disorders is determined in part by contributions from risk alleles at multiple genetic loci. The central aim of this article is to highlight evidence from studies of neurodegenerative disorders suggesting that some of these alleles are shared by more than one psychiatric disorder, and to explore mechanisms that may underly these pleiotropic effects. The identification of constellations of susceptibility alleles associated with particular mental disorders will provide opportunities for new insights into the molecular and cellular pathophysiology of these disorders, and will have a major impact on psychiatric research and clinical care. This approach to reducing the variance in etiopathogenesis is also likely to be important for achieving the optimal use of available treatments (maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects), and for the discovery of novel medications or other interventions.
A Mössbauer spectroscopy investigation of the Intergrowth Phases LaSr3Fe3−xMx010−δ (M = Al, Cu)

Iron-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy confirms a high sensitivity of the three-dimensional magnetic ordering temperature (TNeel) for a series of new intergrowth phases to both oxygen stoichiometry and the partial substitution of iron by copper and aluminium in the Ruddlesden-Popper phase LaSr3Fe3010−δ. The chemical isomer shifts suggest that significant covalent electron delocalization exists in these phases. Spectra for the paramagnetic phases indicate two distinct iron coordination environments consistent with x-ray and neutron diffraction structure determinations. The Mossbauer spectra at 4.8 K exhibit the overlap of two magnetic hyperfine patterns corresponding to cooperative magnetic order at the iron sites with internal fields of 45 and 27 Tesla for nominal Fe3+ and Fe4+ sites respectively. Eine Mosbauer-spektroskopische Untersuchung der „Intergrowth” Phasen LaSr3Fe3−xMxO10−δ (M Al, Cu) 57Fe-Mosbauer-Spektroskopie belegt die hohe Empfindlichkeit der dreidimensionalen magnetischen Ordnung (TNeel) fur eine Reihe von neuen ‚Intergrowth’ Phasen hinsichtlich des Sauerstoffgehaltes und der partiellen Substitution von Eisen durch Kupfer und Aluminium in der Ruddlesden-Popper-Phase LaSr3Fe3O10−δ. Die chemischen Isomerie-Verschiebungen weisen auf eine deutliche kovalente Elektronendelokalisierung in diesen Phasen hin. Spektren der paramagnetischen Phasen zeigen in Ubereinstimmung mit Rontgen-und Neutronenbeugungsuntersuchungen zwei unterschiedliche Koordinationsspharen des Eisens. Die Mosbauer-Spektren bei 4,8 K zeigen die Uberlagerung von zwei magnetischen Hyperfeinstrukturen entsprechend der kooperativen magnetischen Ordnung an den Eisenzentren mit inneren Feldern von 45 und 27 Tesla fur (formal) Fe3+- bzw. Fe4+-Zentren.