cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of sire-breed, forage availability and weather on the grazing behavior of crossbred ewes

Abstract For 17 days, 30 non-pregnant, non-lactating crossbred ewes, six per sire-breed (Suffolk, Clun Forest, Dorset, Polypay and Border Leicester), were grazed together during daylight hours (approximately 06.00–21.00 h Pacific daylight time) in a 0.87-ha grass—clover pasture. For the remainder of each day, the ewes were penned indoors without access to feed and water. On 6 days they were observed throughout the grazing period, with individual locations and activities being recorded every 10 min. The daily grazing pattern consisted of intensive a.m. grazing until about 10.00 h and intensive p.m. grazing after about 16.00 h. Cool, cloudy days had less distinct grazing periods than warm, sunny days. Average time spent grazing was 9.23 h (4.11 h a.m. and 5.12 h p.m.), and the average times of a.m. stop and p.m. start were 10.23 and 14.59 h, respectively. Average distance traveled was 1.39 km (0.76 km a.m. and 0.63 km p.m.). Sire-breed had no effect on either grazing time or distance traveled. Weather had a greater apparent effect than forage availability on grazing time, but forage availability had a greater apparent effect than weather on distance traveled. Sire-breed groups (averaged over observation days) differed in their grazing-site preference. A ewe's a.m. and p.m. grazing times were not correlated, but time of a.m. stop and p.m. start were negatively correlated. Grazing time and distance traveled were only moderately correlated.
Computer Simulation Studies Of Compensation Of Turbulence Degraded Images

Techniques have been developed which allow nearly all phases of the image forming process for turbulence degraded images to be computer simulated. The simulation includes generation of turbulence de-graded wavefronts, the degrading point spread function, and the sensor properties. Pre detection compensation of the wavefront and post detection compensation of the image can likewise be simulated. These simulation techniques have been used to determine fundamental limits of pre detection and post detection processing. Results of the application of these techniques to sun-illuminated objects will be presented in this paper.
Market reaction to anticipated announcements

Abstract In this paper we analyze how anticipating a forthcoming public announcement affects the market reaction to the announcement by altering investors' incentives to acquire private information. Specifically, we study price change, volume, and information asymmetry at the time of the announcement. We also investigate how information acquisition, information asymmetry, price, and volume are influenced by the quality of prior knowledge, the marginal cost of gathering information, the degree of risk tolerance, and noise. Finally, we compare market reactions to anticipated announcements of known precision with the response to announcements that are either unanticipated or of uncertain quality.
Effectiveness of research guidelines in prevention of scientific misconduct

In response to a series of allegations of scientific misconduct in the 1980’s, a number of scientific societies, national agencies, and academic institutions, including Harvard Medical School, devised guidelines to increase awareness of optimal scientific practices and to attempt to prevent as many episodes of misconduct as possible. The chief argument for adopting guidelines is to promote good science. There is no evidence that well-crafted guidelines have had any detrimental effect on creativity since they focus on design of research studies, documentation of research findings, assignment of credit through authorship, data management and supervision of trainees, not on the origin and evolution of ideas. This paper addresses a spectrum of causes of scientific misconduct or unacceptable scientific behavior and couples these with estimates of the potential for prevention if guidelines for scientific investigation are adopted. The conclusion is that clear and understandable guidelines should help to reduce the chance that flawed research will escape from our institutions. However, they cannot be relied upon alone to prevent all instances of scientific misconduct and should be regarded rather as one means of bolstering the integrity of the entire scientific enterprise.
Effects of comorbid diagnoses on sleep disturbance in PTSD

Abstract Objective: Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently diagnosed with other psychiatric comorbid conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that PTSD patients suffer a greater proportion of sleep problems according to comorbid diagnoses. Method: National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) data from 591 individuals diagnosed with PTSD were analyzed. Revised versions of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and Composite International Diagnostic Interview were administered to a representative sample of males and females. Groups consisted of patients diagnosed with lifetime PTSD and with current comorbid panic disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence. Results: Patients diagnosed with PTSD/panic disorder reported a significantly greater proportion of nightmare complaints (96%) and insomnia (100%) compared with the other comorbid groups. Conclusions: A greater proportion of PTSD patients with comorbid panic disorder complain of sleep-related problems than other comorbid groups. This effect appears unique to panic, rather than other general anxiety disorder or depression. Prospective sleep studies are needed to differentiate the role of sleep in PTSD and PD, as well as to examine the role of psychiatric comorbidity in worsening sleep in PTSD patients.
Nucleus sagulum: Projections of a lateral tegmental area to the inferior colliculus in the cat

The nucleus sagulum, an area of the midbrain tegmentum, has been considered a component of a lateral tegmental system within the ascending auditory pathway to the thalamus. In this study, connections of the nucleus sagulum within the midbrain were investigated in adult cats. Tracing methods using anterograde and retrograde axonal transport of markers were employed. The nucleus sagulum was identified as a region of principally small neurons (261 +/- 79 micron2) at the margin of the midbrain and neighboring the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus. Injections of tritiated leucine in the nucleus sagulum labeled axons that ended in dense patches within the superficial layers of the caudal portion of the dorsal cortex of the inferior colliculus on the ipsilateral side. Retrograde experiments confirmed this connection. Other axonal projections labeled in the anterograde studies included fibers ending in the dorsomedial nucleus, the superficial layers of the dorsal cortex, and the rostral nucleus of the inferior colliculus with some bilateral distribution. Outside of the inferior colliculus, sagulum injections labeled other axons ending in the ventral intercollicular tegmentum on both sides and in a dorsal and rostral region of the contralateral nucleus sagulum that appeared contiguous with the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. The latter region included a population of larger neurons (340-540 micron2) and had different connections with the inferior colliculus. The distribution of axonal labeling after injections in the nucleus sagulum was contrasted with the distribution of projections from several neighboring areas of the lateral tegmentum, including the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. None of these areas exhibited connections with the superficial layers of the caudal cortex of the inferior colliculus, which was the major target in the inferior colliculus of the nucleus sagulum. Thus, the results indicated that the nucleus sagulum is distinguished from adjacent regions of the lateral tegmentum by its connectivity. Its association with midbrain auditory pathways is supported by these connections as well as ascending ones to the auditory thalamus.
Factor structure of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) in schizophrenia

Abstract Background The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and proposed co-primary measures are gaining momentum as outcome measures in clinical trials, highlighting the need to evaluate their psychometric properties. The MCCB composite score has been proposed to be the optimal primary outcome measure, though its validity is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the MCCB in a schizophrenia sample and determine whether its cognitive domains are separable. Methods 183 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a comprehensive test battery. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure of the MCCB; hierarchical regression then examined the relative contribution of individual cognitive variables to predict the MCCB factor scores. Finally, the relationships between the resulting factors and two performance-based measures of functional capacity were explored. Results A three-factor MCCB model representing processing speed, attention/working memory, and learning fits the data well and was an improvement over a unifactorial model. Symbol coding, spatial span, and visual learning were the most robust predictors for each of the three factors; symbol coding proved to be the best single predictor of overall cognitive performance. The three factors were also significantly related to a performance-based measure of everyday functioning but not a performance-based measure of social skills. Conclusions These analyses suggest that the six MCCB “domains” as constructed can be collapsed into fewer domains composed of multiple item scores; they also support the notion that impaired processing speed is a fundamental cognitive deficit in schizophrenia and that MCCB performance is related to functional capacity. Cognition and functional capacity measures require more research to determine if they differ.
Role of Hemodynamic Shear Stress Abnormalities in the Early Pathogenesis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Calcification

With a prevalence of 1.3 million cases in the United States, the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac anomaly and is frequently associated with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) [1]. The most prevalent type-I morphology, which results from left-/right-coronary cusp fusion, generates different hemodynamics than a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). While valvular calcification has been linked to genetic and atherogenic predispositions, hemodynamic abnormalities are increasingly pointed as potential pathogenic contributors [2–3]. In particular, the wall shear stress (WSS) produced by blood flow on the leaflets regulates homeostasis in the TAV. In contrast, WSS alterations cause valve dysfunction and disease [4]. While such observations support the existence of synergies between valvular hemodynamics and biology, the role played by BAV WSS in valvular calcification remains unknown. The objective of this study was to isolate the acute effects of native BAV WSS abnormalities on CAVD pathogenesis.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Search for the double-direct (p, 2p) reaction at 17 MeV

A method is developed for clearly distinguishing experimentally between (p,2p) reactions which result from (p,p') reactions followed by proton boiloff, and those in which the two protons are both emitted within approx.10/sup -22/ sec in a direct reaction (referred to as ''double direct''). Measurements involving coincidence detection and energy measurements on the two protons emitted at equal angles on opposite sides of the beam (theta/sub 2/ = theta/sub 1/, phi/sub 2/ = phi/sub 1/ + ..pi..) indicate that at 17 MeV bombarding energy in the A = 50--65 region, the boiloff process is predominant with cross sections of the order of 1 mb for exciting ground states or low-lying excited states. The cross section for the double-direct process is not more than about 10 ..mu..b. A crude theoretical estimate indicates that this is about the correct order of magnitude. (AIP)
How Much Does the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Reduce Food Insecurity

Nearly 15% of all U.S. households and 40% of near-poor households were food insecure in 2009. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the cornerstone of federal food assistance programs and serves as the first line of defense against food-related hardship. This paper measures the effectiveness of SNAP in reducing food insecurity using an instrumental variables approach to control for selection. Our results suggest that receipt of SNAP benefits reduces the likelihood of being food insecure by roughly 30% and reduces the likelihood of being very food insecure by 20%.
A geometric approach to three-dimensional hipped bipedal robotic walking

This paper presents a control law that results in stable walking for a three-dimensional bipedal robot with a hip. To obtain this control law, we utilize techniques from geometric reduction, and specifically a variant of Routhian reduction termed functional Routhian reduction, to effectively decouple the dynamics of the three-dimensional biped into its sagittal and lateral components. Motivated by the decoupling afforded by functional Routhian reduction, the control law we present is obtained by combining three separate control laws: the first shapes the potential energy of the sagittal dynamics of the biped to obtain stable walking gaits when it is constrained to the sagittal plane, the second shapes the total energy of the walker so that functional Routhian reduction can be applied to decoupling the dynamics of the walker for certain initial conditions, and the third utilizes an output zeroing controller to stabilize to the surface defining these initial conditions. We numerically verify that this method results in stable walking, and we discuss certain attributes of this walking gait.
X chromosome dosage compensation: how mammals keep the balance

The development of genetic sex determination and cytologically distinct sex chromosomes leads to the potential problem of gene dosage imbalances between autosomes and sex chromosomes and also between males and females. To circumvent these imbalances, mammals have developed an elaborate system of dosage compensation that includes both upregulation and repression of the X chromosome. Recent advances have provided insights into the evolutionary history of how both the imprinted and random forms of X chromosome inactivation have come about. Furthermore, our understanding of the epigenetic switch at the X-inactivation center and the molecular aspects of chromosome-wide silencing has greatly improved recently. Here, we review various facets of the ever-expanding field of mammalian dosage compensation and discuss its evolutionary, developmental, and mechanistic components.
Early presentation of an extremity arteriovenous malformation

We report a very rare case of a high flow arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the upper limb that caused high output cardiac failure at birth. There was early transfer of the baby to the care of a multidisciplinary team. After radiological intervention, the arm distal to the malformation became ischaemic and an urgent amputation through the upper-humerus followed. Methods of treatment are discussed, together with a review of results in the literature.
Determination of Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase Activity by Coupling of Oxalacetate with Diazonium Salts

A method for measuring serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activity is described, in which substrate concentrations are more nearly optimal than in previous colorimetric methods. By coupling the diazonium salt at a pH of 4.2, interference from α-oxoglutarate is negligible. Oxalacetate is produced at a linear rate to 180 I.U. Results correlate well with those obtained by a reference spectrophotometric method.
A geometrical interpretation of ideal body problems

Summary. For linear geophysical inverse problems, the exercise of finding a greatest lower bound on the uniform norms of positive solutions fitting N data, is shown to have a geometrical counterpart in the N-dimensional space of N-tuples of real numbers. By application of the Fenchel Duality Theorem, we demonstrate that the problem is equivalent to the discovery of a particular hyperplane tangent to a convex set in this space. As examples in the case of two data, the new formulation is applied to the problems of recovering density information from planetary mass and moment of inertia, and from two vertical gravity anomalies.
Literature Review on Corporate Governance and the Recent Financial Crisis

This paper seeks to summarize a stream of research that has previously explained how failures in corporate governance contributed to the global financial crisis. More precisely, it reviews how the current corporate governance systems failed to safeguard against aggressive risk taking, identifies gaps in the literature, and highlights the most promising future directions for this topic. In this paper, I review the literature that identifies corporate governance failures, attributes that contributed to the financial crisis, the impact and magnitude of these failures, and the recommendations that have been offered to correct the identified failures. This paper’s main contribution is to summarize previous research. The outcomes of this paper is important to scholars who are interested in studying corporate governance and 2007-2008 financial crisis as it provides a thorough explanation of the relationship between corporate governance and the recent financial crisis.
A highly linear CMOS buffer circuit with an adjustable output impedance

An output buffer circuit with an adjustable output impedance and high linearity is presented. The buffer circuit employs two kinds of feedback strategies, which enable it to drive a low impedance load without power increase. A differential buffer circuit with 20-ohm output impedance has been fabricated in a 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The measured IIP3 is over 30 dBm for frequencies up to 100 MHz and the power consumption is 93.1 mW with a 3.3-V power supply.
eComment. Is adventitial dissection enough as a simple and effective way to reduce radial artery spasm

We read with great interest the article by Sandker et al. on the effectiveness of reduced radial artery (RA) spasm in coronary bypass surgery by dissecting the adventitia [1]. The authors conclude that the RA is less susceptible to vasoconstriction and more prone to vasorelaxation ex vivo after adventitial dissection and results in an increase in free blood flow through the RA before anastomosis. The tunica intima includes a single layer of endothelial cells lining the vessel lumen and the internal elastic lamina membrane. The tunica media comprises the muscular portion of the blood vessel, whereas the tunica adventitia includes the external elastic lamina, terminal nerve fibres, and surrounding connective tissue, which contains fibroblasts and tissue macrophages. A preserved adventitia provides structural support to the vessel, which may limit flow-related vascular enlargement and modulation of the vascular tone.
Epidural Anesthesia in Labor Various Agents Employed

Nursing literature concerned with epidural anesthesia in obstetrics is scant and does not offer a synopsis of the pharmacology of local anesthetic agents employed in epidural block. A comprehensive review of the pharmacology and clinical uses of the common agents used in obstetrical epidural anesthesia is presented. Implications for nursing care are also described.
Judy constructs a genuine question: a case for interactional inclusion

Abstract This case study offers teachers and teacher educators a sociocultural view of inclusion, showing how it was accomplished for a student who had long been segregated in special education classrooms. Judy, a student classified as learning disabled, participated and learned in collaboration with her peers in a diverse classroom environment. Through close analysis of segments of instructional discourse, the study illustrates how her general education teacher enacted “interactional inclusion”. By making particular discourse moves, he supported the building of an inclusional culture that repositioned Judy and her classmates. She achieved social affiliation and academic success, without limiting other students’ learning opportunities. The study provides guidelines for the implementation of classroom inclusive practices suggested by this profile; offers evidence of the benefits of this kind of research; and, argues for why we need more if it.
The role of technology in clinician-to-clinician communication

Incomplete, fragmented and poorly organised communications contribute to more than half the errors that lead to adverse and sentinel events. Meanwhile, communication software and devices with expanding capabilities are rapidly proliferating and being introduced into the healthcare setting. Clinicians face a large communication burden, which has been exacerbated by the additional challenge of selecting a mode of communication. In addition to specific communication devices, some hospitals have implemented advanced technological systems to assist with communication. However, few studies have provided empirical evidence of the specific advantages and disadvantages of the different devices used for communication. Given the increasing quantities of information transmitted to and by clinicians, evaluations of how communication methods and devices can improve the quality, safety and outcomes of healthcare are needed.
Efficient ARX identification algorithms with full parallelism

A highly parallel algorithm for ARX system identification is developed. It involves only scalar operations which are of the Schur-type and can be implemented by inner product processors of the multiply and add form. A by-product of the above development is a Levinson-type algorithm in transversal form. Modularity of the arrays, local communication, and pipelineability make them suitable for VLSI implementation. >
Why We Say “Cheese”: Producing the Smile in Snapshot Photography

This essay explores the history of the toothy smile as a standard expression in snapshots. An analysis of popular photo journals throughout the twentieth century suggests that Kodak played a leadership role in shaping the conceptualization and the cultural habits around photography at the time when the technology was becoming mass-consumed. The Eastman Corporation actively and innovatively used the idea of consumer happiness in its persuasion work, skillfully exploiting visual codee.
Decentralized detection in a bandwidth constrained sensor network

Consider the problem of decentralized detection with a distributed sensor network where the communication channels between sensors and the fusion center are bandlimited. Previous approaches to this problem typically rely on quantization of either the sensor observations, or the local likelihood ratios, with quantization levels optimally designed using the knowledge of noise distribution. We assume that each sensor is restricted to send a 1-bit message to the fusion center, and that sensor noise is additive, zero mean, spatially independent, but otherwise unknown and with possibly different distributions across sensors. We construct a universal decentralized detector using a recently proposed isotropic decentralized estimation scheme (Z.-Q. Luo, 2003) which requires only the knowledge of either the noise range or its second order moment. We show that the error probability of this detector decays exponentially at a rate which is optimal for bounded range noise, and, for noise with unbounded range, is lower bounded in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio.
Parametric study of non-contact magnetic cutting

Non-Contact Magnetic Cutting is a potential manufacturing process that uses repeated, low-energy magnetic pulses to produce and direct fine cuts in metal plates or foils. The process is based on the magnetic saw effect which, when not controlled, can lead to failure in high-field pulsed conductors. By limiting energy and pulse duration, the authors have produced controlled cuts with kerfs as fine as 0.013 mm. These promising results motivated a systematic study of the parameters that govern the quality and reproducibility of magnetic saw cuts.This paper reports on a series of simulations and experiments to identify the best conditions for applying the NCMC process to cutting 1100 aluminum plate. In the simulations, three parameters were varied: the location of the drive coil relative to the plate cut, the duration of the magnetic pulse, and the thickness of the sample. Joule heating and magnetic forces were computed in the simulation. The simulated conditions were used in the experiments, scaled in magnitude so that the pulses were at the minimum level that produced magnetic saw cuts. The results provided some insights into the relative importance of melting and fracture in the cutting process.
A fibroblast/macrophage co-culture model for in vitro evaluation of material biocompatibility and biodegradability

Fibroblast and macrophage are two major cell types respond cooperatively to implanted biomaterials. They play crucial roles in material degradation, inflammatory response and tissue remodeling. However, the interactions of these two cell types with biomaterials have not been fully elucidated. In this study, an in vitro fibroblast/macrophage co-culture system was explored to investigate the biodegradability and biocompatibility of an electrospun PLGA/Dextran scaffold as a model biomaterial. Both cell types were capable of degrading the scaffold individually or cooperatively. Lysozyme and nonspecific esterase were involved in scaffold degradation. The scaffold activated macrophages but did not induce server and chronic inflammatory response.
DELAYED MATCHING IN THE PIGEON

A discriminative stimulus is sometimes said to "control" the strength or probability of a response. How long does such control last after the stimulus disappears? How is control maintained in the absence of the stimulus? What variables affect this control? Hunter (1913) introduced the study of these problems in his classic experiments on the delayed response in animals and children. The present paper reports the behavior of pigeons in an operant delayed matching situation. Pigeons matched a flickering or steady sample by pecking the correspondingly illuminated response key. This matching behavior was found to depend on the length of the delay intervening between the disappearance of the sample and the bird's choice response, and upon the bird's behavior during the delay interval.
A hybrid compartmental model for the alligator Purkinje cell. I: Preferred somatopetal conduction of dendritic spikes and soma-axon interaction.

A compartmental hardware model of an alligator Purkinje cell is described, consisting of a branched dendritic tree with four zones of spike generation and electrically excitable soma and initial-segment regions. Passive properties of the model compartments are represented by a cable analog circuit. Simulated action potentials, generated by a combination of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing conductance changes, are triggered in active compartments when the simulated membrane potential passes through preset thresholds. These were set at values corresponding to 28mV depolarization in the dendrites, 22 mV in the soma, and 7 mV in the initial-segment compartment. Synaptic inputs consisting of brief (0.35 msec) rectangular conductance changes give rise to exponentially decaying postsynaptic potentials in the input compartment which are electrotonically spread to other compartments. Orthodromic activation of the model neuron by computer-generated random pulse trains generates a simple spike discharge in the initial-segment compartment without evoking complex spikes. Synchronized excitatory input to the same compartments, however, does evoke a complex spike response in the soma and initial segment, coupled with dendritic spikes. Following antidromic activation of the model neuron, dendritic spikes are not generated, demonstrating a tendency in the dendritic tree for preferential conduction of spikes toward the soma. Investigation of some of the factors underlying this tendency suggests that variations in voltage attenuation due to dendritic geometry, convergence of electrotonically spread dendritic spikes, and the relative durations of dendritic and somatic action potentials may contribute to it. The presence of a threshold gradient in the dendritic tree, proposed by Llinas and his coworkers, was not found to be necessary to explain this tendency toward somatopetal conduction, although it cannot be excluded by the model. Examination of the role of the conically shaped initial-segment region suggests that this zone may provide a low-pass filter for signals conducted electrotonically from the axon to the soma, blocking repolarization of the soma during the complex spike burst generated in the axon.
Threshold and modal characteristics of composite-resonator vertical-cavity lasers

We report the operation of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with two active, coupled optical cavities. In contrast to a conventional single-cavity VCSEL, the coupling between the two electrically independent active regions produces emission into two longitudinal modes. The light output versus current characteristics are presented under various biasing conditions in each cavity. Laser operation is achieved with current injection into only one cavity, and additional current injected into the other cavity changes the effective threshold current measured. The longitudinal and transverse modes are characterized, and it is found that the modal evolution of the laser can be modified by current injection into each cavity.
Asymmetric resting scapular posture in healthy overhead athletes.

Abstract Context: Observation of the scapular posture is one of the most important components of the physical examination in overhead athletes. Postural asymmetry is typically considered to be associated with injuries. However, asymmetry in the overhead athlete's scapula may be normal due to the dominant use of the limb. Objective: To quantify the differences in resting scapular posture between the dominant and nondominant sides in 3 groups of healthy overhead athletes (baseball pitchers, volleyball players, and tennis players) using an electromagnetic tracking device. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: University-based biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 43 players participated, including 15 baseball pitchers, 15 volleyball players, and 13 tennis players. All participants were healthy college-aged men. Intervention(s): Bilateral 3-dimensional scapular kinematics with the arm at rest were measured using an electromagnetic tracking device. Main Outcome Measure(s): Bila...
Diuron and its metabolites in surface water and ground water by solid phase extraction and in-vial elution

A simple and rapid method was developed to determine concentrations of diuron [N‘-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea] and three of its major metabolites, N‘-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methylurea (DC...
Molt-Inhibiting Hormone mRNA Levels and Ecdysteroid Titer during a Molt Cycle of the Blue Crab,Callinectes sapidus

Abstract Synthesis of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean Y-organs is believed to be regulated by a neuropeptide, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), produced in eyestalk neural ganglia. In the present study, steady-state MIH mRNA and hemolymph ecdysteroid levels were determined by Northern blot and radioimmunoassay, respectively, during the molt cycle of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus.The level of MIH mRNA dropped steadily during premolt (D1–D4), reaching a minimum in D3/D4, then increased by 10-fold in postmolt (A/B) and remained elevated during intermolt (C4). These stage-specific changes in MIH mRNA levels were accompanied by significant fluctuations in the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer. The ecdysteroid titer increased steadily to a peak of 377.0 ng/ml in D3 of premolt, then dropped to 120.0 ng/ml in D4 (just prior to molting), and was low during postmolt (A/B, 4.4 ng/ml) and intermolt (C4, 3.3 ng/ml). The results represent the first report of developmental changes in MIH gene expression and are generally consistent with the hypothesis that MIH negatively regulates ecdysteroid synthesis in crustaceans.
U.S. Industry Adjustment to Economic Deregulation

conomic deregulation does not happen overnight. It takes time for lawmakers and regulators to dismantle regulatory regimes, and then it takes more time for the deregulated industries to adjust to their new competitive environment. Federal regulatory agencies and the U.S. Congress began liberalizing pricing, entry, and exit in the transportation, financial, energy, and communications industries during the mid-1970s. But while some smaller industries such as intercity bus transportation and air cargo have been fully deregulated during that time, the only major American industries fully deregulated to date are airlines and motor carriers. As to the pace of industry adjustment, consider airlines. Economic deregulation of the airline industry began in 1974 when the Civil Aeronautics Board first encouraged experiments with discount fares. It was completed in 1983 when all regulations on fares, entry, and exit were eliminated. Yet more than 20 years after the deregulatory process began, the airline industry continues to shed inefficiencies that accumulated over decades of regulation and to find new ways to market their service. Indeed, the airlines' latest marketing innovation-selling discount fares on the Internet-would be illegal if fares were still regulated. It is not surprising that deregulated (or partially deregulated) industries are slow to achieve maximum efficiency. When regulatory restrictions on pricing, operations, and entry (especially from new firms), have been enforced for decades, managers and employees of regulated firms settle into patterns of inefficient production and missed opportunities for technological advance and entry into new markets. Deregulation frees an industry from the state's control over prices, entry, and exit, although, of course, firms are still subject to antitrust laws and safety regulations. After deregulation, some costs usually fall in short order, but it takes
The effect of angiotensin-blocking agents on liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C.

Approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 20–30% develop cirrhosis (1). Well-established risk factors for progression of liver fibrosis in patients with HCV infection include alcohol consumption, young age at time of infection, male gender, co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B, immunosuppression, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (2–4). In addition to the accepted risk factors for progression of liver fibrosis, multiple animal studies suggest that angiotensin II contributes to hepatic fibrosis (3, 5–7). This is primarily due to induction of profibrotic pathways through the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1 receptor) (8) by angiotensin II, which promotes the activation of the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) – the main collagen-producing cells in the liver (5, 9, 10). Given the role of angiotensin II in promoting fibrosis, multiple animal models have demonstrated that angiotensin II-blocking agents, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1A), attenuate liver fibrosis (5–7, 11–13). One model has shown that angiotensin-receptor blockade leads to downregulation of transforming growth factor-1, tumour necrosis factor-α (7–18) and other pro-inflammatory/profibrotic cytokines (12, 14). Another model postulates that inhibition of angiotensin II decreases the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in less collagen synthesis by HSCs, and downregulates the vascular endothelial growth factor, thus attenuating fibrosis (15). AT1A receptor knockout mice (16) have demonstrated reduced liver fibrosis compared with wild-type mice in a carbon tetrachloride model. Data from human studies evaluating the role of angiotensin blockade are small studies limited to endpoints of non-invasive markers of fibrosis and portal hypertension and do suggest a potential benefit (17–22). Although liver biopsies remain the gold standard in evaluation of fibrosis, very few studies have utilized biopsy results (22). Using a retrospective database, we sought to further evaluate the association between the use of angiotensin-blocking agents and the degree of fibrosis found on liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.
A QUASI-LATTICE MODEL OF MOLTEN RECIPROCAL SALT SYSTEMS

The activity coefficients gamma /sub ad/ of the component AD were calculated theoretically, using two different approximations based on the lattice model for the molten reciprocal salt system A/sup +/, B/sup +/, C/sup -/, D/sup -/ . The activity coefficients of AgNO /sub 3/ in the two molten solvents KNO/sub 3/ and NaNO/sub 3/ dilute in Ag/sup +/ and Cl/sup -/ ions were measured in an electromotive-force (emf) cell. The activity coefficients of AgNO/sub 3/, gamma / sub AgNO3/, are much lower in the KNO/sub 3/ solvent than in the NaNO/sub 3/ solved at the same temperature and at the same concentrations of Ag/sup +/ and Cl/ sup -/ ions. The differences between the behavior in the two solvents can be correlated with the relative sizes of the K/sup +/ and Na/sup +/ ions and with the relative effects of the fields of these two solvent cations on the energy of interaction of an Ag/sup +/--Cl/sup -/ pair. (W.L.H.)
Renormalization-group fixed points, universal phase diagram, and 1 ∕ N expansion for quantum liquids with interactions near the unitarity limit

It has long been known that particles with short-range repulsive interactions in spatial dimension $d=1$ form universal quantum liquids in the low density limit: all properties can be related to those of the spinless free Fermi gas. Previous renormalization-group (RG) analyses demonstrated that this universality is described by a RG fixed point, infrared stable for $dl2$, of the zero density gas. We show that for $dg2$ the same fixed point describes the universal properties of particles with short-range attractive interactions near a Feshbach resonance; the fixed point is now infrared unstable, and the relevant perturbation is the detuning of the resonance. Some exponents are determined exactly, and the same expansion in powers of $(d\ensuremath{-}2)$ applies for scaling functions for $dl2$ and $dg2$. A separate exact RG analysis of a field theory of the particles coupled to ``molecules'' finds an alternative description of the same fixed point, with identical exponents; this approach yields a $(4\ensuremath{-}d)$ expansion which agrees with the recent results of Nishida and Son [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 050403 (2006)]. The existence of the RG fixed point implies a universal phase diagram as a function of density, temperature, population imbalance, and detuning; in particular, this applies to the crossover between the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) and Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superfluid of $s$-wave paired fermions. Our results open the way towards computation of these universal properties using the standard field-theoretic techniques of critical phenomena, along with a systematic analysis of corrections to universality. We also propose a $1∕N$ expansion [based upon models with $\mathrm{Sp}(2N)$ symmetry] of the fixed point and its vicinity, and use it to obtain results for the phase diagram.
On the nambu-goldstone problem in quantum electrodynamics

We investigate the theory of finite quantum electrodynamics with, vanishing bare mass for the electron. Either the γ6 gauge symmetry is spontaneously broken with the consequent appearance of the Nambu-Goldstone boson or the axial-vector-current conservation breaks down, in which case the Goldstone theorem does not apply. We examine the Dyson-Schwinger integral equations with thefull andexact Bethe-Salpeter kernel in the case of the Goldstone mode and show that for the theory to be consistent it is necessary that the anomalous dimension x(α) of the gauge-invariant axial vector current vanishes. We present a simple argument which leads one to conclude that this condition is so stringent that the Goldstone realization of the γ5 gauge symmetry may altogether be ruled out. We offer a further argument which suggests that the condition x(α) = 0 extends to the case of the anomalous nonconservation of the axial vector current.
América en las obras de Calderón de la Barca

Un gran historiador del siglo XVI, Lopez de Gomara, en la dedicatoria de su Historia general de las Indias, escribio a Carlos V lo siguiente: "La mayor cosa, despues de la creacion del mundo, sacando la encarnacion y muerte del que lo creo, es el descubrimiento de Indias". Por su parte, un historiador contemporaneo,el argentino Valentin de Pedro, se ha preguntado: "?Como se reflejo el mundo descubierto por Colon, en el espejo del idioma descubierto por Nebrija, pues su Gramatica es como undescubrimiento?"
Talent Development, Existential Philosophy, and Sport. On becoming an Elite Athlete

Kenneth Aggerholm’s Talent Development, Existential Philosophy and Sport. On becoming an elite athlete aims to provide a phenomenological existential understanding of talent development in sports. ...
Effect of extended immunosuppressive drug treatment on B cell vs T cell reconstitution in pediatric bone marrow transplant recipients

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an effective therapy for a variety of malignancies and blood disorders, but rarely serves as a frontline treatment because of numerous, potential complications. Important and frequent complications relate to the profound immunosuppression that inevitably occurs during the first several months following treatment. To better elucidate and subsequently improve immune reconstitution, we examined T and B cell subsets among 43 pediatric BMT recipients in a retrospective study. We found that the relative numbers of T cells and B cells (T:B ratios) were discordant and highly variable among patients at day approximately 100 after BMT. Further investigation of BMT parameters identified a strong correlation between T:B ratios and immunosuppressive drug treatments, providing an explanation for variable lymphocyte reconstitution profiles. Results suggest that: (1) immunosuppressive therapy inhibits B cell expansion more strongly than T cell expansion following BMT; (2) WBC and absolute lymphocyte counts fail to reveal profound B cell immunodeficiencies in some BMT patients; and (3) routine analyses of T:B ratios serve to identify patients warranting close follow-up and extended supportive immunotherapy.
Porro-Prism Retroreflector Based on Corner Geometry of Volume Bragg Gratings

We consider relatively thin optical element: Porro Prism configuration for pair of 45-degree Volume Bragg Gratings. We calculate efficiency, spectral and angular selectivity versus hologram strength and thickness, with applications for laser resonators.
Pension Assets Grow 2.3 Percent between Second and Third Quarter 1994

Private trusteed pension fund assets increased from $2.47 trillion at the end of second quarter 1994 to $2.5 trillion at the end of third quarter 1994. Pension fund assets increased 1.0 percent between year-end 1993 and September 30, 1994, with the greatest growth (2.3 percent) occurring during the third quarter. Private trusteed pension assets decreased 3.9 percent between year-end 1993 and the end of the first quarter 1994. Between year-end 1992 and year-end 1993, private trusteed pension assets increased 8.9 percent, compared with an average annual growth of 11.8 percent between 1983 and year-end 1993. Returns in the stock and bond markets increased during the third quarter 1994. The Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 returned -3.8 percent during the first quarter 1994, compared with a 0.4 percent return during the second quarter and a 4.9 percent return during the third quarter of 1994. The Shearson Lehman Brothers' Kuhn Loeb Government/Corporate Bond Index returned -3.1 percent during the first quarter of 1994, increasing to -1.2 percent during the second quarter and increasing to 0.5 percent during the third quarter. Net flows of private trusteed funds increased to a positive $56 billion during the third quarter of this year, with $89 billion in earnings and -$34 billion in net contributions.
Technical Tips: Effective Motor Cranial Nerve Monitoring

(1996). Technical Tips: Effective Motor Cranial Nerve Monitoring. American Journal of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 66-73.
Modulation, shedding, and serum titers of the chronic lymphatic leukemia-associated antigen: characterization and clinical correlations

The fate of the common chronic lymphatic leukemia antigen (cCLLa), a leukemia-associated antigen selectively expressed by clonal cells in chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) was examined in 31 patients. cCLLa was detected by immune precipitation assay in extracts of metabolically labeled CLL culture cells, in CLL cell culture supernatants, and in patients' sera. In vitro shed membrane cCLLa was comparable in all patients (n = 15) on a per cCLLa-positive cell basis but was independent of cCLLa density (r = .46), absolute lymphocyte count ([ALC] r = .46) and stage (r = .44). In contrast, serum cCLLa (n = 31) correlated with absolute cCLLa-positive cell count (r = .92) and to a lesser extent with stage (r = .67), but was independent of cCLLa density (r = .47). cCLLa modulation was assessed from changes in membrane density estimated by radioreceptor assay before and after in vitro exposure to anti-cCLLa monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CLL2. Immune precipitation studies of metabolically labeled CLL cells showed that modulated cCLLa was internalized as judged by its detection within modulated cells but not in their supernatants. Intact cCLLa-CLL2 complexes were not detected within the modulated cells nor in their supernatants. Regeneration of modulated cCLLa was rapid with return to baseline density levels within 24 hours of antibody removal. Modulation was specific and depended on exposure time, medium temperature, and on antibody titer; correlated with extent of disease (versus absolute lymphocyte count, r = .79; versus stage, r = .66; n = 22); was independent of cCLLa density or affinity (r = .44 to r = .57; n = 11); and was unaffected by T cells or by monocytes (n = 14).
Implication of chemiluminescence quantitative indicators in infection detection

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical usage of chemiluminescence quantitative detection of infectious indicators before transfusion,to improve the detection compliance rates and reduce false negative rate.METHODS Using chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the 2748cases of patients pre-transfusion regarding hepatitis B surface antigen,anti-hepatitis C virus antibody,anti-Treponema palladium antibodies, anti-human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive rate for positive reexamined the positive with chemiluminescence,The consistent rate of re-examinization was recorded.RESULTS Chemiluminescence antibodies,antigen detection rate wes higher than that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,chemiluminescence detection rate of hepatitis B surface antigen with 12.92% was significantly higher than the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 11.21%,no difference compared to that with ELISA(P0.05).The detection rates of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody,anti-Treponema palladium antibodies,anti-human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive by chemiluminescence were 1.16%,1.24%,and 0.07%,respectively.The re-examination was performed for positive patients,the consistentrate of re-examination was lowest(63.10),the positive rate between twice detection was statistically significant difference(P0.05),rates of other indicator between twice checks were more than 90.00%,and the positive rate of two checks had no significant differences.CONCLUSIONClinical Infectious indicators for quantitative analysis by chemiluminescence have a good effect,even better than the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,worthy of clinical application.