cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T helper 17 cell heterogeneity and pathogenicity in autoimmune disease.

T helper (Th)17 cells have been proposed to represent a new CD4 + T cell lineage that is important for host defense against fungi and extracellular bacteria, and the development of autoimmune diseases. Precisely how these cells arise has been the subject of some debate, with apparent species-specific differences in mice and humans. Here, we describe evolving views of Th17 specification, highlighting the contribution of transforming growth factor-β and the opposing roles of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 and STAT5. Increasing evidence points to heterogeneity and inherent phenotypic instability in this subset. Ideally, better understanding of expression and action of key transcription factors and the epigenetic landscape of Th17 can help explain the flexibility and diversity of interleukin-17-producing cells.
Hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in African savannah air

Recent measurements of tropospheric mixing ratios of methane, non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and carbon monoxide (CO) from the Kenyan savannah are reported. NMHC mixing ratios are among the lowest reported for the continental boundary layer. CO mixing ratios are higher than marine measurements at these latitudes. Biomass burning may contribute significantly to mixing ratios of CO and NMHC's. Calculations based on the reactivity of the OH radical with NMHC's and CO indicate that NMHC's often initially consume more OH than CO.
Shelf-Life of Pasteurized, Refrigerated Orangegg

Abstract Orangegg was prepared from fresh eggs and thawed orange juice, pasteurized at 57°C. for 10 minutes, chilled, and stored at 4°C. Taste panel members could detect off-flavors in the drink after only 4 days and rejected the product as unpalatable on the 6th day. Microbiological evaluations of orangegg after 2, 4, and 6 days storage at 4°C. indicated that bacterial spoilage did not cause the off-flavors. After 6 days’ storage, total plate counts were only 104. Prolonging shelf-life of pasteurized orangegg with antioxidants is being studied.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 Sequence Diversity and Antiviral Resistance-Associated Variant Frequency in HCV/HIV Coinfection

HIV coinfection accelerates disease progression in chronic hepatitis C and reduces sustained antiviral responses (SVR) to interferon-based therapy. New direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) promise higher SVR rates, but the selection of preexisting resistance-associated variants (RAVs) may lead to virologic breakthrough or relapse. Thus, pretreatment frequencies of RAVs are likely determinants of treatment outcome but typically are below levels at which the viral sequence can be accurately resolved. Moreover, it is not known how HIV coinfection influences RAV frequency. We adopted an accurate high-throughput sequencing strategy to compare nucleotide diversity in HCV NS3 protease-coding sequences in 20 monoinfected and 20 coinfected subjects with well-controlled HIV infection. Differences in mean pairwise nucleotide diversity (π), Tajima's D statistic, and Shannon entropy index suggested that the genetic diversity of HCV is reduced in coinfection. Among coinfected subjects, diversity correlated positively with increases in CD4+ T cells on antiretroviral therapy, suggesting T cell responses are important determinants of diversity. At a median sequencing depth of 0.084%, preexisting RAVs were readily identified. Q80K, which negatively impacts clinical responses to simeprevir, was encoded by more than 99% of viral RNAs in 17 of the 40 subjects. RAVs other than Q80K were identified in 39 of 40 subjects, mostly at frequencies near 0.1%. RAV frequency did not differ significantly between monoinfected and coinfected subjects. We conclude that HCV genetic diversity is reduced in patients with well-controlled HIV infection, likely reflecting impaired T cell immunity. However, RAV frequency is not increased and should not adversely influence the outcome of DAA therapy.
Back to basics: Theory for the rhetoric in the North-South round

Abstract The theoretical failings of the Southern position in the New International Economic Order debates of the 1970s are reviewed. Suggestions are made regarding future issues and strategy, following the precepts of Prebisch, Nurkse and Lewis.
VAPOR PHASE ELECTRONIC ABSORPTION AND MCD SPECTRA FOR DIMETHYL SULFIDE, DIMETHYL SELENIDE, AND DIMETHYL TELLURIDE IN THE UV REGION

Electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra for (CH3)2X, X = S, Se, and Te, in the vapor phase were measured in the range 2.5−5.3 μm-1 with a spectral bandwidth of ≤0.003 μm-1. The spectra show well-resolved vibrational structure for the nX → (n + 1)p Rydberg system with positive MCD B terms for (CH3)2Se and (CH3)2Te, but a negative B term for (CH3)2S. The difference in the MCD spectra is interpreted in terms of the influence of magnetic coupling with the broad nX → σ* valence transition, which lies rather close in energy to the Rydberg system for X = S, but is separated to lower energy for X = Se or Te. The interpretation requires a nX → σ* transition assignment of 1A1 → 1B1 and provides support for the most recent 1A1 symmetry assignment of the nX → (n + 1)p Rydberg excited state. The assignment of several weak, previously unreported, bands for X = Se and Te is also given.
Examining the effect of complexity in strategic group knowledge structures on firm performance

A developing stream of research in the strategy field explores the competitive structure of industries from the perspective of industry participants. This work has demonstrated that managers develop strategic group knowledge structures in order to make sense of their competitive environment. This study extends this line of research by examining the complexity evident in the strategic group knowledge structures developed by firms' top management teams and assessing the relationship between complexity in these knowledge structures and subsequent firm performance. Specifically, we examine the complexity of top managers' knowledge structures regarding their competition using a sample of 76 top management teams from banks in three U.S. cities. Using hierarchical regression, we find a significant relationship between the complexity of cognitive strategic groups and subsequent firm performance. These results suggest that the structure of the cognitive templates that top managers use to understand their environment and the actions of their competitor influence the degree of strategic success of their firm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo multispectral imaging for diagnosis of melanoma

A multispectral imaging system of high signal-to-noise ratio has been constructed to acquire in vivo data from melanoma lesions in patients at 32 wavelengths between 500 and 950nm. We analyzed the data using a multivariate method and correlated with biopsy results.
Predicting the Potential Future Distribution of Four Tree Species in Ohio Using Current Habitat Availability and Climatic Forcing

We investigated the effect of habitat loss on the ability of trees to shift in distribution across a landscape dominated by agriculture. The potential distribution shifts of four tree species (Diospyros virginiana, Oxydendron arboreum, Pinus virginiana, Quercus falcata var. falcata) whose northern distribution limits fall in the southern third of Ohio were used to assess possible distribution shift scenarios as a result of global warming. Our predictions derive from the results of simulations using (a) forest inventory based estimates of current distribution and abundance of target species; (b) a satellite-based estimate of forest habitat availability; and (c) a tree migration model (SHIFT). The current distribution and abundance of trees was estimated using USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory Analysis data and distribution maps from the late 1960s; pre-European settlement forest–nonforest maps were used to represent the fully forested condition for calibration and comparison. Habitat-availability estimates in Ohio were estimated using classified Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data from 1994. Tree abundance, forest availability and migration were modeled using a 1-km 2 pixel size. Forest
We like to walk on the comb

This is a brief account on how we have entertained ourselves in the last two years, that is, a summary of the results we have obtained in a joint work with E. Csaki, M. Csorgő and P. Revesz on random walks on a comb.
Assessing the Vegetation Condition Impacts of the 2011 Drought across the U.S. Southern Great Plains Using the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI)

AbstractThe vegetation drought response index (VegDRI), which combines traditional climate- and satellite-based approaches for assessing vegetation conditions, offers new insights into assessing the impacts of drought from local to regional scales. In 2011, the U.S. southern Great Plains, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, was plagued by moderate to extreme drought that was intensified by an extended period of record-breaking heat. The 2011 drought presented an ideal case study to evaluate the performance of VegDRI in characterizing developing drought conditions. Assessment of the spatiotemporal drought patterns represented in the VegDRI maps showed that the severity and patterns of the drought across the region corresponded well to the record warm temperatures and much-below-normal precipitation reported by the National Climatic Data Center and the sectoral drought impacts documented by the Drought Impact Reporter (DIR). VegDRI values and maps also showed the evolution of the drought signal ...
Randomised clinical trial: the effects of daikenchuto, TU-100, on gastrointestinal and colonic transit, anorectal and bowel function in female patients with functional constipation.

Summary Background Daikenchuto, a Japanese herbal medicine used for post-operative ileus and constipation, dose dependently stimulates gastrointestinal (GI) motility and decreases rectal compliance and sensation. Effects of TU-100 (commercial form of daikenchuto) in adults with constipation are unknown. Aim To compare the effects of oral TU-100, 2.5 g t.d.s. or 5 g t.d.s. and placebo t.d.s. on GI and colonic transit (CT), rectal compliance (RC) and sensation thresholds (RST), anal sphincter pressures (ASP) and bowel function in female patients with functional constipation (FC). Methods We conducted a single-centre, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, pharmacodynamic study; 45 female patients with FC without evidence of rectal evacuation disorder were assigned to 28 days' treatment with oral placebo or TU-100 (Tsumura USA, Princeton, NJ, USA). Demographic data and CT were measured at baseline and randomisation stratified by baseline CT (GC> or <1.9) and by BMI (<25 or ≥25 kg/m2). At the end of treatment period, we measured GI and CT by scintigraphy, RST and RC by barostat, ASP by manometry, psychosensory sensations, bowel function by daily diary and quality of life (QOL). The study had power to detect effect sizes of 33% (CT), 40% (RC) and 46% (RST). Statistical analysis included BMI as covariate. Results TU-100 had no significant effects on GI or CT, RC, ASP, recto-anal pressure difference, or RST. The 5 g t.d.s./day dose was associated with lower RST for first sensation and gas (unadjusted P: 0.045 and 0.024 respectively). There were no treatment effects on psychosensory symptoms, stool frequency, stool consistency or QOL. Conclusion Mechanisms underlying the observed clinical benefit of TU-100 remain unclear (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01139216).
High temperature corrosion resistant bearing steel development

The aim towards increased power-to-weight ratios and reduced specific fuel consumption in advanced gas turbine engines demands mainshaft bearings that are able to operate under an increasingly severe environment. This environment includes higher temperatures, increased hoop stresses, and more rapid accumulation of stress cycles. In addition, corrosion currently accounts for approximately 30 percent of all bearing rejections during engine overhaul. To meet these challenges, a high-speed, high-temperature, corrosion-resistant bearing material is being developed. A production capable carburizing process for a newly developed chrome tool steel, Pyrowear 675 Alloy, was developed. Mechanical property evaluations have shown that carburized Pyrowear 675 has the required fracture toughness, rolling contact fatigue life, hot hardness, and corrosion resistance needed to operate in the rigorous environments predicted for gas turbine engines. 13 refs.
The backing of government bonds and monetarism

Abstract This paper examines the implications of the fiscal backing of government bonds for the effects of conventional macroeconomic policies and, in particular, for certain monetarist propositions. It shows that the validity of some basic monetarist hypotheses requires a considerable degree of accommodation by the fiscal authority, relative to the central bank. Otherwise, government bonds may matter in a manner as described in the traditional literature [e.g., Mundell, 1971 , Patinkin, 1965 ], though some differences arise. Of perhaps independent interest, the framework developed in the analysis is an intertemporal general equilibrium model with all the descriptive features of the conventional flexible price IS/LM model.
Income inequality and income taxation

Abstract This paper presents summary information on the before- and the after-tax income distribution in the United States between 1984 and 2004, along with data on effective tax rates on households in various quintiles of the income distribution. It describes two effects of tax policy on income distribution. The first involves the redistributive impact of taxes for a given pre-tax distribution of income. The second involves changes in the pre-tax distribution of income that are induced by taxpayers’ behavioral responses to the tax system.
Incorporation of Uracil into Minus Strand DNA Affects the Specificity of Plus Strand Synthesis Initiation during Lentiviral Reverse Transcription

Many retroviruses either encode dUTP pyrophosphatase (dUTPase) or package host-derived uracil DNA glycosylase as a means to limit the accumulation of uracil in DNA strands, suggesting that uracil is detrimental to one or more steps in the viral life cycle. In the present study, the effects of DNA uracilation on (-) strand DNA synthesis, RNase H activity, and (+) strand DNA synthesis were investigated in a cell-free system. This system uses the activities of purified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase to convert single-stranded RNA to double-stranded DNA in a single reaction mixture. Substitution of dUTP for dTTP had no effect on (-) strand synthesis but significantly decreased yields of (+) strand DNA. Mapping of nascent (+) strand 5' ends revealed that this was due to decreased initiation from polypurine tracts with a concomitant increase in initiation at non-polypurine tract sites. Aberrant initiation correlated with a change in RNase H cleavage specificity when assayed on preformed RNA-DNA duplexes containing uracilated DNA, suggesting that appropriate "selection" of the (+) strand primer is affected. Collectively, these data suggest that accumulation of uracil in retroviral DNA may disrupt the viral life cycle by altering the specificity of (+) strand DNA synthesis initiation during reverse transcription.
Effect of access probabilities on the delay performance of Q-CSMA algorithms

It has been recently shown that queue-based CSMA algorithms can be throughput optimal. In these algorithms, each link of the wireless network has two parameters: a transmission probability and an access probability. The transmission probability of each link is chosen as an appropriate function of its queue-length, however, the access probabilities are simply regarded as some random numbers since they do not play any role in establishing the network stability. In this paper, we show that the access probabilities control the mixing time of the CSMA Markov chain and, as a result, affect the delay performance of the CSMA. In particular, we derive formulas that relate the mixing time to access probabilities and use these to develop the following guideline for choosing access probabilities: each link i should choose its access probability equal to 1=(d i + 1), where d i is the number of links which interfere with link i. Simulation results show that this choice of access probabilities results in good delay performance.
Childhood sexual trauma and subsequent parenting beliefs and behaviors

Using propensity-matched controls, the present study examines the long-term adjustment of women reporting childhood sexual trauma (CST) at or before the age of 14 in terms of parenting efficacy and parenting behavior. Data for these analyses were obtained from mother reports and from observational protocols from a longitudinal study of low-income, rural families. The novel use of propensity-matched controls to create a control group matched on family of origin variables provides evidence that when women with CST are compared with the matched comparison women, females who experienced CST show poorer functioning across multiple domains of parenting (sensitivity, harsh intrusiveness, boundary dissolution), but not in parenting efficacy. Follow-up moderation analyses suggest that the potential effects of trauma on parenting behaviors are not attenuated by protective factors such as higher income, higher education, or stable adult relationships. Implications for interventions with childhood sexual trauma histories and directions for future study are proposed.
High speed and high contrast electro-optical modulators based on n-i-p-i doping superlattices

Abstract We report on electro-optical modulators with high contrast ratio. The on/off ratio of a homogenous GaAs n-i-p-i structure only 3.9μm thick is larger than 6:1, without additional cavity effects for a voltage swing of only 7V. This change of the reflection corresponds to an absorption change of more than 2000 cm-1, averaged over the whole sample thickness. The modulation ratio exceeds 3 within a wavelength range of more than 20nm and remains constant up to an optical power of about 50 mW. The structure is grown with a novel shadow mask regrowth technique, which allows in situ fabrication of excellent selective n- and p-type contacts to doping superlattices with typical dimensions of several μm. In agreement with calculations a 45×45 μm2 device with a 60pF capacitance reveals a 3dB frequency of 40MHz. By further reducing the device dimension to 3×3 μm2 a 3dB frequency of 4GHz is expected.
Patient comments concerning psychiatric hospitalization

During the past decade increasing attention has been paid to consumer assessment of mental health services. This study summarizes and interprets the comments made by 1457 adults and 474 adolescents concerning their inpatient care at a large private psychiatric hospital. Although adult and adolescent comments evidenced many similarities, adolescents tended to give a greater number of responses and to be more critical of hospitalization than were adults. Comparisons with previous research also supported findings that individual therapy is the most highly valued treatment modality, while food, finances, and living conditions are the most commonly criticized aspects of psychiatric hospitalization.
Decentralized Asynchronous Learning in Cellular Neural Networks

Cellular neural networks (CNNs), as previously described, consist of identical units called cells that are connected to their adjacent neighbors. These cells interact with each other in order to fulfill a common goal. The current methods involved in learning of CNNs are usually centralized (cells are trained in one location) and synchronous (all cells are trained simultaneously either sequentially or in parallel depending on the available hardware/software platform). In this paper, a generic architecture of CNNs is presented and a special case of supervised learning is demonstrated explaining the internal components of a cell. A decentralized asynchronous learning (DAL) framework for CNNs is developed in which each cell of the CNN learns in a spatially and temporally distributed environment. An application of DAL framework is demonstrated by developing a CNN-based wide-area monitoring system for power systems. The results obtained are compared against equivalent traditional methods and shown to be better in terms of accuracy and speed.
Biodistribution of 99Tcm-labelled 5-thio-D-glucose.

We studied the biodistribution and tumour localization of 99 Tc m -labelled-5-thio-D-glucose ( 99 Tc m -TG). 5-Thio-D-glucose was labelled with 99 Tc m by direct stannous ion reduction. The biodistribution of 99 Tc m -TG was investigated in normal rabbits and in mice bearing experimental tumours. In rabbits, the plasma and clearance of 99 Tc m -TG was 14.5 ± 2.0 and 11.3 ± 3.0 ml.min -1 respectively. Urinary excretion at 1 h was 53 ± 5%. 99 Tc m -TG was injected intravenously in mice bearing MC26 colon carcinoma and tissue samples were analysed by gamma scintillation counting at various times. Uptake of 99 Tc m -TG in tumour at 1 and 3 h was 1.6 ± 0.3% and 1.2 ± 0.3%; the tumour to muscle ratios were 2.7:1 and 4:1 respectively. The autoradiographic biodistribution of 99 Tc m -TG in MX-1 human breast xenografted nude mice showed more persistent tumour uptake of 99 Tc m -TG than 14 C-2-deoxyglucose ( 14 C-DG). 99 Tc m -TG accumulated in the centre of the tumours; 14 C-DG was decreased in this central region probably because of zones of infarction on necrosis. The discordance between the tumour uptake of 99 Tc m -TG and 14 C-DG indicates that 99 Tc m -TG does not act like a glucose analog, suggesting 99 Tc m -TG avidity for zones of infarction or necrosis. The further study of 99 Tc m -TG in tumours and ischaemic injury is warranted.
Organizational Configurations And Performance: A Meta-Analysis

The link between organizational configurations and performance has become a central and somewhat controversial focus of research in the strategic management literature. We statistically aggregated ...
Phosphate-Mediated Arginine Insertion into Lipid Membranes and Pore Formation by a Cationic Membrane Peptide from Solid-State NMR

The insertion of charged amino acid residues into the hydrophobic part of lipid bilayers is energetically unfavorable yet found in many cationic membrane peptides and protein domains. To understand the mechanism of this translocation, we measured the 13C−31P distances for an Arg-rich β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide, PG-1, in the lipid membrane using solid-state NMR. Four residues, including two Arg's, scattered through the peptide were chosen for the distance measurements. Surprisingly, all residues show short distances to the lipid 31P: 4.0−6.5 A in anionic POPE/POPG membranes and 6.5−8.0 A in zwitterionic POPC membranes. The shortest distance of 4.0 A, found for a guanidinium Cζ at the β-turn, suggests N−H···O−P hydrogen bond formation. Torsion angle measurements of the two Arg's quantitatively confirm that the peptide adopts a β-hairpin conformation in the lipid bilayer, and gel-phase 1H spin diffusion from water to the peptide indicates that PG-1 remains transmembrane in the gel phase of the membrane...
End-organ susceptibility as a determinant of renal disease in hypertension.

A 65-year-old black woman came to the emergency room of Jackson Memorial Hospital complaining of shortness of breath and leg swelling of 1-month duration. Her physician had retired and she had not been seen by a doctor in 5 years. She presented with a history of dyspnea on minimal exertion, two-pillow orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. There was no history of chest pain, myocardial infarction, or diabetes mellitus. She had quit smoking 10 years previously. She had no family history of coronary artery disease, but a younger brother had hypertension and renal failure and was receiving dialysis. The patient’s height was 5 feet 2 inches and her weight was 150 pounds. Blood pressure was 170/100 mm Hg; pulse, 100 beats/min and regular; and respirations, 28 breaths/min. On physical examination, she appeared to be in moderate respiratory distress. Funduscopic examination showed arteriovenous nicking. An S3 and S4 gallop were heard on cardiac auscultation. The point of maximal impulse (PMI) was felt in the sixth intercostal space. Lung examination revealed bibasilar dullness to percussion and rales halfway up bilaterally. The abdomen was soft, with mild tenderness on deep palpation of the right
Osmium is not harder than diamond

A recent measurement found Os has a larger bulk modulus than diamond, in agreement with an earlier calculation. We have made fully relativistic linear augmented plane-wave calculations of osmium and diamond and found diamond to have the larger bulk modulus, independent of whether the local-density- or generalized-gradient-approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation potentials are used. With the GGA our bulk modulus lies between two very recent and more accurate experimental values.
Design study of a laser-cooled infrared sensor

The performance of a solid-state optical refrigerator is the result of a complex interplay of numerous optical and thermal parameters. We present a first preliminary study of an optical cryocooler using ray-tracing techniques. A numerical optimization identified a non-resonant cavity with astigmatism. This geometry offered more efficient pump absorption by the YLF:10%Yb laser-cooling crystal compared to non-resonant cavities without astigmatism that have been pursued experimentally so far. Ray tracing simulations indicate that ~80% of the incident pump light can absorbed for temperatures down to ~100 K. Calculations of heat loads, cooling power, and net payload heat lift are presented. They show that it is possible to cool a payload to a range of 90–100 K while producing a net payload heat lift of 80 mW and 300 mW when pumping a YLF:10%Yb crystal with 20 W and 50 W at 1020 nm, respectively. This performance is suited to cool HgCdTe infrared detectors that are used for sensing in the 8–12 μm atmospheric window. While the detector noise would be ~6× greater at 100 K than at 77 K, the laser refrigerator would introduce no vibrations and thus eliminate sources of microphonic noise that are limiting the performance of current systems.
The preparation of device quality gallium phosphide by metal organic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Device quality epitaxial layers of gallium phosphide were grown on gallium phosphide substrates by the decomposition of trimethylgallium (TMG) and phosphine in a hydrogen atmosphere. The lowest background carrier concentration (≈5 × 10115cm-3) and best surface morphology were obtained at a growth temperature of 800δC and a PH3/TMG ratio ≈10 for a growth rate of 0.17 μm/min. The layers can be controllably doped n- or p-type by the use of hydrogen selenide or diethylzinc. Both n-and p-type material with mobilities of ≈120 cm2/V · s and carrier concentrations of ≈1016 cm-3 can be prepared. Rectifying diodes with reverse leakage currents of
Teachers' Norms and Teacher-Parent Agreement on the Missouri Children's Behavior Checklist.

Abstract Normative data are reported for a 68-item teacher's form of the Missouri Children's Behavior Checklist (MCBC-T). Sex differences comparable to those found in parents' ratings were found but teachers' average ratings were significantly lower than parents' ratings. The correlations between teachers' and parents' ratings are comparable to those found in the literature and provide evidence for convergent and discriminant validity of the MCBC scales.
Evaluation of novel cationic 99mTc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes as potential radiotracers for myocardial perfusion imaging.

Abstract This report describes the evaluation of three cationic 99m Tc(I)–tricarbonyl complexes — [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (L)] + (L= N -methoxyethyl- N , N -bis[2-(bis(3-ethoxypropyl)phosphino)ethyl]amine (ME-PNP), N -[15-crown-5)-2-yl]- N , N -bis[2-(bis(3-ethoxypropyl)phosphino)ethyl]amine (15C5-PNP) and N -[18-crown-6)-2-yl]- N , N -bis[2-(bis(3-ethoxypropyl)phosphino)ethyl]amine (18C6-PNP)) — as potential radiotracers for myocardial perfusion imaging. Biodistribution, imaging and metabolism studies were performed using Sprague–Dawley rats. It was found that bisphosphine ligands have a significant impact on the biodistribution characteristics and clearance kinetics of their cationic 99m Tc(I)–tricarbonyl complexes. Among the three radiotracers evaluated in this study, [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + has a very high initial heart uptake and is retained in the rat myocardium for >2 h. It also shows rapid clearance from the liver and lungs. The heart/liver ratio of [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + is ∼2.5 times better than that of 99m Tc-sestamibi at 30 min postinjection. [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + is almost identical to 99m TcN-DBODC5 with respect to heart uptake, heart/lung ratio and heart/liver ratio. Results from metabolism studies show that there is no significant metabolism for [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + in the urine, but it does show a small metabolite peak ( 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + has a much better liver clearance profile than 99m Tc-sestamibi and might give clinically useful images of the heart as early as 30 min postinjection. [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (15C5-PNP)] + is a very promising candidate for more preclinical evaluations in various animal models.
The Structure and Validity of the Multidimensional Social Support Questionnaire

The factor structure and concurrent validity of the Multidimensional Social Support Questionnaire, a brief measure of perceived social support for use with adolescents, was examined. Findings suggest that four dimensions of perceived social support may yield more information than assessments of the unitary construct of support.
Effect of Glucose and Low Oxygen Tension on l-Asparaginase Production by a Strain of Escherichia coli B

Cultural and nutritional requirements for maximum l-asparaginase synthesis were determined. Conventional aerobic and anaerobic fermentations were not satisfactory. The former yielded larger quantities of cells containing minimal amounts of l-asparaginase, whereas the latter supplied only minute amounts of bacteria that contained an abundance of enzyme. However, the combination of these classical methods, i.e., allowing growth to proceed aerobically until the mid to late exponential phase and then forcing the facultative microbial cells toward anaerobic metabolism by static incubation, produced 2.6 international units of enzyme per ml of fermentation broth when glucose was present. Enzyme synthesis was not induced by terminating aeration-agitation in the absence of glucose, nor was it induced in the presence of glucose when aeration was continued. Use of 0.2 m phosphate buffer resulted in a constant pH near the optimum value of 7.5 during l-asparaginase formation. Addition of 0.05% l-asparagine prior to induction was also beneficial, but other amino acids or their catabolites failed to increase biosynthesis of l-asparaginase.
Methods Beyond Methods: A Model for Africana Graduate Methods Training

A holistic graduate education can impart not just tools and knowledge, but critical positioning to fulfill many of the original missions of Africana Studies programs set forth in the 1960s and 1970s. As an interdisciplinary field with many approaches to examining the African Diaspora, the methodological training of graduate students can vary across graduate programs. Although taking qualitative methods courses are often required of graduate students in Africana Studies programs, and these programs offer such courses, rarely if ever are graduate students in these programs required to take quantitative methods courses, let alone have these courses offered in-house. These courses can offer Africana Studies graduate students new tools for their own research, but more importantly, improve their knowledge of quantitative research of diasporic communities. These tools and knowledge can assist with identifying flawed arguments about African-descended communities and their members. This article explores the importance of requiring and offering critical quantitative methods courses in graduate programs in Africana Studies, and discusses the methods requirements of one graduate program in the field as an example of more rigorous training that other programs could offer graduate students.
Surgical treatment of distant metastatic melanoma indications and results

A retrospective study was made of the surgical treatment of distant metastases from melanoma in 143 patients. The determinants of survival benefit were: (1) successful complete resection of all clinical disease; (2) single versus multiple metastatic site; and (3) anatomic location of disease. Complete resection was achieved with single- and multiple-site lesions in 67% and 31% of the patients, respectively, yielding corresponding 5-year survival rates of 33% and 9%, respectively. Incomplete resection yielded little survival benefit. Soft tissue and extraregional nodal lesions were completely resectable in 70%, whereas pulmonary, extrahepatic abdominal visceral, and osseous lesions were in 40% of the patients, resulting in similar 5-year survival rates of 17% to 22%. The operative mortality rate was 1.4% (2/143). Unsuccessful resection frequently led to very long hospitalization periods for complications and disease, with some patients spending more than 50% of their remaining survival time in the hospital. These observations suggest that, with proper selection of patients, guided by these determinants, surgical resection can offer a reasonable expectation of prolonged survival.
Mitogenic effect of syngeneic peritoneal fluids and their relation to lymphocyte trapping.

. Syngeneic peritoneal fluids, i.e. tumor ascitic fluid (TAF); peritoneal exudate fluid (PEF) or normal peritoneal washouts, induce a mitogenic effect in the spleens and lymph nodes of syngeneic animals. Fractions of TAF and PEF of MW less than 1,000 are also effective mitogenic stimulators. The mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus and nonlymphoid tissues, i.e. lung, kidney and liver, are not stimulated. The mitogenic effect peaks at day 3 with a second minor peak at day 7 and disappears by day 9. The mitogenic effect is unrelated to the ability of TAF and PEF to abrogate lymphocyte trapping.
Navajo Youth and Anglo Racism: Cultural Integrity and Resistance

In this article, Donna Deyhle presents the results of a decade-long ethnographic study of the lives, both in and out of school, of Navajo youth in a border reservation community. She describes the racial and cultural struggle between Navajos and Anglos and the manifestation of that struggle in schools and the workplace. While utilizing these theories' central insights, but then moves beyond them. While differences in culture play a role in the divisions between Anglos and Navajos, Deyhle asserts that these differences intertwine with power relations in the larger community, and that Navajo school success and failure are best understood as part of this process of racial conflict. Navajos, subjected to discrimination in the workplace and a vocationally centered assimilationist curriculum in schools, are more academically successful when they are more secure in their traditional culture. This study demonstrates that those students who embrace this life-affirming vision both gain a solid place in their societ...
A Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibodies That Enhance Mouse Resistance to Candida albicans Vaginal Infection

We previously reported that a vaccine composed of liposome-mannan complexes of Candida albicans (L-mann) stimulates mice to produce protective antibodies against disseminated candidiasis. An immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal antibody (MAb), B6.1, specific for a beta-1,2-mannotriose in the complexes protects against the disease, whereas MAb B6 does not. In the present study, the vaccine and MAbs B6.1 and B6 were tested for the ability to protect against Candida vaginal infection, established by intravaginal (i.vg.) inoculation of yeast cells in mice maintained in pseudoestrus. Fungal CFU in each vagina was determined to assess the severity of infection. Mice vaccinated before infection developed about 62% fewer vaginal CFU than nonimmunized controls. Naive mice that received polyclonal antiserum (from vaccinated mice) i.vg. before infection had 60% fewer CFU than controls. The serum protective factor was stable at 56 degreesC, but C. albicans cells absorbed this factor. Mice given MAb B6.1 i.vg. after infection was established had fewer Candida CFU in vaginal tissue than control mice given buffer instead of antibody. MAbs B6.1 and B6 given intraperitoneally before infection protected mice, but MAbs preabsorbed with yeast cells did not. MAb B6.1 also protected against C. tropicalis vaginal infection, but MAb B6 did not. The protective activities of MAbs B6.1 and B6 appeared to be specific because an irrelevant IgM carbohydrate-specific MAb and an irrelevant IgG protein-specific MAb were not protective; also, MAb B6.1 did not affect development of vaginal chlamydial infection. These studies show that an appropriate antibody response, or administration of protective antibodies, can help the host to resist Candida vaginal infection.
Survival after Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Placement Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background— Guidelines recommend that implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) candidates have an estimated longevity of ≥1 year. Longevity can be affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods and Results— Using the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD registry linked with the Social Security Death Master File, we assessed the rate of death after primary prevention ICD placement between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007, according to CKD stage. Using Cox models, we identified factors associated with death among patients with CKD. Compared with patients without CKD (n=26 056), those with CKD (n=21 226) were older, less commonly men, more often white, and more frequently had comorbid illness. Compared with patients without CKD, patients with a glomerular filtration rate 30 to 60, glomerular filtration rate 65 years, heart failure symptoms, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, serum sodium <140 mEq/L, atrial fibrillation or flutter, and a lower ejection fraction. Conclusions— The risk of death after primary prevention ICD placement is proportional to CKD severity. Among patients with CKD, several factors are prognostically significant and could inform clinical decision making on primary prevention ICD candidacy.
Towards a Model to Measure the Quality of Environmental Sustainability: The Hospitality Environmental Scorecard

This paper sought to develop a tool called the Environmental Scorecard (ESC) with which managers, executives, board members, and share holders, could quantify the environmental and financial impact of the company as a whole, as well as specific environmental initiatives undertaken by the company. The ESC tool can help to promote environmental quality to stakeholders including hospitality owners, stockholders, managers/employees, and also customers interested in improving and maintaining the quality of the environment. The balance of this paper describes how this tool was modeled after Kaplan and Norton's (1992) Balanced Scorecard—a tool that assesses the quality of a firm's financial and guest performance.
A Two-State Model of Purchase Incidence and Brand Choice

The authors develop and test a probabilistic model of purchase incidence and brand choice for frequently purchased consumer products. The model incorporates two ways of shopping in a category. Shoppers who have planned their purchasing made a decision before entering the store do not process in-store information and show no response to point-of-purchase promotions. Consumers who have not planned their purchasing in a category deciding at the point of purchase may process in-store information and may be strongly influenced by promotions. The two modes of information processing are called decision states and are labelled planned and opportunistic, respectively. The two-state model is calibrated on IRI scanner purchase records for saltine crackers. The model yields a significantly better fit than a one-state nested logit model and provides new insights into the relationship between shopping behavior and consumer purchase response.
Theory of Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics With Application to the Transport Processes in a Solid

The theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics for inherently irreversible coupled processes is presented and the concept of heat is incorporated appropriately. The theory was applied to the problem of a solid carrying electric and heat currents in the presence of an external magnetic field. The principle of increase of entropy was employed to determine the reversibility or irreversibility of the macroscopic effects involved and to determine the limits on the material’s properties. The dynamic equations show that, in the one-dimensional thermoelectric case, the heat current is not coupled to the electrical phenomenon. In two and three-dimensional cases, the heat current is coupled to the electrical phenomenon only through the influence of the external magnetic field. Areas of disagreement with the literature are pointed out and discussed.
The Importance of Training on Sexual Harassment Policy Outcomes

This article assesses the relative importance of sexual harassment policy and training on positive outcomes in public sector organizations by asking whether policies and training can increase satisfaction with the implementation of sexual harassment policies, whether employees are more likely to be satisfied with particular policies, whether policies and training can increase the reporting of sexual harassment, and, ultimately, whether policies and training can reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment in public sector organizations. Based on surveys and case studies of Michigan municipalities, the findings suggest that training is the critical link between sexual harassment policies and perceived positive outcomes. In short, even the best policy, absent a commitment to training, is unlikely to have the desired workplace outcomes.
Scanning Probe Surface Modification

Abstract : Nanometer-scale manipulation of surfaces is important because subtle changes in surface structure often result in new electronic, magnetic, photonic, and mechanical materials properties. In this brief article we address one aspect of nanometer-scale surface manipulation that is of both technological and fundamental interest: scanning probe microscope (SPM)-induced patterning of surfaces. We begin by discussing traditional methods for submicron patterning, then we address some general aspects of SPM surface manipulation, and finally we present some specific results from our own laboratory.
Nest site selection and nest success in a song sparrow population: The significance of spatial variation

Abstract I tested the hypothesis that individual Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) choose nesting microhabitat that reduces their risk of nest predation, using two years of data (n = 196 nests) from two adjacent sites in California coastal scrub, one grazed and one ungrazed. Nesting habitat was compared between nest patches and random locations, and between successful and unsuccessful nests. In both sites, nest patch habitat differed significantly in structure and plant species composition from habitat available within territories. However, of six habitat characteristics associated with nest patch choice, only two were related to nest success, and that relationship differed between the two study sites. Only in the grazed site was the amount of coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) in the nest patch positively associated with both nest site selection and nest success. In contrast, coyote bush was unrelated to nest site choice and had a nonlinear relationship with nest success in the ungrazed site, such that ne...
Retinoic acid signaling in the nucleus accumbens: A novel mechanism controlling addiction-related behavior

nor did the BMI significantly reducemarijuana use compared to the assessment-only group. Conclusions: Despite reductions in alcohol use, marijuana use did not change following alcohol-focused intervention efforts. This suggests thatmarijuana users can still benefit from alcohol-related interventions yet may need amore intense and targetedmarijuana focused intervention to induce changes in marijuana use. Financial support:Ali Yurasek’s contribution to thismanuscript was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse grant T32 DA016184.
The Living Canvas: Interactive Chloroplasts

The Living Canvas is a science/art/educational exhibit of artwork created by using the positioning of chloroplasts in leaf cells as an artistic medium and using light to control that medium. The work reveals the process of chloroplast movements as they occur in leaf cells and how those subcellular changes affect the optical properties of whole leaves to maximize photosynthesis. The works are designed to stimulate a sense of intrigue and awe to enhance the viewers' awareness of plant life and their relationships with plants in their environment.
Species Diversity and Host Associations of Trichogramma in Eurasia

The first Trichogramma species described was T. evanescens Westwood, from Chelsea Physic Garden in London, England, 177 years ago (Westwood 1833). Unfortunately, the true identity of T. evanescens has long remained a mystery, leading to taxonomic confusion surrounding this and many other important species in the genus (Fursov 2000, Noyes et al. 2000). To a large extent, this taxonomic confusion is characteristic of much of the taxonomy of Old World Trichogramma species. The daunting task of using morphological studies for species characterisation of Trichogramma species was undertaken by several workers in the 20th century, notably in the former Soviet Union (Sorokina 1991, 1993) and India (Nagarkatti and Nagaraja 1971, 1977). The crucial importance of many Trichogramma species for biological and natural pest control was the incentive for these painstaking studies, in many cases supplemented by complex crossing experiments (Nagarkatti and Nagaraja 1977). The reliance on male genitalia as an extremely useful character (Nagarkatti and Nagaraja 1971) still meant that females were often impossible to identify. The relatively recent discovery of the utility for Trichogramma species identification of the ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer ITS-2 region (Stouthamer et al. 1998) is another significant advance in the taxonomy of this complex genus. The increasing use of ITS-2 to characterize known and new species is both revolutionising Trichogramma systematics and has the potential to bring hitherto unknown and much-needed taxonomic stability to this important genus. The following account summarises current knowledge of the species diversity and host associations of Trichogramma species in Europe and Asia. Apart from certain species known to be widespread across Eurasia, particularly those occurring in both European and Asian Russia, the Palaearctic and Oriental Trichogramma faunas have tended to be treated separately. It seems probable that some hitherto undiscovered synonymy between species in these respective faunas will come to light when further molecular
Implementation of Finite Difference Technique for Exotic Double Barrier Options

In this paper, we attempt to price a complex barrier option using Finite Difference (FD) techniques. The focus is to demonstrate the strength of the FD to deal with various seemingly complicated issues like jump diffusion, Early exercise in a relatively easy way and at a lower computational cost compared to the normal Monte Carlo (MC) techniques. The prices were reliable and efficiency gains are benchmarked against the results from a pure Monte Carlo simulation and other analytical values. The paper also deals with issues on implication of dividend incorporation, treatment of boundary conditions, and hedging.
A Walk-in Light Trap Installation with a Moth-Beetle Separator

Entomologists concerned with the occurrence and abundance of light-attracted Lepidoptera are often plagued by the many beetles captured in conventional light traps. Many moth specimens are damaged beyond recognition by activity of beetles, thus making accurate identification and collection records impossible to obtain.