cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opting Out: The Effects of Consumer Information Sharing Concerns on Perceived Value in E-Banking Relationships

This article examines consumer support for the opt-out principle, which is the view that sellers should be allowed to contact prospective customers with offers as long as these customers are provided the opportunity of opting-out of further contact. Consumers with low or no support for opt-out take the opinion that a firm must first have their permission before contacting them. Using survey data, this article examines the moderating effects of consumer opt-out belief on the impact of three consumer anxiety related online banking evaluations. The results show that when consumers have a high opt-out belief, the effect of firm commitment to privacy on perceived value is reduced, the effect of trust in technology on perceived value is increased and the negative effect of information ambiguity of perceived value is attenuated. The findings on the moderating effect of consumer opt-out belief are consistent with the predictions of research on idiocentric/allocentric personality traits. Research and managerial implications are discussed.
The dark matter halos of Draco and Ursa Minor

Published density profiles and central velocity dispersions place important constraints on the stellar velocity ellipsoid and on the distribution of dark matter (DM) in the dwarf spheroidal galaxies Draco and Ursa Minor. Central velocity dispersions of 9 km/s are adopted for Draco and 11 km/s for Ursa Minor. Then, for an isotropic stellar velocity distribution, the central DM densities are 0.8 and 1.0 solar mass/cu pc, respectively, if visible and dark matter have the same core radius. If DM has a much larger core radius than visible matter but nevertheless dominates the potential, these densities are reduced by a factor of 2. Central DM densities can be lower than this only if the stellar velocity distribution is anisotropic. Simple two-component King models are used to investigate this and to look for the smallest DM densities that are consistent with the observations. 36 refs.
Expression of trkB mRNA is altered in rat hippocampus after experimental brain trauma

Recent investigations have shown that expression of mRNAs for the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is differentially altered in the hippocampus following traumatic brain injury. In the present study, modulation of neurotrophin receptor expression was examined in the hippocampus in a rat model of traumatic brain injury using in situ hybridization. Messenger RNA for trkB, the high-affinity receptor for BDNF and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), was increased between 3 and 6 h bilaterally in the dentate gyrus following a lateral fluid-percussion brain injury of moderate severity (2.0-2.1 atm). No time-dependent alterations were observed for trkB mRNA in hippocampal subfields CA1 and CA3. Levels of mRNA for trkC, the high-affinity receptor for NT-3, did not change in any region of the hippocampus. These data demonstrate that lateral fluid-percussion injury modulates expression of trkB mRNA in the hippocampus and support a role for BDNF/trkB signalling mechanisms in secondary events associated with traumatic brain injury.
Toward a 0 th Law of Thermodynamics: Order-Creation Complexity Dynamics from Physics and Biology to Bioeconomics

The evolutionary economics part of bioeconomics has its origins in attempts to justify why only rational firms survive, or to introduce dynamics into economic orthodoxy. To the extent that these views persist, this aspect of bioeconomics appears outdated. A more recent view is that the most significant dynamics in bio- and econospheres are not variances around equilibria. Instead order is now seen to be due to the interactions of autonomous, heterogeneous agents energized by contextually imposed tensions induced by energy differentials. While Darwinian selection is still an important process at the tail end of the order-creation process, other natural forces surrounding the biosphere are seen as causing the more significant changes in biological entities over the millennia. This view is set forth within the framework of thermodynamics. It also calls for a change away from the definition of science rooted in the equilibrium mathematics of Newton's orbital mechanics. This new message from natural science is about rapid-fire dynamics calling for a fast-motion science of order-creation before the equilibria of the 1st Law of Thermodynamics take hold. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is seen to dominate the 1st Law as the root cause of change. The possibility of a 0th law – of agents' self-organization toward order creation – is considered. Key works by Prigogine, Ashby, Lorenz, Haken, Kelso et al., Salthe, Gell-Mann, Mainzer, Omnes, and Kauffman are reviewed. Nine premises – tracing the path toward an emerging 0th law – are discussed, with some variance also evident. The view of Kelso et al. most easily leads to a one-sentence statement of a possible 0th law of order creation that could offer something of value to bioeconomists.
Management of Complications of Distal Radioulnar Joint

Abstract The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is a complex structure that participates in forearm rotation and weight-bearing. Myriad disorders affect the DRUJ and present diagnostic and management challenges. Degenerative and posttraumatic arthritis and pain at the DRUJ have been traditionally treated with resection of 1 of the 2 arthritic surfaces. Although the procedure often relieves pain associated with incongruence, it creates a different problem by changing the overall dynamics of the forearm rotation and weight-bearing, resulting in radioulnar convergence and ulnar translation of the carpus. This article focuses on the management of painful radioulnar convergence after distal ulnar resections.
S- and P-wave neutron spectroscopy Part Xd: Intermediate structure, particle-vibration states

Abstract The weak coupling particle-vibration model is extended to lowlying neutron resonances in certain even-even or odd-odd nuclei by coupling the extra particle to core excited states of the odd mass target. The odd hole or particle in the target is treated as a passive spectator. 208Pb and 210Bi are studied as test cases and the calculated resonance quantities are in good general agreement with the average features of high resolution experiments. The resonances in 208Pb and 210Bi are related to the same intrinsic doorway in 209Pb. The 210Bi data is presented here for the first time.
An intra-verbal explication of the nature of metaphor

Thirty subjects selected a metaphor or a literal word to complete each of 36 sentences, under instructions to choose the word that more accurately encoded a group of ideas suggested by a set of four cue words. Each sentence was presented under three conditions: (a) with a set consisting of words more often associated with the metaphorical word; (b) with a set of words more often associated with the literal word; and (c) with a set which were common associations of both metaphor and literal words. Under condition (a), the mean number of choices of the metaphor was 8.8 out of 12; under (b) the literal word was chosen an average of 7.6 times out of 12; under (c) the two response words were chosen equally often. The metaphors were also classified into five categories and were rated for goodness as figures of speech. These results were related to the other findings. The implications of these effects for an explication of the nature of metaphor were discussed.
Carbaryl Residues in Sugar Maple Sap

Residues of carbaryl in sugar maple sap obtained from trees sprayed at 2.24 and 5.58 kg/ha always were below the established sensitivity level of 0.1 ppm in both bucket and pipeline samples taken during initial flow, peak flow, and late flow periods. Sap fortified with 5 ppm carbaryl and boiled for 1 h lost a mean 64% of the initial residue; the last porlion was detected in the condensate.
Cloning and expression of nope, a new mouse gene of the immunoglobulin superfamily related to guidance receptors

The novel mouse gene Nope was identified due to its proximity to the Punc gene on chromosome 9. With a domain structure of four immunoglobulin domains, five fibronectin type III repeats, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain, Nope encodes a new member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface proteins. It displays a high level of similarity to Punc, as well as to guidance receptors such as the Deleted in Colorectal Cancer protein and Neogenin. Nope is expressed during embryonic development in the notochord, in developing skeletal muscles, and later in the ventricular zone of the nervous system. In the adult brain, Nope can be detected in the hippocampus. Radiation hybrid mapping of Nope, Punc, and Neogenin placed all three genes in close vicinity on mouse chromosome 9.
Methadone Deaths in Pain and Addiction Populations

The Authors Reply: — We thank Drs. Grant and Baca for their thoughtful comments on our article,1 and welcome the opportunity to respond to the assertion that there is little that can be done to manage risks associated with methadone prescribing in pain settings. In particular, the view that we overstate the ability to reduce risks appears overly pessimistic, may worsen methadone stigma, and is inconsistent with available data. In order to elaborate on this point we review a study2 examining the safety of using methadone in a Canadian pain clinic. A nurse management model enhanced monitoring of methadone use in 75 patients. The program consisted of three phases over 9 months: (a) a face to face educational session, (b) telephone calls during methadone titration, and (c) maintenance. Education focused on methadone pharmacology. Initial calls occurred 1 to 5 days later for close monitoring during initial treatment. For the titration and maintenance phases a questionnaire including reason for call, methadone dose, pain levels, activity levels, side effects and satisfaction with methadone was administered. Of 194 calls, 44% resulted in a methadone increase, and 11% led to methadone reduction or cessation. Over half the patients (57%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with methadone, and 8% stopped taking methadone due to efficacy or tolerability problems. No one developed significant morbidity or mortality. This study implies that there may a place for methadone in the treatment of pain. Indeed, in Canada, methadone is often used as first line or second-line analgesic.2 In the US there has been an effort to recognize situations where methadone analgesia offers advantage.3 Thus far, it appears that patients who have long-standing severe pain with a significant neuropathic component and who do not respond to other opioids may be suitable candidates. Such patients typically have tried and failed multiple agents which provided inadequate relief or intractable side effects. Methadone may also offer benefits in patients with renal dysfunction. It differs from other opiates in that it has NMDA receptor antagonism. Blocking the NMDA may provide additional pain reducing properties over typical opiates and may attenuate the process of developing opioid tolerance.3 We agree with Drs. Grant and Baca that costs alone should not be driving medication considerations. Nevertheless, there appears to remain a role of methadone in the treatment of chronic pain.4 More research and improved physician education and prescription practice guidelines may help elucidate this role.
The effect of exercise on muscle ATPase.

Activity of alkali-labile, acid-stable and acid-labile, alkali-stable ATPase was studied histochemically in the longissimus muscles of control and exercised pigs. Alkali-stable ATPase was predominant before and after exercise. Exercise caused an increase in fiber area containing alkali-stable ATPase.
The Canonical Office in Renaissance Painting: Raphael's Madonna at Nones

One of Raphael's early Madonnas has recently come into public view in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum of Art.1 Any new work by Raphael would be interesting, but this one is particularly so because it contains a rare iconographic detail — a strategically placed inscription — that reflects a fundamental trait of the piety of its day. The stylistic value of this detail is also considerable since, as I propose to demonstrate, the preparatory drawings show that it inspired the artist to fuse his highly interesting visual sources into the final work. The picture embodies the thought of the Middle Ages in the style of the Renaissance.
Pure Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Malignant Migrating Partial Seizures in Infancy: A Case Report

Abstract Background Malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy is a devastating pharmacoresistent epileptic encephalopathy of unknown etiology characterized by onset in the first 6 months of life, continuous migrating focal seizures with corresponding multifocal electroencephalographic discharges, developmental deterioration, and early mortality. Recent widespread interest in the nonpsychoactive component of the cannabis plant, cannabidiol, as a potential treatment for refractory devastating epilepsies has led to individual trials initiated by families or physicians in states that have legalized medical marijuana with anecdotal success. Patient Description We describe a now 10-month-old boy with malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy who made developmental gains and demonstrated sustained seizure reduction with the addition of cannabidiol to his antiepileptic regimen. Conclusion This report supports a role for cannabidiol in the treatment of malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy.
Development of Quantum Dot-Embedded Nanoparticles for Biothermal Imaging

Recent surgical management of cancer tends toward minimally invasive surgical techniques since tumors can be detected smaller than ever due to the advance of cancer diagnostic technologies. Many of these surgical procedures are thermal therapies where a localized freezing or heating zone (i.e. thermal lesion) is created to destroy tumors without damaging adjacent normal tissues. The outcomes of these innovative and less invasive surgeries, however, are significantly impaired by the limited image-guidance of the thermal lesion during the procedures. Since the primary clinical objective of these surgeries is to eradicate diseased tissues while sparing the adjacent normal tissue, accurate intra-operative monitoring of the thermal lesion is critical. Moreover, in many surgical situations, sparing adjacent tissue is not only desired, but imperative since major blood vessels, nerve bundles and surrounding organs are susceptible to thermal injury. However, currently available monitoring techniques have limited accuracy or accessibility, and/or are not capable of monitoring the lesion in real-time during the procedure. In our recent study [1], we demonstrated the feasibility of non-invasive thermometry using quantum dot (QD) as temperature probe. Although its feasibility was demonstrated, several limitations should be addressed before more rigorous clinical applications. Especially the lower quantum yield of core/shell QDs should be significantly improved for deeper tissue imaging. In the present study, QD-embedded nano-composite particles were developed for deeper tissue imaging and its temperature dependent fluorescence was characterized.© 2007 ASME
Spectral penalty methods

We present an overview of the theory and applications of spectral penalty methods for the stable solution of initial boundary value problems. Through a number of case studies we shall illustrate that imposing boundary conditions weakly through a penalty term rather than strongly as is classically done, removes many of the problems traditionally associated with the construction and analysis of stable and accurate pseudospectral approximations, The discussion includes the treatment of complex boundary operators, the construction of integration preconditioners and the formulation of spectral methods on general unstructured grids, highlighting the versatility and flexibility introduced by the elegant splitting of the operator and the boundary conditions exploited in the penalty methods, (C) 2000 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Changes in employee perceptions during organizational change

This study explored employee trust in management, perceptions of supervisory support for improvement, and perceptions of organizational readiness for change during a planned organizational change effort. Employee data were gathered at two time periods six months apart. Time 1 data were collected just prior to the start of a major change initiative. Time 2 data were collected six months after the change was initiated. Results show a significant increase in supervisory support for improvement and perceptions of organizational readiness for change from time 1 to time 2. Findings also suggest that differences in perceptions of supervisory support for improvement and organizational readiness for change along with trust in management were moderated by goal clarity, employee participation, autonomy, and feedback. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
A cognitive collaborative model to improve performance in engineering teams—A study of team outcomes and mental model sharing

Working collaboratively in teams is an essential element in systems engineering: Interdisciplinary teams are formed to tackle large-scale, heterogeneous problems requiring skill and knowledge across a wide array of engineering and technical disciplines. While this is widely accepted as necessary, little attention is given to the problem of ensuring effective collaboration across the diverse team. Attention is given to the processes that will be followed, and tools are provided to aid communication; but the critical cognitive aspects that ensure that the team works effectively and efficiently towards a common objective are frequently absent. Instead, managers and team members assume that their disparate mental models have no impact on their collaborative efforts, or that any cognitive dissonance will evaporate naturally and organically. In reality, neither assumption is true, and if these issues are not directly addressed, a team will fall into cooperative rather than collaborative work, which is less effective and efficient. We introduce a framework, the Cognitive Collaborative Model, that explicitly promotes the cognitive collaborative processes necessary for effective engineering teams, and demonstrate its effectiveness in controlled system design and development experiments. Further, we investigate whether this improvement is due to convergence of the individual team member mental models into a shared, or team, mental model, often cited as the basis for high-performing teams. Finally, we propose a novel multistage evaluation process for mental model convergence using concept maps and Pathfinder analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building professional identity as computer science teachers: supporting secondary computer science teachers through reflection and community building

This is a summary of my thesis work, which examines the sense of identity HS CS teachers hold and explores ways of supporting their identity development through a professional development program focusing on community building and teacher reflection.
Self-Assembling Drugs: A New Approach to Biochemical Modulation in Cancer Chemotherapy

(1994). Self-Assembling Drugs: A New Approach to Biochemical Modulation in Cancer Chemotherapy. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 189-202.
Site substitution of ternary additions to Ni3Al ( gamma ') from electronic-structure calculations.

A real-space, Green-function method is proposed to examine the electronic structure and site preference of substitutional ternary additions to ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Al (\ensuremath{\gamma}') using the tight-binding method of linear muffin-tin orbitals (TB-LMTO). Pairs of atoms are embedded in a random ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.75}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.25}$ medium (of approximately 1000 atoms), one-electron energies are obtained by performing recursion on the TB-LMTO Hamiltonian, and the effective pair interactions (EPI's) determined by configurational averaging. Depending on the relative values of the three EPI's, ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Al}}$, ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$X, and ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$X, the ternary addition may occupy either the Ni site or the Al site exclusively, or the site preference may be a function of alloy stoichiometry. The site-substitution behavior in both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Al alloys is computed for six ternary additions, X (X=Co,Cu,Zn,Rh,Pd,Si). The theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with experimental data, where available.
Diet, exercise, behavior: the promise and limits of lifestyle change

The prevalent surge in childhood and adolescent obesity within the past 3 decades poses a significant challenge for many pediatric clinicians who are charged with treating this condition. Comprehensive, research-based pediatric obesity treatment programs are essential to addressing this problem and preventing the transition of obesity and its many comorbidities into adulthood. This paper will identify dietary, physical activity, and behavioral approaches to lifestyle change and describe how they are incorporated as part of multidisciplinary treatment interventions in youth. Specific tailoring of treatment programs to address age and varying degrees of overweight and obesity will also be presented along with recommendations for future research.
The G alpha i homologue gna-1 controls multiple differentiation pathways in Neurospora crassa.

Heterotrimeric G proteins are components of principal signaling pathways in eukaryotes. In higher organisms, alpha subunits of G proteins have been divided into four families, Gi, Gs, Gq, and G12. ...
The specification of technical and allocative inefficiency in stochastic production and profit frontiers

Abstract In previous studies, frontier production models have been analysed either in a non-optimizing or cost-minimizing framework. In this paper we discuss estimation of technical and allocative inefficiency under the behavioral assumption of profit maximization. Specification and estimation issues are discussed in the context of the Cobb-Douglas production function.
Superior colliculus cells sensitive to active touch and texture during whisking

Rats sense the environment through rhythmic vibrissa protractions, called active whisking, which can be simulated in anesthetized rats by electrically stimulating the facial motor nerve. Using this method, we investigated barrel cortex field potential and superior colliculus single-unit responses during passive touch, whisking movement, active touch, and texture discrimination. Similar to passive touch, whisking movement is signaled during the onset of the whisker protraction by short-latency responses in barrel cortex that drive corticotectal responses in superior colliculus, and all these responses show robust adaptation with increases in whisking frequency. Active touch and texture are signaled by longer latency responses, first in superior colliculus during the rising phase of the protraction, likely driven by trigeminotectal inputs, and later in barrel cortex by the falling phase of the protraction. Thus, superior colliculus is part of a broader vibrissa neural network that can decode whisking movement, active touch, and texture.
IMPROVED DETECTION OF HYPOTENSION BY AUTOMATED NONINVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

This study was undertaken to determine whether the use of automated noninvasive blood pressure monitoring altered the frequency of detection of intraoperative hypotension. We retrospectively reviewed 1,861 anesthetic records from a period in 1987, when blood pressure was obtained manually by auscultation. We compared the records from 1987 with 1,716 anesthetic records from 1989, when automated blood pressure monitors were used universally. The incidences of hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy were determined during the two periods and compared using Student's two-tailed t test. The data revealed that the incidence of detected hypotension increased from 2.4 to 5.2% with the use of automated blood pressure monitors (P less than 0.00002). We conclude that at our hospital the use of automated noninvasive blood pressure monitors increases the incidence of detection of intraoperative hypotension as compared with the use of manual blood pressure measurement.
Novel synthesis of gibbsite by laser-stimulated nucleation in supersaturated sodium aluminate solutions

Laser-induced localized density fluctuations are shown to stimulate primary nucleation of nano-sized aluminum trihydroxide seed crystals in flowing supersaturated industrial sodium aluminate solutions (Bayer liquor). The post-nucleation mass deposition rate is greatly increased over rates attainable through more traditional seeding methods. Near-ideal single-crystal gibbsite is formed under diffusion-limited growth conditions. Laser-stimulated nucleation represents an in situ method for the active local modulation of the supersaturation state, so that the stimulated nucleation occurs under macroscopic solution conditions that are unfavorable for spontaneous nucleation.
A clinical study of methysergide in Parkinsonism: evidence against a serotonergic mechanism.

Abstract Twenty-four patients with known Parkinson's disease were treated chronically with methysergide, a serotonin antagonist. In none of these patients was any improvement noted. These findings are discussed in the light of current theories concerning the possible serotonergic influences in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. It is concluded that serotonin has little or no role in the patholophysiology of Parkinsonism.
Comparison of sentinel and naturally occurring fly pupae to measure field parasitism by pteromalid parasitoids (Hymenoptera)

Abstract In a series of studies over a 4-year period, the effectiveness of releases of pteromalid wasps for the control of house flies, Musca domestica L., and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), on beef cattle confinements was evaluated using sentinel house fly pupae (artificially reared and placed in the environment) and naturally occurring house fly and stable fly pupae. The two methods were compared using percentage parasitoid emergence and species composition. At confinements where no parasitoid releases occurred, parasitoid emergence was significantly higher from naturally occurring hosts. Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan and Legner comprised 97 and 76% of the parasitoids recovered from sentinel and naturally occurring hosts, respectively. Spalangia spp. made up 16% of the parasitoids from naturally occurring hosts. Few Spalangia spp. were recovered from sentinel hosts. Similar results were obtained from locations where M. zaraptor was released except that M. zaraptor comprised a greater proportion of the parasitoids recovered by both methods. At locations where Spalangia cameroni Perkins was released, 76% of the parasitoids recovered from sentinel hosts were M. zaraptor, and 21% were S. cameroni, compared with 62% M. zaraptor and 34% S. cameroni from naturally occurring hosts. At locations where Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) was released, this species was recovered significantly more often from sentinel hosts. Naturally occurring pupal method appears to be more reliable and sensitive to the entire parasitoid species complex. However, because of the difficulty in obtaining adequate samples, it is recommended that both methods be employed.
Interlibrary Loan From a Distance Learning Perspective: Trying a Hybrid Position

Libraries have long recognized the value of interlibrary loan to distance learning students. Based on the experiences of a librarian who is both a resource-sharing and distance learning librarian, the characteristics and possible strategies of a (distance) learner-centered interlibrary loan model are proposed.
Considerations of model-based OPC verification for sub-70nm memory device

As the minimum feature size of memory devices are getting smaller, model-based OPC accuracy requirements call for highly accurate process modeling and modeling strategies. Therefore, model-based OPC verification process required high accuracy due to unexpected errors on low-k process scheme. Model of model-based OPC verification (MBV) process has to be accurate in order to detect potential hot spot and human errors, which includes physical design rule violation, mask fabrication rule violation and DB handling errors, and has also suitable speed of fast feedback to OPC and design side in view of DFM. Recently, model-based OPC tools have progressively advanced in term of modeling. Nevertheless, because we applied extreme off-axis illumination on sub-70nm gate levels, model can not exactly predict the wafer results and have low accuracy. In this paper, we evaluated several commercial model-based OPC verification (MBV) tools for sub 70nm memory device and compare review results with real wafer results. With the results, we analyze and discuss the major factor for poor OPC and MBV model accuracy for low-k process. Also we will be discussing about suitable speed of feedback to OPC and design part in terms of methods for analysis and categorization of huge number of errors. We are focus on these two goals for MBV and discuss major factors for consideration. Finally, we would like to suggest optimized procedure for OPC verification by using calibrated models on sub-70nm memory Device.
Four-channel optical detection on protein-patterned bioCD

We have developed a four-channel detection method on a protein-patterned BioCD that simultaneously measures fluorescence, Rayleigh scattering and/or diffraction, and two interferometric channels in orthogonal quadratures: one that measures differential phase and the other that measures direct phase. The latter two channels constitute label-free interferometric protein detection, while fluorescence and Mie scattering detection provide complementary tools. The BioCD is constructed as dielectric coated disks. Protein molecules patterned on dielectric films change the Fresnel reflection coefficient of the films. The change is exhibited in two ways: the reflection coefficient and the phase are both modulated. These are detected simultaneously by a split detector and designated as "amplitude" signal and "phase contrast" (PC) signal. We are able to scan and image patterned proteins across an entire coated disk with high speed in four channels. A single-analyte immunoassay shows strong correlation between the fluorescence channel and the interferometry channel with a detection limit of 10 ng/ml in a complex protein background (rat lysate) concentration of 7 mg/ml.
Interaction of cyclosporine A and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on renal function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract purpose: To determine the additive renal effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclosporine A (CYA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine the effects of CYA on active RA. patients and methods: Eleven patients with RA refractory to other agents were treated separately for 2-week periods with an NSAID (sulindac or naproxen), CYA (5 mg/kg/d), and NSAID plus CYA in combination (NSAID/CYA). The NSAID/CYA combination was continued for an additional 20 weeks. Clinical parameters of RA, electrolytes, renal function, and the renin-aldosterone system were evaluated at each interval to determine the potential interaction of these two agents. results: Combined therapy was effective in suppressing many measures of active RA in 9 of the 11 patients. Adverse drug reactions were common, but withdrawals were limited to hirsutism (one) and peripheral neuropathy (one). In about half of the patients, CYA or NSAID resulted in a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), with a mild reduction in the filtration fraction. With NSAID or CYA, early morning renin-aldosterone system values were mildly suppressed, and their response to ambulation/intravenous (IV) furosemide was not blunted. When combined, NSAID/CYA caused more marked reductions of GFR and ERPF at 2 weeks, and this persisted at 20 weeks. The morning renin-aldosterone system values during administration of NSAID/CYA were suppressed, with an added blunted response to ambulation/IV furosemide. conclusion: As previously suspected, the impairment of renal function when CYA and NSAID are combined is greater than that obtained with either agent alone. This hemodynamic effect was reversible and appeared to be, at least in part, due to renal vasoconstriction.
Case of Jessie A Native American Child

The case study demonstrates social-emotional stresses experienced by a Native American girl enrolled by her parents in an all-Native boarding school in the middle 1960s. Jessie was raised in a remo...
Crossing Over…Markov Meets Mendel

Chromosomal crossover is a biological mechanism to combine parental traits. It is perhaps the first mechanism ever taught in any introductory biology class. The formulation of crossover, and resulting recombination, came about 100 years after Mendel's famous experiments. To a great extent, this formulation is consistent with the basic genetic findings of Mendel. More importantly, it provides a mathematical insight for his two laws (and corrects them). From a mathematical perspective, and while it retains similarities, genetic recombination guarantees diversity so that we do not rapidly converge to the same being. It is this diversity that made the study of biology possible. In particular, the problem of genetic mapping and linkage—one of the first efforts towards a computational approach to biology—relies heavily on the mathematical foundation of crossover and recombination. Nevertheless, as students we often overlook the mathematics of these phenomena. Emphasizing the mathematical aspect of Mendel's laws through crossover and recombination will prepare the students to make an early realization that biology, in addition to being experimental, IS a computational science. This can serve as a first step towards a broader curricular transformation in teaching biological sciences. I will show that a simple and modern treatment of Mendel's laws using a Markov chain will make this step possible, and it will only require basic college-level probability and calculus. My personal teaching experience confirms that students WANT to know Markov chains because they hear about them from bioinformaticists all the time. This entire exposition is based on three homework problems that I designed for a course in computational biology. A typical reader is, therefore, an instructional staff member or a student in a computational field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, statistics, computational biology, bioinformatics). However, other students may easily follow by omitting the mathematically more elaborate parts. I kept those as separate sections in the exposition.
Spondyloarthritis: Closing the gap in psoriatic arthritis

A group of experts in rheumatology and dermatology has identified many unmet needs in the care of patients with psoriatic arthritis and offered potential solutions. But do their recommendations go far enough?
Evidence for homologous pairing of chromosomes prior to meiotic prophase in maize

Relative positions of homologous heterochromatic regions of maize chromosomes were studied at premeiotic interphase, at tapetal mitotic interphase and at root tip mitotic interphase. In all three kinds of cell homologues were found to be situated significantly nearer to each other than to heterologues. It is concluded that some degree of homologous chromosome pairing may occur widely at anaphase or telophase (where it is easily overlooked) and that therefore, as has been previously suggested, homologues may be loosely aligned throughout premeiotic interphase in preparation for their subsequent synapsis.
Retroviral-mediated gene therapy for the treatment of citrullinemia. Transfer and expression of argininosuccinate synthetase in human hematopoietic cells

Citrullinemia is a recessive genetic disease caused by a deficiency in argininosuccinate synthetase (AS). Retroviruses were used to transduce the human AS gene into cultured human cells. Using amphotropic viruses with high titer (>106 cfu/ml), we were able to correct the defect in cultured fibroblasts from citrullinemic patients. Retroviral transduction of the human AS gene into human bone marrow cells was also studied. Co-cultivation was used to infect the cells and up to 80% of progenitor cells were found to be carrying and expressing the AS retrovirus after infection. When the infected cells were kept in culture, integration and expression of the retrovirus was observed. Retroviral sequences were present and expressed in the cultured bone marrow-derived cells for up to 10 weeks.
Terms-of-trade dynamics in Asia: An analysis of national saving and domestic investment responses to terms-of-trade changes in 14 Asian LDCs

Abstract I estimate a three-equation model of savings, investment and growth on pooled time-series data for 14 Asian developing countries to explore terms-of-trade dynamic effects on the current account. A terms-of-trade deterioration lowers aggregate saving and raises investment in the current year. It also exerts a positive lagged effect on investment due to the unanticipated, temporary nature of the terms-of-trade change. The current account oscillates before returning gradually to its steady-state level. The model explains 65 per cent of the variance in the sample countries' current accounts over the period 1962–1983.
Flipping PTS-OFDM System without Side Information

In this letter, we propose a novel scheme to reduce the PAPR of OFDM signals. It combined the channel estimation in OFDM system based on comb-type pilots and Flipping PTS algorithm. At the sender we insert comb pilot independently and evenly into every partitioned sub-blocks after partition. The side information of Flipping PTS algorithm as one part of the channel frequency response is transmitted. We can achieve Flipping PTS algorithm without SI. Simulation results show that performance of the new algorithm without SI is worse than the algorithm with SI. However, it reduced PAPR, increased of the data rate.
The detectability of the odor of butanol

Three experiments were conducted to measure the sensitivity of two Ss to the odor of butanol. In the first two experiments, the method of double random, yes-no staircases was used. A practice effect of over a log10 unit in millimoles decrease in apparent threshold was observed in both Ss. Consistent shifts in the response criterion were induced when Ss were paid to meet an arbitrarily determined physical criterion. In Experiment S, the confidence rating procedure was used. Results at eight different signal intensities are of the form predicted by signal detection theory. d’ is shown to be related to signal strength by a power function with a slope of about .30 which suggests that the olfactory transducer compresses sensory input produced by weak concentrations of butanol.
Investigating Cantonese speakers' language attitudes in Mainland China

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has often been considered a monolithic, monolingual state but, in fact, it is linguistically and culturally diverse. Despite the size, there is still a lack of sociolinguistic studies on the Han Chinese in the PRC. Therefore, this study focuses on the language attitudes of Cantonese-speaking students in Mainland China towards Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Surveys were conducted to assess the language attitudes of Cantonese-speaking university students. The results showed students' strong integrative attitudes towards Cantonese, whereas Putonghua and English were recognised as instrumental tools for career advancement and international communication. Although the respondents of this study positively supported multilingualism, the active language policy of the PRC does not adequately promote a multilingual environment or cultural development of Han Chinese languages. Therefore, the authors call for policies that equally value official, minority and regional languages...
An Optimal Frame Synchronization Technique Using an Associative Processor

Data loss resulting from the time to regain frame synchronization following detection of an out-of-frame condition on a synchronous time-division multiplexed bus or line, such as the Bell System T1 digital line, can be substantial. Most current sequential schemes require many frame times to separate with high probability the true frame pattern from identical patterns occurring temporarily in random data. A parallel search technique and a special purpose associative processor implementation which can eliminate loss of frame synchronization due to frame pattern bit errors and reduce frame synchronization time to its minimum value by eliminating the time spent dwelling at false frame positions is presented.
Ground‐Water Pollution — A Status Reporta

Recent research has expanded our understanding of the suitability of waste disposal in various hydrogeologic settings. Although more research is needed, our knowledge can provide a basis for preparing guidelines for action that will protect ground water from waste disposal practices. It is impossible, however, to prevent accidental spills, unlawful dumping, and ground-water contamination or pollution resulting from some old, unregulated waste disposal practices. Therefore, more than 170 case histories of subsurface contamination or pollution were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial action in different geologic environments. The case studies indicate that the severity and extent of ground-water contamination is determined by (1) the hydrogeologic setting, (2) the nature of the contaminant, and (3) the effectiveness of regulatory action. Industrial wastes are the most common sources of ground-water contamination. The most serious incidents are those that pollute or threaten water supplies and those that cause a fire or explosion. Once ground water is contaminated, remedial action is time consuming and expensive. Each incident must be handled as a separate problem. Although prompt action is essential to limit contamination and minimize remedial action, no strategies have been established for rapid response to contamination or pollution problems. Ground-water contamination will continue, but its impact can be reduced. The role of hydrogeologists in regulatory agencies should be strengthened to provide proper evaluation of potential sources of contamination and to aid in remedial action when ground water is contaminated. Cooperative efforts to develop strategies will ensure proper handling of future emergencies.
Increased fetal nuchal fold leading to prenatal diagnosis of ring chromosome 15

We report on the prenatal diagnosis of ring chromosome 15 in a fetus with increased nuchal fold and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). A 27-year-old woman gravida 2, para 1 had normal maternal serum screen tests in the early second trimester of the index pregnancy. Fetal nuchal fold thickening up to 8 mm was incidentally found during the routine obstetric ultrasound scan at 20 weeks' gestation. Amniocentesis was undertaken and the fetal karyotype was found to be 46,XY,r(15) on cytogenetic study. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a telomeric probe of chromosome 15 demonstrated a terminal deletion on the q arm of the ring-shaped chromosome 15. This is the first report of a prenatally diagnosed case of ring chromosome 15. Moreover, nuchal fold thickness in the second trimester may have a role in its prenatal diagnosis.
Regulation of the nah and sal operons of plasmid NAH7: Evidence for a new function in nahR

The catabolism of naphthalene and salicylate is specified by two operons on an 80 Kb metabolic plasmid, NAH7. These operons, nah and sal are carried on the contiguous 30 Kb Eco RI-A, C fragments, and are under positive control of a regulator region, nahR . Five Nah − Sal − Tn5 insertion mutants form two complementation groups: A= nahR203 , nahR204 ; and B= nahR201 , nahR202 , nahR205 . The physical and genetic maps assign the nahR location to the 15.7–17.2 Kb region of the Eco RI-A fragment, with suggestion of more than one control gene.
Spoil disposal from the planned Northfield to Quabbin tunnel, western Massachusetts

Excavation of a 16-km water diversion tunnel from Northfield Mountain to Quabbin Reservoir in western Massachusetts may be undertaken from at least three shafts in addition to the outlet adit. This account is concerned with the disposal of spoil from the aqueduct. The rock formations are mainly gneiss and schist, with minor quartzite and amphibolite. Structurally the area is part of the Pelham dome and folds on its east side. The greatest impact on the environment would be dumping of the rock spoil in piles. The total volume would be about 215,000 m3. An underground power house, if decided upon, would add another 43,000 m3 of spoil. Some of the material could be used in the project itself, for instance as riprap along the spillway. None of the piles would be deeper than 6 m, their combined extent not exceeding 14 h. The smallest impact would result if off-site contractors were to take the material as fill or aggregate. The broken rock out of one shaft might be utilized in the realignment of a nearby highway. The sites are in hilly, rural woodland. Two are close to water and one overlooks an upland bog. Adverse effects of spoil disposal can be minimized by selecting areas that avoid slope instability and interference with natural drainage, as well as undue ecologic change. Special problems involve a site that is underlain by clay and a shaft likely to yield bedrock with sulfide minerals.
Langmuir turbulence in space plasmas.

Recent developments in theoretical and numerical modeling of Langmuir turbulence in space and laboratory plasmas are addressed. Kinetic effects, which have been missing from (fluid) traditional Zakharov equation models are explored using Vlasov code simulations. These studies are motivated by beam-driven Langmuir waves and particle distributions measured in Earth's foreshock region, and by beam-driven Langmuir waves and beams that underlie Type III solar radio emission in the solar wind. The nonlinear physical processes studied in these 1-D Vlasov simulations include both wave-wave interactions and acceleration of particles by waves-leading to electron-beam flattening. We study bump-on-tail instabilities as boundary value problems, and determine the interplay in space and time between beam plateau formation, stimulated wave-wave backscatter cascades, and strong turbulence wave-packet collapse.