cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Semiconductor nanocrystals in carrier-transporting polymers: Charge generation and charge transport

Abstract By incorporating semiconductor nanocrystals in carrier-transporting polymers, an interesting class of photoconductive nanocomposites is created. The presence of semiconductor nanocrystals enhances the photoinduced charge generation efficiency and extends the sensitivity range, while the polymer matrix is responsible for charge transport. A wide variety of semiconductors and polymers have been used. In this paper, we review material synthesis and discuss the effects of semiconductor nanocrystals on the charge transport and charge generation properties.
Accounting for Taste Export Bananas, Mass Markets, and Panama Disease

In an article published in BioScience in 1996, ecologists Gregory S. Gilbert and Stephen P. Hubbell described the agroecological impact of Panama disease, a fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. cubense) that infected export banana farms in the American tropics during the early twentieth century: "At least ioo,ooo acres of bananas were destroyed and abandoned. Facing bankruptcy, banana companies were forced to move into virgin forest for new plantings in order to escape the ravages of disease. Eventually, disease-resistant varieties came into common use and Panama disease is no longer a major commercial threat."' The authors' view of the damage caused by the pathogen echoed earlier assessments made by scientists and industry officials.2 Gilbert and Hubbell's discussion of Panama disease, embedded in a broader study of plant diseases and tropical forest conservation, draws an important and often-neglected connection between the abandonment of diseased banana farms and the accelerated clearing of lowland tropical forests. Unfortunately, the ecologists stopped short of exploring the historical process-the "eventually" part-that led to the adoption of new varieties. As a result, they missed a chance to consider the significance of this process for those concerned with the conservation of biological diversity. The export banana trade in the Americas formed around a single variety: Gros Michel fruit (Musa acuminata) dominated U.S. markets between the 189os and 1960. Gros Michel bananas were large, aesthetically pleasing, and shipped well. However, the plants proved to be highly susceptible to pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum f. cubense. Beginning in the 189os, the pathogen spread throughout virtually every export-banana-growing region in Latin America and the Caribbean. The dynamic created by the epidemic accelerated rates of deforestation in humid, lowland tropical regions, destabilized local economies, and indirectly heightened the incidence of malaria among plantation workers.3 Panama disease prompted both the British colonial government and the United Fruit Com
A computer aided design to develop high performance software

Abstract As microprocessors and minicomputers become an integral part of information processing and robotic systems, the dynamic performance of the software executed on these computers becomes a critical factor in satisfying the mission requirements of these systems. To achieve a high level of software performance, the software engineer must be able to include considerations of software performance throughout the entire software design effort. This paper describes a prototype computer aided design (CAD) system which is developed to support software performance analysis as an integral part of the design process.
tRNA-like structures tag the 3' ends of genomic RNA molecules for replication: implications for the origin of protein synthesis.

Abstract Single-stranded RNA viruses often have 3'-terminal tRNA-like structures that serve as substrates for the enzymes of tRNA metabolism, including the tRNA synthases and the CCA-adding enzyme. We propose that such 3'-terminal tRNA-like structures are in fact molecular fossils of the original RNA world, where they tagged genomic RNA molecules for replication and also functioned as primitive telomeres to ensure that 3'-terminal nucleotides were not lost during replication. This picture suggests that the CCA-adding activity was originally an RNA enzyme, that modern DNA telomeres with the repetitive structure CmAn are the direct descendants of the CCA terminus of tRNA, and that the precursor of the modern enzyme RNase P evolved to convert genomic into functional RNA molecules by removing this 3'-terminal tRNA-like tag. Because early RNA replicases would have been catalytic RNA molecules that used the 3'-terminal tRNA-like tag as a template for the initiation of RNA synthesis, these tRNA-like structures could have been specifically aminoacylated with an amino acid by an aberrant activity of the replicase. We show that it is mechanistically reasonable to suppose that this aminoacylation occurred by the same sequence of reactions found in protein synthesis today. The advent of such tRNA synthases would thus have provided a pathway for the evolution of modern protein synthesis.
The synthesis of (3H)L-734,217, an orally active fibrinogen receptor antagonist

The synthesis of [ 3 H]L-734,217, 1b, an orally active fibrinogen receptor antagonist, is described. The conversion of 3-amino crotonate 6 to [ 3 H]L-734,217 was carried out via a two step sequence of catalytic tritiation followed by basic hydrolysis. Deuterium model reactions showed that the reduction of 6 with PtO2 occurred via hydrogen transfer from the solvent (ethanol or acetic acid) leading to poor isotope incorporation. When this reduction was conducted in methanol with 10% Pd/C, good isotope incorporation resulted. Ultimately, [ 3 H]L-734,217 was formed with a specific activity of 42 Ci/mmol.
Predictors of Initial Engagement in Child Anxiety Mental Health Specialty Services.

Background Child and family mental health services remain largely underutilized despite the relatively high rate of youth suffering from mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. As such, it is important to address challenges and examine factors related to child mental health service use and engagement, especially when it comes to children in need of services for anxiety.
Anti-HIV-1 activity of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) in primary mononuclear phagocytes

Conflicting data have been reported on ability of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) to protect mononuclear phagocytes from HIV-1 infection. We compared the antiviral potency of AZT in three types of primary human mononuclear phagocytes: peripheral blood monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages (in vitro differentiated) and alveolar macrophages (in vivo differentiated). To establish highly-productive virus infection, purified cells (greater than 99%) from healthy donors were challenged with the macrophage-tropic HTLV-IIIBa-L strain at input multiplicities ranging from 0.05 to 20 TCID50 per cell. AZT (0.1 nM-10 microM) was added immediately after infection and either continued for the duration of the experiment or stopped 1-7 days after infection. The kinetics of HIV-1Ba-L replication were assessed by measuring p24 antigen production on days 4-28 post-infection. Continuous treatment with AZT reproducibly inhibited viral replication in a concentration-dependent manner in all three cell types. The IC90 of AZT was 0.04 microM in blood monocytes, 0.009 microM in monocyte-derived macrophages, and 0.0001 microM in alveolar macrophages (mean of 3-4 donors for each cell type). AZT was not cytotoxic at less than 10 microM as assessed by cell viability, cell protein, and interferon-gamma-activated H2O2-release. In experiments in which AZT treatment was stopped after infection, viral replication resumed after a lag of 7-14 days and increased exponentially toward control levels. This occurred despite initial inhibition of virus production to below the limit of p24 detection (approximately 50 pg/ml). These results indicate that AZT is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in primary mononuclear phagocytes regardless of the stage of cell differentiation, and that AZT is most active in tissue (alveolar) macrophages. AZT does not irreversibly block infection of mononuclear phagocytes, however, as viral replication resumes after removal of AZT.
In vivo colonic electrolyte flux in dogs fed soyprotein, casein or meat as their primary protein source

Abstract Fifteen adult, mongrel dogs were used in a study to assess the effects of dietary protein on canine colonic electrolyte transport. The dietary protein sources used in the study were soyprotein, casein and meat (i.e., freeze-dried beef muscle). The experiment was a completely random allocation of treatmens, with dogs as the experimental unit. Each animal was adapted to their respective diet for a minimum of 14 days prior to beginning the laboratory phase of the study. The colon of each animal was then cleansed and perfused with a known test solution to assess the apparent absorption/secretion of sodium, chloride and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the intact animal. The net flux of total and individual SCFA was affected by dietary treatment. Soyprotein fed dogs had greater total SCFA and individual SCFA (acetate, propionate & butyrate) absorption than did the meat fed animals. Transport of total and individual SCFA for the casein fed dogs was generally between that of the soyprotein and meat fed animals. Casein fed dogs absorbed significantly more acetate and propionate than the meat fed, and significantly less proionate and butyrate than the soyprotein fed animals. Sodium and chloride transport was not affected by protein source.
Direct Time Integration Methods for Structural Acoustics and Far Field Scattering Computations

Procedures are described for doing : (a) transient three dimensional structural acoustics computations, using a combination of modal and finite element techniques in space and explicit integration in time ; (b) far field scattering computations, using orthogonal function expansions and the method of characteristics. These methods are discussed and preliminary validation of the approach is accomplished by comparing numerical solutions with available analytic results for some problems in spherical geometry.
Magnetic sensors based on micromechanical oscillators

This paper describes magnetic sensor technology based on the detection of Lorentz force on a micromechani-cal oscillator. Experimental results are presented based on a silicon resonator operating at 105.5 kHz with a quality factor of 13,000. Sensor operation is demonstrated using amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) readout of the magnetic signal. In AM operation, the noise at the sensor's output is equivalent to 128 nT/rt-Hz and the bandwidth is 4 Hz. In FM operation, the noise at the sensor's output is equivalent to 500 nT/rt-Hz and the bandwidth is 50 Hz.
Layer-by-layer resolved core-level shifts in CaF2 and SrF2 on Si(111): Theory and experiment.

Using x-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger-electron spectroscopy, we have resolved surface, bulk, and interface Ca and F core-level emission in thin films (3--8 triple layers) of CaF[sub 2] and SrF[sub 2] on Si(111). We confirmed these assignments using x-ray-photoelectron diffraction (XPD) and surface modification. XPD was also used to identify the growth modes of the films as being either laminar or layer plus islands; in the latter case we have resolved buried and uncovered interface F and Ca/Sr emission. We compare the observed energy differences between surface, bulk, and interface emission to theoretical estimates of the extra-atomic contributions to emission energies. We find excellent agreement considering only the Madelung (electrostatic) potentials for the initial-state contribution and polarization response for the final-state contribution, including the effect of tetragonal strain. Small discrepancies for emission from metal atoms bonded to the Si substrate are interpreted in terms of chemical shifts.
Device for Facilitating the Inoculation of Screw‐cap Tubes

SYNOPSIS. A small reversible A.C. motor is utilized in the construction of a device to tighten and loosen the caps of screw-cap test tubes.
Evidence for an effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in SORL1 on cerebrospinal fluid markers of Alzheimer’s disease

Evaluation of: Alexopoulos P, Guo LH, Kratzer M, Westerteicher C, Kurz A, Perneczky R. Impact of SORL1 single nucleotide polymorphisms on Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid markers. Dement. Geriatr. Cogn. Disord. 32, 164–170 (2011). This study explores the effect of previously reported SORL1 variants on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ1–42, phosphorylated tau181 and total tau in 100 nondemented people, 166 people with mild cognitive impairment and 87 people with probable Alzheimer’s disease. In individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the A allele of single nucleotide polymorphism 23 and the T allele of single nucleotide polymorphism 24 were associated with lower CSF Aβ1–42, the latter association becoming marginally insignificant after correction for multiple testing. Both associations showed an interaction with the APOE genotype. There were no significant associations of SORL1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with CSF Aβ1–42 levels in the mild cognitive impairment group or with phosphorylated tau...
Drug-induced cancer

This report reviews the medicinal agents that have been linked to human cancer, with emphasis on recent evidence implicating estrogenic compounds such as DES, menopausal estrogens, and oral contraceptives. Attention is also given to drugs that have fallen under suspicion and requires further epidemiologic evaluation. The detection of drug-cancer associations not only influences clinical and public health practice, but may also provide insights into mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The clinician contributes to the prevention of drug-induced cancer by being alert to iatrogenic hazards and cooperating in epidemiologic investigations, by weighing risks versus benefits in individual cases, and by discussing with patients the rationale and risks of proposed forms of therapy.
Normal Karyotype in a Case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Monocytic Differentiation and Hemophagocytosis by Leukemic Blasts

We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with monocytic differentiation showing hemophagocytosis by leukemic blasts. This phenomenon is known to be associated with certain chromosomal changes, including t(8;16), der(8), inv(8), and t(16;21); however, in this case, the patient had a normal female karyotype. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of normal karyotype AML with hemophagocytosis by leukemic blasts. * AML : acute myeloid leukemia HOXA : homeobox A RET : rearranged during transfection WBCs : white blood cells LDH : lactate dehydrogenase PT : prothrombin time CT : computed tomography Flt3 : Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 NPM1 : nucleophosmin CEBPA : CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha HLA-DR : human leukocyte antigen-D related HiDAC : high-dose cytarabine MRI : magnetic resonance imaging CNS : central nervous system MOZ : monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein CBP : competitive protein binding TNF-α : tumor necrosis factor–alpha
Wideband Array Imaging of a Target Situated in an Unknown Random Media

We propose two new methods for wideband array signal imaging for targets situated in unknown random media. First, a normalized coherent interferometric (N-CINT) imaging algorithm is developed based on coherent interferometric (CINT) imaging theory, yielding improved imaging performance with experimental data. Second, a phase-difference analysis (PDA) method is proposed to significantly reduce computation time and to improve imaging quality. The parameters in the two methods are determined adaptively by optimizing an objective function. Experiments are carried out for electromagnetic scattering using a linear antenna array, providing a demonstration of these methods.
ADAMTS13 binds to CD36: a potential mechanism for platelet and endothelial localization of ADAMTS13.

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS13 cleaves ultralarge von Willebrand factor (VWF) and plays a significant role in vascular biology and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. CD36, a transmembrane protein present on endothelial cells and platelets (PLTs), binds to thrombospondin via three thrombospondin type 1 repeats. ADAMTS13 contains eight thrombospondin type 1 repeats. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to explore the binding of recombinant human CD36 (rHuCD36) to recombinant human ADAMTS13 (rHuADAMTS13). A competition assay between rHuADAMTS13 and recombinant human (rHu)-thrombospondin-2 for binding to CD36 was then performed. Subsequently, binding of rHuADAMTS13 to PLT membrane fragments expressing CD36 (PLT glycoprotein IV) and glycoprotein Ib/IX was assessed. To examine the functional significance of an ADAMTS13-CD36 interaction, ADAMTS13 activity measured by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay was investigated in the presence of either rHuCD36 or concentrated PLTs. RESULTS: rHuCD36 bound to rHuADAMTS13 in a dose-dependent fashion. rHu-thrombospondin-2 competed with ADAMTS13 for CD36 occupancy, but even high concentrations of rHu-thrombospondin-2 failed to completely block binding of rHuADAMTS13 to rHuCD36. rHuADAMTS13 bound to PLT membrane fragments expressing CD36 (PLT glycoprotein IV) in preference to PLT membrane fragments expressing glycoprotein Ib/IX. ADAMTS13 activity was not inhibited by the presence of either rHuCD36 or concentrated PLTs. CONCLUSION: rHuADAMTS13 binds to both rHuCD36 and PLT membrane CD36 in vitro. The binding of CD36 to rHuADAMTS13 with retention of its enzymatic activity is consistent with a proposed role for CD36 in localizing ADAMTS13 on the endothelial cell surface where it regulates the cleavage of VWF.
Accurate finite-element modeling of wave propagation in composite and functionally graded materials

Abstract For the first time, we have obtained accurate numerical solutions for wave propagation in inhomogeneous materials under impact loading. We have extended the earlier developed numerical approach for elastodynamics problems in homogeneous materials to inhomogeneous materials. The approach includes the two-stage time-integration technique with the quantification and the filtering of spurious oscillations, the special design of non-uniform meshes as well as includes the standard finite elements and the elements with reduced dispersion. Similar to wave propagation in homogeneous materials in the 1-D case, we have obtained very accurate results for composite and functionally graded materials using the linear elements with lumped mass matrix and the explicit central difference method. We have also shown that specific non-uniform meshes yield much more accurate results compared to uniform meshes. We have also shown the efficiency of the finite elements with reduced dispersion compared with the standard finite elements.
Eddy Current Profiling of Magnetic Coercivity in Layered Ferromagnetic Materials

The eddy current response of a ferromagnetic material having a surface modified layer is analyzed for the case where an external magnetic field is swept from negative to positive saturation. Using a plane wave model, it is shown that the impedance of the layered material can display either one or two peaks as a function of field depending on the shape of the hysteresis loops and hence of the reversible permeabilities of core and surface materials. By varying the eddy current frequency different thicknesses of material are probed, resulting in changes in the relative contribution of core and surface material. This causes changes in both the amplitude and position of the peaks with frequency, a feature that can be used for characterizing surface layers. The case of single peaked impedance curves is analyzed in detail as it corresponds to the often encountered practical case of a hardened surface layer. In particular it is shown that as the frequency is varied from a low value corresponding to penetration of the bulk material to a high value corresponding to penetration of the surface layer only, the peak in impedance shifts gradually from the coercivity,Hc, in the core toHc of the surface. However, at intermediate frequencies, effective values ofHc which are greater than either that of the core or the surface can occur. This is explained in terms of reflections at the core/surface layer interface. Experimental results are then presented for carburized materials of various geometries and shown to be in agreement with the calculations. The frequencyfmax at which the coercivity reaches its maximum value, and hence where reflection effects are a maximum is also shown to be a useful feature for nondestructively determining the thickness of carburized layers and nugget penetration in resistance welds.
The Management of Narcissistic Vulnerability: Three Case Studies Guided by Stephen Mitchell's Integrated Treatment Model

The psychological literature pertaining to the treatment of the patient with a narcissistic personality disturbance is dominated by the divergent theories of Otto Kernberg and Heinz Kohut. In this context, Stephen Mitchell’s theory of narcissistic illusion, which integrates Kernberg’s view of narcissism as a defensive phenomenon and Kohut’s view of narcissism as a growth-enhancing opportunity, is first reviewed. The current study then seeks to assess, through the application of Mitchell’s integrated treatment model to three long-term psychotherapy cases, the efficacy of Mitchell’s model. Efficacy is assessed through (a) a comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment scores on two standardized, self-report measures, Raskin and Terry's Narcissistic Personality Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III; (b) DSM diagnostic appraisals before and after therapy; and (c) behavioral comparisons indicating initial psychopathology versus improvement over the course of therapy. In interpreting the findings of the case studies, I argue that the goal of treatment of patients with a narcissistic personality disturbance is to help them (a) acknowledge their narcissistic orientation, and (b) ultimately understand the function of their narcissistic illusion. I conclude that Mitchell’s theory successfully guides the clinician to such an outcome. The strengths and limitations of Mitchell’s model are critically reviewed. Finally, adjunctive interventions to aid the clinician in the management of the patient’s ongoing narcissistic vulnerability are proposed.
The validity of the Strong Interest Inventory with Black Americans: A review of the literature

Abstract The Strong Interest Inventory is a psychological assessment instrument with a 60-year history. During the years in which the Strong has been in existence, an impressive empirical base for the instrument has emerged. Empirical studies have demonstrated the Strong's validity (e.g., construct, predictive, etc.) for White samples. This review was undertaken to determine whether studies have found psychometric validity of the Strong with Black samples. Eight studies which investigated questions of psychometric validity of the Strong with Black samples were found. In general, the review found little evidence of the Strong's psychometric validity with Black samples. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for research and counseling.
DISCONTINUOUS CHANGES IN EQUILIBRIUM RETAIL ACTIVITY AND TRAVEL STRUCTURES

The classical “Harris-Wilson” model of urban retail activity location is extended to include endogenous zonal retail prices, as well as endogenous travel costs. Illustrative equilibrium configurations of the activity/travel system are obtained through numerical experiments, under a variety of situations. Sudden changes in the spatial patterns of retail activity and interzonal shopping travel are shown to be induced by continuous variations in the values of the model's parameters. New sources of discontinuity are also identified, such as random fluctuations in the values of the exogenous variables, including residential population, link capacities and nonretail travel. Several directions for further theoretical and operational development of the model are discussed in conclusion.
Innovations in Composition Programs that Educate Engineers: Drivers, Opportunities, and Challenges

Recent developments in engineering education have shaped the nature of composition programs at institutions or programs that emphasize engineering and science. Among these developments are revised accreditation guidelines and a curricular debate with a long history. Such developments highlight collaborative opportunities between technical and humanities/social sciences faculty. This multi-case study investigates how composition programs have responded to such drivers, opportunities, and challenges. The study draws from historical, observation, document, and interview data, and particularly interviews with composition program administrators at six institutions with significant technical emphases. Findings indicate shifts in historical emphasis on culture and utility, and three contemporary responses. Reductions, transformations, and innovations are occurring in first-year communication courses. Also, multimodal communications, including written, oral, and visual components, are being integrated across multiple instructional contexts. Finally, strong cross-curricular communication programs are emerging in which composition faculty partner with technical faculty. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Clinical Report: Integrating Family Assessment Instruments into Family Counseling Practice:

Family counselors have viewed the use of standardized family assessment instruments with considerable ambivalence. This article briefly describes this ambivalence and argues that the use of self-report questionnaires and observational rating scales can enhance a practitioner's clinical assessment in three ways. First, it complements the practitioner's initial assessment; second, it helps in the development of treatment goals; and third, it provides information for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, the author contends that the use of assessment instruments can create a collaborative working relationship between client and family counselor. The clinical report and its instruments are discussed, and a case example illustrates the application of the clinical report.
Interactions between ions and free or immobilized ligands. Application of the competition method

Application of a competition method to determine affinities of ligands for ionic species in low polarity media is described. A soluble ligand, L, and a network-immobilized ligand, N, are allowed to interact with the counterion of an ionic chromophore A” according to the reaction NM+A− + L LM+A− + N (K). K values were determined in toluene and in ether-type solvents for linear and macrocyclic polyethers and polyamines, as well as for other cation-complexing agents, by varying either N or L. In solvents such as dioxane, binding constants of M+A− to N can be determined directly. Combined with K values they yield the complex formation constant, KL, of the reaction M+A− + L LM+A−.
Enzyme systems involved in the formation of reactive metabolites in the renal medulla: Cooxidation via prostaglandin H synthase

Metabolism of drugs and xenobiotics by renal mixed-function oxidases and prostaglandin H synthase was examined. Significant mixed-function oxidase activity was observed in the cortex and outer medulla. However, mixed-function oxidase activity was not detected in the inner medulla. In contrast, prostaglandin H synthase is quite active in the inner and outer medulla with no detectable activity in the cortex. Prostaglandin H synthase was shown to activate a variety of protoxins and procarcinogens by way of its hydroperoxidase activity. Peroxidatic activation of acetaminophen and benzidine appears to involve the formation of a free radical intermediate which binds nucleophilic sites on macromolecules. The latter is proposed to initiate pathogenic effects. Prostaglandin H synthase is a potential alternative to mixed-function oxidase activation of chemicals which exert pathologic effects on the renal inner medulla.
MECHANICS OF HETEROGENEOUS FLUCTUATING ELASTIC RODS

Biofilaments, such as actin and DNA, have for long been modeled as thermally fluctuating elastic rods with homogeneous material properties. Such models are adequate if the length scale of the filaments being studied is much larger than the scale of the heterogeneity. However, advanced single molecule experimental techniques have now made it possible to probe the properties of biomolecules at the scale of a few nanometers. The data emerging from these experiments ought to be greeted with appropriately detailed models. In this paper we study the mechanics of a thermally fluctuating elastic rod whose moduli are a function of position. Such a rod can be used as a model for DNA whose sequence specific properties are known or for a protein oligomer in an AFM where some of the monomers might be unfolded. The mechanics of these rods is understood by first evaluating a partition function through path integral techniques. We develop a computational technique to efficiently evaluate the partition function and use it to obtain the force-extension relation of a fluctuating rod with two different bending moduli as would be the case for a partially unfolded protein oligomer stretched in an AFM. The variance of the transverse fluctuations of the protein oligomer is also evaluated and are found to agree with the results of a Monte Carlo simulation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Sentiment revealed in social media and its effect on the stock market

This paper investigates the extent to which sentiment revealed by traditional media and social media affects the stock market. We extract sentiment by conducting a textual analysis of articles published in the Wall Street Journal and Seeking Alpha, a popular social-media platform. We find that social-media sentiment associates strongly with contemporaneous and subsequent stock returns, even after controlling for traditional-media sentiment. The media effect is stronger for articles more closely followed by market participants and for companies mostly held by retail investors. Together, these findings point to the importance of social media as an additional channel through which views become reflected in the stock price.
Full-wave analysis and design of a new double-sided branch-line coupler and its complementary structure

A new double-sided branch-line coupler using microstrip lines as input/output lines and slotlines as branches is analyzed and designed. The even-odd mode theory is first used to analyze the ideally simplified circuit model and to find out the preliminary circuit dimensions. Based on these dimensions, the full-wave spectral domain approach (SDA) is employed to accurately simulate the circuit performance. By the formulation of the exact Green's function in the spectral domain, the effects of surface wave and radiation phenomena are accurately accounted for. Experimental data agree very well with the SDA simulation results. It is found that the even-odd mode theory which neglects discontinuities between lines is not enough to design a coupler. The SDA code can then be used to accurately simulate and optimize the circuit performance. The complementary structure with slotlines as input/output lines and microstrip lines as branches is also investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is noticed that the radiation and leakage from the two double-ended branches for all structures will deteriorate the circuit performance. >
Activin A and Follistatin Influence Expression of Somatostatin in the Ciliary Ganglion in Vivo

An important developmental question concerns whether neurotransmitter phenotype is an inherent property of neurons or is influenced by target tissues. This issue can be addressed in the avian ciliary ganglion (CG) which contains two cholinergic populations, ciliary and choroid neurons, that differentially express the peptide cotransmitter, somatostatin. The present study tests the hypothesis that differences in the level of expression of activin A and its endogenous inhibitor follistatin in CG neuron target tissues are responsible for selective expression of somatostatin in choroid neurons. Intraocular injection of activin A or follistatin (300 ng injected at E10/E11) in cultured embryos resulted in a 39% increase or a 23% decrease, respectively, in somatostatin-positive neurons relative to controls. Chorioallantoic membrane application of follistatin (1 mg daily from E7 to E13) reduced somatostatin positive neurons by 54%. Neuron number, size, and target tissue morphology were unaffected by these treatments. Together with our previous studies, these data suggest that activin A and follistatin are target-derived molecules that regulate neuropeptide phenotype in the ciliary ganglion. © 1998 Academic Press
Alterations in ascending dorsal horn neurons by a surgical incision in the rat foot.

BackgroundLittle is known about the mechanisms of pain caused by a surgical incision. The authors have developed a rat model of postoperative pain characterized by decreased withdrawal thresholds to punctate mechanical stimuli after plantar incision. The present studies examined the response charact
Combination therapy with methotrexate, vincristine, polyethylene-glycol conjugated-asparaginase, and prednisone in the treatment of patients with refractory or recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND L-asparaginase in combination with methotrexate has synergistic antileukemic activity in a schedule-dependent fashion. A new preparation of L-asparaginase, polyethylene-glycol conjugated (PEG)-asparaginase, is a pharmacologically different formulation of L-asparaginase with distinct properties including a longer half-life and less immunogenic properties. METHODS Patients with refractory or recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated with a combination of methotrexate (MTX), vincristine, PEG-asparaginase, and prednisone (MOAP). The treatment was comprised of MTX, 100 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.), over 15 minutes on Days 1 and 14; PEG-asparaginase, 2500 IU/m2, with a maximum dose of 3750 IU i.v. approximately 4-6 hours after MTX on Days 1 and 14; vincristine, 1.4 mg/m2 (maximum dose, 2 mg) i.v., over 15 minutes on Days 1, 7, and 14; and prednisone, 200 mg daily orally, on Days 1–5 and 14–19. RESULTS Thirty-two patients with a median age of 34 years (range, 20–74 years) were treated. Eight patients (25%) had ALL that was refractory to prior therapy and 24 patients (75%) had recurrent disease. Seven patients (22%) achieved a complete remission (CR). Five patients (16%) died early due to infections. Features associated with a poor response were high pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase levels and Philadelphia chromosome positive disease. The median duration of CR was 16 weeks and the overall median survival after MOAP therapy was 12 weeks. Anaphylactic reactions were not observed during MOAP combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS MOAP is an active regimen in patients with refractory or recurrent ALL. This regimen is well tolerated and is not associated with allergic reactions. However, further studies regarding the pharmacologic interaction of MTX with PEG-asparaginase are needed to optimize this regimen. Cancer 1999;86:1203–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Effect of Dietary Nitrogen on Nutritional and Metabolic Responses of Kittens Fed Graded Levels of Methionine

The essential amino acid requirements of several species are affected by the level of dietary nitrogen. In chicks, pigs and rats, individual essential amino acid requirements are positively correlated with the level of dietary nitrogen. Preliminary experiments indicated that this may not be true for the kitten. Growth and nitrogen retention were used to examine the nature of this response in kittens. A comprehensive set of dose response curves were completed using six latin squares. Each square represented one of the following concentrations of dietary methionine3: 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.45, 0.60 or 0.90% and four concentrations of dietary nitrogen: 15, 20, 30 and 50% crude protein. Plasma amino acid concentrations and selected hor mone concentrations (insulin/glucose, cortisol, somatomedin C, T3 and T4) were also measured. When methionine was limiting, increasing dietary nitrogen did not produce an amino acid imbalance, but rather increased weight gains and nitrogen retention in kit tens. The methionine requirement of the kitten was not positively correlated with the level of dietary ni trogen, but instead was similar for each level of dietary nitrogen tested. Plasma methionine concentrations increased with increasing dietary methionine. At di etary methionine concentrations above the require ment of the kitten (0.40%) (2), plasma methionine de creased with increasing dietary nitrogen. At 0.25 and 0.45% dietary methionine, insulin/glucose ratios and cortisol and somatomedin C concentrations were not significantly different between the levels of dietary ni trogen. At 0.25 and 0.45% dietary methionine, total T3 and T4 concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) as dietary nitrogen increased. In conclusion, the methionine requirement of kit tens is not positively correlated with the level of di etary nitrogen as it is in other species, but rather it is similar for each level of dietary nitrogen tested. Weight gains and nitrogen retentions increased in kittens fed diets limiting in methionine as dietary nitrogen in creased. The mechanism by which increasing dietary nitrogen increases weight gains and nitrogen reten tions of kittens when methionine is limiting is not yet clear.
Long-Cycle Electrochemical Behavior of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized on Stainless Steel in Li Ion Batteries

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered to be excellent candidates for high performance electrode materials in Li ion batteries. The nanometer-sized pore structures of CNTs can provide the hosting sites for storing large numbers of Li ions. A short diffusion distance for the Li ions may bring about a high discharge rate. The long-cycle performance of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) directly synthesized on stainless-steel foil as an anode material in lithium battery is demonstrated. An increase in the specific capacity with an increase in the cycle number is observed. Starting at a value of 132 mA hg -1 in the first cycle at a current rate of 1 C, the specific capacity increased about 250% to a value of 460 mA hg -1 after 1 200 cycles. This is an unusual but a welcoming behavior for battery applications. It is found that the morphology of the MWNTs with structural and surface defects and the stainless-steel substrate play an important role in enhancing the capacity during the cycling process.
Thermal pasteurization effects on color of red grapefruit juices

Changes in color due to thermal pasteurization of two cultivars of red grapefruit juice were studied. Juices were pasteurized at 91°C using a plate heat exchanger. Apparently, thermal pasteurization changed all three color parameters (CIE L * , a * , b * ) in the juice, causing a slight color shift towards lighter and brighter. Thermal pasteurization especially affected CIE b * value and chroma in juice. The reflectance spectrum in the visible region (400 nm to 700 nm) clearly showed changes in spectral distribution of light reflected from juice after pasteurization. There were no changes (P>0.05) in major carotenoid pigments (β-carotene and lycopene) in the juices after pasteurization.
Ego-Defense or Cognitive Consistency Effects on Environmental Evaluations

Numerous investigators have commented upon the sanguine evaluations of their living environments which are given by elderly people. The discrepancy between residents' and observers' evaluations suggests the involvement of ego defense or dissonance reduction. Insofar as this is true, old people's evaluations should become more negative when their efforts to move to a more desirable setting meet with sucess. This hypothesis was tested with the original group of applicants to one housing project for the elderly and cross-validated 9 years later with the original group of applicants to a different project. In both cases the hypothesis was supported. Applicants who were selected to move to new housing became more negative in their evaluations of housing than applicants who were not selected to move.
Effects of Cage or Floor Housing on Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Males

Abstract Semen and ejaculation characteristics were measured in broiler breeder males kept either in individual cages or as all male flocks on litter floors from 18 to 62 weeks of age. Semen volume and concentration were determined weekly, and body weight, fertility, and hatchability were ascertained monthly. Male response to artificial stimulation was noted during each semen collection. Correlation coefficients and repeatability estimates were calculated for semen volume, sperm concentration, percent productive ejaculation (% PE), fertility, and hatchability. Males kept in cages consistently produced larger amounts of more concentrated semen than males maintained on litter floors. Fertility and hatchability were not significantly different between cage or floor males. There were highly positive correlations among semen volume, concentration, and % PE both within early periods and between early and later periods of the experiment. Fertility and hatchability were not correlated with semen or ejaculation characteristics, and early fertility tests showed no relationship to later tests for fertility. Repeatability estimates were found to be moderate for semen volume and % PE, and it is suggested that four to five semen samples would be sufficient to predict a male's potential for semen production.
Economic Globalization and the Environment

As the world's economies become more integrated and the global economy subsequently grows, there is increasing concern regarding how such trends will affect the environment. In fact, the relationship between globalization and the environment has become quite contentious in policy circles. In part in response to these controversies, a burgeoning amount of academic attention has emerged that examines the globalization/environment nexus. Although there have been advances in the thinking about these relationships, significant challenges remain. This article provides a critical taxonomy that will help scholars better understand the overwhelming literature on the subject and also outlines the key challenges that scholars and policy makers will face for a second wave of thinking on the subject.
The Role of Mites in the Transmission and Maintenance of Hantaan Virus (Hantavirus: Bunyaviridae)

This review examines the evidence indicating a role for parasitic mites in the transmission and maintenance of Hantaan virus in nature. The available data, much of it from recent studies in China, indicate that both trombiculid and gamasid mites are naturally infected with Hantaan virus and that infected mites can transmit the virus by bite to laboratory mice and transovarially (vertically) through eggs to their offspring. Collectively, these findings challenge the current paradigm of hantavirus transmission, namely, that rodents serve as the reservoir of human pathogenic hantaviruses in nature and that humans are infected with these viruses by inhalation of aerosols of infectious rodent excreta. Further research is needed to confirm the mite-hantavirus association and to determine if parasitic mites are in fact the major source and principal vectors of human pathogenic hantaviruses, such as Hantaan. If the mite hypothesis is correct, then it will significantly alter current concepts about the epidemiology, prevention, and control of human hantavirus infection.
Osteoblasts Express NLRP3, a Nucleotide-Binding Domain and Leucine-Rich Repeat Region Containing Receptor Implicated in Bacterially Induced Cell Death

Bacterially induced osteoblast apoptosis may be a major contributor to bone loss during osteomyelitis. We provide evidence for the functional expression in osteoblasts of NLRP3, a member of the NLR family of cytosolic receptors that has been implicated in the initiation of programmed cell death. Introduction: Osteoblasts undergo apoptosis after exposure to intracellular bacterial pathogens commonly associated with osteomyelitis. Death of this bone-forming cell type, in conjunction with increased numbers and activity of osteoclasts, may underlie the destruction of bone tissue at sites of bacterial infection. To date, the mechanisms responsible for bacterially induced apoptotic osteoblast cell death have not been resolved. Materials and Methods: We used flow cytometric techniques to determine whether intracellular invasion is needed for maximal apoptotic cell death in primary osteoblasts after challenge with Salmonella enterica. In addition, we used real-time PCR and immunoblot analyses to assess osteoblast expression of members of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat region-containing family of intracellular receptors (NLRs) that have been predicted to be involved in the induction of programmed cell death. Furthermore, we have used co-immunoprecipitation and siRNA techniques to confirm the functionality of such sensors in this cell type. Results: In this study, we showed that invasion of osteoblasts by Salmonella is necessary for maximal induction of apoptosis. We showed that murine and human osteoblasts express NLRP3 (previously known as CIAS1, cryopyrin, PYPAF1, or NALP3) but not NLRC4 (IPAF) and showed that the level of expression of this cytosolic receptor is modulated after bacterial challenge. We showed that osteoblasts express ASC, an adaptor molecule for NLRP3, and that these molecules associate after Salmonella infection. In addition, we showed that a reduction in the expression of NLRP3 attenuates Salmonella-induced reductions in the activity of an anti-apoptotic transcription factor in osteoblasts. Furthermore, we showed that NLRP3 expression is needed for caspase-1 activation and maximal induction of apoptosis in osteoblasts after infection with Salmonella. Conclusions: The functional expression of NLRP3 in osteoblasts provides a potential mechanism underlying apoptotic cell death of this cell type after challenge with intracellular bacterial pathogens and may be a significant contributory factor to bone loss at sites of infection.
Rapid ecological speciation in three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus from Middleton Island, Alaska: the roles of selection and geographic isolation.

Morphological analysis of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus collected in Middleton Island, Alaska, was conducted in order to study how gene flow and selection interact during divergence. Middleton Island was uplifted by 3·4 m during the Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964; this event formed a series of new freshwater sites, triggering rapid evolution, and probably rapid speciation, in G. aculeatus populations that colonized them. The level of hybridization between the anadromous and the resident freshwater populations is reflected by the level of morphological variance of the resident freshwater G. aculeatus. Therefore, geographic isolation of the sites from the sea (approximating gene flow) and ionic concentration of the water (reflecting selection pressures) were correlated with morphological variance of the resident freshwater populations. Geographic isolation was negatively correlated with morphological variance in a majority of the analysed traits. Both selection and gene flow surrogates were found to be important influences on variance in morphology, though selection had a larger effect, especially on armour traits. It was concluded that gene flow appeared to constrain ecological speciation, but even in the presence of gene flow the strong selection in the freshwater environment was apparently leading to rapid