cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of complement receptor 3 (CR3) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection of human cervical epithelia

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an important sexually transmitted pathogen and a major cofactor in HIV-1 infection. This organism uses different mechanisms to infect male and female genital tract epithelia. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of N. gonorrhoeae is the principle mechanism of entry into male urethral epithelial cells. Infection in men leads to a pronounced inflammatory response. In contrast, N. gonorrhoeae infection in women induces ruffling of the cervical epithelia, allowing a macropinocytic mechanism of entry. Infection in women is frequently asymptomatic, suggesting suppression of the inflammatory response. N. gonorrhoeae-induced membrane ruffling and inflammation suppression are consistent with the ability of this bacterium to enter cervical epithelial cells, in vitro and in vivo, by interaction with complement receptor 3 (CR3), a receptor that does not trigger an inflammatory response. This receptor is present on cervical epithelial cells but not on male urogenital tract epithelia. N. gonorrhoeae engagement of CR3 initiates a unique mechanism of bacterial-induced membrane ruffling and internalization. These studies explain why the pathology of N. gonorrhoeae infection differs between males and females. Additionally, the observation that this receptor is present on cervical epithelia may provide insight into the pathogenesis of other sexually transmitted pathogens.
Effects of Increasing Maintenance Dose of Digoxin on Left Ventricular Function and Neurohormones in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Treated With Diuretics and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Background Despite almost three centuries of use, the appropriate dosage of digitalis in patients with chronic heart failure and normal sinus rhythm has not been well studied. Methods and Results We studied 22 patients with heart failure who were receiving constant daily doses of digoxin, diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In 18 patients, the oral daily dose of digoxin was increased from a mean of 0.20±0.07 to 0.39±0.11 mg/day corresponding to an increase in the serum digoxin concentration from 0.67±0.22 to 1.22±0.35 ng/mL. Radionuclide and echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction; maximal treadmill time; heart failure score; serum concentrations of norepinephrine, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic factor, and antidiuretic hormone; and plasma renin activity were obtained before and after the increase in digoxin dose. Subsequently, 9 patients were randomized to receive digoxin and 9 to receive placebo and radionuclide ejection fraction measured after 12 weeks. With the...
Pilot study of a computed tomography-compatible shielded intracavitary brachytherapy applicator for treatment of cervical cancer.

Abstract Purpose The traditional Fletcher-Williamson tandem and ovoid brachytherapy applicators for treatment of cervical cancer have ovoid shields that reduce the dose to the bladder and rectum. However, these shields produce artifact on computed tomography (CT) that prevents acquisition of high-quality images. To address this limitation, we designed and tested a novel CT-compatible applicator with movable shields, called MDA 3 . Methods and Materials Fifteen patients with stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer requiring definitive radiation therapy were enrolled in a prospective pilot study to evaluate image quality with the MDA 3 . Image quality was assessed by comparing an initial scan obtained with the shields shifted to minimize shield artifact to a second scan obtained with the shields in treatment position. The 2 scans were then compared by a radiation oncologist blinded to the image source. In addition, image quality was assessed by analysis of Hounsfield values in the normal tissues. Results The MDA 3 was successfully employed for intracavitary brachytherapy in 15 patients. CT images obtained with the shields shifted were superior to CT images obtained with the shields in treatment position in every case as evaluated by the radiation oncologist ( P P = .002) and rectum ( P = .001) due to high-density image artifact. Conclusions This novel applicator provides a clinically feasible solution to overcome the limitation of lack of ovoid shields on currently available CT-compatible applicators.
Characterization of reduced and sulfided, supported molybdenum catalysts by O2 chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, and ESCA

Catalysts composed of molybdenum supported on Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, and carbon were examined in calcined, reduced, and sulfided states using O2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), and chemical analysis. XRD and ESCA data indicate that the support greatly influences the chemical state of bulk and surface molybdenum phases in catalysts reduced at 500 °C. The principal phase in reduced MoSiO2 is Mo metal; MoO2 is the major bulk phase in MoAl2O3, MoCeO2, and Mo/carbon. The sulfided catalysts contain principally MoS2 at the surface although less sulfur is present in the bulk than required for the formation of MoS2. During reaction in CO and H2, much of the bulk sulfur is lost. The MoO2 and MoS2 phases in reduced and sulfided MoAl2O3 and MoCeO2 are apparently present as tiny XRD amorphous two-dimensional crystallites, while the corresponding Mo metal and MoS2 phases in MoSiO2 are clearly large, three-dimensional crystallites. The corresponding phases in MoC range in crystallite size from very small to very large but are on the average well-dispersed.
Software Reviews - IDL data visualization broadly upgraded

Presents information and reviews on the latest computer and engineering technologies and software products.
Human splenic IgM immunoglobulin transcripts are mutated at high frequency

Human spleen immunoglobulin gene rearrangements that used the VH6 gene and were expressed with IgM were characterized for their frequency of somatic hypermutation from PCR amplified spleen cDNA. A high frequency of rearrangements that were somatically mutated was demonstrated by restriction endonuclease analysis and sequencing of cloned rearrangements. The 24 rearrangements cloned from three different spleens had an overall mutation frequency of 3.1% mutations/bp sequenced and ranged from 0.4 to 6.0%. These mutations appeared to have been antigenically selected based on both the high frequency and high amino acid replacement to silent (R/S) ratios in the complementarity determining regions. Five clones that arose from two different rearrangements showed evidence of intraclonal diversification with both shared and unique mutations. The mutated clones of one spleen donor were lower in frequency and were not concentrated in the CDR, which suggested these mutations had not been antigenically selected. These findings support the dissociation of somatic mutation and isotype switching and the possibility that IgM-expressing B cells may serve as human memory B cells.
Role of adenine in pathogenesis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections of tracheal epithelium.

Adenine sulfate and several related compounds were evaluated for their ability to retard the cytotoxic effect which normally accompaniesM. pneumoniae infections of hamster tracheal explants. Adenine sulfate, at the 0.01 mM level, was found to exert a significant protective effect. Little or no ciliostasis or loss of cell viability was detectable when organ cultures were infected with 107 CFU of virulentM. pneumoniae in the presence of the adenine supplement. Mycoplasmas grew in broth and on plastic surfaces in the presence of adenine, and no significant diminution of growth rate or cell yield was detectable. Organisms adhered to the tracheal epithelial surface regardless of the presence or absence of adenine. When explants were incubated in the presence of14C-(8)-adenine, rinsed, and then infected withM. pneumoniae, the adenine label could be recovered from the mycoplasmas 20 h after the infection. These data are compatible with the known nucleic acid requirement of mycoplasmas and with a model which ascribes a role for purine/pyrimidine competition and/ or depletion in the infective process.
SU‐FF‐J‐127: Three‐Dimensional Deformable Image Registration Using ALE Moving Mesh

Purpose: Arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (ALE) moving mesh is a finite‐element based technique that preserves mass and topology during deformation. We have developed a two‐dimensional (2D) image registration method using ALE moving mesh. This study is aimed to extend the method for three‐dimensional (3D) deformable image registration.Method and Materials: The image registration is contour‐based. 3D structures are reconstructed using slice images. A dynamic contour method is used to establish the correspondence of the surface points between a reference image and a target image. ALE mesh is generated in the reference image. With the correspondence of the surface points, the surface of the reference image is deformed to match the surface of the target image. The displacement of the moving surface propagates to the interior nodes throughout the domain. Displacement vectors of the volume can be obtained and the deformation of the interior can be tracked. Results: Two sets of 3D CTimages of a patient's head and neck tumor were used in the study, which were taken on different dates. The external contour (volume) of the first set of images was taken as the reference and that of the second set of images was taken as the target. By moving the surface of the reference to match the surface of the target, displacement vectors of the domain enclosed by the surface were derived from the moving mesh, which were then examined with the deformation of gross target volume (GTV). The image‐warped GTV was found similar to the GTV of the second set of images.Conclusions: It is feasible to perform 3D deformable image registration using ALE moving mesh. Further studies are needed to verify the accuracy of this method by either improving the technique for surface matching or comparing with other more established method of deformable image registration.
Security, independence, and sustainability: Imprecise language and the manipulation of energy policy in the United States☆

Abstract This article examines the impact of imprecise terminology on the energy policymaking process in US, focusing on the manipulation of discourse by different political–economic interests seeking to sway popular opinion. Using the 2012 US Presidential Elections as a backdrop, the analysis highlights the cooption of the concepts “security,” “independence,” and “sustainability” in energy debates by different and often opposing interest groups. The article’s first section traces the malleability of energy terminology to the vagueness of the term “energy” itself and notes how qualifying words like security, independence, and sustainability have been selectively exploited to introduce further ambiguity to an already fungible concept. The second section notes that while energy is a critical and complex factor of macroeconomic production, its main public visibility comes via a few partially representative numbers, like gasoline prices. This mismatch of broad social importance and piecemeal public understanding enables organized interests to leverage vague terminology in support of particular policy ideas. The third section examines three policymaking tools (1) taxation, (2) regulation, and (3) technology promotion and compares these administrative instruments. Ultimately, the article concludes that loosely defined terminology inhibits energy policy discussion and stifles meaningful public debate over and action on energy issues.
Variations in growth and reproduction within populations of two rhizomatous plant species: Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia

Seasonal excavations of ramet systems in overlapping natural populations of Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia revealed intrapopulation variation in ramet size and reproduction. Reproductive “states” were recognized based on whether or not a ramet had flowered and the number of offspring ramets it possessed. As the growing season progressed, the populations became increasingly heterogeneous in their reproductive-state composition with the largest size classes of ramets containing the greatest number of reproductive states. Therefore, despite a strong correlation between size and reproduction, average ramet size was considered to be an inadequate predictor of population growth in ramet numbers. Results for vegetative reproduction and ramet mortality indicate that the T. latifolia population was growing while the T. angustifolia population was approximately stable. In contrast to most results reported for other species, the frequency distributions of ramet size classes showed T. angustifolia to have a normally distributed population. A slight degree of positive skewing occurred in T. latifolia with the greatest skewing at the end of the growing season. Despite the lack of strong skewing of ramet weights, evidence from other sources have demonstrated that competition was intense and we hypothesize that competition in clonal populations may not not always act to cause positive skew in weight distributions.
Challenges for Higher Education Couples in Commuter Marriages: Insights for Couples and Counselors Who Work with Them

This inquiry focused on the experiences of dual-career couples who maintain two homes to attain career satisfaction. Data were collected during conjoint interviews with five commuting couples. Findings included support for the potential strength and satisfaction of commuting relationships. Trust, commitment, regular communication, and quality shared time were endorsed as factors contributing to successful distance marriages. Cited challenges and disadvantages included loneliness, financial costs, and adverse reactions from others.
Endoscopic Management of Common Bariatric Surgical Complications

The primary role of endoscopic intervention in the care of bariatric surgery patients is in the management of late bariatric surgical complications and non-operative revision of the surgical anatomy. In the future, indications for therapeutic endoscopy will involve the gastroenterologist in primary weight loss interventions as cutting edge technology is currently undergoing rigorous scientific evaluation. Endoscopists caring for these patients should become familiar with post-bariatric surgical anatomy, potential complications, common presenting symptoms, anticipated luminal/extra-luminal findings, and endoscopic management of common bariatric complications; this review addresses these issues. This review will discuss common presenting symptoms, luminal as well as extra-luminal findings and endoscopic management of common bariatric complications.
How to Write with Four Hands

Michael Hardt narrates his first meetings with Antonio Negri and describes the development of their collaboration and their compositional methods in relation to their respective backgrounds and critical aims. Their collaboration began when Negri invited Hardt to join the editorial board of the journal Futur Anterieur. The methods of collective writing that they continue to use have their basis in the “assignment” model of composition that is common among groups that publish journals of political intervention. Collaboration of this sort is a deindividualizing process that results in a writing of the common.
Waveguiding of surface phonon polariton

Metal losses lead to unacceptably low propagation lengths in THz and LWIR waveguides. While SPP based waveguides provide relatively good confinement and attenuation in the near-IR and visible these are insufficiently bound to the surface in the THz and LWIR. We study using surface phonon polaritons for waveguiding at these frequencies. An eigenmode approach was applied to model a hybrid waveguide structure at λ=10.6 μm. The results show that phonon-coupled hybrid waveguide of silicon carbide BCB and gold exhibit enhanced propagation length and confinement at LWIR.
Modeling and Numerical Simulation of PEM Fuel Cell Transient

This paper develops a 3D dynamic model for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs also called PEM fuel cells) and investigates the internal physicochemical processes that occur during PEFC transients as well as fuel cell dynamic responses. This model couples various dynamic mechanisms in the key components of PEFC, such as electrochemical double-layer discharging/charging, species transport, heat transfer, and membrane water uptake. The model is further discretized for 3D numerical simulations with focus on transient operation upon the step change in power density. The numerical results show that over/undershoot dynamic responses may take place during transient. A detailed picture of internal operating conditions, such as water and current density distributions, is presented to develop a comprehensive understanding of fuel cell transient during power/load variation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Thresholds and the temperature of the Reggeon field theory

Abstract The effects of “low energy” dynamics in the form of thresholds are studied in a modified Reggeon field theory (RFT). A threshold parameter b introduced into the bare RFT propagator G0 through the prescription G0 = exp (−bj) (j − α0)−1 is explicitly shown to introduce thresholds of RFT graphs at ln s = Nb, N being a graph dependent integer. The more complex “realistic” bare propagator G 0 λ = exp (−bj) {(j − α − λ 2 exp (−Bj)} −1 corresponds physically to non-diffractive renormalization of a “totally bare” trajectory at j = α (e.g. produced by pion clusters) via new quantum number production (S, B, C) with model threshold parameter B and coupling λ. We discuss qualitatively the relation between these parameters, the average rapidity 〈ln si〉 across a bare propagator, and the bare Pomeron intercept which is directly related to the analog of statistical mechanics temperature T of the RFT. It is argued that these parameters can influence the asymptotic behavior of the RFT as well as its finite energy behavior, consistent with universality.
Selective Isotopic Labeling of the Human Parathyroid; A Preliminary Case Report

The location of a hyperactive parathyroid gland has been demonstrated preoperatively by means of isotopic labeling and external photoscanning. This has been accomplished with the use of gamma-emitting Se-75 selenomethionine as an amino acid precursor of parathyroid protein. Preliminary suppression of thyroid protein anabolism, to diminish regional radioactivity interference, was achieved by triiodothyronine administration. The potential clinical implications of this initial and successful localization of the parathyroid gland by the use of a radioisotope are considered.
Hypersonic Airfoils of Maximum lift-to-Drag Ratio!

The problem of determining the slender, hypersonic airfoil shape which produces the maximum lift-to-drag ratio for a given profile area, chord, and free-stream conditions is considered. For the estimation of the lift and the drag, the pressure distribution on a surface which sees the flow is approximated by the tangent-wedge relation. On the other hand, for surfaces which do not see the flow, the Prandtl-Meyer relation is used. Finally, base drag is neglected, while the skin-friction coefficient is assumed to be a constant, average value. The method used to determine the optimum upper and lower surfaces is the calculus of variations. Depending on the value of the governing parameter, the optimum airfoil shapes are found to be of three types. For low values of the governing parameter, the optimum shape is a flat plate at an angle of attack followed by slightly concave upper and lower surfaces. The next type of solution has a finite thickness over the entire chord with the upper surface inclined so that the flow is an expansion. Finally, for the last type of solution, the upper surface begins with a portion which sees the flow and is followed by an inclined portion similar to that above. For all of these solutions, the lower surface sees the flow. Results are presented for the optimum dimensionless airfoil shape, its dimensions, and the maximum lift-to-drag ratio. To calculate an actual airfoil shape requires an iteration procedure due to the assumption on the skin-friction coefficient. However, simple results can be obtained by assuming an approximate value for the skin-friction coefficient.
Design of subwavelength diffractive optical elements using a hybrid finite element-boundary element method

We present an algorithm for the design of 1D binary-phase subwavelength lenses that uses a hybrid finite element-boundary element method to model vector diffraction and a simulated quenching routine to perform the optimization. The hybrid method offers several advantages over other analysis techniques in terms of both computational efficiency and storage requirements. To facilitate the rapid convergence of the design, we use two subwavelength lenses, which we designed based on scalar techniques, as initial inputs to the algorithm. The designs produced by both lenses are presented.
The normal direct spatial vectorcardiogram.

Abstract 1. 1. One hundred presumably normal patients were studied by direct spatial vectorcardiographic methods using the modified cube technique. 2. 2. The tracings were described in terms of relatively constant findings, as well as with commentary on unusual characteristics. 3. 3. No correlation between direction of inscription of the frontal loop and the axis deviation or ECG-determined electrical position was noted, except in patients over 80 years of age. 4. 4. By dividing the cases into decades by increasing ages, a trend in vector orientation from the anterior inferior toward the posterior superior octant was observed. In view of this transition with age, it is suggested that in the interpretation of vectorcardiograms the age of the patient be considered. 5. 5. More specific criteria for the limitations of normal is indicated but necessitates collection of large series of normal cases and eventual pathologic correlation.
Production, purification, and characterization of human scFv antibodies expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, and Escherichia coli

Single chain (scFv) antibodies are used as affinity reagents for diagnostics, therapeutics, and proteomic analyses. The antibody discovery platform we use to identify novel antigen binders involves discovery, characterization, and production. The discovery and characterization components have previously been characterized but in order to fully utilize the capabilities of affinity reagents from our yeast surface display library, efforts were focused on developing a production component to obtain purified, soluble, and active scFvs. Instead of optimizing conditions to achieve maximum yield, efforts were focused on using a system that could quickly and easily produce and process hundreds of scFv antibodies. Heterologous protein expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, and Escherichia coli were evaluated for their ability to rapidly, efficaciously, and consistently produce scFv antibodies for use in downstream proteomic applications. Following purification, the binding activity of several scFv antibodies were quantified using a novel Biacore assay. All three systems produced soluble scFv antibodies which ranged in activity from 0 to 99%. scFv antibody yields from Saccharomyces, Pichia, and E. coli were 1.5-4.2, 0.4-7.3, and 0.63-16.4 mgL(-1) culture, respectively. For our purposes, expression in E. coli proved to be the quickest and most consistent way to obtain and characterize purified scFv for downstream applications. The E. coli expression system was subsequently used to study three scFv variants engineered to determine structure-function relationships.
217 EVALUATION OF AN IGE-ELISA SPECIFIC FOR BOVINE |[alpha]|-CASEINS

ELISA microtiter plates ( Greiner ) were coated with highly purified bovine α-caseins and incubated with diluted sera. Specific IgE was detected by successive incubation with three antibodies, the last one conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. Twelve patients ( age 1/2 - 3 years ) with positive provocation and skin prick test to bovine caseins were compared with 12 children ( age 1/2 -12 years ) with negative tests. The results were compared to CAP-RAST ( Code f78, Pharmacia ) data. Additionally IgE-immunoblots were made as a qualitative criterion and to distinguish between immunreactions to the different caseins and the other major cow milk proteins.
The Presynaptic Choline Transporter Imposes Limits on Sustained Cortical Acetylcholine Release and Attention

Functional variation in the gene encoding the presynaptic choline transporter (CHT) has been linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Here, we report that a heterozygous deletion in the CHT gene in mice (CHT(+/-)) limits the capacity of cholinergic neurons to sustain acetylcholine (ACh) release and attentional performance. Cortical microdialysis and amperometric methods revealed that, whereas wild-type and CHT(+/-) animals support equivalent basal ACh release and choline clearance, CHT(+/-) animals exhibit a significant inability to elevate extracellular ACh following basal forebrain stimulation, in parallel with a diminished choline clearance capacity following cessation of stimulation. Consistent with these findings, the density of CHTs in cortical synaptosomal plasma membrane-enriched fractions from unstimulated CHT(+/-) animals matched those observed in wild-type animals despite reductions in CHT levels in total extracts, achieved via a redistribution of CHT from vesicle pools. As a consequence, in CHT(+/-) animals, basal forebrain stimulation was unable to mobilize wild-type quantities of CHT to the plasma membrane. In behavioral studies, CHT(+/-) mice were impaired in performing a sustained attention task known to depend on cortical cholinergic activity. In wild-type mice, but not CHT(+/-) mice, attentional performance increased the density of CHTs in the synaptosomal membrane in the right frontal cortex. Basal CHT levels in vesicle-enriched membranes predicted the degree of CHT mobilization as well as individual variations in performance on the sustained attention task. Our findings demonstrate biochemical and physiological alterations that underlie cognitive impairments associated with genetically imposed reductions in choline uptake capacity.
The genus 2 crossing number of K 9

Abstract Our main result is that a 1971 conjecture due to Paul Kainen is false. Kainen's conjecture implies that the genus 2 crossing number of K 9 is 3. We disprove the conjecture by showing that the actual value is 4. The method used is a new one in the study of crossing numbers, involving proof of the impossibility of certain genus 2 embeddings of K 8 .
The completely opacified frontal or sphenoid sinus : A marker of more severe disease in chronic rhinosinusitis?

Objective: Determine whether complete opacification of the sphenoid or frontal sinus is associated with increased clinical severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: Adult patients undergoing evaluation for CRS prospectively completed the rhinosinusitis symptom inventory (RSI) and underwent computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses. A cohort with at least one completely opacified frontal sinus was identified. To each patient in this opacified cohort, a control patient without complete frontal sinus opacification was matched with corresponding Lund score. Symptom scores for headache, facial pressure, RSI symptom domains, and medical resource consumption were statistically compared. Similar analysis was conducted for patients with complete sphenoid sinus opacification. Results: Fifty-four patients with at least one completely opacified frontal sinus were matched for Lund score to the control group (mean Lund score 17.1). There was no statistically significant difference in headache (2.1 vs. 2.8) or pressure scores (2.0 vs. 2.3) or in the RSI symptom domains between those patients with completely opacified frontal sinuses and controls, respectively. Although completely opacified patients received more antibiotic treatment and missed more workdays, only the increased numbers of physicians visits (4.0 vs. 2.1, P = .02) was significant. Thirty-four of 35 completely opacified sphenoid patients were matched to control patients (mean Lund score 16.7). Again, differences in symptom scores for headache (2.5 vs. 2.5), facial pressure (2.3 vs. 2.3), and RSI symptom domains were not statistically significant. Increased use of antibiotics (9.6 vs. 3.9, P = .036) and physician visits (5.8 vs. 1.8, P = .024) for sphenoid opacification patients was statistically significant. Conclusions: Patients with a completely opacified sphenoid or frontal sinus do not necessarily manifest more severe clinical symptoms of CRS. Thus, a higher radiographic stage should not be automatically assigned to patients with a completely opacified sphenoid of frontal sinus in CRS.
Metrics for evaluating the impacts of intermittent renewable generation on utility load-balancing

This study has developed metrics to evaluate the impact of intermittent renewable generation on the electric load demand that must be balanced by dispatchable generation resources, allowing examination of the general impacts of accommodating high renewable penetration levels. The metrics focus on the sizing, utilization and coordination of load balancing resources to meet the load demand in time. Insights gained from increasing the renewable penetration level in California as an example indicated the following. The balancing generator fleet displayed low capacity factors at high penetration levels. At penetration levels above 45% with no uninterruptable base load, surplus generation occurred and increased exponentially. The occurrence of daily maximum and minimum load points became increasingly unpredictable, rendering fixed time-of-use electricity pricing inappropriate. Capacities of peaker and base load generator type increased and decreased respectively. Net load variability decreased on the 24-h timescale and increased on all shorter timescales, implying changes in the temporal dispatch of balancing generators. The use of energy management strategies such as energy storage was found to be necessary in order to accommodate high renewable penetration levels with minimal impact. The simple metrics allowed identification of key areas to be addressed in order to accommodate high renewable penetrations.
An extension of Lee and Mitchell's unfolding model of voluntary turnover

Lee and Mitchell (1994) proposed a decision process-based voluntary turnover model, which identifies the psychological processes involved in the decision to quit a job. The current study tests and extends the Lee and Mitchell's (1994) unfolding model of voluntary turnover using a sample of voluntary ‘quitters’ and ‘stayers’. Survey and interview results from 84 practicing accountants suggest that the Lee and Mitchell's (1994) model does an excellent job of capturing employee decision process-data in an accounting environment. Additional extension hypotheses pertaining to economic consequences and gender differences are also proposed and subsequently supported. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
'Malaria blocks development' revisited: The role of disease in the history of agricultural development in the Eastern and Northern Transvaal Lowveld, 1890-1960

This article revisits assumptions about the impact of malaria on development by looking at the history of disease and agricultural development in the lowveld region of the former Transvaal Province...
Phase diagram and thermodynamic properties of solid magnesium in the quasiharmonic approximation.

Using a family of volume-dependent interatomic pair potentials derived from first principles, we calculate phonon properties and thermodynamic functions in the quasiharmonic approximation for the hcp and bcc phases of Mg over a wide range of volume and temperature. At atmospheric pressure, the calculated hcp phonon-dispersion curves and thermodynamic properties agree well with experiment. The pressure dependence of the Raman-active transverse-optical phonon mode also agrees well with very recent measurements. At high pressure, the temperature dependence of the hcp-bcc phase line is predicted, with values of the transition pressure ranging from 52 GPa at zero temperature to about 28 GPa at 1000 K.
Parental negative self and adolescent suicide attempts.

The parents of 46 adolescent suicide attempters were compared with parents of 46 adolescent nonattempters to determine differences in factors descriptive of self image. Results indicated that the fathers of the attempters were significantly more depressed, had significantly lower self-esteem, and consumed significantly more alcohol than did fathers of nonattempters. Mothers of the adolescent attempters were significantly more anxious, experienced significantly greater suicidal ideation, and consumed significantly more alcohol than mothers of nonattempters.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF PUBLIC POLICY: THE CASE OF STATE LEGISLATION FOR CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

Observations of children in automobiles were made in seven states before and after implementation of legislation requiring use of child passenger safety devices. Increases in safe seating for children covered by state laws and children under 1 year old were observed in three of the five states implementing legislation during this study. Decreases in safe seating for these age groups were observed in two states, however. Increases in safe seating for children from 1 to 5 years old were observed in four of these five states. Although methodological limitations require cautious interpretation, these data suggest the impact child safety seat laws may have on compliance. Implications of this research for policies on child passenger safety and the importance of exploiting naturally occurring public experiments are discussed.
The Use of the Regression Discontinuity Design in Tiered Intervention Research: A Pilot Study Exploring Vocabulary Instruction for At‐Risk Kindergarteners

The purpose of this article was twofold: (1) to explore the feasibility of the regression discontinuity design (RDD) in response-to-intervention implementation research and (2) to expand upon the limited research on vocabulary instruction for kindergarten students who are at risk for reading failure due to limited vocabularies. This pilot study employed an abbreviated, prototypical tiered instructional model to deliver vocabulary instruction to both at-risk kindergarten students and students not at risk for reading failure. The study was designed using RDD and the data were analyzed using a regression-based analytic model. The pros and cons of this research design, specifically in regards to learning disabilities research, is examined.
Academic achievement characteristics of adult males who were diagnosed as dyslexic in childhood

This article reports the skill attainment in reading, spelling, and arithmetic for a group of 40 adult males who were diagnosed as dyslexic in childhood. The results of the follow-up assessment indicate that severe residual learning problems are present despite the fact that much special educational attention was provided during school-age years. Test performance and reports from subjects further demonstrate that current learning difficulties are essentially identical to those evidenced at the time of diagnosis.
Dynamics of L-valine in relation to the production of cyclosporin A by Tolypocladium inflatum.

We report the kinetics of endogenous l-valine in the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum, in an effort to understand the enhancing effect of externally supplemented l-valine on the production of the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CyA) in chemically defined medium. In a batch laboratory stirred reactor cultivation, the concentration of intracellular l-valine increased by up to four times between the end of the exponential phase and the beginning of the stationary phase when the medium was supplemented externally with 4 g/1 l-valine. The final CyA titre under these conditions was 710 mg/1 compared to only 130 mg/1 attained without l-valine supplementation. In contrast to substantial growth-associated production of CyA in unsupplemented culture, the formation of the immunosuppressant was prolonged during the stationary phase in l-valine-supplemented medium. As a result, the conversion yield of CyA on l-valine remained constant during the stationary phase at 0.27 g CyA/g l-valine.
Single and multiple-spikes traveling wave solutions in integrate and fire neural networks

We investigate the propagation of the traveling wave fronts in a one-dimensional integrate-and-fire network of synaptically coupled neurons for the case of one, two and multiple spike waves. We use an integro-differential equation characterizing the evolution of the firing times as a function of spatial position to determine the relationship between the speed of the propagating wave and its acceleration. We use the evolution equation to show that for a network of neurons with exponential synaptic connectivity and instantly rising, then exponentially decaying synapses, the evolution of the propagation is fully determined by the instantaneous speed of the traveling wave front. In this case the history of the firing map determines the initial speed of the transient propagation; the acceleration however depends only on the instantaneous speed, thus greatly simplifying the understanding of the network dynamics. This allows for a clear understanding of the conditions required for propagation failure, as well as of the mechanisms by which sustained transient propagation evolves towards the stable constant-speed traveling wave solution. Expanding the equation for the two and multiple wave cases yields further insight on the mechanisms by which sustained transient propagation evolves towards the stable constant-speed traveling wave solutions. In addition, we show that the wave speed and interspike intervals of the asymptotically stable state depend mainly on the interaction between a few successive wavefronts. It then follows that a unique asymptotical solution is selected from an infinite number of theoretically possible solutions and that this solution is independent of the initial conditions in the neural network.
Stoichiometric C−C Coupling Reactions in the Coordination Sphere of an Iridium(III) Alkyl

An alkyl hydride η1-acetone complex of iridium or its α-elimination product undergoes insertion into alkenes to give a carbene dihydride via a proposed pathway that involves C−C bond formation by a...
RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY OF THREE INDO-PACIFIC FIDDLER CRABS: METABOLIC RESPONSES TO INTERTIDAL ZONATION PATTERNS

We measured aerial and aquatic oxygen consumption values at typical diel extreme temperatures for Uca vocans, Uca tetragonon, and Uca crassipes from Hoga and the Kaledupa Islands in the Wakatobi National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. These fiddler crabs exhibit distinct intertidal distributions that may affect air and water oxygen extraction rates. Uca vocans and U. tetragonon occupy low intertidal zones that experience long submersion times, whereas U. crassipes inhabits high intertidal habitats having long emersion periods. Respective aerial oxygen consumption rates were 0.312, 0.300, and 0.193 mg/l at 26.0°C, and 0.600, 0.554, and 0.357 mg/l at 32.1°C. Aquatic oxygen consumption rates at 26.0 and 32.1°C were 0.0041, 0.0065, and 0.0028 mg/l, and 0.0063, 0.0047, and 0.0050 mg/l, respectively. Temperature quotients (Q10) for all crabs were approximately 2 in air; however, U. vocans and U. tetragonon increased Q10 to approximately 3 when moved to water, whereas U. crassipes Q10 values remained essentially unchanged. High oxygen extraction rates and Q10 responses in aerial environments may allow U. vocans and U. tetragonon to repay oxygen debt quickly during short emersion periods. Because U. crassipes spends most of its time emerged, it is less dependent on anaerobic respiration, and may not need to rapidly pay back oxygen debt. Nous avons mesure les valeurs de la consommation d'oxygene, aerienne et aquatique aux temperatures extremes typiques diurnes chez Uca vocans, Uca tetragonon et Uca crassipes des iles Hoga et Kaledupa au parc national Wakatobi, Sulawesi, Indonesie. Ces crabes violonistes montrent des repartitions intertidales distinctes qui peuvent affecter les taux d'extraction d'oxygene de l'air et de l'eau. Uca vocans et U. tetragonon occupent les zones intertidales basses qui subissent de longues periodes de submersion tandis qu' U. crassipes habite les zones intertidales hautes qui ont de longues periodes d'emersion. Les taux respectifs de consommation d'oxygene aerien etaient de 0,312, 0,300 et 0,193 mg/l a 26°C, et 0,600, 0,554 et 0,357 mg/l a 32,1°C. Les taux de consommation d'oxygene aquatique a 26,0°C et 32,1°C etaient de 0,0041, 0,0065 et 0,0028 mg/l, et 0,0063, 0,0047 et 0,0050 mg/l, respectivement. Les quotients de temperature (Q10) pour tous les crabes etaient approximativement 2 dans l'air ; cependant, U. vocans et U. tetragonon avaient leur Q10 augmente a environ 3 quand ils allaient a la mer, tandis que les valeurs de Q10 de U. crassipes restaient pratiquement inchangees. Les taux eleves d'extraction d'oxygene et les reponses du Q10 dans les environnements aeriens pourraient permettre a U. vocans et U. tetragonon de compenser rapidement leur deficit en oxygene au cours des courtes periodes d'emersion. Comme U. crassipes passe la plupart de son temps emerge, il est moins dependant de la respiration anaerobie, et peut ne pas avoir besoin de compenser son deficit en oxygene.
Self-similar solutions for the diffraction of weak shocks

Abstract We numerically solve a problem for the unsteady transonic small disturbance equations that describes the diffraction of a weak shock into an expansion wave. In the context of a shock moving into a semi-infinite wall, this problem describes the interaction between the reflected part of the shock and the part that is transmitted beyond the wall. We formulate the equations in self-similar variables, and obtain numerical solutions using high resolution finite difference schemes. Our solutions appear to show that the shock dies out at the sonic line, rather than forms at an interior point of the supersonic region.
Mechanism of the Reaction Catalyzed by Isoaspartyl Dipeptidase from Escherichia coli

Isoaspartyl dipeptidase (IAD) is a member of the amidohydrolase superfamily and catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of β-aspartyl dipeptides. Structural studies of the wild-type enzyme have demonstrated that the active site consists of a binuclear metal center positioned at the C-terminal end of a (β/α)8-barrel domain. Steady-state kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of β-aspartyl dipeptides were obtained at pH 8.1. The pH−rate profiles for the hydrolysis of β-Asp-Leu were obtained for the Zn/Zn-, Co/Co-, Ni/Ni-, and Cd/Cd-substituted forms of IAD. Bell-shaped profiles were observed for kcat and kcat/Km as a function of pH for all four metal-substituted forms. The pKa of the group that must be unprotonated for catalytic activity varied according to the specific metal ion bound in the active site, whereas the pKa of the group that must be protonated for catalytic activity was relatively independent of the specific metal ion present. The identity of the group that must be unprotonated for catalytic activity...
Targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase with ibrutinib in B-cell malignancies.

The B-cell receptor signaling pathway, which is critical to the development and maturation of normal B-cells, is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target in B-cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is a potent irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a key kinase important for signal transduction in the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway. In preclinical studies, ibrutinib potently bound to Btk, inhibited BCR signaling, and decreased tumor cell proliferation and survival in many B-cell malignancy models. Excellent safety and efficacy data in clinical trials have led to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ibrutinib for previously treated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as CLL with 17p deletion. Ongoing clinical studies have also demonstrated great potency of ibrutinib in treating other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). Combination of ibrutinib with chemoimmunotherapy and other promising novel agents in B-cell malignancy therapy has also been under clinical investigation.
Cardiovascular Neuromuscular Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Anesthetized Rabbits

In rabbits anesthetized with pentobarbital, the carotid arterial blood pressure and bilateral contractions of the gastrocnemius muscles due to electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerves were recorded. Intravenous administration of up to 1 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide/kg caused profound hypotension and eventually failure of neuromuscular transmission. Caution must be used in considering dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent for drug administration.
The effect of chewing xylitol gum on the plaque and saliva levels of Streptococcus mutans

A study designed to determine whether the chewing of xylitol gum has an effect on salivary and plaque levels of S mutans and lactobacilli is discussed, and the proportions are compared with those gums with fructose or sorbitol/mannitol. A new chewing gum may now be able to help in the fight against the bacteria that cause caries.
Quantitative video analysis of flatfish herding behavior and impact on effective area swept of a survey trawl

Abstract Uncertainty in fish behavior can introduce bias into density calculations from fishery-independent bottom trawl surveys that provide relative abundance estimates and population trends for stock assessments. In situ video was used to quantify flatfish behavioral responses to a bottom trawl sweep to improve the understanding of survey and assessment results. The behavior of 632 flatfishes was recorded during four tows. More than 90% of fish were observed in a perpendicular orientation away from the sweeps indicating a herding response. There was no significant effect of fish length on fish orientation or whether it reacted or remained stationary during the observation. Only 1.3% of fish were observed escaping the sweeps. A generalized linear model was used to estimate that at a distance of 73.8 cm (±3.4 SE) 50% of observed fish reacted to the sweep. The mean distance that stationary fish were first observed reacting to the sweep was 36.6 cm (±2.0 SE). Quantitative analysis indicates that flatfish herding occurs along trawl sweeps and the effective area swept is greater than the wing spread. Thus, the use of wing spread to calculate relative abundance estimates explains bias in stock assessment estimates of survey catchability that are greater than expected.
Binding of Cortisol and 21-Dehydrocortisol with Transcortin

The interaction of human plasma transcortin (corticosteroid-binding globulin) with cortisol and 21-dehydrocortisol was studied under various experimental conditions. The amounts of protein-bound steroids were determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. Both steroids interacted with bovine serum albumin and transcortin. The binding increased with increasing alkalinity and was low at pH 4. The patterns of binding in relation to pH values with the 2 steroids were different. When unlabeled cortisol was added to the assay mixture, the binding of labeled cortisol was blocked and little or no effect was observed with the binding of 21-dehydrocortisol. Upon heating, acidification or extraction with methylene chloride, practically all of the cortisol bound with transcortin was liberated, whereas significant amounts of 21-dehydrocortisol remained bound. The maximum binding of transcortin with cortisol occurred at 0–4 C and with 21-dehydrocortisol at 37 C. The results of this study indicate that cortisol and 21-d...